The contention between liberality and prodigality 1602

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PRINTED FOR THE MALONE SOCIETY BY

HORACE HART M.A. AT THE

OXFORD UNIVERSITY

PRESS

THE CONTENTION BETWEEN
LIBERALITY AND
PRODIGALITY

1602

THE MALONE SOCIETY
REPRINTS

1913

24-11

This reprint of Liberality Tana Prodigality has been prepared
under the direction of the General Editor.

Dec. 1913. W. W. Greg.

No entry relating to the Contention between Liberality and
Prodigality has been found in the Registers of the Stationers'
Company. The play was printed with the date 1602 by
Simon Stafford for George Vincent, and bore the printer's
device. The edition is in quarto and is printed in roman
type of a body approximating in size to modern pica (20 11.
= 84 mm.). A copy in the British Museum has served as the
basis of the present reprint ; another in the possession of
the Duke of Devonshire has also been consulted. Both are
perfect but for the loss of a leaf, presumably blank, before
the title-page.

On the title-page the piece is said to have been < playd
before her Maiestie '. The end is obviously designed for
representation in the royal presence, and the date of the trial
of Prodigality is there given as c the fourth day of February,
in the three & fortie yeere of the prosperous raigne of
Elizabeth our dread Soueraigne '. The forty-third year of
Elizabeth began on 1 7 November i rfoo,and the date indicated
is therefore 4 February itfor. No court performance is
known on that day. The Lord Admiral's company performed
on 2 February, the Chapel Children on 22 February, and
the Lord Chamberlain's company on 24 February. Now it
is much more likely that the < childish yeeres ' mentioned in
the prologue (1. 19) refer to those of the actors than to those
of the author. The probability is therefore that Liberality
and Prodigality is the play performed at court by the Children
of the Chapel Royal on 22 February idoi. The per
formance may have been originally planned for 4 February.

It is however quite possible that the piece may have been
no more than a revision of a much earlier work. The type
is certainly archaic, and there is some indication of differences
in the composition. A play called Prodigality is mentioned
in a warrant for payment of 1 5-67-8 preserved in the Record
Office. The fact that in the course of the play we frequently

find the Queen referred to as the c Prince ' has suggested the
idea that the original may have been as old as the reign of
Edward VI. The inference is hardly justified. In most cases
c prince ' can quite naturally refer to Elizabeth, and although
the phrase < the Prince her selfe * (1. 66$) is a little unexpected,
it seems hardly reasonable to Suppose that a reviser altering
^him* to cher> would not also have altered 4 Prince' to
< Queen J had it been felt to be inapplicable, while if it was
felt to be applicable there is no reason to suppose it was not
original.

VI

LIST OF DOUBTFUL READINGS, &c.

The printing of the play is exceedingly accurate and the present list
therefore correspondingly short.

6y Hofi.

Whoftere?

166 her':] the original apparently has
an apostrophe followed by a
black-letter colon
T.l6y 2.17] not indented
341 Va nity
501 Verf

808 Chud
864 c.w. Van. To
969] not indented
mi And Jong
ludg

On B i, B 1% B 3, and C i the
indenting is irregular.

1177

A list of characters, not strictly in order of entrance, is
printed on A 3 verso. The name of the Captain is Wei-don.
In V. iv we find speeches assigned to 2 and 3 < Suiter '. The
first suitor is clearly Wei-don. The third is the Lame Soldier
mentioned in the list. The second should be added to the
list. There also appear as mutes : Kings drawing Fortune's
Chariot (I. vi, perhaps they sing the song), Attendants on
Virtue (V. iii), and at least one more Clerk of the Court
(V. v).

The original is divided quite accurately into acts and scenes
on the foreign system of beginning a fresh scene whenever
there is an important change of characters. In every case the
scene is headed by a list of all the characters who take part
in it.

Thanks are due to Mr. T. P. Maine, Librarian to the
Duke of Devonshire, for information concerning the copy
preserved at Chatsworth.

vii

PLEASANT

C O M E D I -r^.-*,.

S7

Shewing the contention betweenc/

Libcralitit andProdigabtic.

j?v MtMt *~ • -'r '''<**.

As it was playcl before her Maieftic.

L O N DON

Printed by Simon Stafford, for George Vincentrand

trc to be fold at the figne of the Hand in hand in

Wood-ftreet ouer againft S. Michaels

Church* i 6 o z»

:

A 1 RECTO (B. M.)

THE CONTENTION

bctweene Liberalise and

Prodigaiiric.

SCENE I
Enter p^anitic fobs yoll in feathers.

N vvords,tou>ake defcriptionof my name,
My nature orconditions,were but vamc,
Sith this attire in plaincly ihewcs the fame,
As (he wed cannot be in words more plaine
For lo,thus round about in feathers dighr,
Doth plainely figure mine mconltancie,
A s fca t hcrsjli&ht of mindc,of wit as light,

Subletted dill to mutabilicie.
And for to paint me forth more properly,
Behold each feather decked gorgcoufty,
With colours ftrangc in fuch vanccic,
A$ plainely pi&ures perfcft Vanitie.
Andlo I am to put you out of doubt,
Eucn Vanitie wholly, within, without,
In head,in hearten all pares round about:
But whence 1 coroe,and why I hither come,
Aod vpon whom 1 dayly do attend,
In briefe,to (hew you in a little fumme,
My fpeciail mcaniogis,aud fo an end.
I came from Fortune, my molt foueraigne dame,
Amongft whole chicrcit feruanis I am one-,
Fortune that earthly godddfc great of name,

A*

To

A 4 RECTO (B. M.)

PLEASANT

C O M E D I E,

Shewing the contention betweene

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.

Asit was playd before her Maieftie.

LONDON

Printed by Simon Stafford, for George Vincent: and

are to be fold at the figne of the Hand in hand in

Wood-flreet ouer againft S. Michaels

Church. 1602..

THE PROLOGUE.

THe Prouerbe is, How many men^fo many mindes.
Which maketh proofe, how hard a thing it is,
Of fundry mindes to pleafe the fundry kindes.
In which refpect, I haue inferred this,

That where mens mindes appeare fo different,
No play, no part, can all alike content.
The graue Diuine calles for Diuinitie;
The Ciuell itudent, for Philofophie :
The Courtier craues fome rare found hiltorie:
The bafer fort, for knacks of pleafantrie.
So euery fort defireth fpecially,
What thing may beft content his fantafie.
But none of thefe our barren toy affoords.
To pulpits we referre Diuinitie :
And matters of Eltate, to Councill boords.
As for the quirkes of fage Philofophie,
Or points of fquirgliting fcurrilitie ;

The one we fhunne, for childifh yeerestoo rare,
Th'other vnfit, for fuch as prefent are.
But this we bring, is but to ferue the time,
A poore deuice, to paffe the day withall :
To loftier points of skill we dare not clime,
Left perking ouer-hie, with fhame wee fall.
Such as doth beft befeeme fuch as we be,
Such we prefent, and craue your courtefie :
That courtefie, that gentlenes of yours,
Which wonted is, to pardon faults of ours:
Which graunted, we haue all that we require :
Your only fauour, onely our defire.

The end of the Prologue. A 3 The

10

10

The fpeakers.

The Prologue.

Vanitie^ Fortunes chief "e feruant.

Prodigalitie, fuiter for Money.

P oftilion^ his feruan t.

Hofte.

Tenacitie^ fuiter for money.

Dandaline^ the Hoftis.

Tom Tojfe.

Dicke Dicer.

Fortune.

M. Money y

Vertue.

Equitie.

Liberalise,

Captaine.

Courtier.

Lame fouldier.

ConftableS) with hue and cry.

Tipftaues.

Sheriff.

Clerke.

Cryer.

ludve.

Epilogue.

herfonne.

chief e Steward to Vertue.

THE CONTENTION

betweene Liberalitie and

Prodigalitie.

SCENE I.

Enter Vanitie folus^ all in feathers.

N words, to make defcription of my name,
My nature or conditions, were but vaine,
Sith this attire fo plainely fhewes the fame,
As (hewed cannot be in words more plaine.
For lo, thus round about in feathers dight,
Doth plainely figure mine inconftancie,
As feathers, light of minde, of wit as light,

Subiected ftill to mutabilitie.

And for to paint me forth more properly,

Behold eacn feather decked gorgeoufly,

With colours ftrange in fuch varietie,

As plainely pictures perfect Vanitie.

And fo I am to put you out of doubt,

Euen Vanitie wholly, within, without,

In head, in heart, in all parts round about :

But whence I come, and why I hither come,

And vpon whom I dayly do attend,

In briefe, to (hew you in a little fumme,

My fpeciall meaning is, and fo an end.

I came from Fortune, my mod foueraigne dame,

Amongft whofe chiefeft feruants I am one,

Fortune that earthly goddefle great of name,

A 4 To

10

The contention betweene
To who me all fuites I doe prefer re alone,
She minding in this place forthwith t'appeare,
In her mofl gorgeous pompe, and Princely port,
Sends me to fee all things in Prefence here,
Prepar'd and furnifht in the braueft fort.

Here will fhe mount this {lately fumptuous throne, 30

As fhe is wont to heare each mans defire :
And who fo winnes her fauour by his mone,
May haue of her, the thing he doth require.
And yet another Dame there is, her enemie,
'Twixt whom remaines continuall emulation ;
Vertue, who, in refpect of Fortunes fbueraighety,
Is held, God wot, of fimple reputation :
Yet hither comes (poore foule) in her degree,
This other feate haife forced to fupplie :

But 'twixt their flates, what difference will be, 40

Your felues fhall iudge, and witnefle when you fee :
Therefore I muffc goe decke vp handfbmly,
What beft befeemes Dame Fortunes dignitie. Exit.

SCENE II.

Enter Prodigalitie^ Poftilion^ Hojle.

Prod. Poftilion, flay, thou drugfl on like an Afle.
Lo, here's an Inne, which I cannot well pafle :
Here will we bayte, and reft our felues a while.

Poft. Why fir, you haue to goe but fixe fmall mile.
The way is faire, the moone fhines very bright, ?°

Beft now goe on, and then reft for all night.

Prod. Tufli, Poflil. faire or foule, or farre or neere,
My wearie bones muft needes be refted here.

Poft. Tis but a paltry Inne, there's no good cheare :
Yet fhall you pay for all things pafling deare.

Prod. I care not for all that : I loue mine eafe.

Poft.

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
Poji. Well, Sir, a Gods name then, doe what you pleafe:
Prod. Knock then at the gate.
Poft. Ho, who's at home? r rip, rap. } hoftler, chamberlaine, tapiter.

Ho, take in Gentlemen. 1 rip, rap. f knaue, flaue, hoft, holtis, ho. 60

What, is there none that anfweres? Tout a la tnort?

Sir, you muft make entrance at fome other port :

For heres no paflage.
Prod. No ? let mee come, He knock a little harder.

Here muft I inne, for fure I will no farder : rip, rap, rap, rap.

Ho, who d welles here? rtp,rap,rap. He call on the women another

while. Ho Butter-wench, Dairy-mayd, Nurfe, Laundrefle, Cook,

hoft, hoftis, any body, ho ?
Hoft. Whoftere?
Prod. Vp, fir, with a horfe night-cap : what, are ye all in a drunken 70

dreame ? can ye not heare ?

Poft. Not a word more: hee is faft afleepe againe, I feare : what ho?
Hoft. How now ?

Prod. How now ? now the deuill take thee. Can calling, nor knoc
king, nor nothing awake thee ?
Hoft. Now fir, what lacke ye ?
Prod. Lodging.
Hoft. What are you ?
Poft. Gentlemen : feeft thou not ?

Hoft. Whence come ye ? 80

Prod. What skils that ? open the gate.
Hoft. Nay, foft a while, I am not wont fb late

To take in ghefts ; I like ye not : away.
Prod. Nay, ftay awhile, mine hoft, I pray thee ftay>

Open the gate, I pray thee heartily,

And what we take, we will pay thee royally.
Hoft. And would ye haue lodging then ?
Prod. Yea rather then my life.
Hoft. Then ftay a while, ile firft goe aske my wife.
Prod. Nay, nay, fend her rather to me : 9°

If fhe be a pretty wench, we (hall foone agree.
Poft. Now a bots on him and his wife both for me.

B Hoft.

The contention betweene
Hoft. Then you would haue lodging, belike fir ?
Prod. Yea, I pray thee come quickly.
Hoft. What's your name, and pleafe you ?
Prod. Prodigalitie.

Hojl. And will you indeed fpend luftily ?
Prod. Yea that I will.
Hoft. And take that ye finde, patiently ?

Prod. What els? roo

Hoft. And pay what I aske, willingly ?
Prod. Yea, all reckonings, vnreafonably.
Hoft. Well, goe to, for this once I am content to re-
ceyue ye : come on, fir, I dare lay, you are almoft wearie.
Prod. Thou maift fweare it.

SCENE III.

Enter Vertue and Equity.

fertile. Oh moft vnhappie ftate, of rechlefie humane kinde !
Oh dangerous race of man, vnwitty, fond, and blinde !
Oh wretched worldlings, fubiect to all mifery, no

When fortune is the proppe of your profperitie !
Can you fo foone forget, that you haue learn 'd of yore,
The graue diuine precepts, the facred wholfome lore,
That wife Philofbphers, with painefull induftry
Had written and pronounft, for mans felicitie ?
Whilome hath bin taught that fortunes hold is tickle,
She beares a double face, difguifed, falfe, and fickle,
Full fraughted with all fleights, fhe playeth on the pack,
On whom fhe fmileth moft, fhe turneth moft to wracke.
The time hath bin, when vertue had the foueraignety 1*0

Of greateft price, and plafte in chiefeft dignity :
But topfie-turuy now, the world is turn'd about :
Proud Fortune is preferd, poore Vertue cleane thruft out :
Mans fence fo dulled is, fb all things come to pafle,

Aboue

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
Aboue the maffy gold, t'efteeme the brittle glaffe.

Equity. Madam, haue patience, dame Vertue muft fuftaine,
Vntill the heauenly powers doe otherwife ordaine.

Vcr. Equity, for my part, I enuy not her ftate,
Nor yet miilike the meannefTe of my fimple rate.
But what the heauens afsigne, that doe I flill thinke beft : 130

My fame was neuer yet, by Fortunes frowne oppreft :
Here therefore will I reft, in this my homely bowre,
With patience to abide the ftormes of euery (howre.

Exit

SCENE IIII. ,.fa

Enter Tenacity and Vanity.

Ten. By gogs bores, thefe old flumps are ftarke tyred.
Chaue here round about for life conquired,
Where any pofting nags were to be nired,

And can get none, would they were all vyred. 140

Cham come too late for money, I hold a penny,
Sutors to Vortune there are fb many ;
And all for money, chill gage a round fiimme :
Money's gone before Tenacity come :
Then am I dreft euen to my vtter fhame :
A foole returnd, like as a foole I came.
Cham fure chaue come, vorty miles and twenty,
With all thefe bags you fee, and wallets empty :
But when chaue fude to Vortune vine and deynty,
Ich hope to vill them vp with money plenty : i jo

But here is one of whom ich will conquire,
Whilk way che might attaine to my aefire.
God fpeed, my zonne.

Van. What, father Crouft, whither poft you fo faft ?

Ten. Nay, bur lady zonne, ich can make no hafte:
Vor che may fay to thee, cham tyred cleane.

Van. More fhame for you, to keepe your afie fb leane :
But whither goe you now ?

Ten. To a goodly Lady, whom they call her, Vortune.

B 2, Van. And

The contention bePweene

fan. And wherefore ? i£o

Ten. For mony, zonne, but iche veare che come too kte.
Fan. Indeed it feemeth by thy beggers ftate,

Thou haft need of mony, but let me heare,

How or by whome think 'ft thou to get this geare ?
Ten. Chil fpeake her vaire, chill make lowe curfie.
Fan. That's fomewhat, but how wilt thou come at her ' :
Ten. Bur Lady, zonne, zeft true, there lies the matter.

Chil make fbme friend.
F'an. Whome ?

Ten. Some man of hers that neere her doth attend. 170

Van. Who is that ? *
Ten. Ich know not, chud that vnqueere of thee :

And therefore if thou knoweft, tell it me.
Fan. What, in fuch hafte forfooth, fo fuddenly,

And fo good cheape, without reward or fee ?
Ten. Poore men, deare zonne, muft craue of courtefie :

Get I once mony, thou fhalt rewarded be.
Van. Goe to then, ile tell thee : his name is F'anitie.
Ten. And where is a ?
Fan. No more adoe, aske but for Fanitie, 180

Reward him well, hee'le helpe thee to mony.
Ten. But where ?

F"a. Why here in this place : this is Lady Fortunes palace.
Ten. Is this ? Ah goodly Lord, how gay it is !

Now hope I fure of mony not to mifle.

So law, my zonne, ich will goe reft my felfe a while,

And come againe.
Fan. Do fb. Now fure this Coyftrell makes me fmile,

To fee his greedy gaping thus for gayne,

Firft hardly got, then kept with harder payne, 19°

As you e're long by proofe {hall fee full plaine. Exit.
Ten. This is mine old Inne, here chill knock. Holla ho.
Hoft. What Royfter haue we there that rappeth fo ?
Poft. How now, firra, what lacke you ?
Ten. Lodging.

Poft.

100

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.
Poft. Lodging? there is none: all is full.
Ten. How fo ?

Poft. Tane vp by Gentlemen long ago.
Ten. Let me yet haue fome roome for mine afle.
Poft. ^finusfuper afinutn, volitate ad f ureas.
Hofl. Who is that thou prated there-withall ?
Poft. Looke forth and fee, a lubber, fat, great, and tall,

Vpon a tyred afle, bare, fhort, and fmall.
Hoft. O ho, 'tis Tenacity my old acquaintance,

And to my wife of neere alliance.

Father Tenacity \

Ten. Mine Hoft, God fpeed : how do you? Take in, Oftler.
Oftler. Anon, fir.

Hoft. Chamberlaine, waite vpon my kinred here.
Chamberl. Well, fir. no

SCENE V.

Enter Money and Vanity.

The Song.

Money. \S light as a fly,

In p leaf ant iollitie :
With mirth and melodie,
Sing money, money, money.
Money, the minion, thefpring of all toy,
Money, the medicine that heales each annoy,
Money, the lew ell that man keepes in ft ore, no

Money, the Idoll that women adore.
That money am I, thefountaine ofblijfe,
Whereof who fo tafteth, doth neuer amiffe.
Money, money, money:
Sing money, money, money.

B fan.

The contention betweene
fan. What, Money, fing you fo luftily ?
Mon. I haue none other caufe: who would not fing merily,
Being as I am, in fuch felicity,
The God of this world, fo mightie of power,
As makes men, and marres men, and al in an houre ?
Yea where I am, is all profperitie,
And where I want, is nought but miferie.

F'an. Money faith reafon, for fb doth it fare,
Money makes mafteries, old prouerbs declare.
But, Money, Of Fortune our foueraigne dame,
What newes ?

Mon. Marry fir, of purpofe I hither came,
To let thee know fhe will forth- with be here :
And loe, alreadie fee fhe doth appeare.

Fan. Tis true ; now mufl I {hew my diligence.
Downe Ladies, ftowpe, do your reuerence.

SCENE VI.

Enter Fortune in her Chariot drawne
with Kings.

The Song.

T)Euerence, due reuerence^faire dames do reuerence,
Vnto this GoddeJJe great, do humble reuerence:

Do humble reuerence.
Fortune of worldly flate the gouernejfe,
Fortune of mans delight the MiftreJJe^
Fortune of earthly blijje the patron ejfe,
Fortune thefpring ofioy and happinefse:
Lo, this isjhe, with twinkling ofhereie,
That mifers can aduance to dignity,
And Princes turne to mifers miferie.
) due reuerence.

Fortune

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.

Fortune. Report hath fpread, that Vertue here in place
Arriued is, her filly court to hold :
And therefore I am come with falter pace,
T'encounter her, whofe countenance is fb bold.
I doubt not, but by this my pompous (hew,
By veftures wrought with gold fb gorgeoufly,
By reuerence done to me of high and lowe,
By all thefe ornaments of brauerie,
By this my trayne that now attends me fb,
By Kings that hale my Chariot to and fro,
Fortune is knowne the Queene of al renowne,
That makes, that marres, fets vp, and throwes adowne.
Well is it knowne, what contrary effects,
Twixt Fortune and dame Vertue hath beene wrought:
How flill I her con tern ne, fhe me reiects;
I her defpife, fhe fetteth me at nought :
So as great warres are growne for fbueraignty,
And ftrife as great, twixt vs for victorie.
Now is the time of triall to be had,
The pkce appoynted, eke in prefent here :
So as the trueth to all forts, good and bad,
More cleere then light, fhall prefently appeare.
It fhall be feene, what Fortunes power can doe,
When Vertue fhall be forft to yeeld thereto.
It fhall be feene when Vertue cannot bide,
But fhrinke for fhame, her filly face to hide.
Then Fortune fhall aduaunce her felfe before
All harmes to helpe, all lofles to reftore.
But why do I my felfe thus long reftrayne,
From executing this I do entend ?
Time pofts away, and words they be but vaine,
For deedes (indeed) our quarrell now muft end.
Therefore in place I will no longer flay,
But to my ftately throne my felfe conuay. 190

Reuerence, due reuerence,

B 4 ACT

The contention betweene
ACT II. SCENE I.
Enter Liberalise.

l-JOw feldome is it feene, that F'ertue is regarded,

Or men of vertuous fort, for vertuous deeds rewarded ?
So wonts the world to pamper thofe that nought deferue,
Whiles fuch as merit beft, without reliefe do fterue.
Great imperfections are in fome of greateft skill,
That colours can difcerne, white from blacke, good from ill.
O blind affects of men, how are you led awry,
To leaue aflured good, to like frayle Vanity !
If fbme of Vertues traine, for Prince and Countries good,
To (hew their faithfull hearts, ihall hazard life and blood,
And guerdonlefle depart, without their due reward,
Small is th'encouragement, th'example verie hard.
Where any well deferue, and are rewarded well,
There Prince and people both, in fafety fure do dwell.
Where he that truly ferues, hath nothing for his paine,
More hearts are loft, then pecks of gold canranfbme home agayne.
Let States therefore that wifh to maintayne ftately dignity,
Seeke to acquaint themfelues with Liberalitie :
For that is it which winnes the fiibiects faithfull loue,
Which faithfull loue, all harmes from them and theirs remoue.
Liberalitie am I, Vertues Steward heere,
Who for the vertuous fort, do nothing hold too deere.
Eut few to Vertue feeke, all forts to Fortune flye,
There feeking to maintaine their chiefe profperity.
But whofb markes the end, fhall be enforft to fay,

0 Fortune, thou art blind : let Vertue lead the way.
But who comes here ? It feemeth old Tenacttie.

1 muft away ; for contraries cannot agree. Exit.

ii.

300

310

310

SCENE

Liber alitie and Prodigalitie.
SCENE II.

Enter Tenacitie.

Ten. Well, fince che fee there is none other boote,
Chill now take paines to goe the reft afbote :
For Brocke mine Affe is faddle-pincht vull fore,
And fo am I, euen here : chill fay no more.
But yet I muft my bufinefle well apply,
For which ich came, that is, to get mony.

Chos told that this is Lady Vortunes place : ^0

Chil goe boldly to her, that's a vlat cafe ;
Vor if che fpeed not now at this firft glaunce,
Cham zure to be dafht quite out of countenance
By certaine luftie gallone lads hereby,
Seeking Vortunes fauour as well as I.
Oh knew I where to finde Maft Fanity,
Vortunes feruant. Of mine honefty,
Looke where he comes in time as fine and trim,
As if che held him all this while by the chin.

SCENE III.

Va nity and Tenacitie. 341

fan. Tis he in deed : what fay you to him ?
Ten. Marry fir, cham now come for mony.
Fan. For mony man ? what, ftill fo haftily ?
Ten. Yoo by gifle, fir, tis high time che vore ye,

Cham averd another will ha'te afore me.
fan. Why fo ? who is it thou feareft ? tell me.
Ten. Marry fir, they call him Maft Prodigality.
fan. Prodigality, is it true? yong, waftfull, royfting Prodigality,

To encounter old, fparing, couetous niggard, Tenacity ! 3f°

C Sure

The contention betweene
Sure fuch a match as needs muft yeeld vs {port :
Therefore vntill the time that Prodigalitie refort,
He entertaine this Crouft, with fome deuice.
Well, father, to be fped of money with a trice,
What will you giue me ?

Ten. Cha vore thee, fbnne, do rid me quickly hence,
Chill giue thee a vaire peece of threehalpence.

Pan. Indeed?

Ten. Here's my hand.

Pan. Now, fir, in footh you offer fb bountifully, ^0

As needs you muft be vf d accordingly.
But tell me, know you him that commeth here ?

Ten. Cocks bores, tis Prodigality ; tis he I did feare.
Cham afraid che may goe whiftle now for money.

Pan. Tufh man, be of good cheare, I warrant thee,
He fpeedeth beft, that beft rewardeth me.

SCENE IIII.

Enter Prodigalitie^ Vanitie^ Tenacitie^ Hofte^
Fortune^ and Money.

Hofl. Sir, Now your reckoning is made euen, ile truft no more. 370

Prod. No?

Hofl. No, fure.

Prod. Set cock on hoope then: by fome meanes, good or bad,
There is no remedie but money muft be had.
By the body of an Oxe, behold here this Afle,
Will be my familiar, wherefbeuer I pafle.
Why, goodman Crouft, tell me, is there no nay,
But where I goe, you muft foreftall my way ?

Ten. By gogs flefh and his flounders, fir, che hope the Queenes
high way is free for euery man, for thee as me, for me as thee, for 380
poore Tenacity, as for proud Prodigality: chill go in the Queenes
peace about my bufinefle.

Prod. This

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.

Prod. This way ? Ten. Yea.

Prod. To whom ? Ten. To Vortune my muftriffe.

Prod. Wherefore?

Ten. That's no matter to you.

Prod. No matter, fir ? but by your Crouftfhip, ere you goe,
Tis a plaine cafe, Prodigality will know :
And therefore be round, come of, and tell me quickly.

Ten. And thou'dft fo vaine know, che goe for money. 390

Prod. Out vpon thee, villaine, traitour, tneefe, pickpurfe,
Thou penurious knaue, caterpiller, and what's worfe ?
Haft thou heard me fay, that for money I went,
And couldft thou creep fb clofely my purpofe to preuent ?
By the life I liue, thou (halt die the death.
Where fhall I firft begin ? aboue or beneath ?
Say thy prayers, flaue.

Fan. How now, my friends, what needs this variance ?
Money comes not by force, money comes by chance :
And fith at one inftant, you both feeke for money, 400

Appeale both to Fortune, and then fhall you trie,
Whether eyther or neyther may hit to haue money.

Prod. Gentleman, you fay well, I know not your name,
But indeed for that purpofe to Fortune I came ;
For furtherance whereof if I might obtaine
Your friendly help, I would quite your paine.

Ten. I am your old acquaintance, fir, remember me.

Fan. Thee, quoth a, for thy large offers I may not forget thee.
You be both my friends, and therefore indifferently,
I will commend you both to Fortunes curtefie. 410

Ladie moft bright, renowmed goddefle faire,
Vnto thy ftately throne, here doe repaire
Two fuiters of two feuerall qualities,
And qualities indeed that be meere contraries ;
That one is called, waftefull Prodigality ;
That other cleaped, couetous Tenacity ;
Both at once vnto your royall maieftie,
Moft humbly make their fiiites for money.

C -L Fortune.

The contention betweene

Fortune. Let's heare what they can fay.

Prod. Diuine Goddefle, behold, with all humilitie, 410

For money I appeale vnto thy deitie ;
Which in high honour of thy maieftie,
I meane to fpend abroad moft plentifully.

Ten. Sweet muftrifle, graunt to poo re Tenacity,
The keeping of this golden darling money :
Chill vow to thee, fo long as life fhall dure,
Vnder ftrong locke and key, chil keep him vaft & fure.

F'an. Nay, pleafeth then your pleafant fantafie,
To heare them plead in muficall harmonie ?

For. It liketh me. 43°

Pro. None better.

Ten. Well, though my finging be but homely,
Chill fing and fpring to, e're chud lofe money.

fan. Well, to it a Gods name, let faying goe than,
And eche fing for himfelfe the beft he can.

The Song.

Prod. ^He Princely hearty that freely fpendsy
-•- Relieues full many a thoufand more^
He getteth praifey be gain eth friends ,
Ana peoples hue procures therefore. 440

But pinch ing fifty that f par eth ally
Of due relief e the needy robsy
Nought can be caught* where nought doth falL

^l ^j \r j' &L

1 here comes no good of greedte Cobs:
This ijjue therefore doe I makey
The beft deferuer draw the flake.

Ten. ^^JHilft thou doft fpend with friend and foey
At home che hold the plough by*th taile:

Che

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.
Che dig, che delue, cbe zet, che zorv,
Che mow, che reape, che ply my flaile.
A pair e of dice is thy delight y
Thou liu^Jlfor moft part by the fpoile :
I truely labour day and night,
To get my lining by my totle:

Chill therefore fure^ this ijjhe make^
The beft deferuer draw the flake.

fan. Hola,/tf//> difputatum.

Ten. Nay, by my fathers foule, friend, now chaue one begun,
Lett'ym too't, che pafle not when che done.

Prod. Lo, Lady, you haue heard our reafbns both expreft, 460
And thereby are refolu'd, I hope, who merits beft.

For. Dame Fortune dealeth not by merit, but by chance :
He hath it but by hap, whom Fortune doth aduance ;
And of his hap as he hath fmall aflurance :
So in his hap likewife is fmall continuance.
Therefore at a venture, my deare fonne Money,
I doe commit you vnto Prodigalitie.

Ten. To Prodigality ? ah poore Money, I pittie thee ;
Continuall vnreft muft be thy deftinie :

Ech day, ech houre, yea, euery minute toft, 470

Like to a tennis ball, from piller to poft.

Money. I am where I like.

Ten. And is there then no other remedy ?
Muft poore Tenacity put vp the iniury ?

fan. Your time is not yet come.

Ten. When will it come, trow yee ?

Pan. At the next turning water happely.

Ten. And che wift that, chud the more quietly depart,
And keepe therewhile a hungry hoping heart.
How fayeft thou vrend Fanitie ? 480

Van. No doubt but tis beft.

Ten. Then varewell to all at once. Exit.

C 3 Prod. Good

The contention betweene

Prod. Good night, and good reft.
And now will I likewife with my fweete Money,
Go hunt abroad for fome good company.
Vanitie, for thy paines I wil not greaze thy fift,
Peltingly with two or three crownes: but when thou lift,
Come boldly vnto Prodigalities chift,
And take what thou wilt, it's euer open.

Fan. I thanke you, fir, tis honourably fpoken. 49°

Prod. Yet ere I go, with fong of ioyfulnefle,
Let me to Fortune fhew my thankefulnefle.

The Song. Et exeunt.

Verfto *~[*Hou that dojl guide the world by thy direction,
Fortune. J L Thou that dofi conquer ft ate s to thy fubiection,
Thou that doft keepe each King in thy correction,
Thou that preferuejl all in thy protection,
For all thy gifts, vnto thy maiefiie,
I ye eld both thanks and praife immortally :
To mightie Fortune, &c.

Verf to QWeetMoney,the minion thatfayleswith all winds,
Money. Sweet Money, the minjlrell that makes merry minds,
Sweet Money, that gables of bondage vnbindes,
SweetMoney, that maintaines all f ports of allkinds,
This is thatfweeteMoney, that rules likeaKing,
And makes me all pray fes of Money tojing.

Exeunt.

ACT.

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.

ACT III. SCENEL

Enter Dandaline the Hofteffe.

Dan. ^'Ow Ifaith ye little peeuifli harlotrie,

He one day make you fpit your meate more handfbm-
By my truth truly, had I not come in the rather, (ly.

She had laid me to the fire, the loyne of veale and Capon both
Not waying, (like an vnwitty gyrlifh mother) (together,

That the one would aske more roiling then the other ;
So that either the Veale had beene left ftarke raw,
Or elfe the Capon burnt, and fo not worth a ftraw ;
And that had beene pittie : for I afliire you at a word,
A better bird, a fairer bird, a finer bird,

A fweeter bird, a yonger bird, a tenderer bird, f *<>

A daintier bird, a crifper bird, a more delicate bird,
Was there neuer fet vpon any Gentlemans board.
But I lack my ghefts, that (hould pay for this geere :
And fure my mind giues me, I fhould finde them here,
Two of mine acquaintance, familiar growne,
The third to me yet a Gentleman vnknowne,
More then by hearefay, that he is frefh and luftie,
Full of money, and by name Prodigalitie.
Now, fir, to linke him fure to his Hoftis Dandaline,
Dandaline mufl prouide to haue all things verie fine.
And therefore alreadie it is definitum,
The Gentleman fhall want nothing may pleafe his appetttum.
And becaufe moft meates vnfawced, are motiues to drouth,
He lhall haue a Lemman to moyften his mouth,
A Lymon I meane, no Lemman I trow :
Take heed, my faire maides, you take me not fb :
For though I goe not as graue as my Grandmother,
Yet I haue honefbie as well as another.
But hufh, now fhall I heare fbme newes.

C 4 SCENE

The contention betweene

SCENE. II. 7//.

Enter Tom ToJ/e, Dicke Dicer^ and *4*

Dandelyne.

Dick. Fellow Tomkin, I thinke this world is made of flint;
Ther's neyther money, nor wares, worth money in't.

Tom. Hold thy peace Dicke, it cannot ftill keepe at this flint:
We are now lighted vpon fiich a mynt,
As follow it well, I dare warrant thee,
Thy turne ihall be ferued in euery degree.

Dand. Dick boy, mine owne boy, how doft thou ? what cheare ?

Dick. What Dandeline mine Hoftis, what make you here ? 570

Dand. I came of purpofe to enquire for thee.

Dick. And I came of purpofe to feeke Prodigalitie.

Dand. What, he you told me of? indeed is it he ?

Dick. I of my fidelitie.

Dand. A good boy of mine honeftie.
But when come ye?

Dick. As fbone as I can finde him.

Dand. Seek him, good Dick, and find him fpeedily :
For this I aflure ye, your Supper is readie.

Dick. Goe home before, make all things very fine. 5*0

Dand. I will, farewell.

Dick. Farewell.

Dand. Farewell to Tomkin too.

Tom. Farewell, fweet Dandeline.

Dand. But heare yee ? bring him.

Dick. Who? (man.

Dand. Tuih a Gods name, you know who I meane, the Gentle-

Dick. Goe to, goe to. Dandaline exit.

Dick. Tom, now to the purpofe where firfl we began.

Tom. Caft care away, Dick, He make thee a man. 570

Dick. A

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.

Dick. A gofpell in thy mouth, Tom, for it neuer went worfe.
Mafter money hath left me neuer a penny in my purfe.

Tom. 'Twill be better, Dicke, (halt fee very (hortly.

Dick. I pray thee tell me, is this braue Prodigalitie,
So full of money as he is faid to be ?

Tom. Full quotha? he is too full, I promife thee.

Dick. And will he la(h it out fo luftily ?

Tom. Exceedingly, vnreafonably, vnmeafiireably.

Dick. Then may fuch mates as we that be fo bare,
Hope fome way or other to catch a (hare. 580

Tom. Aflure thy felfe that: but whift, he commeth here :
Let's entertaine him with familiar chere.

Dick. In order then brauely.

SCENE III.

Enter Prodigality, Money, Tom To/e,
and Dicke Dicer.

Prod. How ift, my fweet Money, fhal we be luftie now ?

Money. Be as luftie as you will, He be as luftie as you.

Prod. Who kcks money hoo, who lacks money ?
But aske and haue, money, money, money. 790

Dick. Sir, here be they that care not for your money,
So much as for your merrie company.

Prod. And company is it I feeke afluredly.

Tom. Then here be companions to fit your fantafie,
And at all aflayes to anfwere your defire :
To goe, to runne, to ftay, to doe, as you require.

Prod. What can I wi(h more ? well then, I pray,
What fports, what paftimes fhall we firft aflay ?

Tom. Marrie firft, fir, we both pray you hardly,
To take a poore (upper with vs here hard by, £00

Where we will determine by common content,
What paftimes are fitteft, for vs to frequent.

D Prod. I

The contention betweene

Prod. I graunt.

Dick. Then if you pleafe, with fome fweet royfting harmony,
Let vs begin the vtas of our iollitie.

Prod. Thou hitft my hand pat. Mony, what faift thou ?
Mony. I fay, that I like it : goe to it, I pray you.
Prod. Shall I begin ?
Mony. Yea.

Prod. Then furely ihall it be,
To thee, for thee, and in honour of thee.

The Song.

Sweet mony the minion ', thatfayles with allwindes^
Sweet mony the mmftrill^ that makes merry mmdes.

Exeunt. FUe gpldknops.

SCENE IIII.

Enter Liberalitie.

\ (vre,

Ub. The more a man with vertuous dealing doth himfelfe in-
The lefle with worldly bufinefle, he is molefted fure, (minde :
Which maketh proofe, that as turmoyles ftill tofle the worldly 6^o
So mindes exempt from worldly toyle, defired quiet finde.
And chiefly where the life is led in vertuous exercife,
There is no toyle, but eafe, and contentation to the wife :
But what account, how fleight regard, is had of vertue here,
By actions on this worldly ftage, moft plainely doth appeare.
Men fee without moft iuft defert, of vertue nought is got,
To Fortune therefore flie they ftill, that giueth all by lot ;
And finding Fortunes gifts, fo pleafant, iweet and fauery,
They build thereon, as if they fhould endure perpetually.
But this is fure, and that moft fure, that Fortune is vnfure, £30

Her felfe moft fraile, her giftes as fraile, fubiect to euery fhewre :
And in the end, who buildeth moft vpon her fuerty,
Shall finde himfelfe caft headlong downe, to depth of miferie.
Then hauing felt the crafty fleights of Fortunes fickle traine,
Is forft to feeke by vertues aid, to be relieu'd againe.

This

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.

This is the end, runne how he lift, thus man offeree muft doe,
Vnleffe his life be cleane cut off, this man muft come vnto :
In time therefore man might doe well, to care for his eftate,
Left letted by extremity, repentance come too late.

SCENE V.

Enter Liber alitie and Captaine Wei-don. <*4i

Cap. Sir, I befeech you fpeak a good word for me to the Prince,
That by her letters, I may be commended to fome Prouince,
Where feruice is to be had, either there to die with fame,
Or els to get me fomewhat, whereon to liue without fhame :
For begge I cannot, and fteale I may not, the truth is fb ; (woe.
But need doth make, the Prouerbe faith, th'old wife to trot for
Yet whom ftarke need doth pinch, at length the diuel driues to go :
Therefore, I befeech you, pittie his extremity,
That would not make this fute without necessity. £50

Lil?. Who be you, rny friend ?

Cap. By birth a Gentleman, by profefsion a fbuldier,
Who, though I fay it, in all our Soueraignes warre,
With hazard of my blood and life, haue gone as farre,
As haply fome others, whofe fortunes haue bin better :
But I in feruice yet, could neuer be a getter,
Ne can I impute it but to mine owne deftiny :
For well I know, the Prince is full of liberalitie.

Lib. What is your name, fir ?

Cap. My name is, Wei-don. 660

Lib. Are you Captaine Wei-don ?

Cap. Though vn worthy, fir, I beare that name.

Lib. Giue me your hand, Captaine W el-don ^ for your fame,
In feates of Armes, and feruice of your Country,
I haue heard oft, you haue deferued greatly :
Therefore thinke this, that as you merit much,
So the confideration thereof (hall be fuch,
As duely doth pertaine to your defert.

D a Truft

The contention betweene
Truft me, the Prince her felfe, vnmoued of my part,
Your dutifull feruice hath fpecially regarded, £70

And exprefly commaunds that it be well rewarded:
Wherefore you (hall not need to feeke feruice abroad.
I exhort you at home ffcill to make your aboade :
That if in this realme occafion of warres be offered,
You and others your like may be employed.

Cap. My dutie binds me to obey.

Lib. Then for this time you fhall not need to flay.
As for your caufe I will remember it,
And fee it holpen too as fhall be fit.

Captaine Weldon exit. £80

SCENE VI. ///.

Enter Liber alitie and a Courtier.

Lib. Truely, if I fhould not haue care of this mans necefsity,
I fhould both fwerue from vertue and from honeffcy.

Court. Sir, I humbly befeech you help to preferre my fuite.

Lib. What is it ?

Court. There is an office falne, which I would gladly execute.

Lib. Who be you ?

Court. A feruant here in Court.

Lib. Doe you feme the Prince ? 690

Court. No and pleafe you.

Lib. Whom then ?

Court. A noble man neere about her Maiefty.

Lib. In what degree.

Court. Forfooth, fir, as his Secretarie.

Lib. How long haue you ferued ?

Court. A yeare or twaine.

Lib. And would you fb fbone be preferred ?
In footh, my friend, I would be glad, as I may,
To doe you any good : but this I fay, 700

Who

Liber alitie and Prodigalitie.
Who feekes by vertue, preferment to attaine,
In vertuous proceeding mulb take more paine,
Then can be well taken in a yeere or twaine :
For time giues experience of euery mans deeds,
And ech man by merit accordingly fpeeds.
Goe forward, my friend, in vertue with diligence,
And time, for your feruice, fhall yeeld you recompence.
Your Lord and Matter is very honourable,
And him in your fines you fhall finde fauourable:
And as for my part, as earffc I did fay, 710

I neuer will hinder, where further I may.
Let this for this time be your anfwere.

Court. Sir, with my boldnefle, I befeech you to beare.

Lib. God be with you.

Some men deferue, and yet doe want their due ;
Some men againe, on fmall defer ts doe fue.
It therefore ftandeth Princes Officers in hand,
The ftate of euery man rightly to vnderftand,
That fo by ballance of equality,

Ech man may haue his hire accordingly. 7^Q

Wel,fince dame vertue, vnto me, doth charge of many things refer,
I mufl goe doe that beft befeemes a faithfull officer. Exit.

ACT IIIL SCENE I.

Enter Money.

Money. Libertie, libertie, now I cry libertie :
Catch me againe when you can, Prodigalitie.
Neuer was there poore fbule fb cruelly handled:
I was at the firft, like a Cockney dandled,
Stroakt on the head, kift and well cherifhed,
And fo thought furely I fhould haue continued: 730

But now how my cafe is altered fuddenly ;
You would not beleeue, vnlefle you faw it apparantly.

D Ifaith

The contention betweene
Ifaith fince ye faw me, I haue bin turmoyled
From poft to piller : fee how I am fpoyled.
The villaines among them prouided the roft,
But Money was forced to pay for the coft,
Both of their feafting, and of their chamber cheere,
Yea in euery place, they haue fleec't me fb neere,
He a fleece and fhe a fleece ; that nothing could I keepe,
But glad to runne away like a new fhorne (heepe. 740

And though I haue bin pinched very neere,
I am glad to fee you in good health euery one here :
And now I haue efcaped the traiterous treachery
Of fiich a thriftlefle Royfting company,
To my mother in hafte againe I will get me,
And keepe at home fafely : from thence let them fet me.

SCENE II. IK

Enter Vanitie and Money.

Fan. What, mafter Money, how goeth the world with you ?

Money. Looke but vpon me, thou maift quickly iudge how. 7?o

Fan. Why, where the vengeace, where the diuel haft thou bin?
Among brambles, or bryers, or fpirits fure, I weene.

Money. Both weene it, and wot it, I haue paft a wildernefle
Of moft mifchieuous and miferable diftrefle ;
Sharpe brambles, fharpe bryers, and terrible fcratchers,
Beares, Wolues, Apes, Lyons, moft rauening fnatchers,
Thornes, thiftles, and nettles moft horrible {lingers,
Rauens, grypes, and gryphons, oh vengible wringers,
Yea through my whole paflage fuch damnable fights,
As I cannot but iudge them moft damnable fprites. 760

Fan. Hah, hah, ha, ha.

Money. Laugh ye, my friend ? It is no laughing toy.

Fan. But who did guide you in this laborinth of ioy ?

Money. Who fir ? your minion fir, Prodigalitie,

The

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
The Captaine elected of all royfting knauery,
He will be hang'd, I warrant him ihortly.

fan. Hah, hah, ha, ha.

Money. Yet goe to, laugh on.

fan. Are you not a cuck, cuck-cold ?

Money. I may be indeed, my clothes be but thin,
And therefore I will euen goe get me in,
That Fortune my mother may cloth me anew. Rxit.

fan. Doe fb, you had need fb, I may (ay to you.
Now fure it is a world of worlds to fee,
How all the world inclines to Vanitie :
Men feeke at firlt, that is but Vanitie,
And lofe at laft that was but Vanitie,
And yet continue ffcill to follow Vanitie,
As though it were a thing of certaintie:
And I that beare the name of Vanitie,
And fee the worlds exceeding vanitie,
In following fb the tracks of vanitie,
Doe triumph flill amid my Empery,
And laugh at their fimplicity,
That will be fb mifle-led by Vanitie.
But who is this ? oh I know him, a fcholer of our traine,
Tis Hob a clunch, that comes for money againe.

770

780

SCENE III.

Enter Tenacitie^ Vanitie ^ Fortune^ and Money.

Ten. God fpeed, Maft Fanitie.
fan. Wocum, Mafl Tenacitie.
Ten. Sur, cham come once againe vor money.
fan. So me thinks.

Ten. Shals be fped now at length trow ye ?
fan. I cannot tell ye, tis hard to fay ;
Peraduenture yea, peraduenture nay.

D 4- Ten.

The contention betweene

Ten. How fb man ?

fan. I feare me you will fpend him too faft away.

Ten. Hoh, hoh, ho, ho, doft thou veare,that friend Fanitie ?
Shalt not need man, chill keepe him fafe, che warrant thee. 800

Oh that chad him in my douches, fhoudft fee I tro,
Whether chud keepe him vaft and fafe or no.
I pray thee, good fweet Maft Fanitie,
Speake one good word for poore Tenacity.

Fan. And doft thou indeed fo well loue money ?

Ten. Doe my wiues Bees at home, thinkft thou, loue honey ?

Fan. What wouldft thou doe with it ?

Ten. Chud chud, chud, chud.

Fan. Chud, chud, what chud ?

Ten. Chud doe no harme at all. 8 10

Fan. No, nor much good (I thinke) to great nor fmall.
But well, put cafe I procure thee to fpeed,
You will remember your promife that I fhall be fee'd.

Ten. Gods vaft, man, yea chill doe it, chill doe it.

Fan. Stand there a while and wayte.
Bright goddefle, behold here againe Tenacity,
That humbly makes his liite to haue money.

Money. For money ? ho there : money findes himfelfe well :
Money now hath no liking from Fortune to dwell.

Fan. In vanum laborauerunt^ come. 810

Ten. Now good foote, hony, vaire, golden muftrefle,
Let poore Tenacitie tafte of thy goodnefle :
Thee che honour, thee che ferue, thee che reuerence,
And in thy help, che put my whole confidence.

For. Money, you muft goe to him, there is no remedy.

Money. Yea, and be vf 'd as before with Prodigalitie.

Ten. Let Prodigalitie goe to the gallowes tree :
Why man, he and I are cleane contrary ?
I chill coll thee, chill cufle thee.

Money. So did he. (fting. 830

Ten. Chill faue thee, chill {pare thee, chill keepe thee from wa-

Money. So did not he.

Goe

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
Goe to then, feeing that my mothers will is fuch,
To put it in aduenture I may not grutch.

Ten. Oh, my fweeting,my darling, my chewel, my ioy,
My pleafure, my treafure, mine owne prettie boy.
Mon. How now ? what meane you by this, Tenacitie ?
Ten. Oh, forbid me not to kifle my fweete Money.
Varewell, Vortune : and Vortune, che thanke thee alway.
Come on, fiirra, chill make you vaft, bum vay. 840

Mon. What with ropes ? what needes that ?
Ten. Vor veare of robbing by the high way.
Lay mi,fa<>fol,fa^foli mi^fa^ re, mi. c Here Tenacity goeth to

c the Tnnefor his AJfe.
Exit.

SCENE IIII. /*

Enter Prodigalitie^ Dicke Dicer , Vanitie^
and Tom ToJ/e.

Prod. Omonftrous vile filthie lucke! fee, in the twinkling of an
Scarce knowing which way, I haue quite loft my Money, (eye, 8yo

Dick. Out of all doubt, Prodigalitie, he is not gone yonder way.

Prod. Then feeke feme other courfe, make here no ftay :
He muft be found out, there is no remedie.
Thou knoweft in what pickle weftand without Money.

Dick. Why fure, Prodigality, it can be no other,
But he is returned to Fortune his mother.

Prod. Thinkeft thou fo ?

Thou, Fortune, heareft thou ? by faire meanes I aduife thee,
Reftore my Money to me agane, deale plainely and wifely ;
Or by this fharpe-edged fword, (halt fee me play a proud part.
For I will haue him againe, in fpite of thy hart.

fan. Whome haue we there, that keepeth fuch a coyle ?

Prod. Euen he that will not put vp uich a foyle.

Pan. What's the matter ?

E ran. To

The contention betweene

Prod. Vanitie, to that dame thy miftris commend me,
Tell her, tell her, it doth not a little offend me,
To haue my money in fuch great defpight,
Taken fo from me, without any right.
What though it were once her owne proper gift ?
Yet giuen, 'tis mine owne, there is no other fhift. 870

Therefore charge her in the name of Prodigality,
That he be reftor'd to me incontinently,
Left flie repent it.

Fan. Thefe be fore and cruell threatnings, marry.
Is your hafte fb great, that by no meanes you may tarry ?

Prod. I will not tarry, and therefore make hafte.

Fan. Soft, fir, a little, there is no time paft.
You may tarry, you muft tarry, for ought as I know :
Nay, then you {hall tarry, whether you wil or no. Exit.

Dick. Swounds, fir, he mocks you. 880

Prod. Gibe not with me, you hoorfbn raskall flaue,
For money I come, and money will I haue.
Sirra, Vanity, Vanity. What, Vanity ?
Speake and be hang'd, Vanity. What wiFt not be ?

Dick. What a prodigious knaue, what a flaue is this ?

Prod. Fortune, fine Fortune, you, minion, if ye be wife,
Bethinke ye betimes, take better aduife :
Reftore vnto me my money quietly,
Elfe looke for warres : Vanity, Fortune, Vanity.

Dick. Sir, you fee it booteth not. 890

Prod. It is but my ill lucke.

Now the diuell and his damme giue them both fucke.
What may we doe ? what counfell giu'ft thou, Dicke?

Dick. Marry, fir, be rul'd by me, lie fliew you a tricke,
How you may haue him quickly.

Prod. As how ?

Dick. Scale the walles, in at the window, by force fet him.

Prod. None better infaith, fetch a ladder, and I will fet him.
Fortune, thou injurious dame, thou {halt not by this villanie,
Haue caufe to triumph ouer Prodigality. 9°°

Why

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
Why fpeakffc thou not, why fpeakft thou not, I fay?
Thy filence doth but breede thine owne hurt and decay.

hick. Here is a ladder, f Here Pro d.fcaleth. Fortune claps ahaltei

Prod. Set it to. \ about his neck^ he breaketh the halter cs?

(falles.

Prod. Swounds, helpe, Dick : helpe quickly, or I am choakt.

Dick. God a mercie good halter, or els you had beene yoakt.

Prod. O thou vile, ill-fauoured, crow-troden, pye-pecked Ront!
Thou abominable, blinde, foule filth, is this thy wont,
Firft, malicioufly to fpoyle men of their good,
And then by fubtill fl eights thus to feeke their blood ?
I abhorre thee, I defie thee, wherefoeuer I go,
I doe proclaime my felfe thy mortall foe.

Tom Tojfe. Newes, Prodigality, newes.

Dick. Good, and God will.

Prod. What newes, Tom ?

Tom. I haue met with money.

Prod. Where?

Tom. Marry fir, he is going into a ftrange countrie,
With an old chuffe called Tenacity.

Prod. Tenacity ? is that Tinkers boudget fb full of audacity ?

Tom. Tis true.

Prod. May we not ouertake him ?

Tom. Yes, eafily with good horfes.

Prod. Let's go then for Gods fake, wee'le catch him in a trap.

Dick and Tom. Go, we will go with you, what euer fhall hap.

SCENE V.

Enter Vanity ', and Fortune.

Van. O rotten rope, that thou muft be fo brittle !
Hadft thou but happened to haue held a little,
I had taught my princocks againfl another time,

Ei So

The contention betweene
So to prefume dame Fortunes bowre to clime.
To make fiich a fcape, his hap was very good.
Well, he fcaped faire, I fweare by the rood :
But will you haue me fay my fantafie,
Quod dtffertur^ non aufertur. For afluredly
The Gentleman will neuer hold himfelfe quiet,
Till once more he come to tafte of this dyet.
Marke the end.

For. Vanitie? 94°

Fan. Madam.

For. Is this Royfter gone ?

Fan. Yea, Madam, he is gone.

For. Then get thee anon,
And caufe my attendants to come away,
For here as now I will no longer flay,
But profecute this foe of mine Ib faft,
By mifchiefes all I may, that at the laft,
He fhall arriue vnto a wretched end,

And with repentance learne how to offend 9f°

A goddefle of my ftate and dignitie.

Fan. Lady, to do your will, I haften willingly.

Fanitte exit.
Come downe.

For. Dame Fortunes power, her moft exceeding might,
Is knowne by this as an vndoubted thing :
Since here moft plain ely hath appear 'd in fight,
How all the world doth hang vpon her wing,
How hie and low, of all ftates and degrees,

Doe rife and fall againe as fhe decrees. 960

Then let not Vertue thinke it fcorne to yeeld,
To Fortune chiefe of power, chiefe foueraignety :
Sith Fortune here by proofe hath wonne the field,
Subdude her foes, and got the victorie :
For as fhe lift to fauour, els to frowne,
She hoyfeth vp, or headlong hurleth downe.

Fan. Madam, here are your vaflals ready preft,

To

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
To doe the thing that Fortune liketh belt.
For. Well then, come on, to witnes this our victorie,
Depart we hence with {bund of fame triumphantly.
Reuerence^ due reuerence.

970

ACT V. SCENE I.

Enter Prodigalitie^ Money ^ Tom, Dicke.

V. i

Prod. Come on, my bulchin, come on, my fat fatox.
Come porkeling, come on, come prettie twattox.
Why will it not be ? yet fafler a curfie.
This Gentleman of kte is waxen fo purfie,
As at euery lands end he feeketh to reft him.
How thinke ye ? hath not Tenacity trimly dreft him ?

Money. Prodigalitie, if thou lou'fl me, let vs here flay : 980

For fure I can doe no more then I may.
I am out of breath as weary as a dog, c Hefallesdowne

Tom. A luskifh lubber, as fat as a hogge. c upon his elbow.

Prod. Come vp, gentle Money, wee may not here flay.

Money. I mufl needes, Prodigalitie, there is no nay :
For if I fhould flirre me one inch from the ground,
I thinke I fhall die, fure, or fall in a found.

Prod. Then mufl you be drawne.

Mony. Drawne, or hang'd, all is one :
For I cannot flirre me, my breath is cleane gone. 990

Prod. How like ye this grofsum cor pus > fb mightily growne ?

Tom. I like him the better, that he is your owne.

Dick. A more monflrous beafl, a beafl more vnweldie,
Since firfl I was borne, yet neuer beheld I.

Prod. Indeed the hoorefbn is waxen fbmewhat too fat :
But we will finde medicines to remedie that.

Tom. Sir, let me but haue him a little in cure,
To put my poore practife of Phificke in vre,
And I dare warrant ye with a purgation or twaine,

E He

The contention betweene
lie quickly rid him out of all this paine. I0oo

Prod. I thinke a glifler were better.

Dick. Nay, rather a fuppofitorie.

Tom. Nay then, what fay you to letting of blood ?

Dick. I thinke that fome of thefe fhould doe him good.
Aske the Phificion.

Money. Prodigalitie.

Prod. Hoo.

Money. I am ficke.

Prod. Where, man ?

Money. Faith, here, in my belly. 1010

It fwelles, I aflure ye, out of all meafure.

Prod. Take heed it grow not to a Timpany.

Money. And if it doe, what is the danger then ?

Prod. A confiimption.

Money. A confumption ? marrie, God forbid, man,

Tom. What thinke you now of Tenacitie ?
Was he your friend or your foe ?

Money. Ah, that wretch Tenacitie hath brought mee to all this
'Twas he indeed that fought to deftroy me, (woe.

In that he would neuer vfe to employ me : iozo

But Prodigalitie, fweet Prodigalitie,
Help to prouide fome prefent remedie :
Let me not be thus miferably fpilt,
Eafe me of this, and vfe me as thou wilt.
Yet had I rather liue in ftate bare and thin,
Then in this monflrous plight that now I am in :
So fatty, fo foggy, fo out of all meafure,
That in my felfe, I take no kind of pleafure.

Prod. Why, rife vp then quickly, and let vs be gone.

Money. Friends, you mufl help me, I cannot rife alone. 1030

Dick. Come on, my fweet Money, we muft haue a meane,
To turne this foggy fat, to a finer leane.

Money. The fooner the better.

Tom. Nay, Money, doubt not, but by fweat or by vomit,
I warrant thee boy, fhortly thou fhalt be rid from it.

Prod.

Liberalitie and Prodigalitie.
Prod. Rid, quotha, if fhauing, or boxing, or fcowring,
Or noynting, or fcraping, or purging, or blood-letting,
Or rubbing, or paring, or chafing, or fretting,
Or ought elfe will rid it, he fhall want no ridding.
Come on, Money, let's be logging. 1040

SCENE II. r.n

The Conjiables make hue and cry.

Con. Theeues, neighbors, theeues, come forth, befet the country.

Prod. Harke, lift a while, what might this clamour be ?

Dick. Z wounds, we are vndone, Prodigalitie,
The Conftables come after with hue and cry.

Tom. O Cerberus, what fhall we doe ?

Prod. Stand backe, lie clofe, and let them pafle by.

Conft. Theeues, theeues ! O vile ! O deteftable deed !
Theeues, neighbours: come forth, away, abroad with fpeed. 10? o

Hoft. Where dwell thefe Conftables?

Conft. Why ? what's the matter, friend, I pray ?

Hojl. Why, theeues man, I tell thee, come away.
Theeues Ifaith,wife,my fcull,my Iacke,my browne bill.

Conft. Come away quickly.

Hoft. Dick,Tom,Will,ye hoorfons,makeyeallready,and hafte
But let me heare, how ftands the cafe ? (a pace after.

Conft. Marrie, fir, here-by, not far re from this place,
A plaine fimple man ryding on his Afle,
Meaning home to his Country in Gods peace to pafle,
By certaine Royfters moft furious and mad,
Is fpoyled and robbed of all that he had.
And yet not contented, when they had his money,
But the villaynes haue alfo murderd him moft cruelly.

Hoft. Good God for his mercy !

Conft. It was my hap to come then prefent by him,
And found him dead, with twenty wounds vpon him.

E 4. Hoft. But

The contention betweene
Hoft. But what became of them ?
Conft. They fled this way.

Hoft. Then, neighbour, let vs here no longer flay, 0

But hence and lay the countrey round about.
They fhall be quickly found, I haue no doubt.

Constable goes in.

SCENE III. M

Enter Vertue^ and Equitie, with o-
ther attendants.

Vert. My Lords,you fee how far this worldly flate peruerted is,
From good declinde, enclined flill to follow things amifle.
You fee but verie few, that make of Vertue any price :
You fee all forts with hungry willes, ran headlong into vice. 1080

Equit. We fee it oft, we forrow much, and hartily lament,
That of himfelfe, man (hould not haue a better gouernment.

Per. The verie beafts that be deuoyd of reafbn, dul & dumbe,
By nature learne to fhun thofe things, wherof their hurt may come.
If man were then but as a beafl, onely by nature taught,
He would alfb by nature learne, to fhun what things are naught.
But man with reafon is indude, he reafbn hath for flay,
Which reafbn {hould reflraine his will, from going much aflray.

Equit. Madam, tis true :
Where reafon rules, there is the golden meane. 1090

Fer. But mofl men floope to flubborne will,
Which conquereth reafon cleane.

E<juit. And Will againe to fancie yeelds,
Which twaine be fpeciall guides,
That traine a man to treade ill pathes,
Where eafe and pleafure bides. (paines.

Per. No eafe, no pleafure, can be good, that is not got with

Equtt. That is the caufe from Vertues loue,
Mans fancy flill refraines.

Per. And

Liberalise a1^d Prodigalitie.

Vert. And paines, I thinke, they feele likewife,
That vnto vice doe bend.

Equit. They feele, no doubt : but yet fiich paines
Come not before the end.

Per. I grieue for man, that man fhould be, of ill attSpts fo faine.

Equit. Grieue not for that, euill tafted once, turnes him to good

Per. Then will I take a chearefull mind, (againe.

Vnpleafant thoughts expell,
And cares for man commit to them,
That in the heauens doe dwell.

Equit. Dofo,deare Madam, I befeech you moft heartily,
And recreate your felfe before you goe hence, with fome fweet

(melody.
THE SONG.

T F pleafure be the only thing,
•*• That man dothfeekefo much :
Chief e pleafures reft, where vertue rules :
No pleafure can be fuck.

Though Vertues wayes be veryftreight.
Her rocks be hard to clime:
Yetfuch as doe afpire thereto^
Enioy all ioyes in time.

Plaine is the pafsage vnto vice.

The gaffes lye wide to ill:

To them that wade through lewdnes lake^

The Ife is brokenJtilL

This therefore is the difference ,
The pajfage firft feemes hard:
To vertues traine : but then moft fweet)
At length is their reward.

To thofe againe that follow victy
The way is faire and plaine :

F But

uoo

IIIO

IIIO

The contention betweene
But fading phafures in the end,
Are bought with fafting paine.
Ifpleafure be the only thing, &c.

SCENE IIII.

Enter Vertue, Equity, Liberality, Money,
and the Sherife.

F'ert. Now my Lords,! fee no caufe, but that depart we may.

Equit. Madam, to that (hall like you befl, we willingly obay.

Lily. Yes, Lady, flay awhile, and heare of flrange aduentures. 1 140

y&r. Of what aduentures tell you ? let vs know.

Lib. Matter Sherife, of that is happened, doe you make {hew.

Sherif. Then may it pleafe you, the effect is this :
There is a certaine Royfler, named Prodigalitie,
That long about this towne hath ruffled in great rolitie,
A man long fufpected of very lewd behauiour,
Yet flanding euer fo high in Fortunes fauour,
As neuer till now, he could be bewrayed,
Of any offence, that to him might be layed:

Now wanting (belike) his wonted brauery, n^0

He thought to fupplie it, by murther and robbery.

Equtt. By murther and robbery ?

Sherif. Yea,fure.

Per. How?

Sherif. This gallant, I tell you, with other lewd franions,
Such as himfelfe, vnthrifty companions,
In mofl cruell fort, by the high way fide,
Aflaulted a countrie man, as he homewards did ride,
Robbed him, and fpoiled him of all that they might,
And laflly, bereau'd him of his life out-right.

/^r. O horrible fact !

Sherrf. The country hereupon raifd hue & cry flreightway :
He is apprehended, his fellowes fled away :
I fiipplying, though vnworthy, for this yere,

The

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.
The place of an Officer, and Sherife of the (hiere,
To my Princes vfe, haue feyzed on his mony,
And bring you the fame, according to my duty :
Praying, the party may haue the law with fpeed,
That others may be terrified from fb foule a deed.

fer. So horrible a fact can hardly plead for fauour :
Therefore goe you, Equity, examine more diligently,
The maner of this outragious robbery :
And as the fame, by examination fhall appeare,
Due iuftice may be done in prefence here.

Eyuit. It (hall be done, Madam.

Sherif. Then, Madam, I pray you, appoint fome Officer to take
That I may returne againe with Equity. (the mony,

F'er. Let it be deliuered to my fleward Liberality. Exeunt.

Lib. What, Mony ? how come you to be fo fat and foggy ?

Mony. Surely, fir, by the old chuffe, that mifer Tenacity.

Lib. How fo ?

Money. He would neuer let me abroad to goe,
But lockt me vp in coffers, or in bags bound me faft,
That like a Bore in a ftie, he fed me at laft.
Thus Tenacitie did fpoile me, for want of exercife :
But Prodigalitie, cleane contrarywife,
Did tofle me, and fleece me, fb bare and fo thinne,
That he left nothing on me, but very bone and skinne.

Lib. Well, Mony, will you bide with him that can deuife,
To rid you and keepe you from thefe extremities ?

Money. Who is that ?

Lib. Euen my felfe, Liberalitie.

Money. Sir, I like you well, and therefore willingly,
I am contented with you to remaine,
So as you protect me from the other twaine.

Lib. I warrant thee.
Firft, from thy bands He fet thee free,
And after, thy fickenes cured fhall be.

Money. Thanks and obedience I yeeld, & vow to Liberalitie.

Exit.
F 2, Enter

1170

180

1190

IZOO

The contention betweene

Enter Cap tain e Wei- don.

Cap. My Lord, according to your appointment and will,
I come to attend your pleafure.

Lib. Haue you brought your bill ?

Cap. Yea, my Lord.

Lib. Giue it me.

He be your meane vnto the Prince, that it may difpatched be :
The while take here, thefe hundred crownes to releeue ye.

Cap. God faue the Queene, and God faue Liberalitie.

2. Suiter. Sir, I haue long ferued the Prince at great expence, 1*10
Andlong haue I bin promifed a recompence :

I befeecn you confider of me.

Lib. What, doe you ferue without fee ?

2,. Suit. Yea truely, fir.

Lib. Hold, pray for the Queene.

2,. Suit. It fhalbe my prayer day and night truely.
God faue the Queene, and God faue Liberalitie.

3. Suiter. Now, good my Lord, vouchfafe of your charitie,
To caft here afide your pittifull eye,

Vpon a poore fbuldier, naked and needy, mo

That in the Queenes warres was maimed, as you fee.

Lib. Where haue you ferued ?

3. Suit. In Fraunce, in Flaunders : but in Ireland moft.

Lib. Vnder whom ?

3. Suit. Vnder Captaine Wei-don.
% Cap. He was my fouldier, indeed fir, vntill he loft his legge.

Lib. Hold, pray for the Queene.

3. Suit. God faue the Queene, and God faue Liberalitie.

SCENE V. r.-;

Enter Tipjlaues ^Liberality ^Equity ^Sherife^ Clerks ',

Cryer^ Prodigality ', and the ludge. ' 2 3 '

Tip. Roome, my Matters, giue place, ftand by.
Sir, Equity hath fent me to let you vnderftand,
That hither he will refort out of hand,

To

and Prodigalitie.

To fit vpon the arraign ement of Prodigality.

Lib. In good time.

Tip. Behold, he comes.

Lib. Now, Equity, how falles the matter out ?

Equit. That Prodigality is guiltie of the fact, no doubt.
And therefore for furtherance of luftice effectually, 1140

My Lord the ludge comes to fit vpon him prefently :
Wherein we craue your afliftance.

Lib. He wayte vpon you.

Tip. Roome, my matters, roome for my Lord: fland by.

The ludge placed^ and the Clerkes
vnder him.

ludge. Call for the prifbner.

Clerk. Make an oyes, cryer.

Cryer. Oyes, oyes, oyes !

Clerk. Sherife of Middlefex. i»jo

Cryer. Repeat, Sherife, &c.

Clerk. Bring forth the prifoner.

Cryer. Bring, &c.

Clerk. Prodigalitie.

Cryer. Prodigalitie.

Clerk. Paine of the perill fhall fall thereon.

Cryer. Paine of, &c.

Sherif. Here, fir.

Clerk. Prodigality, hold vp thy hand.

Thou art indited here by the name of Prodigality, for that thou,
the fourth day of February, in the three & fortie yeere of the prof-
perous raigne of Elizabeth our dread Soueraigne, by the grace of
God, of England, France, and Ireland Queene, defender of the
faith, &c. together with two other malefactors yet vnknowne, at
High-gate in the County of Middlefex aforefaid, didit felloniouf-
ly take from one Tenacity of the parifh of Pancridge yeoman, in
the faid County, one thoufand pounds of gold and fiber ftar-

F 3 ling:

The contention betweene

ling : And alfb, how thy felfe, the faid Prodigalitie, with a fword,
price twenty fhillings, then and there cruelly didfb giue the {aide
Tenacitie vpon the head, one mortall wound, whereof hee is now 1270
dead, comrade to the Queenes peace, her Crowne and dignitie.

fudge. Howfaift thou, Prodigalitie, to this robberie, felonie, and
murther ? art thou guiltie, or not guiltie ? (caufe.

Prod. My Lord, I befeech you, graunt me councell to plead my

ludg. That may not be, it flandeth not with our lawes.

Prod. Then, good my Lord, let me fome refpite take.

ludg Neyther may that be : thus doth the inditement lie,
Thou art accuf'd of murther, and of robberie,
To which thou mufl now anfwere prefently,
Whether thou be thereof guiltie or not guiltie. 1*80

Prod. Well, fince there is no other remedie,
And that my fact falles out fo apparantly,
I will confefle, that indeed I am guilty,
Moft humbly appealing to the Princes mercy.

ludg. Then what canfl thou fay for thy felfe, Prodigalitie,
That according to the law thou fhouldfl not die ?

Pwd. Nothing, my Lord: but ftill appeale to the Princes mercy.

ludg. Then hearken to thy iudgement.

Thou, Prodigalitie, by that name hafte bin indited and arraigned
here, of a robbery, murther, and felonie, againfl the lawes commit- 1290
ted by thee : the inditement whereof being read vnto thee here,
thou confefleft thy felfe to be guilty therein : whereupon I ludge
thee, to be had from hence, to the place thou camft fro, and from
thence to the place of execution, there to be hangd till thou be
dead. God haue mercy on thee.

Prod. My Lord, I mofl humbly befeech you to heare mee.

ludg. Say on.

Prod. I confefle, I haue runne a wanton wicked race,
Which now hath brought me to this wofull wretched cafe :
I am heartily forrie, and with teares doe lament 1300

My former lewd, and vile mifgouernment.
I finde the brittle flay of truftlefle Fortunes flate.
My heart now thirfleth after Vertue, all too late:

Yet

Liberalise and Prodigalitie.
Yet good my Lord, of pittie condifcend,
To be a meane for him, that meaneth to amend.
The Prince is mercifiill, of whofe great mercy,
Full many haue largely tafted already :
Which makes me appeale thereto more boldly.

fudg. Prodigalitie, I not miflike your wailefull difpofition,
And therefore, for you to the Prince, there (hall be made Petition, 1310
That though your punifhment be not fully remitted,
Yet in fome part, it may be qualified.

Prod. God faue your life.

Ferine, Equi tie, Liberalise, fudge, and all come dwone before the
Queene, and after reuerence made, Fertile fpeaketb.

THE EPILOGVE.

mightie Queene, yonder I fate in place }
-PrefentingJherv of chief efl dignitie^
Here proftr ate, /0, before your Princely grace ^
Ijheiv myfelfe,fuch as I ought to be,
Your humble vajjall^fubiect to your will,
With fear e and loue, your Grace to reuerence Jlill.

FINIS.

1310

PR Contention between Jdbera]

2411 and P rodigality
C6 The contention between

1913 liberality and prodigality

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