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York plays; the plays performed by the cr
3 1924 013 324 078
Cornell University
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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013324078
AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MY PATHEK
AND TO
MY DEAR MOTHER
YORK PLAYS
The plays performed by the crafts of mysteries
of York on the day of Corpus Christi in the
l4th, 15th, and l6th centuries, now first
printed from the unique manuscript in the
library of Lord Ashbumham.
Edited
with introduction and glossary
by
Lucy T. Smith
OXFORD
THE CLARENDON PRESS
1885
CONTENTS.
[An asterisk is affixed to the five Plays which are accompanied by the
Towneley parallel.]
Corrections
Introduction :
Pedigree of the Manuscript ......
Description of the Manuscript ...
Date of the Manuscript (Burton's list of 1415) .
Other Plays : Municipal Control : Stations, Proclamation
Pageants and the Pageant-houses ....
The Players
Expenses of the Plays : Pageant-masters
Comparative Literature . . ...
Date of Composition ; Authorship
Sources of the Plays .......
Verse and Style : Analysis of metres ....
Language ...
General remarks . .
Treatment in editing ... . .
Music .... ....
Appendix I. Comparative table of English cycles of religious play;
Appendix II. List of Places and Plays in Great Britain
Appendix III. Notes on Dialect and Grammar . . . ,
Index to Introduction, with explanation of names of crafts
PLAYS :
. The Barkers. The Creation, Fall of Lucifer
. Playsterers.
X
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
> VII.
, VIII.
<ix.
The Creation to the Fifth Day .
Cardmakers. God creates Adam and Eve
Fullers. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
Cowfers. Man's disobedience and Fall
Armourers. Adam and Eve driven from Eden
Gloveres. Sacrificium Cayme et Abell .
Shifwrites. Building of the Ark ,
Fysshers and Marynars. Noah and the Flood
XI
xiii
xvii
xxviii
XXXV
xxxvii
xxxviii
xlii
xlv
xlvii
1
liii
liv
Iviii
lix
Ixii
Ixiv
Ixix
Ixxv
14
29
35'
4'
45-
CONTENTS.
PLAYS {continued) —
^ X.
PACK
56
*xi.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII. .
xvni.
XIX.
*xx.
XXI.
XXII. .
XXIII. .
XXIV. .
XXV.
XXVI. .
XXVII. .
XXVIII.
XXIX. .
XXXI. .
XXXII. .
XXXIII. .
XXXIV. .
■ XXXV. .
XXXVI. .
*XXXVII.
*XXXVIII.
XXXIX. .
XL.
XLI.
XLII. .
XLIII. .
XLIV. .
Parchmyners and Bokebynders. Abraham's Sacrifice
The Hoseers. The Israelites in Egypt, the Ten Plagues, and
Passage of the Red Sea ....... 6S
Spicers. Annunciation, and visit of Elizabeth to Mary . 93
Pewtereres and Foundours. Joseph's trouble about Mary . 102
Tille-thekers. Journey to Bethlehem; Birth of Jesus . .112
Chaundelers. The Angels and the Shepherds . . 118
Masonns. Coming of the three Kings to Herod . 123
Goldsmyths. Coming of the three Kings, the Adoration 1 26
Marchallis. Flight into Egypt 138
Gyydillers and Naylers. Massacre of the Innocents . . 146
Sforiers and Larimers. Christ with the Doctors in the
Temple . 156
Barbour s. Baptism of Jesus 172
Smythis. Temptation of Jesus 178
Coriours. The Transfiguration .....
Capfemakers. Woman taken in Adultery. Raising of
Lazarus
Skynners. Entry into Jerusalem
Cutteleres. Conspiracy to take Jesus .
Baxteres. The Last Supper ....
Cordewaners. The Agony and Betrayal
Bowers and Flecchers. Peter denies Jesus ; Jesus examined
by Caiaphas ... ...
Tapiteres and Couchers. Dream of Pilate's Wife : Jesus
before Pilate
Lytsteres. Trial before Herod .....
Cokis and Waterlederes. Second accusation before Pilate
Remorse of Judas : Purchase of Field of Blood
Tyllemakers. Second trial continued : Judgment on Jesus
Shermen. Christ led up to Calvary .
Pynneres and Paynters. Crucifixio Christi
Bocheres. Mortificacio Christi ....
Sadilleres. Harrowing of Hell ....
Carpenteres. Resurrection : Fright of the Jews .
Wyne-drawers. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene
the Resurrection ... . .
The Sledmen. Travellers to Emmaus
Hatmakers, Masons and Laborers. Purification of Mary
Simeon and Anna prophesy ....
Escreueneres. Incredulity of Thomas
Tailoures. The Ascension ....
Potteres. Descent of the Holy Spirit .
after
185
201
219
233
240
254
292-
307
320
337
349
359
37^
396
421
426
433
448
456
465
CONTENTS.
The Death of Mary ....
Appearance of our Lady to Thomas .
Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin
The Judgment Day ....
PLAYS {continued) —
XLV. . Draperes.
XLVI. . Wefferes.
XLVll. . Osteleres.
*XLVIII. . Merceres.
(Fragment.) Inholders. Coronation of our Lady
Music :
I. Surge proxima mea
i. Veni de Libano Sponsa
3. Veni electa mea
Notes on the Music
References to the Music
Glossary
Frontispiece
PAGE
47.?
480
491
497
514
517
519
521
528
529
Note. — It may be useful to rehearse the municipal books belonging to
the Corporation of York herein quoted : —
Liber Memorandorum — •
A.D. 1376-1478.
B
A Register of deeds, charters, and ordinances, 1371-1577, marked —
Minute or Council Books, Lib. Ill, 1461-1479 ; a. volume marked II and
IV, 1480-14S5 ; Lib. V, 1,483-1489 ; Lib. VII, 1493 ; Book 9, 1503-1519.
A Book marked 25 ^. 6, containing some fines, fees, and classified payments.
Chamberlain's accounts, Vol. I (the earliest preserved), 1 1 Hen. VIII ;
II, 27 Hen. VIII; and IV, i Elizabeth.
CORRECTIONS.
Page 27, line 153, read rasXysovne for malysonne
.. 35. title, read etfor and
» 95> » 50. read remeati for remeued
„ 152, second marginal note, rsai/ fondlings^?- foundlings
„ 179, „ „ „ rea(/ mite _/0y mighty one
„ 179, line 29, insert n in and
), i83> „ 183, y^a^fcautyo?- cant
„ 230, first marginal note, read makes game oi for stakes
„ 295, line 77< marginal note, read over-garment yir shirt
>) 3°'> „ 2go, read meftt for mtsie
» 321. „ 32, rMi^ [chasted] yir [hasted]
» 369> ,, 330, dele comma after Joseph, insert comma after is
j> 37i> » 408, (/«/« full stop !?/?«>■ his
» 384, „ t99, dele comma after Satan
» 398, „ 57, »'«<»i^ oure for ure
„ 402, „ wg, insert Goi before gcaxoA
1) 4°3> II 147' '■^''''^ menne stele /o>' mennestele
„ 403, third marginal note, read ? action for death
„ 430, line 105, read thraste for thaste
„ 464, „ 263, read Vs to for-do for Vs for to do
„ 484, for Solomon iii. 8 read Solomon iv. 8. ^
INTRODUCTION.
I.
The Manuscript volume containing the collection of religious
plays, anciently performed on the day of Corpus Christi by the
craft-gilds of York, belongs to the Earl orAshburnham ', to whose
liberal permission the public owes-ifthat thisvaluable addition to
our early dramatic literature is now for the first time printed ; and
I desire to record here my sincere thanks for the full and free
use of the MS. which he has kindly accorded me.
It is not a little remarkable that these long-desired plays have
never yet seea the light. Scholars have known since the publi-
cation of Thoresby's History of Leeds, that such a collection
existed ^, but no one appears ever to have done more than make
a cursory examination of it ; this was onlyMMie by the writer ' L.'
in the Gentleman's Magazine, and, more carefully, by the late Rev.
Mr. Garnett, of the British Museum, whose opinion on it was
printed in the Catalogue of Mr. Heywood Bright's library, after
whose sale the late Lord Ashburnham purchased the volume.
Pedigree or the Manuscript. The history of the volume is
curious. It was the book wherein the plays, performed by the
crafts from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries with the
sanction and authority of the corporation, were ' registered ' by
the city ofiScers, and it must therefore have belonged to the cor-
poration. It was at one time in the care of the priory of Holy
Trinity in Micklegate, at the gates of which was the first station
in the circle of performances through the city as early as 1399, —
' No 137 in the Appendix to the Ashburnham Catalogue.
'^ See the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 54, p. 103 ; Chester Mysteries, ed.
Thos. Wright, Shakespeare Soc. 1843, I. introd. p. i ; Halli well's Dictionary of
Old Plays, J. ». York Mysteries ; The Slcryveners' Play, ed. J. P. Collier, Camden
Soc. Miscell. 1859, p. 5 ; W. C. Hazlitt in his edition of Warton's Hist, of
English Poetry, 1871, II. p. 224; Le Mist^re du Viel Testament pub. par feu
Baron J. de Rothschild, Soc. des Anciens Textes fran9ais, 1878, I. p. xlvi ««^f.
It was the last that first directed my attention to the volume.
XU INTRODUCTION.
' at the Trinitie yaits where the clerke kepys the regyster,' we
learn from the chamberlain's accounts of 1554 ^ At the time of
the Reformation various attempts were made to amend the book
of plays, as is shown both by many notes scattered through its
leaves and by notices in the municipal records ^ ; but, in spite of
these, the plays could not withstand the new spirit of the times,
and were discontinued about 1580. What now became of the
book of the plays is only matter of conjecture ; that it had been
customarily kept at Trinity priory accounts for its not being found
among the municipal records at this day ; yet, after the dissolution
of the priory in 1538, the book still remained under the control
of the city, the council in 1568, and again in 1579, agreeing that
it should be amended and corrected. How long it remained in
their hands it is impossible to say, but it seems probable that
having been laid aside, it soon fell into the hands of some
member of the Fairfax family. Two Fairfaxes had been Recorders
of York in the previous century, and many of the 'family sat on
the Council of the North for reform of religious matters through
the sixteenth century'- In 1599, Sir Thomas Fairfax of Denton
(grandfather of the general) was on the Council ; not quite a
hundred years later, Henry Fairfax, one of his descendants in
the Denton line, wrote on a fly-leaf of the York play MS., ' H.
Fairfax's book, 1695.' This Henry was son to Henry fourth
Lord Fairfax, and grandson to the Rev. Henry Fairfax of the
^ Extracts from the Municipal Records of York, 1843, by Robert Davies,
pp. 232, 264 noie. (This is the work hereinafter referred to as ' Davies.') That
the book was kept by a clerk (whether lay or cleric) at the priory does
not militate against its being a municipal possession ; we know that the cham-
berlains paid for registering a play as late as 1558, see after, p. 18 noie;
the station before the Trinity gates was exempted from the usual rent due
to the corporation, which cannot have been on account of sanctity, for the
' place at the Minster yaite ' was charged with a high rent. There was perhaps
some connection between the municipality and the priory in the matter of clerks
and writing which ensured the immunity enjoyed. We know, from the example
of Robert Ricart, town-clerk of Bristol, in the fifteenth century, that relation on
this ground between religious bodies and municipalities existed. ^ See Ricart's
Kalendar, Camden Soc. 1872, pp.i, v. William Revetour, the chantry priest and
keeper of Corpus Christi gild, was at one time deputy town-clerk of York ; see
after, p. xxx. The other stations for which no rent was paid to the city in 1554,
were the Common Hall, a place where 'my Lady Mayres and her systers [i. e.
wives of the aldermen] lay,' and the Pavement, a public place in the midst of
the city.
" Davies, pp. 269, 271-2.
' Drake's Eboracum, pp. 368, 369.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MANUSCRIPT. XIU
Denton line, rector of Bolton Percy, and uncle to the parlia-
mentary general. Lord Fairfax. Scholarly tastes and a love of
books ran in the family; the old clergyman shared them^.
General Fairfax saved many manuscripts at the blowing up of St.
Mary's Tower, York, in 1644, and fostered the immense industry
of Dodsworth. The Plays ^ would perhaps, if one of the salvage,
have been included by the general with his legacy to the Bodleian
Library in 1671 '; but he had other books: and there are the two
possibilities, — either that it was rescued from destruction as a
curious reUc by one of the Denton family in authority during the
latter part of Elizabeth's reign, or that it may have been among
those preserved from St. Mary's Tower, and have been presented
by the general to his uncle Henry. From the time that it came
into the possession of the grandson of 1695, the links of owner-
ship are unbroken ; a note (presumably in Thoresby's hand) on
the back of the fly-leaf inscribed by Fairfax, records that he
gave it to Ralph Thoresby, — 'Donum Hon. Hen. Fairfax Arm.
Rado. Thoresby.' The book accordingly appears in the catalogue
of his manuscripts appended by Thoresby to his Ducatus Leo-
diensis*. At the sale- of Thoresby's collection in 1764, although
described as ' a folio volume written upon vellum of Old English
Poetry, very curious,' Horace Walpole bought it for only £1 is.
At Walpole's sale the bookseller Thomas Rodd gave £220 los.
for it, and sold it to Mr. Heywood Bright of Bristol in 1842 for
£235. At the dispersion of this gentleman's collection, in 1844,
Mr. Thorpe bought it for £305 for the Rev. Thos, Russell, and
it was afterwards sold to the late Lord Ashburnham °.
Description of the Manuscript. The MS. consists of 270
leaves of parchment or vellum, of which 48 are blank, bound in
the original wooden binding, once covered with leather, which is
now much torn and in rather bad condition.
' His second son Brian was also an antiquary, but his library was sold.
' The book is not found in the list of 'my bookes,' at Gilling. of Sir William
Fairfax, among inventories between 1590 and 1624. The Fairfaxes of Gilling
were the senior line. See Archcsologia 1883, a paper by Mr. Ed. Peacock, to
whom I am indebted for a copy.
' Life of the great Lord Fairfax, by C. Markham, 1870, pp. 148, 445 ; see
also Drake's account of the saving of these records, p. 575.
' Ed. 1816, p. 73 (third paging).
'' See Walpole's Letters, ed*. Cunningham, 1861, vol. ix. p. 525, appendix ;
also Thorpe's Sale Catalogue.
XIV INTRODUCTION.
The blank leaves at the beginning and the end, of which there
are several, have been nibbled by mice. On the first blank leaf
at the end are written 'Corpus Cristi playe' twice, and the names
' Thomas Cutler, Richarde Nandicke,' the same names being
scribbled many times inside one of the covers. At the end, too, of
the Smiths' Play, fol. 89, the initials R. N. are inscribed with the
same flourish and late hand. I regret that I cannot find any
information as to these names. Among senseless scribbles on
another leaf are the names 'John Willson' and ' Willm. Pennell.
The leaves throughout the volume, which are eleven inches high,
and eight inches wide, were originally not numbered at the top ^,
but were counted at the bottom by the signatures of the quires,
hke early printed books, being made up in fours (i.e. eight leaves
to a quire), A to Z, &, s>, and xxvj to xxxiiij, the whole being
preceded by an unsigned quire, which must have been inserted
in order to add two omitted plays. Some few of the marks are
cut in the binding, especially in the early quires. In five of the
quires, viz. B (iv, v), G (iv, v), O (iii, vi), R (ii, vii)^ & (ii, vii),
a pair of leaves has been removed, it would almost seem purposely,
for the volume is not in such a loose condition that they could
have fallen out ; but beyond this the MS. is complete. The hand-
writing, which is in good condition throughout, is principally thatc
of the first half of the fifteenth century'*, written in one column
confined within a ruled margin. The three plays on the inserted
quire at the beginning were probably written a few years later
than the body of the volume, which began with the Cardmakers'
play* (III); there is a date, 1583, irregularly written, in a faint
ink, on If. 5 at the end of the first play, but it can have nothing to
do with these entries, which are in a hand of a hundred and fifty ■
years earlier. Three pieces were inserted by a hand which we
■ ' The modern numbering was unfortunately not made on the definite plan of
either including or excluding all blank leaves, some are figured, some are not.
But a true account can be taken of all the leaves by following the signatures
which I have placed in the margin throughout. It is sometimes important, as
will be seen.
^ See pages 37, 195, 199, 236, 242, 335, 341. The passages lost comprised
part of the Woman taken in Adultery, the Raising of Lazarus, the Sop given to
Judas, and the Lord's Prayer. The losses in G occur in a blank.
' See a specimen in the frontispiece, and after, p. xxviii.
* The Cardmakers' being the third of the inserted plays is thus given twice
over ; I have printed from the second or earliest copy : see p. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MANUSCRIPT. XV
are able to date at 1558 from the municipal books. The Fullers'
play (p. 18), although certainly an old one, had been 'never before
regestred' when the chamberlains of that year paid for the omis-
sion ; the others are — an addition in the Glovers' play (p. 37),
and the entire play of the Purification of Mary (p. 433), which
may be of later composition than the rest, superseding a play
undoubtedly used at an earlier date on the same subject ^. Quite
at the end is a fragment, in a hand apparently of the close of the
fifteenth century, of a new play for the Innholders (p. 514). At
the head of four blank leaves which immediately follow Play
XXII (sign. M iv b) is the following in the hand of the sixteenth
century : —
' The vinteners.
Loo, this is a yoyfuU day,
Archedeclyne, for me and . .'
showing that here it had been intended to enter the play of the
Vintners ''■, on the Marriage at Cana, which stands in both the
early lists at this place in the series, but of which we have now
only this first line preserved. A similar blank of five leaves was
left after Play XXIII (sign. N v b), at the top of which is written,
by the original hand, 'The Ironmongers;' evidently their play,
on Jesus eating with Simon the leper and Mary Magdalene (Burton,
No. 25, see p. xii), had also been meant to be inserted in its
right place, but for some reason it was delayed, unfortunately for
ever.
Scattered through the volume are frequent small alterations or
corrections ', little nota and indications that ' hie caret' or ' hie caret
de novo facta! ^^ of which are later than the text, most of them in
a hand of the second half of the sixteenth century. In three places
it is thus stated that the plays have been re-written, but no copy
is registered, — 'Doctor, this matter is newly mayde, wherof we
haue no coppy * ; ' in numerous others it is pointed out that a new
speech is wanting; in one case ' loquela magna et diver sa;' in
another that the text does not agree ^ Sometimes a line or words
' See Burton's list, No 1 7. p. xxi.
'' No. 23 in Burton's list of 1415. See p. xxii.
' There are between forty and fifty, besides those specified further on.
* Pp. 9.^, 138, 177-
° .See, for example, pp.l2o, 121, 199, 2.-59, 312, ^26, 472.
XVI INTRODUCTION.
omitted in the original are supplied * ; in three instances the words
are glossed to the more modern usage ^ All these are evidence
that the plays underwent careful revision in 1568, when the city
council agreed 'that the booke therof shuld be perused and
otherwaise amended before it were playd,' in obvious antici-
pation of the correction or censure of the reforming Archbishop
Grindal. Dr. Matthew Hutton, dean of York, had already this
year given his opinion on the Creed Play ', ' that it shuld not be
plaid, ffor thoghe it was plawsible to yeares agoe, and wold now
also of the ignorant sort be well liked, yet now in this happie time
of the gospell I know the learned will mislike it *.' The ' Doctor '
whom the city oflScers were eager to assure that so many portions
of their favorite plays were ' mayd of newe,' was none other than
Hutton himself ^ In 1575 they desired that the archbishop, who
had some of ' the play bookes as perteyne this cittie ' in his
custody, should ' apoynt twoe or thre suflSciently learned to cor-
recte the same, wherein by the lawes of this realme they are to
be reformed;' and this evidently not having been done for the
Corpus Christi plays, the council returned valiantly to the charge',
and, in 1579, before ordering them to be performed, agreed that
' first the booke shalbe caried to my Lord Archebisshop and Mr.
Deane to correcte, if that my Lord Archebisshop doo well like
theron^.' Happily this correction was never carried out, as the
present state of the book shows; and the plays appear to have
never been performed after this time.
Besides these, there are several alterations in the names of the
crafts which stand at the head of each play ' : these are in various
hands; one is dated 1553.
The MS. is plain, without ornament or flourish ; most of the
plays have a space left for a large initial, in but few cases filled up.
The rubricator's work consists of the names of the speakers (in
which he occasionally made mistakes), a rule between every speech,
and a touch upon the initial letter of every line of poetry. In the
1 E.g. pp. 54, ^9, 106, 398, 410. ' Pp. 3T, 43, 131.
' Perfonned every tenth year by the Gild of Corpus Christi.
* See the whole of this interesting letter, in Davies' Extracts, &c. pp. 267-8.
' He was dean of York from 1567-1589.
° Davies, pp. 271, 272.
' At pp. 123, 125, 146, 178, 193, 320, 349, 421, 456.
DATE OF THE MANtfSCRIPT. Xvil
play which began the original book, and must have been the first
entered (III. the Cardmakers, sign A-i) are eight large red letters,
but these were not continued. The rubricator also added the lines
for connecting rimes, usually seen in early MSS. of poetry, through-
out the first portion of the book, as far as P. viij, after which they
cease. A few other words and original stage directions are also in
red. Punctuation of course there is none ; nor are there any. marks
for the csesura, perhaps not to be expected at so late a period. In
one case only the scribe has collected his dramatis personm, viz.
at the end of the twentieth play (p. 171). The stage directions of
the MS.^ are much fewer and less descriptive than those which are
found in the Chester and Coventry collections, and of these several
were added by the late correcting hand.
Date of the Manuscript. The book appears to have set out
with the intention, a few years after a. d. 14 15, of entering all the '^
plays in their due order, at the expense of the corporatioii ", with
the names of the crafts then performing them. The ' originals ' of
the plays (see pp. 18, 29) could not be brought in all at once, so
the copyist seems to have begun with what he had before him, i. e.
the Cardmakers' (III), on the first leaf, forgetting that two others
should precede it; he continued, leaving blank spaces where he_
had not the originals yet to copy from, making occasional errors
as copyists will, but on the whole doing his work pretty faithfully
till he came to about the middle, when he must either have had
several confusing MSS. to work from, involving perhaps alterations
and combinations in the plays, or he may have been required to
make these himself. This may be the source of the errors and
irregularities in the verses which abound m the plays numbered
XXVIII to XXXVI, treating of the betrayal, trial, and passion of.
Jesus. From a few of these blunders it would seem that the scribe '
wrote partly by ear or from memory, not quite understanding what
he was about ; and the state of the two leaves of music of which
' See, for example, pp. 2, 3, 53, 98, 134, 177, 190, 285, 329,493.
'^ Unfortunately the Chamberlain's Books of York have not been preserved
further back than 11 Hen. VIII (1519), so that we are unable to establish this
point, and several other interesting details relating to the plays ; but the entry of
1558 on p. 18, and the claim exercised by the city over the book, sufficiently
point that way.
b
XVm INTRODUCTION.
copies are given in Plates II and III leads to the same conclu-
sion ^ Even if of York hevi^as used to the Midland tongue, vehich
affected his copy of the old Northern language of the originals.
To show why 1 430-1 440 is the probable date of the MS. it will
be necessary to go back to the records of the city of York, which
yield much information on the history of the plays. Mr. Robert
Davies, late town-clerk, gathered more than is to be found else-
where in the pages ' On the Celebration of the Corpus Christi festival
in York ' appended to the valuable work already referred to ; and
Drake, in the appendix to his big folio, ' Eboracum,' prints, in-
correctly enough, several important documents relating to the
performances. Mr. Riley, in his Report on the Records of York
to the Historical Manuscripts Commission, vol. i, p. 109, printed
translations of two extracts of interest; beyond these, whatever
quotations I give from the municipal books are the fruit of my own
researches at York.
Nearly the oldest book the city possesses is the ' Liber diversorum
memorandorum ^ Civitatem Ebor. tangentium,' beginning 51 Edward
III, A.D. 1376, marked on the cover—- In it were enrolled the
ordinances of crafts or trade gilds ^ arbitrations in disputes, &c. It
is therefore the fitting place in which to find, entered by the hand
of Roger Burton the town-clerk himself, a detailed list of the plays
and of the crafts who were assigned to perform them, this list being
dated a. d. 14 15. This is followed by a curious ' Prodamacio ludi'
and by another list of the plays and crafts, also signed by Burton,
but without date*. This second list, which reckons fifty-seven
plays and gives but the short title of each, does not quite agree
with the first one, which reckons fifty-one plays, nor yet with our
MS., which contains forty-eight plays. On examination of these
discrepancies the MS. is found to agree with Burton's list of. 1415
much more than with the second list. The former was treated as
the authoritative 'Ordo^' for, on examination of the original, the
' Was it a professional ' notor ' who wrote the music out ? I think not ; it was
merely the usual ' scrivener ' or ' text-writer ' of the whole. See p. xxxix.
''■ The book referred to by Riley.
' The charter of the Weavers' gild goes back to Hen. I.
* Printed (with but one or two slight inaccuracies) by Davies, pp. 233-236.
' A marginal note shows that a similar schedule of the pageants written by
DATE OF THE MANUSCRIPT. xix
side for the names of the crafts is found to be full of alterations,
erasures, and new writing, of differing dates, evidently made to
correct the list to the changes among the crafts. For, as business
grew, a new craft would spring up, an old one decay and become
too poor to produce its play, a new one must take its share ; one
craft trenching on the trade of another must share its burdens,
sometimes two, or even three plays would be combined into one,
sometimes a play would be laid aside and the craft to which it had
been assigned must join in producing some other. A comparison
of different notices and ordinances of the companies relating to the
plays explains many of the changes in the list ; and as Drake has
given a very incorrect translated copy, I here print it from the
original, together with a few extracts at the foot which will illustrate
the whole.
' Ordo ^ paginarum ludi Corporis Cristi, tempore Willi. AIne
Maioris, anno regni regis Henrici quinti post conquestum Angliae
tercio, compilatus per Rogerum Burton clericum communem, in
anno domini millesimo ccccxv™".
Tannours "
' (l) 1.' Deus pater omnipotens creans et formans
I celos, angelos, et archangelos, luciferum
I et angelos, qui cum eo ceciderunt in in-
^ fernum.
( (2) 2. Deus pater in sua substancia creans terram
Plasterers ... < et omnia que in ea sunt per spacium v.
V dierum.
I (3) 3. Deus pater formans Adam de lymo terra, et
Cardemakers < faciens Euam de costa Ade, et inspirans
I eos spiritu vite.
the town-clerk was to be officially delivered to the crafts yearly in the first or
second week of Lent. See next note.
' In the margin against the title in a contemporary hand it is noted, ' Deliber-
-ande sunt sedule paginarum subsequenter in forma subscripta Artificiis per vj
servientes maioris ad clavam, prima vel ij" septimana quadragesime annuatim,
scribende per communem clericum.' The list occupies fos. 243 v°-345, four
pages. . Leaves 243-4-5-6 have been all cut by some destroyer, two of them
nearly severed in half. Some of the erasures and alterations were evidently made
by Burton himself while writing. The writing has -in a few places near the
beginning been recently tampered with, I.e. re-written on old letters in blacker
inlc. I have compared the handwriting of the Ashburnham MS. with this list
and the Proclamation, both of which are by Burton, but it is not the same.
" Barkers in the Register and in the second list, nearly the same trade.
' The black figures refer to the corresponding play in the Register (the text).
b 2
XX
INTRODUCTION.
Fullers
Coupers
ArxaoTjrers ...
!
!
Gaunters
(Glovers)
' ::.]
Shipwrightes
Fessoners and
Mariners
(Fysshmon-
§ers) 2
Parchemyners
Butbynders
Hosyers' ... .
Spieers ...
^ Pewterers
Poiuiders
J
(4) 4. Deus prohibens Adam et Euam ne comed-
erent de ligno vite.
(5) 5. Adam et Eua et arbor inter eos, serpens de-
cipiens eos cum pomis ; Deus loquens eis
et maledicens serpentem, et angelus cum
gladio eiciens eos de paradiso.
(6) 6. Adam et Eua, angelus cum vanga et colo
assignans eis laborem.
(7) 7. Abel et Kaym immolantes victimas.
(8) 8. Deus premuniens Noe facere archam de
lignis leuigatis.
(9) 9. Noe in Archa et vxor eius, tres filij Noe cum
vxoribus suis, cum diuersis animalibus.
(10) 10. Abraham immolans filium suum Isaac
super altare, garcio cum bosco et angelus.
(11) 11. Moyses exaltans serpentem in deserto,
Pharao Rex, viij Judei admirantes et
expectantes.,
(12) 12. [Doctor declarans dicta prophetarum de na-
tivitate Christi futura] *. Maria, Angelus
salutans earn, Maria salutans Elizabeth.
(13) 13. Maria, Josep volens dimittere earn, angelus
eis loquens ° vt transeant vsque Bedlem.
• Written above Gaunters in explanation.
' Written above Pessoners in explanation.
' According to the following, in 1403 the Hosiers and Drapers joined at one
play, in 1415 they were separate ; see No. 48. 'De la pagyne de Moyses et
pharao &c., hosyers. Fait a rememhre que le viij"" io'' de may Ian du regne
nostre S' le Roy henry quart puis le conquest dengletere quart, accorde est &
assentu deuaunt le maire de la Citee deuerwyk, les chaumbreleyns & autres bones
gentz de mesme la Citee, en la chaumbre de counseil sur le pount de Onse en
Euerwyk, entre les gentz de Draper craft & les gentz de hosyer craft deuerwyk,
que touz hosyers que vendront chauuces ou facent chauuces a vendre, oxiesque
les vphaldres quels vendront drape de leyne desore euauaunt aueront la charge
del pagyne de Moyses et Pharao &c., en la Jue de corpore Xpi, horspris les
Dubbers et ceux que sount assignez a eux.' (Book — fo. i ag v".).
fL_* These words are interlined; they refer to the long speech which I have as-
signed to a ' Prologue,' pp. 93-98.
' These two words are written over an erased line.
DATE OF THE MANUSCRIPT.
Tylers* .
(fo. 244.)
Chavuidellers
Orfeuers ^
Goldbeters ..
Monemakers
(quandam)* .,
Domus Sci .
Leonardi
(jam Masons) ^
Marsshals .
(14) 14. Maria, Josep, obstetrix, puer natus iacens
in presepio inter bouem et azinum, et
angelus loquens pastoribus, et luden-
tibus, in pagina sequente.
(15) 15. Pastores loquentes adinuicem, stella in
oriente, angelus nuncians pastoribus
gaudium de puero nato.
(16) 16, 17. Tres Reges venientes ab oriente,
herodes interogans eOs de puero iesu,
et filius herodis^ et duo consiliarii et
nuncius '. Maria cum puero, et stella
desuper, et tres Reges offerentes
munera.
i(l7) 41. Maria cum puero, Josep, Anna, obstetrix,
cum puUis columbarum. Symeon re-
cipiens puerum in vlnas suas, et duo
filij Symeonis.
( (18) 18. Maria cum puero et Josep fugientes in
' Egiptum, angelo nunciante.
' In the Register these are called Tillethekkers, i. e. tile-thatchers. There
are besides the tile-makers for Play XXXIII (36 of the above list).
" ' Goldsmythes ' is written above ' Orfeuers,' and ' Masons' aside of it. See
the text, pp. 123, 126, where the two plays on this subject are given to the
Masons and the Goldsmiths. In Burton's second list it is also two plays instead
of one, but the first, ' Masons, Herod interrogans tres reges ' written in a later
hand, tells the same tale of change. This piece finally fell into the charge of
the Minstrells. See p. 125.
^ ' Filius herodis ' and ' nuncius ' are added in another ink.
' Words in brackets added later. This is the only instance in which a religi-
ons house — the ancient hospital of St. Leonard's — brought out one of these plays.
What caused them to give it updoes not appear, but in 17 Edw. IV, 1477, the
mayor and common council ordered, ' q'' pagina Purificationis beate Marie
virginis decetero ludebit annuatim in festo Corpis X" sicut alie pagine ; cfc
super hoc concordat est quod Cementarii istius Civitatis pro tempore existentes
portant onera & expensis pagine predicte, et ipsam in bono & honeste modo
annuatim ludendam producent. . . Et quod laboratores istius civitatis annuatim
decetero, vid. Kidberers, Garthyners, erthe wallers, pavers, dykers, ground
wallers with erthe' should pay 13'. 4'^. in aid of this pageant. The city -also
granted them aid. This was perhaps the time when the above words were
added. The Hat-makers, who were made incorporate in 1493 (Book — ,
fo. 362 v"), must have joined them later. The play itself is one of those
registered in or near 1558. I did not perceive that it is out of place till too
late to set it in the right order in the text.
INTRODUCTION,
Girdellers ...
Naylers
Sawiers
Sporiers
Lorymers
Barbours
Vynters^ ... i
Feuers <
Couiireours ..
Irenmangers'
Plummers .
Patenmakers
fo. 244 v".
Pouehemakera
Botellers
Capmakers*..,
•!
(19)19. Herodes precipiens pueros occidi, iiij°^
milites cum lanceis, duo consiliarii
Regis, et iiij mulieres deflentes occi-
sionem puerorum suorum.
(20) 20. Doctores, Jesus puer sedans in templo in
medio eorum, interrogans eos et re-
spondens eis, iiij<" Judei, Maria et Josep
querentes eum, et inuenientes in templo.
(21) 21. Jesus, Johannes Baptista baptizans eum,
et ij angeli administrantes.
(22) Jesus, Maria, sponsus cum sponsa, Architri-
clinus cum famulia sua, cum vj ydreis
aque vbi vertitur aqua in vinum.
(23) 22. Jesus super Pynaculum templi, et dia-
bolus temptans eum, cum lapidibus, et ij
angeli administrantes, &c.
(24) 23 '. Petrus, Jacobus, et Johannes ; Jesus as-
cendens in montem ^ et transfigurans se
ante eos. Moyses et Elyas apparentes,
et vox loquentis in nube.
(25) Jesus, et Simon leprosus rogans Jesu vt man-
ducaret cum eo ; ij discipuli, Maria
Magdalena lauans pedes Jesu lacrimis
suis, et capillis suis tergens.
(26) 24.* Jesus, duo apostoli, mulier deprehensa
in adulterio, iiij"'^ Judei accusantes eam.
(27) 24. Lazarus in sepulcro, Maria Magdalene, et
Martha, et ij Judei admirantes.
' This is one of the plays for which a blank was left, but never filled up, in the
Register. See before p. xv.
' The words between the figures are written over an erased line.
' This play was omitted in the Register, although intended to be entered
at first ; see before p. xv.
* In the Register the Cappemakers or Cappers have one play combining the
subjects of this and the next, 26 and 27. Ordinances of the Cappers were enrolled
in 1481 (Council Book, No. II) ; the Hatmakers were incorporate in 1493, and
a later note at the side of their entry states that ' This cappers are jonyd to-
gether into one company,' 1591 (Book y. fo. 362 v»), indicating, I suppose, that
the two trades had joined. Before this time their names had been added to that
of the Cappers in the Register of Plays, tiee p. 433. It seems strange it should
DATE OF THK MANUSCRIPT.
xxui
Skynners
(Vestment-
makers) ^ ...
Cuttellers
Bladesmyth ...
Shethers ...
Scalers
Buklermakers
Homers'
Bakers
(Waterleders)*
Cordwaners .
Bowers ...
Flecchers
Tapisers °
Couehers
f (28) 25. Jesus super asinum cum puUo suo, xij
apostoli sequentes Jesum, sex diuites et
sex pauperes, viij pueri cum ramis pal-
marum,cantantes Benedictus &c., et Za-
cheus ascendens in arborem sicamorum.
(29) 26." Pylatus, Cayphas, duo milites, tres Judei,
Judas vendens Jesum.
(30) 27. Agnus paschalis, Cetta Domini, xij apostoli,
Jesus procinctus lintheo lauans pedes
eorum ; institucio sacrimenti corporis
Cristi in noua legej communio aposto-
lorum.
(31) 28. Pilatus, Cayphas, Annas, xiiij milites
anfiati, Malcus, Petrus, Jacobus, Johan-
nes, Jesus, et Judas osculans et tra-
dens eum.
(32) 29. Jesus, Anna, Cayphas, et iiij^^' Judei per-
cucientes et colaphizantes ^Jesum ;
Petrus, mulier accusans Petrum, et
Malchus °.
(33) SO. Jesus, Pilatus, Anna, Cayphas, duo con-
siliarii, et iiij""^ ludei accusantes Jesum.
have been added to the Masons and Laborers for the Purification (see p. xxi,
note 4). I have found nothing as to the Plummers, who stand for this play
in both Burton's lists.
^ Added later. Old-fashioned people in Yorkshire Still remember the vests
made of well-dressed skins, often handsomely embroidered.
^ In 1492 the Blacksmiths and Bladesmiths disagreed, one result of the arbi-
tration before the Mayor was that they no longer contributed their ' paiaunt
silver ' to the same pageant (Book —1 fo. 330).
' • Homers ' added later ; on 3 1 April, 1 5 Hen. VII (i 500), it was ordered that
the Homers ' from nowfurth paying pageant money to be contributory with the
cutlers and bladsmyths.' (Book rr:, fo. 194 v">.).
' ' Waterleders ' added later. In the second list this play, 30, is divided in
two, of which the Bakers have one, the Waterleders the other. But the Regis-
ter agrees with the present in having but one play, assigned to the Bakers, while
the Waterleders combine with the Cooks (p. 307).
° These words appear to have been re-written in a blacker ink.
° The word is here spelt Tapisers, in the other places Tapiters ; in the Old
XXIV INTRODUCTION.
liittesters ... \ ^34) 31- Herodes, duo consiliarii, iiij" Milites,
' Jesus, et iij Judei.
Cukes j (35) 32. Pilatus, Anna, Cayphas, duo Judei, et Judas
"Waterleders... ) reportans eis xxx argenteos \
Usages of Winchester, of a rather earlier date, the same trade is called Tapener.
(English Gilds by Toulmin Smith, p. 350.) It is curious that no mention is
made by Burton of dame Percula, Pilate's wife, nor of any of the personages in
the first scenes, which must have been prominent and popular. A later note in
the Register seems to refer to another play for the Couclxers (see p. 146 note) : it
may be that there were two plays on this subject, and that Burton describes the
(shorter) one not registered.
The Linenweavers contributed to the Tapiters' pageant, for in 1477 they were
discharged of the necessity of doing so (Council Book, Lib. III. fo. 20 v".). But
in 1485 they joined them again, laying their own pageant aside (Council Book,
II and IV, fo. 74.)
' In Burton's second list, there follows, between 35 and 36 of the above,
'Sausmakers, Suspencio Jude.' (Drake erroneously inserts it in the list
above.) We learn from two interesting entries that this was a distinct
play in which ' Judas se suspendebat et crepuit medius : ' in Play XXXII
of the Register, Judas says he will go out and kill himself (p. 314),
but there is hardly room to suppose that he does it on the stage, as not the
slightest remark is made upon it by succeeding speakers. The following relates
to this play (Book — , fo. 48 b, printed in Hist. MSS. Com. i. p. 109 : unfortun-
ately Mr. Riley gives neither date nor conclusion, and I did not myself see it in
the original, but it is probably before 1410): —
' Whereas there was grievous complaint made here in the council-chamber by
the craftsmen of the city, the " salsarii " to wit, whom we commonly call " salse-
makers," that, although by usage hitherto followed, all the folks of the salsemaker
crafte, and also of the candel crafte, without the Flesshchameles [Flesh shambles],
who in their houses and windows sold and exposed Paris candles, did at their own
costs and charges together maintain, upon the feast and holiday of Corpus Christi
in that city the pageant in which it is represented that Judas Scarioth hanged
himself, and burst asunder in the middle, yet now the Pellipers [Skinners] and
other craftsmen of this city as well, by themselves and their wives, in great num-
bers, themselves not being salsemakers, do make and do presume to sell and
expose Paris candles in their houses and windows ; yet, upon being asked, they
do refuse to contribute to the maintenance of the pageant aforesaid ; therefore
unless some speedy remedy shall be applied thereto, and they be made to con-
tribute from henceforth jointly with the Salsemakers, these same Salsemakers
will no longer be able to support such pageant.' The play was eventually
either suppressed, or a portion was cut out, and we get the remainder as part of
our XXXII, not in XXXIII, as might be expected from the next extract.
It is difficult to trace the changes, or the precise dates when they were made
but that the form of the plays was affected by the quarrels among the crafts the
following extract shows. It indicates also a reason for the divergences in part
of the subject between XXXIII of the Register and 36 of Burton's list above
The play in the Register accords with the agreement of 1422 and with
Burton's description of 1415, except that it does not comprise the portion
drawn from the Millers' play on the casting lots for the Vestments. Plays
XXXIII-XXXV must therefore have been enregistered sometime subsequent
to 1422.
•Cum nuper in tempore Henrici Preston maioris [1422], de avisamento con-
silii camere, pagina de lez Salsemakers ubi Judas se suspendebat et crepuit
DATE OF THE MANUSCRIPT.
XXV
Tielmakers
Milners ^
(Ropers,
Seveourz)
Tumours
Hayresters
Boilers ...
To[uiidours] °
' (36) 33. Jesus, Pilatus. Cayphas, Anna, sex milites
tenentes hastas cum vexillis, et alij quat-
tuor ducentes Jesum ab Herode petentes
Baraban dimitti et Jesum crucifigi, et
ibidem ligantes et flagellantes eum, po-
nentes coronam spineam super caput
eius ; tres milites mittentes '' sortem
super vestem Jesu.
(37) 34. Jesus, sanguine cruentatus, portans cru-
cem uersus Caluariam. Simon Sereneus,
Judei angariantes eum vt toUeret cru-
cem, Maria mater Jesu, Johannes apo-
stolus intimans tunc proxime dampna-
cionem et transitum filii sui ad caluariam.
Veronica tergens ' sanguinem et su-
dorem de facie Jesu cum flammeolo in
quo imprimitur facies Jesu ; et alie
mulieres lamentantes Jesum.
medius in ludo Corporis Cristi, et pagina de lez Tilemakers ubi Pilatus con-
dempnavit Jesum morti, et pagina de lez Tumors, Hayresters, et Boilers ubi
Jesus ligatus erat ad columpnam et flagellatus, et pagina Molendinariorum ubi
Pilatus et alii milites ludebant ad talos pro vestimentis Jesu et pro eis sortes
mittebant et ea parciebantur inter se, fnerunt combinate simul in vnam paginam,
ceteris predictis paginis pro perpetuo exclusis, que quidem pagina decetero vo-
cabitur pagina condempnacionis Jesu Cristi ; — super hoe artifices artium predic-
tarum contendebant inter se de modo solucionis ad paginam predictam.'
Arbitrators were appointed who settled that the Salsemakers and Tilemakers
should bear the burden and expenses, 'et ipsam in bono et honeste modo
annuatim ludendam producent ; ' the Millers to contribute yearly ioj., and with
the others ' in cibo potuque solacia percipiant ; ' the Hayresters to contribute
£j. and one of them • circueat cum ludo et pagina,' also to share the ' solace.'
The shares for reparations to the pageant were also fixed and admonition
given that none ' litiget nee aliquam discordiam- facial.' Finally ' quod nulla
quatuor artium predictarum ponat aliqna signa, arma, vel insignia super paginam
A
predictam nisi tantum arma cujus hon. civitatis.'
(Book — > fo. 274 v". Davies
gives a part of this, p. 235 note.)
^ Several changes are apparent in the writing here. The Ropers and
Sevours [? Sievors] were added later. As to the Milners, see last note, and
p. 320 note.
' This last subject, which had been that of the Millers' play (see last note but
one), is contracted in the Register to a few lines at the end of XXXIV and
XXXV ; see pp. 347, 358.
* The leaf here is very thin owing to erasure ; a hole is in the middle of this
word and an interlineation above it, which may have been Shermen.
* This word is doubtful, the above seems to be the right reading. The Play
XXXIV in the Register makes one of the Maries perform the office of Veronica ;
see p. 343, 11. 184-190.
XXVl
INTRODUCTION.
fo. 245.
Pynners
Xiatoners
Payntours
Bouchers
Pulters ...
Sellers^
Verrours' ...
Fuystours ...
Carpenters ...
(Junours, Cart-
wrightes, Caru-
ours, Sawers) *
■WyndraTtrers
Broggours
"Wolpakkers
(Wadmen) °
Eseriueners
IjTmi[i]nerB
Questors *
Dubbers
TalHaunders '
(38) 35. Crux, Jesus extensus in ea super terram ;
liij°>^ Judei flagellantes et trahentes
eum cum funibus, et postea exaltantes
crucem et corpus Jesu cruci conclauatum
super montem Caluarie.
(39) 36. Crux, duo latrones crucifixi, Jesus suspen-
sus in cruce inter eos, Maria mater Jesu,
Johannes, Maria, Jacobus, et Salome.
Longeus cum lancea, servus cum spon-
gea, Pilatus, Anna, Cayphas, Centurio,
Josep [ab Aramathia'] et Nidhodemus,
deponentes eum in sepulcro.
37. Jesus spolians infemum, xij spiritus, [vj]
boni et vj mali.
(40)
(41)
38. Jesus resurgens de sepulcro, quatuor
milites armati, et tres Marie lamen-
tantes, Pilatus, Cayphas [et Anna.
Juvenis sedens ad sepulcrum indutus
albo, loquens mulieribus *].
(42) 39. Jesus, Maria Magdalena cum aromatibus.
(43)
(44)
40.
42.
Jesus, Lucas, et Cleophas in forma pere-
grinorum.
Jesus, Petrus, Johannes, Jacobus, Phillipus
et alii apostoli cum parte piscis assi et
favo mellis, et Thomas apostolus pal-
pans vulnera Jesu.
(45) 43. Maria, Johannes Euaungelista, xj apostoli,
ij angeli, Jesus ascendens coram eis, et
iiij<"^ angeli portantes nubem.
' Later interlineation.
' ' Sadellers' is written above.
' ' Glasiers' written over.
* These passages added later. In 1562 we find that the joyners, [carpenters,
carvers, wheelwrights, and sawyers were united, and were henceforth quit of
paying to the charges of the Ropers' and Turners' pageant. Book it , fo. 234.
' 'Wadmen' in a later haiidj In the Register this play is assigned to the Sled-
men : see pp. 421, 426.
° ' Pardoners ' is written in the same small explanatory hand as before, over
' Questors.' This play is marked for the Scriveners only in both the Register
and the separate copy. See pp. 448, 455. As to Luminers, see Index.
' ' Taillyoures ' is written over.
DATE OF THE MANUSCRIPT.
xxvu
I^otters
Drapers
Iiynweuers ..
"Weuers of
wollen
Hostilers^ ..
Mercers
(46) 44. Maria, duo angeli, xj apostoli, et spiritus
sanctus descendens super eos, et mj°^
Judei admirantes.
(47) 45. Jesus, Maria, Gabriell cum duobus angelis,
duo virgines et tres Judei de cognacione
Marie, viij Apostoli, et ij diaboli.
(48) Quatuor Apostoli portantes feretrutn Mar^, et
Fergus pendens super feretrum, cum ij
aliis Judeis [cTum vno Angelo] '.
(49) 46. Maria ascendens cum turba angelorum,
viij apostoli, et Thomas apostolus pre-
dicans in deserto.
47.
48,
Maria, Jesus coronans earn, cum turba
Migelorum cantans.
Jesus, Maria, xij apostoli, iiijo'^ angeli cum
tubis, et iiij" cum corona, lancea, et ij
flagellis; iiij""^ spiritus boni et iiij""^
spiritus maligni, et vj diaboli.'
A careful study of the foregoing shows, I think, that the Register
closely agrees with Burton's list of 1415, as originally written;
but that the corrections in the .list of the older names to Barkers,
' This play, founded on a well-known incident in the apocryphal legend of
the death of Mary, is the only one all trace of which is wanting in the Register.
As the play must have been attractive on account of the behaviour of the impious
Fergus from whom it came to be named, the omission is singular, especially as
it is included in Burton's second list, ' Masons, Portacio corporis Marie.' The
testimony of the records appears contradictory; the earliest I find is in 16
Edw. IV, 1476, when the Lynenwevers are discharged from contributing to the
Tapiters pageant because they ' have in faire propir personnes, comen afore fe
saidemaire and counsaile, and jiere of Jjaire fre mocion and will have bounden Jiayme
and Jiayre craft perpetually to kepe bryng forth and place or make to be placed
yerely upon Corpus Cristi day a pageant and play called Fergus at Jaire propir
costes and expenses.' (Council Book III, fo. 20 V.) In 2 Ric.TII, 1485, ' it was
determyned that the Tapiters Cardemakers and lynwevers of this Citie be togeder
annexid to the bringing furth of the padgeantes of the Tapiter craft and Card-
maker. Soo that the padgeant called Fergus late broght furth by the lyn-
wevers be laid apart.' (Council Book II, IV, fo. 74.) But notwithstanding
this it was evidently contemplated that ' Fergus ' might one day be revived,
for thirty-two years later, 9 Hen. VIII, in an arbitration between the linen-
weavers and the woollen weavers, the former agree to pay 5^-. yearly to the cutlers
on behalf of the woollen weavers, ' vnto suche tyme as the said lynweuers will
play or cause to be played the pageant somtyme called vergus pageant ; and then
the said lynweuers shall reteyn & kepe the said ys. toward Jier own charges
for the bringyng furth of the said vergus pageant.' (Minute Book 9, fo. 94 v°.)
' This is in a later hand, and written on an erasure. The Innholders, which
seems another name for the same business, brought out this play after 1483.
XXV'IU INTRODUCTION.
Glovers, Fyshmongers, Goldsmythes, &c. the insertion of the lines
for the Prologue in XII, and the amalgamations in our text of
Burton's Nos. 26 and 27, and, in XXXIII, of the older plays re-
corded in the agreement of 1422 (p. xxiv), all point to the period
of the Register as a few years later, say from 1430-1446.
The omission of ' Fergus ' was probably accidental ; it does
not*afifect this point. The manuscript authorities at the British
Museum consider the hand-writing to date between 1 430-1 450.
We have no more exact data than these on which to form a judg-
ment or to base a nearer determination of the date of the MS.
The difference in the number of plays (fifty-seven) found in
Burton's second list is accounted for thus ; of the nine more than
in the Register, three are those there omitted, viz. the Marriage at
Cana, Jesus in the House of Simon, and Fergus ; in two cases the
subjects of two plays are found combined in one of the Register,
in two other instances three are combined in one, thus ten plays
are reduced to four, making an apparent loss of six.
Other Plays : Municipal Control : Stations, Proclamation,
&c. York was from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries a
play-loving city, and the performances must have benefited the in-
habitants by the concourse of visitors they attracted, who were by no
means always of the baser sort. Besides the Corpus Christi plays
they had several others. ' Once on a time, a Play setting forth
the goodness of the Lord's Prayer was played in the city of York ;
in which play all manner of vices and sins were held up to scorn,
and the virtues were held up to praised' The play found so
much favour that a gild of men and women was founded for the
express purpose of keeping it up ; among their rules (which con-
tain the usual provisions for mutual help) some of the members
were bound to ride or walk with the players through the streets
during the play until it was ended, to ensure good order. Wiclif,
who died in 1384, advocating the translation of the Bible, refers to
'Jje paternoster in englijsch tunge, as men seyen in Jje pley of
York V In 1389 they had no land nor goods 'save the proper-
I ' English Gilds,' by Toulmin Smith, p. 137, Preamble to ordinances of Gild
of the Lord's Prayer.
^ De officio Pastorali, cap. 15. English Works, ed. F. D. Matthew, E. E. T.
Soc. p. 429.
OTHER PLAYS. xxiX
ties needed in the playing of the play,' and a chest to keep them
in. The play itself is now lost, but as it held up the vices to scorn
and the virtues to praise, there must have been several divisions or
books, perhaps a separate play for each quality ; the whole was
called the 'play' of the Lord's Prayer, just as the whole collection
of our Register was called the 'Corpus Christi playe.' Canon
Raine of York is the fortunate possessor of a compotus Roll ^ of
this gild ' Oracionis domini,' dated Michaelmas, 1399, which shows
that there were then over 100 members and their wives, and that
they possessed rents and receipts amounting to £26 5^. it^d.
Many curious details are entered concerning ' expensis convivie,'
reparations, &c., and the purchase of a quantity of cloth, bought to
be sold again, every measure and the price paid being carefully set
down ; but the only gleaning as to the gild-play is that among
' debita Vetera ' scored off, John Downom and his wife had "owed
2s. 2d. for entrance fee, ' sed dictus Johannes dicit se experidisse
in diuersis . expensis circa ludum Accidie ex parte Ric. Walker
'\\s. id., ideo de predicto petit allocari.' In this play we may pre-
sume the vice of gluttony was ' held up to scorn,'
The gild of Our Lord's Prayer went the way of most other gilds
at the dissolution, but their play-book seems to hawremainedJn
the hands of the Master of St. Anthony's gild (which escaped), for
in 1558 it was performed in lieu of the Corpus Christi plays on
that festival under care of the officers of St. Anthony's, though at
the cost of the city''. In 1572 the Master was ordered to bring
the book to my Lord Mayor to be perused, amended, and corrected,
after which the play was again performed with great state on the
Corpus Thursday of the same year. But alas ! on 30 July, ' my
Lord Archbisshop of York [Grindal] requested to have a copie of
the bookes of the Pater Noster play, whereupon it was aggreed that
His Grace shall have a trewe copie of all the said bookes even as
' My acknowledgments are due to Canon Raine for his kindness in putting
this Roll into my hands.
" ' Arraetson, peynter, shall have for peynting of certeyne canvas clothes for
Pater Noster playe liij'. iiij*. of the money gathered of pageant silver.' ' For-
asmoche as the money gathered of the pageant sylver will not amount to the
chardge of Pater Noster play by iiij"., it is aggred that my lord mayor shall
goe over agayne and reasonably gather of every occupacion chardgeable to the
same the sayd some behynde.' Minute Book, July 1558, quoted in Davies,
p. 266 note.
XXX INTRODUCTION.
they were played this yere.' His Grace was asked for the books
in i575> but they have not been heard of since ^
In 1408 the gild of Corpus Christi was founded in order to do
honour to the feast of that name by a procession, which rapidly
became rich and popular^ ; it had nothing to do with the plays
performed on Corpus Christi Day, which, as we have seen, were
produced by the crafts (with the single exception of St. Leonard's
Hospital) ; but in 1446 ^ William Revetor, a chantry priest, member
and warden of the gild, bequeathed to the gild a play called The
Creed Play, with the books and the banners belonging to it, to be
performed through York every tenth year. The play-book must
then have been old and long in use, as in 1455 it was so worn and
imperfect that the officers of the gild had got it transcribed, and,
according to the inventory of gild property made in 1465, it con-
sisted of twenty-two quires (quaternos), whence we may judge that
it was of considerable length. It was performed about Lammas
tide every tenth year, and five such performances, beginning in
1483* are recorded ; the last of these, in 1535, superseded the
usual Corpus Christi plays °, a proceeding to which the crafts in
154S would not consent. The gild was abolished in 1547, but
the books of the Creed play remaining in possession of the
Hospital of St. Thomas, the city council tried in 1568 to have
it performed again. It was then that the book was sent to _,
Dean Hutton, who, in the letter before referred to, gave ' suerlie
' See Davies' Extracts, pp. 269, 271.
^ See ' English Gilds," p. 141. My father made a natural error (in which
Drake preceded him, followed by Skaife and Klein) in confusing the procession
of the gild and the Corpus Christi pageants together, and supposing them
both to have been brought out by the gild. I take the above particulars
as to the Creed play from Davies' Extracts, pp. 357-260, 267, 268, 272 and
note, to vphich the reader is referred for fuller information, as well as to
Skaife's edition of the Register of Corpus Christi, in which are printed the inven-
tories of the gild. The properties used in the play are also given by Davies
p. 273.
" Register of the gild of Corpus Christi, ed. by R. H. Skaife, Surtees Society,
1872, pp. 24, 294.
' The performance in 14S3 seems to have been an exceptional one, given on
7th, September, when Richard III came to York for his second coronation.
' Agreid that the Creid play shall be playd afore our suffreyn lord the kyng of
Sunday next cumyng, apon the cost of the most onest men of every parish in
thys Cite.' Davies, p. 171.
= The Chamberlain's book for 27 Hen. VIII contains two lists of the contri-
butions paid by the pageant-masters of thirty-five companies, though the Corpus
play was not played.
OTHER PLAYS. XXXl
mine aduise that it shuld not be plaied,' and we hear of it no
more.
Each of these two great-pkys-jna-jvl think, undoubtedly be de-
scribed in the term, ' ludus in diversis paginis,' applied to the Corpus
Christi plays'. There was also in York the universally-spread
play of St. George, at Midsummer, with its procession '' ; but no-
thing is known of the local text of this, which was almost surely a
single short play.
The plays just mentioned were brought out by or for their
respective gilds, or afterwards under the care of the corporation.
The Corpus Christi plays were brought out in York, as in every
other English town where they are known, by the crafts or trade
companies ", to which they seem to have been regarded as a pecu- '
liar adjunct. Archdeacon Rogers' words [died 1595] as to the.
Chester plays apply here exactly — ' the actors and players were-
the occupacions and companies in this cittie, the charges and costs
thereof, which was greate, was theires also *.' His description of
the pageant-scaffold, and of the manner of moving from street to
street, performing in turn at each station, may be borne in mind
while reading the following notes from the York records, which, if
they do not add much that is quite new to our knowledge of the
machinery and methods pursued, fill in the picture with several
interesting details. It will be observed that they form a near
parallel to the similar practices, especially as regards contributions
to the pageants and the combination or discharge of crafts, which
obtained at Coventry ^. The control by the municipal officers over
the whole of these entertainments comes out perhaps more pro-
minently in the York documents than anywhere else, though there
cannot be a doubt from the general relation of the craft gilds to
the towns that this was really exercised everywhere. ^
The earliest notice of the Corpus Christi plays in York yet
found is in 1378, when certain fines incurred by the Bakers were
• ' Quendum Indum sumptuosnm in diversis paginis compilatum veteris et
noni testamenti,' &c. Preamble to record touching W. Melton, see after, p. xxxiv.
'^ See Davies, p. 363.
' There is some doubt about what plays the Coventry crafts produced.
* Ormerod's Cheshire, ed. 1810, I. p. 300.
' See Thos. Sharp's Dissertation on the Coventry Mysteries, 1825, pp.
8-12.
1/
XXX ii INTRODUCTION.
ordered to go, half to the city chamber, half ' a la pagine des ditz
Pestours de corpore cristi.' (Book y' f°- 9 v°-) From this, as
from the next notices, it is apparent that the plays had already been
in use for many years ; each craft had its assigned pageant to
which the members contributed, a certain number of Statiotis in the
city were appointed before which each play in turn was acted ; the
whole of the plays had to be got through in one day, therefore no
craft must take their pageant anywhere else. In 1394 it was
ordered by the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty assembled in the
Gildhall that all the pageants should play in the places appointed
of old time {antiquitus assignatis) and not elsewhere, viz. as it was
proclaimed by the mayor, bailiffs, and their officers, and the crafts
were to be fined if they did not conform*. In 1397 Richard II
was at the festival in York, when special preparations were made.
He seems to have been placed at the head station at the gates of
Holy Trinity, the porter of which received a fee of ^d. ' In 1399
there was still trouble about the stations ; the commons petitioned
the council that, as they are at great cost about ' le juer et les
pagentz de la iour de corpore cristi,' which were not performed
as they ought to be on account of there being too many places,
the number of these should be limited to twelve. Davies gives the
. list of these as ordered at this date ^ — ^probably it was an old order
re-affirmed. The same places (described a little differently) are
found in an order of 7 June, 1 4 1 7, which I here copy from Drake *.
' For the convenience of the citizens and of all strangers coming to
the said feast that all the pageants of the play called Corpus Cristi
Play should . . . begin to play, first —
At the gates of the pryory of the Holy Trinity in Mikel-gate, next
'At the door of Robert Harpham, next
1 Book-TT, fo. 15 v°. and Davies, p. 230.
^ Davies gives an interesting fragment of a Chamberlain's account from
which these facts are learnt. The pagina with its painting, clothes, and new banner,
.' and which required eight porters to move it, may refer to a special scaffold for
the occasion ; it cannot here be the play.
' Book:^, fo. 17 V". Davies, pp. 231, 232.
* Eboracum, Appx. xxxii.
STATIONS, PROCLAMATION, ETC. XXxiii
At the door of the late John Gyseburn, next
At Skelder-gate-hend and North-strete-hend, next
At the end of Conyng-strete towards Castel-gate, next
At the end of Jubir-gate, next
At the door of Henry^Wyman, deceased, in Conyng-strete, then
At the Common Hall at the end of Conyng-strete, then
At the door of Adam del Brygs, deceased, in Stayne-gate, then
At the end of Stayn-gate at the Minster-gates, then
At the end of Girdler-gate in Peter-gate, and lastly
Upon the Pavement,'
In the same year 141 7, according to Davies, this restriction was
removed, the city allowed free trade in the matter, and ordered '
that ' those persons should be allowed to have the play before their
houses who would pay the highest price for the privilege, but that
no favour should be shown ^' Whether the stations had been
actually rented before this date is not seen; in 1478 we note a
lease by the corporation of a point at the east end of Ouse bridge
for twelve years, and the ' dimissio locorum ludi Corporis Christi",'
or the ' Lesys of corpus cristy play ' come to be not an infrequent
entry in the Chamberlain's Accounts, and a source of income to
the city'''. Davies gives a list of these for twelve places, temp.
Hen. VIII, and another for sixteen places in 1554'. In 1519 I
find a list of fourteen places let to various persons at rents varying
from i2(/., 2s., 2s. 8d., ^s. 4d., to 4s. ^d. In 1535 these leases
brought in nothing because ' Creyd play was then played.'
Of the Proclamation referred to in the order of 1394 above, we
have a copy entered by the town clerk. Burton, in 1415, imme-
diately following the schedule of plays. The Mayor, as officer of
the king's peace, had this duty, see similar proclamations at Bristol
before festive occasions * ; perhaps the latter part of the announce-
ment may answer to the words of the bane or messenger preceding
the Chester plays ; in York, too, when the Pater Noster play was
given on Corpus Christi day a special ' bayn or messenger ' was
twice sent round the city to announce it.
' Davies, p. 241.
' Just as at the present day the city of Leipzig lets the booths and the grotind
on which to erect them in certain places to individuals for the great annual
fairs.
^ Extracts, pp. 241, 264. * English Gilds, p. 427.
c
XXXIV INTRODUCTION.
' Proclamacio ' ludi corporis crisH facienda in vigilia corporis cristt.
Oiez, &c. We comand of ye kynges behalue and ye Mair and ye
shirefs of yis Citee yat no mann go armed in yis Citee with swerdes
ne with CarlUl-axes, ne none othir defences in distorbaunce of ye
kynges pees and ye play, or. hynderyng of ye processioun of Cor-
pore Christi, and yat yai leue yare hernas in yare Ines, saufand
knyghtes and sqwyers of wirship yat awe haue swerdes borne eftir
yame, of payne of forfaiture of yaire wapen and inprisonment of
yaire bodys. And yat men yat brynges furth pacentes yat yai play
at the places yat is assigned yerfore and nowere elles, of ye payne
of forfaiture to be raysed yat is ordayned yerfore, yat is to say xU.
And yat menn of craftes and all othir menn yat fyndes torches, yat
yai come furth in array and in ye manere as it has been vsed and
customed before yis time, noght haueyng wapen, careynge tapers
of ye pagentz. And officers yat ar keepers of )3e pees of payne of
forfaiture of yaire fraunchis and yaire bodyes to prison : And '^ all
maner of craftmen yat bringeth furthe ther pageantez in order and
course by good players, well arayed and openly spekyng, vpon
payn of lesying of C.j. to be paide to the chambre without any
pardon. And that euery player that shall play be redy in his
pagiaunt at convenyant tyme, that is to say, at the mydhowre be-
twix iiijt'i and vtli of the cloke in the mornynge, and then all oyer
pageantz fast foUowyng ilk one after oyer as yer course is, without
tarieng. Sub pena facienda camere v'\s. viii(5?.'
The picture of these good folks up at half-past four on a summer
morning ready to act their parts one after another reminds us of
Ober-Ammergau, in strong contrast to the habits of the modern stage.
Up till 1426 the procession of Corpus Christi and the plays had
both been taken on the same day, but in that year (it is entered on
the records') one William Melton of the Minor Friars coming to
the city, in different sermons 'ludum populo commendabat, affirm-
ando quod bonus erat in se et laudabilis valde;' but for several
* This document has been printed by Sharp and Marriott, both from Drake,
who, however, has many inaccuracies in this as in the schedule. It is here
collated with the original in Book — fo. 245 v°.
' From here to the end is in a different hand, and written over an erasure.
' Book A, fo. 269. See Davies, p. 243. Drake gives a translation of the
whole, Eboracum, Appx. xxix. Melton is styled 'sacrepagine professor,' a de-
scription of his status like the familiar S.T.P., but Drake, having pageants in
Jais head, translates it 'professor of holy pageantry.'
PAGEANTS AND THE PAGEANT-HOUSES. XXXV
reasons (probably because the sale' of indulgences was affected by
the non-attendance of the people at church) he induced the people
to have the play on one day and the procession on the second,
'sic quod populus convenire possit ad ecclesias in festo.' The
people, however, still kept the day of the festival for their play '.
Pageants and the Pageant-houses. There is no doubt that at
York, as at Coventry, the word pageant was used both for the
travelling scaffold on which the play was performed, and for the
representation. (Various forms of the word occur, pachent, paiaunt,
pagende, pagyant, padzhand, padgion, paidgion, padgin.') 'Repara-
tions to the pageant' are referred to not unfrequently "- Several
items for carpenter's work and for painting are found in 1397 (at
the visit of Richard II): in 1500, 'the cartwryghts [are] to make
iiij new wheles to the pagiaunt^' We might have found much
illustrative matter in the compotus rolls or account books of the
various companies, but unfortunately very few of these are pre-
served, the Book of the Pewterers, 1599, and the Innholders
Ordinary, 1608, do not refer to the play'. The Bakers' Accounts'
from 1584 down to 1835 have, however, been rescued : under date
1584 are the following items as to the pageant-scaffold : —
' Paid to the paidgion maisters for monye that they hadd laid furthe
after the makinge vppe o^^ accomptes concerning the playe as folow*^
Item for ij Iron lamps for the padgion, -xd.
Item for byrkes and Resshes to the padgion, i]d.
Item for ij gallands of ayle, vn]d.
Item to the laborer for taykinge the clothes vp and doune, and
nayles, iiijV.
Item to \]d. laborers for puttinge the padgion, \]s.'
For St. George's play in 1554 there were payments 'for vj yerdes
of canves to the pagyant,' and 'for payntyng the canves and pagyant.'
There is nothing to show whether the clothes or canvas were used
as adjuncts by way of scenery, or for draping some portions of the
scaffold. On some parts of the machine were placed the arms of
the city, who would not permit the crafts to set their signs instead,
1 Davies, pp. 243, 244, and see ib. p. 77. ' See pp. xxv note, xl.
' Davies, pp. 230, 240; 239.
* I was told that an old compotus roll of the Mercers' company still exists,
but I have been unable to get a sight of it.
' In the private possession of Joseph Wilkinson, Esq., of York, who
kindly lent me the volumes.
C 3
XXXvi INTRODUCTION.
see the agreement for combination ini 42 2 before cited '; and indeed
the sign of the municipal authority over and recognition of the
whole ' Play ' was unmistakably given by the use of the banners
with the city arms, which were set the previous evening at the
stations where the players were to perform''. In 14'/ 8 the city
paid 'pro uno baner. Thome Gaunt pro ludo Corporis Cristi,' and
to Margaret the sempstress 3d. ' pro emendacione vexillorum ludi
Corporis Cristi,' both which were evidently public property ^
These big movable stages which cost money to make and repair
had to be put away carefully while not in use, and the companies
hired buildings for this purpose, the memory of which still lingers
in the name Pageant Green* (now the railway station), near to
which there appear to have been several of these houses, in a place
called Raton-rawe. Thus we hear of ' le pagent-howse pellipari-
orum' in 1420^; in. 1502 ' the xookes shall have sufiScient and
convenient roome for theyr pagiaunt with the pagiaunt house of
the baxters j' and in 1585 the Bakers received 'paidgion rent' of
the Pynners and Paynters, while they paid ' to the brigg maisters
for the padgion howse ' rent, items which continue in their accounts
for many years". Among ' fre rentes to be paid yearely ' and other
'Rents due' to the corporation, entered in a book dated 1626, are
found the following, substantial relics of the old play-loving days : —
■ Of the Skinners for the pageante howse farme yerely due, xij^.
Of the Walkers for an Outeshott, iiij^^.
Of the Tapiters for their pageante howse, xijd.
Of the Tanners for the pageante howse, xiyd.
Of the Carpenters for their pageante howse, xij^.
Of the Bakers for their pageante howse, xijrf.
Of the Cordiners for their pageante howse, xijd.
Of the Cowpers for an outeshott, iiij^.'
' Page XXV, noie.
^ 1399. ' Et ordinatum est quod vexilla ludi cum armis ciuitatis liberentur
per maiorem in vigilia corporis cristi, ponenda in locis vbi eiit Indus paginarum,
et quod vexilla ipsa annuatim in crastino corporis cristi repertentur ad eandem,
ad manus maiorls et camararie ciuitatis, et ibidem custodiantur per totum
> -A.
annum. Book :^, fo. 17 V. This ordinance was made at the time that the
stations virere re-declared : see before, p. xxxii. ' Davies, pp. 64, 65.
* See ' Walks through the city of York,' by Rob. Davies, 1880, p. 130. It
is remarkable that in his interesting paper on the Pavemert, pp. 245-248, the
writer does not allude to the performance of the plays there. See before, p. xxxiii.
= Book—, fo. 42 v°. « Davies, p. 240.
THE PLAYERS. XXX\U
The Players. It will have been noted that the public Pro-
clamation required the crafts to provide ' good players, well arayed,
and openly spekyng.' It was a serious matter, and the credit of
the city was at stake, no foretaste of Fully Bottom and of Shake-
speare's ridicule warned the citizens of their- future dis-esteem. It
is hardly too much to say that the following law is one of the steps on
which the greatness of the Elizabethan stage was built,-alid' through
which its actors grew up. It was ordained on 3 April, 1476, by
the full consent and authority of the council, ' pat yerely in pe tyme
of lentyn there shall be called afore the maire for fje tyme beyng
iiij of fie moste connyng discrete and able players within this Citie,
to serche, here, and examen all pe plaiers and plaies and pagentes
thrughoute all pe artificers belonging to Corpus Xt* Plaie. And
all suche as Jsay shall fynde sufficiant in personne and connyng, to
pe honour of pe Citie and worship of pe saide Craftes, for to
admitte and able ; and all ojier insufHciant personnes, , either in
connyng, voice, or personne to discharge, ammove, and avoide.
' And Jjat no plaier jjat shall plaie in pe saide Corpus X'i plaie be
conducte and reteyned to plaie but twise on pe day .of pe saide
playe ; and {sat he or thay so plaing plaie not ouere twise pe saide
day, vpon payne of x\s. to forfet vnto pe chaumbre as often tymes
as he or J3ay shall be founden defautie in pe same ^7
The meaning of this last order is not clear, for each player
would have to play as many times as there were stations : can
it mean that no player might undertake more than two parts ? At
the end of the Play of the Sacrament {^see after, p. Ikviii ;) the names of
eleven players are given, with a note that ' IX may play it at ease,'
showing that some must here have taken double work. In Bale's
Kyng John, and in Preston's King Cambyses, several parts could be
performed by one actor (Ward's Hist, of Eng. Drama, i. p. 105 ;
Thos. Hawkins' Eng. Drama, vol. i. p. 249).
There was no lack of players to call in aid of examination ;
a hundred years before my lord Leicester's and the other itinerant
noblemen's companies of Elizabeth's time so frequently visited
the city^ we find the players of Donnington, Wakefield, and
London visiting York.
'^ Council Book, No. Ill, fo. 13 v».; Davies, p. 237,
■ ^ See Davies, p. 277.
XXXVUl INTRODUCTION.
1446. ' Item Ministrallis in festo Corporis Cristi, xxs.
ludentibus in festo natalis domini, v'njd.
ludentibus in festo circumsisionis, xijd.
iij ludentibus de Donyngton, xiji^.
j ludento de Wakefeld, vjrf.'
1447. 'iiij ludentibus de London die dominicaproximapostfest. Corp.
Cristi, vjj. viijrf.
les ministralls in festo Corp. Cristi, xvijj.
ij ludentibus Joly Wat and Malkyn, ijV.' ^
It will not be forgotten that the Towneley plays were performed
in the neighbourhood of Wakefield.
Expenses of the Plays : Pageant-masters. It has been seen
that the crafts supplied the players and the pageants, and hired the
pageant houses. To support these expenses each company ap-
pointed two ' pageant-masters,' whose duty it was to collect the
contributions of members, spend, and account for them and
the playing-gear, and look after the proper conduct of the play
of their craft. The 'ordinances' of most of the crafts included
one stipulating that members should pay to the support of their
pageant, e.g. the Cutlers' in 1444 and earlier'', the rate being
often called ' pageant-silver,' while of fines incurred, half was also
to go to the same fund. On the formation of a new company, or on
the Combination of old ones, even as late as 1572, it was laid
down that the 'craft shall goo with their pageant throughe the
citie as other occupacons and artificers doeth'.' The play in
fact so wove itself into the economy of the companies that it
became important to settle how much strangers and nori-franchised
men should pay towards it, and his pageant often became a test
of what craft a man belonged to. For one trade was continually
(in the natural course of change) encroaching upon another,
' From an account-book of classified payments, &c.^ marked 25 S. 6. The
last item, which occurs twice, seems to refer to some inferior representation.
' Book— , fos. 40, 41. 'Padgin monnye' survived among the ^ffl/5e« till 1 7 71.
■p
' The Plaisterers, Book ^i fo. 237. The ' Musicians commonly called the
Mynstrells' recorded their ordinances in 1561, choosing masters and two
teachers of the ' said sciens or craft 'like any other craft ; the members also had to
pay ' towardes the supportation and bryngyng forth of their pageant.' Book —
fo. 230. See after, p. 125.
EXPENSES OF THE PLAYS. XXXix
which engendered jealousies and uncertainty when contributions
towards a fixed liability such as the proper pageant came in
question. All these difficulties, arbitraments, bye-laws revised and
enrolled, were settled in the Mayor's court, hence their entry on
the official records of the city. A few of these, given as shortly
as possible, may be of interest.
14241 31 March. Plasierarii et iegularii domorum. By arbitra-
tion before the mayor it was settled that each man using both
trades should be 'in solvendo utrique pagine ipsarum artium;'
every workman of the tilers to pay 'ambabus paginis,' 3^.^ The
same trade in 1572 ordered that every ' lyme-burner,' a foreigner,
shall pay ^d. pageant-money.
The Barlours. Foreigners "^ who sell in the city shall be annually
contributory to 'paginam barbitonsorum lumenque.' About 1476
from Glovers and sellers of ' ynglissh ware ' there was to be
collected yearly ' to the sustentacion and vphalding of the pagende
of the for-saide crafte,' ' of a denysen \]d., and of a straunger iiijV.,'
excepting men 'selling London ware' and members of the gild of
Holy Trinity '.
Escriveners de Tixt. Davies prints some ordinances of this
company without date, referring them to temp. Rich. II. In one
of these the craftsman incurring a fine ' paiera xxj. desterlinges,
cest assavoir xj. a la chaumbre du counseil et xj. al oeps de lour
pagyne et lumer appartenaunte a lour dit artifice*.' As 'Tixt-
wryters, luminers, noters, turners, and florisschers,' they enrolled
new ordinances in 1491 ; no priest having a salary of seven marks
or more might exercise the craft ; ' any forein vsing any part of
the same craft that cumyth into this citie to sell any bukes or to
take any warke to wurk shall pay to the vp-holding of their pa'dgiant
yerelie, iiijW.' ^
* Book — ) fo. 249.
' lb. fo. 72. 'Foreigner' is used in these extracts in the sense of a ncn-
citizen.
^ Book— fo. 146 v">.
* Memoirs of the York Press, by Robert Daries. Westminster, 1868, Introd.
pp. I, 2.
"R
* Book — , fo. 167 : compare the above with No. 44 of Burton's list.
xl INTRODUCTION.
In 1485 the Girdlers ordered that all those 'of the church as
other' who make things pertaining to their craft (' bokes, claspes,
dog colers, chapes, girdilles,' &c.) shall pay double the rate due
from a member of the craft towards bringing forth their pageant ^.
This must have been directed against some poor monk or priest
who tried to finish off his own book-covers.
The Lynweuers, however, by the arbitrament of iSi^j were
allowed to ' aske, clame, nor take no pageant money or pageant
siluer of any foreign straunger that is not freman fraunchesed ^.'
The Curryours ordered that ' quilibet servicius in prima leva-
cione shoppe' should pay 3J. ^d. 'pro sustentatione pagine'.'
For the Millers it was ordered (probably before 1400) that all
who ' follow the craft called " Mele-makers " ' shall pay to the
pageant of the millers as they should reasonably agree with the
masters of the pageant *.
Another trade combination was that of the Pynners and Wyre-
drawers in 1482, those that 'makes pynnes or draweth wyre, or
maketh ffisshe-hukes or shobakilles ^,' must join at the pageant of
the Pynnefs ° ; while the following setdement of a discord shows
the proportionate charges on master and journeyman, and how
the chamberlains acted as temporary trustees.
21 Nov., 1 51 7, Skinners, &c. : —
' At whiche day it was agreed that for a peace to be hade betwixt the
Skynners and the vestment makers that from hensforth the vestment-
makers shall pay yerly to the bryngyng furth of the Skynners pageant,
euery maister viiji/. & euery jenaman m]d., & no more, to be paide
w*oute denye, yerly, to the chamberlayne handes affore the fest of Wit-
sonday, and then the skynners to resceyue it atte chamberlayne handes,
and they not to be charged w* the repparacons of there pageant '.'
Shipmen and Mariners. A ' concordia' was made at an early
date between ' marinarios at piscenarios de Vsegate,' — ' habentes
batellos, de modo soluendi ad paginam nauis Noe, ad quam
vtraque pars singulis annis fuit et est simul contributoria *.' And
' Council Book, Nos. II, IV, fo. 74. ^ Minute Book 9, fo. 94 v".
' Booky' fo. 274. * Hist. MSS. Com. I. p. 109.
' Shoe buckles. « Book =, fo. 369 v°.
' Minute Book 9, fo. 93 v". " Book i^i fo. 52 v".
PAGEANT-MASTERS. xH
the Shipmen agreeing on their ordinances in the council chamber,
1479, ordered that a franchised man 'salyng as maister w* a
freman pay yerely ijd., and he Jj* salys as a felowe pay jd., to the
sustentacion and vpholding as well of the pageant of Noe, as of ]?e
bringing furth and beryng of certan torches before the shryne of
corpus xpi, yerely.' And to chuse searchers and pageant master
on the ' secound sonday of clene lentyn '.'
The ordinances of the Marshals and Smiths and of the Armourers
throw light on the functions of the pageant masters, officers whom
the Bakers continued to choose down to 161 1 and 1656^- The
former, besides ordering them in 1409 to summon the craftsmen,
in 1443 ordained 'fiat every man of Jje said craftes shal be preuy
to )3e receytes and expense of al money Jsat shal be receyued to
})e said pageantes, as wele pageaunt-siluer as other. And J)at Jie
pageant-maisters of both Jse said craftes shal make ]5air rakenyng
and gife accompt euery yere fro nowe furth, vpone Sononday next
before Missomerday '.' The Armourers in 1476 agreed to meet
yearly on the second Sunday after Corpus Christi day to choose
their searchers and pageant-masters for the ensuing year; they
also ordered ' that alle the maisters of the same crafte from nowe-
furth yerely on Corpus Xpi day in Jje mornyng be redy in thair
owen propre personnez, euery one of thayme with ane honest
wapyn, to awayte apon their pagende maisters and pagende at jje
playnge ande settynge furth thair saide pagende, at ]3e firste place
where they shall begyne. And so to awayte apon jse same thair
pagende thurgh ])^ cite, to \>^ play be plaide as of jj* same
pagende*.'
The Spuriers and Lorymers in 1493 made a similar regulation,
that all the masters of the craft ' shall attend vppon yer paiaunt from
y® maten of play be begune at y^ furst place vnto such tyme as y«
said play be played and finished thrugh the toune at y^ last playse ^'
. Returning to the pageant-masters, it is abundantly clear that
they collected the pageant-silver and expended it, for example,
' Book — , fo. 294 v". '' Bakers' accounts, cited before.
' See ' Ordinances of the Marshals and Smiths at York ' in the Antiquary,
March, 1885.
♦ Book 2r, fo. 146. » Council Book, No. VII, fo. 109 v».
xlii INTRODUCTION.
the Goldsmiths declared in 1561 that they 'shall yerely make a
dewe accompte of the money and of the playing geare vnto thoc-
cupation on St. Dunstan's even S' and the lyme-burners were to
pay their money yearly when demanded by the pageant-masters
(1572)^
Burton's list of 141-5 and the Register give the Ostlers as playmg
the Coronation of our Lady. The following shows that there must
have been a re-arrangement in 1483, when perhaps the new play
of which a- fragment is written at the end of the Register (see
p. 514) was tried. Four men came before the mayor, 'and by the
assent of all the Inholders of this seid Cite tuke apon them to
bryng furth yerly duryng the term of viij yere then next folluyng
the pagent of the Coronacion of our Lady perteyning to the said
Inholders, and also to reparell the said paghantj so Y ^^^X V"
holds Inys and haith no syns pay as wele, and as moche yerely to
the reparacion of the said pagent, and brynging furth of the same,
as the said Inholders |j* haith syns doyth,' i.e. \d. each'-
II.
Comparative Literature. It would be out of place here to enter
into any disquisition on the history or origin of the religious drama,
even in England, which have been treated by various writers * ; the
York Corpus Christi plays step in to a definite period when the drama
was already in the hands of laymen and quite apart from liturgical
service, although we perhaps get a few glimpses of the former con-
■p
' Book—, fo. 229 v".
° See also the concord between the Marshals and Smiths in 1428 : Antiquary,
as before.
^ Council Book, No. V, 28 April, i Rich. III. The city agreed to aid the
Innholders by 2j. a year, which is found in the Chamberlain's accounts of 1522
to have been paid.
' It is enough to name the well-known works of Adolf Ebert, and J. L.
Klein, for Italy, Spain, and Germany ; Mone and Wilken for Germany ; D'Ancona
for Italy ; Sepet and Petit de JuUeville for France ; Morley (' English Writers '),
Collier, Ward, and some chapters in Warton for England. To which should be
added ' Early Mysteries and Latin Poems of twelfth and thirteenth centuries,' by
Thomas Wright, 1838, an important little volume; W. Marriott's 'Collection
of English Miracle Plays,' Basel, 1838 ; Thomas Sharp's ' Dissertation on
the Coventry Mysteries,' Coventry, 1835 ; Mr. J. O. Halliwell-Phillipps' chapter
on the Coventry Mysteries in the fourli edition of his ' Outlines of the Life of
Shakespeare,' and the first chapter of W. Kelly's ' Notices illustrative of the
English Drama,' 1865.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE. xliu
nection with the church through the houses of St. Leonard and of
Holy Trinity^, through the music attached to the 46th Play, and
possibly through the authorship of our plays. Compared with the
remains of this kind of literature which still exist on the continent,
our islands are poor indeed ; and what we have has suffered by
fragmentary treatment. The York cycle forms an important con-
tribution to our stock ; it is, as a whole, the most complete English
collection, the only known full text that we are sure was played
by the crafts at the Corpus Christi festival. It may be useful to gather
up briefly the places in our country where religious plays are recorded
to have been performed, and all the examples of such pla,ys them-
selves which now remain, for comparison^. We thus see that
there must have been at least eight or ten cycles of plays dealing
with ' matter from the Creation ' till Domesday at greater or less-
length ; in such cases as Dublin and Newcastle it is probable
that the accounts are fragmentary, and that the names of some
parts are lost. Candlemas, Whitsuntide, and the day of Corpus
Christi were the favorite seasons, but most of these cycles sfeeni to
have been played at Corpus Christi festival ', — the Chester collec7
tion belonged to Whitsuntide. In France the day of Corpus Christi
was celebrated with dumb shows, or . mysteres mim^s, with the
procession; their great dramatic cycles were performed at other
seasons, and apparently not with the recurring regularity of ours ;
the municipalities took them up with zeal and vigour : but the plays
do not seem to have become so closely a part o'f the life of the
people as, for instance, in York *.
On the comparison of the cycles, the unity of design running
through them becomes apparent. The subject was always taken
from the biblical histories in due order, the greater part from the
New Testament and the apocryphal legends connected with it,
which were part of the religion and entered into the literature of
the middle ages. We note, too, a sense of appropriate calling
in the occupations to the subject of the particular play assigned
' See before, pp. xi, xii, xxi, xxxii.
2 See Appendix II to this Introduction. Some other notices in topograpliic
works and local records are likely to be found, though I have collected all
known to me. •
' It is not known when the Cornish cycle was performed.
* L. Petit de JuUeville, 'Les Mysteres,' Paris, 1880, torn. i. pp. 198, 351-
3S6.
Xliv INTRODUCTION.
to each, which must have had some original impulse. Jusserand
and other writers have noticed this incidental fact, which is illus-
trated by the Dublin, Newcastle, and Beverley lists, as much as by
any other. It may be studied in the York collection, which shows how,
amid the shifting of crafts, this fitness was on the whole preserved.
The festival of Corpus Christi was instituted in 1264. The
great poem Cursor Mundi, written early in the 14th century, by a
native of the Durham district, was intended, he tells us, for the
honour of Mary (lines 69-120, 23909-20); but whatever impulse
sent it forth, it is impossible not to be struck with the general re-
semblance, in subject and arrangement, between the Cursor Mundi
and the York cycle of Corpus plays ^- This offers a closer parallel
to that poem than any of the other collections ; first, because it is
more perfect and comprehensive ; secondly, because it is free from
much of the coarse jocularity and popular incident which were in-
troduced into the Towneley and Coventry plays. Several portions
of the Cursor are as dramatic as the limits of a narrative in
couplets would allow, e.g. the legend of Seth and Adam (11. 1237-
1432), the story of Joseph, the Harrowing of Hell (11. 17849'-
18450), or the Death and Burial of Mary. The York plays, while
cast in a poetic form with skill and power of a higher level than
that of the Cursor, take up the course of the biblical history, more
especially of the New Testament, on the same model. Compari-
son of the several series fills up some of the blanks and gaps which
occur in one or other of them ; for example, the seventh play at
Beverley was on 'Adam and Seth,' in its right order, a subject
which occurs in no other plays except the Cornish dramas ' Origo
Mundi ' and the ' Creation.' The Chester plays, 2 3' on Prophecies
and the Fifteen signs of Doom preceding the end of the world, and
24 on Anti-Christ, are both unknown elsewhere among English
plays, though found in the Cursor. On the other hand, reference
to the Cursor helps to explain points but slightly touched in the
plays, such as the incidents of Judas bursting at his death (see
before, p. xiv, Cursor, 11. 16492-16516); and the prophecy of the
Sibyl ^ in the Towneley play 7. The meaning of the 'Prologue
* Professor Ten Brink remarked on the influence of the Cursor on the mysteries
in 1877, 'Geschichte der Englischen Literatur,' p. 360.
* On the Fifteen Signs aijd the Sibyl see M. P. Meyer's ' Daurel et Baton,'
Soc. des Anc. Textes Frany. 1880, p. xcvii, and references there given.
DATE OF COMPOSITION. xlv
of prophets ' or ' Processus prophetaium ',' a play which occurs in
the Chester, Towneley, and Coventry sets, also receives light from
a comparison with the Cursor.
While the general conception of the Cursor, which embodied the
popular belief of the time, must have had its influence on the
composition of the Corpus plays, it must not be forgotten that the
same ideas operated on the religious drama abroad. In France
the cycles attained great dimensions; in Italy they were not so
complete, but the separate plays were more important ^. In Ger-
many the great extent and influence they reached may be judged,
not only by the history of their great cycles, but by the relics which
survive to our day in the Passion Play of Ober Ammergau of seven-
teen parts (founded in 1633), and that of Brixlegg in Tyrol' of
sixteen parts,'comprising the events from the Entry into Jerusalem
to the Resurrection and Ascension. No doubt in other places too
in Germany and Spain they yet may linger on.
Date of Composition: Authorship. Although the date of
composition of the York Plays is not known, it may, I be-
lieve, safely be set as far back as 1340 or 1350, not long
after the appearance of the Cursor. The references to them
mentioned before in 13'?^ and 1394, in the latter as ' of old
time,' lead to this conclusion, no less than the style of language
' In York ttis subject forms a Prologue to Play XII. See p. 93.
^ I have found nothing in the printed collections of Sacre Rapfresentazioni
resembling our York series. But among the Ashbumham MSS. now sold to Italy-
there is a fine MS. (Librl 1264), dated 1490, of an Italian play which, preceded
by a long Latin po^m on the twelve sibyls, begins with a prologue of prophets
and the Proces de Paradis, and then, from the Annunciation to the Resurrection,
goes through the whole bible and apocryphal story. The whole is written
continuously, without break of giornate ; full and frequent stage directions are
given, and the actors are numerous. Several interesting developements might be
noted, such as Herod's three sons, the ship with captain and sailors with whom
the Magi sail to Herod, the bridging over the time between ' Jesu picolo ' and
' Jesu grando,' the appearance of Sculapio at the sickness of Lazarus, &c. We
find here too the porter (named Merlin) who, as at York, denies entry to
Judas. The play may be a compilation of others ; it is not a mere joining of
the separate plays printed by Signer D'Aucona, who has kindly pointed out to
me such a one in MS. at Florence.
^ The writer of the preface to the little play-book of Brixlegg, in 1883, modestly
points out the serious object of the players ; and he claims that though the
religious drama in Germany, even in the middle ages, did not attain such artistic
perfection as in Spain, the culture of it has had most important effects in the
spiritual education of the people.
xlvi'
INTRODUCTION.
and the metre in which they are written. The unknown author,
I whoever he was, possessed much skill in versification at that period
when the old alliteration of the English, altered though it were from
its earlier forms, was still popular, yet when the poet had found
the charms of rime, and the delights of French verse allured him
to take on new shackles while casting off the old. \ That he be-
longed to one of the religious houses of the North in the Yorkshire
district may well be hazarded, on account of the knowledge of the
scriptures, and especially the careful concordance of the narrative
from the gospels shown in the plays^/ The Towneley plays are not
only written in the same dialect, but five of them are the same as
five of the York plays ', with certain passages cut out or modified.
If, as the editor of that collection suggests (pref. p. x), it is made
up partly of compositions from other similar collec-tions, the pre-
sence of these five taken from York is explained ; as the style of
the York collection does not vary to the same extent, this is more
likely of the two to be the original source. As far as may be
judged from the characteristic titles which are all that remain of the
Beverley plays, that collection also resembled the York more than
any other, and it is worth comparing the two together. The
Beverley title often takes hold of what must have been the pro-
minent feature to the vulgar eye rather than the subject, such as
the ' Sleeping Pilate,' 'Deeming Pilate,' 'The Pynnacle,'&c., which
helps recognition of the York piece. If the text of the Beverley
plays ever turns up, it may be tested in how many places one
Yorkshire play-wright had' influence.
As a help in the study of the York cycle of plays I subjoin a
comparative table of the four English collections', adding a B to the
York subjects to denote where the Beverley titles (whicli will be
found in Poulson's Beverlac) seem to agree with them.
^ See pp. 68, 156, 372, 396, 497, where tlie parallel passages are given for
the sake of comparison and various readings. For the opportunity of collating
these with the original MS. I have to thank the courtesy of the owner, Mr.
Bernard Quaritch, of Piccadilly. The Surtees editor did not apparently take
count of the losses the MS. has undergone, though he mentions some of them.
The signature of the quires shows that 1 2 leaves at the beginning and 1 2 between
the Ascenscio axAJuditium, besides others, were lost before it was put into the
present old binding. The handwriting differs from that of the York MS. entirely,
and is rather later, probably of the end of the fifteenth century. Like the York)
it must be a copy from- older originals,
" Appendix 1 to this Introduction.
SiSURClS fflT THE Y©RK PLAT*. xlvU
Sources of the York Plays. These are indicated in the
margin of each play^ They follow pretty closely the biblical
narrative, with however occasional deviations, as in the account of
the ten plagues and in some of the quotations in the Prologue of
Prophets in Play XII, which do not all agree with the Vulgate. In
the subjects from the Old Testament no other apocryphal legends
are introduced except those relating to Lucifer and the rebel
angels. The exact source of these for our mediaeval writers I cannot
find, although it is known that they originated in the East among
the Iranian legends. The allusion in Noah's words, that the world
shall be burnt with fire, may be referable to the same source. M.
James Rothschild has shown that the legend of the Fall of Lucifer,
unknown to Jerome, was adopted by a Christian writer at the close
of the fifth century".
The Old and New Testament portions are linked together by a
series of prophecies relating to Mary and the Holy Child, all taken
from the bible, suggested by Luke xxiv. 27 (Play XII). In other
compositions of the kind the prophecies of a sibyl or sibyls as
to Jesus are introduced ; sometimes, as in the Towneley (9),
Chester (6), and in the Italian play (Libri 1264) a story of Octavian
• the Emperor is added or interwoven with them. The York plays
in this respect are more direct and simple, they contain nothing of
the kind. Nor do we find, as in other places, much reference to
the apocryphal legends (fully dealt with in the Cursor) of the birth
and childhood of Mary, and of the Infancy of Jesus, the thirteenth
play containing nearly all of this subject. Of this one the originals
will be found in 'TAe Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew! ' History 0/ Joseph
the Carpenter,' ' Protevangelium or Gospel of James,' and ' Nativity 0/
Mary^' For one point I have not found any authority, viz. the
blossoming of Joseph's rod *, whereby he was marked out as the
husband of Mary ; all these works, instead, make a dove to proceed
from the rod. Among other sources- which may be taken into
account as most surely affording inspiration to the writers of these
' The reader is requested to correct the marginal references to the versicles on
pp. 483, 484, according to notes, 0° P- S^^-
2 ' liist^re du Viel Testament,' Vol. I, Introd. p. xlii.
' The references are made to these books in Migne's ' Dictionnaire des Apo-
cryphes' and B. Harris Cowper's ' Apocryphal Gospels."
• Play XIII. 1. 32.
xlviii
INTRODUCTION.
plays, is the Speculum HumancB S-alvationis, that very popular reli-
gious picture-book of the fourteenth century, the effects of whose
influence on pictorial and sculptured art were far-reaching. Who
can say indeed whether its curious four-fold groups of types and
antitype, of subjects in Old Testament and legendary history
brought to bear upon the events of the Sacred Scheme, as well as
the similar representations of the earlier Biblia Pauperum, may not
now be bearing fruit in the tableaux or Vorbilder of the Bavarian
and Tyrolese plays ? In a MS. of the Speculum of about 1 380,
with Italian paintings, at Paris ', Joseph's rod is depicted like a small
txe& full of flowers, with a dove in the middle, 'Hie disponsatur
virgo Maria Josepho ' written above ; the reference Is. xi. 2 showing
whence the idea sprang.
The apocryphal. Gospel of James comes in Play XVII : thence
the Bible is followed, with a mention of Anti-Christ in XXIII
(p. i8g), till in Play XXVIII. p. 251, the brilliant light from Jesus
which strikes back the soldiers seems to have some' other source
than the fancy of the poet""- In XXIX the incidents of Matthew
are disarranged in order, as occasionally elsewhere. In Plays
XXX, XXXI the Gospel of Nicodemus furnishes the Dream of Pilate's
wife and other stories. The allusion to the legend of Pilate's,
name (p. 271) is from a variation of the Abgar-legend (Veronica
and Vespasian) among the apocryphal gospels ^ The story of the
Squire who lets 'Calvary locus' (p. 318) and is cheated of his
title-deeds, must be of English invention; but in the next Play
(XXXIII), the Trial and Condemnation, much is taken from the
' Acts of Pilate ' (otherwise Gospel of Nicodemus), which narrates
the miraculous bowing of the standards, &c. In Play XXXIV
(P- 339) we have an allusion (the only one, I believe, in the plays)
drawn from the fine legend of the Holy Tree, which, having sprung
from a seed on Adam's tongue, appears in the histories of Moses,
David, and Solomon, till it is finally cut dowii for the cross '; and
' MS. Arsenal, 593, fo. 8.
^ Mrs. Jameson (Hist, of our Lord in Art) makes no reference to this incident.
I have not besides been able to identify the allusion to Habakkuk, p. 116/137.
" See article on TisehendorPs edition in the ' Zeitschrift fiir deutsches Alterthum,'
Berlin, 1876, vol. 20. pp. 168, 186.
* The tree-legend, with the oil of mercy, runs throughout the Cursor. See
also a somewhat different verson in Baring-Gould's ' Curious Myths of the
Middle Ages,' pp. 378-384, and authorities mentioned by B. Harris Cowper,
' Apocryphal Gospels,' p. ci.
SOURCES OF THE YORK PLAYS. xlix
on p. 343 is a reference to the Vernacle, the third Mary evidently
acting as Veronica and showing the kerchief with the impression
of the sacred face to the audience '.
The account of the Crucifixion with its too great realism, the
rearing of the cross and hammering of wedges and mortices, will
be understood by anyone who has witnessed the actual ceremonies
that take place on Good Friday in a Roman Catholic church ^ ''
For Play XXXVI (Death and Burial of Jesus) the Greek version
of the Gospel of Nicodemus supplies many incidents ; XXXVII,
the Descent into Hell (or Harrowing of Hell) is founded on some
chapters in the Latin version of the same book (before referred to),
to which XXXVIII is also partly indebted. The next six plays
follow the biblical narrative, with some inversion, and addition of
extraneous matter in XLI, The Purification. The next three, on
the Death, Assumption, and Coronation of Mary, find their origin
in the two texts of Transitus Maria, the apocryphal legend, printed
by Tischendorf, and some versicles from the Song of Solomon.
Interwoven passages of scripture and tradition form the ground-
work of the final piece. The Judgment Day. It is a singular thing
that for the Coronation of Mary there appears to be no written
authority, not even in the Arab Passing of Mary, of St. fohn*, nor the
Golden Legend ; it is a tradition that has grown up as a corollary
to the story of her Assumption — a beautiful ending to her history,
which has worked itself into art" and the drama. Though (as
several Roman Catholic authorities have informed me) there never
has been a church festival of the Coronation, the subject was
' See 11. 184-190, and before, p. xxv. I have omitted to note this in the
margin.
' The rites which I saw in Malta, together with the pictured religious "pro-
cessions there, helped me vividly to realize much of these plays.
' 'Apocalypses Apocryphse,' Lipsise, 1866. That part of the story of the
death of Mary which relates the bearing of her body to burial, and the attack
upon the bier by the wicked Jew, whose arm thereupon became rigid, seems
to have been a favourite ; as seen in Burton's list the play was known by the
name of the Jew, Fergus, the most prominent personage. Why or whence he
had this name is a puzzle, but his appellations were various, in the Arab text
Japhia ; in Le Myst^re de I'Assomption of 1518, Isachar (Migne's Diet, des
Apoc. ii. p. 523 ; ib. Diet. desMysteres, p. 160) ; in Transitus y)/or2« (Tischeu-
dorfs text A) he is Reuben ; while Mrs Jameson (Legends of the Madohna,
p. 318) calls him the high priest Adonijah. The Cursor (11. 20719-63, and
version in Part v. 11. 611-749) gives no name.
* Migne, Diet, des Apocryphes, ii. 506.
" Mrs. Jameson's Legends of the Madonna, pp. 328, 329.
d
1 INTRODUCTION.
brought into at least two plays in England, at York and Beverley.
My endeavours to identify the music inserted in Play XL VI have
led me more particularly into this enquiry, with this result.
If, as is likely, these endeavours to trace the sources of the text
be found defective, I must crave indulgence in a difficult field.
Verse and Style. The reader will judge for himself, but
I believe that, far from meriting the hard words frequently poured
on the rudeness of the early plays, these of York will be found to
compare favourably in diction, and certainly so in verse, with the
better specimens of Middle English Northern poetry. The great
variety of metre in the collection, totally unlike the regular verse in
which the French mysteries are uniformly written, points to their
native growth, and the improbability of their having been translated
or introduced from France. The following is a sketch-analysis of
the metre. I must leave to those better versed than myself in
the interesting study of historic metre to determine how much of it
is due to the old Norse and English poetic tradition and how much
to the newer Norman French influence^. The old Northern poets,
who cultivated the art of verse so carefully, undoubtedly left their
mark on the Yorkshire composer. /The poetry cannot, it must be
remembered, be scanned like Shakespeare or Chaucer, or even like
the Cursor ; it must, for the greater part, be read according to
accent or stress, the intervening syllables, more or less in number,
being slurred or read with a lighter touch. This sort of verse is
much like the unbarred music of the same period. Attention may
be drawn also to the manner in which the varied metre is adapted to
the style of subject to be treated or to the personage speaking ; for
example, Deus and Jesus invariably speak in grave, dignified verse,
while the long, pompous, mouth-filling lines, excessive in the
alliterative stress, are put into the mouths of those who, hke Herod,
Pilate, and Caiaphas, open a play and are meant to make an
imposing impression. The original purpose was forgotten when
Shakespeare jested at the alliteration and at Herod's brag.
' The best and clearest account of old Northem and Teutonic metre is that
given by Messrs. Vigfusson and Powell in their splendid work ' Corpus Poeti-
cum Boreale,' vol. i. pp. 432-458. Bearing specially on the poetry of the
plays, see pp. 433-4, and 450-1. On the mixed character of the verse in the
Towneley and Coventry plays, see Schipper's ' Altenglische Metrik ' dd
226-231. ' ^^'
VERSE AND STYLE.
Sketch-Analysis of Metres.
Description of Stanza.
4-lines ; of 4 accents. . .
6-lme ; 4 11. of 4 ace,
2 tags.
y-line ; 5 11. of 4 ace,
2 tags.*
8-line ; 4 11. of 4 ace,
4 11. of 3 ace.
8-line; 4 accents
8-line ; 3 accents
8-line ; 4 accents
g-line ; 4 11. of 4 ace,
5 11. of 3 ace.
1 0-line ; 2 triplets be-
fore a quatrain.
loline; ibid
lo-line ; quatrain be-
fore 2 triplets.
(Stanzas 9-16 of 11
lines.)
1 1 -line; 611. of 4 ace,
a tag ; 4 U. of 3 ace
1 1 -line ; 9 11. of 4 ace,
2 tags.
ii-line; 8 11. of 4 ace,
a tag, 2 11. of 3 ace.
12-line; 8 11. of 4 ace,
4 11. of 3 ace
(In XV, 11. 36-85 are
in 7-line stanzas, like
above *.)
1 2 -line; ibid.
1 2 line ; ibid.
1 2 -line; 6 11. of 4 ace,
2 11. of 4 syllables,
a tag, 3 11. of 3 ace
1 2-line ; 4 11. of 4 ace,
7 11. of 3 ace, a tag.
13-line; 9 11. of 3 ace,
3 U. of 2 ace, a tag.
13-line; 811. of 4 ace,
4 11. of 2 ace, 1 1. of
3 ace
Rimes.
abab
aaa^a^
ababcbc
abab cddc ...
Alternate
ab ab ca ac...
Alternate
abab cdddc
aab ccb dbdb
aab aab cbcb
abab ccb \
ccb f
ababcbcd I
cdc )
ababf bcdcdc
ababbcflfbcci^
ababbcbc d
cd.
abab abab c
dcd.
ab ababab c
bcb.
abababab c
dde
abab ccdd
efef.
abab bcbc d
c cd.
ababbcbc d
eeed.
ababbcbcd
eeed.
Style.
Mucb iteration in
some of these.
Alliterative; many
weak endings.
A little allitera-
tion.
Partly allitera-
tive.
Alliterative, with
a few weak
endings.
Partly allitera-
tive.
Alliterative (only
two regular St.)
Partly allitera-
tive ; iteration
in XXXVII
and XLIV.
X irregular.
Partly allitera-
tive.
Alliterative ...
Alliterative, with
prevalence of
weak endings.
Alliterative, with
much iteration.
Alliterative, with
much iteration.
Plays.
III.
VI, XXII,
XXXVIII,
XLII.
XIV, XXI,
XXV.
I, XL, XLV.
VIII.
XIX.
XXXIX,
XLIII,XLVIII.
XXX.
IV.
XXXIV.
XIII.
V.
VII.
XVI.
X, XI, XII,
XV, XVII, XX,
XXIII.XXIV,
XXVII, XXXV,
XXXVII, -
XLIV.
II.
XXVIII.
XVIII.
XXXIII.
XXXVI.
XLVI.
d2
lii
INTRODUCTIOrr.
Sketch-Analysis of Metres (continued).
Description ofStan%a.
Rimes.
Style.
Plays.
14-Iine ; 8 11. of 4 ace,
6 11. of 3 ace.
1 6-line ; irregular, the
two last lines long
with interwoven
rimes.
abababab cd
cccd.
8 lines, a b
8,cdcccdee.
Partly allitera-
tive.
Some allitera-
tion.
IX, XXVI.
XXXI.
In each of four plays mentioned above, XII, XIII, XV, XXX, two or more
forms are found, changing in accordance with the subject.
XXXII comprises three forms of stanza, with alliteration and iteration.
XLVII is various, probably intended to be sung.
XXIX (alliterative) and XLI (of later date) are irregular.
Here then are twenty-two different forms of stanza. They are of
two classes, (a) the aUiterative, in which the metre is determined by
accent or stress, not by the number of syllables or feet ; (3) deter-
minable by accent or feet, the lines having usually a fixed number
of syllables; in this class the alliteration is nearly lost. Both kinds
end in rime. Some of the stanzas are very complicated, chiefly in
class (a). InXL andXLVI is that regular repetition (or iteration)
of the last line of one stanza in the first line of the next, dear to
the northern poets ; and there is a partial but decided iteration of
link-words in the same manner in Plays VI, XIV, XXXII, XXXVI,
XXXVII, XXXVIII.
In examining the end-rimes the original northern forms, which
have often been altered by the later transcriber, account for dif-
ferences that are not bad rimes or mistakes. Instances are ropes
z.xvA japes, 286/387 ; Howes and laives, 293/19; rude and strqyd^,
''11/^15; unrude and hyde, 423/67-9; haylsing, kyng, and yenge,
100/215, 132/161; res/e and Ihirste, 256/63-5; yor« and were,
185/14-6; care and sore, 278/201-5; care and more, 494/94-6;
alone and agayne, 237/148-50; handts and spende, 353/122-4;
and others. In liste and tyle, 291/533-7; wisie and myghi,
290/502, we seem to have only assonance. Law when it rimes
with ay, 285/361-3, should be lay, the Norman-French form, as
often actually found.
The necessities which the alliterative style imposed caused not
only the frequent use of certain phrases which became almost con-
ventional, like ' keen and cold,' ' more and mynne,' ' mengis my
' See p. Ixxiii.
LANGUAGE. liu
mood,' ' rede by rawe,' &c., and the recurrence of the cheville or fill-
gap {word or words used to fill up a line, such as bedene, on high,
not to layne), but sometimes gave a distorted sense to a word in order
to fit a rime or an accent. It is true that something must be
allowed for the poetic twist of words, as well as for the turn or shade
of meaning peculiar, first, to the northern dialect ; second, to the
period of middle English : but in a few cases nothing would explain
the use of the word except the requirements of rime and alliteration.
The glossary, in which I have had the valuable assistance of Dr.
J. A. H. Murray, endeavours to solve these diflSculties; while it
offers a few conjectural meanings and suggestions in some cases
where words appear to be corrupt.
It should be remarked that interjectional and vocative phrases are
generally treated as prose, that is, they are outside the verse, which
must be measured independently of them '.
Language. A few notes on the dialect, and the normal grammatic
forms, will be found in Appendix III. It is unnecessary, therefore,
for me to do more than point out several other peculiarities, such as
the occasional suppression of the subject of the verb, pp. 277/178,
283/307, 297/146; the frequent use of the reflexive, e.g. shames me,
p. 31, 1. 62 ; dress^e, mystris pe, meUe\e, p. 37, 11. 52, 54, 55 ; me re-
pentys, p. 40, 1. 15 ; hym tofor-fare, p. r42, 1. 140; the employment
of the infinitive, as in to sayne, p. 59, 1. 106; to layne, p. 116, 1.
132, &c. Also the examples of aphetic words (to use Dr. Murray's
useful coinage) i. e. words that, in poetry especially, are shortened
by the loss of the first syllable; such are stray, p. 41/28; sente,
49/124; dosed,g^/zg ; dure,g5/66; legge, 131/147; half, 207/192;
cordis, 20^/226; langis, 21^/ 442; ray, paire, 221/ z&, 224/114; sale,
274/99.
In the two pieces (IV and XLI), copied in 1558, are, as may be
expected, a few variations, fewle for foivle or foule, 18/13; hais for
has 19/42, 438/156; aige for age, haith for hath, 445/387; &c.
Both language and metre of XLI show that it was composed at a
later date than the rest.
Hye, 211/329; hus, 439/194; herand, 168/233 ; arme for harme,
105/10 1, show the mis-placed aspirate, rare in the northern dialect.
' For examples, see pp. 279, 1. 210, 280, 1. 255, 294, 1. 62, 339, 1. 60.
liv INTRODUCTION.
The French lewchires, as armes, belamy, loudisch, bqysie, and duge
peres, common in Northern poetry, and elsewhere, appear to
come in just as naturally as dame, bewk, and other French words
which do not now seem extraordinary. No doubt they were
regarded as fine words, fit for poetry and exalted persons (though
not confined to these last) ; compare, too, the a-diew of Cayphas,
2r^*ll%*l,'Cathene-venew of Pilate, 282/281, and the address of Herod
to Jesus, 297/146, 300/234.
General Remarks. We are not told of how many stages the
York pageants were made ; no doubt some of the plays would re-
quire either two platforms or one stage and the street. But it is
quite evident that sometimes two scenes were represented on the
stage together; the alternate action of Moses and the Hebrews,
Pharaoh and his men, must both have been seen by the audience
(pp. 80-91); the management of the scenes in the ' Entry into
Jerusalem' is only to be understood on this supposition (pp. 202, &c.) ;
the scenes which took place in the high priest's and Pilate's halls,
and before Herod, when Judas was denied by the porter, or when
the prisoner was brought, depended for much of their effect on the
double action being present together. Even in the later play of the'
Purification (pp. 436-444) it is probable that the Temple and Beth^^
lehem were seen near together, to say nothing of Simeon's house.
In the ' Descent of the Holy Spirit ' two distinct scenes must have
been apparent to the spectators on the stage at the same time
(pp. 467-471). At Parish in a MS. of the Mist^re de la Passion,
played at Valenciennes in 1547, there is a most curious picture of
the stage then employed, drawn by one of the actors (H. Cailleau)
himself, which helps us to realize how double and treble scenes
were understood. The scenery was either painted or modeled at
the back of the stage, with the name of each place written over IF
beginning with Paradise at one end, Nazareth, the Temple,
Jerusalem, the Palace, &c., intervening, till we arrive at Limbo and
the indispensable Hell-mouth at the other. Towards the front at
one side is a green tract for the sea, with a ship upon it. Our York
' Bib. Nat., MS. reserve Fr. 12536. Other pictures in the same MS. are very-
instructive to the student of these early dramas, e. g. on fos. 193, 294. A
large model of the stage made from Cailleau's picture may be seen in the
Biblioth^que of the Grand Opera, Paris.
GENERAL REMARKS. Iv
Stages, being movable, were by no means so ambitious or so advanced
as this great stage where Arnoul Grdban's vast drama might be
performed, but the germs of dramatic convention must have been
well understood, even if the employment of ' le ddcor simultand ^ '
had not begun.
What appear to be indications of a prompter may be noted on
pp. 246, 285. The MS. of the Scriveners' Play is the only
separate prompter's book now known^. The actors, especially in
going off the stage, sometimes addressed the audience directly ; see
evidences of this on p. 29, 1. 15, p. 432, and at the end of XVII,
XXI, and XXIV ". At the beginning, too, of Play XXII the Devil,
entering with a bluster as usual, seems to be pushing aside some
part of the audience as he enters, for there are but three other
personages in the play.
As to the dress of the actors at York, we have remarkably little
information; that the doctors in the Temple wore furred gowns
(p. 168, 1. 232) is the only indication I have noted.
An open-minded perusal of these plays will be enough to rebut
the ignorant sneers that have been made (by Oliver, Warton, and
others) against the earnestness or the capacity of the original
dramatists of this order. Well-read in the bible, especially in the
New Testament, and in the dependent legends allowed in those
times, the imagination of this author had considerable play within
his prescribed limits ; a facile versifier (albeit aided by the conven-
tional rules for his craft handed down from old time), he displayed
not a little dramatic power in the arrangement of scenes with the
means at his command (see especially Play XXV). Observant__/
of human nature and sympathetic, his calls on the domestic affec- '
tions are well worth notice, in the womanly weakness of Mary and
the trustfulness of Joseph in the Flight into Egypt, outraged
' See the study by M. Franc. Sarcey in Le Temps for 6 Aout, 1 883. This
picture has also been realized by M. M. Sepet, in chap. v. of his 'Drame
Chretien au Moyen-Sge,' Paris, 1878.
^ Every craft must have had their own play-book, not only at York, but else-
where ; it was often referred to as the ' orygynall,' ' regynall ' or ' new rygenale ;'
see before pp. 18, 29, and Sharp's Diss, on Cov. Mysteries, as to Coventry
play-books, 36, 37 note, 48, and as to Bassingbourne, p. 34. The Goldsnaiths
of Newcastle mention ' cure playe-book.' Brand's Hist. ii. 371.
^ So in Orphan's Passion, at the end of the first day the actor speaks to the
public, ' Dcraain retoumez, sil vous plest,' ed. MM. G. Paris et Raynaud, Paris,
1878, p. 129.
Ivi INTRODUCTION.
motherly affection in the Massacre of the Innocents, parental
distress between love and duty in Abraham's Sacrifice^, in the
dutiful relationship of children shown by Isaac, and the sons
of Noah and Pilate. The figures of Mary and Jesus stand out
with simplicity and dignity, in no way grotesque. These finer
touches stand in relief to the brutality of the scenes connected with
the Passion which were deemed necessary to heighten the effect
of the Saviour's sufferings.
Like a true artist, the dramatist called up mirth over incidents
harmless enough ; he allowed Noah's wife to flout her husband, the
Shepherd to sing with a cracked throat, and Judas to be covered
with ridicule and abuse by the Porter. The Porter or Beadle, in
fact, plays an important part in several plays (XXV, XXX, &c.).
The people must have fun and show, noise and light. The
principal personage in a play, whether he is wanted at the be-
ginning or not, generally comes on the stage first, with a long
speech, in the case of Noah, Abraham, Deus, and Jesus, with
befitting gravity and seriousness ; in the case of Satan, Pharaoh,
Herod, Pilate, and Caiaphas it is daring, pompous, and blustering,
in that of Pilate tempered by a sense of benevolence and justice
which runs through his actions. (This writer was surprisingly
lenient to Pilate, and cannot have been tainted by the old legend
of his gruesome fate.) We can picture the people expectant,
listening with eyes and ears for the entry and the rant of the hero
of the piece. Nor were the effects of music and light neglected"^
the Shepherds must have both heard singing and sung themselves "
(p. 1 20, 1. 59); the music itself is actually written for Play XLVI,
and in several places '^ we have stage directions for singing. The
Transfiguration was accompanied by a cloud and a ' noys herde so
hydously,' possibly for thunder'. Besides the star of Bethlehem
bright lights were used at the Birth, Transfiguration, and Betrayal of
Jesus, and in the Vision of Mary to Thomas *.
^ For pathos and tenderness of treatment the play on Abraham and Isaac in
a fifteenth century MS. recently disinterred by Dr. G. H. Kingsley, at Brome in
Suffolk, exceeds all others on this subject yet known. SieeAnglia, Band vii. Heft
3 (1884), where it is printed and compared.
' Pp. 177, 218, 493, &c. ^ See pp. 190, 191.
* It may be noted that, perhaps complying with a stage necessity, the princi-
pal actors generally lay down to rest or to sleep when an angel or a vision was
to appear. See pp. no, 137, 139, 483. Not so, however, on p. 1 19.
GENERAL REMARKS. Ivii
Touches of current life and usage here and there stand out amid
the ancient story;, the carpenters' tools and measurement used by
Noah, as well as those employed at the Crucifixion ; the bitter cold
weather at the Nativity, telling of a truly northern Christmas ; the
quaint offerings of the shepherds ; the ruin of the poor by murrain
in the account of the Ten Plagues ; the drinking between Pilate
and his wife ; the sleeping of Herod ; and the excellent representa-
tion of a heavy manual job by a set of rough workmen in the
Crucifixion (pp. 354-6). Illustrative too of English custom and
forms of justice axe the borrowing of. the town beast (p. 203);
Judas olTering himself as bond-man in his remorse (p. 314); the
mortgage of a property (raising money by wed-set, p. 318) : and
the trial scenes in Plays XXIX, XXX, XXXII, and XXXIII, in
which Pilate ' in Parlament playne ' (p. 308) vindicates the course
of law, and puts down the eager malice of the accuser Caiaphas
and the sharp pursuer Annas. Even Herod makes proclamation
for the accusers to appear, and sympathizes with the oppressed,
' Sen (lat he is dome [dumb], for to deme hym,
Ware J>is a goode lawe for a lorde ?' (P. 305.)
Note too the sturdy common morality that wiU not tell a lie (p. 4 1 4)
and that scorns a traitor's baseness (pp. 230, 231).
Opportunity is improved in Play VII to enforce the necessity of
tithes, and in XXI to inculcate the virtue of baptism, repeated in
XLIII, stanza 17.
The value of the religious plays and players in leading up to
what is called ' the regular drama ' has not yet perhaps been fully
recognized. Many allusions to them in old writers, Robert of
Brunne, Chaucer, Langland, Heywood, &c. have been noticed. If
Chaucer ^ and Shakespeare caught at Herod, Erasmus or his trans-
lator Udall remembered Pilate's voice, ' when he heard a certain
oratour speaking out of measure loude and high, and altogether in
Pilate's voice V and Sackville, in his Induction to the ' Mirror for
Magistrates ' describes the gloominess of Hell mouth. Reforming
preachers very early began the crusade against them. Wiclif depre-
cates those 'pat kan best pleie a pagyn of the deuyl ' at Christmas';
and an interesting witness to their effect and popularity is the
' Miller's Tale, 11. 3383-4-
' 'The Apothegmes of Erasmus,' Roberts' reprint 1877, p. 382.
' ' English Works,' Early Eng. Text See. p. 206.
Iviii INTRODUCTION.
treatise or sermon against miracle plays', written in the fourteenth
century, showing how men and women wept at the sights before
them, and gave credence to many lies as well as truths by their
means. Shakespeare, in his good humoured way, laughs at the
alliteration, the craftsmen players, and the stage bombast all grown
conventional and out of date, as he does at the Vice of the morali-
ties'^, but he too was not ashamed to borrow one of their prominent
characters. The study of the Janitor or Porter who appears twice,
needs must with a great deal of knocking, always with a voluble
tongue, in several plays of this series, will, I think, add conviction to
Prof. Hales' suggestion ', that the idea of the Porter, and his action
in Macbeth, Act II. Sc. 3, was an adaptation of an old familiar
friend, although it happens that he does not appear here in the
Harrowing of Hell. (Hell personified is the Porter in the Cursor,
see 11. iSoys-iSHS.) The Janitor in Play XXV is an important
person, but not Shakespeare's model ; it is in the Porters of XXVI
(p. 226, to whom the Italian Porter, p. xxxv, note 2, is akin) and
XXX (pp. 279, 280) that we may seek the likeness of their much
discussed successor, with the knocking that accompanied him.
Ben Jon son could not get rid of the traditional entry when, as
Prof Ward points out, he sent his devil on to the stage with
a bluster*. But by Prynne's days religious plays had indeed
become ' ridiculous ' if not incredible ^.
Treatment in Editing. In this print the manuscript is ren-
dered as faithfully as possible; the text is never altered without
notice : but the corruptions which- became apparent on a study
^ Printed in Reliquiae Antiquse, ii. 42, and by Matzner, Alteng. Sprachproben,
1869, Band I, Abth. II, 224.
' Mids. N. Dream, I, sc. 2, V, 11. 147, 148: Hamlet, III, sc. 2, ' out-herods
Herod :' Hen. V, IV, sc. 4, ' roaring devil.' Twelfth N., IV, sc. 2 (song) ; 2 Hen.
IV, in, sc. 2, 1. 298, 'Vice's dagger.'
' On the Porter in Macbeth. New Shak. Soc. Trans., Part ii, 1874, pp. 264-66.
* ' The Devil is an Asse,' Act i.
l' " ' Histriomastix,' 1633, p. 117. Yet their relics lived on, e. g. the shows at
1 Bartholomew's Fair in the beginning of last century, one of which (' a little
, Opera') gave fourteen scenes, six from the Old Testament, eight from the New,
I but avoiding the introduction of the Passion. Another had ' Noah's Ark vrith
all the beasts, two by two, and all the Fowls of the air seen in a prospect
sitting upon the Trees.' See the original play-bills in ' Social Life in the reign of
Queen Anne' by John Ashton, pp. 256, 257. And to our own day the old play of St.
George survives among the Christmas mummers who still go about the country.
TREATMENT IN EDITING. lix
of the metre, rendered several suggestions necessary^. This cor-
ruption of the text is worse in Plays XXVIII to XXXII than
the rest, so much so that in a few parts it has been impos-
sible to recognize the stanzas, whole lines, even groups of lines,
being dropt out, others, or parts of others, displaced, and once
or twice interlopers admitted. The stage directions, which are
few, are usually clear, but in one or two cases they are so con-
fused with the text that it is rendered doubtful ^- The ear of the
copyist also misled him (see pp. 266, 279, 508). One source of
difficulty was the exorbitant length of some of the lines, which led
the copyist to divide them, irrespective of rime or of co-relative
lines. I thought it better to leave these as they stand, but have
coupled them with brackets as an indication of the verse. This
system begins at page 219. Stray words occur in three places ^
which seem to betray a lapse of memory or comprehension.
In MS. the name of the craft is written at the head of each play,
but nothing else. I have supplied the titles, and have collected the
persons of the play, added a marginal analysis, a few stage direc-
tions *, and the indications of scenes, which last, it is hoped, will
aid the reader to a better idea of the representation. The num-
bering of the stanzas is also mine. Every play begins on a fresh
page, but its lines run on continuously without blank or division.
The only contractions used are js^; Jj', p\ Jji, eu'e, p, j), f=ser or
sir, ihu, Jerlm ; which, being few and simple, are extended in the
ordinary type ; H and f) are rendered by // and r because in so late
a MS. they have become merely conventional flourishes.
The Music has been set in modern notation by Mr. W. H.
Cummings, who has kindly given it his careful attention, and has
added a Note in explanation. A few words further upon the
sources of these pieces I have set against his, and will now but add
my warm acknowledgments to Mr. Cummings. I also wish to
thank the Rev. S. S. Greatheed, Mr. H. Jenner of the British
^ See pp. 119, 130, 135, 136, 209, &c. The word Aasted should be chasted,
p. 321, 1. 33-
^ See for the irregular or defective stanzas pages 33, f\\, 109, 152, 174, 211,
213, 224, 227, 24o,-244, 246, 249, 251, 254, 268, 270 note 'i, 274, 275, 279, 285,
291. 305. 342. 412, 472.
° Pages 291 note, 292/9, 342/148.
* Among these the additions of the later hand have generally been followed ;
they were important, being written in the full tradition of the time.
Ix INTRODUCTION.
Museum, the Rev. C. Wordsworth, and other correspondents, for
most serviceable help in the enquiry into meaning and origin of both
music and words. As the Sheremen and Taylors' play of Coventry,
containing three English songs ^ (two sung by the shepherds, one
by the women), the MS. of which was burnt in the disastrous fire at
Birmingham in 1879, is the only one besides that has been found
with music attached, the York play music is of the greater interest.
In conclusion, I sincerely wish that this work had fallen into
more able hands than mine, but I can only hope that students will
be indulgent to its shortcomings. Had all the difficulties of editing
the manuscript (far greater than with a poem such as the Cursor)
been apparent, when several years ago I formed the intention of
undertaking it, they might have been sufficient to deter me ; but, by
the kind assistance of several friends, I believe that this interesting
relic of our early literature and social life is now presented in a
trustworthy and intelligible form. It is a grateful duty to acknow-
ledge my obligations to Mr. E. Maunde Thompson, of the British
Museum, and M. Paul Meyer, of Paris, for much friendly help ; to
Professor Skeat, who has read over the proof-sheets of the text ; to
Professor A. W. Ward, of Manchester, who revised my suggestions of
scenery and stage directions ; and to Dr. J. A. H. Murray, editor
of the New English Dictionary, for valuable assistance with the
Glossary, as well as other acts of friendship. My thanks are also
due to Mr. J. Wilkinson, Town Clerk of York, for his courtesy and
the ready access to the records of York accorded to me on occasion
of two visits ; to Mrs. Gutch, of York, and the Rev. Canon Raine,
in materially aiding my enquiries ; to Mr. Halliwell-Phillipps, Mr.
H. Brigstocke Sheppard, and Mr. C. T. Martin ; and to the Rev.
Dr. Richard Morris, for his notes upon the language. The use of
MSS. granted by Lord Herries and Mr. Quaritch is acknowledged
elsewhere. All and each have been animated by the true gild-spirit
of mutual help ; and if the reader is enabled by these pages to call
up any life-picture of the art and literature so essentially a product
of the people, maintained by means of the old English gild-spirit,
to these modern brethren let him give honour due.
' Printed at the end of the play in Sharp's Dissertation, pp. 1 1 3—1 1 8. No
mention is made of rubricated notes occurring in the MS. of those songs, which
are written for three voices.
APPENDICES
INTRODUCTION.
Ixii
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■ <u
m
CO
<
Ph
o
hi
W
o
CO
W
U
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u
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II.
LIST OF PLACES AND PLAYS IN GREAT BRITAIN.
The following are the places and dates of performances (unless
otherwise expressed), with the authorities for reference, distinguishing
also whether a single play or a cycle, as far as known. An asterisk (*)
denotes that a text remains, the editions being pointed out. The
Morals at Manningtree, spoken of by Dekker, and express shows
before royalty, as at Windsor or Bristol before Hen. VII, do not come
within this list, except in the case of Winchester.
Diuistable, 12th century, (St. Catherine^ Mat. Paris, Vitae S. Alb.
Abb. Ed. Wats, 1684, p. 1007 (Gaufridi 16 abb. vita).
London, 12th century, (miracle plays.) W. Fitzstephen's Descriptio
Londonise, printed at end of Stow's Survey of London, ed. 1598,
p. 480.
Cambridge, cir. 1350, [Ludus fiUorutn Israel.) Masters, Hist, of
C. C. College, ed. 1753, vol. i. p. 5.
Iiondon, Skinner's Well, Clerkenwell, 1391, {Passion of our Lord and
Creation of World, lasted three days, ? cycle.) Stow's Survey,
ed. 1598, p. 69.
Iiondon, ibid. 1409, (lasted eight days, ^ of matter from the creation
of the worlde,' cycle.) Stow, Survey, ed. 1 598, p. 69, Chronicle,
ed. 1615, p. 337 ; Devon's Issues of the Exchequer, 11 July,
14 Rich. II, p. 244.
London, 1557, Grey Friars, {Passion of Christ, on Corpus Christi
Day.) Strype, Eccl. Mem., ed. 1822, iii.. Part ii. p. 6.
London, ? 14th and 15th centuries, Holy Trinity gild, St. Botolph
without Aldersgate, (Pageants of Holy Trinity, St. Fabyan, St.
Sebastian, St. Botulf, and Hhe teremenf [Burial of Christ],)
Hone's Ancient Mysteries, pp.81, 85.
Canterbury, temp. Hen. VI, (Play of Corpus Christi, by the crafts.)
'Burgmote Orders' of the City, fo. 5 b, cir. 1500, MS. now in the
Cathedral Library. J. Brent's Canterbury in the Olden Time,
i860, pp. 38, 47 ; who speaks of ' 40 acts,' and appears to confound
the play with the gild of Corpus Christi.
LIST OF PLACES AND PLAYS IN GREAT BRITAIN. IxV
Canterbury, 1 501-2, (Three Kyngs of Coleyn, on Twelfth Day.)
Mr. J. B. Sheppard in Hist. MSS. Commission, 9th Report,
p. 147. [The ' Pagent of St. Thomas,' ib. p. 148, appears to have
been a show, not a play.]
Wineliester, 1487, (Christi descensus ad inferos, ? played by alms-
boys,) MS. Wulvesey^, apud Winton, cited in Warton, ed. 1840,
vol. ii. p. 394 ; see ib. iii. p. 267. (The late D. G. Rossetti quoted
the ' Winchester Mysteries ' on his picture, ' A Christmas Carol,'
1867, but I am informed that no authority for this is known. See
Catalogue of the Burlington Fine Arts Club for 1883, p. 29.)
Worcester, 1467, ('Five pageants among the crafts ;' Corpus Christi.)
Toulmin Smith's 'English Gilds,' 1870, p. 385 ; Municipal records,
quoted in 'Outlines of Life of Shakespeare,' by J. O. Halliwell-
Phillipps, 4th ed. 1884, pp. 390, 391.
Sleaford, 1477, Gild of Holy Trinity, (' Kyngyng,' i.e. Three Kings of
Cologne, on Corpus Christi day, and Play of the Ascension.)
Add. MS. 28,533, fos. I vo, 2.
Iieicester, 1477, (Passion Play^ Wm. Kelly's Notices illust. of the
Drama from Leicester records, 1865, p. 27. See also Thos.
North's Church of St. Martin, Leicester, 1866, pp.114, nS, for
indications of other plays in 1546 and 1571.
Aberdeen, 1442-1531, (Candlemas play, Offerand of Our Lady ; also
Corpus Christi play, 9, 7, and 10 pageants named.) Extracts
from the Council. Register of the Burgh of Aberdeen ; Spalding
Club, Aberdeen, 1844, pp. 9, 432, 445, 451.
Edinburgh, 1503, Warton II, 224 ; 1554, (12 Oct.,) Record of the
City, quoted in Sharp's Dissert, on Coventry Plays, p. 142 ; (the
' Play-field ' where performed), Amot's Hist, of Edinburgh, 1779,
p. 76.
Bassingboume, Cambridgeshire, 1511, (Play of Si. George.) Church-
wardens' Accounts, quoted by Warton, ed. 187 1, vol. ii. p. 233 ;
and the Antiquary, vol. vii. 1883, p. 25.
Bethersden, Kent, 1522, {Ludi beatcf Christina.) MS. Church-
wardens' Accounts : for a copy of the items as to the play I am
indebted to Rev. A. F. Smith, Vicar.
Heybridge, Essex, 1532. Churchwardens' Accounts, quoted in J. P.
Collier's ' Five Miracle Plays,' 1836, Har. of Hell, p. 3.
' The Rev. F. T. Madge of the Cathedral Library, Winchester, tells me that
all the Wolvesey MSS. are now in the hands of the Ecclesiastical Com-
missioneis.
e
Ixvi APPENDIX II.
■Wymondliani, Norfolt, 1549. Holinshed, ed. 1587, fo. 1028.
Beading, 1498-1557, (Three Kings at Whitsontyde ; Resurrection
and Passion Plays at Easter and Palm Sunday ; Adam, Cayme,
Corpus Christ! plays.) Churchwardens' Accounts, Hist, of St.
Lawrence, Reading, by Rev. C. Kerry, 1883, pp. 233-238.
Lincoln, 1564, (Play of Old Tobii.) Inventory of properties, quoted
in Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 54, p. 103.
Shrewsbury, 1574, (A Stage-play acted in the High Street,) Fos-
broke's Diet, of Antiquities, 1840, p. 665.
Tewkesbtiry, 1578, 1585. Churchwardens' Accounts, cited in Collier,
Ann. of Stage, ed. 1879, ii. 67.
Witney, Oxfordshire, i6th century, (The Resurrection ; a dumb
show,) W. Lambarde's Diet. Angliae Topographicum, p. 459.
' I Corpus Christi plays, seen in reign of James I, by
' C Weever, ' Funeral Monuments,' p. 405.
Kendall, J > f t j
*York, about 1360-1 579, (cycle of 48 plays, Corpus Christi.) The
present volume. One play. The Scriveners, is also found in a
separate MS., now at York Philosophical Society ; printed by
J. Croft in Excerpta Antiqua, York 1797, p. 105, and by J. P.
Collier, in Camden Miscellany, vol. iv. (see after p. 455).
York, before 1384 ; Play of Our Lords Prayer. MS. Compotus
Roll, in possession of Canon Raine, Wiclif s Works, see before,
pp. xxviii, xxix; 'English Gilds,' p. 137.
York, 1446 ; Creed Play, performed every tenth year by gild of
Corpus Christi. Davies and Skaife, see before, p. xxx, notes 2, 3.
Beverley, 1407-1604, (cycle of 36 plays. Corpus Christi,) ' Beverlac,'
by Geo. Poulson, 1829, pp. 268-275, 278 (gives list and details).
See also Lansd. MS. 896, fos. 133, 139-140.
* "Wakefield, or neighbourhood, Towneley collection, (cycle of 32
• plays.) MS. undated, of 15th century, now in possession of Mr. B.
Quaritch ; ed. by Rev. J. Stevenson, Surtees Society, 1836. Also
the third play is printed by E. Matzner in Altenglische Sprach-
proben, Berlin, 1867, p. 360; the thirteenth in J. P. Collier's
Five Miracle Plays, 1836 ; and the thirtieth by F. Douce for
the Roxburgh Club, 1822.
* Coventry, 1468 S (cycle of 42 plays. Corpus Christi,) Cott. MS. Vesp.
D. viii, ed. by J. O. Halliwell, Shakespeare Society, 1841. Also
• I. e. date of the MS.
LIST OF PLACES AND PLAYS IN GREAT BRITAIN. Ixvii
Dugdale, Mon. Angl. vol. vi. pt. 3, pp. 1534-44, prints the first
five plays. T. Sharp, Dissertation on Cov. Myst. 1825, says that
these were not the plays ' exhibited by the trading companies of
the city,' p. 7. The tenth play is printed in Collier's Five Miracle
Plays, 1836.
* Coventry, 1 534, date of MS. only. The Shearmen and Taylors'
Play, viz. Birth of Christ and Offering of the Magi, with the
Flight into Egypt and Murder of the Innocents. MS. formerly
in possession of Mr. Thos. Sharp, then at Longbridge House
in the Staunton collection, afterwards burnt in the fire at Bir-
mingham, 1879. Printed in Dissert. Cov. Myst. pp. 83-114, with
copies of the music. Also, The Weavers' Play, The Presentation
in the Temple and Disputation with the Doctors ; ed. by Thos.
Sharp, for the Abbotsford Club, 1836. See also J. O. Halliwell-
Phillipps' ' Life of Shakespeare,' 4th ed. 1884^ pp. 383-389.
* Chester, Pijth century, (earliest MS. 1 591 ; cycle of 24 plays,
Whitsuntide,) in five MS. originals ; ed. Thos. Wright, Shake-
speare Society, 2 vols. 1843, 1847. The prologue, third and tenth
plays also ed. by J. H. Markland, Roxburgh Club, 1818. The
twenty-fourth {Ante-Christ) also ed. in Collier's Five Miracle
Plays, 1836. A fragment of the nineteenth play was recently
found in an old book cover by Mr. C. W. Sutton of the Free
Library, Manchester, and is printed in the Manchester Guardian,
19 May, 1883.
♦Tfeweastle-on-Tyne, 1426-1589, (cycle of plays, 16 known,) J.
Brand's Hist, of Newcastle, 1789, vol. ii. pp. 370-372. The text
of one play only, Noah's Ark, exists, printed by Brand, ii. 373-379>
and by Hen. Bourne, History of Newcastle-on-Tyne, London,
1736, p. 139. See, too, Mackenzie, ii. pp. 664, 672, 674, 691, 696.
* Dublin, 15th century, (cycle, 14 plays known ; Corpus Christi,)
Walter Harris, History of Dublin, London, 1766, pp. 142-148.
The text of one play only, Abraham and Isaac, exists, MS. D iv.
18, Trinity College, Dublin (hand temp. Henry VI). Printed by
Collier, Five Miracle Plays, 1836.
♦Norfolk or Suffolk, 15th century ^ {Play of Abraham and Isaac)
MS. at Brome Hall penes Sir Edw. Kerrison. Printed in Anglia
(Halle) Band VII, Heft 3, 1884, pp. 3i6-337, also in Mr. Walter
Rye's Norfolk Antiquarian Miscellany, vol. iii. part i.
' Date of the MS.
e 2
IXVm APPENDIX II.
* Croxton (?the county, perhaps Norfolk), 1461 '. The Play of the
Sacrament, MS. F iv. 20, Trinity College, Dublin ; ed. by Prof.
Whitley Stokes, Transactions of the Philological Society, l86o-l,
Berlin, Appendix, pp. 101-152.
* Cornwall, 14th century ^, (Origo Mundi, Passio Domini Nostri, Re-
surrexio Domini Nostri, three plays forming the complete cycle
of subjects taken by Corpus Christi plays), ^ In Cornish. Ed. and
trans, by Edwin Norris, 'Ancient Cornish Drama,' Oxford, 1859.
* Cornwall, 1504', ij^ife of St. Meriasek,) Hengwrt MS. at Peniarth.
In Cornish, Ed. and trans, by Prof. Whitley Stokes, London
(Triibner), 1872.
*Corn'wall, 161 1 ', but .'older, {The Creation of the World.) In Cor-
nish. Ed. and translated by Prof. Whitley Stokes, for the Philo-
logical Society, Berlin, 1863.
* Besides these, five other plays have been preserved, nothing being
known of where they were performed. One of these is the oldest
English play or dramatic poem, the famous Harrowing of Hell.
MS. Harl. 2253, fo. 55 b, temp. Edw. II or Edw. Ill, in Southern
dialect. Printed by Collier, ' Five Miracle Plays,' and separately
by J. O. Halliwell, London, 1840. An imperfect copy, of the first
half of 14th century,in the Auchinleck MS. (Edinburgh), fos. 35-37,
was printed by D. Laing, in ' Owain Miles and other inedited
fragments of ancient English poetry,' Edinburgh, 1837. See also
' Englische Studien,' vol. vii. part i. p. 182, and the references there
given.
The others are. The Burial of Christ and the Resurrection,
a group of two played at Easter ; early i6th century ' ; Bodl.
MS. E. mus. 160 ; printed by Halliwell in ' Reliquiae Antiquse,'
1843, vol. ii. p. 124, and re-printed by New Shakspere Society,
1882, with 'Digby Mysteries.' The Killing of the Children [or
Candlemas Day], Conversion oj St. Paul, and Mary Magdalene,
in two parts; .''1480-90. Digby MS. I33 at Oxford. Ed. F.J.
Furnivall, ' Digby Mysteries,' New Shakspere Society, 1882. Also
edited by Thos. Sharp for the Abbotsford Club, 1836. The first
of these was also printed by Hawkins, ' Origin of English Drama,'
1773, and by Marriott, ' English Miracle Plays,' Basel, 1838.
' Date of the MS.
' The Cornish plays do not include the Marian legends ; on the other hand
they treat the tree-legend pretty fully.
III.
NOTES ON THE DIALECT ^ AND GRAMMAR.
I. The Dialect in the main is that of Hampole's Pricke of Con-
science'. The grammar of the Northumbrian may be found in the
Introduction to Hampole. See also Hampole's Psalms, ed. Bramley ' ;
andmore particularly the ' Dialect of the Southern Counties of Scotland,'
by Dr. J. A. H. Murray (Philological Society, 1873), pp. S, 37-39,
1 50-230.
II. A Midland (literary) scribe has altered much both in the way
of grammar and orthography ; in neither case have the changes
been methodically made. The Northumbrian, it is known, was in-
fluenced by the Midland where the two dialects were contiguous.
III. Comparison with Hampole's works, or with any good North-
umbrian specimen, shows that wholesale changes have been made in
the rhyme-endings as well as elsewhere. The great change is from
a to o,fro, moste, p. I ; onely, p. 2 ; goes = gas, p. 3 ; cf. wa-la-way and
wo, p. 5; but ane and wa are left, p. S; cf. oondis = aandes, p. 116. In
the rhyme lines the scribe has only partly altered these.
Thus, gone and mone rhyme with nane and -ane, p. 62.
Cf. gane with one Up. go, 91. Cf. langis
tane with slone ) '^'^ ^ ' ^
taste and most, p. 218.
a. go ) V ,
fw p. 7 j ('^ ) u „ t.
b.thei Luh ^a^ p. xo, where all the
' Based on some remarks kindly supplied by the Rev. Dr. R. Morris.
= Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by Dr. Richard Morris, for the
Philological Society, Berlin, 1863.
= The Psalms of David, with a translation and exposition in English by
Richard RoUe of Hampole. Edited from manuscripts by the Rev. H. R.
Bramley. Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1884. Hampole's work in the Pricke of
Conscience Is nualliterative verse in couplets; in the Psalter it is prose.
Hampole was a Yorkshireman ; he died Sept. 29, I349-
wrong \ p. 215.
thrang
Ixx
APPENDIX III.
Cf. more
-fofe
{>ore
wore
Cf. more
fore
yore
p. 97, and others
in pp. 197, 198
with
p. 103.
p. 54, with
{ sare ")
< mare > i
(ayre = are )
Cf. wore, fore, p. 170, with ware, fare, p. 171.
S°&°°«'jp. 106.
as.
So holde } „_. ^ _i,._„_<,
, J I one o rhymes
caiae ^, ^j^j^ ^j^^.^^ , p_ ^^^
aide
talde
-ane
hole
bale
I p. 265.
wrobe )
skatlie I P- '4°.
The rhymes more, -fore, Jjore, wore, are for mare, ar^ ( = before),
]>are, ware.
In the Northern dialect more (being mare) does not rhyme with
-fore.
Hence we get bad rhymes like —
werre
-fore
-more
\-
130 (see p. 139).
fere^ I P- '7° (see p. 173)-
roppe = rape ) g
jape \^v I ■
soo = swa ,
to tP-2"-
stone =stane i
done
fro = fra ]
too \
p. 212.
p. 214.
P. 135. Here is a bad rhyme, which may easily be set right —
fende 1 Boune does not = bounden here though it does elsewhere ;
boune f bale may be taken as gen. s. ; and bende='bonA will be
amende i the correct rhyme. (See O. E. Miscellany, p. 142 ;
kende ) Gamelyn, 1. 831.)
On p. 140, olde rhymes with belde ; but olde does not = aide, old, but
elde = age. So- correct to elde.
Other bad rhymes are-
• p. 60.
goo = ga
-too
fone
sone
}p.6s.
come
home
gome
|p. XS4.
boone=bunden
sone = sone
begonne = begunne:
f P- 157
(see bune, hegune, p. 262).
were 1
are >p. 238.
bere )
honde=hande
ronne
NOTES ON THE DIALECT AND GRAMMAR. Ixxi
I p. 261.
foune I ,
boune ^ P- 2^'-
more | „ ,„,
IV. Feculiarities of Orthography: —
{a) We find a double letter after a long vowel, as — cesse rhymes
encrese, p. 127 ; encresse rhymes chase = encrese and chese, p. 186 ;
esse — plese, p. 202; heppe — leppe=hepe and lepe, p. 150; latte —
abatte = late and abate, p. 148 ; cf. wotte — gate = wate and gate, p. 148 ;
cf. spakke^take, p. 186 ; late — watte, p. 182 ; hette — fete, p. 181 ;
sette — ette = ete, p. 234 ; latte, gatte, hatte = late, gate, hate, p. 213 ;
latt = layte, rhymes consayte, p. 208 ; fudde = fude, rhymes blude, p. 83 ;
deffe = defe, p. 267/337 ; wiffe, life, p. 282/294, 299.
(b) u = o, fure and blure = fore and blore, p. 85 ; cf. mode and gud,
hune and sone, p. 209.
(c) ay is written for a (modem d) ; layre, fayre, pp. 78, 79 ; fays =
fas, p. 79. So bayle is written for bale ; i is omitted in fraste, p. 76 ;
brayj)e=braj)e rhymes wro)ie=wra})e, p. 225.
{fl) Note the senseless e's in wedde, cledde, bredde^'wsA., cled, bred,
p. 94, and many others.
{e) sight and wryte = site (sorrow) and write, p. 150.
(/) y = ^; cf. drygh and nygh, p. 298, for dregh (see dergh for dregh,
p. 349/2) ; bryme = breme (fierce), and deme, p. 306.
{g) Occasional instances of gh for w, very common in Hampole —
laugher = la wer, lower, p. 281/275 ; aughen = own, p. 100/202; saughe
= saw, p. 129/861
{h) There is a very corrupt rhyme on p. 293 ; to blowes (an inf.,
read 'to blawe') rhymes with lawes, knawe, and sawes. These j's are
all wrong.
V. ITon-lTorthumbrian. forms are— such for swilk, p. 186/21 ;
which for whilk, p. 340/98 ;' as for als ; erly for arly, p. 49/114 ; farrar
=ferre, pp. 72, 73 ; sterres = stemes, p. 400 ; brayne for hames (brains),
P- 333 ; euyll for ill, p. 127 (see pp. 129, 133) ; sleeis = slas, p. 141/115 ;
dong=dungen, p. 331/332 ; hande = hende, p. 190 (see the rhymes on
pp. 339/79, 82 and 376/73, 75, also pp. 235/56, 424/114); sche = scho,
sho, p. 194/17, 33. Churl, chorl for carl, korl, on account of the alli-
teration ? p. 280/242 (cf. 338/37) ; woU for will, p. 37V328 ; bretheren
for brether, p. 347/37'
Ixxii APPENDIX III.
VI. Q-rammar : —
[The following are the normal forms of Northern Middle English.
Nouns. The plural is formed in is, ys, s, occasionally in es.
The few exceptions are pi. in en, as eghen, eghne, oxen, shoon,fan, or
fon=iot& ; in er, childer; vowel-change, as brether,fet, hend, men, ky,
mysj plural unchanged, as schepe, swyne, dere, nowt, horse. — The
genitive singular ends usually in es, s, but often (especially when it
had not es in O. E.) is quite uninflected ; Hn a worme likenes,' 23/23,
syster sone.
Adjectives are uninflected for number, gender, or case. Relics of
the O. E. genitive plural in -ra remain in althermast, alderbest, allers,
althers, and with additional -{e)s in bather{e)s. — The comparison is
often in -arie"^, and a.st{e,. ast, instead oi er and est ; the comparatives,
ferre, nerre or narre, werre or warre, farther, worse, nearer, are
also found.
The terminations -lie, -like, -ly interchange.
Pronouns, i pers. s., Ic, ik, I ; 3 pers. f. sing., sco, scho, sho ;
pi. fiai, ))aim, ))am. Possessives, ur, our, owr, Jour, Jowre, yhowre, thair,
thayr ; ures, oures, Joures, thairs. Demonstratives, Jia, ))as(e, tho,
those, J)ir, fer, these, swilk, ilka. Qua, qhua, quhether, quhilk, are
Northern forms of the interrogative, but are not found in the plays.
Verbs. The inflexion of the present indicative is to be specially
noted. It has two forms, the one used with the proper pronoun im-
mediately preceding or following " : —
Sing. Ic, I, syng(e, PI. we syng(e,
))u synges, 3e syng(e,
he synges ; J)ai syng(e ;
the other takes -s or -es throughout, when the subject is either absent, or
is another word than the personal pronoun, e.g. a noun, relative, &c. : —
Sing. I that synges ;
PI. we that synges,
Je that synges.
fe briddes synges.
we ga hame and tas resie.
Past tense, a.ndi past participle of weak verbs end with id, yd, ed, d, t.
Past part, of strong verbs in en,yn, in, n.
Present or active part, in and, ande.
Gerund or verbal substantive in ing, yng.
The imperative, 2 pers. pi. ends in is, ys, es, s, when the pronoun is
absent. Gas hame! Ga jhe hame.
' The bracket ( signifies that the e is sometimes present, sometimes absent.
° Murray, Dialect of Southern Counties of Scotland, p. 212.
NOTES ON THE DIALECT AND GRAMMAR. Ixxiii
The chief phonological peculiarities are,—
In certain cases a replaces the Southern o, a.i gast,sang, stan.mare'.
^ H ,1 ch „ kyrke.
f n „ v „ doufe, gif.
•'■^ II 1, sh „ scryke (shriek),
hard^ „ „ soft <?^ „ bryg.
^^ >, „ w „ felagh, aghen.
^ )> I) ;?■ » 3ates.
Orthographically, 5 was retained for^, as in Jearn.
It has been shown by Dr. Murray that in the Northern dialect -i or
-y was added to another vowel simply to lengthen it (like silent e
nowe), not to make a diphthong, gats =: gas (gaes, gase), dois^dos
{does, dose), hats = has (hase, haes), stray d=strdd {strood), rots = ros
{rose). This will often explain apparent difficulties of rhyme.
Specially Northern are thethen, hethen, whethen ; /ra={rom, til = to,
intil = into; sail = shall, suld = shuld ; what-kyn, thus-gates, sa-gates,
no-gates ; swilk, slyke = such, whilk = which.
L. T. S.]
(i) The Midland scribe has introduced -st and -th for -es or -s
(verb), see pp. 99/192, 104/Sii 108/180, 162/139,228/208,229/225, 235/57,
260/149, 351/64-
(2) Shall, shulde, sulde, for sail and salde, passim ; see shalle for
sail, p. 15.
(3) Aren for ere, p. 63/235 ; are for ere, p. 70/29.
(4) })ei, jier, )>em, for j)ai, Jjair, )jar, j)am, ))aim, passim ; tho for tha,
thas those ; hem once, on p. 281 ! !
(5) The contraction of the passive participles ; boune, foune, or bone,
fone, for bunden, funden, pp. 11, 56, 65, 98/155, 131/136, 135, 157,
261, 262, 263. This is common in modem northern dialects : sc. bun'
for bounden, &c. See the bad rhymes, p. 261.
' Note that O. E. d remained in the North, while in the 1 3th century it
became 0 in the South ; so in most of the other phonological changes, the
North has the older fonns.
INDEX TO INTRODUCTION AND NOTES,
WITH EXPLANATIONS OF NAMES OF THE CRAFTS'.
A-CTOKS.xxxvii; addressed audience, Iv;
dress, Iv.
Alliteration, li, lii;
Allusions in old writers to religious
plays, Ivii.
Anti-christ, xlviii.
Antiphonal of York, belonging to Lord
Herries, 527.
Apocryphal books, xlvii-xlix.
Armourers, xx, xli, 29.
Author of the plays, xlvi ; his qualities,
Iv, Ivi.
Bakers, xxiii.
Barbours, xxii, xxxix, 172.
Barkers, xix, i ; those who barked trees
and sold the bark, hence closely con-
nected with the Tanners.
Bayns or messengers, xxxiii.
Baxteres, Bakers, xxiii, xxxi, xxxv, 233.
Beverley cycle, xliv, xlvi.
Blacksmiths, xxiii note.
Bladesmyths, xxiii.
Boeheres, Bouchers, xxvi, 359, butchers.
Boilers, xxv, ? bowl-makers.
Book of the play, Iv note 2.
Botellers, xxii, leather bottle makers.
Riley's Memorials, p. 421.
Bowers, xxiii, 2S4,Bowyers, i, e. makers
of bows.
Broggours, xxvi, ? brokers.
Buk bynders, xx, 56, book-binders.
Bukler-makers, xxiii.
Burton, Roger, list of plays, 1415, xviii,
xix-xxviii ; his second list, xviii.
Cappers, capmakers, xxii, 193.
Cardmakers, xiv, xix, xxvii, 14, makers
of cards for cardingor combing wool.
Carpenters, xxvi, 396.
Chape, the end of a bridle rein where it
is buckled to the bit, xl.
Chaundellers, xxi, xxiv, 118.
Chester plays, xxxi, xliii, xliv, Ixii.
Cokis; see Cukes. •
Cordewaners, shoemakers, xxiii, 240.
Coriours, Couureours, xxii, xl, 185,
curriers of leather.
Coronation of Our Lady, xlii, xlix,
525 note.
'Corpus Cristi playe,' xiv, xxix, xxxi,
xxxvii.
Couehers, xxiii, 146 note, 270, couch-
coverers, Bardsley, p. 22.
Coupers, Cowpers, xx, 22, coopers.
Coventry plays, xxxi, xiv, Ixii.
Creed play, xvi, xxx.
Cukes; Cokes, xxiv, xxxvi, 307, cooks.
Cursor Mundi, xliv.
Cutlers, xxiii, xxxviii, 219.
Cycles of plays in England, xliii, xliv ;
comparison of four chief, Ixii.
Drapers, xx note, xxvii, 473.
Dubbers, xx, xxvi, furbishers of old
clothes; Liber Albus, p. 718, 'qe nul
' This Index includes all the crafts named in this volume. The edition of Liber
Albus referred to is the Latin one ; Bardsley's History 0/ Surnames, also consulted,
contains several errors founded on Drake's misapprehension of the part taken by
the crafts in the plays 'and the procession.
Ixxvi
INDEX TO INTRODUCTION AND NOTES,
face dubber ne fuller tielx draps, et
les vendent pur novels.'
Escriveners, xxvi, xxxix, 448, scri-
veners, writers of text.
Feuers, xxii, smiths.
Fergus play, xxvii, xxviii, xlix note.
Fletchers, xxiii, 254, those who feathered
arrows.
Founders, xx, 102, melters and moulders
of metal (Lat. fundere, to pour).
Fullers, xx, 18.
Fuystours, xxvi, joiners, makers of sad-
dle-trees and ? of pack-saddles.
Fyshers, 45.
Garthyners, xxi note, gardeners.
Gaunters, glovers, xx, 35.
Gilds of Lord's Prayer and Corpus
Christi, xxviii— xxxi.
Girdlers, xxii, xl, 146, makers of small
articles in metal work, see p. xl.
Glovers, xx, xxxix, 35.
Goldbeters, xxi.
Goldsmiths, xxi note, xlii, 125 note,
126.
Grammar of Northern dialect, Ixxii ; of
these plays, Ixix-lxxiii.
Hatmakers, xxii note, 433,
Hayresters, xxv, ? workers in horse-hair.
Homers, xxiii note, 1 makers of horn
ware.
Hosiers, xx, 68.
Hostilers, 491.
Innholders, xxvii note, xxxv, xlii, 491
note, 514.
Ironmongers, xv, xxii.
Italian play in MS., xlv note, xlvii, Iviii.
Judas, lost play on, xxiv note.
Junours, xxvi, joiners ; see Fuystours.
Kidberers, xxi note. Faggots or bimdles
of wood for firewood are called kids
in Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, and
Lincolnshire.
Laborers, xxiii note, 433.
Latoners, xxvi ; makers of laten, a mixed
metal, and laten vessels.
Leonard's, St., hospital of, xxi.
Lord's Prayer, play of, xxviii, xxix,
xxxiii.
Lorimers, xxii, xli, 156, makers of the
bit for horses.
Losses in the MS., xv.
Luminers, xxvi, xxxix ? illuminators.
Canon Raine reads xvi as lumners, I
read it limners, which is supported by
Liber Albas (p. 715), 'lymnours.'
Lyme-bumers, xxxix, xlii.
Lyn- or lynenweuers, xxiv note, xxvii, xl,
linen-weavers.
Lytsteres, Littesteres, xxiv, 292.
Mariners, xl, 45.
Marshalls, xxi, xli, 138; men who shod
and cured horses. See Ordinances 3,
4, 5 in Antiquary, March, 1885,
Masons, xxi, xxiii note, xxvii note, 1 23,
125 note, 433.
Melton, William, his sermons about the
plays, xxxiv.
Mercers, xxvii, 497.
Midland scribe copied the plays, Ixix.
Millers, xxv note, xl.
Monemakers, xxi.
Music in the plays, xvii, lix, Ix, 517-527.
Mynstrells, xxxviii, 125 note.
Naylers, xxii, 146.
Omitted plays, xv, xxiv note, xxvii.
Orfeuers, xxi, goldsmiths.
'Originals,' xvii, Iv note, 18, 29.
Ostillers, 491.
Pageants, xxxv.
Pageant houses, xxxvi.
Pageant-masters, xxxviii, xli.
Pageant-silver, xxix note, xxxviii.
Palmers, 421 note, 433 note.
Parchemyners, xx, 56, makers and sellers
of parchment.
Pardoners, xxvi note.
Paris candles, xxiv note.
Paten-makers, xxii, makers of pattens for
the feet.
WITH EXPLANATIONS OF NAMES OF THE CRAFTS.
Ixxvii
Payntours, xxvi, 349.
Percula, Pilate's wife, 272 note.
Pessoners, xx, fiscenarii, xl, 45, fisher-
men, fishers.
Pestours, xxxii, bakers.
Pewterers, xx, xxxv, 102, makers of
pewter and pewter vessels.
Pilate, name of, xlviii, 271.
Places in England where plays found,
Ixiv-lxviii.
Plasterers, xix, xxxviii, xxxix, 8.
Play, ludus, what included in the word,
xxix, xxxi, xxxvii.
Players, xxxvii, xxxviii.
Plays omitted in Register, three, xv,
xxvii, xxviii; suppressed or combined,
xxii, xxiv note ; produced by the crafts,
not by Corpus Christi gild, xxx, xxxi ;
general style and characteristics, Ivi ;
see Places.
Plays (Corpus Christi), individual, named
in city books, Moses and Pharaoh, x
note; Purification, xxi note; Judas,
xxiv ; Condemfnaciojesu Cristi, xxv ;
Fergus, xxvii ; Navis Noe, xl ; Coro-
nacion of our Lady, xlii ; Herod and
the three Kings, 125 note,
Plummers, xxii.
Porter in Macbeth, Iviii.
Potters, xxvii, 465.
Pouchemakers, xxii.
Proclamation of the plays, xviii, xxxiii.
Prompter, Iv, 246, 285.
Prophets, prologue or play, xx, xlv,
xlvii.
Pulters, xxvi, poulterers.
Pynners, xxvi, xl, 349, makers of pins
and other articles of wire.
Questors, xxvi, ? pardoners.
Reform of the play-book, xvi.
Revetour, William, ii note, xxx.
Rimes, corrupt or bad, causes of, lii,
Ixix, Ixx.
Ropers, xxv note.
Sadillers, 372.
Salse-makers=sauceinakers, xxiv note.
makers (?) of salt pickle (Bardsley,
p. 371 ; Riley's Memorials, xxi).
Sawiers, xxii.
Scalers, xxiii.
Scenes and scenery, liv, 83, 202.
Scriveners' play, a separate MS., 455
note.
Sellers, xxvi, 372, sadlers (Bardsley, p.
289 note, was led into error as to
' satellemakers ' and 'satchels' by
Drake).
Shakespeare and the religious plays,
Iviii.
Shermen, 337 ; those who shore the nap
of cloth {Liber Albus, p. 724, trans.,
p. 630).
Shethers, xxiii.
Shipmen, marinarii, xx, xl.
Shipwrightes, xx, 40.
Sibyl legend, xliv, xlvii.
Skinners, xxiii, xxiv note, felliparii,
xxxvi, xl, 201.
Sledmen, 421 note, 426, porters or car-
riers; no 'sleddman' may carry by
cart, ' slede ' nor horse what belongs
to the porters to bear. Ordinances of
the Porters, book==:, fo. 153.
Smiths, xli, 178.
Social life, touches of, Ivii.
Spicers, xx, 93, sellers of spice and drugs
= grocers. The ' spices ' paid for in
T399 by the Gild of our Lord's Praysr,
included 'puluere piperis, clowes,
rasyns curant, dates, zucre, almondes,
rys, zinziberis, rasyns malyk, fyges,
maces.' '&xXifenes Canon Raine ; see
p. xxix.
Sporiers, spurriers, xxii, xli, 156,
St. George's play, xxxi, xxxv.
Stage-directions in MS. xvii; new, added,
lix.
Stations in York where plays performed,
xxxii.
Talliaunders, xxvi, taylors.
Tannours, xix.
Tapiters, Tapisers, Tapeners, xxiii note,
xxvii note, 270, makers of tapestry,
coverlets and (?) hangings — ' de
omnibus pannis, tarn coverlettes quam
Ixxviii
INDEX TO INTRODUCTION AND NOTES, &C.
tapettes.' Ordinances of the Tapi-
ters, book — , fo. 282.
Taylors, 456.
TielmaJcers, tilemakers, xxv, and note,
320.
Tille-thekkers, xxi note, 112, tile-
thatchers.
Tixt-writers, xxxix.
Towneley Plays, xlvi and note, ^8,
156,372,396, 60I-
Tree legend and oil of mercy, xlviii,
Ixiii.
Trinity Priory in Micklegate, xi, xii,
xxxii, xliii.
Turners, xxv, xxxix.
Tylers, xxi, xxxix, tilers of houses.
Veronica, xxv, xlix.
Verrours, xxvi, glaziers.
Vestment-makers, xxili, xl.
Vintners' play, xy, xxii.
Wadmen, xxvi, woad mercEants.
Water-leders, xxiii, xxiv, 307, water-
carriers.
Wefferes, 480, vreavers.
Wevers of woUen, xxvii, 42 1 note, 480.
Wolpakkers, xxvi.
Wyne-dravrers, xxvi, 421, carters or car-
riers of wine in the pipe or tun, Riley's
Memorials, p. xxi, Liber Alhus, 706.
Wyre-drawers, xl.
York liturgical books, 525, 527.
THE PLAYS
PERFORMED BY
THE CRAFTS OF YORK.
I. THE BARKERS.
If. 3.
The Creation, and the Fall of Lucifer.
(First quire i
unsigned.)
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus.
Primus angelus seraphyn.
Angelus cherabyn.
Primus angelus deficiens, Lucifer. ) Each changes into
Secundus angelus deficiens
i diabolus in inferno.]
[Scene I, Heaven.]
[Deus.] Ego sum Alpha et O. vita via
Veritas primus et nouissimus.
I am gracyus and grete, god withoutyn begynnyng,
I am maker vnmade, all mighte es in me,
I am lyfe and way vnto welth wynnyng,
I am formaste and fyrste, als I byd sail it be.
My blyssyng o ble sail be blendyng,
And heldand fro harme to be hydande ^,
My body in blys ay abydande
Vne[n]dande withoutyn any endyng.
Sen I am maker vnmade, and moste so of mighte.
And ay sail be endeles, and noghte es but I,
Vnto my dygnyte dare sail diewly be dyghte
A place full of plente to my plesyng at ply,
' MS. has hyndande.
B
Genesis i. 1-5.
Jude 6.
The attributes of
God.
The unending
creator shall
have a place to
delight him,
I. THE BARKERS.
but he inspires
only his wor-
thiest work.
Nine orders of
angels, to obey,
with everlasting
praise.
And therewith als wyll I haue wroght
Many dyuers doynges be-dene,
Whilke warke sail mekely contene,
And all sail be made euen of noghte. 16
3. But onely J^e worthely warke of my wyll
In my sprete sail enspyre J^e mighte of me,
And in p^ fyrste, faythely, my thoghts to fuU-fyll,
Baynely in my blyssyng I byd at here be 20
A blys al-beledande abowte me ;
In J?e whilke blys I byde at be here
Nyen ordres of aungels full clere.
In louyng ay lastande at lowte me. 34
God grants the
earth, to his
faithfull servants.
If. 2 b.
God makes
Lucifer chief of
the powers next
below him.
^
Tunc cantant ang\elt] ' Te deum \laudamus te dominum
confitemur\ ^
Here vndernethe me nowe a nexile I neuen,
Whilke He sail be erthe now, all be at ones
Erthe haly and helle, J^is hegheste be heuen,
And that welth ■' sail welde sail won in )>is wones.
Thys graunte I jowe mynysters myne,
To-whils jhe ar stabill in thoghte ;
And also to }3aime Jjat ar noghte
Be put to my presone at pyne. \To Lucifer :
Of all ]3e mightes I haue made moste nexte after me,
I make Jse als master and merour of my mighte,
I beelde \t here baynely in blys for to be,
I name Jse for Lucifer, als berar of lyghte.
No thyng here sail Jse be derand,
In Jsis blis sail be jhour beeldyng,
And haue al welth in joure weledyng,
Ay whils jhe ar buxumly berande.
28
31
?,6
40
In the MS. these words are obliterated.
^ MS. has wethth.
THE CREATION, AND THE FALL OF LUCIFER. 3
Tunc canlani angeli, Sancttis sqncius sancius, dominus deus
sdbaoth.
6. Primus angelus seraphyn. A! mercyfull maker, full ?<»* xxxvUi. 7.
mekiU es })i mighte, Sd.'"^'" ''''"
pat all this warke at a worde worthely has wroghte, ^
Ay loved be Jjat lufly lorde of his lighte, 43
That vs thus mighty has made, Jjat nowe was righte noghte ;
In blys for to byde in hys blyssyng,
Ay lastande, in luf lat vs lowte hym,
At beelde vs thus baynely abowete hym,
Of myrthe neuermore to haue myssyng. 48
7 . Primus angelus deflciens Iiucifere. All the myrth })at es
made es markide in me,
pe hemes of my brighthode ar byrnande so bryghte,
And I so semely in syghte my selfe now I se, 51
For lyke a lorde am I lefte to lende in })is lighte, if. 3.
More fayrear be far })an my feres, lord" Lluteous
^ . , , , and powerful.*
In me is no poynte pat may payre,
I fele me fetys and fayre.
My powar es passande my peres. 56
8. Aug. cherabyn. Lord ! wyth a lastande luf we loue )5e
allone,
pou mightefuU maker Jsat markid vs and made vs,
And wroghte us thus worthely to wone in this wone ^
Ther neuer felyng of fylth may full vs nor fade vs. 60
All blys es here beeldande a-boute vs,
To-whyls we are stabyll in thoughte Surwe^n'ed
In )5e worschipp of hym Jjat us wroghte f'^^ °° ''^™-
Of dere neuer thar vs more dowte vs. 64
9. Prim. ang. defie. 0 1 what I am fetys and fayre aiid ;^How d^ant
fygured full fytt !
pe forme of all fayrehede apon me es feste,
* MS. wonus.
E 2
am !
I. THE BARKERS.
68
Pain win never
pine me.
Angels praise
God with stead-
fast voice.
If. 3 b.
' How^ bplendid
and mighty I am.
I shall dwell in
the highest
heaven.'
Boasting and
pride before
a fall.
The devils fall.
76
80
what I am
All welth in my weelde es, I wete be my wytte,
pe bemes of my biighthede are bygged with J>e beste,
My schewyng es schemerande and schynande,
So bygly to blys am I broghte,
Me nedes for to noy me righte noghte.
Here sail neuer payne me be pynande. 72
10. Ang. seraphyn. With all jse wytt at we welde we wyrschip
]>i wyll,
pu gloryus god jsat es grunde of all grace,
Ay with stedefaste steuen lat vs stande styll,
Lorde ! to be fede with J>e fode of thi fayre face,
In lyfe that es lely ay lastande,
Thi dale, lorde, es ay daynetethly delande,
And who so })at fode may be felande
To se thi fayre face es noght fastande.
11. Prim. ang. defec. Lucifer. Owe ! certes !
worthely wroghte with wyrschip, i-wys!
For in a glorius gle my gleteryng it glemes,
I am so mightyly made my mirth may noghte mys.
Ay sail I byde in this blys thorowe brightnes of bemes,
Me nedes noghte of noy for to neuen.
All welth in my welde haue I weledande,
Abowne jhit sail I be beeldand.
On heghte in 'pe hyeste of hewuen.
12. Ther sail I set my selfe, full semely to seyghte,
To ressayue my reuerence thorowe righte o renowne,
j I saU be lyke vnto hym J^at es hyeste on heghte ;
I Owe ! what I am derworth and defte. — Owe ! dewes ! all
j goes downe ' !
' My mighte and my mayne es all marrande,
Helpe ! felawes, in faythe I am fallande.
Sec. ang. defeo. Fra heuen are we heledande on all hande,
To wo are we weendande, I warande. 96
83
88
91
'()
'■ Line 92 is cut into two lines in the MS.
THE CREATION, AND THE FALL OF LUCIFER.
[Scene II, Hell.]
13. Lucifer deiabolus in inferno, Owte owte ! harrowe I ' oh i it is so hot
here ! my comli-
helples, slyke note at es here, ness is now black
and blue.'
This es a dongon of dole Jiat I am to-dyghte,
Whare es my kynde be-come, so cumly and clere,
Nowe am I laytheste, alias ! })at are was lighte. loo
My bryghtnes es blakkeste and bio nowe ;
My bale es ay betande and brynande,
That gares ane go gowlande and gyrnande.
Owte ! ay walaway ! I well enew in wo nowe ! 104
14. Secundus diabolus. Owte ! owte ! I go wode for wo, my if. ^■
wytte es all wente nowe,
All oure fode es but filth, we fynde vs beforn.
We J)at ware beelded in blys in bale are we brent nowe,
Owte ! on be Lucifer, lurdan ! oure lyghte has bu lorne. 108 Lamentation of
' ./ w I jjjg devils who
pi dedes to bis dole nowe has dyghte us, «V™ round ami
' ' "^ ^ abuse Lucifer,
To spill VS }>U was oure Spedar, ""eir leader.
For thow was oure lyghte and oure ledar,
pe hegheste of heuen hade )3U hyght vs. 112
15. Lueifer in inferno. Walaway 1 wa ! es me now, nowe es
it war thane it was.
Vnthryuandely threpe jhe, I sayde but a thoghte.
Sectmd. diab. We ! lurdane, fiu lost vs.
Luc. in inf. 5he ly, owte ! alias !
I wyste noghte {sis wo sculde be wroghte. 116
Owte on jhow ! lurdans, jhe smore me in smoke.
Secund. diab. This wo has ]3U wroghte vs.
Lue. in inf. , B^e ly, jhe ly !
Secujid. diab. Thou lyes, and Jsat sail }3U by.
We lurdans haue at jowe, lat loke. "o
I. THE BARKERS.
16.
Angels applaud
the righteousness
of God.
If. 4 b.
Those fools who
fancied their
power so reach-
ing shall have
no grace.
17.
18
' Since the bad
ones are marred
I will make man
in mine own
image,'
19.
* The earth grew
dark when the
iiends fell.
[Scene III, Heaven.]
Angelus eherubyn. A ! lorde, louid be thi name Jjat vs
})is lighte lent'e.
Sen Lucifer oure ledar es lighted so lawe
For hys vnbuxumnes in bale to be brente,
Thi rightwysnes to rewarde on rowe. 124
like warke eftyr is wroghte
Thorowe grace of ]>\ mercyfuU myghte,
The cause I se itt in syghte,
Wharefore to bale he es broghte. 128
Deus \ Those foles for J^aire fayre-hede in fantasyes fell,
And hade mayne of mighte }>at marked Jiam and made
jjam,
For-thi efter }>aire warkes were, in wo sail Jsai well,
For sum ar fallen into fylthe Jjat euermore sail fade fiam,
And neuer sail haue grace for to gyrth jjam. 133
So passande of power tham thoght Jjam,
Thai wolde noght me worschip })at wroghte })am,
For-Jji sail my wreth euer go with Jjam. 136
, Ande all that me wyrschippe sail wone here, i-wys,
For-thi more forthe of my warke wyrke nowe I will.
Syn than })er mighte es for-marryde ]3at mente all o-mys,
Euen to myne awne fygure fjis blys to fulfyll, 140
Mankynde of moulde will I make ;
But fyrste wille I fourme hym before,
All thyng that sail hym restore,
To whilke Jjat his talents will take. 144
Ande in my fyrste makyng to mustyr my mighte,
Sen erthe is vayne and voyde, and myrknes emel,
I byd in my blyssyng jhe aungels gyf lyghte
To jje erthe, for it faded when fie fendes fell. 148
' Ific inserted, apparently later, before deus.
THE CREATION, AND THE FALL OF LUCIFER. 7
In hell sail neuer myrknes be myssande,
pe myrknes thus name I for nighte,
The day bat call I this lyghte. let there be light
■^ ' "^ *-* and darkness.
My after warkes sail Jsai be wyssande; 152
20. Ande now in my blyssyng I twyne tham in two,
The nighte euen fro ]>e day, so J)at thai mete neuer, day and night.
But ather in a kynde courese jjaire gates for to go,
Bothe \>e nighte and pe day, does dewly jhour deyuer. 156 if. s.
To all I sail wirke be jhe wysshyng,
This day warke es done ilke a dele,
And all jsis warke lykes me ryght wele.
And baynely I gyf it my blyssyng. i6o
Explicit ^
' Near the bottom of this page is written, in a later hand and ink than
the text, the date 1583, enclosed in a scroll.
If. 5 b.
[Unsigned quire.]
II. PLAYSTERERS.
The Creation, to the fifth day.
[PERSON OF THE PLAY.
Deus.]
Gen, i. 6-25.
Although fools
aspired to the
godhead,
they have fallen
into woe.
[Scene, The New World.]
Deus. In aliissimis habito, in the heghest heuyn my hatne
haue I,
Eterne mentis S,- ego, withoutyn ende ay lastandly '
Sen I haue wroght Jjire worldys wyde,
heuen and ayre and erthe also,
My hegh godhede I will noght hyde,
all yf sume foles be fallyn me fro, 4
When fiai assent with syn of pride,
vp for to trine my trone vnto,
In heuen Jjai myght no le[n]gger byde,
but wyghtly went to wone in wo ;
And sen }jai wrange haue wroght,
my likes to lat ]3am go.
To suflSr sorowe on soght,
syne {sai haue seruid so. 8
pare mys may neuer be amendid
sen ^psx a-sent me to forsake, ■
' In the MS. this piece is written throughout in tlie long lines of sixteen
or twelve syllables ; they are here divided for greater convenience. The
same kind of stanza, with a slight diversity of rimes, will be found in twelve
other plays (see Introduction), but they were usually written in the short
lines.
THE CREATION, TO THE FIFTH DAY.
For all fiere force non sail Jjame fende
for to be fendys foule & blake.
And f>o Jsat lykys with me to lende,
and trewly tent to me will take,
Sail wonne in welth withoutyn ende,
and all-way wynly with me wake,
pai salle haue for jjare sele
solace ]3at neuer sail sclake.
pis warke me thynkys full wele,
and more now will I make.
Syne Tpa.t fiis world es ordand euyn,
furth well I publysch my powere,
Noght by my strenkyth but by my steuyn,
a firmament I byd apere ; —
Emange pe waterris lyght so leuyn,
fiere cursis lely for to lere,
And Jjat same sail be namyd hewuyn,
with planitys and with clowdis clere.
pe water I will be set
to flowe bothe fare and nere,
And pun pe firmament,
in mydis to set Jsame sere ;
pe firmament sal nough[t] moue,
but be a mene, J3us will 1 mene,
Ouir all pe worlde to halde and houe,
And be you tow wateris be-twyne '. ^
Vndir pe heuyn, and als a-boue,
pe wateris serly sail be sene,
And so I wille my post proue,
by creaturis of kyndis clene.
pis warke is " to my pay
righit well '', withoutyn wyne ', ^
They will be
black fiends for
Heaven is created
with the firma-
ment to teach
the waters their
course.
i6
The firmament
shall not move,
but divide the
waters above
and beneath.
H
' twyne and wyne are intended to rime with mene and clene.
^ MS. has his and will. See his in 1. 62.
10
II. THE PLAYSTERERS.
End of the
second day.
' Let the dry
land appear,'
If. 6.
' Let the earth
bring forth grass,'
herbs and trees,
each * yielding
fruit after his
kind, whose seed
is in itself,'
pus sese fie seeunde day
of my doyngys bydene.
Moo sutyll werkys asse-say I sail,
for to be set in seruice sere ;
Alle ye wateris grete and smalle
]?at vndir heuyne er ordande here, 28
Gose to-gedir and holde yow all,
and be a flode festynde in fere,
So Jjat the erthe, bothe downe and dale,
in drynesch playnly may a-pere ;
pe diynes ' lande ' sail be
namyd, bothe ferre and nere.
And {>en I name Jje ' se,'
geddryng of wateris clere. 32
pe erthe sail fostyr and furthe bryng,
buxsumly as I wyle byde,
Erbys and also othyr thyng,
well for to wax and worthe to wede ;
Treys also Jsar-on sail spryng,
with braunchis and with bowis on-brede.
With flouris fayr on heght to hyng,
and fruth also to fylle and fede. 36
And J3ane I will Jjat Jsay
of ])em selfe haue Jse sede.
And mater Jiat Jiay may
be lastande furth in lede.
that they may
bear many
bright buds.
The wet and
wind shall dis-
perse the seed,
that new roots
may grow.
And all per materis es in mynde,
for to be made of mekyl might.
And to be kest in dyueris kynde
so for to bere sere burgvns bright.
And when Jjer frutys is fully fynde,
and fayrest semande vnto syght,
pane Jje wedris wete and wynde
oway I will it wende full wyght.
40
THE CREATION, TO THE FIFTH DAY. 11
And of jjere sede full sone,
new rotys sail ryse vp right.
pe third day Jjus is done,
Jjire dedis er dewly dyght. 44
Now Bene \>e erthe J)us ordand es,
mesurid and made by myn assent,
Grathely for to growe with gres,
and wedi§, fiat sone away bese went,
Of my gudnes now will I ges,
so J)at my werkis no harmes hent.
Two lyghtis, one more and one lesse, < Two great
.. V r i. • 1. c .. „ lights, the greater
to be rest m pe firmament ; 48 light to rule the
r 1 T J day, the lesser
The more light to I the! day light to mie the
night,'
fully suthely sail be sent,
pe lesse lyght all-way
to \>e nyght sail take entent.
pir figuris fajTe Jjat further sun ' -
J3us on sere sydys serue fiai sail,
The more lyght sail be namid Ipe son,
dymnes to wast be downe and be dale ; 53
Erbis and treys Jjat er by-gune,
all sail he gouerne, gret and smale,
With cald yf }jai be closid or bun,
thurgh hete of Ipe sun f>ai sal be hale.
Als ye I haue honours if. 6 b.
in alkyn welth to wale.
So sail my creaturis
euir byde withoutyn bale. 56
pe son and Tpe mone on fayre manere,
now grathly gange in jour degre,
Als ye haue tane soure curses clere 'fo'' signs, for
J -' seasons, for days
to serue furth loke ye be fre, a"<i y'^^"-'
For ye sail set ^ Ipe sesons sere,
' The MS. looks like sum. ' US. ye set.
12
II. THE PLAYSTERERS.
He made the
stars also.
' God created
great whales,'
and other fish to
swim with fins,
greater and less ;
some mild, some
fierce.
Also winged fowl
with feathers to
fly from place to
place and to
alight.
kyndely to knowe in ilke cuntre,
Day fro day, and yere fro yere,
by sertayne signes suthly to se. 60
pe heuyn sail be ouer hyld
with sternys to stand plente.
pe furthe day his fulfiUid ;
jjis werke well lykys me.
Now sen Jsir werkis er wroght with wyne,
and fundyn furlh be firth and fell,
pe see now will I set within
whallis whikly for to dewell ; 64
And othir fysch to fiet with fyne,
sum with skale and sum with skell,
Of diueris materis more and myn,
in sere maner to make and mell ;
Sum sail be milde and meke '■,
and sum both fers and fell,
pis world Jjus will I eke,
syn I am witt of well. 68
Also vp in pe ayre on hyght
I byd now ]>aX Tpore be ordande,
For to be fouUs fayre and bright,
dewly in fiare degre dwelland ^,
With fedrys fayre to frast Tpev flight
fro " stede to stede where J>ai will stande,
And also leythly for to lyght
whore so J^ame lykis in ilke a londe. 72
pane fysch and foulis sere,
kyndely I 30W commande,
To meng on joure mannere *,
both be se and sande.
' MS. has meke and milde, but it was evidently intended as above, to
rime with eke.
' MS. dewlland. ^ MS. for. " MS. has manener.
THE CREATION, TO THE FIFTH DAY.
13
pis materis more jitt will I mende,
so for to fulfill my for-thoght,
With diueris bestis in lande to lende
to brede & be with bale, furth brught :
And with bestis I wille be blende
serpentis to be sane vn-soght,
And wormis vp-on jjaire wombis sail wende,
to wo in erth and worth to noght.
And so it sail be kende
how all J>at eme is oght,
Begynnyng mydes and ende
I with my worde hase wrothe.
For als I byde bus all thyng be,
and dewly done als I will dresse ;
Now bestys ar sett in sere degre
on molde to moue, both more & lesse.
pane foulis in ayre, and fische in see,
and bestis on erthe of bone and flesch,
I byde je wax furth fayre plente,
and grathly growes, als I jow gesse.
So multeply je sail
ay furth in fayre processe.
My blyssyng haue je all ;
the fift day endyd as.
The beasts are
created, cattle,
^6 and every creep-
ing thing.
80
* Be fruitful and
multiply.'
If. 7.
84
86
If. lO.
Ai.
III. THE CARDMAKERS^
God creates Adam and Eve.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus. Adam. Eve.]
Gen, i. 26-31 ; ii.
7, 19, 21.
Five days' work
is finished, —
angels in heaven.
stars, moon, and
sun, trees, beasts,
and fishes.
[Scene, the World."]
Deus. T N heuyn and erthe duly tie dene
I Of V. daies werke, evyn vnto Tpe' ende,
I. haue complete by courssis clene;
Me thynketh Tpe space of Jjarn wele spende.
In heuen ar aungels faire and bright,
Sternes and planetis Ipei ' courses to goo,
pe mone serues vnto Tpe nyghte,
The Sonne to lighte })e day also.
In erthe is trees, and gresse to springe,
Beestes and foules, bothe grete and smale,
Fisshys in flode, all other thynge,
Thryffe and haue my blissynge alle.
This werke is wrought nowe at my wille.
But yitte can I here ' no beste see
That accordes by kyndly skylle ^,
And for my werke myghte worshippe me.
16
' This play is written out twice, by different hands, on leaves 7-9
(which I call A), and 10, 11 (B), from which last the above is printed,
as the best copy. Collations are given where words differ, but not for
spelling.
' J)« omitted in A. ' J)« in B. ' Aere omitted in A.
° kynde and skyll A.
GOD CREATES ADAM AND EVE.
15
/
For parfite werke ne were it none
But oughte wer made Jsat myghte it jeme,
For loue made I Tpis worlde alone,
Therfore my loue shalle in it seme.
To keepe Jsis worlde bothe more and lesse
A skylfull beeste ^ Jsan will y make,
Aftir my shappe and my liknesse,
The whilke shalle wirshippe to me take.
Of Jje sympylest parte of erthe }jat is here
I shalle make man, and for this skylle.
For to a-bate his hautand ^ cheere,
Both Kis grete pride and other ille ;
And also for to haue in mynde
Howe symple he is at his makynge,
For als febill I shalle hym fynde
Qwen he is dede at his endynge.
For f)is reasonne and skille allone,
I shalle make man like vn-to me.
Rise vppe, })0U erthe in bloode and bone,
In shappe of man, I comaunde pe.
A female shalte J50U haue to feere,
Here schalle y make of thy lefte rybbe,
Allone so shall Tpou nought be heere,
With-outyn faithfull freende and sibbe.
Takis nowe here \>e goste of lifFe,
And ressayue bothe youre soules of me,
pis iFemalle take Jiou to Ipi wifFe ;
Adam and Eue youre names shalle bee '-
• But there is no
beast who by rea-
son of his nature-
will worship me.
24 I will make a
reasonable beast,
man, he shall be.
made of earth to
28 abate his pride.
32
36
Rise up, tljou
earth !
If. 10 b.
40
Take the breath
of life, man and
woman both.'
44
' In A a later hand has written wyght. ^ haunttande in B.
3 'And leyd your Ijrves in good degre,
Adam here make I the
a man of mykyll myght
Thys same shall thy subget be
And Eve her name shall hight.'
These lines are written in the margin in an Elizabethan hand, to be in-
serted after line 44.
16
III. THE CARDMAKERS.
' What a joyful
sight is this
world ! *
Adam. A LORD ! ful mekill is Tpy myght,
■J\_ And Jjat is seene in ilke a side,
Ffor nowe is here a joifull sighte,
To see this worlde so longe and wide.
Many dyuerse thynges nowe here is,
Of beestis and foules, bothe wilde and tame,
Jitte is non made to \>i liknesse
But we allone, a I loued be ]>y name.
Sue.
r
*We are made in
Gdd's likenesSf
praise him I'
O swilke a lorde in alia ^ degree
Be euer-more lastand louynge,
pat to vs such a dyngnyte,
Has geffynne before all other thynge,
And selcouthe thynges may we see heere,
Of Jiis ilke worlde so longe and broode,
With beestes and foules so many and seere,
Blyssed be hee Jsat base ' vs made.
'What shall we ^flam
do and where ■**«**"*
dwell!'
A
48
52
56
60
BLISSED lorde ! nowe at ]>i wille
Sethen we are wrought, wouchesaffe to telle
And also saie vs two vn-tille,
Whatte we schalle do and where to dwelle ?
64
' Love and
praise me,
thou shalt be
lord of all,
dwell together
in paradise.'
If. II.
Aii.
Beus. T^OR this skille made y you })is daye,
JP My name to worschippe ay where ;
Lovis me for-thy and loues me aye
For my makyng, I aske ^ no more.
Bothe wyse and witty shalle ])ovl bee,
Als man, }>at y haue made of nought,
Lordshippe in erthe Jjan graunte y the,
Alle thynge to serue Tpe TpaX is * wrought.
In paradise shalle ye same wonne,
Of erthely thyng gete je no nede,
lUe and good bothe shalle je konne,
I shalle you lerne youre lyffe to leede.
, J^ 68
^
72
76
' all J)« degre in A. ' hose omitted in A. ' axke in A. * / haue in A,
GOD CREATES ADAM AND EVE.
17
Adam. A LORD 1 sene we shalle do no thynge,
_[\ But loue the for thy grette goodnesse,
We shalle a-beye to pi gudnesse, to Jji biddyng,
And fulfille it, bothe more and lees.
Eue. T T YS syngne sen ' he has on vs sette,
£j^ Before al other thyng certayne,
Hym for to loue we schal not lette,
And worshippe hym with mighte and mayne.
Deus. A T heuene and erthe firste I be-ganne,
£\ And vj daies wroughte or y wolde reste,
My werke is endid nowe at man[n]e,
Alle likes me wele, but Ipis ]>e ^ beste.
My blissynge haue they euer and ay ;
pe seuynte day shal my restyng be,
pus wille I sese, sothly to say.
Of my doyng in Jiis degree.
To blisse I schal you brynge.
Comes forthe je two with me,
3e shalle lyff in likyng.
My blissyng with you be. Amen '.
' We will obey,
because
80
he has set his
sign upon us.'
84
The sixth day's
work is ended
with man.
88
92
* Come with me,
you two,'
96
' MS. has sone, but sen=sythen seems to be meant.
"■ Is in A.
' At the end here was scribbled later the cue for the next piece, ' The
Fullers pagyant, Adam and eve this is the place. Deus.'
If. II.
IV. THE REGYNALL OF THE
FULLERS' PAGYANTi.
p«^j^26; ii.8, -God puts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Gen
9^
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus. Adam. Eue.]
' Here is Para-
dise for you to
dwell in.
y
You may live as
you will, all
things are your
subjects.
[Scene, Paradise^
1. Deus. Adam and Eve, this is the place
That I haue graunte you of my grace
To haue your wonnyng in ;
' Erbes, spyce, frute on tree,
J Beastes, fewles, all that ye see,
Shall bowe to you, more and myn.
This place hight paradyce.
Here shall your joys begynne,
And yf that^ye be wyse^
Frome thys tharr ye never twynne.
2. All your wyll here shall ye haue,
Lyvyng for to eate or sayff,
Fyshe, .fewle, or fee.
And for to take at your owen wyll.
All other creatours also there-tyll
Your suggettes shall they bee ;
i6
' This piece is written in a hand of the end of the i6th century, the same
which wrote the addition to the play of Cain and Abell ; see after, p. 37.
The reason for this is found in a Chamberlain's Book of the City of York
(vol. 4) under date of i Eliz., 1558 ; ' Item, payd to John Clerke for entryng
in the Regyster the Regynall of the pagyant pertenynge to Craft ofFuUars,
which was never before regestred, izd.' Regynall, i. e. originall ; cf. p. 29.
GOD PUTS ADAM AND EVE IN THE GAEDEN OF EDEN.
19
Adam, of more and lesse
Lordeship in erthe here graunte I the,
Thys place that worthy is,
Kepe it in honestye.
3. Looke that ye jem ytt wetterly,
All other creatours shall multeply,
Ylke one in tender hower.
Looke that ye bothe saue and sett,
Erbes and treys for nothyng lett, ^
So that ye may endower
To susteyn beast and man,
And fewU of ylke stature.
Dwell here yf that ye canne,
This shall be your endowre.
4. Adam. O Lord ! lovyd be thy name,
. For nowe is this a joyfull hame
That thowe hais brought vs to ;
Full of myrthe and solys saughe,
Erbes and trees, frute on to haugh, |
Wyth spysys many one hoo.
Loo ! Eve, nowe ar we brought
Bothe vnto rest and rowe,
We neyd to tayke no thought,
But loke a^ well to doo.
5. Eve. Lovyng be ay to suche a lord.
To vs hais geven so great reward
To governe bothe great and small,
And mayd vs after his owen read,
. . . [line wanting, hut no blank in MS?^ .
Emonges these myrthes all.
Here is a joyfull sight
Where that wee wonn in shall ;
We love the, mooste of myght.
Great god, that we on call.
* Perhaps the original word was ay, as in line 41.
C 2
Care for this
place intelli-
gently ;
24 sow and set
for aU.'
28
3 2 A joyful home,
full of happiness.
36
If. 12.
A iij.
40
44
20
IV. THE REGYNALL OF THE FULLERS' PAGYANT.
Eat not of the
tree of good
and ill.
all thing? are
yours but this,
' Praise me and Q, Deus. Love my nattie with good entent,
do my bidding, ''
And harken to my comaundement,
And do my byddyng buxomly. 52
Of all the Frute in parradyce,
Tayke ye therof of your best wyse,
And mayke you right merry ; 1
The tree of good and yll, 56
What tyme you eates of thys
Thowe speydes thy self to spyll,
And be brought owte of blysse.
All thynges is mayd, man, for thy prowe, 60
All creatours shall to the bowe,
That here is mayd erthly ;
In erthe I mayke the Lord of all,
And beast vnto the shall be thrall ; 64
Thy kynd shall multeply.
Therefore this tree alone,
Adam, this owte-take I,
The frute of it negh none, 68
For an ye do, then shall ye dye.
Adam. Alas I Lorde, that we shuld do so yll,
Thy blyssed byddyng we shall fulfyll,
Bothe in thought and deyd ; 72
We will not go / We shall no negh thys tre nor the bugh,
ear it, ^ a j a '
Nor yit the fruyte that there on groweth,
There-with oure fleshe to feyd.
Eve. We shall do thy byddyng, 76
We haue none other neyd,
Thys frute full styll shall hyng,
Lorde, that thowe hays forbyd.
DeusI Looke that ye doe as ye haue sayd, 80
Of all that there is hold you apayd,
For here is welthe at wyll ;
Thys tre that beres the Fruyte of Lyfe,
y
If. 12 b,
this forbidden ^
fruit shall hang.'
'Look that "you 9.
obey me.
J
GOD PUTS ADAM AND EVE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN. 21
Luke nother thowe nor Eve thy wyf, 84
Lay ye no handes there tyll,
For-why [do my byddyng,] ''■
It is knowen bothe of good and yll,
This frute but ye lett hyng 88
Ye Speyd your self to Spyll. or be ruined.
10. For-thy this tree that I owt-tayke,
Nowe kepe it grathly for my sayke,
That nothyng negh it neyre ; 92
All other at your wyll shall be,
I owte-take nothyng but this tree,
To feyd you with in feare.
Here shall ye leyd your lyfFe 96
With dayntys that is deare ;
Adam, and Eve thy wyfe,
My blyssyng haue ye here. 93
I except nothing
but this tree.'
' Probably some such words are missing. The copyist, having got
confused, put for why at the end of I. 85 near the margin, and For-thy at
the end of 1. 89 instead of at the beginning of 1. 90, to which it evidently
belongs.
If. 14 b.
A V. b.
V. THE COWPERSi-
Man's disobedience and fall from Eden.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
DOMINUS.
Sathanas.
EUA.
Adam.
Angelus.]
Gen, iii. 1-15,
17. =3-
Satan is troubled
at God's inten-
tion to take on
him the nature
of man.
instead of angels.
* I will hie to
man's mate,
[Scene, Paradise.\
Satanas incipit dicens,
FOR ^ woo my witte es in a were,
That mofFes me mykill in my mynde,
The godhede Jjat I sawe so cleere,
And parsayued })at he shuld take kynde,
of a degree
That he had wrought, and I denyed J3at aungell kynde
shuld it nojt be ;
And we were faire and bright,
perfore me thoght Jsat he
The kynde of vs tane myght,
And Jjer-at dedeyned me.
The kynde of man he thoght to take.
And theratt hadde I grete envye.
But he has made to hym a make,
And harde to her I wol me hye,
(that redy way)
14
' Many of the lines in the first five stanzas are written very confusedly in
the MS. ; they are corrected here, without indicating each one.
" Diabolus In margin.
MANS DISOBEDIENCE AND FALL FROM EDEN.
23
That purpose proue to putte it by,
And fande to pike fro hym put pray. i8
My trauayle were wele sette
Myght y hym so betraye,
His likyng for to lette,
And sone I schalle assaye. 22
In a worme liknes wille y wende,
And founde to feyne a lowde lesynge. [Calls.
Eue, Eue !
Eua. Wha es Jsare ?
SatanaiS ^- I, a frende.
And for thy gude es fie comynge,
I hydir sought.
Of all \)e fruyt that ye se hynge
In paradise, why eat ye noght ?
Eua. We may of tham ilkane
Take al jsat vs goode Jjought,
Save a tree outt is tane,
Wolde do harm to neygh it ought.
Sat. And why paX tree ? jsat wolde I witte,
Any more Jjan all othir by ?
Eua. For oure Lord god forbeedis vs itt,
The frute ]3er of, Adam nor I
to neghe it nere,
And yf we dide we both shuld dye.
He saide, and sese our solace sere.
Sat. Yha, Eue to me take tente,
Take hede and jjou shalte here,
What Jiat the matere ^ mente,
He moved on Jjat manere.
To ete Jjer-of he you defende,
I knawe it wele, jsis was his skylle,
By-cause he wolde non othir kende
Thes grete vertues ]pat longes {ler-till.
in likeness of
a worm.'
26
29
33
He tempts Eve.
38
40
If. 1.5.
A vj.
44
' Diabolus in margin.
" MS. has materere.
24
V. THE COWPERS.
V
Eve wants to
know who is
telling her this
tale.
* We are loath to
odend God.'
'You may eat.
there is no peril,
but much to
gain,'
' Is this truth?
If, 15 b.
then I will trust
your word.*
\ For will }30U see,
\ Who etes the frute of goode and ille
shalle haue knowyng as wele as hee.
Eua, Why what-kynne thyng art ]30U, 52
jjat telles Jjis tale to me ?
Sat. A worme jsat wotith wele how
Jjat yhe may wirshipped be. 55
6. Eua. What wirshippe shulde we wynne ther-by ?
To ete ]5er-of vs nedith it nought,
We have lordshippe to make maistrie
Of alle Jjynge {sat in erthe is wrought.
Sat. Woman ! do way ! 60
To gretter state ye may be broughte,
and ye will do as I schall saye.
Eua. To do is vs full lothe,
jsat shuld oure god myspaye. 64
Sat. Nay, certis it is no wathe,
Ete it safely ye maye.
7. For perille ryght )3er none in lyes,
But worshippe and a grete'wynnynge, 68
For right als god^yhe shalle be wyse,
And pere to hym in all-kyn thynge.
Ay ! goddis shalle ye be !
i Of ille and gode to haue knawyng, 72
For to be als wise as he-.
Eua. Is fiis soth ]jat ]30U sais ?
Sat. Yhe I why trowes J)Ou nojt me ?
I wolde be no-kynnes wayes 76
telle nojt but trouthe to Jse.
8. Eua. Than wille I to thy techyng traste,
And fange J)is frute vnto owre foode.
(^/ func debet accipere pomum.
man's disobedience and fall from EDEN. 25
Sat. Byte on boldly, be nought a-basshed, So ■ Bite on boidiy,
And bare Adam to amende his mode, Adam, to amend
his mood and his
And eke his basse. happiness.'
(Tunc Satanas recedet.
Eua. Adam ! have here of frute full goode. 83
Ad. Alas 1 woman, why toke Jjou \>is ?
Owre lorde comaunded vs bothe
to tente fie tree of his. 86
Thy werke wille make hym wrothe,
AUas ! })ou hast don a mys.
9. Eue. Nay Adam, greve J)e nought at it, Eve tempts
And I shal sale ]je reasonne why, 90
A worme has done me for to witte,
We shalle be as goddis, Jjou and I,
yf Jjat we ete
Here of this tree ; Adam, for-thy 94
lette noght Jsat worshippe for to gate.
For we shalle be als wise v^v>-co C
als god fiat is so grete,
And als makill of prise ; 98
forthy ete of {sis mete.
10. Adam. To ete it wolde y nought eschewe, Adam yields,
Myght I me sure in thy saying.
Eue. Byte on boldaly, for it as trewe, 102
We shalle be goddis and knawe al thyng. ■'^c%- « '■
Adam. To wynnne \>sX name,
I schalle it taste at thy techyng. and eats.
[Accipit el comedit.
Alias ! what haue I done, for shame ! 106
lUe counsaille woo worthe the !
A ! Eue, f)ou art to blame,
To J)is entysed Jjou me. Suddenly they
1 ..1 11 t ^1*6 ashamed of
me shames with my lyghame I nakedness.
26
V. THE COWPERS.
If. 16.
A vij.
He reproaches
Eve.
* Nay, blame me
not,
the worm is to
blame,'
' I am ashamed
of our naked
shapes.'
They take fig-
leaves.
11. For I am naked as me thynke.
Eue. Alias I Adam, right so am I.
Adam. And for sorowe sere why ne myght we synke,
For we haue greved god almyghty
fiat made me man.
Brokyn his bidyng bittirly,
alias ! fiat euer we it began,
pis werke, Eue, hast Tpon wrought,
and made fis bad bargayne.
Eue. Nay, Adam, wite me nought.
Adam. Do wey, lefe Eue, whame fian ?
12. Eue. The worme to wite wele worthy were.
With tales vntrewe he me be-trayed.
Adam. Alias I fiat I lete at thy lare,
Or trowed f>e trufuls fat f ou me saide.
So may I byde.
For I may banne fat bittir brayde,
And drery dede fat I it dyde.
Oure shappe for doole me defes,
where with fjay shalle be hydde.
Eue. Late vs take there fygge leves,
sythen it is f us be-tydde.
13. Adam. Ryght as f ou sais so shalle it bee.
For we are naked and all bare.
Full wondyr fayne I wolde hyde me.
Fro my lordis sight, and I wiste whare,
where I ne roght.
I '4
119
123
127
131
133
137
[TAe Lord calls.
Dom. Adam ! Adam I
Adam. Lorde !
Dom. Where art thou, yhare ?
Adam. I here f)e lorde and seys the nojt. 139
man's disobedience and fall from EDEN. 27
Dom. Say, wheron is it longe ■ why hast thou
done this?'
]iis werke, why hast }30U wrought ?
Adam. Lorde, Eue garte me do wronge ■ Eve brought
me to this
and to pat bryg me brought. 143 breach.'
14. Dom. Say, Eue, why hast Jjou garte thy make if. 16 b.
Ete frute I bad pei shuld hynge stille,
And comaunded none of it to take ?
Eue. A worme lord, entysed me ther-till ^
So wel away I 148
That euer I did fiat dede so dill !
Dom. A ! wikkid worme, woo worthe be ay, God curses the
worm.
For ]3ou on J)is maner 151
hast made Jjam swilke afFraye ;
My maly Sonne haue Jjou here,
with all pe myght y may.
15. And on thy wombe fian shall fjou glyde, 155
And be ay full of enmyte
To al man kynde on ilke a side.
And erthe it shalle thy sustynaunce be
to ete & drynke. 159
Adam and Eue, alsoo, yhe and punishes
man.
In erthe Jjan shalle ye swete and swynke.
And trauayle for youre fode.
Adam. Alias ! whanne myght we synke, 163
We that haues alle worldis goode,
ful defly may vs thynke.
16. Dom. Now Cherubyn, myn aungell bryght, • Drive these two
To middilerth tyte go dryve these twoo.
Ang. Alle redy, lorde, as it is right, 168
Syn thy wille is paX it be soo,
and thy lykyng ''-
^ MS. has ther-to. ' Line 159 is inserted by a later hand.
28 V. THE COWPERS.
[To Adam and Eve.
'Go out, you Adam and Eue do you to goo, 171
two !
For here may je make no dwellyng,
of sorrow may Goo yhe forthe faste to fare,
ye sing. ^ '
of sorowe may yhe synge.
Adam. Alias ! for sorowe and care ! 175
owre handis may we wryng.
Ei sic finis^.
^ These three words in a later hand.
VI. THE ARMOURERS. ir.^^b.
A viij. b.
THE ORIGENALL PERTEYNYNG TO f>E CRAFTE OF
ARMOURERS.
A dam and Eve driven from Eden.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Angelus. Adam. Eue.]
1. Ang. AUe creatures to me take, tent, g«. ;;;. 16-19.
Fro god of heuen now am I sent
Vnto ]3e wrecchis j^at wronge has went . i am sent to the
wretches w"
have lost t1
of heaven.
^■i ir , wretches who
tnaymsell to woo, 4 have lost the joy
pe joie of heuen }jat thaym was lent
is lost thaym froo.
2. Fro thaym is loste bojje game and' glee,
He badde Jjat }jei schuld maistirs be 8
Ouer alle-kynne thyng, oute-tane a tree
he taught Jiem tille ;
And fier-to wente bothe she and he,
agayne his wille, 12
3. Agaynst his wille jjus haue they wrought,
To greeffe grete god gaffe they right noght ',
Jjat wele wytt ye ;
And therfore syte is to Jjaym sought; 16
as ye shalle see.
' A line seems wanting here, and in each of stanzas 7, 8, and 1 1 .
30
VI. THE ARMOURERS.
I am sent to
warn you.
You, Adam,
made all this
trouble yourself.'
He blames his
wife.
'You are punished
for believing
her tale.'
* Alas ! we had
immense bliss,
now we have
none.'
If. j£
Bi.
4. The fooles jsat faithe is fallen fra,
Take tente to me nowe, or ye ga ;
Fro god of heuen vnto yow twa 20
sente am I nowe,
For to warne you what-kynne wa
is wrought for you.
5. Adam. For vs is wrought, so welaway ! 2+
Doole endurand nyghte and day,
The welthe we wende haue wonnyd in ay
is loste vs fra.
For this myscheflfe ful wale we may 28
euer mornyng ma.
6. Ang. Adam, Ipy selffe made al {lis syte,
For to the tree fiou wente full tyte.
And boldely on the frute gan byte 32
my lord for-bed.
Adam. Yaa, alias ! my wiffe Jsat may I wite,
for scho me red.
7. Ang. Adam, for ]50u trowyd hir tale, 36
He sendis ]>e worde and sais ]30u shale
lyfFe ay in sorowe,
Abide and be in bittir bale,
tille he ]>e borowe. 40
8. Ad. Alias I wrecchis, what haue we wrought,
To byggly blys we bothe wer brought,
whillis we wer Jjare
We hadde i-nowe, nowe haue we noghte, 44
alias 1 for care.
9. Eua. Oure cares ar comen bothe kyne and colde,
With fele fandyngis many folde,
Alias 1 Jiat tyraunte to me tolde, 48
thurghoute his gyle.
That we shulde haue alle welthis in walde,
wa worthe Tpe whyle !
-;r
ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN FROM EDEN. 31
10. Ang. That while ye wrought vnwittely^
Soo for to greue god almighty,
And fiat mon ye full dare abye
or Jjat ye go.
And to lyfTe, as is worthy,
in were and wo.
11. Adam ! haue J)is, luke howe ye thynke,
And tille with-alle ]3i meete and drynke
for euer-more.
Adam. Alias ! for syte why myght y synke,
so shames me sore.
12. Eue. Soore may we shame with sorowes seere,
And felly fare we bothe in feere, 64
Alias ! jjat euyr we neghed it nere,
J3at tree vn-till.
With dole now mon we bye full dare,
oure dedis ille. 68
13. Ang. Giffe, for {jou beswyked hym swa ',
Trauell herto shalle J)Ou ta,
Thy barnes to bare with mekill wa
jjis warne I Jie. 72
Buxom shalle {sou and othir ma
to man ay be.
14. Eue. Alias ! for doole what shall y doo.
Now mon I neuer haue rest ne roo. 76
Adam. Nay, lo ! swilke a tale is taken ma too,
to trauyalle tyte,
Nowe is shente both I and shoo,
alias ! for syte. 80
15. Alias ! for syte and sorowa sadde,
Mournynge makis me mased and madda,
' A line written over this in later hand glosses it 'Eve, for fat you
begylyd hym so.'
5 2 ' For your un-
wise work
56 you now shall
suffer.'
60
.^*-t^*
Eve shall bear
children with
sorrow.
Adam shall
labour.
32
VI. THE ARMOURERS.
If. i8 b.
They were put
in Eden at early
mom, by noon
they had lost it.
Adam bewails
his fate.
'The whole world
is angry with me.'
To thynke in herte what helpe y hadde,
and nowe has none.
On grounde mon I neuyr goo gladde,
my gamys ere gane.
16. Gone ar my games with-owten glee,
Alias ! in blisse kouthe we nojt bee,
For putte we were to grete plente
at prime of ]>e day ;
Be tyme of none alle lost had wee,
sa welawaye.
17. Sa welaway ! for harde peyne,
Alle bestis were to my biddyng bayne,
Fisshe and fowle, they were fuUe fayne
with me to founde.
And nowe is alle thynge me agayne,
Jjat gois on grounde.
18. On grounde ongaynely may y gange,
To suflfre syte and peynes strange,
Alle is for dede I haue done wrange
Thurgh wykkid wyle.
On-lyve me thynkith I lyfTe to lange,
alias ! \>s whille.
19. A ! lord, I thynke what thynge is fiis,
That me is ordayned for my mysse,
Gyffe I wirke wronge, whom should me wys
be any waye ?
How beste wille be, so haue y blisse,
I shalle assaye.
20. Alias ! for bale, what may ]jis bee,
In worlde vnwisely wrought haue wee,
This erthe it trembelys for this tree,
and dyns ilk dele.
Alle Jjis worlde is wroth with mee,
|3is wote I wele.
84
88
9'
96
104
108
116
ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN FROM EDEN.
33
21. Full wele y wote my welthe is gone,
Erthe, elementis, euer ilkane,
For my synne has sorowe tane,
Jiis wele I see.
Was neuere wrecchis so wylle of wane
as nowe ar wee.
22. Eue. We are fulle wele worthy i-wis
To haue jjis myscheffe for oure mys, 124
For broght we were to byggely blys,
euer in to be.
Nowe my sadde sorowe certis is Jjis,
my silfe to see. 128
23. Ad. To see it is a sytfuU syghte,
We bothe fiat were in blis so brighte,
We mon go nakid euery-iike a nyght,
and dayes by-dene. 132
Alias ! what^'womans witte was light ! 1
fat was wele sene.
24. Eue. Sethyn it was so me knyth it sore,
Bot sythen ' that woman witteles ware.
Mans maistrie shulde haue bene more
agayns Ipe gilte.
Ad. Nay, at my speche wolde TpOM never spare,
! jjat has vs spilte. 140
25. Eue. Iff I hadde spoken youe oughte to spill.
Ye shulde haue taken gode tent Tpeie tyll,-
and turnyd my Jjought.
Ad. Do way, woman, and neme it nought," 144
26. For at my biddyng wolde Ipou not be.
And therfore my woo wyte y thee,
• We are worthy
this trouble.'
They grieve at
their nakedness.
How witless
woman was !
u
'^^5^-.f
They accuse one
another.
Adam's cowardly
speech.
'■ MS. sm.
2 Two lines seem to be missing here (though no blank) j the stanza is
irregular.
34
VI. THE ARMOURERS.
* Never trust
woman more.'
Eve acknow-
ledges her fault.
Thurgh ille counsaille J>us casten ar we,
in bittir bale. 148
Nowe god late never man aftir me
triste woman tale.
27. For certis me rewes fulle sare,
That euere I shulde lerne at pi lare, 152
Thy counsaille has casten me in care,
J3at )30u me kende.
Eue. Be stille Adam, and nemen it na mare,
it may not mende. 156
28. For wele I wate I haue done wrange.
And therfore euere I morne emange,
Alias ! the whille I leue so lange,
dede wolde I be ! 160
Ad. On grounde mon I never gladde gange,
withowten glee.
29. Withowten glee I ga,
This sorowe wille me sla, 164
This tree vn-to me wille I ta,
Jjat me is sende.
He fiat vs wrought wisse vs fro wa,
whare-som we wende. 168
Finis.
VII.
THE ORIGINALL PERTEYNYNG '^-.^s-.
TO THE CRAFT OF GLOUERES.
Sacrificium Cayme and A bell}
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Angelus. Caym. Abell.
Brewbarret (later addition).]
[Scene, ? in thefield.'\
Ang. That Lord of Lyflfe lele ay lastand,
Whos myght vn-mesured is to meyne,
He shoppe jje sonne, both see and sande,
And wroughte f>is worlde with worde, I wane.
His Aungell cleere, as cristall clene,
Here vn-to you jjus am I sente
pis tide.
Abell and Cayme, Jiei both by-deyne,
To me enteerly takis entent.
To meve my message haue I ment,
if Jjat ye bide.
Alle myghty god of myghtes moste.
When he had wrought jjis world ^ so wide.
No thynge hym jjoughte was wroughte in waste
But in his blissyng boune to bide.
Neyne ordurs for to telle, Jsat tyde.
Of Aungeles bryght he bad J>er be,
for pride.
This title is in the MS.
' MS. wolrd.
Gen. iv. 8-is.
To Cain and Abel
comes an angel.
I.i
Thsre are nine
orders of angels
the tenth was
sent to hell.
D 2
36 VII. THE ORIGINALL PERTEYNYNG TO THE CRAFT OF GLOUERES.
God asks tithes
in return for his
goodness to man
If. 20 b.
Abel is very will-
ing to obey.
Cain is angry.
• What a wild
idea ! d'ye think ,
I'll prepare home /
produce ? I will /
not bow nor /
mutter.' ,/
And sone pe tente part it was tried, 19
And wente awaye, as was worthye,
They heild to helle all Jiat meyne,
Jjcr-in to bide. 22
3. panne made he manne to his liknes,
~v That place of price for to restore,
'And sit^en he kyd him such kyndnes,
/Som-what wille he wirke jjer-fore. ' _ 26
The tente to tyne he askis, nomore.
Of alle Jse goodes he haues you sent,
full trew.
To offyr loke Jiat ye be yore ^, 30
And to my tale yhe take entent,
For ilke-aj lede TpaX liffe has lente,
shalle you ensewe % 33
4. Abell. Gramercy ! god of thy goodnes,
That me on molde has marked ]>i man,
I worshippe Jje with worthynes, 36
With alle ])e coraforte Jjat I can.
Me for to were' fro warkes wanne, ■ '
For to fulfille thy comaundement,
Jje teynd
Of alle ]>e gode sen I be-ganne, 41
Thow shalle it haue, sen Jjow it sent.
Come, brother Cayme, I wolde we wente,
. with hert ful hende. 44
5. Cay. We 1 Wfiythir now in wilde waneand,
Trowes bou I thynke to trusse of towhe ?
/ Goo, iape pe, robard iangillande, 47
Me liste nojt nowe to rouk nor rowne.
Abell. A ! dere brothir, late vs be bowne
Goddis biddyng blithe to fulfille, 50
I tell pe.
^ This should heyare, ready, but is m3.de yore to suit the rime. Frequent
examples of this free use of 0 and a in the rimes occur in the. volume.
^ This line was first written ' So shalle you sewe.'
SACRiriCIUM CAYME AKD ABELL.
37
Caym. Ya ! daunce in fie devilway, dresse Jje downe,
For I wille wyrke euen as I will.
, What mystris fie, in gode or ille, , .
of me to, melle Tpe ? 65
6. Ab. To melle of Jse myldely I may,
Bot goode brothir, go we in haste,
Gyffe god oure teynde dulye fiis day,
He byddis vs \>\is, be noujt abassed. 59
Cay. Ya ! deuell me thynkej? TpaX werke were waste,
That he vs gaffe geffe hym agayne,
to se.
No we fekyll frenshippe for to fraste, I-"
Me thynkith J^er is in hym sarteyne. 64
If he be moste in myghte and mayne,
what nede has he .■'
7. Ab. He has non nede vn-to pi goode,
But it wille please hym principall,
If fou, myldly in mayne and moode,
Grouche nojt geue hym tente parte of all.'
If shall be done evyn as ye bydd,
And that Anone.
[caret ittde to Mr. Cayme what shares bryng I.]
Abel answers
mildly.
* What need has
God for what he
gave us?'
1 Willing gifts
please him.
71 If. 21,
Bv.
toewb.JLiP>! Mr. Ca^p. -"^V""- ghares bryng I.
Evyn of the best for to here seyd.
And to the ffeylde I wyll me hye
To fetch you moo, if ye haue :
Cayme. Come vp ! sir knave ! the devyll the speyd,
Ye will not come but ye be prayd.
If. 21 b.
Cain's servant,
74 Strife-brewer,
brings corn.
78
■ Here two leaves have been cut out, the twro old lines at top of If. 21
were erased and 11. 71, 72 written instead, with a reference to the back of
If. 21, where at the end of the original piece lines 73-98 were written, to-
wards the middle of the sixteenth century. At the end of line 98 is the cue
for the old lines 99, etc., which were intended to run on after the new lines.
38 VII. THE ORIGINALL PERTEYNYNG TO THE CRAFT OF GLOUERES.
Cain invites him
to drink.
Cain hits the
angel.
A double curse.
which Cain
returns.
/
rewb. O ! maister Caym, I haue broken my to !
Cayme. Come vp, syr, for by my thryst,
Ye shall drynke or ye goo. [^En/er Angel.
Ang. Thowe cursyd Came, where is Abell? 82
Where hais thowe done thy broder dare ? .
Cayme. What askes thowe me that taill to tell ?
For yit his keper was I never.
Ang. God hais sent the his curse downe, 86
Fro hevyn to hell, maldicHo ' dei.
Cayme. Take that thy self, evyn on thy crowne,
Quia iron sum custos fratris met. To tyne.
Ang. God hais sent the his malyson, 90
And inwardly I geve the myne.
Caymo. The same curse light on thy crowne.
And right so myght it worth and be,
For he that sent that gretyng downe 94
The devyll myght speyd both hym & the.
Fowl! myght thowe fall !
Here is a cankerd company.
Therefore goddes curse light on you all.
98
If. 21
Bv.
The whole curse
upon Cain.
8. Ang. What hast Jjou done ? be-holde and heere,
pe voice of his bloode cryeth vengeaunce.
Fro erthe to heuen, with voice entere,
Jjis tyde.
That god is graved with thy greuaunce
Take hede, I schalle telle \t tydandis,
jjerfore abide.
9. pou shall be curssad vppon jse grounde,
^od has geflfyn Jje his malisonne,
Yff jjou wolde tyll jje erthe so rounde
No frute to Jje |jer shalle be founde.
' MS. maladictio.
103
107
SACRIFICIUM CAYME AND ABELL. 39
Of wikkidnesse sen Jsou arte Sonne,
Thou shalle be waferyng here and Jsere,
Jjis day. H2
In bittir bale nowe art lpo\i boune,
Out-castyn shal \>ou be for care,
No man shal rewe of thy misfare,
for Jjis affraie. ii6
10. Cay. Alias ! for syte, so may I saye,
My synne it passis al mercie.
For ask it^ be, lord, I ne maye, 'My punishment
' •' IS greater than
To haue it am I noujt worthy. 120 ' «"> ^'"•'
Fro {)e shalle I be hidde in hye,
pou castis me, lorde, oute of my kyth
In lande.
Both here and there oute-caste am I,
For ilke a man {jat metis me with, 125
They wille slee me, be ffenne or ffrith,
with dynte of hande.
11. Ang. Nay, Cayme noujt soo, haue jsou no drede.
Who )3at pe slees shalle ponnysshed be
Sevene sithis for doyng of Jjat dede j
For-thy a token shal bou see, 131 a mark set upon
Cain.
It shalle be prentyd so in pe,
That ilke aman shalle jse knowe full wele.
Caym. Thanne woUe I ifa[r]dir flee t. n b.
for shame. 135
Sethen I am sette }>us out of seill,
That curse that I haue for to feill,
I giffe you pe same. 138
' MS. has asiid.
It. 22 b.
VIII. THE SHIPWRITES.
The building of the Ark.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus. - NOE.]
[Gf».vi.5-vU.5.] Deus. T^YRST qwen I wrought \\% .worlde so wyde,
Y^ Wode and wynde and waiters wane,
Heuyn and helle was noght to hyde,
Wyth herbys and gyrse })us I be-gane, 4
In endles blysse to be and byde.
God made man And to my liknes made I man,
lord of middie-
earth, Lorde and syre on ilke-a side
Of all medill-erthe I made hym }>an. 8
A woman also with hym wrought I,
AUe in lawe to lede Jjer lyfFe,
I badde fiame waxe and multiplye,
To fulfiUe Jjis worlde, with-owtyn striffe. 12
but the sin u Syjjn hays men wroght so wofully,
now so rife that . i • j «•
he repents. And synne IS nowe reynand so rytie,
pat me repentys and rewys for-Jji
pat euer I made outhir man or wiflfe. 16
Bot sen they make me to repente
My werke I wroght so wele and trewe,
Wyth-owtyn seys will noght assente,
Bot euer is bowne more bale to brewe. 20
Bot for ther synnes Jjai shall be shente,
And for-done hoyly, hyde and hewe.
THE BUILDING OF THE ARK.
41
Of fiam shall no more be mente,
Bot wirke pis werke I will al newe.
Al newe I will Jjis worlde be wroght,
And waste away fiat wonnys ]3er-in,
A flowyd a-bove Jjame shall be broght,
To stroye medilerthe, both more and myn.
Bot Noe alon lefe shal it noght ^,
To all be sownkyn for ther synne,
He and his sones, Jjus is my thoght,
And with fiere wyffes away sail wynne.
[To Noah-I Nooe, my seruand, sad an cleyn,
For thou art stabill in stede and stalle,
I wyll )30u wyrke, with-owten weyn,
A warke to saffe jsi-selfe wyth-all.
Woe. O ! mercy lorde, quat may fiis meyne ?
Seus. I am Jji gode of grete and small,
Is comyn to telle \)e of thy teyn.
And quat ferly sail eftir fall.
Koe. A ! lorde, I lowe Jse lowde and still,
pat vn-to me, wretche vn-worthye,
pus with thy worde, as is Jji will,
Lykis to appere J3us propyrly.
Deus. Nooe, as I byd Jse, doo fulfill.
A shippe I will haue wroght in hye ; , ,
AU-yf Jjou can litill skyll, jc _-■■■' "
Take it in hande, for helpe sail I.
Noe. A ! worthy lorde, wolde Jjou take heede,
I am full olde and oute of qwarte,
pat me. liste do no dales dede,
Bot yf gret mystir me garte.
SeuB. Be-gynne my werke behoves Tpe nede,
And )30u wyll passe from peynes smerte.
' I will re-new
this work,
24
a flood shall
destroy middle-
28 earth.
33
If. 23^
B vj.
Noah shall work
to save himself
26 and his,'
40
• Praise the Lord,
who shews him-
self to me,'
44
* You must make
a ship.'
48
' I am old, out
of condition for
working except
by necessity.'
52
Over nag^i is also written noi.
42
VIII. THE SHIPWRITES.
' I will help you,
men must be
drowned.
but you and your
sons shall be
saved.'
If. 23 b.
' I know nothing
of ship-craft*
* I will instruct
you. .
Square some high
trees, make them
into boards,
nail them well
together.
These are the
measurements,
do not miss them.'
I sail Jse sokoure and the spede,
And gifFe Ipe hele in hede and hert. 56
I se suche ire emonge mankynde,
pat of Jaare werkis I will take wreke,
pay shall be sownkyn for Jpare synne,
per-fore a shippe I wille Jiou make. 60
pou and \>i sonnes shall be Jiere-in,
They sail be sauyd for thy sake.
Therfore go bowdly and begynne
Thy mesures and thy markis to take. 64
Woe. A 1 lorde, jji wille sail euer be wrought,
Os counsell gyfys of ilka clerk,
Bot first, of shippe-craft can I right noght,
Of ther makyng haue I no merke. 68
Beus. Noe, I byd jie hartely haue no Jjought,
I sail fje wysshe in all Tpi werke.
And euen to itt till ende be wroght,
Ther-fore to me take hede and herke. 72
Take high trees and hewe Jjame cleyne,
All be sware and noght of skwyn.
Make })ame of burdes and wandes betwene,
pus thrivandly and noght oxur thyn. 76
Luke }jat Jji semes be suttilly seyn,
And nayUd wele jjat ]>ei noght twyne,
pus I deuyse ilk dele be-deyne,
perfore do furthe, and leue thy dyne. 80
iij C cubyttis it sail be long,
And fyfty brode, all for thy blys,
pe highte of thyrty cubittis strong,
Lok lely jjat }30u thynke on Jsis. 84
pus gyffe I Jse grathly or I gang,
pi mesures Jjat Jjou do not mysse,
Luk nowe }5at Jjou wirke noght wrang,
Jjus wittely sen I ]>q wyshe. 88
THE BUILDING OF THE ARK.
43
Hoe. A 1 blistfuU lord, TpaX al may beylde,
I thanke \ie hartely both euer and ay,
Fyfe hundreth wyntres I am of elde,
Me thynk fier jeris as yestirday.
Ful wayke I was and all vn-welde,
My werynes is wente away,
To wyrk jsis werke here in Tpis feylde
Al be my-selfe I will assaye.
To hewe Jjis burde I will be-gynne,
But firste I wille lygge on my lyne,
Now bud ^ it be alle in like thynne,
So put it nowthyr twynne nor twyne *.
pus sail I iune it with a gynn,
And sadly sette it with symonde fyne,
pus- sail y wyrke it both more and myn[n]e,
Thurgh techyng of god maister myne.
More suttelly can no man sewe,
It sail be cleyngked euer-ilka dele,
With nayles Jsat are both noble and newe,
pus sail I feste it fast to feele.
Take here a revette, and Jsere a rewe.
With jjer bowe Jaer nowe wyrke I wele,
pis werke I warand both gud and trewe,
[iine wanting, but no blank in MS^
Full trewe it is who will take tente.
Bot faste my force begynnes to fawlde,
A hundereth wyntres away is wente,
Sen I began Jiis werk, full grathely talde,
And in slyke trauayle for to be bente,
Is harde to hym Jjat is fius olde.
But he )jat to me jjis messages sent,
He will be my beylde, Jjus am I bowde '-
* I am 500 years
old, I was weak,
92 lo ! now I am
strong.'
96 'f- "f.
-' B. vij.
He hews a board
even.
104
joins it with a
bolt and cement,
clenches it with
noble nails.
io8
* 'Tis good work,
but I have been
at it 100 years,
my strength fails. '
ii6
' must written over bud in a later hand.
'^ MS. has twyne nor twynne.
' The original was bowde, the later hand makes the w into u.
44
VIII. THE SHIPWRITES.
' ' It is nearly
done, but it has
to be manned.
Fit it with stalls
and stages.
If. 24 b.
Kight men and
women shall be
saved, no more.
It shall rain forty
days ; take gear
to keep life
together.'
* 1 praise thee
who shelterest
from anger.'
Seus. Nooe, }>is werke is nefe an ende,
And wrought right as I warned \>e,
Bot yit in maner it must ^ be mende,
perfore Jiis lessoun lerne at me.
For dyuerse beestis jser-in must ^ lende,
And fewles also in jsere degree,
And for (Jaat ") Jsay sail not sam blende,
Dyuerse stages must ^ per be.
And qwen Jsat it is ordand soo.
With dyuerse stawUys and stagis seere,
Of ilka kynde Jjou sail take twoo,
Bothe male and femalle fare in fere ;
Thy wyffe, thy sonnes, with Tpe sail goo,
And thare thre wyflfes, with-owten were,
pere viij bodies with-owten moo,
Sail Jjus be saued on this manere.
Ther-fore to my biddyng be bayne,
Tille all be herberd haste Jje faste,
Eftir J3e vij day sail it rayne
Till fowrty dayes be fully paste ;
Take with \)e geere, sclyk os may gayne.
To man and beeste Jjare lyffes to laste.
I sail pe socoure for certayne,
Tille alle pi care awey be kaste.
Noe. A 1 lorde pat ilk a mys may mende,
I lowe fii lare, both lowde and stille,
I thanke fie both with herte and hende.
That me wille helpe, fro angrys hille-
Abowte J)is werke nowe bus me wende
With beestys and fewlys my shippe to fiUe, .
He Jjat to me Jjis crafte has kende.
He wysshe vs with his worthy wille.
124
128
132
136
140
144
IS'
' Erased and re-written ; probably the old word was 6us^
' pai late inserted and e in same erased.
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARYNARS. l?f
Noah and his wife, the Flood and its waning.
J
mni.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Noah. Nbe or Noye.
Noah's Wife. Vxor.
Three Sons of Noah. j^ filius, ij' filius, iij^ filius.
Three Daughters of Noah. />, y», iij'' filia^
[Scene I, The Ark in the forest where it was built i\
1. IToye. 'T^HAT Lord jjat leves ay lastand lyff,
Y I loue jje euer with hart and hande,
That me wolde rewle be reasonne ryflfe,
Sex hundereth yere to lyife in lande.
Thre semely sonnes and a worthy w\fFe
I haue euer at my Steven to stande ;
Bot nowe my cares aren keen as kijyfFe,
By-cause I kenne what is commannde.
Thare comes to iike centre,
5a, cares both kene and calde.
For god has warned me,
pis worlde wastyd shalle be,
And certis Jie sothe I see.
As forme * ffadres has talde.
2. My flfader Lamech who likes to neven,
Heere in this worlde }>us lange gon lende,
Seuene hundereth yere seuenty and seuene.
In swilke a space his tyme he spende.
■ MS. hss formed.
Gen. V. 28-31 ;
vii. 6-viii. 20;
ix. 8-17.
Noah grieves for
the trouble that
is coining upon
every country.
16
46
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARYNARS.
Old Lamech
prayed for a son,
and got a pro-
mise which re-
joiced him.
* Sirs, my father
knew this world
should drown
because of sin.
and make an end
of mankind.
If. 25 b.
Sons and daugh-
ters,
go call your
mother. Make
haste !'
He prayed to god with stabill steuene,
pat he to hym a sone shuld sende,
And at \>e laste jjer come from heuen
Slyke hettyng Jjat hym mekill amende ;
And made hym grubbe and graue,
And ordand faste be-forne,
For he a sone shulde haue,
As he gon aftir crave ;
And as god vouchydsaue
In worlde Jjan was I borne.
When I was borne Noye named he me, \ ^
And -saide Ipees wordes with mekill wynne, v
' Loo,' he saide, ' Jjis ilke is he '■''
That shalle be comforte to man-kynne.' '^'
Syrs, by Jjis wele witte may ye, i^
My ffadir knewe both more and mynne, v
By sarteyne signes he couthe wele see, i^
That al f^is worlde shuld synke for synne. v/
Howe god shulde vengeaunce take, tj
As nowe is sene sertayne, f
And hende of mankynde make, ^
That synne would noujt foT-sake t,
And howe }jat it shuld slake, fe
And a worlde waxe agayne.
I wolde god itt wasted were,
Sa J)at I shuld nott tente fier-tille..
My semely sonnes and doughteres dere,
Takis 56 entent vn-to my skylle.
1 fil. Fader we are all redy heere,
Youre biddyng baynly to fulfiUe.
IToe. Goos calle youre modir, and comes nere.
And spede vs faste Jjat we noujt spille.
1 fil. Fadir we shal noujt fyne;^
To youre biddyng be done.
24
28
V
32
36
40
44
48
52
NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THE FLOOD AND ITS WANING.
47
M"oe. Alle Jsat leues vndir lyne,
Salle sone, son/ passe to pyne.
[Scene II, Noah's home, id son enters.\
1 fil. Where are ye, modir myne ?
Come to my fadir spne.
5. Vxor. What sais Jjou ? sone?
1 fil. Moder, certeyne
My fFadir thynkis to flitte full ferre.
He biddis you '^ haste with al yotre mayne.
Vnto hym, }3at no thyng you marre.
Vxor. '^z. ! good sone, hy jje faste agayne,
And telle hym I wol come no narre.
1 filius. Dame, I wolde do youre biddyng fayne,
But yow bus wende, els bese it warre.
Vxor. werfe I f3at wolde I witte.
We bowrde al wrange, I wene.
1 filius. Modir, I saie ^you yitte,
My ffadir is bowne to flitte.*' *
Vxor. Now, certis, I sail noujt sitte,*
Or I se what he mene.
* Mother, come !
S6
My father is
flitting, hasten.'
6o
* Tell him I won't
come.'
64 ' You must, or
it will be worse.'
*I will go and,
see what he
wants.'
72
[Scene III, The Ark, as hefore.\
6. 1 filius. Fadir, I haue done nowe as ye comaunde.
My modir comes to you this daye.
Woe. Scho is welcome, I wele warrande,
This worlde sail sone be waste awaye. [ Wife comes in.
Vxor. Wher arte ]?ou Noye ?
Noe. Loo 1 here at hande,
Come hedir faste, dame, I })e praye.
Vxor. Trowes Jjou Jjat I wol leue pe harde lande,
And tourne vp here on toure deraye ?
• MS. has soner. * MS. has/o«.
If. 26.
Ciiij.
^g * Come fast,
' dame,'
' D'ye think I'll
leave dry land
and come up
there!'
48
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARVNARS.
' Children, get
ready for town.'
* Nay, you will
drown,
it has rained
nearly forty days.'
* Noah, you are
silly. 1 go home
again.'
'Woman, are you
mad?'
'Let me go !
Hallo !'
If. 26 b.
' Hold her, sons.'
' Mother, he
happy.
stay with us.'
' I must go home
to pack my
things.
Nay, Noye, I am noujt bowne
to fonde nowe ouer Jjere ^ fFellis,
Doo bames, goo we and trusse to towne.
IToe. Nay, certis, sothly Tpzn mon ye drowne.
Vxor. In faythe Jjou were als goode come downe,
And go do som what ellis.
7. IToe. Dame, fowrty dayes are nerhand past,
And gone sen it be-gan to rayne.
On lyffe salle noman lenger laste
Bot we allane, is nought to layne.
Vxor. Now Noye, in faythe Tpe fonnes full faste,
This fare wille I no lenger frayne,
pou arte nere woode, I am agaste,
Fare-wele, I wille go home agayne.
IToe. O I woman, arte J)ou woode ?
• Of my werkis Jjou not wotte.
All fiat has ban or bloode
Salle be ouere flowed with Jje floode. [JDefams her.
Vxor. In faithe, Jje were als goode
^ to late me go my gatte.
8. We owte ! herrowe !
Woe. What now 1 what cheere ?
Vxor. I wille no na[r]re for no kynnes nede.
I '^ Ifoe. Helpe I my sonnes to holde her here,
For tille her harmes she takes no heede.
2 Alius. Beis mery, modir, and mende youre chere,
This worlde beis drowned with-outen drede.
Vxor. Alias 1 jsat I })is lare shuld lere.
IToe. pou spilles vs alle, ille myght fiou speede 1
3 Alius. Dere modir, wonne with vs,
jjer shal no-Jjyng you greve.
Vxor. Nay, nedlyngis home me bus.
For I haue tolls to trusse.
' MS. hisyere.
80
84
88
92
96
1O4
108
NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THE FLOOD AND ITS WANING.
49
Noe. Woman, why dois Tpou jjus,
To make vs more myscheue ?
9. Vxor. Noye, Jjou myght haue leteyn me wete,
Erly and late \>o\i wente Jier outte,
And ay at home Jjou lete me sytte,
To loke Jiat nowhere were wele aboutte.
Hoe. Dame, fiou holde me excused of itt,
It was goddis wille with-owten doutte.
Vxor. What ? wenys jjou so for to go qwitte ?
Nay, be my trouthe, Tpou getis a clowte. [S/rikes
Hoe. I pray Jje, dame, be stille.
Thus god wolde haue it wrought.
Vxor. Thow shulde haue witte my wille,
Yf I wolde sente Tpev tille,
And Noye, for jjat same skylle,
}3is bargan sail be bought.
10. Nowe ar firste I fynde and feele
Wher fiou hast to fie forest soght,
pou shuld haue tolde me for oure seele
Whan we were to slyke bargane broght.
IToe. Now, dame, Jse thar nojt drede adele
For till accounte it cost Ipe noght,
A hundereth wyntyr, I watte wele,
Is wente sen I Tpis werke had wrought.
And when I made endyng,
God gaflfe me mesore fayre
Of euery-ilke a thyng,
He bad jjat I shuld bryng
Of beestis and foules jynge.
Of ilke a kynde, a peyre.
11. Vxor. NoAf?e, certis, and we shulde skape fro skathe.
And so be saflfyd as ye saye here,
My commodrys and my cosynes bathe,
pam wolde I wente with vs in feere.
Noe. To wende in Jse watir it were wathe,
You might have
let me know
IjA what you were
doing, Noah.'
ii8
* Excuse me,
dame.'
km.
' D'ye think to
go quits ?
You sholild have
asked my leave
1 24 at first/
128
If. 27.
Cv.
132
* I worked at it
lOo years, God
gave me orders.'
137
' If we are to be
saved, my gossips
142 and cousins also
should come.'
50
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARYNARS.
The wife mourns
for her friends,
but her children
comfort her.
12.
If. 27 b.
The daughters,
full of wonder,
ask questions.
* Shut the doors !
— This sorrow is
sent on account
of sin.
13.
Sons, take care
of the cattle ;
women, feed the
fowls, as long as
we live thus.
Loke in and loke with-outen were. 146
Vxor. Alias ! my lyfF me is full lath,
I lyffe ouere lange J>is lare to lere.
1 fllia. Dere modir, mende youre moode,
For we sail wende you with. 150
Vxor. My frendis Ipat I fra yoode
Are ouere flowen with floode.
2 filia. Nowe thanke we god al goode
That he has grauntid grith. 154
3 filia. Modir, of Jjis werke nowe wolde ye nojt wane,
That alle shuld worthe to watres wan.
2 fllia. Fadir, what may Jjis meruaylle mene ?
Wher-to made god medilerth and man? 158
1 filia. So selcouthe sight was never non seene.
Sen firste fiat god J)is worlde began.
Woe. Wendes and spers youre dores be-dene !
For bettyr counsell none I can. 162
pis sorowe is sente for synne,
Therfore to god we pray,
pat he oure bale wolde blynne.
3 Alius. The kyng of al man-kynne
Owte of J)is woo vs wynne,
Als jjou arte lorde, ]?at maye.
1 Alius, ^a. 1 lorde, as Jjou late vs be borne
In }jis grete bale, som bote vs bede. 170
Noe. My sonnes, se je, myd day and morne
To thes catelles takes goode hede.
Keppes Jjam wele with haye and come ;
And, women, fanges Ipes foules and feede,
So )3at jjey be nojt lightly lorne, 175
Als longe as we Jsis liffe sail lede.
2 Alius. Fadir, we ar full fayne
Youre biddyng to fulfiUe,
NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THE FLOOD AND ITS WANING. 51
1 80
188
192
Ix monethes ' paste er playne
. Sen we wer putte to peyne.
3 filius. He fiat is most of mayne,
May mende it qwen he wyll.
14. Woe. O ! barnes, it waxes clere aboute,
pat may je see ther wher je sitte.
1 Alius. I, leffe fadir ye loke })are owte,
Yf Jsat Jje water wane ought jitt.
Hoe. That sail I do with-owten dowte,
For be the wanyng may we witte.
A 1 lorde, to Jje I love and lowte,
The catteraks I trowe be knytte,
Beholde, my sonnes al three,
pe clowdes are waxen clere.
2 Alius. A ! lorde of mercy free,
Ay louyd myght Jjou be.
M"oe. I sail assaye ]>e see,
How depe jjat it is here.
15. Vxor. Loved be that lord TpaX giffes all grace,
pat kyndly Jjus oure care wolde kele.
TToe. I sail caste leede and loke Jje space,
Howe depe fie watir is ilke a dele. [Casis the lead.
Fyftene cobittis of highte itt base
Ouere ilke a hille fully to feylle,
Butte beese wel comforte in fiis casse,
It is wanand, Jjis wate^ I wele.
Ther-fore a fowle of flight
Full sone sail I forthe sende
To seke if he haue sight,
Som lande vppon to light,
panne may we witte full right.
When oure mornyng sail mende.
' It is difficult here (and in line 217) to see what date the author
meant, unless Ix be a mistake for xi ; eleven months would agree with
Gen. viii. 5 and 6. But nine agrees with 1. 2i;i.- id *
' MS. has watir.
E 2
^
Children, iL is
growing clear.'
* Dear father, see
if the water
wanes.'
If. 28.
Cvi.
The cataracts
are knit together,
the clouds are
gone.
196
Noah finds the
water is fifteen
200 cuhits deep.
204
208
52
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARYNARS.
' The raven is
strong, wise, and
crabbed. Go
forth.
If. 28 b.
This bird is a
long time, he
must have found
food on land ;
He shall be
cursed.
I will send the
dove, a faithful
bird.'
16. Of all fie fowles Jjat men may fynde,
The Raven is wighte, and wyse is hee. 212
pou arte ful crabbed and al thy kynde,
Wende forthe Ipi course I comaunde ]>e,
And werly watte andyjier ]?e wynd,
Yf})OU fynde awdir lande or tree. \Sends forth the raven. 216
Ix monethes here haue we bene pyned,
But when god wyll, better mon bee.
1 filia. pat lorde jsat lennes vs lyflfe,
To lere his lawes in lande, 220
He mayd bothe man and wyflfe,
He helpe to stynte oure striffe.
3 filia. Oure cares are kene as knyffe,
God graunte vs goode tydand. 224
17 1 fil. Fadir, jjis foule is forthe full lange,
Vppon sum lande I trowe he lende,
His foode jjerfore to fynde and fange,
That makis hym be a fayland frende. 228
IToe.. . Nowe sonne, and yf he so forthe gange,
Sen he for all oure welthe gon wende,
Then be he for his werkis wrange
Euermore weried with-owten ende. 232
And sertis for to see
Whan oure sorowe salle sesse,
A nodyr foule full free
Owre messenger salle be, 236
pou doufe, I comaunde Jie,
Owre comforte to encresse.
18. A faithfuU fewle to sende art })ow,
Of alle with-in Jsere wauys wyde, 240
Wende forthe, I pray })e, for owre prowe.
And sadly seke on ilke a side
Yf jjc floodes be falland nowe,
pat ]jou on J)e erthe may belde and byde ;. 344
NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THE FLOOD AND ITS WANING.
53
Bryng vs som tokenyng Jjar we may trowe
What tydandes sail of vs be-tyde. [Sends forth the
2 filia. Goode lorde I on vs jjou luke,
And sesse oure sorow sere,
Sen we al synne for-soke
And to thy lare vs toke.
3 filia. A twelmothe bott xij weke
Have we be houerand here.
19. BToe. Now barnes, we may be blithe and gladde.
And lowe oure lord of heuenes kyng.
My birde has done as I hym badde,
An olyue braunche I se hym brynge.
Blyste be ]30U fewle j^at neuere was fayd,
That in thy force makis no faylyng,
Mare joie in herte never are I hadde.
We mone be saued, now may we synge !
Come hedir my sonnes in hye,
Oure woo away is wente,
I see here certaynely '
pe hillis of hermonye \
1 filius. Lovyd be Jjat lord for-thy
That vs oure lyffes hase lente '■'.
20. Vxor. For wrekis nowe Jsat we may wynne,
Oute of fiis woo jjat we in wore,
But Noye, where are nowe all oure kynne,
And companye we kn[e]we be-fore.
Woe. Dame, all ar drowned, late be thy dyne,
And sone fiei boughte fjer synnes sore.
Gud lewyn latte vs be-gynne
Sp )5at we greue oure god nomore ;
He was greved in degre,
And gretely moved in mynde,
dove.
248
252
256
' We have waited
here nine months.'
The dove brings
an olive branch.
260 If. 29.
Cvij.
' Now rejoice !
264
I see the hills
of Armenia. '
268
* Where are all
otir kindred?'
* Drowned for
their sins. Be
272 quiet !
Let us begin
living well.'
^ These two lines are one in the MS.
^ Added in margin, in later hand, Tunc cantent Noe ^filii sui, etc.
54
IX. THE FYSSHERS AND MARYNAES.
The rainbow a
token to all
Christian men.
A sign in the air.
' Sir, then we
may take it that
this world will
last for ever?*
If. 29 b.
*No, the world
will be burned
with fire one day.
but not yet for
many lOo years.
For synne as men may see,
Dum dixit penitet me.
Full sore for-thynkyng was he
That euere he made mankynde.
21. That makis vs nowe to tola and trusse,
But sonnes he saide, I watte wele when,
Arcum ponam in nubibus,
He sette his bowe clerly to kenne,
As a tokenyng by-twene hym and vs
In knawlage tille aU cristen men.
That fro Jjis worlde were fynyd Jjus,
With wattir wolde he neuere wastyd Jsen.
pus has god most of myght,
Sette his senge full clere
Vppe in Jje Ayre of heght ;
The rayne-bowe it is right,
As men may se, in sight,
In seasons of }je yere '.
22. 2 fil. Sir, nowe sen god oure souerand syre
Has sette his syne ]5us in certayne.
Than may we wytte })is worldis empire
Shall euermore laste, is nojt to layne.
IToe. Nay, sonne, fiat sail we noujt desire.
For and we do we wirke in wane,
For it sail ones be waste with fyre.
And never worfe to worlde agayne.
Vxor. A ! syre owre hertis are feere for Jjes sawes
That je saye here,
That myscheffe mon be more.
IToe. Beis nojt aferde fierfore, '
3e sail noght lyffe ]pan yore,
Be many hundereth yhere.
23. 1 Alius. Fadir, howe sail |)is lyffe be ledde.
Sen non ar in fiis worlde but we ?
' This line inserted later.
277
282
28€
290
295
298
302
306
310
NOAH AND HIS WIFE, THE FLOOD AND ITS WANING. 55
IToe. Sones, with youre wifFes je salle be stedde, go forth, mui-
And multyplye youre seede salle je. "'' ^' ^"
3oure barnes sail ilkon othir wedde,
And worshippe god in gud degre ; 314
Beestes and foules sail forthe be bredde,
And so a worlde be-gynne to bee.
Nowe travaylle salle je taste
To Wynne you brede & wyne, 318
For alle fiis worlde is waste ;
Thej beestes muste be vnbraste,
And wende we hense in haste,
In goddis blissyng & myne. 322
\^
If. 30.
Dj-
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND
BOKEBYNDERS.
Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Abraham.
Isaac.
Angelus.
Primus famulus.
Secundus famulus.]
Geti. xvii ; xvi.
i-3i 15 ; "xi. 5,
33 ; xxii. i-ig, 23 ;
XXIV. 2-4.
* I am 100 years
old,
and have found
great friendship.'
Gen. xviii. 8, 10.
God's promises
to Abraham.
[Scene, Abraham's abode in Beersheba,\
1. Abr. r^ RETT god, jjat alle jsis world has wrought,
\J|" And wisely wote both gud and ille,
I thanke hym thraly in my thought
Of alle his laue he lens me tille. 4
Thsit Jjus fro barenhede has me broghte,
A hundereth wynter to fulfille,
Thou graunte me myght so Jjat I mowght
Ordan my werkis aftir Jji wille. 8
For in jsis erthely lyffe
Ar non to god inore boune,
Then is I and my wyffe
For frenshippe we haue foune. 12
2. Vn-to me tolde god on a tyde,
Wher I was telde vnder a tree,
He saide my seede shulde multyplye S
Lyke to })e gravell of J^e see, 16
And als Jje sternes wer strewed wyde,
So saide he Jjat my seede shuld be ;
' The late hand added a d, to make a rime with tyde.
ABRAHAMS SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.
57
And bad I shulde be circumcicyd,
To fulfiUe ]}e lawe ; Jjus lernynde he me.
In worlde wher-for we wonne
He sendes vs richeys ryve,
Als ferre as schynes ]>e sonne,
He is stynter of stryve.
Abram ^ first named was I,
And sythen he sette a sylypp ma,
And my wiSe hyght Sarae
And sythen was scho named Sara.
3. But Sara was vncertan thanne
That euere oure seede shulde sagates jelde,
Be-cause hir-selfe sho was barrane,
And we wer bothe gone in grete eelde.
But scho wroght as a wyse woman,
To haue a barne vs for to beelde,
Hir seruand prevely scho wan
Vn-to my bede my wille to welde.
Sone aftir Jjan be-felle
When god oure dede wolde dight,
Sho broght forthe Esmaell,
A sone semely to sight.
4. Than aftirward when we waxed aide.
My wyffe sche felle in feere for same,
Oure god nedes tythynges tyll vs talde,
Wher we wer in oure house at hame,
Tille haue a sone we shulde be balde,
And Isaak shulde be his name,
And his seede shulde springe many falde.
Gyff I were blythe, who wolde me blame ?
And for I trowed fiis tythynge,
That god talde to me })anne,
The grounde and Jie begynnyng
Of trowthe Jiat tyme be-ganne.
1 The MS. has Abraham.
24
A syllable added
to his name.
z8
Sara was barren,
32
36
If. 30 b.
Her servant bore
Ishmael.
40
A son was pro-
mised to Sara.
44
' If I were glad,
who would blame
49 me? V,
52
58
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND BOKEBYNDERS.
I owe much to
God.
My seemly son
is now strong.'
* I bring you
a message, take
Isaac to the land
of Vision, and
sacrifice him.'
If. 31.
Dij.
* This is a strange
thing.
My son is more
than thirty years
old.
5. Nowe awe I gretely god to yeelde,
That so walde telle me his entente,
And noght gaynestandyng oure grete eelde,
A semely sone he has vs sente.
Now is he wight hym-selfe to welde,
And fra me is all wightnes wente,
Ther-fore sail he be my beelde.
I lowe hym Jsat Tpis lane has lente,
For he may stynte oure stryve,
And fende vs fro alle ille,
I love hym as my liflfe,
With all myn herte and will.
6. Ang. Abraham 1 Abraham 1
Abr. Loo I am here.
Aug. Nowe bodeword vnto \>e I brynge,
God wille assaye \>i wille and cheere,
GifFe }jou wille bowe tylle his byddyng ;
Isaak, pi sone, J^at is the dere,
Whom jjou loues ouer "■ alle thyng,
To Jje lande of Vyssyon wende in feere,
And there of hym Jjou make offering.
I salle \>e shewe fulle sone,
The stede of sacrifice,
God wille Jjis dede be done,
And Jserfore ])e avise.
7. Abr. Lord god, Jjat lens ay lastand light,
This is a ferly fare to feele,
Tille haue a sone semely to sight,
Isaak, fjat I loue full wele,
He is of eelde, to reken right,
Thyrty jere and more sum dele,
And vnto dede hym buse be dight,
God has saide me so for my seele.
S6
59
64
69.
73
76
80
84
' MS. has our.
ABRAHAMS SACRIFICE OF ISAAC. 59
And biddis me wende on all wise
To Tpe lande of Vysionne,
Ther to make sacryfice
Of Isaak ]>at is my sone. 88 ,-
8. And }jat is hythyn thre daies iornay, Mount Moriah
The ganeste gate j^at i gane goo, — joimey hence.
And sertis, I sail noght say hym nay,
If god commaunde my self to sloo. 92
,- Bot to my sone I will noght saye, ■ i will say no-
Bot take hym and my seruantis twoo, but'|o.° ^^'^'
And with our Assee wende forthe our waye, "^'^
As god has saide, it sail be soo. [Enter Isaac.
Isaak, sone, I vndirstande 97 My son, we go
rr< .. J. J .n to make offering.
To wildirnesse now wende will we,
Thare-fore to make oure ofFerand,
For so has god comaunded me. 100
9. Isaac. Fadir, I am euere at youre wille,
As worthy is with-owten trayne,
Goddis comaundement to fulfiUe
Awe all folke forto be fayne. 104
Abr. Soi^e, J30U sais me full gode skille,
Bott all Jje soth is nojt to sayne, if. 31 b.
Go we sen we sail }jer-tille
1 praye god send vs wele agayne. y 108
Isaac. Childir, lede forthe oure Asse, \To the two servants. 'Lead forth the
-r-TT. 1 1 . 11 1 ^^s with wood.'
With wode pat we sail bryne,
Euan as god ordand has,
To wjTke we will be-gynne. \They set out.
10. 1 Fam. Att youre biddyng we wille be bowne, 113
What way in worlde Jiat je wille wende.
2 Fam. Why, sail we trusse ought forthe a towne < shaii we go out
, - _ . . of town to a
In any vncouthe lande to lende ? 116 strange land?
1 Fam. I hope tha haue in Jjis sessoune,
Fro god of heuyn sum solayce sende.
2 Fam. To fulfiUe yt is goode reasoune,
60
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND BOKEBYNDERS.
' I do not Icnow
what they intend.*
* Never mind.*
'No, don*t trouble
yourselves as to
what we do.
Young men, I
praise the Lord. '
If. 32.
D iij.
'Son, if God
willed it, I would
die for him.'
' So would I.'
'Young men,
abide here.'
And kyndely kepe TpaX he has kende.
1 Fam. Bott what Jjei mene certayne,
Haue I na knowlage clere.
2 ram. It may noght gretely gayne,
To move of swilke matere.
11. Abr. No, noye you noght in no degre
So for to deme here of oure dede,
For als god comaunded so wirke wille we,
Vn-tille his tales vs bus take hade.
1 Fam. Alle Jjos }jat wille his seruandis be,
Ful specially he wille thaym spede.
Isaac. Childir, with all ]>e myght in me.
1 lowe that lorde of ilke a lede,
And wirshippe hym certayne,
My wille is euere vnto.
2 Fam. God giffe you myght and mayne
Right here so for to doo.
12. Abr. Sone, yf oure lord god almyghty,
Of my selfe walde haue his offerande.
I wolde be glade for hym to dye,
For all oure heele hyngis in his hande.
Isaac. Fadir, for suth, ryght so walde I,
Leuer Jjan lange to leue in lande.
Abr. A ! sone, thu sais full wele, for-thy
God geue ]>e grace grathely to stande.
Childir, bide 36 here still ;
No ferther sail je goo.
For jondir I se fie hill
That we sail wende vntoo. 14S
13. Isaac. Kepe wele our Asse and all oure gere,
To tyme we come agayne you till. [Exeunt Isaac Sf Abr.
124
128
132
136
141
\To the servants.
146
ABRAHAMS SACRiriCE OF ISAAC.
61
[Scene II, The land of Vision, near Mount Moriah.\
Abr. My sone, Jsis wode behoues jse bere,
Till fjou come high vppon yone hill. 152
Isaac. Fadir, })at may do no dere
Goddis comaundement to fuUfyll ;
For fra all wathes he will vs were,
Whar-so we wende to wirke his wille. 156
Abr. A ! sone, Jsat was wele saide.
Lay doune fiat woode euen here,
Tille oure auter be grathide, — ■
14. And, my sone, make goode cheere. 160
Isaac. Fadir, I see here woode and fyre,
Bot wher-of sail oure offerand be ?
Abr. Sertis, son, gude god oure suffraynd syre
Sail ordayne it in goode degre. i64
For sone, and we do his dessyre,
Full gud rewarde thar-fore gette wee.
In heuyn ther mon we haue oure hyre,
For vnto vs so hight has hee. i68
Ther-fore sone, let vs praye,
To god, bothe Jiou and I,
That we may make Jjis daye
Oure offerand here dewly. 172
15. Grete god ! fiat all }jis worlde has wrought,
And grathely gouernes goode and ill,
Thu graunte me myght so })at I mowght
Thy comaundementis to full-fill. 176
And gyffe my flessche groche or greue oght.
Or sertis my saule assentte f>er-till.
To byrne all that I hydir broght,
I sail noght spare yf I shulde spille. 180
Isaac. Lorde god ! of grete pouste.
To wham all pepuU prayes,
Isaac carries the
wood up the hill,
sets it down.
and asks, where
is the offering ?
If. 32 b.
The father evades
the question.
Abraham prays
that he may not
rebel.
62
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND BOKEBYNDERS.
' Son, thou must
bear this bitter
turn.'
Isaac is pleased
to obey.
If. 33-
D iiij.
' I must do it.'
' Father, offer me
gladly,
but my flesh will
dread, I may
oppose you.
Therefore bind
me fast, while
I am in the mind
Graunte bothe my fadir and me
To wirke J)i wille all weyes 1 ' 84
16. But fadir, nowe wolde I frayne full fayne,
Whar-of cure oiFerand shulde be grathid ?
Ator. Sertis, sone, I may no lengar layne,
Thy-selfe shulde bide pat bittir brayde. 188
Isaac. Why I fadir, will god }jat I be slayne ?
Abr. 5a, suthly sone, so has he saide.
Isaac. And I sail noght grouche jser agayne,
To wirke his wille I am wele payed; - 192
Sen it is his desire,
I sail be bayne to be
Brittynd and brent in fyre,
And fier-fore morne noght for me. 196
17. Abr. Nay, sone, this gatis most nedis be gone,
My lord god will I noght gayne-saye.
Nor neuer make mornys nor mone,
To make ofFerand of ]>e this day. 200
Isaac. Fadir, sen god oure lorde all-ane
Vowchesaflfe to sende when je gon praye
A sone to you, when ye had nane.
And nowe will that he wende his waye,
Therfore faynde me to fell
Tille offerand in })is place,
But firste I sail you telle
My counsaille in fiis case.
18. I knaw myselfe be cours of kynde.
My flessche for dede will be dredande,
I am ferde ]>aX je sail fynde
My force youre forward to withstande. 212
Ther-fore is beste Jiat ye me bynde
In bandis faste, boothe fute and hande,
Nowe whillis I am in myght and mynde.
So sail je safFely make ofFerrande. 216
204
208
ABRAHAMS SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.
63
For fadir, when I am boune,
My myght may not avayle,
Here sail no fawte be foune
To make youre forward faylle.
19. For je ar aide and alle vnwelde,
And I am wighte and wilde of thoght.
Abr. To bynde hym Tpai shuld be my beelde !
Outtane goddis will, Jjat wolde I noght.
But loo ! her sail no force be felde,
So sail god haue that he has soght._.
Fare-well ! my sone, I sail ]>e jelde
Tylle hym TpaX all this world has wroght.
Nowe kysse me hartely, I Tpe pray,
Isaak, I take my leue for ay.
My blissyng haue Jjou enterly,
Me bus Tpe mys !
And I beseke god all-myghty
He giffe ]>e his.
Thus aren we samyn assent,
Eftir thy wordis wise,
Lorde god ! to })is take tente,
Ressayue thy sacrifice.
20. This is to me a perles pyne.
To se myn nawe dere childe }jus boune !
Me had well leuer my lyf to tyne
Than see Jjis sight, Jjus of my sone.
It is goddis wiU, it sail be myne,
Agaynste his saande sail I neuer schone ;
To goddis cummaundement I sail enclyne,
That in me fawte non be foune.
Therfore my sone so dere.
If }30U will any thyng saye,
Thy dede it drawes nere.
Fare-well, for anes and ay.
then you can
offer safely, for
you are old and
weak, I am
strong.'
' Bind him who
should be my
^ + support !
[Binds him.
If. 33 b.
229 Kiss me, farewell !
bless you ! I
must lose you.
232
236
It is a peerless
sorrow, to see
240 my dear child
bound.
244
but I bow to
God's will.'
248
64
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND BOKEBYNDERS.
* Father, I pray 21.
you
forgive my mis-
deeds.
I first ask God's
mercy, then
yours.'
If 34-
D V.
* May God for-
give thee all.'
' Farewell, my
flesh grows fear-
ful, take your
sword, you tarry
too long,'
22.
23.
* Thy words wet
my cheeks, lie
down !'
Isaac. Now, my dere fadir, I wolde you praye,
Here me thre wordes, graunte me my bone !
Sen I fro this sail passe for ay,
I see myn houre is comen full sone.
In worde, in werke, or any waye
That I haue trespassed or oght mysdone,
For-giffe me fadir, or I dye Tpis daye,
For his lufFe J)at made bojse sonne and mone.
Here sen we two sail twynne,
Firste god I aske mercy,
And you in more and myne.
This day or euere I dy.
Abr. Now my grate god, Adonay !
That all ]>is worlde has worthely wroght,
For-gyffe the sone, for his mercye,
In worde, in worke, in dede, and thoght.
Nowe sone, as we ar leryd
Our tyme may not myscarie ^.
Isaac. Nowe fare wele, all medilerth.
My flesshe waxis faynte for ferde ;
Nowe fadir, take youre swerde.
Me ^ thynke full lange je tarie.
Abr. Nay, nay sone, nay, I the be-hete.
That do I noght, with-outen were.
Thy wordis makis me my wangges to wete,
And chaunges, childe, ful often my cheere.
Ther-fore lye downe, hande and feete,
Nowe may {jou witte thyn oure is nere.
256
260
264
268
272
276
' Lines 267, 268 are written as one in the MS. There seem to be some
lines wanting here, both to the sense and to complete the stanza, which is
more irregular than any other in this play. (Four others, stanzas 2, 19,
24, 25, are irregular.) In the margin two new lines in a late hand seem to
have been suggested to remedy this :
'Air. Nowe haue I chose whether I had lever
My nowne swete son to slo or greve my
God for ever. Hie caret.'
' MS. has 5e.
ABRAHAMS SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.
65
Isaac. A ! dere fadir, lyff is full swete,
The drede of dede dose all my dere.
As I am here youre sone,
To god I take me till,
Nowe am I laide here bone,
Do with me what je will.
24. F.or fadir, I aske no more respete,
Bot here a worde what I wolde mene,
I beseke 50U or fiat je smyte,
Lay doune jsis kyrcheflfe on myn eghne.
Than may joure offerand be parfite.
If je wille wirke thus as I wene.
And here to god my saule I wite,
And all my body to brenne bydene.
Now fadir be noght myssyng.
But smyte fast as je may.
Abr. Fare-wele, in goddis dere blissyng,
And myn, for euer and ay.
That pereles prince I praye
Myn offerand here till haue it.
My sacryfice J)is day,
I praye J)e lorde ressayue it.
25. Ang. Abraham! Abraham!
Abr. Loo ! here I wys.
Ang. Abraham, abyde, and halde J>e stille.
Sla noght thy sone, do hym no mysse,
Take here a schepe thy offerand tyll, [A sheep comes in.
Is sente ]?e fro the kyng of blisse.
That faythfull ay to jjc is fone.
He biddis J)e make offerrand of ]:is,
Here at this tyme, and saffe thy sone.
26. Abr. I lowe jjat lord with herte entier.
That of his luffe \\s, lane me lente.
To saffe my sone, my darlyng dere.
And sente Jjis schepe to fiis entente,
F
280
* Father, life is
sweet,
284
but I am ready
now.
2gg Lay a kerchief
over my eyes.
292
Now, smite fast.'
296
3off
* Farewell, in
God's blessing.'
If. 34 b.
* Slay not thy
son ! here is a
304 sheep.'
308
They praise God,
312
66
X. THE PARCHEMYNERS AND BOKEBYNDERS.
and offer the
sheep instead.
* Son, I am glad.
Let us go home.'
God's reward to
Abraham.
1^35-
D vj.
That we sail ofiBr it to the here,
So sail it be as Jjou has mente.
My sone, be gladde and make goode cheere,
God has till vs goode comforte sente ; 316
He will noght Jjou be dede,
But tille his lawes take kepe,
And se, son, in thy stede,
God has sente vs a schepe. 320
27. Isaac. To make oure oiFerand at his wille
All for oure sake he has it sente.
To lowe Jiat lorde I halde grate skyll,
That tylle his menje Jjus has mente. 324
This dede I wolde haue tane me till,
Full gladly lorde, to thyn entent.
Abr. A ! sone, thy bloode wolde he noght spill,
For-thy this shepe thus has he sente. 328
And sone I am full fayne
Of our spede in J)is place,
Bot go we home agayne, /
And lowe god of his grace. \going. 332
28. Ang. Abraham ! Abraham 1
Abr. Loo 1 here in dede.
Harke sone ! sum saluyng of our sare.
Ang. God sais fiou sail haue mekill mede
For thys goode will fiat }30u in ware, 336
Sen }>ou for hym wolde do jsis dede,
To spille thy sone and noght to spare ;
He menes to multiplie youre seede.
On sides seere, as he saide are ; 340,
And yit he hight you this,
That of youre seede sail ryse,
Thurgh helpe of hym and his
Ouere hande of all enmys. 344
29. Luk 56 hym loue, })is is his liste,
And lelly lyflf eftir his laye,
ABRAHAMS SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.
67
352
For in youre seede all men be bliste.
That ther bese borne be nyght or day.
If je will in hym trowe or triste,
He will be with 50U euere and aye.
Abr. Full well wer vs and we it wiste,
Howe we shulde wirke his will alwaye.
Isaac. Fadir, }>at sail we frayne
At wyser men Jian wee,
And fulfiUe it fulfayne,
In dede eftir oure degree.
30. Abr. Nowe sone, sen we |jus wele base spede,
That god has graunted me thy liffe,
It is my wille paX Jjou be wedde,
And welde a woman to thy wyffe ;
So sail thy sede springe and be spredde,
In the lawe5 of god be reasoune ryffe.
I wate in what steede sho is stede,
That fiou sail wedde, withowten stryffe.
Rabek Jjat damysell,
Hir fayrer is none fone.
The doughter of Batwell,
That was my brothir sone.
31. Isaac. Fadir, as }30U likes my lyfFe to spende,
I sail assente vnto the same.
Abr. One of my seruandis sone sail I sende
Vn-to J)at birde to brynge hir hame.
The gaynest gates now will we wende.
[^Com/ng hack finds the servants.
My barnes, yee ar noght to blame
3eff le thynke lang Jsat we her lende ]
Gedir same oure gere, in goddis name, 376
And go we hame agayne.
Euyn vnto Barsabe,
God jjat is most of mayne
Vs wisse and with 50U be, 380
F 2
' Live loyally,
God will ever
, . Q be with you.'
' We will ask
how to do his
will from wiser
men than we.'
356
360
*' Isaac shall wed
3"4 Rebecca, daugh-
ter of Bethuel.
368
If. 35 b.
372
' We go home
now quickly.'
If. 36.
XI. THE HOSEERS.^
The departure of the Israelites from Egypt, the
ten plagues, and the passage of the Red Sea ^.
PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Rex Pharao. Deus. Moyses.
Primus et secundus Consoles (i.e. king's officers).
Primus, secundus et tertius pueri (i.e. Jews).
Primus et secundus Egyptii.
Pharaoh pro-
claims his might
and power,
[Scene I, Pharaoh's courtI\
1. Rex,
0
PEES, I bidde })at noman passe,
But kepe fie cours f>at I comaunde,
And takes gud heede to hym Jjat basse
Youre liff all haly in his hande.
Kyng Pharo my fadir was,
And led ]3e lordshippe of this lande,
Towneley
Mysteries (Sur-
tees Society,
1336), p. 55.
Incipit Pharao.
Pharao. Peas, of payn that no man pas.
But kepe the course that I commaunde,
And take good hede of hym that has
Youre helthe alle holy in hys hande; 4
For kyng Pharro my fader was,
And led thys lordshyp of thjrs land,
' In the MS. many of the verses in this piece are written in the old
1 6-sy liable length, with a red line to mark the break at the inner rime,
and some are written in two lines as in modern usage. The lines being
inconveniently long, and the diversity misleading, all the lines are here
broken and printed in the usual 8-syllable verse. The eighth Towneley
play nms parallel to this, and is printed at the foot.
* The passages in Exodus on which this play is founded are, chap. i. ver.
7-16 ; ii. 23 ; iii. 1-15 ; iv. 1-6, 31 ; vii. 19— x. 27 ; xii. 29-31 ; xiv. 5-31.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT. 69
I am hys hayre as elde will asse,
Euere in his steede to styrre and stande. s
All Egippe is myne awne,
To lede aftir my lawe,
I will my myght be knawen.
And honnoured als it^ awe. ,2
2. Ther-fore als Kyng I commaunde pees .and ordains peace
To all ]>e pepill of j^is Empire,
That noman putte hym fourthe in prees,
But Jjat will do als we desire. ,6
And of youre sawes I rede you sees,
And sesse to me, youre sufFerayne sire,
That most youre comforte may encrese,
And at my liste lose lifFe and lyre. 20
i Cons. My lorde, yf any were
pat walde not wirke youre will.
I am hys hayre as age wylle has.
Ever in stede to styr or stand. 8
Alle Egypt is myne awne
To leede aftyr my law,
I wold my myghte were knowne
And honoryd, as hit awe. 12
FuUe low he shalle be thrawne
That harkyns not my sawe,
Hanged hy and drawne,
Therfor no boste ye blaw;
Bot as for kyng I commaund peasse, i :;
To alle the people of thys empyre.
Looke no man put hym self in preasse,
Bot that wylle do as I desyre, 16
And of youre wordes look that ye seasse.
Take tent to me, yotire soferand syre,
That may youre comfort most increasse.
And to my lyst bowe lyfe and lyre. 20
Primus Miles. My Lord, if any here were,
That wold not wyrk youre wylle,
• MS. repeats as it.
70
XI. THK HOSEERS.
Thanks be to
those who tell
us of cursed foes.
A sort of men
called Jews mul-
tiply too fast in
Goshen.
What tricks are
they doing ?
' They came in
your father's day.
And we wist whilke thay were,
Ful sone we sail Jsaym spill.
3. Rex. Thurgh-oute my kyngdome wolde I kenn,
And konne tham thanke fiat couthe me telle,
If any wer so weryd pen
That wolde aught fande owre forse to fell.
ii Con. My lorde, J>ar are a maner of men,
That mustirs grete maistris Tpzm emell,
The Jewes Jjat wonnes here in Jessen
And er named the childir of Israeli.
They multyplye so faste,
pat suthly we suppose
Thay are like, and they laste,
Yowre lordshippe for to lose.
4. Bex. Why, devill, what gawdes haue they begonne ?
Er Jiai of myght to make a frayse ?
i Cons. Tho felons folke. Sir, first was fonn
In kyng Pharo joure fadyr dayse ; 40
Thay come of Joseph, Jacob sonn,
24
28
32
36
If we myghte com thaym nere,
Fulle soyn we shuld theym spylle.
Fharao. Thrughe out my kyngdom wold I ken,
Aud kun hym thank that wold me telle.
If any were so waryd men
That wold my fors down felle.
Secundus Miles. My Lord, ye have a manner of men
That make great mastres us emelle;
The Jues that won in Gersen,
Thay are callyd chyldyr of Israel.
Thay multyplye fulle fast.
And sothly we suppose
That shalle ever last,
Oure lordshyp for to lose.
Fharao. Why, how have thay syche gawdes begun?
Ar thay of myght to make sych frayes ?
Primus Miles. Yei, Lord, fulle felle foUc ther was fun
In kyng Pharao, youre fader's, dayes
Thay cam of Josephe, was Jacob son.
24
28
32
36
40
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
71
That was a prince worthy to prayse,
And sithen in ryste furthe are they run,
Now ar they like to lose our layse.
Thay sail confounde vs clene,
Bot if jsai sonner sese.
Eex. What devill ever may it mene,
pat they so fast encrese ?
ii Cons. Howe they encrese, full wele we kenn, if. 36 1>.
Als oure elders be-fore vs fande,
Thay were talde but sexty and ten
Whan Tpei enterd in to Jjis lande.
Sithen haue they soionerd here in Jessen
Foure houndereth jere, J)is we warande,
Now are they noumbered of myghty men,
Wele more Jjan thre hundereth thowsande,
With-owten wiffe and childe.
And herdes }3at kepes ther fee.
Rex. So myght we be bygillid.
But certis jjat sail noght be, 60
44
48
From 70 they
have in 400 years
e 2 increased to
300,000 strong
men.'
56
He was a prince worthy to prayse,
In sythen in ryst have thay ay ron ;
Thus ar thay lyke to lose youre layse, 44
Thay wylle confound you cleyn,
Bot if thay soner seasse.
Pharao. What, devylle, is that thay meyn
That thay so fast incresse ? 48
Secundus Miles. How thay incres fuUe welle we ken.
As oure faders dyd understand;
Thay were bot sexty and ten
When thay fyrst cam in to thys land, 52
Sythen have sojemed in Gersen
Four hundred wynter, I dar warand ;
Now are thay nowmbred of myghty men
Moo then ccc thousand, 56
Wythe outen viryfe and chyld.
Or hyrdes that kepe thare fee.
Pharao. How thus myghte we be begyled?
Bot shalle it not be; 60
72
XI. THE HOSEERS.
' We win destroy
them with cun-
ning.
We have heard
that a man should
grow among them
who should
ruin us,*
' Kill their men
children.
We will bid
them to bondage,
and keep them
low.'
6. For with qwantise' we sail pam qwelle,
pat fiei sail no farrar sprede.
i Cons. Lorde, we have herde oure ffadres telle,
Howe clerkis, Jjat ful wele couthe rede,
Saide, a man shulde wax Jjam emell,
That suld for-do vs and owre dede.
Rex. Fy on jsam ! to Ipe devell of helle I
Swilke destanye sail we noght drede.
We sail make mydwayes to spille Jsam,
Whenne oure Ebrewes are borne.
All }>at are mankynde to kille Ipam,
So sail they sone be ^ lorne.
7. For of the other haue I non awe,
Swilke bondage sail we to Jsam bede,
To dyke and delfe, beere and drawe.
And do all swilke vn-honest dede.
pus sail Jje laddis be holden lawe,
Als losellis ever thaire lyff to leede.
64
68
76
63-
64
For wythe quantyse we shalle thaym quelle,
So that thay shalle not far sprede.
Primus Miles. My Lord, we have hard oure faders telle.
And clerkes that welle couthe rede,
Ther shuld a man walk us amelle
That shuld fordo us and oure dede.
Pharao. Fy on hym, to the devylle of helle,
Sych destyny wylle we not drede; 68
We shalle make mydwyfes to spylle them,
Where any Ebrew is borne.
And alle menkynde to kylle them.
So shalle they soyn be lorne. 72
And as for elder have I none awe.
Syche bondage shalle I to theym beyde,
To dyke and delf, here and draw,
And to do alle unhonest deyde; 76
So shalle these laddes be holden law.
In thraldom ever thare lyfe to leyde.
MS. has qwantile.
" MS. has 6y.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT. 73
ii Con. Certis, lorde, fiis is a sotell sawe,
So sail pe folke no farrar sprede. 80
Rex. Yaal helpes to halde Jjam doune,
pat we no fantnyse '■ fynde.
i Cons. Lorde, we sail ever be bowne,
In bondage Jjam to bynde. 84
[Scene II, near Mount Sinai^
8. Moyses. Greta god ! pat all JjIs grounde be-gan.
And governes euere in gud degree.
That made me Moyses vn-to man, '^^f-
And saued me sythen out of j^e see. 88
Kyng Pharo he comaunded ban ' God saved me
out of the sea.
So jsat no sonnes shulde saued be,
Agayns his wille away I wan,
Thus has god shewed his myght in me. 92
Nowe am I here to kepe, i now keep
_ -. bishop Jethro's
Sett vndir synay syde, sheep, under
Sinai,
Seoundus Miles. Now, certes, thys was a sotelle saw,
Thus shalle these folk no farth^re sprede. 8o'
Pharao. Now help to hald theym downe.
Look I no fayntnes fynde.
Primus Miles. Alle redy. Lord, we shalle be bowne,
In bondage thaym to b3mde. 84
Tunc intrat Moyses cum virgd in manu, etc.
Moyses. Gret God, that alle thys warld began.
And growndyd it in good degre,
Thon mayde me, Moyses, unto man.
And sythen thou savyd me from the se, 88
Kyng Pharao had commawndyd than,
Ther shuld no man chyld savyd be;
Agans hys wylle away I wan ;
Thus has God showed hys might for me. 92
Now am I set to kepe,
Under thys montayn syde,
' MS. hssfaniynse.
74
XI. THE HOSEERS.
The bisshoppe Jetro schepe,
So bettir bute to bide.
[Sees the burning busk.
I see a marvel,
a burning bush !
God speaks to
him out of the
bush.
9. A 1 mefcy, god, mekill is thy myght, 97
What man may of thy meruayles mene,
I se jondyr a ful selcouth syght,
Wher-of be-for no synge was scene. 100
A busk I se yondir brennand bright,
And })e leues last ay in like grene,
If it be werke of worldly wight,
I will go witte with-owten wene. 10+
Deus. Moyses ! come noght to nere,
Bot stille in {sat stede dwelle.
And take hede to me here.
And tente what I \it telle. loS
10. I am thy lorde, with-outyn lak.
To lengh \>i liffe cuen as me list,
And the same god \>zX som tyme spak
Byschope Jettyr shepe,
To better may betyde ; 96
A, Lord, grete is thy myght !
What man may of yond mervelle meyn?
Yonder I se a selcowth syght,
Syche on in warld was never seyn ; 100
A bush I see burnand fulle bryght,
And ever elyke the leyfes ar greyn.
If it be wark of warldely wyght,
I wylle go wyt wythoutyn weyn. 104
Deus. Moyses, Moyses !
Hie froperat ad rubum, et dicit ei Deus,
Moyses com not to nere,
Bot stylle in that stede thou dwelle, 106
And harkyn unto me here ;
Take tent what I the telle. 108
Do of thy shoyes in fere,
Wyth mowth as I the melle.
The place thou standes in there
Forsoth, is halowd welle.
I am thy Lord, withouten lak, 10
To lengthe thi lyfe even as I lyst,
I am God that som tyme spake
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
75
Vn-to thyne elders als ]>ei wiste ;
But Abraham and Ysaac,
And Jacob, saide I, suld be bliste,
And multyplye and Jsam to mak,
So jjat per seede shulde noght be myste.
And nowe kyng Pharo,
Fuls f>are childir ful faste
If I suffir hym soo,
pare seede shulde sone be past.
11. Go, make j^e message haue I mende
To hym {jat ]jam so harmed hase,
Go, warne hym with wordes hende.
So Jjat he lette my pepuU passe,
That they to -wildirnesse may wende,
And wirshippe me als whilom was.
And yf he lenger gar them lende,
His sange ful sone sail be, ' alias ! '
n6
'Go, warn
Pharaoh to let
my people pass.'
124
128
To thyn elders, as thay wyst;
To Abraham, and Isaac,
And Jacob, I sayde shulde be blyst.
And multytude of them to make.
So that thare seyde shuld not be myst.
Bot now thys kyng, Pharao,
He hurtys my folk so fast,
If that I suffre hym so,
Thare seyde shuld soyne be past;
Bot I wylle not so do,
In me if thay wylle trast
Bondage to brynge thaym fro.
Therfor thou go in hast,
To do my message have in mynde
To hym, that me syche harme mase ;
Thou speke to hym wythe wordes heynde.
So that he let my peple pas
To wyldemes, that they may weynde
To worshyp me as I wylle asse.
Agans my wylle if that thay leynd,
Ful soyn hys song shalle be, alas.
116
124
12S
76
XI. THE HOSEERS.
He is afraid. Moyses. A ! lord syth, with thy leue,
pat lynage loves me noght,
Gladly they walde me grave,
. And I slyke boodword brought.
12. Ther-fore lord, late sum othir fraste
pat hase more forse Tpaxa for to feere.
Deus. Moyses, be noght a-baste,
My bidding baldely to bere,
If thai with wrang ought walde jse wrayste
Owte of all wothis I sail fie were.
Moyses. We I lord, Jsai wil noght to me trayste,
For al the othes Jjat I may swere.
To neven slyke note of newe
To folke of wykkyd will,
With-outen taken trewe,
They will noght take tente Jjer-till.
If. 37 b. 13. Deus. And if they will noght vndirstande,
Ne take heede how I haue fie sente,
* They will not
heed me without
a token.'
132
136
140
144
Moyses. A, Lord I pardon me, wyth thy leyf.
That lynage luffes me noght,
Gladly thay wold me greyf,
If I syche bodworde broght. 132
Good Lord, lette som othere frast,
That has more fors the folke to fere.
Deus. Moyses, be thou nott abast,
My bydyng shalle thou boldly bere ; 136
If thay with wrong away wold wrast,
Outt of the way I shalle the were.
Moyses. Good Lord, thay wylle not me trast
Kor alle the othes that I can swere; 140
To never sych noytes new
To folk of wykyd wylle,
Wyth outen tokyn trew,
Thay wylle not tent ther-tylle. 144
Deus. If that he wylle not understand
Thys tokyn trew that I shalle sent.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
77
Before the kyng cast downe thy wande,
& it sail seme as a serpent.
Sithen take the tayle in thy hande,
And hardely vppe Jjou itt hente,
In the firste state als jjou it fande.
So sail it turne be myn entent.
Hyde thy hande in thy barme,
And serpent it sail be like,
Sithen hale with-outen harme,
pi syngnes sail be slyke.
14. And if he wil not sufFre than
My pepuU for to passe in pees,
I sail send vengeaunce ix or x.,
To sewe hym sararre, or I sesse.
Bot Jje Jewes Jiat wonnes in Jessen
Sail nojt be merked with })at messe,
Als lange als Ipai my lawes wUl kenne
per comfort sal I euere encresse.
Moyses. A I lorde, lovyd be thy wille,
* Cast down thy
wand, it shall
1 48 seem a serpent.
152
156
160
Hide thy hand
in thy bosom, it
shall turn to a
serpent,' [error,
see Exod. iv. 6,
and 1. IS4 below.]
Nine or ten
plagues.
164
' I will go.
Afore the kyng cast down thy wand,
And it shalle turne to a serpent. 148
Then take the taylle agane in hand.
Boldly up look thou it hent,
And in the state thou it fand
Thou shal it turne by myne intent ; 152
Sythen hald thy hand soyn in thy barme,
And as a lepre it shal be lyke.
And hole agane with outen harme ;
Lo, my tokyns shal be slyke. 156
And if he wylle not suffre then
My people for to pas in peasse,
I shalle send venyance IX or ten,
Shalle sowe fuUe sore or [I] seasse. 160
Bot ye Ebrewes, won in Jessen,
Shalle not be merkyd with that measse ;
As long as thay my lawes wylle ken
Thare cormforthe shalle ever increasse. 164
Moyses. A, Lord, to luf the aght us welle
78
XI. THE HOSEERS.
But if the king
ask thy name?'
* I will be thy
protection.'
Pat makes thy folke so free,
I sail tell Jsam vn-till
Als )30u telles vn-to me.
15. But to the kyng, lorde, whan I come,
And he ask me what is thy name,
And I stande stille Jjan, defe and dum,
How sail I be withouten blame ?
Deus. I sale }3us, ego sum qui sum,
I am he jjat I am the same.
And if )30U myght not meve* ne mum,
I sail J3e saffe fro synne & shame.
Moyses. I vndirstande Jsis thyng,
With all Jje myght in me.
DeuB. Be bolde in my blissyng,
Thy belde ay sail I be.
16. Moyses. A I lorde of lyffe, lere me my layre,
pat I jsere tales may trewly tell.
1 68
172
176
180
That makes thi folk thus free,
I shalle unto thaym telle
As thou has told to me.
Bot to the kyng, Lord, when I com.
If he aske what is thy name,
And I stand sty He, both deyf and dom.
How shuld I skake withoutten blame?
Deus. I say the thus " Ego sum qui sum,'*
I am he that is the same;
If thou can nother muf nor mom
I shalle sheld the from shame.
Moyses. I understand fulle welle thys thyng,
I go. Lord, with alle the myght in me.
Deus. Be bold in my blyssyng.
Thi socoure shall I be.
Moyses. A, Lord of luf, leyn me thy lare,
That I may truly talys telle ;
167
168
172
176
180
MS. has meke.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT. 79
Vn-to my frendis nowe will I fayre ',
pe chosen childre of Israeli.
To telle ]:am comforte of ther care,
And of Jiere daunger Jsat fei in dwell.
' I will go to my
friends to comfort
184 them.'
[Scene III, Moses and the Hebrews.']
[Moses] . God mayntayne you & me euermare,
And mekill myrthe be you emell.
i puer. A 1 Moyses, maistir dere,
Oure myrthe is al mornyng,
We are harde halden here
Als carls vndir \>e: kyng,
17. ii puer. Moyses, we may mourne and myne,
per is no man vs myrfies mase,
And sen we come al of a kynne.
Ken vs som comforte in jsis case.
Moyses. Beeths of youre mornyng blyne,
God wil defende you of your fays.
' We are slaves.
192
196
Give us some
comfort.'
To my freyndes now wylle I fare,
The chosyn childre of Israelle, 184
To telle thejnn comforthe of thare care,
In dawngere ther as thay dwelle.
God manteyn you evermare,
And mekylle myrthe be you emelle. 188
Primus Puer. A, master Moyses, dere I
Oure myrthe is alle mowmyng ;
FuUe hard halden ar we here.
As carls under the kyng. 192
Seoundus Puer. We may mowrn, both more and myn,
Ther is no man that oure myrth mase,
Bot syn we ar alle of a kyn
God send us comforth in thys case. 196
Moyses. Brethere, of youre mowmyng blyn ;
God wylle delyver you thrughe his grace.
' Will I fayre writteft in later hand, correcting the original word fayne,
which is crossed through.
80
Xr. THE HOSEERS.
* God will deliver
you from this
woe.'
If. 38.
Eij.
Oute of })is woo he will you wynne,
To plese hym in more plener place.
I sail carpe to Jse kyng,
And fande to make you free.
iii puer. God sende vs gud tythyngis.
And all may with you be.
204
* God sends for
his folk.'
' Go to the devil !
1 do not care
for you.'
[Scene IV, At Pharaoh's courf.]
18. Moyses. Kyng Pharo ! to me take tent !
Bex. Why, what tydyngis can Jjou tell ?
Moyses. Fro god of heuen Jjus am I sente.
To fecche his folke of Israeli,
To wildirnesse he walde thei wente.
Rex. J^^a ! wende Jjou to ]>e devell of hell,
I make no force howe jjou has mente,
For in my daunger sail fiei dwelle.
And faytour, for thy sake,
pei sail be putte to pyne.
208
Out of this wo he wylle you wyn,
And put you to youre pleassyng place. 200
For I shalle carp unto the kyng,
And fownd fulle soyn to make you free.
Primus Puer. God grant you good weyndyng,
And evermore with you be. 204
Moyses, Kyng Phaiao to me take tent.
Pharao. Why, boy, what tythynges can thou telle?
Moyses. From God hym self hyder am I sent
To foche the chyldre of Israelle ; 208
To wyldernes he wold thay went.
Pharao. Yei, weynd the to the devylle of helle,
I gyf no force what he has ment,
In my dangere, herst thou, shalle thay dwelle ; 212
And, fature, for thy sake,
Thay shalbe pent to pyne.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
81
Moyses. panne will god vengeaunce take
On ]pe and on al pyne. 216
19. Bex. Fy on the ! ladde, oute of my lande 1
Wanes Jsou with wiles to lose cure laye f
Where ' is Jjis warlowe with his wande,
pat wolde jjus wynne oure folke away?
ii Cons. It is Moyses, we wele warrand,
Agayne al Egipte is he ay.
Youre fadir grete faute in hym fande,
Nowe will he marre you if he may.
Bex. Nay, nay, jsat daunce is done,
pat lordan leryd ouere late.
Moyses. God biddis ]>e graunte my bone,
And late me go my gate.
20. Rex. Biddis god me ? fals lurdayne, Jjou lyes ;
What takyn talde he, toke jsou tent ?
Moyses. ^za. ! sir, he saide Jjou suld despise
Botht me & all his comaundement. 232
Moyses. Then wylle God venyance take
Of the, and of alle thyn.
Pharao, On me ? fy on the lad, out of my land !
Wenys thou thus to loyse oure lay?
Say, whence is yond warlow with his wand
That thus wold wyle oure folk away?
Primtis Myles. Yond is Moyses, I dar warand,
Agans alle Egypt has beyn ay,
Greatt defawte with hym youre fader fand;
Now wylle he mar you if he may.
Pharao. . Fy on hym 1 nay, nay, that dawnce is done ;
Lurdan, thou loryd to late.
Moyses. God bydes the graunt my bone,
And let me go my gate.
Pharao. Bydes God me ? fals loselle, thou lyse I
What tokyn told he ? take thou tent.
Moyses. He sayd thou shuld dyspyse
Bothe me, and hys commaundement ;
MS. has wAen.
G
Moses threatens
God's vengeance.
* Who is this
wizard?'
' Moses, who will
injure you.'
224
22S
* God bids thee
grant my petition.
216
224
232
82
XI. THE HOSEERS.
Behold his token
in my wand.
If 1 take the
serpent by the
tail it becomes
a wand again.'
' Hallo ! he is
clever ! but they
^all not go.'
In thy presence kast on this wise
My wande he bad by his assent,
And })at ]jou shulde Jje wele avise,
Howe it shulde turne to a serpent. 236
And in his haly name,
Here sal I ley it downe,
Loo ! ser, se her Jje same.
Kex. A I ' dogg 1 Tpe deuyll }je drowne ! 240
21. Moyses. He saide {)at I shulde take \>e tayle,
So for to proue his poure playne.
And sone he saide it shuld not fayle
For to turne a wande agayne. 244
Loo ! sir, be-halde !
Bex. Hopp ilia hayle !
Now certis J^is is a sotill swayne.
But Tpis boyes sail byde here in oure bayle,
For all Jjair gaudis sail noght fiam gayne ; 248
Bot warse, both morne and none,
Sail fiei fare for thy sake.
Forthy, apon thys wyse,
My wand he bad, in thi present,
I shuld lay downe, and the avyse
How it shuld turne to oone serpent. 236
And in hys holy name
Here I lay it downe;
Lo, syr, here may thou se the same.
Pharao. A, ha, dog ! the devylle the drowne ! 240
Moyses. He bad me take it by the taylle,
For to prefe hys powere playn.
Then sayde, wythouten faylle,
Hyt shuld turne to a wand agayn. ' 244
Lo, sir, behold.
Pharao. Wyth yl a haylle I
Certes this is a sotelle swayn,
Bot thyse boyes shalle abyde in baylle, 247
AUe thi gawdes shalle thaym not gayn ;
Bot wars, both morne and none,
Shalle thay fare, for thi sake.
» MS. has Ai.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
83
If. 36 b.
Moyses. God sende sum vengeaunce sone,
And on Tpi werke take wrake. 252 Vengeance
[Moses retires : enter Egyptians ^
22. 1 Egip. Alias ! alias ! fiis lande is lorne,
On lif we may no lenger lende.
ii Egip. So grete myschefife is made sen morne,
per may no medycyne vs amende. 256
Cons. Sir kyng, we banne jjat we wer borne,
Oure blisse is all with bales blende.
Bex. Why crys you swa, laddis ? liste you scorne ?
i Egip. Sir kyng, slyk care was neuere kende. 260
Oure watir })at was ordand
To men and beestis fudde,
Thurghoute al Egipte lande
Is turned to rede blude ; 264
23. Full vgly and ful ill is it,
pat was ful faire and fresshe before.
'We curse the
time we were
bom.'
The water turned
to blood (ist
plague).
Moyses. I pray God send ns venyance sone.
And on thi warkes take wrake.
Primus Miles. Alas, Alas I this land is lorne I
On lyfe we may [no] longer leynd;
Syche myschefe is fallen syn morne,
Ther may no medsyn it amend.
Pharao. Why cry ye so? laddes, lyst ye skome?
Secuudus Miles. Syr kyng, syche care was never kend.
In no mans tyme that ever was borne.
Pharao. Telle on, belyfe, and make an end.
Primus Miles. Syr, the waters that were ordand
For men and bestes foyd,
Thrughe outt alle Egypt land,
Ar turnyd into reede bloyde :
FuUe ugly and fulle ylle is hytt,
That bothe fresh and fayre was before.
252
256
259
261
264
* Two scenes appear to be presented at once, vrith Moses and his Jews
at one side, Pharaoh and his Egyptians at the other : frequent commu-
nications going on between the two. It seemed best to mark these move-
ments by white spaces in the text, though there is no such discontinuance,
or any direction, in the MS.
G 2
84
XI. THE HOSEERS.
(2) Toads and
frogs.
(3) Swarms of lice.
' We shall never
be happy while
these folk are
here.'
24.
Bex. This is grete wondir for to witte,
Of all pe werkis Jiat ever wore. 268
ii Egip. Nay, lorde, \>ei is anothir jitt,
That sodenly sewes vs ful sore,
For tadys and frosshis we may not flitte,
Thare venym loses lesse and more. 272
i Egip. Lorde, grete myses bothe mom and none
Bytis vs full bittirlye,
And we hope al by done
By moyses, oure enemye. 276
i Cons. Lord, whills we ' with })is menyhe meve,
Mon never myrthe be vs emange.
Kex. Go, saie we salle no lenger grave ; [Aside.
But jjai sail neuere })e tytar gang. 280
If- 35:
E. iij.
Deceitful mes-
sage from
Pharaoh,
ii 'Egip. Moyses, my lord has grauntyd leve
At lede thy folke to likyng lande,
So fiat we mende of oure myscheue.
Pharao. O, ho I this is a wonderfuUe thyng to wytt.
Of alle the warkes that ever were. ' 268
Seoundus MUes. Nay, Lord, ther is anothere yit,
That sodanly sowys us fulle sore ;
For todes and froskes may no man yfiit,
Thay venom us so, bothe les and more. 272
Primus Miles. Greatte mystes, sir, ther is bothe mome and noyn.
Byte us fulle bytterly;
We trow that it be done
Thrughe Moyses oure greatte enmy. 276
Secundus Miles. My Lord, bot if this menye may remefe
on never myrthe be us amang.
Pharao. Go, say to hym we wylle not grefe,
Bot thay shalle never the tytter gayng. 280
Primus Miles. Moyses, my lord geffys leyfe 281
To leyd thi folk to lykyng lang.
So that we mgnd of oure myschefe.
' MS. has ve.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
85
Moyses. I wate fill wele fiar wordes er wrang,
That sail ful sone be sene.
For hardely I hym heete
And he of malice mene.
Mo mervaylles mon he mett.
284 which MoseS'
does not believe.
288
25. i Egip. Lorde, alias ! for dule we dye, [To the king.
We dar not loke oute at no dore.
Rex. What deuyll ayles yow so to crye ?
ii Egip. We fare nowe werre Jjan euere we fiire ^.
Grete loppis ouere all Jjis lande jjei flye,
That with bytyng makis mekill blure.
i Egip. Lorde, oure beestis lyes dede and dry,
Als wele on myddyng als on more ;
Both oxe, horse, and asse,
Fallis dede doune sodanly.
Kex. Ther-of no man harme has
Halfe so mekill as I.
26. U Cons. Jis, lorde, poure men has mekill woo
292 Plagues of (4)
flies,
(5) Murrain.
296
300
The king may
have harm.
but the poor have
much woe.
Moyses. FuUe welle, I wote, thyse wordes ar wrang 284
Bot hardely alle that I heytt. 286
FuUe sodanly it shalle be seyn, 285
Uncowth mervels shalbe meyt 288
And he of malyce meyn. 287
Secundus Miles. A, Lord, alas, for doylle we dy. 289
We dar look oute at no dowre.
Fharao. What, ragyd the dwylle of helle, alys you so to cry?
Primus Miles. For we fare wars then ever we fowre ; 292
Grete loppys over alle this land thay ily.
And where thay byte thay make grete blowre.
And in every place oure bestes dede ly. 29 S
Secundus Miles. Hors, ox, and asse, 297
Thay falle downe dede, syr, sodanly. 298
Pharao. We, lo, ther is no man that has
Half as myche harme as I. 300
Primus MUes. Yis, sir, poore folk have mekyUe wo.
MS. '\x2.%fare.
86
XI. THE HOSEERS.
Another deceitful
message.
To see Jjer catell be out cast.
The Jewes in Jessen faren nojt soo,
They haue al likyng in-to last. 30+
Rex. Go, saie we gifFe })am leue to goo
To tyme there parellis be ouer past ; [Aside.
But, or thay flitte over farre vs froo,
We sail garre feste fiam foure so fast. 308
If. 39 b.
ii Sgip. Moyses, my lord giffis leue
Thy men for to remewe.
Moyses. He mon haue more mischeff
But if his tales be trewe.
312
Plagues of (6)
boils and blains.
(7) Hail and fire :
(the vines cannot
thrive.) Ps. cv. 33.
27. i Egip. We ! lorde, we may not lede this liffe.
Bex. Why I is ther greuaunce growen aga3Tie ?
ii Eglp. SwiLke pou[d]re, lord, a-pon vs dryiFe,
That whare it bettis it makis a blayne. 316
i Egip. Like mesellis makis it man and wyfFe ;
Sythen ar they hurte with hayle and rayne,
Oure wynes in mountaynes may not thryve,
So ar they threst and thondour slayne. 320
To se thare catalle thus out cast.
The Jues in Gessen fayre not so,
Thay have lykyng for to last. 304
Pharao. Then shalle we gyf theym leyf to go 305
To tyme this perelle be on past,
Bot, or thay flytt oght far us fro.
We shalle them bond twyse as fast. 308
Secundus Miles. Moyses, my lord gyffes leyf
Thi meneye to remeve.
Moyses. Ye mon hafe more myschefe
Bot if thyse talys be trew. 312
Primus Miles. A, Lord, we may not leyde thyse lyfys.
Pharao. What, dwylle, is grevance grofen agayn?
Secundus Miles. Ye, sir, sich powder apon us dryfys.
Where it abides it makes a blayn; 316
Meselle makes it man and wyfe.
Thus ar we hurt with haylle and rayn.
Syr, unys in montanse may not thryfe,
So has frost and thoner thaym slayn. 320
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT. 87
Bex. How do thay in Jessen ;
pe Jewes, can je aught say ?
ii Egip. pis care nothyng they ken,
Pay fele no such affray. 324
28. Hex. No, devill ! and sitte they so in pees ?
And we like day in doute and drede.
i Egip. My lorde, J^is care will euere encrese
Tille Moyses have leve Jsam to lede. 328
i Cons. Lorde, war they wente fian walde it sese, 'Unless the jews
go, we shall be
So shuld we save vs and oure seede, lost."
Ellis ' be we lorne ; }>is is no lese.
Bex. Late hym do fourth 1 fie devill hym spede I 332
For his folke sail no ferre
Yf he go welland woode.
ii Cons, pan will itt sone be warre,
5it war bettir jsai joode. 336
29. ii Egip. We ! lorde, new harme is comon to hande. Plagues of iS)
locusts
Bex. No ! devill I will itt no bettir be ?
i Egip. Wilde wormes is laide ouere al this lande,
Pharao. Yei, bot how do thay in Gessen,
The Jues, can ye me say?
Primus Miles. Of alle these cares no thyng thay ken,
Thay feylle noghte of our afray. 324
Fharao, No? the ragyd, the dwylle, sytt thay in peasse?
And we every day in doute and drede?
Secundus Miles. My lord, this care will ever encrese,
To Moyses have his folk to leyd ; 328
Els be we lome, it is no lesse, 331
Yit were it better that thai yede.
Pharao. Thes folk shall flyt no far, 333
If he go welland wode.
Primus Miles. Then wille it sone be war,
It were better thay yode. 33^
Secundus Miles. My lord, new harme is comyn in hand.
Pharao. Yei, dwille, wille it no better be?
Primus Miles. Wyld wonnes ar layd over all this land,
» MS. has Eellis.
88
XI. THE HOSEERS.
If. 40.
E. iiij.
Of (9) darkness.
and (10) pestilence
[not death of
first-born].
' Let them go,
wavering is of
no use.'
pai leve no frute ne floure on tree ; 34°
Agayne Jjat storme may no thyng stande.
ii Egip. Lord, ther is more myscheff thynke me.
And thre daies hase itt bene durand.
So myrke }3at non myght othir see. 344
i Egip. My lorde, grete pestelence '
Is like ful lange to last.
Bex. Owe I come Jjat in oure presence ?
Than is oure pride al past. 348
30. ii Egip. My lorde, jais vengeaunce lastis lange.
And mon till Moyses haue his bone.
i Cons. Lorde, late })am wende, els wirke [we] wrang,
It may not helpe to hover na hone. 352
Rex. Go, sale we graunte Jjam leue to gange.
In the devill way, sen itt bus be done,
For so may fall we sail Ipaxa fang,
Thai leyf no floure, nor leyf on tre. 340
Secundus Miles. Agans that storme may no man stand ;
And mekylle more mervelle thynk me,
That thise iij dayes has bene durand
Siche myst, that no man may other se. 344
Frimus Miles. A, my Lord !
Pharao. Haghe !
Secundus Miles. Grete pestilence is comyn ;
It is like ful long to last. 346
Fharao. Pestilence? in the dwilys name!
Then is oure pride over past. 348
Primus Miles. My lord, this care lastes lang.
And wille to Moyses have his bone ;
Let hym go, els wyrk we wrang.
It may not help to hover ne hone. 352
Pharao. Then wille we gif theym leyf to gang ;
Syn it must nedes be doyn ;
Perchauns we salle thaym fang
' Pestilence is inserted in a later hand; 11. 345, 346 are one line in
the MS.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
And marre jsam or to-morne at none.
i Egip. Moyses, my lorde has saide,
pou sail haue passage playne.
Moyses. And to passe am I paied.
My frendes, bees nowe fayne ;
31. For at oure will now sail we wende,
In lande of lykyng for to lende.
i puer. Kyng Pharo, that felowns fende,
Will haue grete care fro this be kende,
Than will he schappe hym vs to shende,
And sone his Ooste aftir vs sende.
Moyses. Beis noght aferde, god is youre frende,
Fro alle oure fooes he will vs fende.
parfore comes furthe with me,
Haves done, and drede yow noght. •
ii puer. My lorde, loved mott fiou bee,
pat jjus fro bale has brought.
32. iii puer. Swilke frenshippe never before we fande.
89
356
* My friends, re-
joice, we can now
,gQ go to the land of
** promise.'
364 'The king will
pursue us.'
368
* Fear not, come
forth.'
372
If. 40 h.
And mar them or to morne at none.
Secundus Miles. Moyses, my lord he says
Thou shalle have passage playn.
Moyses. Now have v^e lefe to pas.
My freyndes, now be ye fayn;
Com furthe, now salle ye weynd
To land of lykyng you to pay.
Primus Puer. Bot kyng Pharao, that fals feynd.
He will us eft betray;
Fulle soyn he wille shape us to sheynd,
And after us send his garray.
Moyses. Be not abast, God is oure freynd.
And alle oure foes wille slay;
Therfor com on with me.
Have done and drede you noght.
Secvindus Puer. That Lord blyst might he be,
That us from baylle has broght.
Primus Puer. Siche frenship never we fand ;
3S6
360
363
365
367
370
37,^
90
XI. THE HOSEERS.
' The Red Sea is
near, we must be
slaves.'
' The sea shall
stand on either
, side as a wall.'
' We pass easily.'
But in Jjis faire defautys may fall,
pe rede see is ryght nere at hande,
per bus vs bide to we be thrall. 376
Moyses. I sail make vs way with my wande,
For god hase sayde he saue vs sail ;
On aythir syde \>e see sail stande,
Tille we be wente, right as a wall. 380
Therfore have je no drede,
But faynde ay god to plese.
i puer. pat lorde to lande vs lede,
Now wende we all at esse. 384
' Harness horse
and chariots in-
stantly, follow
33. i Egip. Kyng Pharro, ther folke er gane.
Eex. Howe nowe ! es ther any noyes of newe ?
ii Egip. The Ebrowes er wente ilkone.
Bex. Now sais J30U Jsat ? i Egip. per talis er trewe. 388
Rex. Horse harneys tyte, Jjat pei be tane,
pis ryott radly sail })am rewe,
Bot yit I drede for perells alle,
The Reede See is here at hand.
Ther shal we byde to we be thralle. 376
Moyses. I shalle make my way ther with my wand,
As God has sayde, to sayf us alle ;
On ayther syde the see mon stand.
To we be gone, right as a walle. 380
Com on wyth me, leyf none behynde,
Lo fownd ye now youre God to pleasse.
Hic pertransient mare.
Seoundus Puer. O, Lord ! this way is heynd ;
Now weynd us all at easse. 384
Primus Miles. Kyng Pharao ! thyse folk ar gone. 385
Pharao. Say, ar ther any noyes new ?
Seoundus Miles. Thise Ebrews ar gone, lord, ever-ichon.
Pharao. How says thou that?
Primus Miles. Lord, that taylle is trew. 388
Pharao. We, out tyte, that they were tayn ;
That ryett radly shall thay rew,
THE DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.
91
34.
We sail not sese or they be slone,
For to Ipese we sail J)am sew.
Do charge oure charyottis swithe,
And frekly folowes me.
ii Egip. My lorde we are full blithe,
At youre biddyng to be.
ii Cons. Lorde, to youre biddyng we er boune,
Owre bodies baldely for to bede.
We sail noght byde, but dyng Jiam doune,
Tylle all be dede, with-outen drede.
Rex. Hefe vppe youre hartis ay to Mahownde,
He will be nere vs in oure nede.
392
396
' We'll kill them
all.'
400
* Lift up your
hearts to Ma-
homet !
[Scene V, TAe Red Sea.]
Owte ! ay herrowe ! devill, I drowne ! Haiio 1 1 drown r
i Egip. Alias ! we dye, for alle our dede.
i puer. Now ar we wonne fra waa, and saued oute of be see. if- 41-
' E.V.
Cantemus domino, to god a sange synge wee. 406
J^t'm's.
We shalle not seasse to thay be slayn,
For to the see we shall thaym sew;
So charge youre charlottes swythe.
And ferstly look ye folow me.
Secundus Miles. Alle redy, lord, we ar fuUe blythe
At youre byddyng to be.
Primus Miles. Lord, at youre byddyng ar we bowne
Oure bodys boldly for to beyd.
We shalle not seasse, bot dyng alle downe.
To alle be dede withouten drede.
Pharao. Heyf up youre hertes unto Mahowne,
He wille be nere us in oure nede;
Help, the raggyd dwylle, we drowne I
Now mon we dy for alle oure dede.
Tunc nurget eos mare.
Moyses. Now ar we won from alle oure wo,
And savyd out of the see;
392
396
400
404
402
92
XI. THE HOSEERS.
Lovyng gyf we God unto.
Go we to land now merely.
Primus Puer. Lofe we may that Lord on hyght.
And ever telle on this mervelle;
Drownyd he has kyng Pharao myght,
Lovyd be that Lord Emanuelle.
Moyaes. Heven, thou attend, I say in syght,
And erthe my wordys; here what I telle.
As rayn or dew on erthe doys lyght
And waters herbys and trees fulle welle,
Gyf lovying to Goddes mageste,
Hys dedys ar done, hys ways ar trew,
Honowred be he in trynyte.
To hym be honowre and verteu. Amen.
[Explicit Pharao.
XII. THE SPICERS.
If. 42-
E. vj.
The Annunciation, and visit of Elizabeth
to Mary.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Prologue. " Maria.
Angelus. Elizabeth.]
[Scene I, Nazareth : Prolosue t'n the fore-ground^
LORD God, grete meruell es to mene ',
Howe man was made with-outen mysse,
And sette whare he sulde euer haue bene
With-outen bale, bidand in blisse.
And howe he lost Jjat comforth clene,
And was putte oute fro paradys,
And sithen what sorouse sor ^ warre sene
Sente vn-to hym and to al his.
And howe they lay lange space
In helle lokyn fro lyght,
Tille god graunted {jam grace
Of helpe, als he hadde hyght.
pan is it nedfull for to neven.
How prophettis all goddis counsailes kende,
Als prophet Amos in his steuen,
Lered whils he in his liffe gun lende.
It is a wonder
how man lost
Paradise.
We must tell
what prophets
spoke.
16
^ A marginal note here in i6th cent, hand says, ' Doctor, this matter is
hewly mayde, wherof we haue no coppy." ^ MS. hasyi;-.
94
XII. THE SPICERS.
Amos said God
would send his
Mary was wed-
ded to deceive
the iiend.
Gen. xxii. 18.
If. 42 b.
Isaac prayed for
the dew of
heaven.
Gen. xxvii. 28.
Deus pater disposuit salutem fieri in medio terre eke.
He sais Jjus, god Jse fadir in heuen
Ordand in erthe man kynde to mende ;
And to grayth it with godhede euen \
His sone he saide fiat he suld sende.
T(0 take kynde of man-kyn
In a mayden full mylde ;
So was many saued of syn
And the foule fende be-gyled.
And for the feende suld so be fedd
Be tyne, and to no treuth take tentt,
God made jjat mayden to be wedde ",
Or he his sone vn-to hir sentte.
So was the godhede closed and cledde
In wede of weddyng whare thy wente ;
And Jiat oure blysse sulde so be bredde,
Ful many materes may be mente.
Quoniam in semine ttio benedicentur omnes gentes &c.
God hym self sayde this thynge
To Abraham als hym liste,
Of thy sede sail vppe spryrige
Whare in folke sail be bliste.
. To proue thes prophettes ordande [wer],
Er als I say vn-to olde and yenge.
He moued oure myscheues for to merr,
For thus he prayed god for this thynge,
Orate celi desuper.
Lord, late Jjou doune at thy likyng
pe dewe to fall fro heuen so ferre,
For than the erthe sail sprede and sprynge
A seede Jsat vs sail saue,
24
28
32
36
40
44
MS. has eaefi.
MS. has wedded.
THE ANNUNCIATION, AND VISIT OF ELIZABETH TO MARY. 95
pat nowe in blisse are bente.
Of clerkis who-so will craue, ,
pus may Jjer-gatis be mente. 48
5. pe dewe to Jje gode halygaste
May be remeued in mannes mynde,
The erthe vnto fie mayden chaste,
By-cause sho comes of erthely kynde. 52
pir wise wordis ware noght wroght in waste,
To waffe and wende away als wynde,
For this same prophett sone in haste
Saide forthermore, als folkes may fynde. 56
Propter hoc dahit dominus ipse nobis signum &c.
Loo he sais fius, god sail gyffe
Here-of a syngne to see
Tille all Jsat lely lyffe,
And }jis jjare sygne salbe. 60
Ecce uirgo concipiett, et pariet filium &c.
6. Loo ! he sais a mayden mon
Here on this molde mankynde omell,
Ful clere consayue and bere a sonne,
And neven his name Emanuell. 64
His kyngdom Jjat euer is be-gonne,
Sail never sese, but dure and dwell ;
Ondauid sege jjore sail he wonne,
His domes to deme and trueth to telle. 68
Zelus domini faciei hoc &c.
He says, luffe of oure Lorde,
All }jis sail ordan' fjanne
That mennes pees and accorde
To make with erthely manne. 72
7. More of Jsis maiden me meves [he].
This prophett sais for oure socoure,
which is the Holji,
Ghost.
Isa. 1
/
Isa. vii. 14.
A virgin shall
bear a son.
he shall sit on
David's seat.
Isa. ix. 7.
If. 43,
E. vij.
MS. has ordan.
96
XII. THE SPICERS.
Isa. xi. I.
A rod shall spring
from Jesse,
which shall bear
a flower.
Joel has also
foretold the
maiden and
Christ.
Egredietur virga de Jesse,
A wande sail brede of Jesse boure ;
And of f)is same also sais hee,
1 Vpponne \>aX wande sail springe a floure,
I Wher-on J)e haly gast sail be,
I To governe it with grete honnoure.
That wande meynes vntill vs
pis mayden, even and morne,
And fie floure is Jesus,
pat of Jsat blyst bees borne.
8. pe prophet Johell, a gentill Jewe,
Som-tyme has saide of jse same thyng ;
He likenes criste euen als he knewe,
Like to ]3e dewe in doune commyng.
76
8o
84
Hos. xiv. 6.
If. 43 fa-
it passes worldly
knowledge that
in Mary should
be united_ God-
head, maiden-
hood, and man.
Ero quasi ros et virgo Israeli germinahtt sicul Itlium.
pe maiden of Israeli al newe
He sais, sail here one and forthe brynge,
Als \>t lelly floure full faire of hewe,
pis meynes sa to olde and jenge 92
pat ]3e hegh haly gaste,
Come oure myschefie to mende,
In marie mayden chaste,
When god his sone walde sende. 96
pis lady is to \)t lilly lyke,
pat is by-cause of hir clene liffe,
For in })is worlde was never slyke,
One to be mayden, modir, and wyff'e. 100
And hir sonne kyng in heuen-ryke,
Als oft es red be reasoune ryfe ;
And hir husband bath maistir and meke,
In charite to stynte all striffe. 104
pis passed all worldly witte.
How god had ordand Jjaim Jeanne,
THE ANNUNCIATION, AND VISIT OF ELIZABETH TO MARY. 97
In hir one to be knytte,
Godhed, maydenhed, and manne.
10. Bot of fis werke grete witnes was.
With forme-ifaders, all folke may tell.
Whan Jacob blyst his sone Judas,
He told Tpe tale Jsaim two emell ;
Non auferetur s\c'\epirum de Juda,
Ueniat qui mitlendus est.
He sais J>e septer sail noght passe
Fra iuda lande of Israeli,
Or he comma jjat god ordand has
To be sente feendis force to fell.
Ei ipse erit expedacio gencium.
Hym sail alle folke abyde,
And stand vn-to his steuen,
Ther sawes war signified
To crist goddis sone in hauen.
11. For howe he was sente, se we more,
And howe god wolde his place puruay,
He saide, ' sonne I sail sende by-fore
Myne Aungell to rede fie thy way.'
Ecce mitto angelum meum antefaciem
iuam qui preparabit viam luam ante te.
Of John Baptist he menyd fiore,
For in erthe he was ordand ay,
To warne ]?e folke J^at wilsom wore
Of Cristis comyng, and fius gon say ;
Ego quidem hapiizo in aqua vos autem
Baptizahimini'^ spiriiu sancto.
' Eftir me sail coma nowe
A man of myghtist mast,
And sail baptis jowe
In the high haly gast.'
12. pus of cristis commyng may we see,
1 EiTor for ipse vos bapti%abit,
H
io8
Jacob spoke of it
mblessingjudah.
Gen. xlix, lo.
ii6
Gett. xlix, lo.
John Baptist
foretold.
124
Mark i. 1,
128
Ma-iih. iii. ir.
If. 44.
E. Tiii.
13a
98
XII. THE SPICERS.
Luke narrates
the Annuncia-
tion.
Luke i. 26-46.
Attend to God's
grace thus pre-
pared, and to the
angel's words.
Salutation of
Mary,
'What kind of
salute is this?'
How sainte Luke spekis in his gospell,
' Fro God in heuen es sent,' sais he,
'An aungell is named Gabriell
To Nazareth in Galale,
Where jsan a mayden mylde gon dwell,
pat with Joseph suld wedded be.
Hir name is Marie,' ]jus gan he telle,
To .god his grace jaan grayd.
To man in J)is manere.
And how {)e Aungell saide,
Takes hede, all }3at will here *.
•36
140
144
[Exit Prologue.
*Thou shalt bear
a son called
Xesus.*
Tunc cantai angelus "^
13. Ang. Hayle ! Marie ! full of grace and blysse,
Oure lord god is with fie.
And has chosen \t for his,
Of all women blist mot J?ou be. 148
Maria. What maner of halsyng is fiis ?
Pus preuely comes to me,
For in myn herte a thoght it is,
pe tokenyng fiat I here see. ■ 152
Tunc caniat angelus, Ne limeas ^ Maria.
14. Ang. Ne drede }je noght, f>ou mylde marie.
For no-thyng jjat may be-falle.
For ]30u has fun soueranly
At god a grace ouer othir all. 156
In chastite of thy bodye
Consayue and bere a childe })ou sail.
This bodword brynge I fe, for-thy
His name Jesu sail f>ou calle. 160
15. Mekill of myght Jsan sail he bee,
He sail be God and called God sonne ".
' After this prologue of 12 stanzas, the rest of the piece seems to be
irregular in the arrangement of the 6- and 8-syllable lines.
'^ These stage directions are in a i6th cent. hand.
2 MS. has soft.
THE ANNUNCIATION, AND VISIT OF ELIZABETH TO MARY. 99
Dauid sege, his fadir free, ir. 44 b.
Sail God hym giffe to sytte vppon ; 164
Als kyng for euer regne sail hee,
In Jacob house ay for to wonne.
Of his kyngdome and dignite
Shall noo man erthly knaw ne con ^. 168
16. Maria, pou goddis aungell, meke and mylde,
Howe sulde it be, I the praye,
That I sulde consayve a childe
Of any man by nyght or daye. 172
I knawe no man fiat shulde haue fyled
My maydenhode, the sothe to saye ;
With-outen will of werkis wilde,
In chastite I haue ben ay. 176
17. Ang. The Halygast in \>e sail lighte,
Hegh vertue sail to \>e holde,
The holy birthe of the so bright,
God Sonne he sail be calde. 180
Loo, Elyzabeth, jji cosyne, ne myght
In aide consayue a childe for aide,
pis is Tpe sexte moneth full ryght,
To hir j^at baran has ben talde. 184
18. Maria. Thou aungell, blissid messanger,
Of goddis will I holde me payde,
I love my lorde with herte dere,
pe grace f>at he has for me layde. 188
Goddis handmayden, lo ! me here, 'Behold the
handmaiden of
To his wille all redy grayd, '•>= Lord.'
Be done to me of all manere,
Thurgh thy worde als J)ou hast saide. 192 if. 45
' This line is written in the margin in a later hand, to make up the old
scribe's deficiency. No blank however.
^ An extra leaf was added to this quire E ; the catchwords for the next
leaf, usual at the bottom of the /asi page in each quire, occur here on both
44 i and 45^; they are however all written in the original hand.
H 2
100 XII. THE SPICERS.
' God save thee, 19. rAng.] Now God, bat all oure hope is in,
lady, from guilt. '
Thur[gh] the myght of Tpe haly gaste,
Saue jje, dame, fro sak of synne,
And wisse Tpe fro all werkis wast I [Exii Angel,'] 196
[Scene II, iie house of Zachartas ; Mary visits Elizabeth^
[Maria.] Elyzabeth, myn awne cosyne,
Me thoght I coveyte alway mast
To speke with fie of all my kynne,
Therfore I comme jsus in Jjis hast. 200
20. Eliz. Welcome ! mylde Marie,
Myne aughen cosyne so dere,
El^beth blesses j^jfuU ^^^^^ am I,
pat I nowe see fie here. 204
Blissid be fiou anely
Of all women in feere,
And fie frute of thy body
Be blissid ferre and nere. 208
21. pis is ioyfuU tydyng
pat I may nowe here see,
pe modyr of my lord kyng,
Thus-gate come to me. 21a
Sone als fie voyce of fiine haylsing
Moght myn neres entre and be,
pe childe in my wombe so yenge.
Makes grete myrthe vnto fie '- 216
22. Maria. Nowe lorde 1 blist be fiou ay
For fie grace fiou has me lente ;
Mary praises Lorde I lofe be god verray,
God, I ^
Pe sande fiou hast me sente. 220
I fianke fie nyght and day.
And prayes with goode entente
pou make me to thy paye,
"■ ''^ ''■ To fie my wille is wentte. 224
' The original has alway to \e.
THE ANNUNCIATION, AND VISIT OF ELIZABETH TO MARY. 101
23. Eliz. Blissed be pou grathely grayed
To god thurgh chastite,
pou trowed and helde J)e payed
Atte his wille for to bee. 228
All Jjat to Tpe is saide,
Fro my lorde so free,
Swilke grace is for the layde.
Sail be fulfilled in pe. 232
3.4. Maria. [T]o his grace I will me ta,
With chastite to dele,
pat made me Ipns to ga
Omange his maidens fele \ 236
My saule sail buying ma
Vn-to )3at lorde so lele,
And my gast make ioye alswa
In god ))at es my hele. Maguifleat, 240
\Junc cantaP.
^ MS. bs.s/eele. ' Written in a later hand.
If. 46.
f. i.
XIII. THE PEWTERERES AND
FOUNDOURS^
JosepKs trouble about Mary.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Joseph. Prima Puella.
Maria.
Angelds.]
Secunda Puella.
Matih. i. 18-25.
Gosp. ofPsiiudO'
Matth. X, xi.
Hist, of "Joseph
Joseph, old and
weak,
is ashamed that
he has wedded
a young wife.
[Scene, Joseph wandering in the wilderness ; his house
at one side?^
1. Jos. Of grete mornyng may I me mene,
And walk full werily be fiis way,
For nowe jjan wende I best base bene
Att ease and reste by reasonne ay. 4
For I am of grete elde,
Wayke and al vnwelde,
Als ilke man se it maye j
/ I may nowder buske ne belde, 8
/ But owther in frith or felde ;
For shame what sail I saie
2. That f)us-gates nowe on myne aide dase
Has wedded a yonge wenche to my wifF, 12
' The metre of this play changes, like a piece of music. The first seven
are lo-line stanzas, four 8-syllable, six 6-syllable lines ; the eighth is irregular ;
stanzas 9 to 16 are of six 8-syllable lines broken by a tag, followed by four
6-syllable lines. With stanza 1 7 the first measure is resumed, stanza 18 being
irregular.
JOSEPHS TROUBLE ABOUT MARY.
103
( And may nojt wele tryne over two strase !
Nowe lorde ! how ianges all I lede jsis lifF,
My banes er heuy als lede,
And may nojt stande in stede,
Als kende it is full ryfe.
Now lorde ! Jjou me ' wisse and rede,
Or sone me dryue to dede,
pou may best stynte Ipis striflFe.
3. For bittirly jjan may I banne
The way I in jje temple wente,
Itt was to me a bad barganne.
For reuthe I may it ay repente.
For {jare-in was ordande
Vn-wedded men sulde stande,
Al 'sembled at asent ;
And ilke ane a drye wande
On heght helde in his hand,
And I ne wist what it ment.
4. In-mange al othir ane bare I,
Itt florisshed faire, and floures on sprede.
And they saide to me for-thy
pat with a wifFe I sulde be wedde.
pe bargayne I made J)are,
pat rewes me nowe full sare, «
So am I straytely sted.
Now castes itt me in care.
For wele I myght euere mare
Anlepy life haue led.
5. Hir werkis me wyrkis my wonges to wete,
I am begiled ; how, wate I nojt.
My jonge wiffe is with childe full grate,
pat makes me nowe sorowe vnsoght.
pat reproffe nere has slayne me !
i6
24
28
* I repent that
bad bargain.
32
36
40
I went among
others [in the
temple], and my
rod blossomed ;
thus I was forced
to be wed.
Proievufiffe-
liuvi^ or Gosp.
qf^avtes, ix.
Nativity of
Mary^ vii.
If. 46 b.
I would have led
a single life.
44
What a reproof
that my_ wife is
with child.
^ MS. has we.
104
XIII. THE PEWTERERES AND FOUNDOURS.
I am beguiled.
1 win steal into
the woods and
leave her,
(God shield her D
but will speak to
her first,'
For-thy giflf any man frayne me
How J3is Jjing may be wroght,
To gabbe yf I wolde payne me, 48
pe lawe standis harde agayne * me,
To dede I mon be broght.
e. And lathe me thinke}?, on ]>e todir syde,
My wiff with any man to defame, 52
And whethir of there twa fiat I bide
I mon nojt scape withouten schame.
pe childe certis is noght myne,
pat reproffe dose me pyne, 56
And gars me fle fra hame.
My liff gif I shuld tyne,
Sho is a dene virgine
For me, withouten blame. 60
7. But wele I wate thurgh prophicie,
A maiden clene suld bere a childe.
But it is nought sho, sekirly,
For-thy I wate I am begiled. 64
And why ne walde som yonge man ta ^ her.
For certis I thynke ouer-ga hir
Into som wodes wilde,
Thus thynke ^to stele fra hir, 68
God childe ther wilde bestes sla hir.
She is so meke and mylde.
8. Of my wendyng wil I none warne,
Neuere \>e lees it is myne entente 72
To aske hir who gate hir IpaX barne,
jitt wolde I witte fayne or I wente. [£niers his house.
All hayle ! God be here-inne !
i Puella. Welcome, by Goddis dere myght 1 76
' The MS. has agayns.
' The MS. has take.
JOSEPHS TROUBLE ABOUT MARY.
105
So
92
Jos. Whare is }jat 5onge virgine,
Marie, my berde so bright ?
9. i Puella. Certis, Joseph, je sail vndirstande,
pat sho is not fulle farre you fra,
Sho sittis at hir boke full faste prayand
For 30U and us, and for all Tpa,
pat oght has nede.
But for to tell hir will I ga 84
Of youre comyng, withouten drede. [Goes to Mary.
Haue done ! and rise vppe, dame,
And to me take gud hede,
Joseph, he is comen hame. 88
Maria. Welcome I als God me spede.
10. Dredles to me he is full dere,
Joseph my spouse, welcome er yhe !
Jos. Gramercy, Marie, sale what chere.
Telle me \>q soth, how es't with fie ?
Wha has ben there ?
Thy wombe is waxen grete, thynke me,
pou arte with barne, alias ! for care !
A I maidens, wa worthe jou !
pat lete hir lere swilke lare.
ii Puella. Joseph, je sail nojt trowe.
In hir no febill fare.
11. Jos. Trowe it noght arme 1 lefe wenche, do way !
Hir sidis shewes she is with childe.
Whose is't Marie ?
Har. Sir, Goddis and youres.
Jos. Nay, nay, now wate I wele I am begiled.
And resonne why
With me flesshely was J30u neuere fylid.
And I forsake it here for-thy.
Say, maidens, how es \>\a ?
Tels me \>q soj^e, rede I,
lf.47.
f.y.
Mary sits at her
book praying.
'Welcome ! dear
spouse.'
' How is it with
thee?"
96
104
108
He reproaches
her maidens.
* Think no harm
of her.'
It is God's son.
106
XIII. THE PEWTERERES AND FOUNDOUES.
'Threat what
you like, there is
nothing to say;
If. 47 b.
we are her
keepers ;
no one comes
here but an
Angel, who daily
feeds her.
The Holy Ghost
hath done it.'
* Do not talk to
me deceitfully.'
And but je do, i-wisse,
pe bargayne sail je aby.
12. ii Puella. If je threte als faste as yhe can,
pare is noght to saie Jiere till,
For trulye her come neuer noman,
To waite her body with non ill.
Of this swete wight *.
For we haue dwelt ay with her still.
And was neuere fro hir day nor nyght.
Hir kepars haue we bene
and sho ay in oure sight,
Come here no man bytwene
to touche Jjat berde so bright.
13. i Puella. Na, here come noman in fiere wanes.
And fiat euere witnesse will we,
Saue an Aungell ilke a day anes,
With bodily foode hir fedde has he,
* Othir come nane.
Wharfore we ne wate how it shulde be,
But thurgh Ipe haly gaste allone.
For trewly we trowe J>is,
is grace with hir is gone,
For sho wroght neuere no mys,
we witnesse euere ilkane.
14. Jos. panne se I wele youre menyng is,
pe Aungell has made hir with childe.
Nay, som man in aungellis liknesse
With somkyn gawde has hir begiled ;
And Jjat trow I.
For-thy nedes noght swilke wordis wilde
At carpe to me dissayuandly.
We ! why gab ye me swa
and feynes swilk fantassy.
ii6
124
128
132
136
140
' This additional line is here written in the margin by the i6th cent. hand.
It is evidently needed to complete the stanza.
JOSEPHS TROUBLE ABOUT MARY.
107
Alias I me is full wa 1
for dule why ne myght I dy,
15. To me Tpis is a carefuU cas,
Rekkeles I raffe, reste is my rede,
I dare loke no man in Jjc face,
Derfely for dole why ne were I dede.
Me lathis my liff !
In temple and in othir stede
like man till hethyng will me dryff.
Was neuer wight sa wa,
for ruthe I all to ryff,
Alias I why wrought Jjou swa,
Marie ! my weddid wiife ?
16. Mar. To my witnesse grete God I call,
pat in mynde wroght neuere no mysse.
Jos. Whose is pe childe Ipon arte with-all ?
Mar. Youres sir, and j^e kyngis of blisse.
Jos. Ye, and hoo Jjan ?
Na, selcouthe tythandis than is j^is.
Excuse })am wele there women can.
But Marie, all fiat sese Ipe
may witte ]>i werkis ere wan,
Thy wombe all way it wreyes fie,
fiat Jjou has mette with man.
17. Whose is it ? als faire mot ye be-fall.
Mar. Sir, it is youres and Goddis will.
Job. Nay, I ne haue noght a-do with-all.
Name it na more to me, be still 1
pou wate als wele as I,
pat we two same flesshly
Wroght neuer swilk werkis with ill.
Loke jjou dide no folye
Be- fore me preuely
Thy faire maydenhede to spill.
144
He is nearly
mad with shame.
148
152
156
He beseeches
Mary
160 If. 48.
f. ilj.
164
168
172
176
to tell him the
truth.
108 xm. THE PEWTERERES AND FOUNDOURS.
18. ^But who is Ipe fader? telle me his name,
Mar. None but youre selfe.
Jos. Late be, for shame.
Joseph has never I did it ncucre, J?ou dotist dame, by bukes and belles, i8o
Full sakles shulde I bere J)is blame aftir Ipon telleg.
For I wroght neuere in worde nor dede,
Thyng jaat shulde marre thy maydenhede,
To touche me till. 184
For of slyk note war litill nede,
Yhitt for myn awne I wolde it fede,
Might all be still.
19. parfore fie fadir tell me, Marie. 188
Mar. But God and yhow, I knowe right none.
He does not be- Jos. A ! slike sawes mase me full sarye,
Heve her, and
is very mournful. With gretc momyng to make my mone.
Therfore be nojt so balde 192
pat no slike tales be talde,
But halde Jie stille als stane.
pou art yonge and I am aide,
Slike werkis yf I do walde, 196 '
pase games fra me are gane.
If- 48 b. 20. Therfore, telle me in priuite
whos is pe childe Jsou is with nowe ?
Sertis, Iper sail non witte but we, 200
I drede Jie law als wele as ]>o\i.
Mar. Nowe grete God of his myght,
pat all may dresse and dight,
Mekely to ]>e I bowe I 204
Rewe on jjis wery wight,
pat in his herte might light
pe soth to ken and trowe.
21. Jos. Who had thy maydenhede Marie? has Jjou oght
mynde. ao8
' This stanza seems to be irregular, unlike any other.
JOSEPHS TROUBLE ABOUT MARY.
109
2l6
■224
Mar. For suth, I am a mayden elene.
Jos. Nay fiou spekis now agayne kynde ;
Slike jsing myght neuere naman of mene.
A maiden to be with childe,
pase werkis fra Tpe ar wilde,
Sho is not borne I wene.
Mar. Joseph, yhe ar begiled, >^
With synne was I neuer filid, ^*j~'^ tsi^
Goddis sande is on me sene.
22. Jos. Goddis sande ! yha Marie 1 God helpe,
Bot certis ! {sat childe was neuere oures two.
But woman kynde gif ]>aX list yhelpe,
Yhitt walde Jsei naman wiste Iper wo.
Mar. Sertis, it is Goddis sande ^,
pat sail I neuer ga fra.
Jos. Yha I Marie, drawe thyn hande,
For forther jitt will I frande,
I trowe not it be swa.
23. pe soth fra me gif fiat Jjou layne
pe childe bering may Jjou nojt hyde,
But sitte stille here tille I come agayne,
Me bus an erand here beside.
Mar. Now, grete God 1 be you wisse,
And mende you of your mysse,
Of me, what so betyde.
Als he is kyng of blysse,
Sende yhou som seand of j^is,
In truth pzt ye might bide. 236
[Joseph goes oul again.
24. Jos. Nowe, lord God ! Jaat all J^ing may
At thine owne will bothe do and dresse,
Wisse rne now som redy way
To walk here in Jiis wildirnesse. 240
I God's messenger
is seen in me.'
228
' Stay here till
1 return, I must
go on an errand.'
232
* God send you
a true sight of
this.'
I. lllj.
* Lord ! show me
the way in this
wilderness.
^ A line is here wanting, but no gap in MS. Lines 222, 223 are written
as one in MS,
110
XIII. THE PEWTERERES AND FOUNDOURS.
I am heavy, I
must sleep.'
* Awake, Joseph,
take better care
of Mary.'
* Let me sleep ;
I am caught
everywhere ; I
can get no rest.*
' Desert not your
wife ;
the child is
God's.
If. 49 b.
Bot or I passe })is hill,
Do with me what God will,
Owther more or lesse,
Here bus me bide full stille 244
Till I haue slepid my fiUe.
Myn hert so heuy it is. [Sleeps.
[Enter the angel Gairi'el.]
25. Ang. Waken, Joseph ! and take bettir kepe
To Marie, fiat is \>i felawe fest. 248
Jos. A ! I am full werie, lefe late me slepe,
For-wandered and walked in Tpis forest.
Ang. Rise vppe 1 and slepe na mare,
pou makist her herte full sare. 252
pat loues ]5e alther best.
Jos. We ! now es Jjis a farly fare.
For to be cached bathe here and Jaare,
And nowhere may haue rest. 256
26. Say, what arte Jsou ? telle me this thyng.
Ang. I Gabriell, Goddis aungell full euen,
pat has tane Marie to my kepyng,
And sente es Jie to say with steuen, 260
In lele wedlak ]?ou lede Tpe,
Leflfe hir nojt, I forbid \>e,
Na syn of hir J30U neuen.
But till hir fast }jou spede \>e, 264
And of hir noght Jjou drede Ipe,
It is Goddis sande of heuen.
27. The childe })at sail be borne of her,
Itt is consayued of pe haly gast. 268
AUe joie and blisse jjan sail be aftir.
And to al mankynde nowe althir mast.
Jesus his name Jiou calle,
For slike happe sail hym fall 273
Als })ou sail se in haste.
JOSEPHS TROUBLE ABOUT MARY.
Ill
276
280
284
His pepuU saff he sail
Of euyllis and angris all,
pat J3ei ar nowe enbraste.
28. Jos. And is this soth, aungell, Jjou saise ?
Ang. Yha I and jsis to taken right,
Wende forthe to Marie thy wiffe alwayse,
Brynge hir to Bedlem Tpis ilke nyght.
Ther sail a childe borne be,
Goddis sone of heuen is hee.
And man ay mast of myght.
Jos. Nowe lorde god ! full wele is me.
That euyr jjat I J^is sight suld see,
I was neuer ar so light.
29. For for I walde hir jjus refused.
And sakles blame Jjat ay was clere, 28S
Me bus pray hir halde me excused,
Als som men dose with full gud chere.
[Jle re-eniers his house.
Saie, Marie wiffe, how fares ]30U ?
Mar. pe bettir sir, for yhou.
Why stande yhe j^are ? come nere.
Jos. My bakke fayne wolde I bowe,
And aske fo[r]gifnesse nowe,
Wiste I })0u wolde me here.
30. Mar. Forgiffhesse sir ! late be ! for shame,
Slike wordis suld all gud women lakke.
Jos. Yha, Marie, I am to blame,
For wordis lang are I to \>t spak.
But gadir same now all oure gere ;
Slike poure -wede as we were.
And prike \>zxa in a pak.
Till Bedlem bus me it here, 3°4
For litill thyng will women dere.
Helpe vp nowe on my bak 1
He shall save
his people from
evil and trouble.
Go to Mary,
bring her to
Bethlehein.'
'Thank God!'
292
Joseph asks
forgiveness of
Mary.
Z96
300
She has nothing
to forgive.
If. 50.
f. v.
* Pack up our
poor clothes, I'll
carry them to
Bethlehem, for
a little hurts
If. 51.
f. vij.
XIV. THE TILLE THEKERS^
The Journey to Bethlehem ; the birth of Jesus.
Luke ii. 5-7.
* There is no
lodging for us,
the town is so
full:
we must shelter
with the beasts.
Here the wall
and roof are in
ruins.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Joseph. ..^^ Maria.]
^^
[Scene I, Bethlehem, a cattle shedj]
1. Jos. All weldand God in Trinite,
I praye \>e, lord, for thy grete myght,
Vnto thy symple seruand see,
Here in Jiis place wher we are pight,
oure self allone ;
Lord, graunte vs gode herberow Jjis nyght
■within fiis wone.
2. For we haue sought both vppe and doune,
Thurgh diuerse stretis in Jiis cite,
So mekill pepull is comen to towne,
pat we can nowhare herbered be,
•• Jjer is slike prees ;,
For suthe I can no socoure see,
but belde vs with J^ere bestes.
3. And yf we here all nyght abide,
We shall be stormed in pis steede ;
pe walles are doune on ilke a side,
pe ruffe is rayned aboven oure hede,
als haue I roo,
Say, Marie doughtir, what is thy rede ?
How sail we doo ?
^ Tille thekers, i.e. tile thatchers.
16
THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM; THE BIRTH OF JESUS. 113
4. For in grete nede nowe are we stedde,
As ]30U thy selffe the soth may see,
For here is nowthir cloth ne bedde,
And we are weyke and all werie,
and fayne wolde rest.
Now, gracious god, for thy mercie !
wisse vs Jje best.
5. Mar. God will vs wisse, full wele witt je,
per-fore, Joseph, be of gud chere,
For in Jjis place borne will he be
pat sail vs saue fro sorowes sere,
bojje even and morne.
Sir, witte je wele Jse tyme is nere,
hee will be borne.
6. Jos. pan behoves vs bide here stille,
Here in Ipis same place all Jiis nyght.
Mar. 5^1 sir, forsuth it is Goddis will.
Jos. pan wolde I fayne we had sum light,
what so befall.
It waxis right myrke vnto my sight,
and colde withall.
7. I will go gete vs light for- thy.
And fewell fande with me to bryng.
Mar. All weldand God yow gouerne and gy,
As he is suflferayne of all thyng
fo[r] his grete myght.
And lende me grace to his louyng
pat I me dight.
8. Nowe in my sawle grete ioie haue I,
I am all cladde in comforte clere.
Now will be borne of my body
Both God and man to-gedir in feere.
Blist mott he be I
I
24 There is no bed
and we are
weary; what
shall we do ?'
28
•The child will
be born here.'
32
36
40
43
\_Goes out.
48
If. Si b.
' It grows dark
and cold, I will
go and get some
light and fuel.*
52
114
XIV, THE TILLE THEKEKS.
The child is
bora.
Mary takes the
child in her
arms.
Jesu I my son Jjat is so dere,
no we borne is he. 56
[Mary worships the child.
9. Hayle my lord God ! hayle prince of pees !
Hayle my fadir, and hayle my sone 1
Hayle souereyne sege all synnes to sesse !
Hayle God and man in erth to wonne !
Hayle 1 thurgh whos myht
All fiis worlde was first be-gonne,
merknes and light.
10. Sone, as I am sympill sugett of thyne,
VowchesafFe, swete sone I pray \>e,
That I myght ]>e take in pe[r] armys of myne,
And in fiis poure wede to arraie J)e ;
Graunte me Jji blisse !
As I am thy modir chosen to be
in sothfastnesse.
60
64
68
It is a killing
frost for the old
and weak.
' What light is
this?"
[Scene II, Joseph outside the shed.]
11. Jos. A ! lorde, what the wedir is colde !
pe fellest freese jjat euere I felyd,
I pray God helpe ]3am Jjat is aide,
And namely J)am 'jpaX is vnwelde,
so may I saie.
Now, gud God J30U be my belde^
as Jjou best may.
72
76
12. A ! lord God ! what Ught is Jjis
pat comes shynyng Jjus sodenly ?
I can not saie, als haue I blisse ;
When I come home vn-to Marie
fian sail I spirre.
A ! here be god, for nowe come I.
[A sudden light shines.
80
[Jie-enter-s the shed.
MS. has iitcte.
THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM; THE BIRTH OF JESUS. 115
* How are you 2
If. 52.
F viij.
What sweet
thing is on thy
knee?"
[Scene III, interior of the shed, as be/ore.^
Mar. 5^ ar welcum sirre. 84
13. Jos. Say, Marie doghtir, what chere with fie ?
Mar. Right goode, Joseph, as has been ay.
Jos. O Marie ! what swete thyng is fiat on thy kne ?
Mar. It is my sone, })e soth to saye, 88
jsat is so gud. ,
Jos. Wele is me I bade ]?is day
to se Jiis foode 1
14. Me merueles mekill of Jsis light 93
pat )3us-gates shynes in fiis place,
For suth it is a selcouth sight I
Mar. pis base he ordand of his 'grace,
my sone so jing, 96
A starne to be schynyng a space
at his bering..
15. For Balam tolde ful longe be-forne
How fiat a sterne shulde rise full hye.
And of a maiden shulde be borne .
A Sonne fiat sail oure safiyng be
fro cans kene.
For suth it is my sone so free,
be whame Balam gon meene.
16. Jos. Nowe welcome, floure fairest of hewe,
I shall fie menske with mayne and myght.
Hayle ! my maker, hayle Crist Jesu !
Hayle, riall kyng, roote of all right !
Hayle! saueour.
Hayle, my lorde, lemer of light,
Hayle, blessid floure ! 112
17. Mar. Nowe lord ! fiat all fiis worlde schall wynne.
To fie my sone is fiat I saye.
Here is no bedde to laye the inne, There is no bed,
I 2
' This light is the
star at his birth.'
{Nutnh .^xiw . 17.]
104
108 Joseph worships
the child.
116 XIV. THE TILLE THEKERS.
perfore my dere sone, I fie praye ii6
sen it is soo,
so she lays him Here iH bis cribbc I myght be lay
in the manger be-, ,
tween two beasts. betwenc bef bcstis two.
18. And I sail happe f>e, myn owne dere childe, 120
With such clothes as we haue here.
If- 52 b. Jos. O Marie ! beholde pes beestis mylde,
The beasts praise They make louyng in ther manere
the Lord. ^ .
as pel wer men. 124
For-sothe it semes wele be ther chere
fiare lord Jiei ken.
19. Mar. Ther lorde Jjai kenne, pat wate I wele,
They worshippe hym with myght and mayne ; 1 28
The wedir is colde, as ye may feele,
They keep him To haldc hym warmc bei are full fayne
warm with their
breath, and with bare warme breth,
breathe on him. '
And oondis on hym, is noght to layne, 132
to warm hym with.
20. O ! nowe slepis my sone, blist mot he be,
And lyes fuU warme per bestis by-twene.
Jos. O nowe is fulfilled, for-suth I see, 1 36
pat Abacuc in mynde gon mene
and preched by prophicie.
He saide oure sauyoure shall be sene
betwene bestis lye ; 140
21. And nowe I see jje same in sight.
Mar. ^a ! sir, for-suth pe same is he.
Jos. Honnoure and worshippe both day and nyght
Ay-lastand lorde, be done to pe, 144
all way as is worthy,
Joseph and Mary And, loid, to thy scruicc I oblissh me,
bind themselves . . „
to serve Jesus. With all myn hcrte holy.
THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM; THE BIRTH OF JESUS. 117
22. Mar. pou mercyfuU maker, most myghty, 148
My God, my lorde, my sone so free,
Thy hande-mayden for soth am I,
And to thi seruice I oblissh me, if. S3.
with all myn herte entere. 152
Thy blissing, beseke I thee,
Jjou graunte vs all in feere ^
' Marginal note in a late hand, ' Hie caret pastoribus sequitur postea.'
If. 54-
Gvj.
XV. THE CHAUNDELERS.
The Angels and the Shepherds.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Primus, secundus, et tertius. Pastor.]
Luke ii. 8-16.
The prophecies
of Hosea and
Isaiah.
Balaam foretold
a star.
[Scene, the fields near Bethlehem^
1. i Past. Bredir in haste, takis heede and here '
What I wille speke and specific.
Sen we walke jjus, withouten were,
What mengis my moode nowe mevyd ^ will I. 4
Oure forme-fadres, faythfuU in fere,
Bothe Osye and Isaye,
Preued jjat a ' prins with-outen pere
Shulde descende doune in a lady, 8
And to make mankynde clerly,
To leche Jsam f>at are lorne,
And in Bedlem here-by *
Sail J3at same barne be * borne. 12
2. ii Past. Or he be borne in burgh hereby,
Balaham, brothir, me haue herde say,
A Sterne shulde schyne and signifie,
With lightfull lemes like any day. 16
And als the teste it tellis clerly
By witty lerned men of oure lay,
' The reader will note that the form of the stanza changes after line 36,
and again, with line 86, back to the first form.
^ Perhaps an error for meve yt. MS. has /. * MS. has by.
THE ANGELS AND THE SHJlfHERDS.
119
With his blissed bloode he shulde vs by,
He shulde take here al of a maye. 20
I herde my syre saj^,
When he of hir was borne,
She shulde be als dene maye
As euer she was by-forne. 24
iii Past. A ! mercifuU maker, mekill is thy myght,
That jjus will to jji seruauntes see.
Might we ones loke vppon })at light.
Gladder bretheren myght no men be 1 28
I haue herde say, by ])Zt same light
The childre of Israeli shulde be made free.
The force of the feende to felle in sighte,
And all his pouer excluded shulde be. 32
Wherfore, brether, I rede Jjat wee
Flitte faste ouere thees felles.
To frayste to fynde oure fee.
And talke of sumwhat ellis. 36
[Vision of Angels in the sky.
We !, howe 1
' How glad we
should be if we
saw that light.
If. 54 b.
But let us go
try to find oar
cattle.'
4. i Pas. We ! hudde !
ii Pas,
i Pas. Herkyn to me !
ii Pas. We ! man, Jjou ibaddes all out of myght.
i Pas. We ! colle 1
iii Pas. What care is comen to Jje ?
i Pas. Steppe furth and stande by me right,
And tell me ]3an
Yf |30u sawe euere swilke a sight ' !
iii Pas. I .'' nay, certis, nor neuere no man.
5. U Pas. Say, felowes, what ! fynde yhe any feest,
Me falles for to haue parte, parde !
45
1 The MS. gives lines 41, 42 (written as one line) to iii Pastor, and 1. 43 to
ii Pastor. But 11. 40 to 42 belong to one speech, and as 1. 44 belongs to
ii Pastor, the above seems to be what was intended.
Whew!
Oh!
Hark!
Golly !
' What is the
matter ? '
40
43
120
XV. THE CHAUNDELERS.
' Look in the
east !'
' What makes
you stare so?'
' Since we have
kept cattle in this
valley no such
sight has been
If- 55.
Gvij.
' I can sing it ;
stay, it was thus.'
They sing
together.
' It was a cheer-
ful song. I am
hoarse ! *
' What made this
noble noise ? '
' An angel with
tidings.
50
54
i Paa. Whe ! hudde ! be-halde into the heste !
A selcouthe sight Jsan sail Jiou see
vppon Tpe skye 1
ii Pas. We ! telle me men, emang vs thre,
Whatt garres yow stare jjus sturdely ?
6. iii Pas. Als lange as we haue herde-men bene,
And kepis |jis catell in Ipis cloghe,
So selcouth a sight was neuere non sene.
i Pas. We ! no colle ! nowe comes it newe i-nowe,
fiat mon we fynde ^.
Itt menes some meraayle vs emang,
Full hardely I you behete.
7. i Past. What it shulde mene fiat wate not jee, 58
For all })at je can gape and gone : [Angel sings.
I can synge itt alls wele as hee.
And on a-saie itt sail be sone
proued or we passe. 62
Yf je will helpe, halde on I late see,
for Jjus it was ^
JEi tunc cantani.
8. ii Pas. Ha I ha I })is was a mery note,
Be the dede fiat I sail dye, 66
I haue so crakid in my throte,
pat my lippis are nere drye.
iii- Pas. I trowe you royse,
For what it was fayne witte walde I, 70
That tille vs made })is noble noyse.
9. i Pas. An aungell brought vs tythandes newe,
A babe in Bedlem shulde be borne, \
Of whom fian spake oure prophicie trewe, 74
And bad us mete hym fiare f>is morne,
fiat mylde of mode.
' Probably the original word of the poet was weU, or perhaps meie, to
rime with behete, I. 57 ; fynde is the copyist's error.
^ Marginal note in a late hand, ' Caret nova loquela de pastore."
THE ANGELS AND THE SHEPHERDS. - 121
I walde giife hym bothe hatte and home,
And I myght fynde }>at frely foode. 78
10. iii Pas. Hym for to fynde has we no drede,
I sail you telle a-chesonne why,
3one Sterne to fiat lorde sail vs lede.
ii Fas. JS' '• l^ou sais soth, go we for-thy 82 'Let us go with
^ , mirth and song
hym to honnour. to seek our
And make myrthe and melody,
with sange to sake oure savyour.
Ei tunc cantant.
[ Walking along, they come to Bethlehem.
11. i Pas. Breder, bees all blythe and glad, 86 if. 55 b.
Here is the burght }jer we shulde be. Here is the
borough :
ii Pas. In Jsat same steede now are we stadde,
Thare-fore I will go seke and see.
Slike happe of heele neuere herde-men hadde ; 90
Loo ! here is the house, and here is hee. here is the
house.*
iii Pas. 5a I for sothe fiis is the same, \They enter.
Loo ! whare fiat lorde is layde,
Be-twyxe two bestis tame, 94
Right als Jse aungell saide.
12. i Pas. The Aungell saide fiat he shulde saue
This worlde and all fiat wonnes fier-in,
Therfore yf I shulde oght aftir crave, 98
To wirshippe hym I will be-gynne '. \They adore the child.
Sen I am but a symple knave, ' i am but
simple but of
pof all I come of curtayse kynne, courteous kin ;
" J J ' I offer thee a
Loo I here slyke harnays as I haue, 102 ^"""^J^Jf"*
A baren broche by a belle of tynne
At youre bosom to be.
And whenne je shall welde all,
Gud Sonne, for-gete nost me, 106 Forget me not,
' ° ' ' if anything
Yf any fordele falle. "Chance to my ad-
J vantage.
^ ' His caret nova loquela,' marginal note i6tli cent.
122
XV. THE CHAUNDELERS.
I am poor ; 1
bring two cobb-
nuts on a ribbon.
If. 56.
G viij.
X look for a
reward.'
' Look on me
though 1 do not
. press forward.
I give you cheer-
fully a horn
spoon that holds
40 pease.'
13. ii Pas. Pou sonne ! Jsat shall saue bof>e see and sande,
Se to me sen I haue \>e soght,
I am ovir poure to make presande
Als myn harte wolde, and I had ought.
Two cobill notis vppon a bande,
Loo ! litill babe, what I haue broght,
And when je sail be lorde in lande,
Dose goode agayne, for-gete me noght.
For I haue herde declared
Of connyng clerkis and clene,
That bountith aftir ^ rewarde ;
Nowe watte je what I mene,
14. iii Pas. Nowe loke on me, my lorde dere,
pof all I putte me noght in pres,
Ye are a prince with-outen pere,
I haue no presentte Jsat you may plees.
But lo ! an home spone, jjat haue I here,
And it will herbar fourty pese,
pis will I gifTe you with gud chere,
Slike novelte may noght disease.
Fare [wele] fiou swete swayne,
God graunte vs levyng lange,
And go we hame agayne,
And make mirthe as we gauge "-
114
ii8
126
1.30
' The word intended was perhaps askis, aftir gives no sense.
'''The metre in this piece, as in XIII (see before, p. 102), changes with the
subject. The first three stanzas are of 1 2 Jines (8 of four beats, 4 of three
beats) in alternate rimes ; on the appearance of the star (line 37) the lines,
though sometimes irregular, pass into the 7 -line stanza riming a b a b c b c.
When the child is found (1. 84) the shepherds in their speeches return to the
original j 2-line stanza.
XVI, THE MASONNSi.
If. S7 b.
Hjb.
The coming of the three Kings to Herod.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Herodes. Tertius Rex.
FiLius (Herod's Son). Nuntius.
Primus Rex. Primus et secundus Milites.
Secundus Rex. Primus et secundus Consules.]
[Scene, Herod! s court, with his son and courtiers.]
Herod. T^HE clowdes clapped in clerenes bat ber clematis Herod boastingiy
I ' ' sets forth his
J_ in-closis, splendour.
Jubiter and Jouis, Martis & Mercury emyde,
Raykand ouere my rialte on rawe me reioyses,
Blonderande J^er blastis, to blaw when I bidde.
Satume my subgett, Jjat sotilly is hidde,
I list at my likyng and laies hjrm full lowe ;
The rakke of J^e rede skye full rappely I ridde,
Thondres full thrallye by thousandes I thrawe
when me likis ;
Venus his voice to me awe
pat princes to play in hym pikis.
4 * I ride on the
raiking clouds.
pe prince of planetis jsat proudely is pight
Sail brace furth his bemes jjat oure belde blithes,
pe mone at my myght he mosteres his myght ;»
And kayssaris in castellis grete kyndynes me kythes,
T 2 Sun and moon
honour me.
Emperors show
me kindness.
' Mynstrells is -written after Masonns in a i6th cent. hand. See note,
p. 125.
124
XVI. THE MASONNS.
1 am fairer than
glorious gulls.*
Lordis and ladis loo luffely me lithes,
For I am fairer of face and fressher on folde
(pe soth yf I saie sail) seuene and sexti sithis,
pan glorius guiles jsat gayer [is] * }>an golde
in price ;
How thynke je jjer tales jsat I talde,
I am worthy, witty, and wyse I
i6
The soldiers obe-
diently assent.
' 1 shall advise
you for your
welfare, worthy
wights.
Arrest any un-
ruly fellow who
strives against
law and order.
Strike down
brawlers.*
* My son, how
these comely
knights talk ! '
i Miles. All kynges to youre croune may clerly comende
Youre lawe and youre lordshippe as lodsterne on hight, 34
What tray toure vn-trewe Jjat will not attende,
Je sail lay jjaim full lowe, fro leeme and fro light.
ii Miles. What faitoure, in faithe, jjat dose jou offende,
We sail sette hym full sore, fiat sotte, in youre sight. 28
Herodes. In welthe sail I wisse jou to wonne or I wende,
For je are wightis ful worthy, both witty & wighte.
But je knawe wele, ser knyghtis, in counsaill full conande,
pat my regioun so riall is ruled her be rest ; 32
For I wate of no wighte in }jis worlde Jjat is wonnande
pat in forges any feloune, with force sail be fest ;
Arest je fio rebaldes Jjat vnrewly are rownand,
Be they kyngis or knyghtis, in care je fiaim cast ; 36
5aa, and welde ]jam in woo to wonne, in Tpe wanyand,
What browle }3at is brawlyng his brayne loke je brest,
And dynge je hym doune.
i Miles. Sir, what foode in faith will jou feese, 40
pat sott full sone my selfe sail hym sesse.
ii Miles. We sail noght here doute to do hym disesse,
But with countenaunce full cruell
We sail crake her his croune. 44
Her. My sone ]3at is semely, howe semes }3e ther sawes ?
Howe comely })er knyghtis, Jsei carpe in Ipis case !
MS. has ' is ' interlined in later hand.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD,
125
Pil. Fadir, if fjai like noght to listyn youre lawes,
As traytoures on-trewe J)e sail teche pern a trace, 48
For fadir, vnkyndnes je kythe pern no cause.
Her. Faire falle pe my faire sone, so fettis of face 1
And knyghtis, I comaunde, who to dule drawes,
pas churles as cheueleres ye chastise and chase,
And drede je no doute. 53
PU. Fadir, I sail fell jjam in fight,
What renke p&t reves you youre right.
i Miles. With dyntes to dede bes he dight,
pat liste not youre lawes for to lowte
His wille.
[j^n/er messenger.]
Kruno. My lorde, ser herowde, king with croune I &c. ^ Mattk. a. 1-12.
' Traitors shall
be traced.*
' Well done, my
pretty son.'
' Father, I will
kill bad fellows.'
If. 58 b.
58
' The rest of this play, consisting of 144 lines, is identical with lines 73-216
of Play XVII. It is unnecessary to print it twice over, but in that play col-
lations are given with this copy, omitting unimportant variations in spelling.
The lines form a complete scene, to which for the Masons' play an intro-
ductory scene of the true boastftil Herodic vein, bringing in also Herod's
son, was prefixed. For the Goldsmiths' play this was discarded, and instead
of the vamits of Herod's power a scene of praise by the Three Kings search-
ing the star, on the way to Jerusalem, appropriately leads to their entry
before Herod ; moreover, at the end of scene 2, a third is added, in which
the kings having found the babe, offer their gifts.
On reference to Burton's lists of the plays (a.d. 1415, see Introduction)
we see that the Masons were to play Herod interrogans tres reges and the
Goldsmiths the Oblation. It is possible, therefore, that play XVII may
have been intended to be performed entire when the Masons could not bring
forward their play, and the second scene to be omitted if the Masons did
perform. There are no marks or notes to guide us, and nearly 150 years
after Burton's days we find that the Masons had been accustomed to produce
the play ; but at that date, 4 Elizabeth, 1561, a new gild of ' Musicians com-
monly called the Mynstrells ' having beefl formed in York, the Masons' play
was handed over to them, and their name was written at the head (see
before, p. 123). The following is fotmd in a book of Charters and Ordinances,
marked ^, belonging to the Corporation of York, fo. 231 : — 'Fynally it is
further ordeyned and by consent of all the good men of the said mystery or
craft fully aggreed that the said felawship of Mynstrelles of their proper
chardges shall yerely frome hensfurth bryng forth and cause to be played
the pageant of Corpus Christi, viz. the herold his sone twoo counselars and
the messynger inquyryng the three kynges of the childe Jesu, sometyme ac-
customed to be brought forth at chardges of the late Masons of this Citie on
Corpus Christi day, in suche like semely wise and ordre as other occupacions
of this Citie doo their pageantes.'
If. 62.
Hvij.
XVII. GOLDE SMYTHIS.
The coming of the three Kings to Herod ;
the Adoration.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Primus Rex. Primus et secundus Milites.
Secundus Rex. Primus et secundus Consules.
Tertius Rex. Ancilla.
Herodus. Maria.
NUNTIUS. Angelus.]
Mattk. ii. 1-12.
Apoc, Gospel of
J-ames, ch. xxi.
• God help me
to find the right
way.'
' I have come
from my realme
Araby to seek
what wonder the
star signifies.'
[Scene I, the road to Jerusalem, the three kings meeting?^
1. i Bex. Lorde ! that levis euere-lastande lyff,
I loue }je evir with harte and hande,
That me has made to se this sight
Whilke my kynrede was coveytande.
Thay saide a sterna, with lemys bright,
Owte of the Eest shulde stabely stande.
And Jjat it shulde meflfe mekill myght ^
Of I )3at shulde be lorde in lande ;
That men of synne shulde saff ' ;
And certis I sail saye,
God graunte me happe to haue
Wissyng of redy waye.
2. ii Bex. All weldand god, jjat all has wroght,
I worshippe J)e als is worthye,
That with thy brightnes has me broght
Owte of my reame, rich Arabic.
16
' In the MS. of stands at the end of 1. 7, but its place seems to be, as above,
at the beginning of 1. 8. The word be is also written after saffin 1. 9 ; it is
not wanted.
COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD J THE ADORATION. 127
I shall [noght] seys tille I haue sought
What selcouth thyng it sail syngnyfie,
God graunte me happe so jjat I myght
Haue grace to gete goode companye ; 20
And my comforte encrese
With thy Sterne schynyng schene,
For certis, I sail noght cesse,
TiUe I witte what it mene. 24
3. iii Eex. Lorde god ! paX all goode has by-gonne,
And all may ende both goode and euyll ',
That made for man both mone and sonne,
And stedde yone sterne to stande stone stille I 28
Tille I be cause may clerly knowe, 'God show me
the cause of this ;
God wisse me with his worthy wille, i think here are
companions.*
I hope I haue her felaws fonde,
My yamyng fayfully to fuU-fiUe. 32
[Advances and speaks to the other kings.
Sirs 1 god yowe saffe ande see, if. 62 b.
And were jow euere fro woo.
i Eex. Amen 1 so myght it bee,
And saffe yow, sir, also ! 36
4. iii Bex. Sirs, with youre wille, I wolde yow praye ' whence come
To telle me some of youre entent, wherefore ;■
Whedir ye wende forthe in this way,
And fro what contre je are wente ? 40
ii Rex. Full gladly sir, I shall sou say. 'Aroyai star
was suddenly
A sodayne sight was till vs sente, s^"' that made
^ *-" us leave home.
A royall sterne Jsat rose or day
Before vs on the firmament, 44
pat garte vs fare fro home
Som poynte ther-of to presse.
iii Kex. Sertis, syrs, I sawe fie same, tofethirf^'sJme
pat makis vs Jjus to moyfe. 48
mar^'el must
move us.'
^ The broad northern pronunciation of euyll was evidently nearly ill,
riming with stille and wille.
128
XVII. GOLDE SMYTHIS.
' We are one
fellowship.'
' We must be
wise, Herod is
king of this land.
If. 65.
H viij.
Let us get his
leave.'
For sirs, I haue herde say sertayne
It shulde be seyne of selcowthe seere,
And farther ther-of I wolde freyne ;
That makis me mofFe in this manere. 52
i Bex. Sir, of felashippe are we fayne,
Now sail we wende forth all in feere,
God graunte vs or we come agayne
Som gode hartyng fier-of to here. 56
Sir, here is Jerusalem, [They journey on together.
To wisse vs als we goo,
And be-yonde is Bedleem,
per schall we seke alsoo. 60
iii Bex. Sirs, je schall wele vndirstande,
For to be wise nowe were it nede.
Sir Herowde is kyng of this lande
And has his lawes her for to leede. 64
i Bex. Sir, sen we neghe now {jus nerhand,
Vn-till his helpe vs muste take heede,
For haue we his wille and his warande
pan may we wende with-outen drede.
ii Bex. To haue leve of the lorde, 69
pat is resoune and skyll.
iii Bex. And ther-to we all accorde,
Wende we and witte his wille. 72
' My Lord,
here is a new
business.'
[Scene II, Herod's court '.]
7. Nun. Mi lorde ser Herowde ! kyng with croune !
Herod. Pees 1 dastard, in Jje deueles dispite.
Nun. Sir, new nott is full nere Jsis towne.
Herod. What ! false losell, liste \>ei fiighte ?
76
1. 75. Sire . i . nere] My lorde now note is nere. 1. 76. losell] harlott.
' This Scene II (11. 73-216) completes also the Masons' Play (see note,
p. 125). The collations here given are from that play (M) ; G refers to this
Goldsmiths' play, the text of which is restored in some instances where that
of the Masons offers a better reading.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HERQD j THE ADORATION. 129
Go; betis yone boy and dyngis hym downe.
ii Mil. Lorde, messengers shulde no man wyte ;
It may be for youre awne rennpwne.
Herod. That wolde I here, do telle on tyte. 80
KTim. Mi lorde, I mette at morne
iij kyngis carpand to-gedir
Of One ^ fiat is nowe borne,
And pai hight to come hedir. 84
8. Herod. Thre kyngis, forsothe !
ITim. Sir, so I saie.
For I saughe Jsem my-self all seere.
i Con. My lorde, appose hym, we yow praye.
Herod. Say, felowe, ar they ferre or nere ? 88
TSwa.. Mi lorde, Jjei will be here {lis day.
pat wotte I wele, withouten were. [^I^xt'i messenger.
Herod. Haue done ; dresse vs in rich? array.
And ilke man inake tham inery cher«, 92
That no sembland be seene
But frenshippe faire and stille,
Tille we wete what fiei meene,
Whedir it be gud or ill. . 96
[-£«/(?/■ ike three kings. \
9. i Rex. A 1 lorde, jjat lenys jjis lastand light,
Whilke has vs ledde oute of oure lande,
Kepe Jie, sir kyng, and comly knyght,
And all }ji folke Jjat we here fande.
Herod. Mahounde, my god and most of myght,
pat has myn hele all in his hande.
He saflfe you sirs I semely in sight ;
And telle vs nowe som new tythande.
* what ! go and
beat him.
No one may
blame mes-
sengers.
' I met three
kings talking
this morning ;
If. 63 b.
they will be here
to-day.'
* Array us richly,
we will seem
friendly.'
God save the
king !
* Mahomet save
you, sirs,'
104
1. 77. bette bo]) and dyng fam G. 1. 79 is spoken by the Nuntius in
Goldsmiths, it is here rectified from the Masonns. 1. 80. do not in G.
1. 83. abameyS?- one ; nowe not in M. 1. 87. Ifor yire. 1. 91. Haue ... in]
Do rewle vs fan in. 1. 97. Theyir A ! ; ay for ))is.
Sic in MS.
K
130
XVII. GOLDE SMYTHIS.
ii Kex. Sum shall we sale jou sir,
A Sterne stud vs by-forne,
That makis vs speke and spir
Of ane Jiat is nowe borne.
10. Herod. Nowe borne ! ]5at birthe halde I badde.
And certis, vn-witty men je werre
To lepe ouere lande to late a ladde.
Say when lost je hyra? ought lange be-fore'?
All wyse men will wene je madde,
And therfore mofEs it neuere more.
iii Rex. 3is certis, such hartyng haue we hadde,
We schall nojt seys or we come thore.
Herod. This were a wondir thyng !
Say, what bame shulde Jjat be ?
i Rex. Sir, he shall be kyng
Of Jewes and of Jude '^.
Herod is angry. U. Herod. Kyng ! in fie deuyl way, dogges, Fy 1
Now I se wele je rojje and raue.
Be ony skymeryng of the skye
When 5e shulde knawe owthir kyng or knave ?
Nay, I am kyng and nOn but I ^,
That shall je kenne yfF fiat je craue,
And I am juge of all Jury
To speke or spille, to sale or saffe.
Swilke gawdes may gretely greue.
To wittenesse fiat neuere was.
' A star makes
us seek one
new-born.'
If. 64,
' You must be
mad to run seek-
ing a child.
"Who is he?'
' He shall be
kitig of Judaea.'
108
116
134
128
1. 105. you supplied from M. 1. 108. new for nowe. 1. 109. new
^r nowe ; burden _/or birthe. 1. 114. Jjis^or it. 1. 115. swilke^?- such.
1. 116. wiliyi;?- schall. 1. 119. YoT-soth. for Sir. 1. 121. kingis in Jie deueles
name. 1. 122. roje may be roye, the letter in G may be p or y; lasefor
raue. 1. 123. skemeryng. 11. 125, 127. he is _/Br I am. 1. 128. of spille G.
' Line 1 1 2 is written as two lines in MS.
' The late hand struck out Jude, and wrote all Jury instead.
' A later hand has inserted here ' Filius,' as the speaker of the next six
lines, but it was evidently a mistake ; the original, as above, is right. In M
he is . .he are substituted for / am . . I, Filius speaking, whence probably
arose the error.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD ; THE ADORATION. 131
Eex. Lorde, we aske nogbt but leue,
Be youie poure to passe. 132
12. Herod. Whedir ? in ])e deuyls name.
To late a ladde here in my lande ?
Fals harlottis, but je hye you hame,
3e shall be bette and boune in bande. 136
ii Cons. [.<4jz(/^.] My lorde, to felle Jjis foule defFame,
Lattis all such wondir foUe on hande,
And speres Tpaiai sadly of fie same,
So shall 56 stabely vndirstande ' 140
per mynde and Jjer menyng,
And takis gud tente }jam too.
Herod, [.^jz'rf^.] I thanke Jse of jjis thyng,
And certis, so will I doo. 144
13. Nowe kyngis, to cache all care away
Sen je ar comen oute of youre kytht,
Loke noght ye legge agayne cure lay,
Uppon peyne to lose both lyme and litht. 148
And so Jjat je Jse soth will saye,
To come and goo I graunte yow grith.
And yf youre poynte be to my pay,
May falle my selfe shall wende you with. 152
i Kex. Sir kyng, we all accorde.
And says a barne is borne
pat shall be kyng and lorde,
And leche Jjam TpaX ar lorne. 156
14. ii Bex. Sir, the thar* meruayle no-thyng,
Of }>is ilke nott Jjat Jjus-gate newes.
For Balaham saide a starne shulde spring
Of Jacobe kynde, and jsat is Jewes. 160
They ask but
leave to pass.
He threats them
unless they hie
home.
An elder per-
suades him to
milder measures.
If. 64 b.
Herod grants
them leave to go.
Perhaps he will
go too.
The three kings
quote Balaam
and Isaiah to
him.
[I^ttfnd, xxiv,
I7-]
1. 131. Nowe lorde; noght «o/2«M. 1. 1 33. whedirward. 1. 138. such
wondir] fere hye wordis. 1. 142. Jam too] ther-to. 1. 143. ))is thyng]
thy counsaille. 1. 144. sally?;?' will. 1. 145. care suf plied from M.
1. 151. poyntes. 1. 158. noote^ for nott.
' The late hand glosses the thar ( = it needs thee) by of this, written above.
K 2
132
XVII. GOLDE SMYTHIS.
If. 65 a,
lij.
Also Hosea
Wt. 5].
/M. vi{. 14.] ui Rex. Sir, Isaie sais a mayden jenge
Shall bere a sone amonge Ebrewes,
pat of all contrees shall be kyng,
And gouerne all ]?at on erthe grewes ;
Emanuell shalbe his name,
To saie, God sone of heuen.
And certis Ipis is fie same,
pat we now to you neven.
15. i Rex'. Sirs, ]>e proved prophete Osee
Full trulye talde in towne and toure,
pat a mayden of Israeli, sais he,
Shall bere one like to Jje lely floure.
He menys a barne consayued shulde be
With-outen seede of man socour.
And his modir a mayden free.
And he both sone and saueour.
ii Rex. pat fadirs has talde beforne
Has noman myght to marre.
Herod. Alias ! jsan am I lorne,
pis waxith ay werre and werre.
An elder counsels 16. i Con. [Aside.] My lorde, be je no-thyng a-bast,
decStfuii^'^ pis bryge shall well to ende be broght,
Bidde }jam go furthe and frendly frast
pe soth of fiis jjat fiei haue soght.
And telle it jou ; so shall je trast
Whedir per tales be trew or noght.
What these
prophets have
said none can
gainsay.
164
i€8
172
176
180
1. 161. Sir not in M. 1. 162. bame^>- sone. 1. 165. shalbe] beithis.
1. 166. Goddis. 1. 168. now] here. 1. 171. pat Hoiin'M.; forsoth saide he.
1. 172. fe noi in M. 1- i73- childe^?- barne; sail ^i>- shulde.
1.174. mannys. 1.I75- ^Juis\^for\i\=,,wi&.forz.,whicharefromyi..
1. 177. fadirs talde me. 1. 180. way ^?- waxith. 1. 182. brigge, z«
G a is written over the y ; tillej^r to.
' The copyist of the original MS. assigned all these five speeches each to
a Xex, without marking which, except the present which he gave to Hi
Rex. The late hand remedied this by adding Ih^figures-which are followed
here.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD ; THE ADORATION. 133
Than shall we wayte paia with a wrest,
And make all wast ]3at jsei haue wroght. i88
Herod. [.(4«'(/(».] Nowe, certis, fiis was wele saide,
pis matere makes me fayne.
Sir kyngis, I halde me paide
Of all youre purpose playne. 192
17. Wendis furth, youre forward to fulfill,
To Bedlem, it is but here at hande.
And speris grathe, both goode and ill,
Of hym })at shulde be lorde in lande. 196
And comes agayne Jjan me vntill,
And telle me trulye youre tythande,
To worshippe hyva pat is my will,
pus shall je stabely vndirstande. 200
ii Bex. Sertis, syr, we sail you say
Alle ]>e soth of Jsat childe,
In alle \>e hast we may.
ii Con. Fares wele, je be bygilid ! [J^xeunl the three kings.
18. Her. Nowe ' certis, \>is is a sotille trayne, 205
Nowe shall }jei trewly take fier trace,
And telle me of fiat litill swayne
And Jjer counsaill in jjis case. ao8
If it be soth, })ei shall be slayne.
No golde shall gete fiam bettir grace.
Go we nowe, till Jiei come agayne.
To playe vs in som othir place. sii
This halde I gud counsaill,
Yitt wolde I no man wist ;
* Sir Kin^s, I am
pleased with your
purpose ; go to
Bethlehem, and
return with
tidings.*
If. 6s b.
*Yes, we will
tell you.'
Herod rejoices
over the trap laid
for the kings.
1. 187. 56 for we. 1. 189. is/ff?-was. 1. 194. it»o/«'«M. 1. igs.grathely.
1. 199. fat is] Jjan were. 1. 202. Alle not in M; fat same M. 1. 203.
G has fat we. 1. 207. litill] swytteron. 1. 208. M has all before fer.
1. 209. Giffey&>- If. I.211. Bot go wetille. \. 212. AuA for To.
' The name of the speaker Herod is here due to the late hand, the original
having omitted it.
134
XVU. GOLDE SMYTHIS.
The three kings,
wandering, can-
not see the star.
'Here it is !'
If. 66.
liij.
* Sirs, whom
seek ye ? '
' A child and
his mother, a
maiden.'
The journey's
end.
For sertis, we shall not faill
To loyse Jjam as vs list. [^Exeun/.l 216
[Scene III. No^a, the Harrod passeth, and the iij kynges
comyth agayn to make there oflferynges '■-
Bethlehem : a house there ; a star a5ove.]
19. i Eex. A ! sirs, for sight what shall I say }
Whare is oure syne ? I se it not ^.
ii Rex. No more do I, nowe dar I lay
In oure wendyng som wrange is wroght. 220
iii Kex. Vn-to J^at Prince I rede we praye,
That till vs sente his syngne vnsoght,
pat he wysse vs in redy way
So frendly fiat we fynde hym moght. 224
i Kex. A 1 siris ! I se it stande
A-boven where he is borne,
Lo 1 here is ]>e house at hande.
We haue nojt myste })is morne. [Maid opens the door.] 228
20. Anc. Whame seke je syrs, be wayes wilde.
With talkyng, trauelyng to and froo ?
Her wonnes a woman with her childe.
And hir husband ; her ar no moo. 232
ii Hex. We seke a barne fiat all shall bylde,
His sartayne syngne hath saide vs soo.
And his modir, a mayden mylde.
Her hope we to fynde Jjam twoo. 236
Anc. Come nere, gud syirs, and see,
Youre way to ende is broght.
iii Rex. Behalde here, syirs, her and se ^
pe same fiat je haue soght. 240
1. 215. noghtyiir not.
1. 2i5. lose/or loyse.
' Old stage direction, in later hand.
' MS. has m/tk.
In the MS. and se comes at the beginning qf line 240.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD ; THE ADORATION. 135
21. i Eex. Loved be Jsat lorde TpaX lastis aye,
pat vs has kydde Jjus curtaysely,
To wende by many a wilsom way,
And come to Jsis clene companye.
ii Bex. Late vs make nowe no more delay,
But tyte take furth oure tresurry,
And ordand giftis of gud aray
To worshippe hym, als is worthy.
iii Bex. He is worthy to welde
All worshippe, welthe, and wynne ;
And for honnoure and elde,
Brother, je shall be-gynne.
22. i Bex. Hayle ! Jje fairest of felde folk for to fynde,
Fro the fende and his feeres faithefuUy vs fende ^,
Hayll ! }3e best Jsat shall be borne to vnbynde
All ]>e barnes paX are borne & in bale boune %
Hayll ! }jou marc us ' Jsi men and make vs in mynde,
Sen J)i myght is on molde missels ' to amende.
Hayll ! clene Jiat is comen of a kynges kynde,
And shall be kyng of })is kyth, all clergy has kende.
And sith it shall worjje on jjis wise,
Thy selflfe haue soght, sone, I say ]>e.
With golde Jsat is grettest of price
Be paied of jjis present, I pray pe.
23. ii Bex. Hayll 1 foode jsat thy folke fully may fede,
Hayll ! floure fairest, fiat neuer shall fade,
Hayll ! sone })at is sente of Tpis same sede,
pat shall saue vs of synne jsat oure syris had,
Hayll ! mylde, for ]?ou mette to marke vs to mede,
Oif a may makeles J^i modir Jjou made,
In })at gude thurgh grace of thy godhede,
Als pe gleme in Ipe glasse gladly Jjow glade',
Praise the Lord !
244
* Let us take our
gifts."
252
The eldest king
begins.
If. 66 b.
256
260
' Be pleased to
accept this gold,
the most worthy.'
264
268
272 The second king
brings incense.
' Lines 253, 254 are each written as two in MS.
' To agree with the rime ioune should be iemie.
' The MS. has marcus and misse is.
136 XVn. GOLDE smythTs.
And sythyn yow shall sitte to be demand,
To helle or to heuen for to haue Vs,.
In-sens to ]>i seruis is seiiiand.
Sone ! se to \>i sugg^tfls and saue vs. 276
24. iii Eex. Hayll ! barrie pat is best oure balys to bete,
For our boote shall }jou be bouilden and bett,
Hayll ! frende faithtfuU, we fall to thy feete.
Thy fadiris folke fro pe fende fals Ipe to fette ^- 280
Hayll ! man fiat is made to Jji men meete *
Sen povL and thy modir with mirthis ar mette,
The third king Hayll 1 duke fiat dryues dede vndir fete,
brings myrrh for i i i -i i . . -
the burial. But whan thy dedys ar done to dye is ]>i dette. 284
And sen thy body beryed shalbe,
This inirre will I giflfe to pi girauyng.
'/iilj.' The gifte is not grete of degree,
Ressayue it, and se to oure sauyng. 288
' Ye come not in 25. Mar. Sir kyngis, je trauel not in vayne,
vain ; it is all
true.' Als je haue ment, hyf may je fynd6 ;
For I consayued my sone sartayne
With-outen misse of man in mynde, 292
And bare hym here with-outen payne,
Where women are wonte to be pynyd.
Goddis aungell in his gretyng playhe,
Saide he shulde comforte al man kynde, 296
Thar-fore doute yow no dele,
Here for to haue youre bone,
I shall witnesse full wele.
All jjat is saide and dotie. 300
• We may sing 26. i Rsx. Fot solas ser now may we synge,
for joy.' ^
All is parformed pai we for prayde,
But gud barne, giffe vs thy blissing,
For faire happe is be-fore pe laide. 304
t^''Her"d/^""'" ii Eex. Wende we nowe to Herowde pe kyng,
• The MS. lias free J)w ioxfro \e ; fals to thy fette was first written, then
thy crossed out and \e inserted. ' MS. has mette.
THE COMING OF THE THREE KINGS TO HEROD ; THE ADORATION. 137
For of Jjis poynte he will be paied,
And come hym-selffe and make offeryng
Vn-to )3is same, for so he saide. 308
iii Kex. I rede we reste a thrawe,
For to maynteyne our myght,
And than do as we awe,
Both vn-to kyng and knyght. 312
[I^nier Angel. '\
27. Ang. Nowe cnrtayse kynges, to me take tent,
And turne be-tyme or je be tenyd.
Fro God ^ hym selfe Jjus am I sent
To warne yow, als youre faithful! frende.
Herowde the kyng has malise ment.
And shappis with shame yow for to shende.
And for Jsat je non harmes shulde hente.
Be othir waies God will ye wende 320
Euen to youre awne contre.
And yf je aske hym bone,
Youre beelde ay will he be,
For Jjis fiat je haue done. 324
28. i Rex. A 1 lorde, I loue \>t inwardly.
Sirs, God has gudly warned vs thre,
His Aungell her now herde haue I,
And how he saide.
ii Bex. Sir, so did we. 328
He saide Herowde is oure enmye,
And makis hym bowne oure bale to be
With feyned falsed, and for-thy
Farre fro his force I rede we flee. 332
iii Kex. Syrs, faste I rede we flitte,
Ilkone till oure contre,
He \>2X is welle of witte
Vs wisse, — and with yow be. 33^
' The word of-wzs written here and then crossed through.
but rest a while
first.
* Do not return
to Herod, he
316 If-fi/b.
means malice.*
' We'll flit back
to our own
country.'
If. 69.
I vj.
Matth.ii. 13-15.
XVIII. THE MARCHALLIS.
The Flight into Egypt.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Joseph. Maria. Angelus.]
Praise the Lord
for his grace.
' Lo ! how weak
I become.
[Scene, Joseph's abode at Bethlehem?^
Joseph. 'T^HOW maker Jjat is most of myghtS
J[ To thy mercy I make my mone,
Lord 1 se vnto Jjin symple wight
That hase non heipe but jje allone. 4
For all ]?is worlde I haue for-saken,
And to thy seruice I haue me taken.
With witte and will,
For to fulfill 8
pi commaundement.
per-on myn herte is sette.
With grace fou has me lente,
pare shall no lede me lette. 12
2. For all my triste, lorde, is in Jje,
That made me, man, to thy liknes,
Thow myghtfuU maker, haue mynde on me,
And se vnto my sympplenes. 16
I waxe wayke as any wande,
For febill me faylles both foote and hande ;
What euere it mene 1
' In the margin here was written in the 16th century, 'This matter is
mayd of newe after anoyer forme ' ; the words were afterwards crossed out.
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
139
Me thynke myne eyne 20
hevye as leede.
per-fore I halde it best,
A whille her in jsis stede
To slepe and take my reste. [Sleeps.] 24
3. Mar. [Frays to the child apar/.] Thow lufFely lord Jsat last
schall ay,
My god, my lorde, my sone so dere.
To thy godhede hartely I pray
With all myn harte holy entere ; 28
As Ipon me to thy modir chaas,
I beseke ]>e of thy grace
For all man-kynde,
pat has in mynde 32
To wirshippe pe.
pou se thy saules to saue,
Jesu my sone so free,
pis bone of Jje I crave. 36
[Enler Angel Gabriel^
4. Ang. Wakyn, Joseph ! and take entente !
My sawes schall seece thy sorowe sare.
Be noght heuy, ]>\ happe is hentte,
pare-fore I bidde )3e slepe no mare. 4°
Jos. A I myghtfull lorde, what euere }jat mente ?
So swete a voyce herde I neuere ayre.
But what arte jsou with steuen so shylle,
pus in my slepe fiat spekis me till, 44
To me appere,
And late me here
What ]3at ^ J30U was ?
Ang. Joseph, haue )30u no drede, 48
pou shake witte or I passe ^
Therfore to me take hede.
' The MS. has what at \at.
I must refit.'
If. 69 b.
* Wake up,
Joseph ! '
' Who art thou ?
140
XVIII. THE MARCHALLIS.
' Flee with Mary
and her precious
In Egypt shall
ye shelter.'
If. 70.
I vij.
' What ails the
king at me ?
or to kill little
young children ? '
' Lord, keep us
from harm.
5. For I am sente to ]>e,
Gabriell, goddis aungell bright,
Is comen to bidde fje flee
With Marie and hir worthy wight ;
For Horowde Jje kyng gars doo to dede
All knave childer in ilke a stede,
, pat he may ta
With jeris twa
pat are of olde.
Tille he be dede away,
In Egipte shall je beelde
— Tille I witte \>e for to sale.
6. Jos. Aye lastand lord loved mott Jjou be,
That thy swete sande wolde to me sende.
But lorde, what ayles Tpe kyng at me ?
For vn-to hym I neuere offende '.
Alias 1 what ayles hym for to spille
Smale jonge barnes })at neuere did ille
In worde ne dede,
Vn-to no lede
Be nyght nor day.
And sen he wille vs schende,
Dere lorde, I ]>e praye,
pou wolde be oure frende.
7. For be he neuere so wode or wrothe,
For all his force Jjou may vs fende.
I praye ]>e, lorde, kepe us fro skathe.
Thy socoure sone to vs jJOu sende ;
For vn-to Egipte wende we will
Thy biddyng baynly to fulfill.
As worthy is -
pou kyng of blisse,
pi will be wroght.
SS
56
60
64
68
12
76
80
' The word 'didde' was written before 'offende,' and then crossed
through.
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
141
[Exit Attgel, Joseph turns to Mary."]
Marie, my doughter dere,
On \>e is all my Jjought.
Mar. A ! leue Joseph, what chere ?
8. Jos. pe chere of me is done for ay.
Mar. Alias ! what tythandis herde haue je ?
Jos. Now certis, full ille to ]>e at saye,
Ther is noght ellis but us most flee,
Owte of oure kyth where we are knowyn
Full wightely bus vs be withdrawen,
Both jjou and I.
Mar. Leue Joseph, why ?
Layne it noght.
To doole who has vs demed ?
Or what wronge haue we wroght,
Wherfore we shulde be flemyd ?
9. Jos. Wroght we harme ? nay, nay, all wrang,
Wytte Jjou wele it is noght soo,
pat yonge page liffe jsou mon for-gange,
But yf fiou fast flee fro his foo.
Mar. His foo, alias ! what is youre reede,
Wha wolde my dere barne do to dede .''
I durk, I dare,
Whoo may my care
Of balls Wynne ?
To flee I wolde full fayne,
For all J3is worlde to wynne
Wolde I not se hym slayne.
10. Jos. I warne ]>e he is thraly thrette.
With Herowde kyng, harde harmes to haue.
With )3at mytyng yf Jiat we be mette
per is no salue }jat hym may saue.
I warne Ipe wele, he sleeis all
Knave childir, grete and small,
84
88
' Mary, my
darling,
we must flee
from our kith,'
If. 70 b.
96
' Dear Joseph,
why must we be
banished ? '
' We must flee
from the child's
foe.'
104
* Alas ! I lau|
I tremble. V
can stop my
trouble?'
^ho
108
* Herod the
mighty will slay
116 sXl boy children,
142
XVIII. THE MARCHALLIS.
for thy son's
sake.
"■• 7;.-
I viij.
An angel told^*
me this.
I dread the trip.'
* Why should
I be deprived of
my son's life ? '
* Dear Mary, be
quiet ! quickly
prepare to flee.
In towne and felde,
With in ]>e elde
Of two jere.
And for thy sones sake,
He will for-do Jiat dere,
May fiat traytoure hym take.
11. Mar. Leue Joseph, who tolde yow Jiis ?
How hadde je wittering of Jjis dede ?
Jos. An aungell bright j^at come fro blisse
This tythandis tolde with-owten drede.
And wakynd me oute of my slepe,
pat comely childe fro cares to kepe,
' And bad me flee
With hym and fie
On-to Egipte.
And sertis I dred me sore
To make my smale trippe,
Or tyme }jat I come Jjare.
12. Mar. What ayles fiei at my barne
Slike harmes hym for to hete ?
Alias 1 why schulde I tharne ^
My sone his lifFe so sweete,
His harte aught to be ful sare,
On slike a foode hym to for-fare,
pat nevir did ill
Hym for to spille,
And he ne wate why.
I ware full wille of wane
My son and he shulde dye,
And I haue but hym allone.
13. Jos. We ! leue Marie, do way, late be,
I pray Jje, leue of thy dynne,
And fande \>e furthe faste for to flee
Away with hym for to wynne,
' MS. has thrane.
124
128
133
136
140
144
148
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
143
That no myscheue on hym betyde,
Nor none vnhappe in nokyn side,
Be way nor strete,
pat we non mete
To slee hym.
Mar. Alias I Joseph, for care 1
Why shuld I for-go hym,
My dere barne Jsat I bare.
14. Jos. fiat swete swayne yf Jjou saue.
Do tyte, pakke same oure gere.
And such smale harnes as we haue.
Mar. A I leue Joseph, I may not here.
Jos. Bare arme ? no, I trowe but small.
But god it wote I muste care for all.
For bed and bak.
And alle ])e pakke
pat nedis vnto vs.
It fortheres to fene me
pis pakald bare me bus,
Of ^ all I plege and pleyne me.
15. But god graunte grace I noght for-gete
No tulles jsat we shulda with vs take.
Mar. Alias ! Joseph, for grauaunca grete I
Whan shall my sorowe slake.
For I wote noght whedir to fare.
Jos. To Egipte talde I Tpe lang are.
Mar. Whare standith itt ?
Fayne wolda I witt.
Jos. What wata I ?
I wote not where it standis.
Mar. Joseph, I aske mersy,
Helpe ma oute of Jiis lande.
16. Jos. Nowe certis, Marie, I wolde full fayne,
Helpe pe al fiat I may,
1 MS. repeats Of.
152
156 If.:
Make haste !
I go pack up our gear
if you wish to
save him.
164
X must carry all
we need for bed
and back.
168
172
176
God grant I for-
get nothing.'
• Where is
Egypt?'
180
' I don't know.
' I beg pardonj
help me.
184
If. 72.
Kj.
144
XVIII. THE MARCHALLIS.
Alas ! these wild
roads ! why have
we to flee?'
* Stop crying.
Wrap him up
warm and softly,
I will carry him
to ease thine
arm.'
' Take care of
him ! '
' If you ride ill,
hold fast by the
* God is our
friend,
If. 72 b.
I feel quite
strong.
And at my poure me peyne
To ■Wynne with hym and pe away.
Mar. Alias I what ayles Jjat feende
pus wilsom wayes make vs to wende; 188
He dois grete synne,
Fro kyth and kynne
He gares vs flee.
Jos. Leue Marie, leue thy grete 1 192
Mar. Joseph, full wo is me,
For my.dere sone so swete.
17. Jos. I pray ]>e Marie, happe hym warme.
And sette hym softe })at he noght syle, 196
And yf Jjou will ought ese thyn arme,
Gyff me h3Tn, late me here hym awhile.
Mar. I thanke you of youre grete goode dede,
[Gives the child to Joseph.
Nowe gud Joseph tille hym take hede, 200
fiat fode so free I
Tille hym je see
Now in this tyde.
Jos. Late me and hym allone, 204
And yf Jjou can ille ride
Haue and halde Jje faste by )je mane.
18. Mar. Alias 1 Joseph for woo,
Was neuer wight in worde so will I 208
Jos. Do way Marie I and say nought soo.
For Jjou schall haue no cause ther-till.
For witte Jjou wele, god is oure frende,
He will be with vs wherso we lende, 212
In all oure nede
He will vs spede,
pis wote I wele,
I loue my lorde of all, 216
Such forse me thynke I fele,
I may go where I schall.
K
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 145
19. Are was I wayke, nowe am I wight, though before
I WAS wcsk *
My lymes to welde ay at my wille, 220
I loue my maker most of myght,
That such grace has graunte me tille. /
Nowe schall no hatyll do vs harme,
I haue oure helpe here in myn arme. 224
He will vs fende,
Wherso we lende,
Fro tene and tray.
Late vs goo with goode chere, 228
Fare wele and haue gud day I
God blisse vs all in fere.
Mar. Amen as he beste may.
If. 7i-
Kiij.
XIX. THE GYRDILLERS AND
NAYLERSi.
Matt/u ii. i6-t8.
The Massacre of the Innocents.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Herodes, Primus et secundus Milites.
Primus et secundus Consules. Prima et seounda Mulieres.]
* Beauxsires, still
your voices.
bow at my
bidding.
[Scene I, Herod's courf.]
1. Her. "TJOWRE bewsheris aboute,
j^ Peyne of lyme and lande '■*,
Stente of youre steueiies stoute,-
And stille as stone je stande, 4
And my carping recorde ;
3e aught to dare and doute.
And lere you lowe to lowte
To me youre louely lorde. 8
2. 5e awe in felde and towne
To bowe at my bidding,
With reuerence and renoune,
As iallis for swilk a kyng 1 2
pe lordlyest on-lyue
Who her-to is noght bowne,
1 On If. 73 is the word Mylners, crossed through ; on the back of the
same leaf is noted in a late hand, ' This matter of the gyrdlers agreyth not
with the Couchej in no poynt, it begynneth, Lyston lordes vnto my Lawe.'
It does not appear what this refers to. Play XXX is by the ' Tapiteres and
Coucheres,' but it does not begin with this line. I have no mention of the
Couchers among my extracts from the City records, though several as to the
Tapiters, probably the Couchers were a newer craft.
" The first four lines are written as two in the MS.
THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.
147
Be all-myghty mahounde
To dede I schall hym dryue !
3. So bolde loke no man be,
For to aske help ne helde *
But of mahounde and me,
pat hase Jsis worlde in welde,
To mayntayne vs emelle,
For welle of welthe are we.
And my cheffe helpe is he ;
Her-to what can je tell.
4. i Cous. Lord, what you likis to do
All folke will be full fayne.
To take entente {ler-to,
And none grucche ]3er-agayne.
pat full wele witte shall je.
And yf pai wolde nojt soo,
We shulde sone wqrke {jam woo.
Her. 3^ ' fi^ire sirs, so shulde it bee.
5. ii Cous. Lorde, \>e soth to sale,
FuUe wele we undirstande,
Mahounde is god werraye.
And je ar lorde of ilke a lande.
Ther-fore, so haue I seell,
I rede we wayte all-way,
What myrthe most mend 30U may.
Her. Certis ^e saie ryght well.
e. But I am noyed of newe,
pat blithe may I nojt be,
For thre kyngis as je knowe
That come thurgh jjis contree.
And saide })ei sought a swayne.
i Cons, pat rewUe I hope jjam rewe,
For hadde Jier tales ben trewe,
They hadde comen Ipis waye agayne.
> MS. has Mtfe.
L 2
16
Ask help only
of me or of
Mahomet.'
24
' All obey you.
38
32
If. 74 b.
' Mahomet is tlie
true God, and ye
36 are lord of every
land.'
40
* I am annoyed.
those three kings
44
48 should have
come this way
again.'
148
XIX. THE GYRDILLERS AND NAYLERS.
' They have de-
ceived you ;
they are ashamed
to meet you.'
K uij.
7. ii Cons. We harde how pel jou hight,
Yf they myght fynde paX childe,
For to haue tolde 50U right,
But certis Ipei are begilyd.
Swilke tales ar noght to trowe,
Full wele wotte ilke a wight,
per schalle neuere man haue myght
Ne maystrie unto jou.
8. 1 Cons, pam schamys so, for certayne.
That they dar mete 50U no more.
Her. Wherfore shulde Jiei be fayne
To make swilke fare before ;
To sale a boy was borne
That schulde be moste of mayne ?
This gadlyng schall agayne
Yf TpaX pe deuyll had sworne ;
9. For be well neuer j^ei wotte,
Whedir pei wirke wele or wrang
To frayne garte jjam }3us-gate.
To seke that gedlyng gane.
And swilke carping to kith.
ii CJons. Nay lorde, they lered ouere latte,
Youre blisse schall neuere abatte.
And therfore, lorde, be blithe.
52
56
60
64
68
72
[En/er Messenger.]
Mahomet, save 10.
the king !
* Beau sire,
good day ! '
KTune. Mahounde with-outen pere
My lorde I jou saue ! and see.
Her. Messenger, come nere.
And, bewcher I wele ye be.
What tydyngis telles Jjou, any ?
Ifun. ^a, 1 lorde, sen I was here,
I haue sought sidis seere.
And sene merueyllis full many.
?6
80
THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.
149
11. Her. And of meruayles to move,
That were most myrthe to me.
Nunc. Lorde, euen as I haue seene,
The soth sone schall je see,
Yf je wille, here in hye.
I mette tow townes betwene
Thre kyngis with crounes clene,
Rydand full ryally.
Her. A 1 my blys ! boy, J30U burdis to brode !
[Niuie.J Sir, jser may no botment be '.
12. [Her,] O we ! by sonne and mone,
pan tydis vs talis to nyght.
Hopes Jiou Jjei will come sone
Hedir, as Ipei haue hight,
For to telle me tythande ?
ITimc. Nay, lorde, fiat daunce is done.
Her. Why, whedir are ])ei gone ?
ITunc. Ilkone in-to ther owne lande.
13. Her. How sais J30u, ladde ? late be.
Nunc. I saie for they are past.
Her. What, forthe away fro me ?
Nunc, ^a., lord, in faitht ful faste,
For I herde and toke hede
How })at ]>ei wente, all thre.
In to ther awne contre.
Her. A ! dogges, fie deuell jou spede.
14. Nunc. Sir, more of f>er menyng
3itt well I undirstode
How Ipei hadde made offering
Unto fiat frely foode '
84
* I met three
kings riding
88 royally.'
* Boy, you talk
too fast !
92
Do you think
they'll come soon
to tell me
tidings?'
96 If. 75 b.
104 ' The^ are gone
to their own
108
They had made
offerings to
that heautiful
creature.'
^ There seems something wanting here.
^ Lines 107-110 are written as two lines in the MS.
150
XIX. THE GYRDILLERS AND NAYLERS.
Herod vents his
anger on the
messenger.
If. 76.
Kv.
' Thou liest ! I'll
'hang both you
and him.'
* I am blameless ;
farewell, the
'whole heap.'
* I'll make you
run !'
Herod and his
elders take
counsel.
pat now of newe is bome.
pai saie he schulde be kyng, 1 1 3
And welde all erthely thyng.
Her. Alias 1 Jsan am I lorne.
15. Fy on thaym! fay tours, fy !
Wille Jiei be-gylle me Tpus. 1 16
Ifunc. Lorde, by ther prophicy,
pei named his name Jesus.
Her. Fy 1 on fie, ladde, Jiou lyes !
ii Cons. Hense I fyte, but Jiou Jje hye, 1 20
With douUe her schall jjou dye.
That wreyes hym on this wise.
16. Hvmc. 3e wyte me all with wrang,
Itt is ]3us and wele warre.
Her. Thou lyes ! false traytoure strange,
Loke neuere Jjou negh me nere.
Vppon liffe and lyme
May I }jat faitour fange,
Full high I schall gar hym hange.
Both fie harlott and hym.
17. ITmie. I am nott worthy to wyte,
Bot fares-wele, all fie heppe !
i Consul. Go, in fie deueles dispite.
Or I schall gar the leppe.
And dere aby this bro. [Hxi/ Messenger.
Herodus. Alas!' for sorowe and sighte, 136
My woo no wighte may wryte.
What deuell is best to do.
18. ii Cons. Lorde, amende youre chere,
And takis no nedles noy, 140
We schall jou lely lere,
pat ladde for to distroye,
Be counsaille if we cane.
124
128
132
MS. has A!s.
THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.
Her. pat may je noght come nere,
For it is past two jere
Sen jjat Jjis bale be-gane.
19. i Cons. Lorde, )3erfore haue no doute *
If it were foure or fyve, -
Gars gadir in grete rowte a
Youre knyghtis kene be-Iyue. -
And biddis Jsam dynge to dede ^
AUe knave childir kept* in dowte, c\
In Bedlem and all aboute, *■
To layte in ilke a stede. c-
20. ii Cons. Lorde, saue none, for youre seell, u.
pat are of ii jere age with-inne, -
pan schall pat fandelyng felle ^
Be-lyue his bliss schall blynne, —
With bale when he shall blede. ^
Her. Sertis, je sale right wek, ^
And as je deme ilke dele, ^'
Shall I garre do in-dede. "^
21. Sir knyghtis, curtayse and hende,
pow ne nott bees nowe all newe,
je schall fynde me youre frende,
And je fiis tyme be trewe.
i Cons. What sale je, lorde, lette see.
Her. To Bedlehem bus je wende.
That schrewe * with scharae ta schende
pat menes to maistir me.
22. And a-bowte Bedlehem boght he.
Bus yowe wele spere and spye,
For ellis it will be waghe
pat he losis jjis Jury.
And certis paX were grete schame.
ii. Cons. My lorde, fiat wer vs lathe,
151
M4
148
A great company
of soldiers shall.
kill ail the boys
of two years old
in Bethlehem and
round about.
If. 76 b.
>.S6
s6o
164
172
* 'Tis a new
business, but I
will be your
friend,'
S76
* We were loaiht
he should
escape.'
^ The MS. has schorwe.
152
XIX. THE GYRDILLERS AND NAYLERS.
f. 77.
Kvj.
* You do not
know him, there-
fore kill all.'
And he escapid it wer skathe.
And we welle worthy blame.
23. i Miles. Full sone he schall be soughte.
That make I myne a-vowe.
i Cons. I bide for him jow loghte,
And latte me telle yowe howe.
Go werke when ^ come there.
By-cause je kenne hym noght.
To dede they muste be brought.
Knave childre, lesse and more.
24. Her. ^aa, all with-inne two jere,
That none for speche be spared.
ii Miles. Lord, howe je vs lere
Full wele we take rewarde,
And certis we schall not rest.
180
i88
[JSxeunl.
* Here are two
foundlings.'
The grief and
cries of the
mothers.
* ni die to save
my son.'
[Scene II, Roimd ahout Bethlehem^
i Miles. Comes furth, felowes, in feere ; igz
Loo ! fondelyngis fynde we here ^
25. i Mul. Owte on jou 1 theves, I crye 1
3e slee my semely sone.
ii MUes. Ther browls schall dere abye 196
This bale jjat is be-gc«ine,
per-fore lay fro }>e faste.
ii Mul. Alias 1 for doule I dye.
To saue my son schall I, 200
Aye whils my lifF may last.
26. i MUes. A ! dame, J>e deuyll {)e spede.
And me, but itt be quytte.
i Mill. To dye I haue no drede, 204
I do fie wele to witte,
To saue my sone so dere.
i Miles. As armes ! for nowe is nede.
' A line is wanting liere, but no blank in MSk
THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.
153
But yf we do yone dede,
Ther quenys will quelle us here.
27. U Mul. Alias ! }>is lothly striffe t
No blisse may be my bette,
J)e knyght vppon his knyffe
Hath slayne my sone so swette ;
And I hadde but hym allone.
i Mul. Alias 1 I lose my liffe,
Was neuere so wofull a wyflfe,
Ne halffe so wille of w»ne 1
28. And certis, me were full lotht
pat })ei fius harmeles jede.
i Miles, pe deuell myght spade you bothe,
False wicchis, are ye woode ?
ii Mul. Nay false lurdayns, ye lye.
[i Miles.] Yf je be woode or wrothe.
Ye schaU nojt skape fro skathe,
Wende we vs hense in hye.
29. i Mul. Alias 1 fiat we wer wroughte,
In worlde women to be,
pe barne Jiat wee dere bought,
pus in oure sighte to see
Disputuously spill.
ii Mul And certis, per nott is nogbt.
The same Jiat Jjei haue soughte,
SchaU })ei neuere come till.
30. i Miles. Go we to ]>e kyng,
Of all })is contek kene
I schall nott lette for no-thyng
To saie as we haue sene.
ii Miles. And certis, no more shall I.
We haue done his bidding,
We schall saie sothfastly.
How so they wraste or wryng.
208 ' To arms !
these queans will
destroy us.'
If. 77 b.
Lamentation and
sorrow.
2l6
* False witches,
are ye mad?'
224
228
Their business is
nought, they will
232 never find him
they seek.
'We shall tell of
you to the king.'
236
240
f. 78.
Kvij,
154
XIX. THE GIRDILLERS AND NAYLERS.
Salutation.
This soldier
brings tiding
of talk.
'Ye are welcome.
Have you the
man?'
' The children are
all dead.'
* I ask but for
one, is he taken ? *
If. 78 b.
' We did not
know him.'
Herod's anger at
the escape of
Jesus.
[Scene III, Herod's couriJ]
31. i Miles. Mahounde, cure god of myght,
Saue pe 1 sir herowde }je kyng !
i Cons. Lorde, take kepe to youre knyght, m
He wille telle jou nowe thydingis
Of bordis wher they haue bene.
Her. Jaa, and Jjei haue gone right.
And holde Jjat Jjei vs hight, 248
pan shall solace be sene.
32. ii Miles. Lorde, as je demed vs to done,
In contrees wher we come —
Her. Sir, by sonne and mone, 252
je are welcome home,
And worthy to haue rewarde.
Haue je geten vs Jjis gome ?
i Miles. Wher we fande felle or fone, 256
Wittenesse we will fiat jjer was none ^.
33. ii Miles. Lord, they are dede ilkone,
What wolde je we ded more ?
Her. I aske but aftir oone, 260
pe kyngis tolde of before,
pat schulde make grete maistrie ;
Telle vs if he be tane.
i Miles. Lorde, tokenyng hadde we none 264
To knawe pzt brothell by.
34. il Miles. In bale we haue Jiam brought
A-boute all Bedleham towne.
Her. Ye lye, joure note is nought ! 268
pe deueles of helle 50U droune !
So may }>at boy be fledde,
For in waste haue je wroght
Or that same ladde be sought, 272
Schalle I neure byde in bedde.
• line 257 should rime with 1. 254. There is some mistake here.
THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS. 155
35. [? i Cons.]"^ We will wende with you J)an ^
To dynge Jjat dastard doune.
[? ii Cons.] Asarmel euere ilke man, 276
That holdis of mahounde.
Wer they a thousand skore,
This bargayne schall pzi banne '
Comes aftir as yhe canne, 280
For we will wende be-fore. [Exeuni.
• In the MS. two red lines mark off lines 274, 275 and JI. 276-281 as
separate speeches, but the names of the speakers are omitted.
' T/ian comes at the beginning of 1. 275 in the MS.
' MS. has bande.
If. 79-
Lj.
XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS
Christ with the Doctors in the Temple.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus. Maria. Joseph.
Primus, secundus, tertius Doctor.
Primus, secundus, tertius Magister.]
Luke ii. 41-51.
* What solemn
sights we have
seen.
what
hasg
Jerusalem,
poy our son
has given us, in
We will go home
with our friends.'
[Scene I, The road from Jerusalem.^
1. Jos. riy f hARIE, of mirthis we may vs mene,
LxVJ^ J And trewly telle be-twixte vs twoo
Of solempne sightis Jjat we haue sene
In }jat cite were we come froo.
Mar. Sertis, Joseph, je will nojt wene
What myrthis with in my harte I maie,
Sen ]?at oure sone with vs has bene,
And sene ther solempne sightis als^yae.
Jos. Hamward I rede we hye
In all Jje myght we maye,
Be-cause of company
pat will wende in oure waye.
2. For gode felawshippe haue we founde,
And ay so forward schall we fynde.
' This play is found also in the Towneley collection under the name of
Pagina Doctorum, p. 158. The parallel begins with 1. 73 of York play, a
quite different prelude of 48 lines (the commencement is wanting) in tiie
Towneley taking place of the first 72 lines of York. A considerable
difference occurs, too, in the description of the ten commandments. The
Towneley version is given from 1. 73 at the foot of the page.
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
157
Mar. A ! sir, where is cure semely sone ?
I trowe oure wittis be waste as wynde,
Alias ! in bale Jjus am I boone,
What ayleth vs both to be so blynde.
To go ouere fast we haue be-gonne,
And late fiat louely leue be-hynde.
Jos. Marie, mende thy chere,
For certis whan all is done,
He comes with folke in feere.
And will ouere take vs sone.
Mar. Ouere take vs sone ? Sir, certis nay.
Such gabbyngis may me nojht be-gyle.
For we haue trauelde all ]3is day
Fro Jerusalem many a myle.
Jos. I wende he hadde bene with vs aye,
A-waye fro vs how schulde he wyle ?
Mar. Hit helpis nought such sawes to sale,
My b^rne is lost, alias ! Tpe whille 1
fiat euere we wente Jser oute
With him in companye,
We lokid ouere late aboute,
Full wooe is me forthy !
For he is wente som wayes wrang,
And non is worthy to wyte but wee.
Jos. Agaynewarde rede I })at we gang
The right way to fiat same citee, *
To spire and spie all men emang,
For hardely homward is he.
Mar. Of sorowes sere schal be my sang,
My semely sone tille I hym see.
He is but xij jere aide.
What way som euere he wendis.
Jos. Woman ! we may be balde
To fynde hym with oure frendis, [Tkey turn hack.
i6
* Where is our
son?'
* He will soon
overtake us.'
24
* Nay, we are
28 come many
miles.
If. 79 b.
32 he is lost.
36
38 We must blame
ourselves.'
40
44
* Let us turn
back.
48 He is sure to be
with our friends.'
158
XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
* Can any one
aUe|re ought
against our law ?
If. 80.
Lij.
We must redress
it.'
' Lay forth our
books ;
no one shall
find defects.'
' Joy unto you,
sirs !*
* Go away, child.'
[Scene II, The Temple?^
i«B Mag. Maistirs, takes to me in tente,
And rede youre resouns right on rawes,
And all ]?e pepuU in Jjis present
Euere ilke man late see his sawes.
But witte I wolde, or we hens wente,
Be clargy clere if we couthe knawe
Yf any lede fiat liffe has lente,
Wolde might allegge agaynste oure lawe.
Owthir in more or lesse
If we defaute myght feele,
Dewly we schall gar dresse
Be dome euery ilk a dele.
iius Mag. pat was wele saide, so mot I the,
Swilke notis to neven me thynke wer nede.
For maistirs in this lande ar we,
And has Jje lawes lelly to lede,
And doctoures also in oure degree,
pat demyng has of ilka dede.
Laye fourthe oure bokes belyue, late see.
What mater moste were for oure mede.
iii«s Mag. We schall ordayne so wele,
Sen we all clergy knawe,
Defaute shall noman fele
Nowdir in dede ne sawe.
52
56
60
64
68
Jesus. Lordingis, loue be with jou lentte
And mirthis be vn-to Jjis mene.
ius Mag. Sone, hense away ! I wolde })0U wente,
For othir haftis in hande haue we.
\Enter Jesus.
73
76
Towneley MS.
fol. 67. Surtees
print, p. 158.
Jesus.
i Mag.
Tunc venit Jesus.
Masters, luf be with you lent.
And mensk be unto this meneje.
Son, hens away I wold thou went.
For othere haft in hand haue we.
73
76
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
159
iius Mag. Sone, whoso }>e hedir sente,
They were noujt wise, fiat warne I Ipe,
For we haue othir tales to tente
pan now with barnes bordand to be. 80
iilus Mag. Sone, yf fie list ought to lere
To lyve by Moyses laye,
Come hedir and Tpon shalle here
pe sawes TpaX we shall saye ; 84
8. For in som mynde itt may pe brynge
To here oure reasouns redde by rawes.
JesuB. To lerne of you nedis me no thing.
For I knawe both youre dedyaand sawes. 88
iua Mag. Nowe herken jone barne with his brandyng.
He wenes he kens more }3an we knawes !
"We ! nay, certis sone, Jjou arte ouere ^inge '
By clergy jitt to knowe oure lawes. 92
Jesus. I wote als wele as yhe
Howe Jiat youre lawes wer wrought.
' If you like to
learn Moses' law,
come here.'
If. 80 b.
* I know your
savings and
doings.*
' You are young
to know our
laws.'
ii Mag. Son, whosoeuer the hyder sent,
Tliay were not wyse, thus tell I the ;
For we haue othere tayllys to tent
Then now with barnes bowrdand to be.
80
iii Mag. Son, thou lyst oght lere To lyf by Moyses lay,
Com heder, and thou shall here The sawes
that we wyll say;
For in som mynde it may the bryng
To here oure sawes red by rawes.
Jesus. To lere of you nedys me no thyng
For I knaw both youre dedys and sawes.
i Mag. Hark, yonder bam with his bowrdyng
He wenys he kens more then ho knawys.
Nay, certes, son, thou art ouer ying
By clergy yit to know oure lawes.
Jesus. I wote as well as ye how that youre lawes
was wroght.
92
MS. )tm^e.
160
XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
You think you
can see into our
laws?'
•Come, sit down. ii™ Mag. Cum sitte, sonc schall wc seS,
[Jesus sits among them.
For certis so semys it noght. 96
9. Itt wer wondir fiat any wight
Vn-till cure reasouns right schulde reche.
And fjou sais jjou hast insight,
Oure lawes truly to telle and teche ? 100
Jesus. The holy gost has on me light,
And has anoynted me as a leche,
And geven me pleyne poure and might
The kyngdom of heuene for to preche. 104
'Whepreishe?' .i^s Mag. Whens euere this bamc may be
That shewes J^er novellis nowe ?
Jesus. Certis, I was or je.
And schall be aftir jou. 108
10. i"s Mag. Sone, of thy sawes, als haue I cele.
And of thy witte is wondir thyng,
But neuere the lesse fully I feele
Itt may falle wele in wirkyng, 112
' The sayings
and knowledge
of the boy are
wonderful*
96
ji Mag. Com, sytt, soyn shall we se, For certys so
semys it noght.
iii Mag. It were wonder if any wyght
Untill oure resons right shuld reche,
And thou says thou has in sight
Oure lawes truly to tell and teche.
Jesus. The Holy Gost has on me lyght.
And anoynt me lyke a leche.
And gyffen to me powere and myght
The kyngdom of heuen to predie.
ii Mag. Whenseuer this barne may be
That shewys thise novels new?
Jesus. Certan, syrs, I was or ye,
And shall be after you.
i Mag. Son, of thi sawes, as we hane ceyll.
And of thi wytt is wonder thyng ;
Bot neuer the les fully I feyll
That it may fayll in wyrkyng ;
104
108
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
161
For Dauid demys of ilka dele,
And sais jjus of childir jing,
And of ther mouthes, he wate full wele,
Oure lord has parformed loving.
But jitt, sone, schulde Tpou lette
Here for to speke ouere large,
For where maistiris are mette
Childre wordis are nojt to charge.
11. And if Jjou wolde neuere so fayne
Yf all ]>e liste to lere J^e lawe,
pou arte nowthir of myght ne mayne
To kenne it as a clerke may knawe.
Jesua. Sirs, I saie jou for sartayne,
That suthfast schalbe all my sawe,
And poure haue playnere & playne(to say,)
And aunswer as me awe.
i™ Doct. Maistirs what may Jsis mene ?
Meruayle me thynke haue I,
If. 8 1.
L iij.
si6
yet he should not
speak too big
before the
masters of the
120 law.'
124
* I will speak
with truth and
s 20 weight.'
For Dauid demys euer ilk deylle,
And thus he says of childer ying,
' Ex ore infancium et lactancium perfecisti laudem.' '
Of thare mowthes, sayth Dauid, wele
Oure Lord he has perfourmed lovyng; ii6
Neuer the les, son, yit shuld thou lett
Herfor to speke in large,
For where masters are mett
Chylder wordys ar not to charge. 120
For, certes, if thou wold neuer so fayn
Gyf all thi lyst to lere the law.
Thou art nawther of myght ne mayn
To know it, as a clerk may knaw. 134
Jesus. Syrs, I say you in certan.
That sothfast shalle be alle my saw.
And powere have I plene and playn
To say and answere as me aw. isS
i Mag. Masters, what may this mene?
Meruelle me thynk have I;
M
162 XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
Whens euere jsis barne haue bene,
aiie child talks And carpis bus connandly. 132
with wisdom.
12. ii"B Doct. Als -wyde in worlde als we haue wente,
Itt fand we neuere swilke ferly fare,
For certis I trowe j^is barne be sente*
Full souerandly to salue oure sare. 136
Jesus. Sirs, I schall proue in youre present
AUe \>e sawes Jiat I saide are.
Moses' first com- iii"^ Doc. Why, whilke callest J30U Ipe firste comaundment,
mandment is, , , , . -n «■ i ^
And Jje moste in Moyses lare ? 140
~- \ Jesus. Sirs, sen je are sette on r&ffies,
And has youre bokes on brede.
If. 8, b. Late se, sirs, in youre sawes
Howe right J)at je can rede. 144
Matih. xxii, 37- 13. ius Doct. I rede bis is be firste bidding
40.
pat Moyses taught vs here vntill.
To honour God. To hounourc god oucre all thing,
With all thy witte and all fii will ; 148
Where euer this barne has bene
That carpys thus conandly. 132
ii Mag. In warld as wyde as we haue went
Fand we neuer sich ferly fare ;
Certes, I trow the bam be sent
.Sufferanly to salfe oure sare. 136
Jesus. Syrs, I shalle preue in youre present
AUe the sawes that I sayde are.
iii Mag. Which callys thou the fyrst commaundement,
And the most in Moyses lare. 140
Jesus. Syrs, synthen ye syt on raw,
And base youre bookes on brede,
Let se, syrs, in youre saw
How right that ye can rede. 144
i Mag. I rede that this is the fyrst bydyng
That Moyses told us here vntylle;
Honoure thi God ouer ilka thyng,
With alle thi wyt and alle thi wylle, 148
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THK TEMPLE.
163
And all thyn harte in hym schall hyng,
Erlye and late both lowde and still.
Jesus. 5e nedis non othir bokes to bring,
But fandis )5is for to fulfill.
The secounde may men preve
And clerly knawe, wher by
Youre neghbours shall je loue
Als youre selfFe, sekirly.
14. This comaunded Moyses to all men,
In his X comaundementis clere,
In Jier ij biddingis, schall we kene,
Hyngis all Tpe lawe pat we shall lere.
Whoso ther two fulfilles then ^
With mayne and myght in gode manere,
He trulye fulfillis all Jie ten
pat aftir folowes in feere.
pan schulde we god honnoure,
With all youre myght and mayne,
152
The second,
Love thy neigh-
bour as thyself.
156
160
164
And alle thi hart in hym shalle hyng,
Erly and late, both lowde and stylle.
Jesus. Ye nede none othere bookys to bryng,
Bot fownd this to fulfylle ; 153
The seconde may men profe
And clergy knaw therby,
Youre neghburs shalle ye lofe
Right as youre self truly. 156
Thise commaunded Moyses tylle alle men
In his commaundes clere,
In thise two bydyngys, shalle ye ken,
Hyngys alle the law we aght to lere. 160
Who so fulfylles thise two then
Withe mayn and mode and good manere.
He fulfyllys truly alle ten
That after thaym folows in fere. 164
Then shuld we God honowre
With alle our myght and mayn,
MS. sets tAen at beginning of 1. 162.
M 2
164
XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
Jesus rehearses
the other eight
commandments,
or biddings.
If. 82.
L iiij.
And loue wele ilkea neghboure
Right as youre selfe, certayne. 168
15. lis Doct. Nowe sone, sen Jjou haste tolde vs two,
Whilke ar pe viij ? can }jou ought saye ?
[Jesus]. The iij biddis whare so je goo,
pat je schall halowe pe halyday. 172
Than is Jje fourthe for frende or foo,
That fadir and modir honnoure ay.
The vte you biddis noght for to sloo
No man nor woman by any way. 176
The vjte, suthly to see,
Comaundis both more and myne,
That thei schalle fande to flee
All filthes of flesshely synne. 180
And luf welle ilk neghboure
Right as oure self certayn.
i Mag. Now, son, synthen thou has told us two.
Which ar the viij, can thou oght say ?
Jesus. The thyrd bydys, where so ye go.
That ye shalle halow the holy day.
From bodely wark ye take youre rest,
Voure household looke the same thay do.
Both wyfe, chylde, servande, and beest.
The fourt is then in weylle and wo
Thi fader, thi moder, thou shalle honowre,^
Not only with thi reuerence,
Bot in thare nede thou thaym socoure.
And kepe ay good obedyence.
The fyft bydys the no man slo,
Ne harme hym neuer in word ne dede,
Ne sufifre hym not to be in wo
If thou may help hym in his nede.
The sext bydys the thi wyfe to take.
But none othere lawfvilly.
Lust of lechery thou fle and fast forsake,
And drede ay God where so thou be.
168
173
173
174
175
177
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
165
16. The vijte fo[r]bedis you to stele
Joure neghboures goodes, more or ksse,
Whilke faute^ nowe are founden fele
Emang Jjer folke \>aX ferly is. 184
The viijte lernes 30U for to be lele,
Here for to bere no false witnesse.
Joure neghbours house, whilkis je haue hele,
The ixte biddis take nojt be stresse. 188
His wiife nor his women
The x*s biddis nojt coveyte.
They are fie biddingis x,
Whoso will lelly layte, 192
17. ii™ Doct. Be-halde howe he alleggis oure lawe,
And lered neuere on boke to rede. ^
Full subtill sawes, me thinkefi, he sales, \
And also trewe, yf we take hede. 196
The doctors are
full of wonder,
for he never
learned to read.
ii Mag.
The vij bydys the be no thefe feyr,
Ne nothng wyn with trechery,
Oker, ne symony, thou com not nere,
Bot conscyence clere ay kepe truly.
The viij byddes the be true in dede
And fals wytnes looke thou none bere,
Looke thou not ly for freynd ne syb,
Lest to thi saulle that it do dere.
The ix byddes the not desyre
Thi neghbur's wyfe ne his women,
Bot as holy kirk wold it were
Right so thi purpose sett it in.
The X byddes the for nothyng
Thi neghbuTS goodys yeme wrongwysly.
His house, his rent, ne his hafyng.
And Cristen fayth trow stedfastly.
Thus in tabyls shalle ye ken
Oure Lord to Moyses wrate.
Thise ar the commaundementes ten,
Who so wille lely layt.
Behald how he lege oure lawes.
And leryd neuer on booke to rede;
Fnlle sotelle sawes me thynk he says
And also true, if we take hede.
i»8
187
190
191
194
196
166 XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
iiioa Doct. ^a. 1 late hym wende fourth on his wayes ;
For and he dwelle, withouten drede,
The pepuU schall full sone hym prayse
Wele more pan vs for all oure dede. 200
ius Doot. Nay, nay, fian wer we wrang,
Such speking wille we spare.
Als he come late hym gang,
And move vs nowe nomore. 204
[I^nfer Mary and Joseph?^
18. Mar. A ! dere Joseph, what is youre rede ?
If- 82 b. Of oure grete bale no bote may be,
Mary is full of Myne harte is heuy as any lede
sorrow, she has ' ^ ■^
thrfe'^da" ^°" ^^ scmcly sone tille hym I see. 208
Nowe haue [we] sought in ilk a stede,
Bo]3e vppe and doune, ther ^ days thre.
And whedir jjat he be quyk or dede
3itt wote we noght, so wo is me ! 212
iii Mag. Yei, lett hym furth on his wayes,
For if he dwelle withoutten drede
The pepylle wille ful soyn hym prayse
Welle more then vs for alia oure dede. 200
i Hag. Nay, nay, then wyrk we wrang,
Sich spekyng wille we spare.
As he cam let hym gang,
And mefe vs not no mare.
204
Tunc venient Josephus et Maria, et dicet Maria :
Maria. A dere Josephe ! what is youre red ?
Of oure greatt baylle no boytt may be.
My hart is heuy as any lede
My semely son to I hym se. 208
Now haue we soght in euery sted ^
Both vp and downe thise dayes thre.
And wheder he be whik or dede
Yit wote we not ; so wo is me ! 212
1 MS. has thre.
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
167
Jos. Mysese had neuere man more,
But mournyng may not mende ;
I rede forther we fare
Till God some socoure sende.
19. Aboute jone tempill if he be ought,
I wolde we wiste Jjis ilke nyght.
Mar. A ! sir, I see Tpat we haue sought !
In worlde was neuere so semely a sight.
Lo I where he sittis, ^[e] se hym noght .'
Emong jone maistiris mekill of myght.
Jos. Now blist be he vs hedir brought,
For in lande was neuere non so light.
Mar. A ! dere Joseph, als we haue cele.
Go furthe and fette youre sone and myne,
This day is gone nere ilke a dele,
And we haue nede for to gang hyne.
20. Jos. With men of myght can I not mell.
Than all my trauayle mon I tyne,
2l6
He may be in
the temple.
230 She 5ees him
afar off, sitting
among the
doctors.
224
Mary wishes
Joseph to go
forward and
fetch him.
328
Joseph. Sorow had neuer man mare,
Bot mowr[n]yng, Mary, may not amende;
Farthemer I red we fare
To God som socoure send. 316
Abowtt the tempylle if he be oght
That wold I that we wyst this nyght.
Maria. A certes, I se that we haue soght,
In warld was neuer so semely a sight; 220
Lo, where he syttes, se ye hymn noght,
Amanges yond masters mekylle of myght?
Joseph. Blyssyd be he vs heder broght !
In land now lyfes there none so light. 224
Maria. Now dere Joseph, as have ye seylle,
Go furthe and fetche youre son and myne;
This day is goyn nere ilka deylle,
And we have nede for to go hien. 228
Joseph. With men of myght can I not melle
Then alle my trauelle mon I tyne ;
168
XX. THE SPOEIERS AND LORIMERS.
but he cannot
mix with such
line folk, gay
in furs.
* Your agfc would
be respected.'
If. 83.
L V.
He is shame-
fast.
I can nojt with Jjenl, })is wate }>ou wele.
They are so gay in furres fyne. 232
Mar. To }>am youre herand for to say
Suthly je thar nojt drede no dele,
They will take rewarde to you all way,
Be-cause of elde ; J)is wate je wele, 236
Jos. When I come there what schall I saye ?
I wate neuere, als haue I cele.
Sertis, Marie, Jjou will haue me schamed for ay.
For I can nowthir croke nor knele. 240
Theygotogether, 21. Mar. Go we to-gedir, I halde it beste,
Vn-to jone worthy wysse in wede,
And yf I see, als haue I reste,
pat je will no5t, })an bus me nede. 244
Joa. Gange on, Marie, and telle thy tale firste.
Thy sone to {je will take goode heede ;
Wende fourth, Marie, and do thy beste,
I come be-hynde, als God me spede. 248
Mary first,
Joseph following.
I can not with thaym, that wote ye welle,
Thay are so gay in furrys fyne. 232
Maria. To thaym youre erand forto say.
Surely that thar ye drede no deylle,
Thay wille take hede to you alway
Be-cause of eld, this wote I weyll. 236
Joseph. When I com thar what shalle I say?
For I wote not, as have I ceylle ;
Bot thou wille haue me shamyd for ay.
For I can nawthere crowke ne knele. 240
Ma.ria. Go we togeder, I hold it best.
Unto yond worthy wyghtes in wede,
And if I se, as I have rest,
That ye wille not then must I nede. 244
Joseph. Go thou and telle thi taylle fyrst,
Thi son to se wille take good hede ;
Weynd furthe, Mary, and do thi best^
I com behynd, as God me spede. 2^8
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE.
169
Mar. A ! dere sone Jesus !
Sen we loue })e allone,
Why dosse }jou jjus till vs,
And gares vs make swilke mone?
22. Thy fadir and I be-twyxte vs twa
Son for thy loue has likid ill S
We haue ]>e sought both to & froo,
Wepand full sore as wightis will.
Jesus. Wherto shulde je seke me soo ?
Ofte tymes it hase ben tolde you till,
My fadir werkis, for wele or woo,
Thus am I sente for to fulfyll.
Mar. There sawes, als haue I cele,
Can I nojt vndirstande ;
I schall thynke on jsam wele.
To ffonde what is folowand.
23. Jos. Now sothely sone, Jie sight of pe
Hath salued vs of all oure sore ;
[They come forward.
Mary reproaches
Jesus,
252
256
but he was
* about his
Father's
business.'
260
264.
Maria. A, dere son, Jesus !
Sythen we luf the alone
Whi dos thou tylle vs thus
And gars vs make this mone? 252
Thi fader and I betwix vs two.
Son, for thi luf has lykyd ylle,
We haue the soght both to and fro
Wepeand sore, as Vfyghtis wylle. 256
Jesus. Wherto shuld ye, moder, seke me so ?
Oft tymes it has bene told ye tylle
My fader warkys for wele or wo.
Thus am I sent for to fiilfylle. 260
Thise sawes, as haue I ceylle,
I can welle vnderstande
I shalle thynk on them weylle
To fownd what is folowand. 264
Joseph. Now sothtly, son, the sight of the
Has comforthed vs of all oure care ;
' The MS. originally had san at the end of 1. 251, the later hand places
it as above.
170
XX. THE SPORIERS AND LORIMERS.
If. 83 b.
Jesus goes with
them.
The doctors beg
him to conceal
the new things
they have talked
of, and invite him
to stay with them.
His obedience
to friends.
Come furth, sone, with Ipi modir and me,
Att Nazareth I wolde we wore. 268
Jesiis. Be-leves wele, lordis free,
For with my frendis nowe will I fare.
i doct. Nowe, sone, wher Jjou schall bide or be S
God make Jje gode man eu^rmore ! 272
No wondir if jone wiflfe
Of his fynding be full fayfte ;
He schall (and he haue liflP)
Proue till a praty swayne. 276
24. But sone, loke fiat Jsou layne for gud or ill
pe note Tpai we haue nemed her nowe,
And if it like Tpe to lende her stille,
And wonne with vs, welcome art Jiowe. 280
JesuB. Graunte mercy. Sirs, of youre gode will,
No lenger liste me lende with 50U,
My frendis thoughtis I wol fulfiUe
And to )3er bidding baynely bowe. 284
Com furth, now with thi moder and me
At Nazareth I wold we ware. a68
Jesus. Be leyf then, ye lordynges fre.
For with my freyndys now wylle I fare.
i Mag. Son, where so thou shalle abyde or be
God make the good man euer mare. 273
ii Mag. No wonder if thou, wife,
Of his fyndyng be fayn ;
He shalle, if he haue lyfe,
Prefe to a fuUe good swayn. 276
iii Mag. Son, looke thou layn for good or ylle
The noyttes that we haue nevened now ;
And if thou lyke to abyde here sty He,
And with us won, welcome art thou. 380
Jesus. Gramercy, syrs, of youre good wyll !
No longer lyst I byde with you,
My freyndys thoght I shalle fulfylle,
And to thare bydyng baynly bow. 284
' The words of be in MS. stand at beginning of 1. 272.
CHRIST WITH THE DOCTOES IN THE TEMPLE. 171
Mar. Full wele is vs Jsis tyde,
Nowe maye we make goode chere.
Jos. No lenger will we bide,
Fares wele, all folke in feere. 288
Jfic, Maria, Joseph,
Primus doctor, secundus doctor, Sf tercius doctor '■.
Maria. Full welle is me this tyde,
Now may we make good chere.
Joseph. No longer wylle we byde,
Fare welle alle folk in fere. 288
' These names are here in the original hand.
If. 84.
L v^.
XXL THE BARBOURS.
The Baptism of yesus.
Maith. iii. 1-3,
13-17-
Men are so dull
that John's
preaching is
useless.
John is a fore-
runner,
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Johannes [the Baptist], Primus Angelus.
Jesus. Secundus Angelus.]
[Scene, by the river Jordan^
1. Joh. \ LMIGHTY god and lord verray,
2^ Full woundyrfuU is mannys lesyng,
For yf I preche tham day be day,
And telle tham, lorde, of thy comyng,
pat all has wrought.
Men are so dull Jiat my preching
Semes of noght.
2. When I haue, lord, in the name of the
Baptiste {>e folke in watir clere,
pan haue I saide jjat aftir me
Shall he come Jjat has more powere
Jjan I to taste.
He schall giffe baptyme more entire
in fire and gaste.
3. pus am I comen in message right,
And be fore-reyner in certayne.
In witnesse-bering of ]3at light,
pe wiche schall light in ilka a man
J)at is comand
In»to this worlde ; nowe whoso can
may vndirstande.
16
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.
173
4. Thej folke had farly of my fare,
And what I was full faste jsei spied,
They askid yf I a prophete ware, 24
And I saide ' nay ' ; but sone I wreyede
high aperte.
I saide I was a voyce that cryede
here in deserte. j8
6. ' Loke Jjou make Jje redy,' ay saide I,
' Vn-to oure lord god most of myght,
pat is jjat }30u be clene haly.
In worde, in werke, ay redy dight 32
Agayns oure lord,
With parfite hffe J^at ilke a wight
be well restored.
e. For if we be clene in levyng,
Oure bodis are goddis tempyll Jsan
In the whilke he will make his dwellyng,
Ther-fore be clene, bothe wiffe and man.
Jjis is my reed ;
God will make in yowe haly jjan
his wonnyng-steed.
7. And if je sette all youre delyte
In luste and lykyng of Ipis lifF, 44
Than will he turne fro yow als tyte
By-cause of synne, boyth of man & wiffe,
And fro jou flee.
For w[i]th whome Jjat synne is riffe
Will god noght be.'
8. Ang. pou John, take tente what I schall saye,
I brynge pe tythandis wondir gode.
My lorde Jesus schall come Jjis day,
Fro Galylee vn-to Jiis flode
5e Jourdane call,
Baptyme to take myldely with mode
)3is day he schall. 56
a voice crying in
the wilderness,
Make ready by
a perfect life.
36
40
If. 84 b.
God will turn
from those who
only love this
life.
48
52 Jesus will come
to-day to be
baptized in
Jordan.
174
XXI. THE BARBOURS.
John is afraid.
The descent of
the dove foretold.
9. John, of his sande ther-fore be gladde,
And thanke hym hartely, both lowde and still.
Joh.^ I thanke hym euere, but I am radde!
I am nojt abill to full-fill
}jis dede certayne.
ii Ang. John, Jje aught with harte and will
To be full bayne
10. To do his bidding, all by-dene.
Bot in his baptyme, John, take tente,
pe heuenes schalle be oppen sene,
The holy gost schalle doune be sente
To se in sight,
The fadirs voyce with grete talent
be herde full rijt,
11. pat schall sale Jius to hym for-thy ^ '
6o
64
68
Baptism is to
cleanse man of
sin, but here is
no sin.
If. 85.
L viij.
* Man's nature is
weak.
12. Joh. With wordes fewne /a
I will be subgett nyght & day
as me well awe, 74
To serue my lord Jesu to paye
in dede & sawe. 76
13. Bot wele I wote, baptyme is tane
To wasshe and dense man of synne.
And wele I wotte f>at synne is none
In hym, with-oute ne with-inne. 80
What nedis hym than
For to be baptiste more or myne
als synfuU man ?
14. Jesus. John, kynde of man is freele 84
To })e whilke Jjat I haue me knytte,
But I shall shewe ]>e skyllis twa,
pat fiou schallt knawe by kyndly witte
' Johannes is inserted by the late hand.
^ A late side-note says here 'hie caret,' and it is evident that several
lines are wanting : 11. 71 to 76 seem to be relics of two stanzas. There is
no blank in MS., and 11. 72, 73 are in one.
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.
175
By-cause why I haue ordand swa ;
and ane is fiis,
Mankynde may nojt vn-baptymde go
to ' endless blys.
15. And sithen my selfife haue taken mankynde ^^
For men schall me fier myr^roure make.
'f haue my doyng in ther mynde,
And also I do J^e baptyme take.
I will for-thy
My selfe be baptiste, for ther sake,
foil oppynly,
16. Anodir skill I schall pe tell,
My wille is {sis, Jjat fro pis day
pe vertue ^ of my baptyme dwelle
In baptyme-watir euere and ay,
Mankynde to taste,
Thurgh my grace fierto to take alway
\>e haly gaste.
17. Joh. All myghtfuU lorde, grete is pi grace,
I thanke pe of ]?i grete fordede.
Jesus. Cum, baptise me, John, in J)is place.
Joh. Lorde 1 saue thy grace J^at I for-bede
pat itt soo be ;
For lorde, me thynketh it wer more nede
pou baptised me.
18. pat place Jjat I yarne moste of all,
Fro thens come })ou, lorde, as I gesse,
How schulde I Jjan, |?at is a thrall,
Giflfe pe baptyme, Jjat rightwis is,
And has ben euere ?
For J30U arte roote of rightwissenesse,
pat forfette neuere.
he may not go
unbaptized.
92
96
I shall be a
mirror for men.
Baptismal water
will ever after
have virtue/
104
108
John will not
baptize Jesus ;
* How should
a slave baptize
H 6 the righteous ?
^ MS. has ^^.
Vertue is a later correction for the original wittnesse.
176
XXI. THE BARBOURS.
What rich man
begs from the
poor?'
If. 8s b.
19. What riche man gose from dore to dore
To begge at hym Jjat has right noght .'
Lorde, Jjou arte riche and I am full poure,
pou may blisse all, sen jjou all wrought.
Fro heuen come all
pat helpes in erthe", yf soth be sought,
fro erthe but small.
20. Jesus. Thou sais full wele, John, certaynly,
But sufFre nowe for heuenly made,
pat rightwisnesse be nojt oonlye
Fullfillid in worde, but also in dede,
thrughe baptyme clere.
Cum, baptise me in my manhed
Appertly here.
21. Fyrst schall I take, sen schall I preche,
For so be-hovis mankynde fulfiUe
All right-wissenesse, als werray leche.
Joh. Lord, I am redy at pi will,
And will be ay.
Thy subgett lord, both lowde and still,
in J>at I may.
John trembles to 22. A ! lorde, I trymblc ber I stande,
touch Jesus. 1 , , ,
So am I arow to do pat dede.
But saue me lord, paX all ordand.
For the to touche haue I grete drede,
for doyngs dark.
Now helpe me lorde, thurgh Jii godhede,
to do Jiis werke.
As a true phy-
sician Chnst
must himself
first take, then
he can preach.
He bapdzes
Jesus in *he
name of the
Trinity,
23. Jesu, my lord of myghtis most,
I baptise Tpe here in ]>e name
Of the fadirand of the sone and holy gost 1
124
128
132
136
I40
144
14s
148
' MS. has erthes.
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.
177
But in Ipis dede, lorde, right no blame
pis day by me. 152
And bryngis all thase to thy home
fiat trowes in pe.
Tunc cantabani duo angeli Veni creator spirtius.
24. Jesus. John, for mannys prophyte, wit Jjou wele,
Take I })is baptyme, certaynely, 156
The dragons poure ilk a dele
Thurgh my baptyme distroyed haue I ;
pis is certayne ;
And saued mankynde, saule and body, 160
fro endles payne.
25. What man jsat trowis and baptised be
Schall saued be and come to blisse,
Who-so trowes nojt, to payne endles 164
He schalbe dampned sone, trowe wele \>\b.
But wende we nowe
Wher most is nede \>e folke to wisse,
both I & 30U. 168
26. Joh. I loue jje lorde, as souereyne leche,
That come to salue men of {lare sore,
As )3ou comaundis I schall gar preche,
And lere to euery man Jjat lare, 172
That are was thrall.
[To the audience.'] Now sirs, jsat barne Jsat marie bare,
be with 50U alP. 175
' Notes in i6tli century hand. ' Hie caret finem. This matter is newly
mayd & devysed, wherof we haue no coppy regystred.'
and saves himself
from blame.
This baptism is
for man's profit,
to destroy the
dragon's power.
If. 86.
Mj.
He who is bap-
tized shall be
saved, he who is
not shall be
damned.
It XXII. THE SMYTHISi.
Mij,
T^e Temptation of Jesus.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
DiABOLUS. Primus Angelus.
Jesus. Secundus Angelus.]
[Scene, the Wilderness.]
L«^\v\-z"' ^' ■°*®'^- MAKE rome be-lyve, and late me gang,
The devil is in Who makis here all bis brang ?
a great fuss and i i o
•^'s- High you hense ! high myght jou hang
right with a roppe. 4
I drede me Jjat I dwelle to lang
to do a jape.
Since he fell 2. For sithen the firste tyme jsat I fell
For my pride fro heuen to hell, 8
Euere haue I mustered me emell
emonge manne-kynde,
How I in dole myght gar tham dwell
Jjer to be pynde. 12
he has plotted 3. And certis, all bat hath ben sithen borne,
against mankind,
and they have Has comen to me. mydday and morne,
come to mm. • •/ j
And I haue ordayned so J3am forne,
none may Jjame fende ; i6
pat fro all likyng ar they lorne
withowten ende.
' The i6th century hand inserts Lokk before Smythis.
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS.
179
4. And nowe sum men spekis of a swayne,
Howe he schall come and suffre payne,
And with his dede to blisse agayne
p[e]i schulde be bought ;
But certis Jsis tale is but a trayne,
I trowe it nojt.
5. For I wotte ilke a dele by-dene,
Of Jie mytyng Jjat men of mene,
How he has in grete barett bene
sithen he was borne ;
And suffered mekill traye aijd tene,
bojje even & morne.
6. And nowe it is brought so aboute,
pat lurdayne jjat pei loue and lowte,
To wildernesse he is wente owte,
with-owtyne moo ;
To dere hym nowe haue I no doute,
be-twyxte vs two.
7. Be-fore })is t) me he has bene tent,
Tpai I myght gete hym with no glent,
But now sen he allone is wente
I schall assay,
And garre hym to sum synne assente.
If fiat I may.
8. He has fastid, Jjat marris his mode,
Ther fourty dayes with-owten foode.
If he be man in bone and bloode,
hym hungris ill ;
In glotonye fian halde I gude
to witt his will.
9. For so it schall be knowen and kidde
If godhed be in hym hidde.
If he will do as I hym bidde
Whanne I come nare.
N 2
But now it is said
they shall be
redeemed.
H
This mighty one
has been in strife
since his birth.
28
32
He is now in the
wilderness,
36
' no fear, but
I can injure him,
as he is alone.
40
If. 87 b.
44
I will try him
through
48 gluttony.'
180 XXII. THE SMYTHIS.
per was neuere dede jjat euere he dide,
pat greued hym warre.
^Approaches Jesus.]
10. pou witty man and wise of rede,
' If thou art of If bou Can ought of godhede, 56
God, make these
stones bread. Byd nowe ])at Jjer Stones be brede,
Betwyxte vs two ;
pan may \>e[ stande thy-selfe in stede,
and othir moo. 60
11. For pou hast fastid longe, I wane,
I wolde now som mete wer sene
For olde acqueyntaunce vs by-twene,
Thy-selue wote howe. 64
I will tell no Ther sail noman witte what I mene
one.
but I and })0u.
12. Jesus. My Fadir, })at all cytte may slake,
Honnoure euere more to pe I make, 68
And gladly suflSr I for thy sake
swilk velany ;
And J)us temptacions for to take
of myn enemy. ^2
■Thou cursed^ 13. pou wericd wight ! Jji wittes are wode I
thins;, man lives
not by bread For wrytyu it IS, whoso vndirstande,
alone.
A man lyvis noght in mayne and mode
with brede allone. 76
But goddis wordis are gostly fode
to men ilkone.
14. Iff I haue fastid oute of skill,
Wytte })0U me hungris not so ill 80
I shall do my pat I ue wiU wirke my fadirs will
Father's will.' -^ ■'
in all degre,
pi biddyng will I nojt full-fill,
pat warne I pe. 84
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS.
181
15. Diab. [aside.] A ! slyke carping neuere I kende,
Hym hungres nojt as I wende ;
Nowe sen thy fadir may Jje fende
be sotill sleghte,
Late se yf jsou allone may lende
}3er vppon heghte,
16 Vppon fie pynakill parfitely \
A ! ha ! nowe go we wele ther-by !
I schall assaye in vayne-glorie
to garre hym falle.
And if he be goddis sone myghty,
witte I schall.
17. [To/esus.] Nowe liste to me a litill space,
If Jjou be goddis sone, full of grace,
Shew som poynte here in J3is place
■ to proue Jji myght.
Late se, falle doune vppon jji face,
here in my sight.
18. For it is wretyn, as wele is kende.
How God schall aungellis to pe sende,
And they schall kepe pe in Jser hande
wher-so fiou gose,
pat }30U schall on no stones descende
to hurte pi tose.
19. And sen Jjou may with-outen wathe
Fall, and do thy selffe no skathe,
Tumbill downe to ease vs bathe
here to my fete ;
And but Jjou do I will be wrothe,
fiat I pe hette.
20. Jesus. Late be, warlow, thy wordis kene.
For wry ten it is, with-outen wene,
If. 8S.
M iij.
* Hunger does
not touch him,
92
I shall try vain-
glory.'
96
' Show me thy
power here ;
104
108
fall, and do
not hurt thyself. .
116
' Marginal note here, ' tunc cantant angeli, veni creator/ in later hand.
182
XXII. THE SMYTHIS.
' Tempt me not ! Thy god )30u schall not tempte with tene,
nor with discorde ;
Ne quarell schall Jjou none mayntene
agaynste pi lorde.
21. And jserfore trowe Jjou, with-outen trayne,
Be subject to thy pat all ]>i gaudes schall no thyng gayne,
Be subgette to jji souereyne
arely and late.
Diab. [a«'ii^.] What I Jjis trauayle is in vayne,
be ought I watte 1
22. He proues J)at he is mekill of price,
perfore it is goode I me avise,
And sen I may nojt on Jiis wise
make hym my thrall,
I will assaye in couetise
to garre hym fall.
23. For certis I schall no5t leue hym jitt.
Who is my souereyne, Jjis wolde I witte.
\To Jesus i\ My selfFe ordande \>t J30re to sitte,
jjis wote J30U wele,
And right euen as I ordande itt,
is done ilke dele.
The devil will
try covetousness.
If. 88 b.
' I am thy
sovereign.
24. pan may Jjou se sen itt is soo
pat I am souerayne of vs two.
And jitt I graunte J3e or I goo,
withouten fayle,
pat, if Jjou woU assent me too,
it schall avayle.
and wield this 25. For I hauc all Jiis worlde to welde,
Totire and toune, forest and felde.
If Jjou thyn herte will to me helde
with wordis hende,
jitt will I baynly be thy belde,
and faithfuU frende.
124
128
132
136
i+o
144
148
THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS.
183
156
26. Be-halde now, ser, and J30U schalt see,
Sere kyngdomes and sere centre ;
AUe Tpis wile I giffe to Jje
for euer more,
And }30U falle and honour me,
as I saide are.
27. Jesus. Sees of thy sawes, jsou Sathanas,
I graunte no-thyng }jat Jjou me askis,
To pyne of helle I bide Jje passe
and wightely wende ;
And wonne in woo, as jjou are was,
with-outen ende.
28. Non othyr myght schalbe thy mede,
For wretyn it is, who right can rede.
Thy lord God \>e aught to drede
and honoure ay ;
And serue hym in worde and dede,
both nyjt and d :y.
29. And sen Ipou dose not as I J^e tell,
No lenger liste me late Jje dwell,
I comaunde pe ]>o\i hy to hell
and holde pe fiare ;
With felawschip of frendis fell
for euer mare.
30. Diab. Owte I I dar nojt loke, alias !
Itt is warre pan euere it was,
He musteres what myght he has,
hye mote he hang !
Folowes fast, for me bus pas
[Angeis appear.] to paynes Strang. [Ejei/. 180
31. Ang. A 1 mercy lorde, what may Jjis mene,
Me merueyles Jsat 56 thole jsis tene
Of this foule fende cant and kene,
carpand jou till I 184
J e 2 Hngdoms are
yours
if thou honourest
me.'
' Satan, cease !
return to hel].
160
164
168
X72 and stay there.
If. 8g.
M iiij.
1^6 Satan laments
while returning
to hell.
The angel
wonders at the
mildness of
Jesus.
184
XXII. THE SMYTHIS.
Jesus is a mirror
to men,
they can over-
come the devil
if they will.
Bless those who
withstand the
iiend and his
temptations.
And 56 his wickidnesse, I wene,
may waste at will.
32. Me thynke J)at je ware straytely stedde,
Lorde, with }jis fende Tpa.t nowe is fledde.
Jesus. Myn aungell dere, be nojt adred,
he may not greue ;
The haly goste me has ledde,
Jius schal J)ow leue.
33. For whan ]>e fende schall folke see,
And salus fiam in sere degre,
pare myrroure may fei make of me,
for to stande still ;
For ouere-come schall J)ei nojt be,
bot yf Jjay will.
34. ii Ang. A ! lorde, Jiis is a grete mekenesse,
In yow in whome al mercy is.
And at youre wille may deme or dresse
als is worthy ;
And thre temptacions takes expres,
fius suflSrrantly.
35. Jesus. My blissing haue Jiei with my hande,
pat with swilke greffe is no5t grucchand.
And also }jat will stiiFely stande
agaynste pe fende.
I knawe my tyme is faste command,
now will I wende.
i88
192
196
204
208
XXIII. THE CORIOURS.
Nj.
The Transfiguration.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus Pater.
Jesus.
Petrus.
Jacobus.
Johannes.
MOYSES.
Helyas.]
[Scene, _/frj'/ on the way to the mountain, then the mountain itself ?[
1. Jesus. PETIR, myne awne discipill dere,
And James and John, my cosyns two,
Takis hartely hede, for je schall here
Jjat I wille telle vnto nomoo. 4
And als je schall see sightis seere,
Whjlke none schall see bot je alsoo,
Therfore comes forth, with me in fere,
For to 50ne mountayne will I goo. 8
Ther schall je see a sight
Whilk 56 haue jerned lange.
Fetrus. My lorde, we are full light
And glad with Jje to gange*. i2
2. Jesus ^. Longe haue je covey te for to kenne
My fadir, for I sette hym be-fore,
And wele je wote whilke tyme and when
In Galyle gangand we were. i6
' Lines g-i2 are written as two in the MS.
^ The words cum Moysez et Elias are written after Iflc in the margin of
the MS., by the i6th cent. hand.
Mark ix. 2-g.
Matth. xvii, 1-9.
Jesus with Peter,
James, and John,
go to a mountain.
186
XXIII. THE CORIOURS.
In Galilee they
had wished to see
the Father.
John xiv. 8,
Reports as to
Jesus.
Luke ix. jS-z2.
If. 93 b.
Peter said he was
Christ.
' Bide now till
ye have seen
my Father.'
' Shewe vs thy ifadir,' Jjus saide je then,
' pat suffice vs with-outen more ; '
I saide to jou and to all men,
' Who seis me, seis my fadyr Ipore.' 20
Such wordis to 50U I spakke.
In trewthe to make jou bolde,
3e cowde noght vndyr-take
The tales Jiat I 50U tolde. h
3, Anodir tyme, for to encresse
3oure trouthe, and worldly you to wys,
I saide, quern dicunt homines
esse filium hominis ? 28
I askid 50W wham Jje pepill chase
To be mannys sone, with-outen mys ?
3e aunswered and saide, ' sum ^ moyses,'
And sum saide Jjan, ' Hely it is.' 32
And sum saide, ' John Baptist ; '
pan more I enquered you jitt,
I askid jiff je ought wiste
Who I was, by youre witte. 36
4. You aunswered, Petir, for thy prowe,
And saide Jiat I was Crist, God sonne ;
Bot of thy selffe Jjat had noght J^owe,
My Fadir hadde J3at grace be-gonne. 40
perfore bese bolde and biddis now ^
To tyme je haue my Fadir sonne.
Jacobus. Lord, to thy byddyng will we bowe
Full buxumly, as we are bonne. 44
Johaimes. Lorde, we will wirke thy will
All way with trewe entent.
We love God lowde and stille,
Jjat vs jjis layne has lente. 48
' MS. has sam.
^ The words ' and biddis now ' stand at beginning of 1. 41 in MS.
THE TRANSFIGURATION.
187
5. Petrus. Full glad and blithe awe vs to be,
And thanke cure maistir, mekill of mayne,
pat sais, we schall pe sightis see,
The whiche non othir schall see certayne. 52
Jacob. He talde vs of his Fadir free,
Of Jjat fare wolde we be full fayne.
Joh. All lpa,t he hyghte vs holde will hee,
Therfore we will no forther frayne, 56
But as he fifouchesafFe
So sail we vndirstande.
[En/er Moses and Elias ; Jesus, between them, is transfigured, a
bright light shining,]
Beholde ! her we haue nowe in hast
Som new tythandys ! 60
6. Helyas. Lord God 1 I loue Tpe lastandly,
And highly, botht with harte and hande,
pat me, thy poure prophett Hely,
Haue steuened me in fiis stede to stande.
In Paradise wonnand am I,
Ay sen I lefte Jjis erthely lande ;
I come Cristis name to clarifie.
And god his Fadir me has ordand.
And for to here witnesse
In worde to man and wyffe,
pat Jsis his owne sone is
And lord of lastand lifF.
The disciples an-
ticip " ' " '" '
sigh
ticipate high
■jhts,
7. Moyses. Lord god 1 fiat all welthis wele,
With wille and witte we wirschippe pe,
pat vn-to me, Moyses, wolde tell
pis grete poynte of thy pryuyte.
And hendly hente me oute of hell,
pis solempne syght for I schuld see,
Whan thy dere darlynges J)at jsore dwell
Hase noght thy grace in swilk degree.
but ask no
further.
64
68
If. 94.
Nij/
Elias thanks God
for summoning
him from Para-
dise.
73
Moses has been
fetched out of
76 hell
80
188
XXIII. THE CORIOURS.
to see the sight
now shown.
The light is
dazzling.
The disciples are
awe-struck
If. 94 b.
at the splendour
of Christ.
The disciples in-
quire of Elias
and Moses.
84
88
92
10.
• My place in
Paradise is near
Enoch.
Oure fforme-flfadyrs full fayne
Wolde se this solempne sight,
pat^ in Jjis place })us pleyne
Is mustered thurgh Tpie myght.
Petrus. Brethir, what euere jone brightnes be ?
Swilk burdis be-forne was neuere sene,
It marres my myght, I may not see,
So selcouth thyng was neuere sene.
Jacob. What it will worthe, })at wote nojt wee,
How wayke I waxe, je will not wene,
Are was per one, now is ther thre,
We thynke oure maistir is be-twene.
Joh. That oure maistir is thare
pat may we trewly trowe,
He was full fayre be-flfore,
But neuere als he is nowe.
Petrus. His clothyng is white as snowe.
His face schynes as fie sonne.
To speke with hym I haue grete awe,
Swilk fifaire be-fore was neuere fune.
Jacob, pe tothir two fayne wolde I knawe,
And witte what werke J^am hedir has wonne.
Joh.. I rede we aske J^am all on rowe,
And grope })am how Jjis game is begonne.
Petrus. [To £h'as and Moses.] My bredir, if fiat je be come
To make clere Cristis name,
Telles here till vs thre,
For we seke to \>e same. 108
Elias. Itt is Goddis will Jiat we 50U wys
Of his werkis, as is worthy.
I haue my place in Paradise,
Ennok my brodyr me by. 112
Als messenger withouten mys
Am I called to this company,
' MS. has])afi.
104
THE TRANSFIGURATION.
189
To witnesse Jjat goddis sone is jjis,
Euyn with hym mette and all myghty.
To dede we wer noght dight,
But quyk schall we come,
With Antecrist for to fyght,
Beflfore pe day of dome.
11. Moyses. Frendis, if Jjat je ffrayne my name,
Moyses Jjan may je rede by rawe,
Two thousand jere aftir Adam
pan gaffe God vn-to me his lawe.
And sythen in helle has bene oure hame,
Alias ! Adam's kynne Jjis schall je knawe,
Vn-to crist come, \>\s is \>e same,
pat vs schall fro TpaX dongeoun drawe.
He schall brynge fiam to blys,
pat nowe in bale are bonne.
This myrthe we may not mys.
For this same is Goddis sonne.
12. Jesus. My dere discipill, drede jou nojt,
I am joure souerayne certenly,
This wondir werke ]?at here is wrought
Is of my Fadir al-myghty.
pire both are hydir brought,
pe tone Moyses, ]>e todir Ely,
And for youre sake Jjus are Jsei sought
To saie jou, his sone am I.
So schall bothe heuen & helle
Be demers of Jjis dede,
And je in erth schall tell
My name wher itt is nede.
13. Petrus. A I loued, be J)ou euere, my lord Jesus,
pat all J>is solempne sight has sent,
pat ifouchest saffe to schew fie Tpns,
So Jjat Jji myghtis may be kende.
X am come to
bear witness to
u6 God's son. We
did not die.
but shall fight
Antechristlse-
j 20 ^O""^ Dooms-day.'
If. gs-
Niij.
124
* I am come from
hell;
this is he who
shall draw thence
J 2 8 all Adam's kin. '
132
* Fear not, my
dear friends,
136
this wonder is
wrought for
I JO your sake,'
144
The disciples
worship Jesus,
14S
190
XXni. THE CORIOURS.
If. 95 b.
and desire to
erect three
tabernacles.
' He promises his
men a lodging in
heaven.
we will stajr
where he wills.'
The Father de-
scendSj he re-
bukes their fears,
and bears witness
to his son ;
[the three are
stunned; they
hear a noise, but
do not under-
stand. Cf. 11.
184, 205, 217.]
Here is full faire dwellyng for vs,
A lykand place in for to lende,
A 1 lord, late vs no forther trus,
For we will make with herte and hende
A taburnakill vn-to Jse
Be-lyue, and fiou will bide,
One schall to Moyses be,
And to Ely the thirde.
14. Jacob, ^a. ! wittirly, Jjat were wele done,
But vs awe noght swilk case to craue ;
pam thare but saie and haue it sone.
Such seruice and he fouchesaife.
He hetis his men both morne and none
pare herber high in heuen to haue,
Therfore is beste we bide hys bone ;
Who othir reedis, rudely ]>ei raue.
Joh. Such sonde as he will sende
May mende all oure mischeue.
And where hym lykis to lende.
We will lende, with his leue.
fft'c descendunt nubes, Pater in nube ^
15. Pater. 5^ ffebill of faithe ! folke affraied,
Beis nojt aferde for vs in feere,
I am joure God fiat gudly grayth
Both erthe and eyre w' clowdes clere.
pis is my sone, as je haue saide,
As he has schewed by sygnes sere ;
Of all his werkis I am wele paied,
Therfore till hym takis hede and here.
Where he is, Jsare am I,
He is myne and I am his,
Who trowis }jis stedfastly
Shall byde in endles blisse.
' Original stage direction.
15'
156
160
16^
168
172
176
180
THE TRANSFIGURATION.
191
16. Jesus. Petir, pees be vnto pe I
And to jou also, James and John !
Rise vppe and tellis me what je see,
And beis no more so wille of wone.
If. 516.
N liij.
Jesus sjjeaks to
the disciples.
[^TAe marvel vanishes.
Petrus. A 1 lorde, what may ^ jjis mervayle be.
Whedir is \)\s glorious gleme al gone ?
We saugh here pleynly persones thre,
And nowe is oure lorde lefte allone.
pis meruayle movis my mynde.
And makis my ilessh aflfrayed.
Jacob, pis brightnes made me blynde,
I bode neuere swilke a brayde.
17. Joh. Lorde god ! oure maker almyghty 1
pis mater euermore be ment,
We saw two bodis stande hym by,
And saide his fadir had f>ame sent.
Petrus. There come a clowde of jse skye,
Lyght als fie lemys on ]:ame lent,
And now fares all as fantasye.
For wote nojt [we] how Jjai are wente.
Jacob, pat clowde cloumsed vs clene,
pat come schynand so clere.
Such syght was never sene.
To seke all sydis seere.
18. Joh. Nay, nay, Jjat noys noyed vs more,
pat here was herde so hydously.
Jesua. Frendis, be noght afferde afore,
I schall 50U saye encheson why.
My ffadir wiste how J3at je were
In joure faith fayland, and for-thy
He come to witnesse ay where.
And saide j^at his sone am I.
185
they are full of
amazement and
fear. * We saw
three persons.*
192
* We saw two
stand near him,
196
and a bright
cloud, now all go
like fancy.'
204
' Nay, that
hideous noise
hurt us.'
208 'f- 96 b.
Jesus comforts
them, the Father
knew they were
weak.
MS. has in.
192
XXIII. THE CORIOURS.
' No man can
live and see the
Father.*
* Our friends will
ask how we have
fared.'
' Tell no one till
the Son of man
has suffered.'
If. 97.
N V.
And also in Jjis stede
To witnesse }je same,
A quyk man and a dede
Come to make clere my name. 216
19. Petrus. A ! lord, why latest Jjou vs nojt see
Thy ffadirs face in his fayrenes ?
Jesus. Petir, }jou askis over grete degree.
That grace may nojt be graunted Tpe, I gesse. 220
In his godhed so high is he
As all joure prophetis names expresse,
pat langar of lyffe schall he noght be
pat seys his godhede as it is. 224
Here haue je sene in sight
Poyntes of his priuite,
Als mekill als erthely wighte
May sufFre in erthe to see. 228
20. And therfore wende we nowe agayne
To oure meyne, and mende fier chere.
Jacob. Oure felaws ful faste wil us frayne,
How we haue faren, al in feere. 232
Jesus, pis visioun lely loke je layne,
Vn-to no leifand lede itt lere,
Tille tyme mannys sone haue suffered payne,
And resen fro dede, kens it fian clere. 236
For all jjat trowis Jiat thyng
Of my ifadir and me,
Thay schall haue his blessing.
And myne ; so motte it be. 340
XXIV. THE CAPPEMAKERS, Etc.^
If. 99.
Oij.
The Woman taken in Adultery. The raising
of Lazarus.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus.
MULIER.
I"', Z"" JUDEUS.
3"", 4'"' JUDEUs {Lawyers^)
NUNTIUS.]
Maria.
Martha.
Lazarus.
I"', a"' Apostolus.
[Scene I, in the temple at JertesalemI]
1. i Judeiis. TEPPE fourth, late vs no lenger stande,
I J But smertely fiat oure gere wer griyde,
pis felowe Jjat we with folye fande.
Late haste vs fast fiat she wer flayed.
il Jud. We will bere witnesse and warande
How we hir raysed all vnarayed,
Agaynste Jie lawes here of oure lande
Wher sche was with hir leman laide. 8
i Jud. 3aa, and he a wedded manne,
pat was a wikkid synne.
ii Jud. pat bargayne schall sche banne,
With bale no we or we blynne. 12
2. i Jud. A 1 ffalse stodmere and stynkand stroye,
How durste Jjou stele so stille away !
' 'And hatmakers' added in i6th cent. hand. This company is also
written variously ' capmakers ' and ' capperes ' along the page-headings.
0
yohn viii. 3-
xi. 1-44.
The Jews make
a fierce accusa-
tion against the
woman.
194
XXIV. THE CAPMAKERS.
' God save you,
masters.'
If. 99 b.
' What are you
doing with that
fair woman ?'
' We have taken
her in adultery.'
* Is it true, ladyl'
' We ought not to
hlame her if she
were not guilty.'
' She must be
stoned to death,'
To do so vilaunce avowtry,
pat is so grete agaynste oure lay. i6
ii Jud. Hir bawdery schall she dere abye,
For as we sawe, so schall we saye,
And also hir wirkyng is worthy
Sho schall be demed to ded fiis day. 20
i Jud. The maistirs of ]>e lawe,
Are here even at oure hande.
ii Jud. Go we reherse by rawe
Hir fawtes as we jsam fande. [En/er Lawyers.] 24
i Jud. God saue 50U, maistirs, mekill of mayne,
pat grete clergy and counsaille can.
Hi Jud. Welcome ffrendis, but I wolde frayne
How fare je with J3at faire woman ? 28
ii Jud. A I sirs, we schall 30U sale certay[n]e
Of mekill sorowe sen sche began.
We haue hir tane with putry playne,
Hir selflf may nojt gayne-saie it fian. 3a
iv Jud. What hath sche done ? folye
In fornicacioun and synne ?
i Jud. Nay; Nay; in avowtery
Full bolde, and will nojt blynne. 36
iii Jud. A-vowtery I nemyn it noght, for schame !
It is so foule, opynly I it fye.
Is it sothe J)at jsei saie fie, dame ?
ii Jud. What ! sir, scho may it nojt denye. 40
We wer Jsan worthy for to blame
To greve hir, but sche wer gilty.
iv Jud. Now certis, Jjis is a foule defame.
And mekill bale muste be Jiar-by. 44
iii Jud. 3^ 1 Sir, je saie wele Jjore,
By lawe and rightwise rede,
Ther falles noght ellis j^erfore,
But to be stoned to dede. 48
THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY. THE RAISING OF LAZARUS. 195
5. i Jud. Sirs, sen je telle pe lawe this tyde,
And knawes J>e course in )jis centre,
Demes hir on heght, no lenger hyde,
And aftir joure wordis wirke schall we. 52
iv Jud. Beis noght so bryme, bewsheris, abide,
A new mater nowe moues me'.
6. iii Jud. He shewes my mysdedis more and myne,
I leue 30U here, late hym allone. 56
iv Jud. Owe ! here will new gaudes begynne ;
3a, grete all wele, saie )3at I am gone.
i Jud. And sen je are noght bolde,
No lengar bide will I. 60
il Jud. Pees! late no tales be tolde,
But passe fourth preuylye.
7. Jesus. Woman ! wher are J30 wighte men went
That kenely here accused Tpe ? 64
Who base pe dampned, toke jjou entent ?
Mul. Lord ! no man has dampned me.
Jesus. And for me schall Jjou nojt be schent ;
Of all thy mys I make Tpe free, 68
Loke f>ou nomore to synne assentte.
Mul. A ! lord, ay loued mott jjou bee !
All erthely folke in feere
Loves hym and his high name, 5'2
pat me on fiis manere
Hath saued fro synne and schame.
8. i Apost. A ! lorde, we loue fie inwardly,
And all Tpi lore, both lowde and still.
That grauntes thy grace to pe gilty,
And spares Jjam fat thy folke wolde spill.
If. 100.
O iiij.
"They, convicted
bjr their own con-
science, went out
one by one."
' Hath no man
condemned
thee?'
' Neither do I,
sin no more.'
The apostles
praise Jesus for
yg his mercy to the
guilty.
' Here a leaf, O iij of the MS., is lost ; it contained probably 58 lines, in
which evidently Jesus appeared, and his saying in John viii. 7 was em-
bodied.
0 2
196 XXIV. THE CAPMAKERS.
Jesus. I schall jou saie encheson why,
I wote it is my iFadirs will, 80
If. 100 b.i And for to make }>am ware ]jer-by,
To knawe Jjam-selffe haue done more ill.
And euermore of }>is same
Ensample schall be sene, 84
Whoso schall othir blame,
Loke firste Jjam-self be clene.
9. ii Apos. A ! maistir, here may men se also,
How mekenes may full mekill amende, 88
g^e%hosetho' To for-geue gladly where we goo
trespass against ^y f^jl^g j,^j jj^jj, ^g ^^Ylt offende.
Jesus. He fiat will nojt for-giflfe his foo.
And vse mekenesse with herte and hende, ga
The kyngdom may he noght come too
pat ordande is with-outen ende.
And more sone schall we see,
Here or je forther fare, 96
How ]jat my fFadir free
Will mustir myghtis more.
[I^nier Messenger.^
Mary and iQ. Nunc. Tesu, bat es prophett veray,
Martha send say- J ' r r r j'
ing, 'He whom My ladys Martha & Marie, 100
thou lovest xs ' ■'
=''=i'-' If Jiou fouchesaffe, J)ai wolde j^e pray
For to come vn-to Bethany.
He whom Jjou loues full wele alway
Es ^eke^ and like, lord, for to dye. 104
Yf Jiou wolde come, amende hym Jjou may.
And comforte all })at cumpany.
* The sickness is
not only unto Jesus. I Sale SOU bat sekeness
death, but unto 7
goodn^s/' ^s nojt onljre to dede, io8
<■ Iiazare mortus is written in red at the top of this page.
THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY. THE RAISING OF LAZARUS. 197
But joie of goddis gudnesse
Schalbe schewed in fiat stede '.
11. And goddis sone schall be glorified
By fiat sekenesse and signes feere,
Therfore brethir no lenger bide,
Two daies fully haue we ben here.
We will go soiourne here beside
In ]5e Jurie with frendis in feere. ii6
i Apos. A I lorde, fiou wote wele ilke a tyde,
pe Jewes fiei layte jje ferre and nere,
To stone \>e vn-to dede,
Or putte to pereles payne ; —
And Jjou to Jjat same stede
Covaites to gauge agayne.
12. JesTiB. 3^ wote by cours wele for to kast,
pe dale is now of xii oures lange, 124
And whilis light of \>e day may last
It is gode fiat we grathely gauge.
For whan day-light is pleynly past,
Full sone Jian may je wende all wrang ; .128
Therfore takes hede and trauayle fast
Whilis light of lifFe is jou emang.
And to jou saie I more,
How fiat Lazar oure frende 132
Slepes nowe, and I therfore
With 30U to hym will wende.
13. ii Apos. We will be ruled aftir Tpi rede,
But and he slepe he schall be saue. 136
Jesus. I saie to jou, Lazare is dede^
And for jou all grete joie I haue.
3e wote I was noght in fiat stede.
What tyme fiat he was graued in graue. 140
]£ 101.
Ov.
* We have been
here two days,
we will go into
Judea.'
The apostles fear
for his life.
but he answers.
' We must work
while there is the
light of life.'
'Lazarus is dead.
' Lines 107-1 10 are written in two lines in MS.
198
XXIV. THE CAPMAKERS.
his sisters pray
and call for com-
fort.'
If. loi b.
' Let us also go
that we may die
with him.'
His sisteres praye with bowsom beede,
And for comforte jaei call and craue,
Therfore go we to-gedir
To make ])ere myrthis more.
i Apos. Sen he will nedes wende pedk,
Go we and dye with hym jjore.
144
Mary mourns
grievously for
her brother.
Martha is also
inconsolable,
until her Lord
comes.
[Scene II, £eiAany.^
14. Maria [tn the house]. Alias ! owtane goddis will allone,
pat I schulld sitte to see })is sight I 148
For I may morne and make my mone,
So wo in worlde was neuere wight.
pat I loued most is fro me gone,
My dere brothir |3at Lazar hight, 152
And I durst saye I wolde be slone,
For nowe me fayles both mynde & myght.
My welthe is wente for euere,
No medycyne mende me may, 156
A ! dede pon do thy deuer,
And haue me hense away.
15. Martha [on the road]. Alias 1 for rathe, now may I raue,
And febilly fare by frith and felde, i6o
Wolde god jjat I wer grathed in graue I
pat dede hadde tane me vndir telde !
For hele in harte mon I neuere haue,
But if [he] helpe })at all may welde ; 164
Of Crist I will som comforte craue,
For he may be my bote and belde.
To seke I schal nojt cesse
Tille I my souereyne see. 16S
[/esus enters.]
Haylel pereles prince of pesse I
Jesu ! my maistir so free.
THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY. THE RAISING OF LAZARUS. 199
16. Jesus. Martha, what menes J30U to make such chereS
172
176
180
186
This stone we schall full sone
Remove and sette on syde.
17. Jesus. Fadir ! J)at is in heuyn on highte !
I f>anke jje euere ouere all thyng,
That hendely heres me day & nyght,
And takis hede vnto myn askyng :
Wherfore fouchesaflfe of thy grete myght
So fiat }3is pepull, olde and jyng,
That standis and bidis to se Jiat sight,
May trulye trowe and haue knowyng,
This tyme here or I pas
How IpaX J30U has me sent.
Lazar, veniforas.
Come fro thy monument.
18. Iiazarus. A ! pereles prince, full of pitee ^ !
Worshipped be {jou in worlde alway,
That }3us hast schewed \\ myght in me,
Both dede and doluen, Jsis is Jje fourjje day.
By certayne singnes here may men see
How jjat )30U art goddis sone verray.
All J)o Jjat trulye trastis in Jje
Schall neuere dye, }jis dare I saye.
Therfore je folke in fere,
Menske hym with mayne and myght,
His lawes luke jsat je lere,
pan will he lede jou to his light.
19. Maria. Here may men fynde a faythfuU frende 198
pat f)us has couered vs of oure care.
Martha. Jesu ! my lord, and maistir hende
Of fiis we thanke jje euermore.
• A leaf, O yj, is here lost from the MS. .
» Nota, quia non concordat; novo addicio facto, marginal notes m two late
inks. Perhaps the writers did not perceive that the two leaves were lost.
If. 102.
Ovii.
The stone is re-
moved from the
grave.
Jesus prays to
God.
* Lazarus, come
forth.'
* I have been
buried four days.
190
This is God's
Son : all who
trust in thee
shall never die.
194
200
XXIV. THE CAPMAKERS.
If. 102 b.
' I must now go
to Jerusalem ;
my blessing on
ye all.'
Jesus. Sisteres, I may no lenger lende,
To othir folke nowe bus me fare,
And to Jerusalem will I wende
For thyngis fiat muste be fulfilled }>ere.
Therfore rede I you right,
My men, to wende with me ;
Je TpaX haue sene fiis sight
My blissyng with 30 be.
206
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
The entry into Jerusalem upon the Ass.
If. 103 b.
O viij b.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus.
Petrus.
Philippus.
Zache (Zacheus the publican).
Claudus (a lame man).]
Janitor,
octo burgenses.
Cecus (a blind man).
Pauper, a poor man.
[Scene II, Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives. \
1. Jesus. *" I "O me takis tent and giflBs gud hede,
X My dere discipulis Jjat ben here,
I schalle jou telle jjat shalbe in dede,
My tyme to passe hense, it drawith nere,
And by Jsis skill,
Mannys sowle to saue fro sorowes sere
pat loste was ill.
2. From heuen to erth whan I dyssende
Rawnsom to make I made promys.
The prophicie nowe drawes to ende,
My fadirs wille forsoth it is,
pat sente me hedyr.
Petir, Phelippe, I schall 50U blisse,
& go to-gedir
3. Vn-to 5one castell Jjat is jou agayne,
Gois with gud harte, and tarie nojt.
My comaundement to do be je bayne.
Also I 30U charge loke it be wrought,
pat schal je fynde
Matih.xxi. i-ii>
14-16.
Luke xix. 28-44,
ih. 1-9.
* My time draw-
eth nigh,
I promised to
ransom men.'
14
17
' Go to yon
castle, unbind
the ass with her
foal, and bring
them,'
202
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
The prophecy
fulfilled.
' They shall be
restored the
same day.' ■
If. 104.
Pi.
Peter and Philip
go for the ass.
An asse, jjis feste als je had soght,
3e hir vn-bynde
4. With hir foole, and to me hem bring,
pat I on hir may sitte a space ;
So jje prophicy clere menyng
May be fulfilled here in Jjis place,
' Doghtyr Syon,
Loo ! })i lorde comys rydand on an asse
pe to opon.'
5 . Yf any man will 50U gayne-saye,
Say jjat youre lorde has nede of J^am,
And schall restore })ame }jis same day,
Vn-to what man will Jjam clayme.
Do )3us Jsis thyng.
Go furthe je both, and be ay bayne
In my blissyng.
6. Pet. Jesu, maistir, evyn at jjy wille.
And at Jsi liste vs likis to doo,
Yone beste whilke Jjou desires ]>e tille,
Euen at Jii will schall come Tpe too,
Vn-to Jjin esse.
Sertis, lord, we will Jiedyre all
pe for to plese.
Phil. Lord })e to plese we are full bayne,
Bojje nyght and day to do Jji will.
7.
24
28
31
35
38
42
\_TAey go out.
[Scene II, the castle, and Jerusalem near "^.J
Go we, brofiere, with all oure mayne
My lordis desire for to fulfill ;
For prophycye
Vs bus it do to hym by skyll
To do dewly.
45
49
' The part played by the Porter who grants the ass, declares the news to
the citizens, 1. 102, and receives the ass again, still being in the city, 11.
483-489, is accounted for if we suppose that the ' castle "^ (' castellum ' in
Vulgate, 'the village' Auth. Version, Matt. xxi. 2) and Jerusalem were
close together on the stage.
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
203
8. Pet. 3a ! brodir Phelipp, be-halde grathely.
For als he saide we shulde sone fynde,
Me-thinke jone bestis be-fore myn eye,
pai are J^e same we schulde vnbynde.
perfore frely
Go we to hym Jjat Jjame gan bynde,
And aske mekely.
9. Phil. The beestis are comen, wele I knawe,
Ther-fore vs nedis to aske lesse leue,
And oure maistir kepis Jje lawe
We may Jjame take tyter, I preue,
For noght we lett.
For wele I watte oure tyme is breue,
Go we jjam fett.
10. Jam. Saie, what are je Jjat makis here maistrie,
To loose pes bestis with-oute leverie ?
Yow semes to bolde, sen noght })at je
Hase here to do, jaerfore rede I
such })ingis to sesse,
Or ellis je may falle in folye
and grette diseasse.
11. Pet. Sir, with Jji leue hartely we praye
pis beste }jat we myght haue.
Jaui. To what in-tente, iirste shall ^e saye ?
And Jjan I graunte what je will crave,
Be gode resoune.
Phil. Oure maistir, Sir, jsat all may saue,
Aske by chesoune.
12. Jam. What man is fiat je maistir call ?
Swilke priuelege dare to hym clayme.
Pet. Jesus of Jewes kyng, and ay be schall,
Of Nazareth prophete Jjc same,
pis same is he,
Both god and man, with-outen blame,
pis trist wele we.
* There are the
beasts ;
52
S6
they are com-
mon [i.e. town]
We need not be
59 hindered by
asking leave.'
63
The porter asks
why they make
so bold,
66
70
73 why they want
the beast.
77
and who is their
master ?
80 ' Jesus of Naza-
reth, King of
Jews.
84
204
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
If. 104 b.
He awaits us at
Bethphage.'
The porter yields
the ass, and will
proclaim his
coming.
* Without delay
I'll warn the
chief citizens.'
A salutation.
13. Jani. Sirs, of fiat prophette herde I haue,
But telle me firste playnly, wher is hee ?
Phil. He comes at hande, so god me saue, 87
pat lorde we lefte at Bephage,
He bidis vs Jsere.
Jani. Sir, take J)is beste, with herte full free,
And forthe je fare. 91
14. And if jou thynke it be to done,
I schall declare playnly his comyng
To the chiffe of Ipe Jewes, f>at j^ei may sone
Assemble same to his metyng. 95
What is your rede ?
Pet. pou sais full wele in thy menyng.
Do forthe jji dede. 98
15. And sone fiis beste we schall J^e bring,
And it restore as resoune will.
[T^eygo away, taking the ass. The Porter goes to Jerusalem^
Jam. This tydyngis schall haue no laynyng.
But to \& Citezens declare it till 102
of fiis cyte,
I suppose fully Jiat }jei woUe
come mete Jiat free. 105
16. And sen I will Jjei warned be.
Both jonge & olde, in ilke a state,
For his comyng I will hym mete 108
To late {jam witte, with-oute debate.
Lo I wher Jjei stande.
That citezens chefF, withoute debate,
Of all J)is lande. \To the citizens. \ 112
17. He Jjat is rewler of all right,
And freely schoppe both sande and see ',
He saue jou, lordyngis, gayly dight, 115
And kepe 50U in joure semelyte
And all honoure.
See and sande in the MS.
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
205
i Burg. Welcome, Porter I what novelte
Telle vs jsis owre f 119
18. Jaui. Sirs, novelte I can 50U tell,
And triste J)ame fully as* for trewe ;
Her comes of kynde of Israeli 122
Att hande pe prophete called Jesu,
Lo 1 Tpis same day,
Rydand on an asse ; Jsis tydandis newe
consayue je may. 126
19. ii Burg. And is pat prophette lesu nere ?
Off hym 1 haue herde grete ferlis tolde,
He dois grete wounderes in contrees seere.
He helys fie seke, both 5onge and olde, 130
And pe blynde gifiBs fiam J)er sight.
Both dome and defife, as hym selffe wolde,
He cures pam right. 133
20. iii Burg, ^a, v. thowsand men with loves fyue
He fedde, and ilkone hadde i-nowe ;
Watir to wyne he turned ryue, 136
He garte come growe with-outen plogh,
Wher are was none ;
To dede men als he gaffe liffe,
Lajar was one. 140
21. iv Burg. In oure tempill if he prechid
Agaynste pe pepuU jsat leued wrongs
And also new lawes if he teched 143
Agaynste oure lawis we vsed so lang,
And saide pleynlye,
The olde schall waste, pe new schall gang,
pat we schall see. 147
22. V Burg. 3a, Moyses lawe he cowde ilke dele,
And all pe prophettis on a rowe.
He telles fiam so Jsat ilke aman may fele,
What news ?
* Jesus comes
here to-day -
riding on an ass.'
If. 105.
Pii.
The citizens hav^
heard of his
miracles ;
how he fed 5000
with 5 loaves.
made com to
grow,
r^sed the dead
to life;
preached in the
temple.
and taught new
laws.
' He knows the
inner spirit of th^
laws.*
206 XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
And what ]>ei may interly knowe 151
Yf jsei were dyme,
What fie prophettis saide in J>er sawe,
All longis to hym. 154
■ He is Emanuel, 23. vi BuTg. Emanuell also by right
fore-told by the .1.11
prophets.' fai callc })at prophette, by Jjis skill,
He is Tpe same f>at are was hyght 157
Be Ysaye be-for vs till,
pus saide full clere.
vii Burg. Loo ! a maydyn ]3at knew neuere ille
A childe schuld here. 161
24. Dauid spake of him I wene.
And lefte witnesse je knowe ilkone.
He saide Ipe frute of his corse clene
Shulde royally regne vpon his trone, 165
And ]3erfore he
Of Dauid kyn, and ojjir none,
Oure kyng schal be. 168
If. rosh. 25. viii Burg. Sirs, me thynketh je sale right wele,
And gud ensampelys furth je bryng,
And sen we jjus Jjis mater fele, 1 7 1
• Let us go to Go we hym meete as oure owne kyng,
meet him as our
king. - And kyng hym call.
What is youre counsaill in Jjis thyng ?
Now say je all. 175
26. i Burg. Agaynste resoune I will nojt plete,
For wele I wote oure kyng he is.
Whoso agaynst his kyng liste threte, 178
He is nojt wise, he dose amys. [To the Porter.
Porter, come nere.
Porter, what do What knowlage hast bou of his comyng ?
you know about ^ o
hiscoming!' Tels vs all here. 182
27. And Jsan we will go mete {sat free.
And hym honnoure as we wele awe
Worthely tyll oureCitee, 185
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
207
And for oure souerayne lord hym knawe,
In whome we triste.
Jani. Sirs, I schall telle 50U all on rowe,
And je will lyste.
28. Of his discipillis ij Tpis day,
Where that I stode, ]>ei faire me grette,
And on ther maistir halfe gan praye
Oure comon asse J)at Jsei myght gete
hot for awhile,
Wher-on Jjer maistir softe myght sitte,
Space of a mile.
29. And all Jiis mater jjai me tolde
Right haly as I sale to jou.
And fie asse jsei haue right as \>ei wolde.
And sone will bringe agayne, I trowe,
So jsai be-heste.
What je will doo avise 30U nowe,
pus thinke me beste.
30. ii Burg. Trewlye as for me I say,
I rede we make vs redy bowne,
Hym to mete gudly jsis day,
And hym ressayue with grete rennowne.
As worthy is ;
And )3erfore, sirs, in felde and towne
3e fulfiUe Jjis.
31. Jani. ^a ! and joure [childer] with jou take,
pofif all in age fiat })ei be jonge,
3e may fare fie bettir for per sake,
Thurgh jje blissing of so goode a kyng.
pis is no dowte.
iii Burg. I kan \)e thanke for thy saying,
We will hym lowte.
32. And hym to mete I am right bayne,
On ]>e beste maner jiat I canne.
For I desire to se hym fayne.
189
The Porter tells
how Peter and
Phillip came for
the town ass,
193
1q6 to ride a mile
(from Bethphage
to Jerusalem).
203
* We win make
ready to meet
him with renown.
206
214
217
' Take your chil-
dren with you,
blessing may
come to you
through them.'
If. 106.
P. iii.
They are resolved
to meet and
honour Jesus,
208 XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
And hym honnoure as his awne manne,
Sen Jje soth I see.
Kyng of Juuys we call hym jjan,
Oure kyng is he. 224
33. iv Burg. Oure kyng is he, pdX is no lesse,
Oure awne lawe to it cordis Well ',
pe prophettis all bare full witnesse, 227
Qwilke full of hym secrete gone feUe' ;
And })us wolde say,
' Emang youre selff schall come grete seele
Thurgh god verray.' 23 1
34. V Burg, pis same is he, jjer is non othir,
Was vs be-heest full lange before.
The Law, For Moyses saide, als oure owne brothir,
A newe prophette god schulde restore, 235
perfore loke je
What je will do, with-outen more ;
Oure kyng is he. 238
and the prophets, 35. vl Burg. Of Juda come owre kyng SO gent,
Of Jesse, Dauid, Salamon,
Also by his modir kynne take tente,
pe Genolagye beres witnesse on ; 242
This is right playne.
Hym to honnoure right as I canne "■
I am full bayne. 245
made them glad 36. vU EuTg. Of yourc cleue wittc and youre consayte
I am fuU gladde in harte and Jjought,
And hym to mete with-outen latt '
- I am redy, and feyne will noght, 249
~~ Bot with 30U same
To hym agayne vs blisse hath brought.
With myrthe & game. 252
' Pronounce weel. The MS. has will.
' file, i.e. many, seems to be the word Intended.
' consayte was first written, then corrected to latt.
THK ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM* UPON THE ASS.
209
255
37. viii Biirg. Joure argumentis |3ai are so clere
I can nojt saie but graunte jjou till,
For whanne I of fiat counsaille here,
I coveyte hym with feruent wille
Onys for to see,
I trowe fro fiens I schall
Bettir man be.
38. i Burg. ' Go we Jjan with processioune
To mete Jjat comely as vs awe,
With braunches, floures, and vnysoune,
With myghtfull songes her on a rawe,
Our childir schall
Go synge before, fiat men may knawe
To fiis graunte we all. [JExeuni.] 266
and give clear
arguments.
If. 106 b.
259
263
The procession
forms, with the
children in front.
269
[Scene III, Bethphage, and on the road to Jerusalem.]
39. Pet. Jhesu I lord and maistir free,
Als Jjou comaunde so haue we done,
pis asse here we haue brought to fie.
What is f)i wille fiou schewe vs sone.
And tarie nojt.
And fian schall we, with-outen hune.
Fulfill fii fioujt.
40. Jesus. I fianke 50U bref)ere, mylde of mode.
Do on f)is asse youre clofiis je laye,
And Ufte me vppe with hertis gud,
pat I on hir may sitte fiis daye.
In my blissing.
[Tkey lift Jesus on to the ass.
Phil. Lord fii will to do all-way
We graunte fiing. 280
The disciples
bring Jesus the
ass.
273
* Lay clothes on
the ass, and lift
3 76 me up.'
^ The lubricator made the speech of i Burgess to begin with line 261,
but the commencement of the stanza and the sense both require it as
above.
210
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
Matih. XX. 30-34.
Mark X. 46-52.
A blind man
asks * what is
that noise ? tell
me who comes?'
A poor man
answers him.
. 107.
P iiij.
' I have been
blind since birth ;
I heard noble
cheer before me.
What does it
mean ? '
* Jesus full of
mercy comes,
and the citizens
go to meet him
with melody.'
41. Jesus. Now my brejjere with gud chere,
Gyues gode entente, for ryde I will
Vn-to jone cyte je se so nere,
5e shall me folowe, sam & still 284
Als I are sayde.
Phil. Lord 1 as Jie lyfe we graunte Jje till,
And halde vs payde *. 287
\_Jesus rides along towards Jerusalem.
42. Ceous. A lorde 1 fiat all })is world has made,
BoJ)e Sonne and mone, nyght & day.
What noyse is Jsis Jjat makis me gladde ?
Fro whens it schulde come I can nojt saye, 291
Or what it mene.
Yf any man walke in fiis way,
Telle hym me be-dene. 294
43. Paup. Man ! what ayles fie to crye ?
Where wolde J50U be ? fiou say me here.
Cecus. A 1 sir, a biynde man am I,
And ay has bene of tendyr jere ^ 298
Sen I A^^borne,
I harde a voyce with norallhi||pe
Here me be-forne.
44. Paup. Man, will Jjou oght }jat I can do f
Cecus. 3^> sir, gladly wolde [I] witte,
Yf fiou coufie oght declare me to,
This myrfie I herde, what mene may it.
Or vndirstande ?
Paup. Jesu, fie prophite full of grace,
Comys here at hande,
45. And all fie cetezens fiay are bowne
Gose hym to mete with melodye,
' The late hand here has side note 'tune cantanf.'
' MS. has ' of tendyr 5ere bene.'
301
304
308
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
211
With })e fayrest ptocessioune
That euere was sene in jsis Jury.
He is right nere.
CeeuB. Sir, helpe me to fie strete hastely,
pat I may here
46. pat noyse, and also jjat I myght thurgh grace
My syght of hym, to craue I wolde.
Paup. Loo ! he is here a.t })is same place,
Crye faste on hym, loke jjou be bolde,
With voyce righ[t] high.
Ceous. Jesu ! Tpe son of dauid calde.
pou haue mercy !
47. Alias ! I crye, he heris me nojt,
He has no ruthe of my mysfare,
He tumes his herre, where is his Jjought ?
Paup. Cry som-what lowdar, loke fiou nojt spare.
So may })OU spye \
Cecus. Jesu, pe saluer of all sare,
To me giffis,.gode hye.
48. Phel. Cesse man, and crye nojt soo,
The voyce of Ipe pepill gose J)e by,
pe ag[h]e sette still and tente giffe to,
Here passej Jjc prophite of mercye.
pou doys amys.
Ceeus. A 1 dauid sone, to jje I crye,
pe kyng of blisse.
49. Pet. Lorde 1 haue mercy and late hym goo.
He can nojt cesse of his crying,
He folows vs both to and froo,
Graunte hym his boone and his askyng,
And late hym wende.
We gette no reste or ]pzt J)is thyng
Be brojt to ende.
311
' Help me to the
street, that I may
3 J e hear, and crave
■' ' my sight !'
^i8 ' Here he is, cry,
^ loud!-
* Have mercy !
alas [ he turns his
ear away.'
325
339
' Cry louder !
329
Philip tells him
to be still.
332
He cries again.
336
If. 107 b.
Philip begs
Jesus to grant
him his peti-
tion, or they
will get no
rest.
343
^ The stanza requires this line here, in the MS. it apparently runs on
^ii^TpoughU The last half of 1. 319 too stands at end of 1. 318.
P 2
212
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
' Lord ! give me
my sight.'
* Look up '. thy
faith saves thee.'
* Praise to Vhee,
I now see.'
(?) John V. 6-14.
Those who can
use their limhs
may go with
this rejoicing,
the lame man
cannot.
Lord, help me!
50. Jesus. What wolde {>ou man I to jje dede
In ]3is present, telle oppynly.
Ceous. Lorde my syght ^ is fro me hydde, 346
pou graunte me it, I crye mercy,
pis wolde I haue.
Jesu. Loke vppe nowe with chere blythely,
pi faith shall J)e saue. 35°
51. Ceeus. Wirschippe and honnoure ay to Jjc,
With all Jje seruice }>at can be done,
The kyng of blisse loued mote he be, 353
pat Jjus my sight hathe sente so sone,
And by grete skill.
I was are blynde as any stone ;
I se at wille. 357
52. Clau. A ! wele war fiam fiat euere had liffe,
Old or yonge whedir it were ^
Might welde Jser lymmes withouten striffe.
Go with Jjis mirthe fiat I see here, 361
And contynewe,
For I am sette in sorowes sere
pat ay ar newe. 364
53. pou lord, fiat schope both nyght and day,
For thy mercy haue mynde on me.
And helpe me lorde, as }jou wele may ^ ;
I may nojt gang. 368
For I am lame, as men may se.
And has ben lang. 370
54. For wele I wote, as knowyn is ryffe,
Bofie dome and deffe fiou grauntist fiam grace,
And also fje dede fiat fiou hauyst geuen lifif,
Therfore graunte me.lord, in }jis place, 374
My lymbis to welde.
* MS. has syight. " Note here in late hand ' hie caret.'
' There is no blank in MS. here, but a line is evidently wanting.
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
213
* Rise, cast your
crutches far
from you.'
If. io8.
Pv.
away ; * may we
never meet
again !
1 was halt, I am
now as light as
bird on bough,
bless the Lordi'
Jesus. My man, ryse and caste pe cruchys gode space
Her in pe felde. 377
55. And loke in trouthe Jjou stedfast be,
And folow me furth with gode menyng.
Claud, Lorde 1 lo, my crouchis whare Tpei flee, He flings them
Als ferre as I may late Jsam flenge 381
With bothe my hende ;
pat euere we haue metyng
Now I defende. 384
56. For I was halte both lyme and lame,
And I suffered tene and sorowes i-nowe.
Ay lastand lord, loued be pi name,
I am als light as birde on bowe. 388
Ay be Jsou blist,
Such grace hast Jjou schewed to me,
Lorde, as \>e list. 391
57. Zach. Sen first Jjis worlde was made of nojt,
And all thyng sette in equite.
Such ferly thyng was neuere non wroght,
As men fiis tyme may see with eye. 395
What it may mene ?
I can nojt say what it may. be,
Comforte or tene. 398
58. And cheffely of a prophete new,
pat mekill is profite, and fiat of latte,
Both day and nyght Jjai hym assewe,
Oure pepill same thurgh strete & gatte, 402
[new lawes to lare,] ^
Oure olde lawes as nowe jsei hatte,
And his kepis jare, 405
59. Men fro deth to liffe he rayse.
The blynde and dome geve speche and sight, S-ndTdd'umb
I/tike xix. 2-9,
Zaccheus does
not understand
it all ;
a new prophet
whom the people
follow day and
night through
streets and ways.
A short line is missing here ^vith probably this idea.
214
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
Gretely Jjerfore oure folke hym prayse,
And folowis hym both day and nygbt ;
Fro towne to towne ;
Thay calle hym prophite be right.
As of renowne.
* I am chief of
the publicans,
yet I have not
heard of him
hefore.
The road is full.
I am short,
I will climb
this tree.
Blessed syca-
more tree ! '
If. io8 b.
412
Jesus calls
Zaccheus down,
60. And jit I meruayle of |3at thyng,
Of puplicans sen prince am I
Of hym I cowthe haue no knowyng 5
Yf all I wolde haue comen hym nere \
Arly and late,
For I am lawe, and of myne hight
Full is Jje gate.
61. Bot sen no bettir may be-falle,
I thynke what baste is for to doo,
I am schorte, je knawe wele all,
perfore jone tre I will go too,
And in it clyme ;
Whedir he come or passe me fro,
I schall se hym.
62. A nobill tree ]50U secomoure,
I blisse hym }jat Jie on ]>e erjse brought.
Now may I see both here and })ore,
That vndir me it may be nojt.
perfore in }je
Wille ^ I bidde in herte & {jought
Till I hym se
63. Vn-to Tpe prophete come to towne
Her will I bide what so befalle
Jesus [looking up]. Do Zache, do fast come downe,
25ach. Lorde even at Tpi wille hastely I schall,
And tarie noght.
To Tpe on knes lord here I shall.
For sinne I wroght. 440
' «e3«=nigh seems to be the word intended. ^ MS. has Whiche.
415
419
422
426
429
433
436
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS.
215
64. And welcome prophete, trast and trewe,
With all jje pepuU J?at to \>e langis.
Jesus. Zache, ]>i seruice new
Schall make Jje clene of all J^e wrong,
pat J30u haste done.
Zach. Lorde, I lette nojt for Jsis thrang
Her to say sone,
65. Me schamys with sinne, but nojt to mende,
I synne for-sake, Jjerfore I will
Haue my gud I have vnspendid
Poure folke to geue it till ;
pis will I fayne.
Whom I begylyd to him I will '
Make a-sith agayne.
66. Jesus. Thy clere confessionn schall ]>e dense,
pou may be sure of lastand lyffe,
Vn-to }ji house, with-outen offense,
Is graunted pees withouten striffe.
Fare-wele, Zache 1
Zach. Lord, Jie lowte ay man and wifFe,
Blist myght fiou be.
443 and forgives him
his sins.
447
45°
454
457
461
464
67. Jesus. My dere discipulis, beholde and see,
Vn-to Jerusalem we schall assende,
Man sone schall Tpei be-trayed be,
And gevyn in-to his enmys hande.
With grete dispitte.
Ther spitting on hym Jier schall Ipei spende
And smartly smyte. \Jesus dismounts^ 468
68. Petir, take Jsis asse me fro,
And lede it where jjou are it toke.
I murne, I sigh, I wepe also.
They arrive at
the city.
\Peter goes. The ass is re-
stored to its
place.
Matt, xxiii. 37-
xxiv. 2.
• MS. has will I, Several of the lines in stanzas 64, 65, are written
confusedly in the MS., and are here corrected.
216
XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
Jesus mourns
over Jerusalem
If. log.
Pvi.
and its destruc-
tion.
Jerusalem on \>q to loke !
And so may J)0u,
pat euere jjou }ji kyng for-suke,
And was vn-trewe.
69. For stone on stone schall none be lefte,
But doune to Jje grounde all schalbe caste,
Thy game, ]>i gle, al fro Ipe refte.
And all for synne Jsat Jjou done hast.
pou arte vnkynde !
Agayne ]>i kyng Tpou hast trespast,
Haue })is in mynde.
472
475
478
482
The ass is
brought back
to the porter,
who runs to
wait for Jesus
iu the road.
Chorus of eight
burgesses who
worship Jesus,
[Scene IV, entrance to Jerusalem ; the Porter still
with the citizens.^
70. Pet. Porter, take here Jiyn asse agayne.
At hande my lorde comys on his fette.
Jani. Behalde, where all \>i Burgeis bayne
Comes with wirschippe hym to mete. 486
perfore I will
Late hym abide here in Jjis strete,
And lowte hym till. 489
71. i Burg. Hayll ! prophette, preued withouten pere,
HayU! prince of pees schall euere endure,
Hayll ! kyng comely, curteyse and clere,
Hayll ! souerayne semely to synfull sure, 493
To Jie all bowes.
Hayll 1 lord lonely, oure cares may cure,
Ha[y]lP kyng of Jewes. 496
72. ii Burg. Hayll 1 florisshand floure ]jat neuere shall fade,
Hayll ! vyolett vernand with swete odoure,
Hayll ! marke of myrthe, oure medecyne made,
' This was written all, which the later hand corrected by putting h
before it.
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM UPON THE ASS. 217
Hayll 1 blossome brigh[t], hayll I cure socoure. 500
Hayll ! kyng comely.
Hayll 1 menskfuU man, with ]3e honnoure
With herte frely. S°3
73. lii Burg. Hayll ! dauid sone, doughty in dede,
Hayll 1 rose ruddy, hayll birrall clere,
Hayll 1 welle of welthe may make vs mede.
Hayll ! saluer of oure sores sere, 507
We wirschippe J)e.
Hayll ! hendfull, with solas sere,
Welcome ]30U be ! 510
74. iv Burg. Hayll ! blissfuU babe, in Bedleme borne,
Hayll 1 boote of all oure bittir balis,
Hayll ! sege fiat schoppe bo}3e even and morne,
Hayll I talker trystefuU of trew tales. 514
Hayll ! comely knyght,
Hayll 1 of mode fiat most preuayles
To saue fie tyght. 5 '7
75. V Burgh. Hayll ! dyamaunde with drewry dight,
Hayll ! jasper gentill of Jewry,
Hayll ! lylly lufsome lemyd with lyght, if- 109 b.
Hayll! balme of boote, moyste and drye, 521
To all has nede.
Hayll ! barne most blist of mylde Marie,
Hayll 1 all oure mede. SH
76. vi Burg. Hayll ! conquerour, hayll, most of myght,
Hayll 1 rawnsoner of synfull all,
Hayll! pytefuU, hayll! louely light, 5^
Hayll ! to vs welcome be schalL
Hayll ! kyng of Jues ;
Hayll ! comely corse fiat we fie call
With mirfie TpaX newes. 531
77. vu Burg. Hayll! sonne ay schynand with bright hemes,
Hayll ! lampe of liff schall neuere waste,
218 XXV. THE SKYNNERS.
Hayll I lykand lanterne lufFely lemes, 534
Hayll 1 texte of trewthe ]>e trew to taste.
Hayll ! kyng & sire,
Hayll ! maydens chylde fjat menskid hir most,
We pe desire. 538
78. viii Burg. Hayll 1 domysman dredful, }jat all schall deme,
Hayll I quyk and dede pat all schall lowte,
Hayll I whom worschippe moste will seme, 541
Hayll 1 whom all thyng schall drede and dowte.
We welcome pe.
Hayll 1 and welcome of all abowte,
To owre cete "- 545
^ Tunc cantant here added by late hand.
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
If. no,
Pviij.
The conspiracy to take Jesus.
PiLATUS.
Cayphas.
Anna.
Judas.
[PERS(MSrS OF THE PLAY.
Janitor.
Primus, secundus Doctor.
Primus, secundus Miles.]
[Scene I, Pilate's ffall.]
1. pa. T 7 Ndir })e ryallest roye of rente and renowne,
\ Now am I regent of rewie Jiis region in reste,
Obeye vnto bidding bud busshoppis me bowne,
And bolde men fiat in batayll makis brestis to breste.
To me be-taught is ]>e tent Ipis towre begon towne,
For traytoures tyte will I taynte, \>e trewfie for to triste,
The dubbyng of my dingnite may nojt be done downe,
Nowdir with duke nor dugeperes, my dedis are so dreste.
My desire muste dayly be done
With jjame f>at are grettest of game,
And Jjer agayne fynde I but fone,
Wherfore I schall bettir per bone.
But he fiat me greues for a grume,
Be-ware, for wystus I am.
2. f Pounce Pilatt of thre partis
( pan IS my propir name ' ;
Maith. xxvi. 3-9,
14-16.
Mark xiv. 1-5, lo,
II, 44.
Luke xxu. 2-0.
Pilate boastfully
proclaims his
dignity and his
power.
15
His name is of
three parts.
* As many of the lines in this and following plays are divided and
written as two in the MS., they are printed as they stand, coupled in
brackets.
220
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
he got fame
among the
philosopherSi
no one can abide
his anger.
His colour is
bright.
* Let me hear
if there is any
debate to be
settled.'
f I am a perelous prince,
I To proue wher I peere
{Emange Tpe philosofers firste
Ther fanged I my fame,
f Wherfore I fell to affecte
I I fynde nojt my feere.
r He schall full bittirly banne
( pat bide schall my blame ;
r If all my blee be as bright
( As blossome on brere.
{For sone his liffe shall he lose,
Or left be for lame,
{par lowtes nojt to me lowly,
Nor liste nojt to leere.
And Jjus sen we stande in oure state,
Als lordis with all lykyng in lande.
Do and late vs wete if je wate
Owthir, sirs, of bayle or debate,
pat nedis for to be handeled full hate.
Sen all youre helpe hanges in my hande.
z3
34
18
If. nob.
The priests seek
his help
with a fellow
who has raised
some tumult ia
the realm.
* 1 perceive that
you hate him.
[loftier Caiaphas and Annas.]
3. Caip. Sir, and for to certefie \>s soth in youre sight.
As to 50U for oure souerayne semely we seke.
Pil. Why, is Jjer any myscheue Jsat musteres his myjt,
Or malice thurgh meene menn vs musters to meke? 32
( Anna, ^a,, Sir, })er is a ranke swayne
I Whos rule is nojt right,
{For thurgh ^ his romour in }>is reme
Hath raysede mekill reke.
( Pil. I here wele je hate hym,
I Youre hartis are on heght,
( And ellis if I helpe wolde
I His harmes for to eke. 36
* Thurgh is repeated in the MS.
THE CONSPIRACY TO TAKE JESUS.
221
But why are je barely jsus brathe ?
Bees rewly, and ray fourth your reasoune.
Caip. Tille vs, sir, his lore is full lothe.
Pil. Be-ware Jiat we wax nojt to wrothe.
. An. Why, sir, to skyste fro his skath
We seke for youre socoure J)is sesoune.
4. ( Pil. And if fiat wrecche in oure warde
I Haue wrought any wrong,
f Sen we are warned we walde witte,
( And wille or we wende ;
f But and his sawe be lawfull,
( Legge nojt to lange,
{For we schall leue hym if us list
With luflfe here to lende.
{i Doe. And yf jjat false faytor
Youre fortheraunce may fang,
( pan fele I wele pat oure folke
I Mon fayle of a frende ;
Sir fie streng[t]he of his steuen ay still is so strange,
That but he schortely be schent he schappe vs to schende.
For he kennes folke hym for to call
Grete god son, Jjus greues vs fiat gome.
And sais fiat he sittande be schall.
In high heuen, for fiere is his hall.
Pil. And frendis if fiat force to hym fall,
It semes nojt je schall hym consume.
5. f But fiat hymselfe is fie same
( 3e saide schulde descende,
{3oure seede and 50U fien all for to socoure.
Cayp. A ! softe sir, and sese,
{For of criste whan he comes
No kynne schall be kenned ;
{But of fiis caytiffe kynreden
We knawe Jjc encrese.
be calm and
reasonable ;
39
42
we will hear
if he has done
wrong.
if not, we shall
let him ofif.'
46
50
S6
* If you hear the
false scoundrel
you are no friend
to our folk.
If. III.
Qi.
His voice is
strong to mis-
lead the people ;
he sa3rs he is
God's son.
Pilate argues
that he is Christ,
but they say
they know all
60 about this man,
222
XXVI. THE CUTTELEEES.
who says he
can release
from burdens,
'Be more tempe-
rate,
you desire to
harm him, but
the law is in
my hand/
If. Ill b.
' He is blame-
worthy, for he
turned over the
money-changers'
tables.'
Matt. xxi. iz, 13.
* This ought to
be printed with
pen, make him
bend, kill him.'
' Move that no
more.'
They accuse
Jesus, Pilate
sheltering him.
r He lykens hym to be lyke god
I Ay lastand to lende,
To lifte vppe Jie laby to lose or relesse.
( Pil. His maistreys schulde moue jou,
I Youre mode for to amende.
( An. Nay, for swilke mys fro malice
H We may nojt vs meese,
For he sais he schall deme vs, Jjat dote,
And Jjat tille vs is dayne or dispite.
Pil. To noye hym nowe is youre noote.
But jitt Jje lawe lyes in my lotte,
i doe. And yf je will witt sir, je wotte,
pat he is wele worthy to wyte.
6. ( For in oure temple has he taught
( By tymes moo j^an tenne,
( Where tabillis full of tresoure lay
I To telle and to trye,
( Of oure cheffe mony-changers ;^
1 Butte, curstely to kenne,
( He caste fiam ouere, jjat caytiflFe,
1 And counted nojt jjer by.
f Cay. Loo ! sir, \iis is a periurye
I To prente vndir penne,
J Wher-fore, make ^e J)at appostita,
( We praye 50U, to plye.
( Pil. Howe mene je ?
\ Cay. Sir, to mort hym for mouyng of menne.
f PU. pan schulde we make hym to morne
I But thurgh joure maistrie.
Latte be sirs, and move \>2X no more
But what in youre temple be-tyde.
i Mil. We ! Jiare sir, he skelpte oute of score,
pat stately stode selland J)er store.
Pil. pan felte he jsam fawte be-fore.
And made f>e cause wele to be kydde.
64
67
70
74
78
84
THE CONSPIRACY TO TAKE JESUS.
223
7. f But what taught he Jjat tyme,
I Swilk tales ^ as Jjou telles ?
j i Mil. Sir, fiat oure tempill is Jse toure
1 Of his troned sire,
j And Jjus to prayse in paX place
I Oure prophettis compeUis,
f Tille hym pat has poste
I Of Prince and of Empire.
( And Jjei make domus domini
\ pat der%pd )3are dwellis,
{pe denn of Jje derfenes
And ofte Jjat Jjci desire. ;
f pa. Loo ! is he noght a mad man
I pat for youre mede melles ?
J Sen je ymagyn a-mys
( pat makeles to myre.
3oure rankoure is raykand full rawe.
Cay. Nay, nay, sir, we rewle vs but right.
Pil. For sothe, je ar ouer cruell to knawe.
Cay. Why, sir ? for he wolde lose oure la we
Hartely we hym hate as we awe,
And Jjerto schulde je mayntayne oure myght.
8. J For why, vppon oure sabbott day
I pe sake makes he saffe,
{And will nojt sesse for oure sawes
To synke so in synne.
( ii Mil. Sir, he coueres all \>2X comes
I Recoueraunce to craue,
f But in a schorte contynuaunce
1 pat kennes all oure kynne.
( But he haldis noght oure haly dayes,
I Harde happe myght hym haue 1
88 !f-."2-
Qij.
* Is not he mad
who meddles
with you.
92
your rancour
IS raw.'
95
98
'He heals on the
sabbath day,
102
The MS. repeats tales.
224
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
let him be hanged
by the neck.'
* Stop ! you
gain nothing
by groundless
accusation ;
If. H2b.
tell me no trifles.'
* He perverts
the people ;
he calls himself
our king.'
This moves
Pilate ;
he will make
the lad kneel.
104
106
109
/• And ther-fore hanged be he
< And fiat by \>e halse.
' Pil. A ! hoo sir, nowe, and holde in ' ?
( For f)off je gange pus gedy
( Hym gilteles to graue,
C With-outen grounde jow gaynes noght,
I Swilke greffe to be-gynne.
And loke youre leggyng be lele,
With-owtyn any tryfils to telle.
An. For certayne owre sawes dare we seele^
pa. And Jjan may we prophite oure pele.
Cay. Sir, bot his fawtes were fele,
We mente nojt of hym for to melle. 1 1 2
0. J For he pervertis oure pepull
( pat proues his prechyng,
I And for \>aX poynte je schulde prese
I. His pooste to paire.
( ii doc. '^a, sir, and also {jat caytiff
I He callis hym oure kyng,
And for jsat cause our comons are casten in care. 116
Pil.'' And if so be, jjat borde to bayll will hym bryng,
And make hym boldely to banne fie bones fjat hym bare.
For-why fiat wrecche fro oure wretthe schal not wryng,
f Or fier be wrought on hym wrake.
I i doc. So wolde we it ware. 120
For so schulde je susteyne youre seele.
And myldely haue mynde for to meke jou.
Pil. Wele, witte je fiis werke schall be wele, 123
For kende schaU fiat knave be to knele.
ii doc. And so fiat oure force he may feele,
All samme for f)e same we beseke jou. 126
• This verse should perhaps read — judging by the accents and casting
out redundant words, ''Ther-fore hanged be he by the halse. Pil. A! hoo
sir, holde in.'
' Pilatus is here added by the later hand.
THE CONSPlEACy TO TAKE JESUS.
225
[Scene II, Outside Pilatis hall, Judas aloaeJ]
10. Jud. Ingentipro Iniuria, hyra Jesus, Jjat Jewe,
Vn-iust ' vn-to me, Judas, I juge to be lathe ;
For at oure soper as we satte, jje sojje to pursewe,
I With Symond luprus full sone
1 My skiflfte come to scathe.
f Tille hym Jjer brought one a boyste,
I My bale for to brewe,
{That baynly to his bare feet
To bowe was full braythe.
{Sho anoynte })am with an oynement
T[h]at nobill was and newe ;
[ But for Jjat werke fiat sche wrought
I I wexe woundir wrothe.
And this, to discouer, was my skill,
For of his penys purser was I,
And what Jjat me taught was vntill,
The tente parte fiat stale I ay still ;
But nowe for me wantis of my will,
pat bargayne with bale schall he by.
11. J pat same oynement, I saide,
I Might same haue bene solde
{For siluer penys in a sowme
Thre hundereth, and fyne
f Haue ben departid to poure men
I As playne pite wolde.
( But for fe poore ne J)are parte
I Priked me no peyne,
{But me tened for fe tente parte, —
pe trewthe to be-holde, —
( That thirty pens of iij hundereth
( So tyte I schulde tyne.
The grievances
of Judas ;
230 his art has come
to grief.
If. 113.
Qiij.
He was angry
at the anoint-
ing with the boK
of fine ointment.
y&Tm xil 3-6,
134
He was purser,
and was wont
to steal out of it
the tenth part ;
S40
the loss to the
poor of the price
of the ointment
(300 silver pence)
did not touch
him.
144
but he was in-
jured by losing
his tenth part,
i.e. thirty pence.
^ The MS. has vn-cust ; unjust sterns intended.
Q
226
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
He contrives
mischief,
and will sell his
master for thirty
pence in revenge.
y
If. list.
He knocks at
the gate, but the
porter won't let
him in, he is so
grim.
He sees treason
in his face.
* Nolove in you,
Mars has set his
mark on you '.'
* You bark at
my beard ! you
shall rue it 1'
Strong language
by the porter.
r And for I mysse Jjis mony
1 1 morne on )jis molde,
( Wherfore for to mischeue
\ pis maistir of myne, 148
And fierfore faste forjse will I flitte
The princes of prestis vntill,
And selle hym full sone or jsat I sitte,
For therty pens in a knotte knytte.
pus-gatis full wele schall he witte,
pat of my wretthe wreke me I will. '54
[Knocks ai the gale ofPilatis hall.
12. Do open, porter, {je porte of Jjis prowde place,
r That I may passe to youre princes
I To proue for youre prowe.
r Jani. Go hense, ]30U glorand gedlyng !
I God geue ]3e ille grace,
f Thy glyfftyng is so grymly
( pou gars my harte growe.
( Jud. Goode sir, be toward fiis tyme,
\ And tarie noght my trace,
f For I haue tythandis to telle.
I Jani. .3^) som tresoune I trowe.
For I fele by a figure in youre fals face.
It is but foly to feste aflfeccioun in jou. . 162
For Mars he hath morteysed his mark,
Eftir all lynes of my lore.
And sais je are wikkid of werk.
And bothe a strange theffe and a stark.
Jud. Sir, J)us at my berde and je berk
It semes it schall sitte yow full sore. 168
13_ f Jani. Say, bittilbrowed bribour,
I Why blowes ))0u such boste ?
Full false in thy face in faith can I fynde
r pou arte combered in curstnesse
I And caris to fiis coste ;
[Janitor., opening.
158
THE CONSPIRACY TO TAKE JESUS.
227
( To marre men of myght
I Haste Tpon marked in thy mynde. 172
( Jud. Sir, I mene of no malice
I But mirthe meve I muste.
■ ( Jani. Say on, hanged harlott,
I I holde J3e vn-hende,
( Thou lokist like a lurdayne
I His liffelod hadde loste.
Woo schall I wirke ])e away but Jjou wende ! 1 76
Jud. A ! goode sir, take tente to my talkyng }jis tyde,
For tythandis full trew can I telle.
Jani. Say, brethell, I bidde Jse abide,
jjou chaterist like a churle Jsat can chyde. 180
Jud. 3a-, sir, but and \>e truthe schulde be tryed,
Of myrthe are Jjer materes I mell. 182
14. f For thurgh my dedis youre dugeperes
I Fro dere may be drawe[n].
r Jani. What ! demes Jjou till oure dukes
I That doole schulde be dight ?
/■ Ju. Nay, sir, so saide I noght \
< If I be callid to counsaille
V pat cause schall be knawen
f Emang Tpat comely companye,
1 To clerke and to knyght. 186
( Jani. Byde me here, bewchere,
( Or more blore be blowen,
( And I schall buske to Jje benke
I Wher baneres are bright,
( And sale vnto oure souereynes,
I Or seede more be sawen,
( pat swilke a seege as Jsi selff
\ Sewes to per sight. [Ife goes to the lords.\ 190
My lorde nowe, of witte fiat is well,
I come for a cas to be kydde.
' The words .«> to noght appear to be metrically in excess.
Q 2
* I mean no
malice.'
The porter, sus-
picious, lets him
speak.
If. H4.
Q iiij.
He comes to
save the nobles
from injury.
The porter
listens,
and goes to ask
(before more
seed is sown)
whether such
a fellow as he
may go in.
The porter ex-
plains the matter.
228
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
If. 114 b.
A hasty angry
fellow, clad in
a cloak, with
a sharp uncomely
face.
* Come in, but
mind your
tongue.'
Judas salutes the
nobles without
kneeling.
Pilate is civil
to him.
He wishes to
make a bargain
for their benefit.
If. 115.
Qv.
196
198
Pil. We I speke on, and spare not jji spell.
Cay. 3 a, and if vs mystir to ^ mail,
Sen je here of bewte pe bell,
Blythely schall we bowe as je bidde.
15. ( Janl Sir, withoute fiis abatyng,
I per houes as I hope,
A hyve helte full of ire, for hasty he is.
( Pil. What comes he fore ?
( Jaui. I kenne hym noght, but he is cladde in a cope.
He cares with a kene face vncomely to kys, 200
j Pil. Go, gete hym Jjat his greffe
I We grathely may grope.
So no oppen langage be goyng amys.
\ Janitor returns to Judas.
( Jani. Comes on by-lyue, to my lorde,
I And if pe liste to lepe,
f But vttir so thy langage
I That )3ou lette noght jjare blys. 204
[Judas enters.^
Jud. That lorde, sirs, myght susteyne joure seele
pat floure is of fortune and fame.
Pil. Welcome, thy wordis are but wele.
Cay. Say, harste jjou knave ? can Jjou not knele ?
Pil. Loo, here may men faute in you fele.
[To Cqyphas.] Late be, sir, youre scornyngj for schame. 210
16. Bot, bewshere, be nojt abayst to byde at Jie baJ: "-
f Ju. Be-fore you, sirs, to be brought
I Abowte haue I bene,
f And allway for youre worschippe.
I An. Say, wotte })0U any were ?
I Ju. Of werke sir, Jiat hath wretthid 50U,
I I wotte what I meene. 214
( But I wolde make a marchaundyse
I Youre myscheflfe to marre.
' MS. has te. = MS. ias bay. ■
THE CONSPIRACY TO TAKE JESUS.
229
( Pil. And may jsou soo ?
I Ju. Els madde I such maistries to mene.
f An. pan kennes J>ou of som comberaunce
( Oure charge for to chere ?
J For cosyne, }30u art cruell.
( Ju. My cause, sir, is kene. 218
For if je will bargayne or by,
Jesus Ipis tyme will I selle 50U.
i doc. My blissing, sone, haue Jjou for-thy,
Loo ! here is a sporte for to spye.
Jud. And hym dar I hete jou in hye,
If je will be toward I telle 30U. 224
17. ( PU. What hytist Jjou ?
Jud. Judas scariott.
Pil. pou art a juste mane,
( pat will Jesu be justified
(. By oure jugement ;
f But ho we- gates bought schall he be ? ^
I Bidde furthe thy bargayne.
I Jud. But for a litill betyng
1 To bere fro jjis bente. 228
j Pil. Now, what schall we pay .''
I Jud. Sir, thirtipens and plete, no more Jjane.
( Pil. Say, ar je plesid of this price
1 He preces to present ?
j ii doe. EUis contrarie we oure consciens,
I Consayue sen we cane
( pat Judas knawes h[y]m, culpabill.
I Pil. I call 50U consent. 232
But Judas, a knott for to knytt,
Wilte ]30U to Jjis comenaunt accorde ?
Jud. 3a, at a worde,
PH. Welcome is it.
1 A red Une here divides the speech, as though perhaps Anna were to
speak, 11. 225, 226.
A keen case ;
he will sell Jesus.
The lawyers
rejoice.
He is named
Judas Iscariot.
He will do it
for 30 pence.
If. nsb.
They all agree
and 'knit a knot.'
230
XXVI. THE CUTTELERES.
•Be off!
traitor ! tel! no
one how he stakes
his master/
Pilate is igno-
rant.
hnd asks why he
cursedly
sells his master.
Even Annas
curses him.
ii Mil. Take pee ' of 1 a tray tour, tyte !
i Mil. Now leue sir, late noman wete,
How {lis losell laykis with his lorde. 238
18. f Pil. Why, dwellis he with J3at dochard,
I Whos dedis hase us drouyd ?
[ i Mil. pat hase he done sir, and dose,
I No dowte is fiis day.
r Pil. Than wolde we knawe why Ipis knave
1 pus cursidly contryued ?
( ii Mil. Enquere hym sen je can best
1 Kenne if he contrarie ^. 242
f PU. Say, man, to selle pi maistir
I What mysse hath he moved ?
Ju. For of als mekill mony he made me delay ;
Of 30U, as I resayue, schall but right be reproued.
I An. I rede noght Jiat je reken vs
I Oure rewle so to 'ray. 246
For pzt pe fales fende ' schall pe fang,
i Mil. When he schall wante of a wraste.
i doe. To whome wirke we wittandly wrang,
ii doe. Tille hym bot je hastely hang *.
iii doc. 3o"re langage je lay oute to lang.
But Judas, we trewly pe trast. 252
judas must show 19. J For truly Jjou moste lerne vs
Jetus, oiThe may 1 That losell tO kche,
f Or of lande, thurgh a-lirte,
I That lurdayne may lepe.
f Jud. I schall jou teche a token
I Hym tyte for to take
j Wher he is thryngand in pe thrang,
I With-outen any threpe. 256
' MS. hasher, contracted. ' Contraye is perhaps intended.
' MS. has/rende.
' MS. has hastely hym hang, but this second hym seems an error.
If. 116.
Qyj.
THE CONSPIRACY TO TAKE JESUS.
231
f i Mil. We knawe hym noght.
I Ju. Take kepe fian ]3at caytifFe to catche
( The whilke pzt I kisse.
I ii Mil. pat comes wele Ipe, corious, I cleepe 1
( But jitt to warne vs wisely,
I AU-wayes must je wacche ;
f Whan IpoM schall wende forth-with
I We schall walke a wilde hepe, 260
And therfore besye loke now Jiou be.
Jud. 5iSj jisj a space schall I spie vs,
Als sone as Jjc sonne is sette, as 50 see.
1 Mil. Go forthe, for a traytoure ar je.
ii Mil. 3a> aiid a wikkid man.
i doe. Why, what is he ?
ii doc. A losell sir, but lewte shuld lye vs, 266
20. He is trappid full of trayne pe truthe for to trist,
I holde it but folye his [? faythe] for to trowe.
c Pil. Abide in my blyssing,
1 And late youre breste,
f For it is beste for oure bote
I In bayle for to bowe. 270
( And Judas, for oure prophite
I We praye {je be prest.
J Ju. Jitt hadde I noght a peny
l To purvey for my prowe.
f PH. pou schalte haue delyueraunce
I Be-lyue at Ipi list,
f So fiat J30U schall haue liking
\ Oure lordschipp to loue. ^74
And therfore, Judas, mende jjou thy mone \
And take Jjer }>i siluere all same.
Ju. 3a nowe is my grete greffe ouere-gone.
* Take him whom
1 kiss,'
Nice fellow !
I say, that be-
comes thee well.
'Go forth,
traitor !
He is full of
deceit.
If.ti6b.
■• I have not got
the money yet.'
* You shall have
it directly.
take it,
' This line is two in the MS.
232
XXVr. THE CUTTELERES.
keep your be-
hest, and we pro-
mise you our
help.*
They gloat over
their bargain.
If. 117.
Qvij.
Pilate will save
Jesus if he is
innocent.
i Mil. Be lyght Jjan I
Ju. ^iSy latte me allone 1
For tytte schall Jjat taynte be tone.
And Jjerto jocounde and joly I am \ 280
21. ( Pil. Judas, to holde J>i behest
I Be hende for oure happe,
( And of vs helpe and vpholde
1 We hete \>e to haue.
( Ju. I schall be-kenne jou his corse
I In care for to clappe.
( An. And more comforte in {jis case
I We coveyte not to craue. 284
f i Mil. Fro we may reche Jiat rekeles
\ His ribbis schaU we rappe,
f And make fiat roy, or we rest,
\ For rennyng to raflfe.
j Pil. Nay, sirs, all if je scourge hym
I 5e schende nojt his schappe,
( For if fie sotte be sakles
\ Vs sittis hym to saue. 288
Wherfore when je go schall to gete hym,
Vn-to his body brew je no bale.
ii Mil. Our liste is fro lepyng to lette hym,
But in youre sight sownde schall we ^ sette hym.
PU. Do flitte nowe forthe till je fette hym.
With solace all same to youre sale. 294
\Exeunt Judas and soldiers.
' A side-note here, begun by one hand, finished by another, says-
hie Janitor and Judas.'
» MS. has ve.
-'caret
XXVII. THE BAXTERESi.
The Last Slipper.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus.
Jacobus.
Marcellus.
Judas.
Andreas.
Thomas.]
Petrus.
If. ii8 b.
Q viij b.
[Scene, A chamber in Jerusalem^
1. Jesus. pEES be both be day and nyght
1 Vn-till Jiis house, and till all Jjat is here ! '
Here will I holde as I haue hight.
The feeste of Paas with frendis in feere.
Mare. Maistir, we haue arayd full right
Seruise J>at semes for youre sopere.
Oure lambe is roste, and redy dight,
As Moyses lawe will lely lere.
Jesus. That is, ilke man Jsat has
Pepill in his awne poste
Shall roste a lambe at paas.
To hym and his meyne.
2. And. Maistir, fie custome wele we knawe.
That with oure elthers euer has bene,
How ilke man with his meyne awe
To roste a lambe, and ete it clene.
Jesus. I thanke jou sothtly of youre sawe.
For je saye as youre selffe has sene,
Ther-fore array jou all on rawe,
My selfe schall parte itt jou be-twene.
' Side-note in late hand, 'caret hie principio.'
° The original copyist omitted all, and wrote \eryn for here.
hand corrected as above.
Matt. xxvi. ig.
Mark xiv. i6, 17.'
Luke xxii. 13.
We will hold the
Paschal feast.
The lamb is ready
roast.
16
* Sit in a row,
I will share the
lamb,
A later
234
XXVII. THE BAXTERES.
the remnant
shall be given to
the poor.'
If.iig.
Rj.
The Paschal
lamb henceforth
forbidden to
Christians.
A new law.
yohn xiii. 1-15.
*Marcellus, bring
water.'
' Here it is, and a
clean towel.'
Jesus begins to
wash the disci-
ples' feet,
Peter refuses,
but Jesus makes
him obedient.
Wher-fore I will J5at je
Ette jjerof euere ilkone,
The remelaunt parted schall be,
To }3e poure Jjat purueyse none.
3. Of Moyses lawes here make I an ende,
In som party, but noght in all,
My comaundement schall otherwise be kende
With jjam fiat men schall craftely call.
But )3e lambe of Pasc Jjat here is spende,
Whilke Jewes vses grete and small,
Euere forward nowe I itt deffendcs^
Fro cristis folke, what so befall.
In Jjat stede schall be sette
A newe lawe vs by-twene,
But who jjerof schall ette,
Behoues to be wasshed clene.
4. For Jjat new lawe whoso schall lere,
In harte {jam bus be clene and chaste.
Marcelle, myn awne discipill dere,
Do vs haue watir here in hast.
\ Marc. Maistir, it is all redy here,
\ And here a towell clene to taste.
Jesus. Commes forthe with me, all in feere.
My wordis schall noght be wroght in waste.
Settis youre feete fourth, late see,
They schall be wasshen sone.
Pet. A 1 lorde, with Jji leue, of jsee
pat dede schall nojt be done.
5. I schall neuere make my membres mete,
Of my souerayne seruice to see,
Jesus. Petir, bott if Jjou latte me wasshe f>i feete,
pou getis no parte in blisse with me.
Pet. A 1 mercy, lorde and maistir swete,
Owte of f>at blisse fiat I noght be,
^4
28
32
36
40
44
48
62
THE LAST SUPPER.
235
Wasshe on my lorde to all be wete,
Both hede and hande, beseke I fie.
Jesus. Petir, Jjou wotiste nojt jitt
What }jis werke will be-mene.
Here aftir schall Ipou witte,
And so schall je all, be-dene.
Tunc lauat manus *-
6. 5oure lorde and maistir je me call,
And so I am, all welthe to welde.
Here haue I knelid vnto 50U all,
To wasshe youre feete as je haue feled.
Ensaumple of me take je schall,
Euer for to jeme in joujje and elde,
To be buxsome in boure and hall,
Ilkone for to bade othir belde.
For all if je be trewe
And lele of loue ilkone,
5e schall fynde othir ay newe.
To greue whan I am gone.
7. Jae. [-4«(fi?.] Now sen oure maistir sais he schall
Wende, and will not telle vs whedir,
Whilke of vs schall be princepall,
Late loke now whils we dwell to-gedir.
Jesus. I wotte youre will, both grete and small.
And youre high hartis I here Jjam hedir,
To whilke of 50U such fare sghulde fall,
pat myght je carpe when je come thedir.
Where it so schulde be tyde
Of such materes to melle.
But first behoues 50U bide
Fayndyngis full ferse and felle.
\He sets a child be/ore themi\
8^ Here schall I sette 50U for to see
pis 5onge childe for insaumpills seere,
' Marginal note in later hand.
56
If. 119 b.
60
' I, your master,
have washed your
feet.
64
take example of
meekness
thereby.'
68
72
* If he goes,
which of us shall
be chief?'
Mark ix. 33-37.
76
* I hear your
hearts.
80
but you must
abide many
84 trials.'
236
XXVII. THE BAXTERES.
If. 1 20,
Riij.
His own people
have betrayed
him.
John asks who
will do that
dolefuU deed.
Both meke and mylde of harte is he,
And fro all malice mery of chere,
So meke and mylde but if je be \
[jesus.] Quod facis fac cicius,
pat J30U schall do, do sone.
yohn xiii. 27, 2s. 9. Thom^. Alias ! so wilsom wightis as we.
Was neuere in worlde walkand in wede,
Oure maistir sais his awne meyne
Has be-trayed hym to synfull seede.
Jac. A ! I hope, sen \>o\x sittist nexte his kne.
We pray jje spire hym for oure spede.
Joh. Domine quis est qui tradii te ?
Lord, who schall do Jjat doulfuU dede ?
Alias ! oure playe is ^ paste,
pis false forward is feste,
I may no lenger laste,
For bale myn herte may breste.
10. Judas [^jzif«]. Now is tyme to me to gang.
For here be-gynnes noye all of newe.
My fellows momellis J^ame emang
pat I schulde alle Jjis bargayne brewe.
And certis Jsai schall nojt wene it wrang.
To ]je prince of prestis I schall pursue,
And \i€\ schall lere hym othir ought long
That all his sawes sore schall hym rewe.
I wotte whedir he remoues,
With his meyne ilkone,
I schall telle to Jse Jewes,
And'tyte he schalle be tane.
11. Jesus. I warne 50U nowe my frendis free,
Sese to ther sawes Jsat I schall say,
92
96
Judas slips away;
he sees he is
suspected.
104
108
ilTfl/^. XXV!. 33-35.
Mark xiv. 27-31.
\Exit.
116
' Here a leaf R ij is lost, containing about 65 lines, (the MS. is here
closely -written), which must have given the scene of Judas and the sop
(John xiii. 21-27).
" MS. repeats is.
THE LAST SUPPER.
237
The fende is wrothe with jou and me,
And will jou marre if jsat he may.
But Petir I haue prayed for Jse,
So Ipat \>ou schall nojt drede his dray ;
And comforte Jjou jjis meyne
And wisse hem, whan I am gone away.
Petrus. A I lorde, where wilte fjou lende,
I schall lende in ]3at steede.
And with J)e schall I wende
Euermore in lyfTe and dede.
12. And. No wordely drede schall me withdrawe,
That I schall with Tpe leue and dye.
Thorn. Certis, so schall we all on rawe,
Ellis mekill woo were we worthy.
Jesus. Petir, I saie to pe })is sawe,
pat J30U schalte fynde no fantasie,
pis ilke nyght or Tpe cokkys crowe,
Shall J30U thre tymes my name denye,
And saye ]>ovl knewe me neuere,
Nor no meyne of myne.
Pet. Alias ! lorde, me were lever
Be putte to endles pyne.
13. Jesus. As I yow saie, so schall it bee.
Ye nedis non othir recours to craue.
All fiat in worlde is wretyn of me
Shall be fulfilled, for knyght or knave.
I am Jse herde, f>e schepe are je,
And whane pe herde schall harmes haue,
The flokke schall be full fayne to flee,
And socoure seke Jsame selife to saue.
3e schall whan I am allone,
In grete myslykyng lende.
But whanne I ryse agayne,
pan schall youre myrthe be mende '.
' MS. has mened.
' The fiend will
mar you, but
Luke xxii. 31-34.
If. 120 b.
Peter must guide
you.'
J 2 . The disciples
"T will stay with
him.
128
132 Jesus foretells
that Peter will
deny him.
136
1 40
144 * I am the shep-
herd, ye are the
sheep.*
Mark xiv. 27.
Troubles to come.
If. i2r.
R iiij.
but joy after-
wards.
238 XXVII. THE BAXTERES.
i»fe xxii. 28-30, 14. 5e haue bene bowne my bale to bete, 152
36-38.
Therfore youre belde ay schall I be,
And for je did in drye and wete
My comaundementis in ilke centre,
The kingdom of The kyngdome of heuen I you be-hete, 156
to the faithful Euen as my fadir has highte itt me ;
disciples:
With gostely mete jsere schall we mete,
And on twelffe seeges sitte schall ^e,
For je trewlye toke jeme 160
In worlde with me to dwell,
There shall je sitte be-deme '
Xij kyndis of Israeli.
but first they will 15. But firste 56 schall be wille of wone, 164
he hewildered,
and many And mo wathes ben se of wene
dangers shall
come- Fro tyme schall come Jsat I be tone,
pan schall je turne away with tene.
Each must have And lokc fiat je haue swcrdis ilkonc, 168
a sword ; even sell a j i i , .
his coat for one. And whoso haues non 30U by-twene,
Shall selle his cote and bye hym one,
pus bidde I fiat je do be-dene.
Satcheles I will je haue, 172
And stones to stynte all striife,
Youre selffe for to sane
In lenghyng of youre lifF.
16. And. Maistir, we ^ haue here swerdis twoo, 176
Vs ° with to saue on sidis seere.
Jesus. Itt is i-nowe, 56 nedis no moo,
If. 121 b. For fro all wathis I schall 50U were.
Butt ryse now vppe, for we will goo, 180
By fiis owre enemyes ordand are,
My fadir saide it schall be soo,
His bidding will I nojt for-bere.
' MS. has by dene. ' MS. has ke.
« The MS. has VU.
v/
THE LAST SUPPER. 239
Loke je lere forthe J)is lawe 184
Als 56 haue herde of me,
AUe Jjat wele will itt knawe,
' Ay blessed schall J^ei bee. 187
' Hie caret novo loquela, marginal note in two later hands and inks.
V
/
If. 122.
R vj.
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS 1.
The Agony and the Betrayal.
Jesus.
Petrus.
Jacobus.
Johannes.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Angelus.
Anna.
Cayphas.
Judas.
Malcus.
jns^ 213^ gos^ ^ns MiLES.
I"', 2"'", 3"', 4"' JUDEUS.]
^iz//.xxvi. 36-56.
Mark-xxw. 26-50.
Luke xxii. 39-53.
* My soul is sor-
rowful unto
death.'
He bids his disci-
ples rest a while.
' Watch and
pray.'
[Scene I, The Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane?^
1. Jesus. "QEHOLDE my discipulis Jjat deyne is and dere'',
-U My flesshe dyderis & daris for doute of my dede,
Myne enemyes will newly be neghand full nere,
With all Jie myght if J^ei may to marre my manhede. 4
f But sen 50 are for-wakid
I And wanderede in were,
f Loke je sette jou doune rathely,
( And reste 50U I reede.
f Beis nojt heuy in joure hertis
I But holde yew even here,
{ And bidis me a stounde
\ Stille in jsis same steede. 8
Beeis witty and wyse in youre wandyng,
So jsat je be wakand alway,
And lokis nowe prestely 56 pray
To my fadir, Jjat je falle in no fandyng. 12
' The regular stanza of this play, in which the old copyist made more
errors than usual, contains twelve lines, eight of four accents and four of
three accents, riming ababababcddc. As several of the stanzas are
imperfect and others confused, the short lines in stanzas 3,4, 15, etc., should
probably be taken as parts of missing lines, not as tags. Stanzas 6, 14 are
each a line too long, while stanza 4 is short of four lines.
' Note in margin, i6th cent, hand, de novo facto.
THE AGONY AND THJE BETRAYAL.
241
2. f Pet. 3is, lorde, at thy bidding They ail assent.
1 Full baynly schall we abide,
( For Jjou arte boote of oure bale
I And bidis for J)e best.
J Joh. Lorde 1 all oure helpe and oure hele,
I That is noght to hyde,
( In Jje, oure faythe and oure foode,
I All hollye is feste. [/esus goes from themi\ i6
J Jac. Qwat way is he willid
i In ]3is worlde wyde ?
J Whedir is he walked,
I Estewarde or waste ?
{Pet. 3^^> sirs, I schall Saye 5OU, They must rest,
Sittis vs doune on euery ilka side ;
And late vs nowe rathely here take oure reste ;
My lymmys are heuy as any leede.,
Joh. And I muste slepe, doune muste I lye..
Jac. In faithe, felawes, right so fare I,
I may no lenger holde vppe my hede. ythey lie down.] 24
3. ( Pet. Oure liffe of his lyolty
I His liffe schall he lose,.
I Vnkyndely be crucified
I And naylyd to a tree. ,
{Jesus [coming agamj. Baynly of my blissing, -'
Youre eghen je vnclose,
f So Jjat je falle in no fandyng
1 For noght jjat may be, 2S
But prayes fast.
Joh. Lorde, som prayer Jsou kenne vs.
That somwhat myght mirthe vs or mende vs.
Jac. Fro all fandyng vnfaythfuU Jjou fende vs,
Here in Tpis worlde of lifife whille we laste. 33
4. ( Jesus. I schall kenne 50U, and comforte 50U,
\ And kepe jou from care ;
20 If. 122 b.
being heavy with
sleep.
Jesus bids them
pray not to fall
into temptation.
* Teach us some
prayer. '
242
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS.
If. i=j.
Rviij.
Jesus prays for
strength,
his flesh trembles,
he sweats for
fear.
f 3e schall be broughte, wete je '{vele,
I Fro bale vnto blisse.
f Pet. ^a.z, but lorde, and youre willis were,
I Witte wolde we more,
Of this prayer so precious late vs nojt mys, 37
We beseke \>e.
Joh. For my felows and me all in feere.
Some prayer J3at is precious to lere. 40
Jae. Vn-to thy Fadir J)at moste is of poure
Som solace of socoure to sende \)e \ 42
*****
5. ( Jesus, pe nowys J^at me neghfid
I Hase, it nedis not to neuen ; '
f For all wate je full wele
I. What wayes I haue wente ;
( In-store me and strenghe
I With a stille steuen,
I pray jje interly Jjou take entent, 46
pou menske my manhed with mode. ^^
My flessh is full dredand for drede.
For my jomeys of my manhed,
I swete now both watir and bloode. 50
6. pes Jewes hase mente in }jer mynde full of malice,
f And pretende me to take
I With-outen any trespasse,
f But Fadir, as Jjou wate wele,
\ I mente neuere a-mys,
I In worde nor in werk
) I neuer worthy was. 6 ^
Als Jjou arte bote of all bale and belder of blisse,
And all helpe and hele in thy hande hase,
( pou mensk thy manhede,
I pou mendar oCmysse I
■ A leaf, R. vij, is lost here.
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
243
J And if it possible be
I This payne myght I ouer-passe. 58
And Fadir, if })0u se it may noght,
Be it worthely wrought
Euen at thyne awne will,
Euermore both myldely and still,
With worschippe all way be it wroght. 63
7. Vn-to my discipillis will I go agayne,
f Kyndely to comforte jjam
I pat kacchid are in care. [Goes to the disciples.
j What ! are 50 fallen on-slepe
I Now euer-ilkone ?
And Jje passioun of me in mynde hase no more ?
( Wl;at ! wille je leue me Jjus lightly,
I And latte me allone,
j In sorowe and in sighyng
I pat sattillis full sore ?
f To whome may I meue me
I And make nowe my mone,
I wolde Jjat je wakened, and your will wore. — 71
Do Petir, sitte vppe, nowe late se !
pou arte strongly stedde in jsis stoure.
Might jjou noght Jje space of an owre
Haue wakid nowe mildely with me ? 75
8. Pet. 3is, lorde, with youre leue nowe will we lere,
Full warely to were 50U fro alle wandynge ?
Jesus. Beeis wakand and prayes faste "all in fere,
To my Fadir, Jjat je falle in no fanding, 79
For euelle spiritis is neghand full nere.
That will 50U tarie at Jsis tyme with his tentyng ;
And I will wende Jser I was withouten any were.
But bidis me here baynly in my blissing. 83
Agayne to Ipe mounte I will gang
3itt efte-sones where I was ere,
R 2
'Father, if it be
possible, let this
cup pass from
me.'
He finds the
disciples asleep.
67 If. 123 b.
* What ! you so
easily forget my
sorrow, and leave
me alone ?
Peter, couid'st
thou not have
watched with me
one hourt
Watch and pray,
lest you fall into
temptation, for
evil spirits are
244
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS.
Jesus returns to
pray again to the
Father for
strength.
' Father, thy will
be done.'
If. 124
Sj.
•What ! ye are
sleeping ! '
He prays a third
time to the
Father,
* Send me com-
fort, I shall taste
death, yet if it
were thy will,
spare me ! '
qi
95
The angel comes
down to comfort
Jesus.
But loke ]5at je cacche jow no care,
For lely I schall nojt dwelle lange, \He moves away.] 87
9. pou Fadir, jsat all formed hase with fode for to fill,
I fele by my ferdnes my flesshe wolde full fayne
Be torned fro this turnement, and takyn jje vntill,
For mased is manhed in mode and in mayne.
But if J30U se sothly jjat Y\ sone silP
With-outen surfette of synne jjus sakles be slayne,
Be it worthly wroght even at thyne awne will,
For fadir, att \>\ bidding am I buxum and bayne.
Now wightely agayne will I wende,
Vn-to my discipilis so dere. [He comes again to the disciples.
What! slepe je so faste all in fere?
I am ferde je mon faile of youre frende. 99
10. But jitt will I leue 50U and late you allone.
And efte-sones jsere I was agayne will I wende.
\He moves away again.
Vn-to my fadir of myght now make I my mone,
As ]30U arte saluer of all sore som socoure me sende. 103
pe passioun they purpose to putte me vppon,
My flesshe is full ferde and fayne wolde defende.
At \\ wille be itf wrought worj^ely in wone, -^^
Haue mynde of my manhed, my mode for to mende. 107
Some comforte me kythe in Jjis case,
And Fadir, I schall dede taste,
I will it nojt deffende ;
5itt yf thy willis be
Spare me a space ''. \An Angel appears.
11. f Ang. ' Vn-to jje maker vn-made
1 pat moste is of myght, 113
'^ Four (short) lines next foUowmg have been erased, and are illegible.
They may have been part of the error made in copying this incomplete
stanza, or the two lines v?anting to stanza 11.
" The vpords ' and archangels ' are added after angels in a 1 7th cent,
hand.
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
245'
Be louyng ay lastand in light Jsat is lente ;
( Thy Fadir Jsat in heuen is moste,
I He vppon highte,
I Thy sorowes for to sobir
I To Ipe he hase me sente. ti6
j For dedis Jjat man done has
1 Thy dede schall be dight,
( And Tpon with turmentis be tulyd.
I But take nowe entente,
Thy bale schall be for pe beste,
Thurgh fiat mannys mys schall be mende;. 120 if. 124 b.
pan schall Jsou with-outen any ende
Rengne in thy rialte full of reste.
12. j Jesus. Now if my flesshe ferde be,
I Fadir, I am fayne
I pat myne angwisshe and my noyes
1 Are nere at an ende ; 124
Vn-to my discipilis go will I agayne,
C Kyndely to comforte J^am
I pat mased is in Jjer mynde.
[ Do slepe je nowe sauely,
I And I schall 50U sayne,
( Wakyns vppe wightely
I And late vs hens wende ; ' 28
r For als tyte mon I be taken
I With tresoune and with trayne,
f My flesshe is full ferde
I And fayne wolde deffende.
Full derfely my dede schall be dight,
And als sone as I am tane
pan schall je forsake me ilkone,
And sale neuere je sawe me with sight.
13. Pet. Nay, sothely, I schall neuere my souereyne forsake.
If I schulde for Tpe dede darfely here dye, 136
'[He goes to the disciples.
* Mine anguish is
near an end.
I must comfort
my disciples.'
' Arise, let us go
hence :
132 as soon as 1 am
taken you will ail
forsake me.'
246
XXVm. THE CORDEWANERS.
They all protest
they will not.
If. I2S.
Sij.
' Like scattered
sheep ye will
Peter hoasts his
steadfastness.
Joh. Nay such mobardis schall neuere man vs make,
f Erste schulde we dye all at onys.
I Jae. Nowe in faith, felows, so shulde I.
(■ Jesus. ^2., but when tyme is be-tydde,
I panne men schalle me take,
I For all 50ure hartely hetyng
1. 5e schall hyde jou in hy, 140
I Lyke schepe jsat were scharid
I A- way schall je schake,
( per schall none of jou be balde
1 To byde me J>an by.
Pet. Nay, sothely, whils I may vayle fie^
I schall were pe and wake J>e,
And if all othir for-sake ]>e,
I schall neuere fayntely defayle ]>e.
143
146
Jesus rebukes^ j4_ | Jesus. A ! Petir, of swilke bostyng
him and says he
will deny him ere
the cock crows.
i I rede J>ou late bee,
j Fo[r] all thy kene carpyng
I Full kenely I knawe,
( For ferde of myne enmyse
( pou schalte sone denye me,
( Thries jitt full tbraly,
1 Or the Cokkes crowe :
I For ferde of my fo-men
1 Full fayne be for to flee,
f And for grete doute of J)i dede
1 pe to with-drawe.
150
' In the MS. the original copyist made two mistakes. Line 143, with ' I '
appended, stands as the second line of Jesus' previous speech, malcing non-
sense; and the first line given to Peter is, '5is sothly, quod Petir.' The
'I' gained from 1. 143, no less than the '5is sothly' of the interloping
line, and the rime, show that the right reading is as above ; the ' 5is sothly,
quod Petir' seems to have been the prompter's cue that the copyist un-
consciously wrote down. At Coventry there was a ' keeper of the playe
book,' or prompter (Sharp's Diss, on Coventry Pageants, 1816, p. 48); at
York I have found no note of the ' keeper,' although one of the actor's
books, i. e. of the Scriveners' Play, has been preserved. See Play XLI.
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
247
[Scene II, The High Priests palace.\
( An. Sir Cayphas, of youre counsaille
I Do, sone, late vs now see !
( For lely,it la^ges vs to luke
I Vn-to oure lawe '- 154
And therfore sir, prestely I pray jou,
Sen fiat we are of counsaille ilkone,
That Jesus j^at traytoure wer tane,
Do sone, late se sir, I pray 50U. 158
Cayph. In certayne sir, and sone schall I saye jou,
15. ( I wolde wane by my witte
I pis werke wolde be wele,
( Late vs justely vs iune
I Tille Judas Tpe gente,
J For he kennes his dygnites
I Full duly ilke a dele, 162
( 5a, and beste wote, I warande,
I What wayes Jjat he is wente.
( An. Now jjis was wisely saide
I Als euer haue I seele,
f And sir, to youre saiyng
I I saddely will assente,
r Therfore take vs of oure knyghtis
I That is stedfast as stele,
( And late Judas go lede Jjam be-lyffe
\ Wher that he last lente ^. [Enter Judas.
Cay. Full wele sir. Nowe Judas, dere neghboure, drawe
Annas begs that
Jesus may be
seized soon.
If. I2S b.
They agree to
wait for Judas'
help,
and prepare a
jgg force of soldiers.
nere vs ',
Lo ! Judas, Jjus in mynde haue we ment,
To take Jesus is oure entent,
' The MS. has lawys.
^ Lines 166, 167 stand in the MS. next following after 1. 171.
' In the MS. ' Full wele sir' stands as a separate line.
' ' Judas, you
must lead us.'
248
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS,
' I will show you X6
the way, but have
some strong men.'
If. 126.
S iij.
' How shall we
know him?'
' Do not give him
mercy : it is he
whom I kiss,'
' We do not mean
to let him off.'
The soldiers are
told to go with
Judas.
17,
For jjou muste lede vs and lere vs.
I [And also beis ware
I pat he wil not away ^]. 172
, f Judas. Sirs, I schall wisse you )je way
I Euen at youre awne will; ^ ^ _
r But loke }jat je haue
( Many myghty men,
( That is both Strang and sterand
I And stedde hym stone stille. 175
f An. 5is, Judas, but be what knowlache
I Shall we Tpat corse kenne ?
f Judas. Sirs, a tokenyng in Jiis tyme
I I schall telle 50U vntill ;
J But lokis by youre lewty
I No liflfe je hym lenne, ... 178
( Qwhat man som I kys,
l pat corse schall ye kyll ^.
Cay. Why, nay Judas, I schrew you all jsenne,
We purpose f)e page schall not passe,
f Sir knyghtis, in hy I [Calls the soldiers.
\ i Mil. Lorde we are here '- 182
Cay. Calles fourth youre felaws in feere,
And gose justely with gentill Judas. 184
J i Mil. Come, felaws, by youre faith
(. Come forthe all faste,
I And carpis with Sir Cayphas,
I He comaundis me to call,
f S Mil. I schrewe hym all his lifFe,
I pat loues to be last.
' This line is in error, redundant.
'' In the MS. 1. 179 stands immediately before the redundant 1. 172.
Thus the order of the transposed lines in the MS. is 171, 166, 167, 179,
172. 173-
' The rubricator placed 1 miles as the speaker of the first half, and
2 miles of the second half of 1. 182, but II. 183, 185, as well as the sense,
show that Caiapbas himself calls the first soldier, who answers. See too
1. 186.
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
249
( iii Mil, Go we hens f>an in hy,
I And haste vs to ]>e halle. i88
( iv Mil. Lorde, of youre will worthely,
\ Wolde I witte what wast?
( Cay. To take Jesus, Ipat sawntrelle,
I All same, jjat je schall.
f i Mil. Lorde, to Jjat purpose
I I wolde ]>aX we paste.
Anna. Ja, but loke Jjat 50 be armed wele all, 192
The moste gentill of ]>e jury schalle gyde jow^-
Cay. 5^1 and euery ilke a knyght in degre
Both armed and harneysed je be.
To belde 50U and baynely go by[de] jou. 196
18. An. 5a, and j^erfore sir Cayphas, je hye 50U
Youre wirschippe 36 wynne in jjis cas ''.
As je are a lorde, most lofsom of lyre,
Vndir sir Pilate Jsat lyfis in fiis Empire, 200
Jone segger )3at callis hym-selffe a sire
With tresoure and tene sail we taste hym.
Of jone losell his bale schall [he] brewe.
Do trottes on for fiat traytoure apas. 204
Cay. Nowe, sirs, sen je say my poure is most beste,
( And hase all Jiis werke
I pus to wirke at my will,
Now certayne rijt sone I thinke not to rest,
But solempnely in hast youre will to fulfiUe. zo8
Full tyte fie traytoure schall be tane.
' Two lines in the MS.
^ Here the late annotator wrote ' hie caret ' ; he evidently was puzzled by
the confusion made by the early copyist. The whole of this passage, from
1. 197 to 240, which I believe represents three stanzas, is hopelessly confused
out of rime and reason ; the rubricator did not understand it, as he intended
1. 203 to begin a new speech, but attempted no name, and put no guiding
lines to the short phrases to connect them with their rimes, as usual where
tag-phrases occur: the structure of other parts of the poem appears to
show that no such tags are intended here. I therefore print this passage as
it stands, except the transpositions of the words ' in hast,' in 1. 208, which
in the MS. are vpritten, apart, at the end of 1. 203 ; and ' rijt sone,' 1. 207,
from the end of the line. Lines 203, 204 appear to belong to 11. 197, 198.
They hasten out,
asking what they
are to do.
'To take Jesus.'
If. 126 b.
They must go
well armed.
Annas is eager to
make haste,
Caiaphas says
-that he is not
losing time, the
traitor will soon
be taken.
250
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS.
Have done.
Annasis still
eager in the pur-
If. 127.
S iiij.
the soldiers will
hunt for him
everywhere.
Malcus brings a
light to bear
before them.
Sirs knyghtis, je hye 5.0U ilkone,
For in certayne ]pe losell schall be slane ;
Sir Anna, I praye 30U haue done. 212
An. Full redy tyte I schall be boune
pis journay for to go till ;
Als je are a lorde of grete renoune,
5e spare hym not to spill. 216
De devill hym spede ! go we with cure knyghtis in fere.
Lo ! Jjay are arrayed and armed clere.
Sir knyghtis, loke je be of full gud chere.
Where je hym see, on hym take hede. 220
i Judeus. Goode tente to hym, lorde, schall we take,
He schall banne Jje tyme fiat he was borne,
All his kynne schall come to late,
He schall noght skape withouten scorne 224
fro vs in fere.
ii Jud. We schall hym seke both even and morne,
Erly and late, with full gode chere.
Is oure entente. 228
iii Jud. Stye nor strete we schall spare none,
Felde nor towne, Jjus haue we mente.
And boune in corde.
Mai. [5rtfigmg a light7\ Malcus ! a ay I and I schulde be
rewarde 232
And right, als wele worthy were.
Loo ! for I bere light for my lorde.
Cay. A ! sir, of youre speche lette, and late vs spede
A space, and of oure speche spare, 236
And Judas go fande Jjou be-fore,
And wisely J>ou wisse Jsam Jje way.
For sothely sone schall we 'saye,
To make hym to marre vs nomore. \Exeunt^ 240
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
251
Judas meets his
master, and asks
244 from him a kiss.
248 Jesus betrayed.
[Scene III, The Garden of Gethseniane.'\
21. Jesus. Now will Jsis oure be neghand full nere,
That schall certefie all Jje soth fiat I haue saide,
[Go fecche forth Jse freyke for his forfette ^].
( Jud. All hayll, maistir in faith,
I And felawes all in fere,
f With grete gracious gretyng
I On grounde be he graied.
J I wolde aske you a kysse,
I Maistir, and youre willes were,
f For all my loue and my likyng
I Is holy vppon 50U layde.
Jesus. Full hartely, Judas, haue it even here.
For with }>is kissing is mans sone be-trayed.
i Mil. Whe ! stande, traytoure, I telle \>e for tane. if. 127 b.
Cay. Whe ! do knyghtis, go falle on be-fore.
ii Mil. 5'S, maistir, moue })0u nomore.
But lightly late vs allone. [A light shines round Jesus.\ 253
22. iii MiL Alias ! we are loste, for leme of fiis light,
f Jesus. Saye je here, whome seke je ?
\ Do saye me, late see !
I i Jud. One Jesus of Nazareth
I I hope jjat he hight.
J Jesus. Be-holdis all hedirward, loo !
I Here, I am hee ! 257
f i Mil. Stande 1 dastarde, so darfely
I Thy dede schall be dight,
f I will no more be abasshed
I For blenke of thy blee.
f i Jud. We, oute ! I ame mased almost
\ In mayne and in myght. 260
' This line is an interloper, it does not belong either to Jesus' speech or
to the stanza. Perliaps it should follow 1. 236.
The soldiers are
amazed and con-
founded by the
brilliant light
from Jesus.
252
XXVIII. THE CORDEWANERS.
( ii Jud. And I am ferde, be my feyth,
I And fayne wolde I flee ;
For such a sijt haue I not sane.
iii Jud. pis leme it lemed so light,
I saugh neuer such a sijt,
Me meruayles what it may mene.
265
Whom seek ye?' 23. Jesus. Doo ^, whame sake je all same, jitt I saye?
f 1 Jud. One Jesus of Nazareth,
1 Hym wolde we negh nowe.
( Jesus. And I am he sothly,
I And jjat schall I a-saie.
j Mai. For Jjou schalte dye, dastard,
1 Sen Jjat it is jsowe. 269
Pet. And I schall fande be my feythe fie for to flaye.
Here with a lusshe, lordayne, I schalle fie allowe.
\_Cufs off his ear,
Mai. We! outel all my deueres are done ^ 273
Pet. Nay, traytoure, but trewly I schall trappe fie I trowe.
Jesus. Pees ! Petir, I bidde fie,
Melle fie nor moue fie no more,
For witte fiou wele, and my willis were °,
I myght haue poure grete plente ; 277
If. 128.
Sv.
Malcus .
threatens Jesus,
so Peter attacks
him.
Jesus bids Peter
not to meddle ;
he could have
angels to show
his power.
24, / Of aungellis full many
I To mustir my myght,
I For-thy putte vppe fii swerde
I Full goodely agayne,
f For he fiat takis vengeaunce
1 All rewlid schall be right,
f With purgens and vengeaunce
I pat voydes in vayne.
281
' Doo in MS. If it is the correct reading, it seems to be used here
interjectionally. Perhaps 'say' is omitted; compare 1. 255.
" Probably the line ended with Peter's exclaiming ' nay ! ' This would
complete the rime and shorten the next line as it needs ; it would begin
' Traytour.' = Two lines in MS.
THE AGONY AND THE BETRAYAL.
253
J pou man Ipzt is pus derede
I And doulfuUy dyght,
( Come hedir to me sauely,
I And I schalle jje sayne,
f In Jie name of my fadir
I pat in heuene is most vpon hight,
C Of thy hurtis be Jjou hole
l In hyde and in hane.
Thurgh vertewe pi vaynes be at vayle.
Mai. What ! ille hayle ! I hope fiat I be hole.
Nowe I schrewe hym })is tyme Jiat gyvis tale,
To touche pe for jsi trauayle.
25. J i Jud. Do felaws be youre faithe
1 Late vs fange on in fere,
For I haue on ]3is hyne ^.
J ii Mil. And I haue a loke on hym nowe.
I Howe ! felawes, drawe nere.
( iii Mil. 5is, by pe bonys })at }jis bare,
I pis bourde schall he banne.
( Jesus. Euen like a theffe heneusly
I Hurle je me here,
I I taught you in youre tempill,
I Why toke je me nojt Jeanne ?
J Now haues mekenes on molde
I All his power.
( i Jud. Do, do, laye youre handes
I Be-lyue on }jis lourdayne.
iii Jud. We haue holde })is hauk in })i handis.
Mai. Whe ! jis, felawes, be my faith he is fast !
iv Jud. Vn-to sir Cayphas I wolde }>at he past '
Fare-wele for I wisse we will wenden.
Jesus heals
Malcus' ear.
Luke xxii. 51.
285
Malcus is grate-
ful.
289
If. 128 b.
292
The soldiers close
in and seize Jesus.
' 1 am taken as a
thief.'
296
301
\They lead Jesus away.
The latter part of this line, which should rime with banne, is wanting.
^ Passen in MS.
If. 129.
S vij.
XXIX. THE BOWERS AND
FLECCHERS\
Peter denies, Jesus. Jesus examined by Caiaphas.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Cayphas.
Anna (Annas).
Primus, secundus, tertius,
QUARTUS miles.
Jesus.
Prima, secunda
mulier".
Malchus.]
Mattk. xxvi. 57-
75-
John-xntx, 12-27.
Caiaphas pro-
claims peace !
and his authority
and learning in
the law.
Mark xiv. 53-65.
Luke xxii. 54-71.
[Scene I, Hall in the High Priests palace?^
Cayp. PEES, bewshers, I bid no jangelyng je make,
And sese sone of ydure sawes, & se what I saye,
And trewe tente vnto me })is tyme f>at je take,
For I am a lorde lerned lelly in youre lay ; 4
By coimyng of clergy and casting of witte
Full wisely my wordis I welde at my will.
So semely in seete me semys for to sitte.
And ]5e lawe for to lerne you and lede it by skill. 8
What wyte so will oght with me
Full frendly in feyth am I foune right sone ' ;
Come of, do tyte, late me see
Howe graciously I schall graunte hym his bone. 12
'■ This poem is chiefly in long lines of four accents, riming alternately,
varied occasionally by shorter lines of three, sometimes four, accents. It is
difficult to find regular stanzas, partly owing no doubt to the corrupt
arrangement of the lines, for the old copyist seems to have been puzzled by
the length of some of them, and confused ends and beginnings together, so
losing many rimes. I have remedied these as far as I could.
''' According to Matt. xxvi. 69-71 there were two women. The rubricator
has marked the speaker of 1. 89 as primus (j"") mulier, but has not
numbered either of the other speeches given to a mulur. L, 1 36 indicates
two women.
' These two words in the MS. stand at end of 1. 7.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 255
2. Ther is nowder lorde ne lady lerned in Jje lawe,
Ne Bisshoppe ne prelate Jjat preued is for pris,
Nor clerke in ]>& courte Jjat connyng will knawe, ■
With wisdam may were hym in worlde is so wise. i6
I haue })e renke and fie rewle of all pe ryall ^ • • i rule the king-
To rewle it by right als reasoune it is, '
All domesmen on dese awe for to dowte me,
That hase thaym in bandome in bale or in blis, 20
Wherfore takes tente to my tales and lowtis vnto me.
And therfore, sir knyghtis ^,
I charge you chalange youre rightis, i charge you look
115 °^^ ^°^ ^"^^ boy.*
To wayte both be day and by nyghtis
Of the bringyng of a boy in-to bayle. 25
3. i Miles. Yis, lorde, we schall wayte if any wonderes walke.
And freyne ho we youre folkis fare }>at are furth ronne.
ii Miles. We schall be bayne at youre bidding and it not 'WewUidoyour
bidding as to the
to balke, boy in bonds.'
Yf fiei presente you fiat boy in a bande boune. 29
Anna. Why syr ? and is fier a boy fiat will noght lowte
to youre biding ?
Cayph. Ya, sir, and of be coriousenesse of bat karle ber 'Yes, there is
talk of the
IS Carpmg ; cleverness of
that carl.
But I haue sente for fiat segge halfe for hethyng.
Anna. What wondirfuU werkis workis fiat wighte ? if. 129 b.
Cayph. Seke men and sori he sendis siker helyng, 34
And to lame men and blynde he sendis ber sight ; He heals the sick,
the lame and
Of croked crepillis fiat we knawe, wind,
Itt is to here grete wondering, tohear is great
How fiat he helis fiame all on rawe, 38
And all thurgh his false happenyng.
'■ This word should perhaps be ryalte, which would rime with 1. 19.
In the MS. it is Ryait.
' Here the late corrector wrote tunc dicunt lorde.
256
XXIX. IHE BOWERS AND FLECCHERS.
it edges me to ire,
the way he breaks
our laws/
' I know the boy,
and his mother
and father, a
carpenter.'
* He does it by
witchcraft.'
' Will you rest,
and take some
wine?
S viij.
we shall soon
hear of the
soldiers that
were sent after
him.'
4. I am sorie of a sight
pat egges me to ire ',
Oure lawe he brekis with all his myght, 42
patois moste his desire.
Oure Sabott day he will not safe,
But is aboute to bringe it downe,
And therfore sorowe muste hym haue ; 46
May he be kacched in felde or towne,
For his false stevyn !
He defamys fowly })e godhed,
And callis hym selflfe God sone of hevene. 50
5. Anna. I haue goode knowlache of Jiat knafe,
Marie me menys, his modir highte,
And Joseph his fadir, as god me safe,
Was kidde and knowen wele for a wrighte. 54
But o thyng me mervayles mekill ouere all,
Of diuerse dedis Jjat he has done.
Cayph. With wicche-crafte he fares with-all,
Sir, }jat schall je se full sone. 58
Oure knyghtis fiai are furth wente
To take hym with a traye,
By Jjis I holde hym shente,
He can not wende away. 62
6. Anna. Wolde je, sir, take youre reste.
This day is comen on hande,
And with wyne slake youre thirste .''
pan durste I wele warande, 66
Ye schulde haue tithandis sone
Of ]3e knyghtis )3at are gone,
And howe J)at Jsei haue done
To take hym by a trayne ; 70
And putte all Jjought away.
And late youre materes reste.
' Lines 40 and 41 are one in the MS.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 257
{J
Cayph. I will do as je saie,
Do gette vs wyne of Ipe best \
Miles. My lorde 1 here is wyne
pat will make you to wynke,
f Itt is licoure full delicious,
I My lorde, and you like,
f Wherfofe I rede drely
\ A draughte f)at je drynke,
{For in fiis contre, jsat we knawe,
I wisse ther is none slyke.
Wherfore we counsaile you
This cuppe sauerly for to kisse.
Cayph. Do on dayntely, and dresse me on dees,
And hendely hille on me happing.
And warne all wightis to be in pees,
For I am late layde vnto napping.
Anna. My lorde with youre leue.
And it like yOu, I passe.
Cayph. A diew, be unte,
As Ipe manere is.
74
* Here is wine, a
delicious liquor,
78
none like it in
this country.'
82
' Lift me up
daintily, and
cover me nicely;
it is late/
[Zus down to sleep.
85
\Exit.
[Sleeps.
■ I will go.'
'Adieu be unto
thee.*
[Scene II, the same, near a fire!]
i Mulier. Sir knyghtys, do kepe fiis boy in bande.
For I will go witte what it may mene,
Why Jjat yone wighte was hym folowand
Erly and late, morne and eue[n]''- 92
He will come nere, he will not lette,
He is a spie, I warand, full bolde.
iii Miles. It semes by his sembland he had leuere be sette,
By Tpe feruent fire, to fleme hym fro colde. 96
Mulier. Ya, but and je wiste as wele as I,
* A later hand has written here in the margin, as an addition : —
' £[ic. For be we ones well wett
the better we will reste!'
° The word looks like eue, if however we read it ene, the u and n being
nearly alike, of course the suggested n at the end is not needed.
S
The woman saw
a fellow following
this prisoner, he
must be a spy.
Mati. xxvi. 69-
71-
' He'd like to sit
by the hot fire."
If. 130 b.
258
XXIX. THE BOWERS AND FLECCHERS.
'We have got the
one we sought so
long, the omer
may go.'
The woman jeers
Peter ; he lurks
.like an ape,
He looks like a
badger, bound
for baiting,
or like an owl in
a stump awaiting
his prey.
Peter denies
Jesus.
The woman
repeats what he
had said for
Jesus.
If. 131.
Tj.
What wonders fiat Jjis wight has wrought,
And thurgh his maistir sorssery
Full derfely schulde his deth be bought. 100
iv Miles. Dame, we haue hym nowe at will
pat we haue longe tyme soughte,
Yf othir go by vs still,
Per-fore we haue no thought. 104
MuUer. Itt were grete skorne Jiat he schulde skape,
Withoute he hadde resoune and skill.
He lokis lurkq^d like an nape,
I hope I schall haste me hym tille, 108
[To Peter.] Thou caytiffe 1 what meves J)e.stande
So stabill and stille in Jsi thoght ?
pou hast wrought mekill wronge in londe.
And wondirfuU werkis haste Jjou wroght. iia
A ! lorell, a leder of lawe.
To sette hym and suye has jsou soght.
Stande furth and threste in yone thrawe,
Thy maistry J30U bryng vn-to noght. 116
Wayte nowe, he lokis like a brokke.
Were he in a bande for to bayte ;
Or ellis like an nowele in a stok.
Full preualy his pray for to wayte, 120
Petrus. Woman, thy wordis and thy wynde thou not
waste ;
Of his company never are I was kende.
pou haste Jjc mismarkid, trewly be traste ;
Wherfore of Jsi misse Jjou Jje amende. 124
[ii] Mulier. pan gayne-saies }jou here J)e sawes jjat J30U
saide, "
How he schulde clayme to be callid God sonne,
J And with Jjc werkis fiat he wrought
I Whils he walketh in J)is flodde,
f Baynly at oure bydding
I Alway to be bonne. ia8
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 259
( Petrus. I will consente to youre sawes ;
I What schulde I saye more T
( For women are crabbed,
I pat comes Jsem of kynde.
f But I saye as I firste saide,
I I sawe hym neuere are,
{But as a frende of oure felawschippe
Shall ye me aye fynde. 132
j Malchus. Herke! knyghtis, {sat are knawen
I In this contre as we kenne,
( Howe yone boy with his boste
I Has brewed mekill bale,
{He has forsaken his maistir
Before jone womenne.
{But I schall preue to 30U pertly,,
And telle you my tale. 136
{I was presente with pepull (
Whenne prese was full prest, __L
{To mete with his maistir, \
With mayne and with myghtj^
f And hurled hym hardely,
I And hastely hym arreste,
{And in bandis full bittirly
Bande hym sore all fiat nyght. 14.0
And of tokenyng of trouth schall I telle yowe,
( Howe yone boy with a brande
I Brayede me full nere, —
Do move of thej materes emelle yowe, —
For swiftely he swapped of my nere. 144
His maistir with his myght helyd me all hole.
That by no syne I cowthe see noman cowjje it witten.
And Jjan * badde hym here pees in euery ilke bale.
For he pat strikis with a swerd with a swerde schall be
streken. 148
> MS. has fon.
S 2
Peter gives in
because women
are crabbed bjr
nature ; but still
denies.
Malcus shovs
how Peter has
forsaken his
master.
and tells how he
struck ofTMalcus'
ear.
If. 131 b.
which the master
healed.
260
XXIX. THE BOWERS AND FLECCHERS.
^Come, speak!
tell the truth.'
Peter's third
denial.
* l,isten,_ sirs,_he
had denied his
master thrice/
X
•J--
■ ( ■\
Jesus reminds
Peter, (S. *
whose heart is
now shorn with
The soldiers are
taking Jesus to
Caiaphas' hall,
but ha\e to wait
without, as
If. 132.
Tij.
it is ni^ht and
they within may
be asleep.
Latte se whedir grauntest fiou gilte,
Do speke oon and spare not to telle vs,
Or full faste I schall fonde \>e flitte,
The soth but ]30U saie here emelle vs. 152
Come of, do tyte ! late me see nowe,
In sauyng of thy selflfe fro schame,
3 a, and also for beryng of blame.
Petnis. I was neuere with hym in werke J)at he wroght,
In worde nor in werke, in will nor in dede, 157
I knawe no corse jsat je haue hidir brought,
In no courte of this kith, if I schulde right rede.
Malchus. Here, sirs 1 ho we he sais and has forsaken 160/
His maistir to fiis woman here twyes.
And newly oure lawe has he taken,
Thus hath he denyed hym thryes.
■ 'I
\Tlnter Jesus with ^rd and 4ik soldiers.']
Jesus. Petir, Petir, Jjus saide I are, 164
When you saide you wolde abide with me,
In wele and woo, in sorowe and care,
Whillis I schulde thries for-saken be.
Petrus. Alas ! ]3e while fiat I come here ! 168
That euere I denyed my lorde in quarte,
The loke of his faire face so clere
With full sadde sorowe sheris my harte.
iii Miles. Sir knyghtis, take kepe of ]3is karll and be
konnand; 172
Be-cause of Sir Cayphas we knowe wele his Jjoght.
He will rewarde vs full wele IpaX dare I wele warand.
Whan he wete of oure werkis how wele we haue wroght.
iv Miles. Sir, jjis is Cayphas halle here at hande, 176
Go we boldly with })is boy jjat we haue here broght.
Nay, Sirs, vs muste stalke to Jiat stede and full still stande,
For itt is nowe of pe nyght, yf f>ei nappe oght. 179
PETER DENIES JESUS. JISUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 261
i Miles \wilhiti\. Say who is here ? Say who is here ?
iii Miles ^ I, a frende, i8o a parley, '
Well knawyn in Jsis contre for a knyght. i8i
ii Miles \wiihin\. Gose furthe, on youre wayes may
yee wende,
For we haue herbered enowe for to-nyght.
i Miles \withiti\. Gose abakke, bewscheres, je both are
to blame, 184
To bourde whenne oure Busshopp is bonne to his bedde. the bishop is
gone to bed*
iv MUes. Why Sir 1 it were worthy to welcome vs home,
We haue gone for J)is warlowe and we haue wele spedde. /
ii Miles. Why, who is jsat ? ^ ' ^ X '
iil MUes. The Jewes kyng, Jesus by name. 188
i Miles. A ! yee be welcome, fiat dare I wele wedde.
My lorde has sente for to seke hym. Yewiiibewei-
■ / .* come, wait a
iv MUes. Loo ! se here })e same. mmute.
ii MUes. Abidde as I bidde, and be noght adreed.
[Calls Caiaphas from his sleep.
My lorde! mv lorde! my lorde! here is layke, and 50U The man calls
Caiaphas, twice ;
list ! ' 192 he does not want
to get up.
Cayph. Pees ! loselles, leste je be nyse.
i MUes. My lorde ! it is wele, and ye wiste.
Caypli. What ! nemen vs nomore, for it is twyes, 195
( pou takist non hede to jje haste
\ That we haue here on honde,
{ Go frayne howe oure folke faris The soldiers who
were sent out
J ' were seni out
1 That are furth ronne. i^^th.TfeUow''
f u MUes. My lorde youre knyghtis has kared tound.
\ As ye fiame commaunde,
f And thei haue fallen full faire,
I Caypli. Why and is fie foole foune ? \Rises. 199
Ya I lorde, \€\ haue brought a boy in a bande boune. if. ^^^ b.
' In the MS. So speaker's name is set to line 179, and line 180-81 is
given to i miles. But the text shows that it was the 3rd and 4th soldiers
who were out by night, while the ist and 2nd stayed in to guard their
■ bishop.' ' I, a frende,' is set at beginning of 1. i8j.
262
XXIX, THE BOWERS AND FLECCHERS.
Caiphas calls
Annas.
Annas is eager,
but Caiapbas pro-
ceeds steadily.
JThe soldiers
;briDg in Jesus.
They are
thanked,
and questioned
how they took
him.
If- 133-
Tiij.
Cayph [calls]. Where nowel sir Anna I Jjat is one and
able to be nere,
[£nier Annas.]
Anna. My lorde, with youre leue me be-houes to be here'-
Cayph. A ! sir, come nere and sitte we bothe in fere. 203
[7%^ «'/ in couri.]
Anna. Do sir, bidde Jiam bring in j^at boy paX is bune.
Cayph. Pese now, sir Anna, be stille and late hym stande.
And late vs grope yf Tpis gome be grathly be-gune.
Anna. Sir, fiis game is be-gune of Jje best.
Nowe hadde he no force for to flee {lame. 208
Cayp.^ Nowe in faithe I am fayne he is fast,
Do lede in j^at ladde, late me se Jian.
ii MileB [T'o 3 ^ 4 soldiers], Lo 1 sir, we haue saide to
oure sbuereyhe,
Gose nowe and suye fO hytn selfe for ]>e same thyng. 212
iii Miles. Milorde, to youre bidding we haue " buxom
and bayne,
Lo, here is fie belschere broght Jiat ye bad bring.
iv Miles. My lorde, fandis now to fere hym.
Cayph. Nowe I am fayne.
And felawes, faire mott ye fall for youre fynding *.
f Anna. Sir, and ye trowe fei be treWe
I With-owten any trayne, 217
Bidde {layme telle you pe tyme of Jse takyng.
Cayph. Say, felawes, howe wente ye so nemely by nyjt ?
iii Miles. My lorde, was Jiere noman to marre vs ne
mende vs. 220
iv Miles. My lorde, we had lanternes and light,
Ahd some of his company kende vs.
* Lines 201, 202 are written as four lines in MS.
" The names of this and the last six speakers were given wrong by the
original rubricator, and are corrected in the margin as they stand above.
' sic.
* 'And felawes' stands at end of 1. 215 in MS.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 263
( Anna. But saie, how did he, Judas ?
1 iii Miles. A I sir, full wisely and welcj The behaviour of
Judas.
He markid vs his maistir emang all his men, 224
And kyssid hym full kyndely his comforte to kele.
By-cause of a countenaunce J^at karll for to kenne.
Cayph. And jjus did he his deuere ?
iv Miles. Ya, lorde, euere ilke a dele.
f He taughte vs to take hym
1 The tyme aftir tenne. 228 'We took Jesus
. , , , after lo o'clock/
Anna. Nowe, be my feith I a faynte frend myght he
per fynde.
( iii Miles. Sire, ye myghte so haue saide,
I Hadde ye hymn sene fienne. 230
iv Miles. He sette vs to fie same jjat'he solde Vs,
And feyned to be his frende as a faytour, that feSon"
This was ]>e tokenyng before fiat he tolde vs.
Cayph. Nowe trewly, bis was a trante of a traytour. 234 'This was a
traitor's trick ! *
Anna, ^a, be he traytour or trewe geue we neuer tale,
But takes tente at Tpis tyme and here what he telles.
Cayph. Now sees bat oure howsolde be holden here hale*, ' Make ready the
' court!'
So fiat none carpe in case but fiat in court dwellis. 238
iii Miles. A ! lorde, Ipis brethell has brewed moche bale.
Cayph. Therfore schall we spede vs to spere of his spellis.
Sir Anna, takeis hede nowe, and here hym. 241
Anna T To Jesus]. Say ladde, liste be noght loWte to a lorde ? ' Make obeis-
i- ■' J "^ J u ance, lad.
iv MUes ^. No sir, with youre leue, we schall lere hym. ^ 133 1.
[Attempts to strike Jesus.
Cayph. Nay sir, noght so, no haste.
Itt is no burde to bete bestis Jjat are bune, b^t'that'u' ""^
And therfore with fayrenes firste we will hym fraste, questlonlim"'
And sithen forjjer hym furth as we haue fune. 247- *^"'y-'
And telle vs som tales, truly to traste,
MS. has hole. The line is two in tl
[u the MS. the next line is given
writes Cayphas to the speech beginning
MS. has hole. The line is two in the MS.
» In the MS. the next line is given to 4 Miles. But an old corrector
rites Cayphas to the speech beginning ' Nay,' which seems to be right.
264.
XXIX. THE BOWERS AND FLECCHERS.
* You might as
well talk to an
empty barrel.'
'To tell the tenth
of his; miracles
would make our
tongues stir.*
If. 134.
T iiij.
' He would re-
build the temple
were it pulled
down.'
250
351
255
( Anna. Sir, we myght als wele talke
I Tille a tomfe tonne 1
(1 warande hym witteles,
I Or ellis he is wrang wrayste,
j Or ellis he waitis to wirke
I Als he was are wonne.
iii Miles. His wonne was to wirke mekill woo,
And make many maystries emelle vs.
Cayph. And some schall he graunte or he goo,
Or muste yowe tente hym and teHe vs.
iv Miles. My lorde, to witte pe wonderes J)at he has
wroght,
For to telle you the tente it wolde oure tongas stere.
Cayph, Sen jse boy for his boste is in-to bale broght.
We will witte, or he wende, how his werkis were. 259
I iii Miles. Oure Sabott day we saye
I saves he right noght,
f That he schulde halowe and holde
I Full dingne and full dere.
f iv Miles. No, sir, in pe same feste
I Als we the sotte soughte,
j He salued jjame of sikenesse
l On many^ sidis seere. 263
Cayph. What jjan, makes he |?ame grathely to gange ?
iii Miles, ^a, lorde even forthe in euery ilke a toune,
He })ame lechis to hffe after lange.
Cayph. A I this makes he by the myghtis of Mahounde, 267
iv MUes. Sir, oure stifFe tempill, TpaX made is of stone,
That passes any paleys of price for to preyse,
And it were doune to Jse erth and to J)e gronde gone.
This rebalde he rowses hym it rathely to rayse. 271
iii Miles, ^a, lorde, and othir wonderis he workis grate
wone,
And with his lowde lesyngis he losis oure layes.
■ MS. has sere sidis seere.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 265
Cayp.^ Go lowse hym, and levis ban and kte me allone, ' Loose hun, i
will speak with
For my selfe schall serche hym and here what he saies. 275 him.'
Anna. Herke I Jesus of Jewes will haue joie,
To spille all thy sporte for thy spellis '^.
Cayph. Do meve, felawe, of thy frendis Jjat fedde fe 'Tdimeofthy
friends and thy
be-forne, doings. He has
lost his tongue !'
And sithen, felowe, of thi fare, forjjer will I freyne. ' 279
Do neven vs lightly ; his langage is lorne 1
iii Miles. My lorde, with youre leve, hym likis for to layne,
But and he schulde scape skatheles, it wer a full skorne,
For he has mustered eraonge vs full mekil of his mayne. 283
iv Miles. Malkus, youre man, lord, fiat had his ere schorne,
This harlotte full hastely helid it agayne,
Cayph. What 1 and liste hym be nyse for jse nonys,
And heres howe we haste to rehete hym.
Anna. Nowe, by Beliall bloode and his bonys, 288 Annas wishes to
heat Jesus,
I holde it beste to go bete hym 1
Cayph, Nay, sir, none haste, we schall have game or
we goo. • 290 If. 134 b.
SJoJesm?^ Boy, be not agaste if we seme gaye ; um £^7"' "^
I coniure J^e kyndely, and comaunde f>e also,
By grete God fiat is liffand & laste schall ay,
Yf })ou be Criste, Goddis sonne, telle till vs two, 294
Jesus. Sir, J30U says it Jsi selflfe, and sothly I saye,
pat I schall go to my fadir }jat I come froo.
And dwelle with hym wynly in welthe all-way.
Cayph. Why ! fie on be faitoure vn-trewe ! 298 Theyarescandai-
"•" 1 r ' j^^^ 'He hath
Thy fadir haste bou fowly defamed, spoken bias-
Now nedis vs no notes of newe,
Hym selfe with his sawes has he schamed.
Anna. Nowe nedis nowdir wittenesse ne counsaille to call.
But take his sawes as he saieth in fie same stede,
He sclaunderes f>e godhed and greues vs all, 304
' Corrector of i6tii cent. The original has 4 Miles.
^ MS. here has ' hie caret ' in the i6th cent. hand.
phemy.'
266
XXIX. TkE BOWERS AND FLECtHERS.
He is worthy of
dfeath.
' I taught daily
in the temple, in
public, ye laid
no hold on me.'
Mark xiv. 49.
Luke xxii. 53.
If. 13s.
Tv.
Jesus answers
Caiaphas,
who turns wrath
against him.
^ohn 3
Wherfore he is wele worthy to be dede.
And therfore sir, saies hym Jje sothe.
Cayph. Sertis so I schall.
Heres Jiou not, harlott ? Ille happe on thy hade ^ !
Aunswere here grithely to gtete and to small, 308
And reche vs oute rathely som resoune, I rede '■'.
Jesus. My reasouns are not to feherse, 310
Nor they Jiat myght helpe.me are nojt here nowe.
Annti. Say, ladde, liste })e make verse, 312
Do tell on, be-lyffe, late vs here nowe '.
Jesus. Sir, if I sale jje sothe, J50U schall not assente,
But hyndir, or haste me [to] hynge f
I preched wher pepull was moste in present, 316
And no poynte in priuite to olde ne jinge *.
And also in youre tempill I told myne entente.
Ye myght haue tane me Jjat tyme for my tellyng,
Wele bettir Jjan bringe me with brondis vnbrente, 320
And J3us to noye me be nyght, and also for no-thyng.
Cayph. For nothyng ! losell, fiou lies !
Thy wordis and werkis will haue a wrekyng.
Jesus. Sire, sen j)OU with wrong so me wreyes, 324
Go, spere jjame fiat herde of my spekyng,
(■ Cayphi A ! Jjis traitoure has tened me
I With tales fiat he has tolde,
f 5itt hadde I neuere such hething
1 as of a harlott as hec;
f i Miles. What ! fye on J^e bfeggarr I
I who made fie so bolde
J To bourde with oure Busshoppe ?
I thy bane schall I bee. [He strikes Jesus. '\ 329
' Line 307 is two in the MS.
° The late corrector here adds : —
' Sir, my reason is not to rehers ought.'
" In the MS. 11. 312, 313 stand before 1. 310, throwing the two speeches
together, without sense. The copyist following ear more than eye, probably
reversed the couplets (which have the same rime) unconsciously.
* MS. has ionge.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 267
333
337
341
Jesus. Sir, if my wordis be wrange or werse Jian Tpon wolde,
A wronge wittenesse I wotte nowe are je,
And if my sawes be soth jsei mon be sore solde,
Wherfore ]30U bourdes to brode for to bete me.
il Miles. My lorde, will je here ? for Mahounde .
No more now for to neven fiat it nedis.
Cayph. Gose, dresse you and dyng je hym doune,
And deffe vs no more with his dedis.
Anna. Nay, sir, jian blemysshe yee prelatis estatis ;
3e awe to deme noman, to dede for to dynge.
Cayph. Why, sir, so were bettir Jsan be in debate.
Ye see Jje boy will nojt bowe for oure bidding.
Anna. Nowe sir, ye muste presente Jsis boy unto sir Pilate,
For he is domysman nere and nexte to Ipe king.
And late hym here all Jse hole, how ye hym hate,
And whedir he will helpe hym or haste hym to hyng. 345
i Miles. My lorde, late men lede hym by nyght,
So schall ye beste skape oute o skornyng.
ii Miles. My lorde, it is nowe in pe nyght,
I rede Je abide tille ]ie mornyng. 349
Cayph. Bewschere, Tpou sais \>e beste, and so schall it be,
But lerne yone boy bettir to bende and bowe.
i Miles. We schall lerne yone ladde, be my lewte.
For to loute vn-to ilke lorde like vn-to yowe. 353
Cayph. 3a, and felawes, wayte J^at he be ay wakand.
' If 1 have spoken
evil bear witness
of the evil,'
' You are too
quick in beating
Go, strike him
down, deafen us
no more with his
deeds.
' You must not do
that.'
'Better so than
contend.'
Pilate is judge.
' Take him away
by night.'
If. 135 b.
* Teach him
obedience.'
[Scene III, ihe soldiers buffet Jesus^
ii Miles. 5'S lorde, jjat warant will wee I
Itt were a full nedles note to bidde vs nappe nowe.
iii Miles. Sertis, will ye sitte, and sone schall ye see
Howe we schall play papse for Jie pages prowe. 358
iv Miles. Late see, who stertis for a stole ?
For I have here a hatir to hyde hym.
Certainly we
shall not nap
now.
' Fetch a stool,
here is a dress
to cover him.'
?68
XXIX. THE BOWERS ANP FLECCHEES.
They beat Jesus,
strike him with
their Asts,
and keei) him
awake with was-
sailing shouts.
If. 136.
TvJ.
They take Jesus
back and say he
has found it hot
among themj
i Miles. Lo, here is one full fitte for a foole,
Go gete it, and sette jje beside hym. 362
ii MUes. Nay I schall_ sette it my-selffe and frusshe
hym also.
Lo, here a shrowde for a shrewe, and of shene shappe !
iu Miles. Playes faire in feere, and I schall fande to
feste it ^
With a faire flappe, and jjer is one and fjer is ij; 366
And ther is iij, and there is iiij'.
iii Miles. Say nowe, with an nevill happe,
Who negheth Ipe nowe ? not o worde, no 1
( iv Miles. Dose noddil on hym with neffes
I That he noght nappe. 370
i Miles. Nay nowe to nappe is no nede,
( Wassaille, Was'saylle !
I I warande hym wakande.
ii Miles. Ja, and bot he bettir bourdis can byde.
Such bufFettis schall he be takande. 374
iii Miles. Prophete ysaie to be oute of debate,
Iniiiste percussit, man rede giflfe you may,
r iv Miles. Those wordes are in waste,
I What wenes })ou he wate ?
f It semys by his wirkyng
I His wittes were awaye. 378
i Miles. Now late hym stande as he stode in a foles state ;
For he likis nojt Jjis layke, my liffe dare I laye !
ii MUes. Sirs, vs muste presente Jsis page to ser Pilate,
J But go we firste to oure souerayne,
I And see what he sales. 382
\They lead Mm lack to Caiaphas.
' To make lines 365, 366 into sense, and also to agree witli the rime,
they should perhaps be read thus : —
'Playes faire in feere, and there is one and there is two
I shall fande to feste it with a faire flappe.'
Pronounce four of the next line fo, to ryme with two, and also before and
no after it.
PETER DENIES JESUS. JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. 269
iii Miles. My lorde I we hatie bourded with jjis boy,
And holden hym full hote emelle vs.
Cayph. Thanne herde ye some japes of joye ?
iv Miles. The devell haue be worde, lorde, he wolde but that he will
•* not say a wordi
telle vs. 386
Anna. Sir, bidde belyue, ]>ei goo and bynde hym agayne,
So Jiat he skape noght, for Jsat were a skorne.
Cayph. Do telle to sir Pilate cure pleyntes all pleyne, Tell Pilate our
'^ ■' r J ' complaints, and
And sale, Jjis ladde with his lesyngis has oufe lawes ^ujt te d'Sn to-
InrnA ' inr\ day because it is
*°™^' 39° Sabbath to-
And saie Jsis same day muste he be slayne, morrow.
Be-cause of sabott day Jsat schalbe to-morne ;
And saie fiat we come oure selffe for certayne,
And forte fortheren Jjis fare, fare yee be-forne. 394
i Miles. My lorde, with youre leve, vs muste wende,
Oure message to make as we maye.
Anna. Sir, youre faire felawschippe we be-take to ]>&
fende ^.
Cayph. Goose onne nowe, and daunce forth in ]>e deuyll
way. 398
' L. 397 is two in the MS.
If. 137 b.
T vij. v.
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND
COUCHERS.
The Dream of Pilate's Wife : yesus befpre
Pilate.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Maiih, xxvii.
11-19.
Luhe xxiii. 1-7.
Cos^. o/Nichod,
ch. li.
Pilate threatens
brawlers and
traitors.
PiLATUS,
VxoR PiLATi alias Domina.
Bedellus.
Ancilla.
FluilS [PlLATl] '.
Diabolus.
Cayphas.
Anna [Annas].
Primus et secundus
MlLJTES.]
[Scene I, Pilate's judgment-hall^
1. Pil. YHE cursed creatures Jiat cruelly a,re cryand,
i Restreyne you for stryuyng
I For strengh of my strakis,
( Youre pleyntes in my presence
I Vse plately applyand,
{ Or ellis fiis brande in youre braynes
I Schalle "^ brestis and brekis. 4
pis brande in his bones brekis,
What brawle |5at with brawlyng me brewis,
That wrecche may not wrye fro my wrekis ',
' The lubricator, in marking Filius, did not perceive that the son is the
same boy throughout the piece, and gave 2 Fil, for scene i (11. Ii6, 120),
and I Fil. for scenes ii, iii.
^ Schalle appears to be in error for sone, or a similar adverb, brestis and
brekis being pres. indicative, not infinitive as required by the auxiliary.
* MS. has ' werkis.' This piece presents several difficulties ; stanzas 8,
22, 30 are irregular ; st. 10, 13, 15, 16, 47, 48 are imperfect ; other changes
I suggest in the notes. The first 18 stanzas rime ababbcbbc. With
St. 19 a fourth rime is introduced, ababcdddc.
THE DREAM OF PILATe's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 271
Nor his sleyghtjs no5t slely hym slakis,
Latte Jsat traytour nojt triste in my trewys, 9
I For sir Sesar was my sier 'Caesar was my
W sire,
I And I sothely his sonne,
That exelent Emperoure exaltid in hight,
Whylk all jsis wilde worlde with wytes had wone,
And my modir hight Pila bat proude was o pight, 13 pia my mother,
daughter of Atus,
0 Pila jjat prowde and Atus hir fadir he hight.
This pila was hadde in to Atus,
Nowe renkis, rede yhe it right ?
For fius schqrtfilyl haue schewid you in sight,
Howe I am prowdely preued Pilatus. 18 whence i am
Pilatus.
3. Loo ! Pilate, I am proued a prince of grete pride,
1 was putte in to Pounce ]>e pepill to presse.
And sithen Sesar hym selfTe with exynatores be his side, Caesar and his
senators sent me
Remytte me to fie remys, fie renkes to redresse. 22 to these realms.
And yitte am I graunted on grounde, as I gesse
To justifie and juge all pe lewes *.
A! lufFe ! here lady ! no lesse, \ Enter dame Per cula. Ah! here is my
love, my wife.
Lo ! sirs, my worthely wiffe, fiat sche is !
So semely, loo ! certayne scho schewys. 27
4. Vx. pa. Was nevir juge in fiis Jurie of so jocounde
generacion,
Nor of so joifuU genolgie to gentrys enioyned,
As yhe, my duke doughty, demar of dampnacion, ' if. 138.
( To princes and prelatis
I pat youre preceptis perloyned. 31 Pilate's wife
Who Jjat youre perceptis pertely perloyned ^
With drede in to dede schall ye dryfFe hym,
By my trouthe, he vntrewly is stonyd,
pat agaynste youre behestis base honed ;
All to ragges schall ye rente hym and ryue hym. 36
^ Lines 23, 24 are reversed in the MS.
' Pertely and perloyned are both written with/ contraction,
272
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
' I am dame Pro-
cula.
behold my
comely face,
and my rich
robes ;
no one has a nicer
companion,
though 1 say it.*
* You may say So !
let me kiss you.'
"There is no use
hiding it, all
ladies like to be
kissed.'
The beadle ob-
jects to this
behaviour
If. 138 b.
in court,
5. I am dame precious Percula *, of prynces Jje prise,
Wiffe to Sir Pilate here prince with-outen pere,
All welle of all womanhede I am, wittie and wise,
Consayue nowe my countenaunce so comly & clere. 40
The coloure of my corse is fiill clere,
And in richesse of robis I am rayed,
Ther is no lorde in Jjis londe as I lere.
In faith ]3at hath a frendlyar feere,
C Than yhe my lorde,
I My-selffe yof I saye itt. 45
6. ( Pil. Nowe saye itt save may ye saffelyj
I For I will certefie \>e same '■'.
Vxor. Gracious lorde, gramercye, youre gode worde is
gayne.
Til. Yhitt for to comforte my corse, me must kisse you,
madame 1
Vx. To fulfille youre forward, my fayre lorde, in faith I
am fayne. 49
Pil. Howe ! howe 1 felawys, nowe in faith I am fayne
Of theis lippis, so loffely are lappid.
In bedde is full buxhome and bayne.
Domina. Yha, sir, it nedith not to layiie,
( All ladise we coveyte fian
\ Bothe to be kyssed and clappid. 54
[Enter Beadle (of the couri).']
7. Bed. My liberall lorde, O leder of lawis,
0 schynyng schawe fiat all schames escheues,
1 beseke you my souerayne, assente to my sawes.
As ye are gentill juger and justice of Jewes. 58
' The name of Pilate's wife is here ■written pcula, i. e. Percula^ in the
Coventry accounts it is written pcula, i. e. Procula. See Th. Sharp's
Dissertation on Coventry Mysteries, p. 30. The name does not occur in'
the Coventry play itself on the Dream of Pilate's Wife. It is Procula in
the Gospel of Nichodemus, ch. ii.
" It may be suggested that • saue' and ' For' are too much in 1. 46, and
that 1. ^9 would be perfect without ' in faith.'
THE DREAM OF PILATE's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 273
Horn. Do herke, howe fiou, javell, jangill of lewes I but the lady is
Why, go bette, horosonne boy, when I bidde pe. ^"^'^'
Bed. Madame, I do but ]?at diewe is.
Dom. But yf Jjou reste of thy resoune, Jjou revvis,
For all is a-cursed carle, hase in, kydde Jje M 63
8. Pil. Do mende you, madame, and youre mode be Piiate win listen
, - to him ;
amendand,
For me semys it wer sittand to se what he sais.
Dom. Mi lorde, he tolde nevir tale Jjat to me was tendand,
But with wrynkis and with wiles to wend me my weys. 67
( Bed. Gwisse ^ of youre wayes to be wendand,
I Itt langis to oure lawes.
f Dom. Loo 1 lorde, jjis ladde with his lawes, she objects.
I Howe thynke ye it prophitis wele
His prechyng to prayse ?
Pil. Yha, luffe, he knawis Pilate says,
• he knows our
All oure custome ', I knawe wele, 72 customs.'
9. Bed. My seniour, will ye see nowe be sonne in youre sight, ' My lord, the
sun is setting,
For his stately strengh he stemmys in his stremys, c~»-'- v^
Behalde ovir youre hede how he holdis fro hight ^r C--^-
And glydis to ])e grounde with his glitterand glemys *. 76
To J)e grounde he gois with his bemys,
And pe nyght is neghaijd anone ; night comes on ;
Yhe may dome aftir no dremys,
( But late my lady here let my bright
I With all her light lemys,
lady go home.
Wightely go wende till her wone. 8r if. 139.
10. For ve muste sitte, sir, bis same nyght of lyfe and of lyme ; for you must sit
^ ''•'•-' in judgment this
( Itt is nojt leeflfuU for my lady, I'gi"-
I By the lawe of this lande,
* L. 63 stands as two lines in MS., with ' j)OU lewis' of 1. 62 as part
of the first.
^ The last section of st. 8 is evidently wrong ; the rimes are lost, even if
lawes be pronounced layes, as often occurs (e.g. 1. 363).
^ Lines 71 and part of 72 stand as one in MS.
• Lines 75, 76 are written as three in the MS.
T
274
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
The lady must
not stop at night,
she might stagger
in the street.'
* The fellow has
said what is
right.'
' I will hinder
you no longer.'
' Before you go,
you must have
some wine.
Get some drink !
Come sit down,
here it is.'
'You begin, my
lord.'
'Drink, madam.'
' You need not
teach me ! '
If. 139 b.
* Here is for the
damsel also.'
( In dome for to d\Velle
I Fro J)e day waxe ought dymme ;
j For scho may stakir in ]>e strete
1 But scho stalworthely stande. 85
Late hir take hir lave whill fiat light is '-
Pil. Nowe wiflfe, Jjan ye blythely be buskand.
Dom. I am here, sir, hendely at hande.
Pil. Loo ! }3is is renke has vs redde als right is- 90
11. Dom. Youre comaundement to kepe to kare forlpe y
caste me,
My lorde, with youre leue, no lenger y lette yowe.
( Pil. Itt were appreue to my persone
1 pat preuely je paste me,
( Or ye wente fro this wones
I Or with Wynne je had wette yowe. 94
( Ye schall wende forthe with wynne
1 Whenne fiat ^e haue wette yowe.
Gete drinke ! what dose Jjou 1 haue done 1 [Calls <;«/.
Come semely, beside me, and sette yowe,
Loke ! nowe it is even here, Jjat I are behete you,
Ya, 'saie it nowe sadly & sone '■'. 99
12. Dom. Itt Wolde gladde me, my lorde, if je gudly begynne.
Pil. Nowe I assente to youre counsaille, so comely &
clere ° ;
Nowe drynke [je], madame : to deth all Jsis dynne !
Dom. Iff it like yowe myne awne lorde, I am not to
lere ; 103
This lare I am not to lere.
Pil. Yitt efte to youre damysell, madame.
Dom. In thy hande, holde nowe, and haue here.
Axip. Gramarcy, my lady so dere.
Pil. Nowe fares-wele, and walke on youre way. 108
' A line (should be 1. 86) is wanting here.
' In the MS. the words ' what does fou, haue done' are repeated after
'Loke ! ' 1. 98, and 'fat . . . you ' stand at beginning of 1. 99.
^ MS. has ckne.
THE DREAM OF PILATe's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 275
13. JDom. Now fare wele, ye frendlyest, youre fomen to fended 'Farewell, my
Pil. Nowe fare wele, ye fayrest figure TpaX euere did fode fede, ' Farewell, ladies.
And fare wele, ye damysell, in dede.
An. My lorde, I comande me to youre ryalte. iia
Pil. Fayre lady, he jsis schall you lede,
\To Ms son] Sir, go with bis worthy in dede, Son, go with her
^ J ' o r / > obediently.
j And what scho biddis you doo,
I Loke TpaX buxsome you be. 115
14. Pil. I am prowde and preste to passe on a passe,
To go with Jjis gracious, hir gudly to gyde.
PU. Take tente to my tale, f)ou turne on no trayse,
Come tyte and telle me yf any tythyngis be-tyde. 119 comeandteiime
Pil. If any tythyngis my lady be-tyde, happens/^
I schall fall sone sir, witte you to say.
This semely schall I schewe by hir side, The son goes.
Be-lyffe sir, no lenger we byde.
[£!xeuni Percula, son, and damsel.
Pil. Nowe fares-wele, and walkes on youre way. 124
15. Nowe wente is my wiffe, yf it wer not hir will,
And scho rakis tille hir reste as of no thyng scho rought. 'Myiadygoesto
Tyme is, I telle })e, jsou tente me vntill, itTs time, friend,
Andbuskejjebelyue, belamy,tobeddej3aty werbroght. 128 ^'j.a'.i went to
And loke I be rychely arrayed ^. .
Bed. Als youre seruaunte I haue sadly it sought, if. 140.
And jjis nyght, sir, newe schall ye noght, -Aii is ready, you
I dare laye, fro ye luffely be layde. 132 ^'n^'oyTd.''''
\Pilaie goes to his couch.
16. Pil. I comaunde fe to come nere, for I will kare to my
couche,
Haue in thy handes hendely and heue me fro hyne, • Lift meinto bed
. but don't hurt
But loke {jat Jjou tene me not with pi tastyng, but tendirly me."
me touche,
• Stanza 12 is somewhat corrupt, lines 104, 105 being imperfect; the two
first lines of st. 1 3 are wanting.
^ There is a line missing here, before 1. 1 29.
T 2
276
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
' Sir, you weigh
heavy !
* Tuck me up
evenly, I will
sleep for the
present. Let no
noise he made.
Chastise those
who chatter and
roar.'
' Sleep, sir, say
no more,'
Bed. A ! sir, yhe whe wele I
Pil. Yha, I haue wette with me wyne ^ 136
Yhit helde doune and lappe me even [here], [Is laid down.
For I will slelye slepe vnto synne.
Loke Jjat no man nor no myron of myne
With no noyse be neghand me nere. 140
17. i Bed. Sir, what warlowe yow wakens
I With wordis full wilde,
J pat boy for his brawlyng
I Were bettir be vn-borne.
{ Pil. Yha, who chatteres, hym chastise,
I Be he churle or childe,
f For and he skape skatheles
I Itt were to vs a grete skorne. 144
Yf skatheles he skape, it wer a skorne ;
What rebalde Jjat redely will rore,
I schall mete with }>at myron to-morne,
And for his ledir lewdenes hym lerne to be lorne.
Bed. Whe ! so sir, slepe ye, and sales nomore. 149
[Scene II j Chamber of dame Percula, Pilate's wife.']
' I will get to
rest.'
* Your bed is
ready.'
If, 140 b.
• Cover me, and
go.'
* You shall not
be disturbed.'
18. Dom. Nowe are we at home, do helpe yf ye may,
For I will make me redye and rayke to my reste.
Anc. Yhe are werie, madame, for-wente of youre way.
Do boune you to bedde, for fiat holde I beste. 153
ru. Here is a bedde arayed of ]>s beste.
Dom. Do happe me, and faste hense ye hye.
Ano. Madame, anone all dewly is dressid.
Fil. With no stalkyng nor no striiFe be ye stressed.
Dom. Nowe be yhe in pese, both youre carpyng and
crye. 158
' The last part of this stanza seems to be imperfect, the first four lines
only are complete.
THE DREAM OF PILATE S WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 277
[An sleep, enter Sa/anJ]
19. r Diab. Owte ! owte 1 harrowe I in-to bale am I brought,
I This bargayne may I banne,
But yf y wirke some wile, in wo mon I wonne,
This gentilman Jesu of cursednesse he can
Be any syngne Jjat I see, pis same is goddis sonne. 162
And he be slone, oure solace will sese,
He will saue man saule fro oure sonde.
And refe vs pe remys Jsat are rounde.
I will on stifFely in Jjis stounde,
Vnto Sir Pilate wiffe, pertely, and putte me in prese. 167
[ Whispers to Percula.
20. O woman ! be wise and ware, and wonne in \\ witte,
Ther schall a gentilman, Jesu, vn-justely be juged
Byfore thy husband in haste, and with harlottis bp hytte.
And f>at doughty to-day to deth Jjus be dyghted, 1 7 1
Sir Pilate, for his prechyng, and ]50U,
With nede schalle ye namely be noyed.
Your striffe and youre strenghe schal be stroyed,
Youre richesse schal be refte you }3at is rude,
With vengeaunce, and {>at dare I auowe. 176
* \Percula awakes, starling.
21. Dom. A ! I am drecchid with a dreme full dredfuUy to
dowte.
Say, childe I rise vppe radly, and reste for no roo,
Thow muste launce to my lorde and lowly hym lowte,
Comaunde me to his reuerence, as right will y doo. 180
Fil. O ! what 1 schall I trauayle Jjus tymely fiis tyde ?
Madame, for the drecchyng of heuen,
Slyke note is newsome to neven.
And it neghes vnto mydpyght full even.
Dom. Go bette, boy, 1 bidde no longer Jjou byde, 185
22. And sale to my souereyne, \\% same is soth Jjat I send hym.
All naked J)is nyght as I napped.
The devil will
work against
Jesus.
' If Jesus is slain.
I lose my realms.
I'll go to Pilate's
wife.'
'Woman, if the
gentleman, Jesus,
IS ujljustly
doomed, Pilate
and you will be
destroyed.'
'Ah I I am tor-
mented with a
horrid dream ! I
say, child ! get
up and run to my
lord."
' Must I go so
early? By God's
passion it is
disagreeable.'
If. 141.
Viij.
' Go, boy, tell
him as I slept,
naked, a dream
struck me, of
Jesus that just
man ; I beg he
278
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
may be de-
livered.
* Madam, I will
go, but I will
nap first,'
With tene and with trayne was I trapped
With a sweuene, ]3at swiftely me swapped, 189
Of one lesu, ]>e juste man Tpe lewes will vndoo ;
She prayes tente to Jsat trewe man, with tyne be nojt
trapped,
But als a domes man dewly to be dressand, - 192
And lelye delyuere Jjat lede.
Pil. Madame, I am dressid to Jjat dede ;
But firste will I nappe in Jjis nede.
For he hase mystir of a morne slepe jsat mydnyght is
myssand. [^Skeps.J^ - 196
[Scene III ; On the way from the palace of Caiaphas to
Pilate's judgment-hall?[
John xviii. 28.
Annas and Caia-
phas agree to
take Jesus before
Pilate.
-t
' He has hewn
our hearts from
our breasts.'
23. I An. Sir Cayphas, ye kenne wele
1 This caytiffe we haue cached,
f That ofte tymes in oure tempill
I Hase teched vntrewly,
( Oure meyne with myght
I At mydnyght hym mached,
C And hase drevyn hym till his demyng
( For his dedis vndewly. 200
Wherfore I counsaile Jsat kyndely we care '
Vnto sir Pilate, oure prince, and pray hym
That he for oure right will arraye hym.
This faitour for his falsed to flay hym,
( For fro we sale hym J>e soth
I I schall sitte hym full sore. 205
24. Cay. Sir Anna, f)is sporte haue ye spedely aspied,
As T pm pnntifirall prinne of all prt^stis.
We will prese to Sir Pilate, and presente hym with pride.
With ]3is harlott })at has hewed owre hartis fro oure
brestis, 209
' MS. has carie.
THE DREAM OF PILATE's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 279
Thurgh talkyng of tales vntrewe. And Jjerfor, Sir knyghtis ! if. 141 b.
i Mil. Lorde ' I
Cay. Sir Knyghtis, jsat are curtayse and kynde, • Soldiers, let the
We charge you Jjat chorle be wele chyned, and bound.-
Do buske you and grathely hym bynde,
And rugge hym in ropes, his rase till he re we. 214
25. i Mil. Sir, youre sawes schall be serued schortely and sone, They bind jesus;
Yha, do felawe, be thy feith, late vs feste Jsis faitour full fast^
ii Mil. I am douty to Jjis dede, delyuer, haue done,
Latte vs pulle on with pride till his poure be paste. 218
i Mil. Do haue faste and halde at his handes.
ii Mil. For this same is he Jiat lightly avaunted.
And god sone he grathely hym graunted. •
i Mil. He bese hurled for fie highnes he haunted ;
Loo! he stonyes for vs, he stareS where he standis. 233
26. ii Mil. Nowe is the brothell boune for all ])e boste jjat he Now he is ready.
blowne,
And Tpe laste day he lete no lordynges my3t lawe hym ^
An. Ya, he wende })is worlde had bene haly his awne,
I Als ye are dowtiest to-day
I Tille his demyng ye drawe hym. 227
f And pan schall we kenne
1 How })at he canne excuse hym.
i Mn. Here, ye gomes, gose a rome, giffe vs gate, feUow^/rice
We muste steppe to yone sterne of a-state. ^^y ■
ii Mil. We muste yappely wende in at fiis yate,
For he Jjat comes to courte, to curtesye muste vse hym. 232
27. ( i Mil. Do rappe on the renkis, ' ]^ .T4.2-
I pat we may rayse with oure r«Iyng ;
r Come forthe, sir coward 1 Come forth,
J coward.
I Why cowre ye behynde. [Xnoch ai Pilate s hall.
» The line must end with vntrewe, which rimes with rewe of 1. 214. The
copyist was perhaps thinking aloud as he wrote and \erfor ; the foUowmg
four words seem to be a prose call and answer. , ,,„ , ,
2 Line 216 is complete without the words ie thy feith. Mb, has lawne.
280
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
' Who are you
■with that noise ? '
* Words are but
wind,
let us tell you. '
' You knaves, I'll
kill you.'
* AVho is chatter-
ing so ? '
' Ignorant
knaves.'
' Beat and put
them in prison,
but see if they
have any tidings.'
The beadle asks.
* The priests have
taken
If. 142 b.
a lawless wretch.'
' My lord, get up
quickly. Sir Caia-
phas and Annas
have brought a
traitor ! *
Bed. [within.] O, what javellis are ye jjat jappis with
gollyng ?
i Mil. A ! goode sir, be nojt wroth, for wordis are as ]>t
wynde. 236
Bed. I saye, gedlynges, gose bakke with youre gawdes.
ii Mil. Be sufferand, I beseke you,
And more of J)is matere yhe meke yow.
Bed. Why, vnconand knaves, an I cleke yowe,
I schall felle yow, be my faith, for all youre false frawdes'. 241
28. f I*il. \within, in ied.] Say childe, ill cheflfe you !
1 What churlles are so claterand ?
Bed. My lorde, vn-conand knaves Tpei crye and pei call.
Pil. Gose baldely beliffe, and jsos brethellis be battand,
And putte ]3am in prisoune vppon peyne jjat may fall. 245
Yha, spedely spir Jsam yf any sporte can fiei spell,
Yha, and loke what lordingis Tpei be.
Bed. My lorde, paX is luffuU in lee,
I am boxsom and blithe to your blee.
[ Pil. And if they talke any tythyngis
( Come tyte and me tell. 250
29. I Bed. [To the soldiers.'] My felawes, by youre faith,
I Can ye talke any tytharidis ? ^
i Mil. Yha, sir Cayphas and Anna ar come both to-gedir.
To sir Pilate o pounce and prince of oure lawe;
J And Jjei haue laughte a lorell
I pat is lawles and liddir. 254
Bed. My lorde ! my lorde ! [Runs to Pilate.
Pil. Howe 1 '
Bed. My lorde, vnlappe yow belyve wher ye lye.
jjSir Cayphas to youre courte is caried,
I And sir Anna, but a traytour hem taried,
' This line is two in MS.
' Read ' Can you talke any tythands, by your faith, my felawes ? ' to
correspond to 1. 253.
' The beadle's call and Pilate's answer appear to be outside the verse, as
in St. 24 they do not belong to the other lines, which are complete without
them.
THE DREAM OF PILATE's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 281
Many wight of Jjat warlowe has waried,
They haue brought hym in a bande, his balis to bye. 259
30. Pil. But are thes sawes certayne in soth Jjat Jjou saies ? Piiate is doubt-
j Bed. Yha, lorde, ]>e states yondir standis, wards glad.
I For striffe are they stonden.
( Pil. Now fian am I light as a roo,
1 And ethe for to rayse, [He rises,
c Go bidde Jsam come in both
I And the boye Jjey haue boune. 263
I Bed. Siris, my lorde geues leue The beadle bids
\ all to enter.
[ Inne for to come.
[Scene IV; Pilaie' s judgment hall ; enter Caiaphas and company^
Cay. Hayle ! prince jjat is pereles in price, The priests salute
Ye are leder of lawes in jjis lande,
Youre helpe is full hendely at hande.
An. Hayle I stronge in youre state for to stande,
Alle }5is dome muste be dressed at youre dulye deuyse. 269
31. ( Pil. Who is there ^ ? my prelates ?
Cay. Yha, lorde.
Pil. Nowe be se welcome, i-wisse ! if. 143.
(■ Cay. Gramercy, my souerayne,
I But we beseke you all-same,
f By-cause of wakand you vnwarly They excuse
■; , themselves for
I Be noght wroth with Jsis. waking him.
i For we haue brought here a lorell,
( He lokis like a iambe. 273
Pil. Come byn, you bothe, and to be benke brayde yow. He bids them
^ ' ■> ' come ben,' and
Cay. Nay gud sir, laugher is leflfull for vs. sit by him; they
Pil. A ! sir, Cayphas, be curtayse yhe bus.
An. Nay goode lorde, it may not be {jus.
f Pil. Sais no more, but come sitte you beside me,
I In sorowe as I saide youe. 278
' The MS. has thenm or theme, it is uncertain which.
282
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
* Welcome, beau
sire ! what mes-
sage from my
lady?'
The boy relates
the dream.
' I suppose this
is he that ye
bring ? '
If. 143 b.
Caiaphas says
Jesus has
wrought the
dream with
witchcraft.
Antias says he
has done many
wonders through
devilcraft.
Pilate sees their
evil feelings ;
he will judge for
himself.
\Enler Pilate's son.]
32. Fil. Hayle 1 \>e semelieste seeg vndir sonne sought,
Hayle ! ]>e derrest duke and doughtiest in dede.
( Pil. Now bene-veneuew, beuscher,
( What boodworde haste Tpou brought ?
Hase any langour my lady newe laught in J)is hede ?
Pil. Sir, jjat comely comaundes hir youe too,
And sais, al nakid J^is nyght as sche napped.
With tene and with traye was sche trapped,
With a sweuene Jjat swiftely hir swapped,
Of one Jesu Tpe juste man, Tpe lewes will vndo.
33. She beseches you as hir souerayne J>at symple to saue,
Deme hym noght to deth, for drede of vengeaunce.
PU. What ! I hope Tp'is be he j^at hyder harlid je haue,
[ Cay. Ya, sir, pe same and Jje selffe ;
I But Ipis is but a skaunce.
He with wicchecrafte }3is wile has he wrought ^,
Some feende of his sand has he sente,
And^arned youre wiffe or he wente,
Yowe ^ ! jjat schalke shuld not shamely be shente.
pis is sikir'in certayne, and soth ' schulde be sought.
I
287
291
296
34.
An. Yha, thurgh his fantome and feilshed and ff ndes-craf):,
%,-!'
' He has wroght many wondir
. Where he walked full wyde,
( Wherfore my lorde it wer leefFuU
I His liflfe were hym rafte.
Pil. Be ye neuere so bryme, ye boj^e bus abide.
But iljpe traytoure be taught for vntrewe.
And Jjerfore sermones you no more ;
I will sikirly sende hym selffe fore.
./. ''^
(
300
' Line 292 is two in MS.
' There is a dot after yowe in the MS., perhaps indicating a pause of ex-
clamation, as after ha! p. 347, 1. 322. The word is either an interjection
or an adverb.
' Soh in MS. seems to be intended for soth.
THE DREAM OF PILATE S WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 283
And se what he sais to ]>e sore,
f Bedell, go brynge hyme, - Beadle, fetch
I For of })at renke haue I rewfje. 305
35. r Bed. This forward to fuljille g„,^. „/jyiv&^..
I Am I fayne moued in myn herte ' ; """' ''^' ''
f Say, Jesu, J)e juges and f>e lewes
I Hase me enioyned
f To bringe ]>e before jjam,
I Even bounden as {jou arte,
f Yone lordyngis to lose Jje
i Full longe haue pei heyned. 309
( But firste schall I wirschippe Tpe The beadie goes,
I With witte and with will, jeLs^^' ^"'^ '^^
This reuerence I do fie for-thy [ffe bows to Jesus, if. 144.
For wytes jsat wer wiser Jsan I, "''■
They worshipped Jje full holy on hy,
And with solempnite sange Osanna till. 314
36. i Mil. My lorde bat is leder of lawes in bis lande. The soldiers are
.- scandalised at the
All bedihs to your biding schulde be boxsome and bayne, beadle's be-
l And jitt fiis boy here before yowe
I Full boldely was bowand,
f To worschippe Jjis warlowe.
I Me thynke we wirke all in vayne. 318
ii Mil. Yha, and in youre presence he prayed hym of pees.
In knelyng on knes to Jjis knave,
He be-soughte hym his seriiaunte to saue.
Caip. Loo, lord such arrore amange Jjem Jsei haue,
It is grete sorowe to see, no seeg may it sese. 323 ' Such contempt
of your worship
37. It is no menske to youre manhed bat mekill is of myght, ought to be
' ^ avoided in your
To for-bere such forfettis fiat falsely are feyned, sight.'
Such spites in especiall wolde be eschewed in your sight.
fPil. Sirs, moves you nojt in J3is matere, 'Caimyour-
1 But bese myldely demeaned, 327 belre^onfoTk/
For yone curtasie I kenne had som cause.
' In the MS. moved stands after herte.
haviour.
284
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
Pilate questions
the beadle.
If. 144 b.
he replies that he
saw Jesus met in
Jerusalem by the
people when
Hosanna was
sung to him.
* What does
Hosanna mean!'
The beadle
explains it.
Pilate appeals to
the lords,
An. In youre sight sir, Jje soth schall I saye,
As ye are prince, take hede I you praye.
Such a lourdayne vnlele, dare I laye,
( Many lordis of oure landis
I Might lede fro oure lawes. 332
38if|f ril. [/o /he Beadlel] Saye, losell, who gaue fie leve
Wl So for to lowte to yone ladde,
f And solace hym in my sight
I So semely, Jsat I sawe ?
f Bed. A ! gracious lorde, greue you noght
1 For gude case I hadde.
( Yhe comaunded me to care,
I Als ye kende wele and knawe, 336
To Jerusalem on a journay, with seele ;
And fian fiis semely. on an asse was sette,
And many men myldely hym mette,
Als a god in jjat grounde Jjai hym grette,
Wele semand hym in waye with worschippe lele. 341
39. Osanna fiei sange, ]3e sone of dauid,
Riche men with jjare robes Jjei ranne tofcis fete.
And poure folke fecched floures of fje frith,
And made myrthe and melody Jjis man for to mete. 345
r Pil. Nowe gode sir, be J)i feith,
\ What is Osanna to saie ?
f Bed. Sir, constrew it we may
I Be langage of Jjis lande as I leue,
It is als moche to me for to meve,.
(Youre prelatis in jsis place can it preue),
f Als, ' oure Sauiour and souerayne,
(. pou saue vs, we praye.' 350
40, I Pil. Loo, senioures, how senjes yow
I pe so}>e I you saide f \
Cai. Yha, lorde, Jjis ladde is full liddir, be \>\s light 1
Yf his sawes wer serchid and sadly assaied,
THE DREAM OF PILATE S WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 285
f Saue youre reuerence, but they say the
I His resoune jsei rekenne nojt with right. 354 wrong°yf"'^'"
This caytiffe }5us cursedly can construe vs.
Bed. Sirs, trulye ]>e trou]?e I haue tolde,
Of \>[s wighte je haue wrapped in wolde.
/ An. [J^i'smg.] I saie, harlott, thy tonge schulde bou holde, if. hs-
' A J 1 .... V vij.
< And noght agaynste jji maistirs to meve f>us. 359 and angrily
would silence
41. Pil. Do sese of youre seggyng, and I schall examyne full ^^."'•
Pilate is annoyed
sore, at their persist-
ence.
ii
; An. Sir, dames hym to deth, or dose hym away.
I . Pil. Sir, haue ye saide ?
An. Yha, lorde.
Pil. Nowe go sette you with sorowe and care, > sit down, be
"^ For I will lose no lede J3at is lele to cure law. 363 '^'"'' '
[To /esus.] But steppe furth and stonde vppe on hight,
And buske to my bidding, Jsou boy. He tells the
And for be nones bat bou neven vs anoy. cialm^ttentfon '
(anOy).
Bed. I am here at youre hande to halow a hoy,
Do move of youre maister, for I shall melle it with myjt. 368
42. Pil. Cry, Oyas 1
Be. Oyas I
PU. Yit efte, be pi feithe.
Bed. Oyas I a lowde.
( Pil. Pilatus, yit lowder
I That ilke lede may light \ 369 • cry, oyez,
^ • . T . 1 peace ! and
Crye pece m this prese, vppon payne per-vppon, 5"i=t i
' The first line of st. 42 is lost in the confusion here. Pilate would not
call out his own name, and 'alowde' must be a stage direction to the
Beadle, not words uttered by him ; Pilate's ' yit lowder ' may be the same ;
' feithe ' is the best rime to ' swithe.' I should therefore venture to restore
the line thus — casting out ' that ilke lede may ligtft ' altogether, as irre-
levant and without sense. Perhaps it belongs to st. 48.
JiV. Cry Oyas I
Bed. Oyas I
/•z7. Yit lowder I
Bed, Oyas I (a-lomde).
PU. Yit efte, be \\ feitlie.
Cry pece in ])is prese, etc.
286 XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
J Bidde them swage of Tpei sweying
I Bothe swiftely and swithe,
And stynte of {jer stryuyng and stande still as a stone. 372
Call Jesus to the Calle 'Jesu, ]>e gentill of Jacob, Jje Jewe,
Come preste and appere,
To pe barre drawe \>e nere,
To Tpi jugement here,'
To be demed for his dedis vndewe. 377
If. 145 b. 43. i Mil. Whe ! harke how fiis harlott he heldis oute of harre,
This lotterelle liste noght my lorde to lowte.
The soldiers ii Mil. Say beggar, why brawlest fiou ? go boune be to be
taunt Jesus be-
cause he does not barre,
bow and go for-
• "'"''*• i Mil. Steppe on thy standyng so sterne and so stoute. 38-1
ii Mil. Steppe on thy standyng so still.
i Mil. Sir cowarde, to courte muste yhe care,
ii Mil. A lessoune to lerne of oure lare *.
i Mil. Flitte fourthe, foule myght })ou fare !
ii Mil. Say, warlowe, Jjou wantist of Ipi will 386
44, Junior Pil. O Jesu vngentill, ]>i joie is in japes,
pou can not be curtayse, Jiou caytifFe I calle fie.
No ruthe were it to rug ]>e and ryue \>e in ropes,
Pilate's son asks Why falles Jjou nojt flatte here, foule falle Tpe, 390
^inBat in°obei- For ferde of my fadir so free ?
sance. i , . . i
pou wotte noght his wisdome i-wys,
All thyne helpe in his hande lpa,t it is,
Howe sone he myght saue ]je fro Jjis ;
Obeye hym, brothell, I bidde \>e. 395
45. PU. Now, Jesu, jjou art welcome ewys, as I wene,
Pilate encourages Be nojt abasShcd, but boldely boune Tpe to pe barre.
What ! seyniour will sewe for ]>e sore, I haue sene ;
To wirke on ]>[s warlowe, his witte is in warre ^- 399
• MS. has lawe.
' The MS.ha.s ivasiSihut warre may he iniended. The sense of the passage
is obscure.
46
THE DREAM OF PILATe's WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 287
■ Come preste, of a payne, and appere,
And sir prelatis, youre pontes bes prevyng,
What cause can ye caste of accusyng ?
pis mater ye marke to be mevyng,
And hendly in haste late vs here. 404
Cay. Sir Pilate O Pounce, and prince of grete price,
We triste ye will trowe oure tales pei be trewe,
To deth for to deme hym with dewly device,
For cursidnesse yone knave hase in case, if ye knew, 408
In harte wolde ye hate hym in hye.
For if it war so
We mente not to misdo ;
Triste, sir, schall ye jjerto.
We hadde not hym taken to Ipe \ 413
47. / I*il- Sir, youre tales wolde I trowe,
1 But fiei touche none entente,
( What cause can ye fynde
I Nowe Jjis freke for to felle ?
An. Oure sabbotte he saues not, but sadly assente
To wirke full vnwisely, Ipis wote I rijt wele " ; 417
He werkis whane he will, wele I wote,
And Jjerfore in herte we hym hate,
Itt sittis you to strenghe youre estate
Yone losell to louse for his lay. 421
48. Pil. like a lede for to louse, for his lay is not lele,
Youre lawes is lefFuU, but to youre lawis longis it
pis faitoure to feese wele with flappes full fele,
And woo may ye wirke hym be lawe, for he wranges it. 425
Therfore takes vn-to you full tyte.
And like as youre lawes will you lede,
Ye deme hym to deth for his dede.
Cay. Nay, nay sir, ]jat dome muste vs drede ^ 429
' These four lines are written as two in the MS.
^ A line is wanting after 1. 417, to fill up the sense, and torimewithl.421.
' A line is here wanting ; perhaps ' that ilk lede may light ' (see note to
1. 369) is the stray, it supplies both sense and rime.
* Come ! prelates,
quickly appear,
what are the
points of accusa-
tion?'
If. 146.
Vviij.
* We trust you
will believe us
and judge him to
death.'
* What cause
have you to kill
this fellow ? '
' He does not
keep our Sab-
bath.'
* By your law you
can punish him
with scourging.
or doom him to
death.'
They refuse.
288
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
Pilate is angry
with them, and
pities Jesus.
If. 146 b.
* He has stirred
strife.
49. It longes nojt till vs no lede for to lose,
f Pil. What wolde ye I did }3anne ?
1 pe deuyll motte you drawe 1
Full fewe are his frendis, but fele are his fooes.
His liff for to lose Jjare longes no lawe ;
Nor no cause can I kyndely contryue
pat why he schulde lose Jsus his liffe.
An. A ! gude sir, it raykes full ryfFe
In steedis wher he has stirrid mekill striffe
Of ledis })at is lele to youre liffe.
433
438
he has healed the 50. Cay.
lame, the deaf
and dumb ;
the people follow
him.
He raises the
dead and cures
the leper.'
Sir, halte men and hurte he helid in haste,
The deffe and f>e dome he delyuered fro doole,
By wicchecrafte, I warande, his wittis schall waste,
For ]>s farles jjat he farith with.
Loo I how Jjei folowe yone fole ;
Oure folke so Jjus he frayes in fere.
An. The dethe he rayses anone,
pis lajare TpaX lowe lay allone
He graunte hym his gates for to gone.
And pertely Jjus proued he his poure.
442
447
51
' Do him out of
day.'
' Condemn him
because he has
done well? where
learnt ye such
law ? "This is no
treason.'
' It does touch
treason : he for-
bid the tribute to
Caesar.'
Pil. Now goode siris, I saie, what wolde yhe ?
Cay. Sir, to dede for to do hym or dose hym a-dawe.
Pil. Yha, for he' dose wele his deth for to deme ?
7 Go, layke you, sir, lightly,
1 Wher lerned ye such lawe ? 451
This touches no tresoune, I telle you.
Yhe prelatis fjat proued are for price,
Yhe schulde be bojje witty and wise.
And legge oure lawe wher it lyse,
Oure materes ye meve Jjus emel you.
52. f An. Misplese nojt youre persone,
I Yhe prince with-outen pere 1
It touches to tresoune, Tpis tale I schall tell ;
Yone briboure, full baynly he bed to for-bere
456
THE DREAM OF PILATE S WIFE. JESUS BEFORE PILATE. 289
The tribute to jje Emperoure, Jjus wolde he compell 460
Oure pepill }jus his poyntis to applye.
Cay. The pepull, he saies he schall saue,
And Criste garres he calle hym, yone knave,
And sais he will ]>e high kyngdome haue.
Loke whethir he deserue to dye I 465
53. Pil. To dye he deserues yf he do })us in-dede,
But y will se my-selfFe what he sais.
Speke Jesu, and spende nowe Ipi space for to spede ' ;
\)e^ lordyngis J^ei legge jje Ipon liste nojt leve on oure
lawes ^. 469
They accuse Ipe cruelly and kene,
And {jerfore, as a chiftene y charge })e,
Iff })ou be Criste j^at fiou telle me,
And God sone Jjou grughe not to graunte ye,
For )jis is \>e matere Jjat y mene. 474
54. Jesus, pou saiste so Jji-selue, I am sothly ]>e same,
Here wonnyng in worlde to wirke al f)! will.
My fadir, is faithfuU to felle all \>i fame ;
With-outen trespas or tene am I taken fie till. 478
Pil. Loo 1 Busst^oppis, why blame ye fiis boye ?
Me semys Jjat it is soth jjat he saies,
Ye meve all Jje malice ye may.
With youre wrenchis and wiles to wrythe hym away,
Vn-justely to juge hym fro joie. 483
55. Cay. Nought so, sir, his seggyng is full sothly soth,
It bryngis oure bernes in bale for to bynde.
An. Sir, douteles we deme als dewe of Jje deth,
pis foole fiat ye fauour, grete fautes can we fynde 487
This daye, for to deme hym to dye.
Pil. Sale, losell, fiou lies be jsis light !
Saie 1 povL rebalde 1 f>ou rekens vnright.
Cay. Avise you sir, with mayne and with myght,
' MS. has speie.
' Line 469 is too long, probably ])« and liste should be omitted.
' MS. has ah.
V
' He says he will
have the king-
dom.'
lf..X47.
Xj.
*If he do thus he
deserves to die.'
' Art thou the
Christ ? *
' Thou sayest.
I am taken with-
out guile.'
' Bishops, why
do you blame the
boy?
Yofi are mali-
cious.'
* If his saying is
true, it brings us
harm ;
doom him ! '
' You lie ! you
reckon wrongly.'
290
XXX. THE TAPITERES AND COUCHERS.
'Be not angry.'
If. 147 b. 56.
Pilate is molli-
fied.
' Where learnt he
such subtlety?'
' We know not ;
his father was but Q'J^
awright.'
' I wonder at
your malice.'
* His works are
known in Galilee,
58.
where he was
born,'
' Sir Herod is
king in Galilee ;
pick put some
men/
And wreke not youre wrethe nowe for-thy. 492
Pil. Me likes nojt [t]his langage so largely for to lye.
Cay. A ! mercy, lorde, mekely, no malice we mente.
Pil. Noo done is it douteles, balde and be blithe,
Talke on fiat traytoure and telle youre entente. 496
Yone segge is sotell ye sale,
Gud sirs, wher lerned he such lare ?
Cay. In faith we cannot fynde whare.
Pil. Yhis, his fadir with some farlis gan fare,
And has lered jjis ladde of his laie '. 501
An. Nay, nay, sir, we wiste TpaX he was but a write ^,
No sotelte he schewed Jjat any segge saw.
Pil. Thanne mene yhe of malice to marre hym of myght,
Of cursidnesse convik no cause can yhe knawe. 505
Me meruellis ye malyngne o mys.
Cay. Sir, fro Galely hidir and hoo
The gretteste agayne hym ganne goo,
Yone warlowe to waken of woo,
And of Jsis werke beres witnesse y-Wis. 510
Pil. Why, and base he gone in Galely, yone gedlyng on-
gayne ?
An. Yha, lorde Jjer was he borne, yone brethelle, and
brede '.
Pil. Nowe with-outen fagyng, my frendis, in faith I am
fayne.
For now schall oure striffe full sternely be stede. 514
Sir Herowde is kyng Jjer, ye kenne,
His poure is preued full preste,
To ridde hym, or reue hym of rest ;
And j^erfore, to go with yone gest,
Yhe marke vs out of fie manliest men. 519
' This word is clearly lare in MS., but laie was probably intended.
° Line 502, was but a write \at we wiste, in MS.
' ' And bredde ' is suggested in later hand ; the original has borne,
repeated from last half-line, this being written as two lines in MS.
THE DREAM OF PILATE S WIFE. JESUS SENT TO HEROD. 291
59. Cay. Als witte and wisdome youre will schalbe wroght,
Here is kempis full kene to pe kyng for to care.
An.* Nowe seniours, I sale yow sen soth schall be soght,
But if he schortely be sente it may sitte vs full sare. 523
Pil. Sir knyghtis Jjat are cruell and kene,
That warlowe ye warrok and wraste,
And loke Jjat he brymly be braste ;
And fierfore, sir knyghtis [in haste] %
Do take on jjat traytoure you be-twene. 528
eo. Tille Herowde in haste with Jsat harlott ye hye,
Comaunde me full mekely vnto his moste tnyght,
Saie fie dome of ]5is.boy, to deme hym to dye ',
Is done vpponne hym dewly, to dresse or to dight, 532
Or liffe for to leue at his liste.
Say ought I may do hym in dede,
His awne am I worthely in wede.
i Mil. My lorde, we schall springe on a-spede, 536
Come fiens fo me * Jjis traitoure full tyte.
61. PH. Bewe sirs, I bidde you ye be not to bolde,
But takes tente for oure tribute full trulye to trete.
ii Mil. Mi lorde, we schall hye Jjis be-heste for to halde,
And wirke it full wisely, in wille and in witte. 541
Pil. So sirs, me semys itt is sittand.
i Mil. Mahounde, sirs, he menske you with myght :
ii Mil. And saue you, sir, semely in sight.
Pil. Now in Ipe wilde vengeaunce ye walke with Jjat wight,
And fresshely ye founde to be flittand. 546
' The MS. has Pilatus, repeating the same at line 524. Annas or Caiaphas
seems here intended.
* In the MS. 1. 527 stands next after 1. 523, followed by a blank and the
disconnected word ' lorde ' ; the copyist evidently felt he had made a
blunder. Its transposition as in the text restores the sense, and the words
'in haste,' according with both rime and repeated idea (see 1. 529), are
probably what are lost.
' The words 'is done' are put at end of 1. 531 in" MS., evidently a
mistake.
* Sic, but these words must be wrong, perhaps to me should be dome.
' Here are good
soldiers to take
him.'
If. 148.
Xij.
* Let him be
sent at once.
Soldiers, strongly
bind this de-
ceiver :
commend me to
Herod, say I
have sent him
this boy for life
or death-'
' Look after our
tribute.'
* Mahomet keep
you, sirs.'
' Be ofif at once ! '
U 2
If. 149.
X iiij.
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES^
Luke xxiii. 6-12.
Gospel of Nicko-
demtts (Z,aiin),
ch. ix.
King Herod
boastfully pro-
claims himself
and his power.
Trial before Herod.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Rex (i.e. Herod).
Jesus.
I, 2 DUCES.
i, 2 MILITES.
I, 2, 3 FILII.]
[Scene, Herod's Court^ /
Rex. PES, ye brothellis and browlys, in Jjis broydenesse
in brased,
And frekis Jjat are frp ndely your freykenesse to frayne,
Youre tounges fro tretyng of trifiUis be trased,
x^ **• ^ -^
Or Jjis brande })at is bright schall breste in youre brayne. 4
Plextis for no plasis, but platte you to \>\s playne,
And drawe to no drofyng, but dresse you to drede,
with dasshis.
Traueylis nojt as traytours fiat tristis in trayne,
Or by Jje bloode Jaat mahounde bledde, with fiis blad schal
ye blede. 8
Pus schall I brittyn all youre bones on brede, jae,
And lusshe all youre lymmys with lasschis.
Dragons Jjat are dredfuU schall derke in Jser denne
In wrathe when we writhe, or in wrathenesse ar wapped, 12
Agaynste jeauntis on-gentill haue we joined with ingendis '■',
And swannys fiat are swymmyng to oure swetnes schall be
suapped,
* The normal stanza of this piece appears to consist of sixteen lines, eight
long, riming alternately a b, six shorter, riming c d c c c d, and two long
(containing interwoven rimes), e e. But this is not strictly adhered to,
whether it is that there are omissions and errors, or that the original poet
indulged in considerable variety within the limits of these rimes and lines.
I have therefore only tentatively mailced what appeat to be stanzas or
parts of stanzas, of which but four, viz. 8, 1 1, 1 2, 15, are regular. The first
seventeen lines, strongly alliterative, do not conform.
' Line 13 stands after 1. 14 in the MS.
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 293
And joged doune Jser jolynes cure gentries engenderand ;
Who so repreue cure estate we schall choppe fiam in
cheynes. i6
All renkkis jsat are renand to vs schall be reuerande.
(1) Ther-fore Ibidde you sese or any bale be,
pat no brothell be so bolde boste for to blowes,
And je Tpzt luffis youre lifBs, listen to me, 20
As a lorde jjat is lerned to lede you be lawes.
And ye Jjat are of my men and of my menje,
Sen we are comen fro oure kyth as je wele knawe[s],
And semlys all here same in fiis cyte, 24 'We must gravely
T. .^^. . 1 „ Utter our say-
It sittis VS in sadnesse to sette all oure sawes. ings.'
i Dux. My lorde, we schall take kepe to youre call,
And stirre to no stede but je steuen vs ; ■ We will take
XT .. heed.'
No greuaunce to grete ne to small. 28
Bex. Ya, but loke Jjat no fawtes be-fall.
ii Dux. Lely, my lorde, so we shall.
Ye nede not nomore for to nevyn vs !
(2) i Dux. Mounseniour, demene you in menske in mynde if. 149 b.
1 . T * My lord, all the
What i mene, 32 commons are
And boune to youre bodword, for so holde I best, |ou OTder you^'
For all f>e comons of Ipis courte bene avoyde clene.
And ilke a renke, as resoune is ^, are gone to Ipei jeste,
Wher-fore I counsaile my lorde, je comaunde you a
drynke. 36
Bex. Nowe certis, I assente as Jjou sais,
Se ych a qwy' is wente on his ways,
Lightly with-outen any delayes.
Giffe vs wyne wynly and late vs go wynke, 40 He win have
wine and go
And se J)at no durdan be done '- wink.
i Dux. My lorde, vn-lase you to lye, ' My lord un-
•^ ' •' ■' lace you.
Here schall none come for to crye.
' MS. has as.
' The words ' see ilk a wy,' i. c. a man (A. S. wi^a, a warrior), may be in-
tended. But this is the only example in the volume of ilk being spelt ^cA.
' • Tunc bibit Rex ' here written in later hand.
294
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
' No noise/
* Your bed is
new-made.'
* Lay me softly.
my skin is
ftendei-,'
' Satan and
Lucifer save you !
Good night ! '
Soldiers at the
gate with Jesus.
If. ISO.
X iiij.
' Unless your
message befgood
stalk forth.'
The duke goes to
tell the king.
Rex. Nowe spedely loke Jiat }>ou spie, 44
pat no noyse be neghand Jiis none.
(3) i dux. My lorde, youre bedde is new made.
You nedis not for to bide. it.
Kex. Ya, but as jjou luffes me hartely, 48
Laye me doune softely,
For }jou wotte full wele
Pat I am full tendirly hydid. [Lies down.
i Dux. Howe lye je, my goode lorde ? 52
Kex. Right wele, be \>is light,
All hole at my desire,
Wherfore I praye sir Satan, oure sire,
And Lucifer moste luffely of lyre, 56
He sauffe you all sirs, and giffe you goode nyght.
[Soldiers, outside.
(4) i Miles. Sir knyght, ye wote we ar warned to wende,
To witte of Jjis warlowe what is Jse kyngis will.
ii Miles. Sir, here is Herowde all even here at oure hende, 60
And all oure entente tyte schall we tell hym vntill.
i Miles. Who is here ? [At the door.
i Dux. Who is there ?
i Miles. [Outside^ Sir, we are knyghtis kende,
Is comen to youre counsaill jsis carle for to kill.
i Dux. Sirs, but youre message may myrthis amende, 64
Stalkis furthe be yone stretis, or stande stone stiU.
ii MUes. Yis certis, sir, of myrthis we mene,
The kyng schall haue matteres to melle hym,
We brynge here a boy vs be-twene, 68
Wher-fore haue worschippe we wene.
i Dux. Wele sirs, so jsat it turne to no tene,
Tentis hym and we schall go telle hym. [Goes to the king.
(5) My lorde, yondir is a boy boune, j^at brought is in blame ; 72
Haste you in hye, Jsei houe at youre jates.
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 295
Bex. What ! and schall I rise nowe, in Tpe deuyllis name ? He does not like
To stighill amang straungeres in stales of a state.
But haue here my hande, halde nowe I [Jiising.] 76 tut he gets up.
And se bat my sloppe be wele sittande. ' See that my
r J ^f shirt fits.'
i Dux. My lorde, with a goode will y wolde youe,
No wrange will I witte at my wittande.
(6) But my lorde, we can tell 50U of vncouthe tythandes. 80 ; My lord, there
is some to-do
Bex. Xa., but loke ye telle vs no tales but trewe. about this pri-
soner,
ii Dux. My lorde, jjei bryngyouyondiraboyboune inabande,
pat bodys outhir bourdyng or bales to brewe.
Bex. panne gete we some harrowe full hastely at hande. 84
i Dux. My lorde, fjer is some note jjat is nedfuU to neven
you of new.
Bex. Why, hoppis ]30U fiei haste hym to hyng ? if. 150 b.
ii Dux. We wotte noght fi'er will nor }jere wenyng.
But boodword full blithely Tpei bryng. 88 ''"„*%„'5'°|s.
Bex. Nowe do Jjan and late vs se of Jjere sayng. ^^se-'
ii Dux. [Calls io ^Ae soldiers.] Lo ! sirs, ye schall carpe ' sirs, come talk
L J ^ * ^itll tjie king.
with the kyng,
And telles to hym manly youre menyng. [En/er soldiers.
(7) i Miles. Lorde, welthis and worschippis be with youalway. 92
Bex. What wolde )30U ?
ii Miles. A worde, lorde, and youre willis were.
Bex. Well, saye on Jjan.
i MUes. My lorde, we fare foolys to flay,
pat ' to you wolde forfette.
Bex. We ! faire falle you jserfore !
i Miles. My lorde, fro ^e here what we saie, 96 'J(i^^iZ"yfZ
Itt will heffe vppe youre hertis. ^p'""'
Bex. 3a, but saie what heynde haue je }3ore ?
U MUes. A presente fro Pilate, lorde, jje prince of oure lay. f if/'^^J^VeWng.
Bex. Pese in my presence, and nemys hym nomore. 99
i Miles. My lorde, he woll worschippe you faine.
' MS. has Vi, with a distinct y ; but the J) and y are frequently inter-
changeable.
296
XXXI. THE LYTSTEEES.
Luke J
' I don't care for
him a borrowed
bean.'
If. 151.
Xv.
Herod is per-
suaded to listen,
and is glad when
he hears this is
Christ sent to
him.
* Are you sure he
is the right man ?
and why sent to
me?'
Rex. I consayue je are ful foes of hym.
ii Miles. My lorde, he wolde menske you with mayne,
And therfore he sendis you Jjis swayne. 103
Rex. Gose tyte with }3at gedlyng agayne,
And saie hym a bore wed bene sette I noght be hym.
(8) i Dux. A ! my lorde, with youre leve, \€\ haue faren ferre;
And for to fraiste of youre fare was no folye. 107
ii Dux. My lorde, and fiis gedlyng go fius it will greue
werre,
For he gares growe on \\s, grounde grete velanye.
Rex. Why, menys Jjou fiat }3at myghtyng schulde my
myghtes marre ?
i Dux. Nay lorde, but he makis on Jiis molde mekill
maystrie. 1 1 1
Rex. Go ynne, and late vs see of \t sawes ere.
And but yf Jjei be to oure bordyng, Jjai both schall abye '.
ii Miles. My lorde, we [were] worthy to blame,
To brynge you any message of mysse.
Rex. Why, Jjan can ye nemyn vs his name ?
i Miles. Sir, Criste haue we called hym at hame.
Rex. O ! Jjis is the ilke selue and Jie same !
Nowe sirs, ye be welcome y-wisse,
C And in faith I am fayne he is fonne,
\ His farles to frayne and to fele,
{ Nowe {les games was grathely begonne.
I ii Miles. Lorde, lely, fiat likis vs wele. 1 2 1
(9) Rex. Ya, but dar je hete hartely fiat harlott is he ?
i MUes. My lorde takis hede, and in haste ye schall here
howe.
Rex. Ya, but what menys fiat fiis message was made
vn-to me ?
ii Miles. My lorde, for it touches to tresoune, I trowe. 125
i Miles. My lorde, he is culpabill kende in oure centre,
Of many perillus poyntis, as Pilate preues nowe.
' Line 113 is written as two in the MS.
"5
IT9
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 297
ii Miles. My lorde, when Pilate herde he had gone thurgh if. 151 b.
rialvlp 'Pilate heard
*-'3'iyie, ,h3t he came
He lerned vs Jjat f>at lordschippe longed to 30U, 129 *^""" '^*'''"-'
And or he wiste what youre willis were,
No ferther wolde he speke for to spille hym.
Bex. panne knawes he Jsat oure myghtis are Jjc more ?
i Miles. 3^) certis sir, so saie we })ore. 133
Bex. Nowe sertis, and oure frenschippe Jjerfore
We graunte hym, and no greuaunce we will hym.
(10) And sirs, ye are welcome y-wisse, as ye wele awe, 'Yeare welcome.
' ■' 1 1 J I coveted to
And for to wende at youre wiUe y you warande ; 137 know the carl ;
■^ ■' ■' J .j# men say he IS
wise.
1
For I haue coveite kyndely Jjat comely to knawe,
For men carpis fiat Jse carle schulde be konnand.
ii Miles. My lorde, wolde he saie you soth of his sawe,
3e saugh nevir slik selcouth, be see nor be sande. 141
Bex. Nowe gois a-bakke both, and late fie boy blowe, * Stand back ; let
him breathe.'
For I hope we gete some harre hastely at hande.
i Miles. Jerusalem and fie Jewes may haue joie.
And hele in ther herte for to here hym. 145
Bex. Saie 1 beene venew in bone fay, Herod addresses
^ Jesus m French.
Ne plesew et a parte remoy.
ii Miles. Nay, my lorde, he can of no bourdyng, Jjis boy. ' He cannot jest,
Bex. No sir, with f>i leue we schall lere hym. 149
\Eiiter Herod's son.
(11) i Fil. My lorde, se ther knyghtis, f)at knawe and are kene, The son is sur-
How bai come to youre courte withoutyn any call. company of
* ^ ■' ■' strangers.
Bex. 3^j sone, and musteris grete maistries, what may
fiis by-mene ? '
i Dux. My lorde, for youre myghtis are more fjan ye all, if- ^■^■
They seke you as souerayne, and sertis fiat is sene. 154 k isanacknow-
Bex. Nowe certis, sen je saie so, assaie hym I schall, sovereignty.
For I am fayner of fiat freyke f)en othir fiftene.
3ae, and hym j^at firste fande, faire myght hym fall 1
i Miles. Lorde, lely we lereth you no legh, 158
' Line 152 is written as two in MS. .
298
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
* Sirs, drawaside;
bring him near.
My heart hops
for joy to see
him/
The soldiers ad-
vise Jesus how
to talk to a king.
Jesus will not
kneel.
If. 152 b.
at which all are
shocked.
Herod excuses
him.
Jesus deigns no
answer. Herod,
in joke, pretencU
to be deafened.
pis liffe ])S.t he ledis will lose hym.
Rex. Wele sirs, drawes you a-drygh,
And bewscheris, bryngis je hym nygh,
For yif all ]3at his sleghtis be slye, 162
3itte or he passe we schall appose hym.
( O ! my harte hoppis for joie
l To se nowe Jjis prophette appere,
{We schall haue goode game with }3is boy,
Takis hede, for in haste je schall here. 165
(12) I leve we schall laugh and haue likyng
To se nowe J)is lidderon her he leggis oure lawis.
■vJ-ii Dux. Harke, cosyne, jjou corny s to carpe with a kyng,
!> Take tente and be conande, and carpe as {jou knowis. 169
i Dux. Ya, and loke })at jjou be not a sotte of thy
saying,
But sadly and sone }jou sette all Tpi sawes.
Rex. Hym semys full boudisch, ]5at boy jsat Jiei bryng.
Mi lorde, and of his bordyng grete bostyng men blawes.
Rex. Whi, Jjerfore haue I soughte hym to see, 174
Loke bewscheris, ye be to oure bodis boune.
i Dux. Knele doune here to ]>e kyng on thy knee.
ii Dux. Naye, nedelyngrs yt will not be.
Rex. Loo ! sirs, he mekis hym no more vnto me 178
panne it were to a man of fier awne toune.
( i Dux. Whe 1 go lawmere, and lerne Jje to lowte,
I Or pai more blame pe to bring.
C Rex. Nay, dredeles with-outen any doute
I He knawes nojt pe course of a kyng, 181
(13) And her beeis in oure bale. Bourde or we blynne !
Saie firste at fie begynnyng withall, where was jju borne ?
I Do felawe, for thy faith latte vs falle ynne
I Firste of Jii ferleis, who fedde pe be-forne ? 185
I What ! deynes fiou not ? lo 1 sirs, he dethis vs with dynne I
i Say, deynis }jou not, whare ledde ^e jsis lidrone ? his
langage is lorne.
I
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 299
i Miles. My lorde, his mervaylis to more and to myne, i88
Or musteres emange vs both mydday and morne.
ii Miles. My lorde, it were to fele The soldiers teii
^ ' Herod
Of wonderes, he workith fiam so wightely.
i Miles. Whe ! man, momelyng may no thyng a-vayle, 192
Go to fie kyng, and' tell hyme ^ fro toppe vnto tayle.
Rex. Do bringe vs Jiat boy vnto bale,
For lely we lefFe hym nojt lightly.
(14) i Dux. This ^ mop meynes Jsat he may marke men to Jier of the works and
miracles done by
mede, 196 Jesus, especially
of the feeding
He makis many maistries and mervayles emange. five thousand folk
^ with five loaves
.. _ TT 1 r 11 r ■ T_ i- J andtwo fishes.
u Dux. V m. folke faire gon he feede. Maii.xW. 13-21.
With fyve looffis and two fisshis to fange. ^'"■* "' '*■ "~
Rex. Howe fele folke sais jjou he fedde ? 200
1
ii Dux. V m. lorde, jiat come to his call.
Bex. ^a., boye, howe mekill brede be jsem bedde ?
i Dux. But V looflSs, dare I wele wedde.
Rex. Nowe, be Tpe bloode J^at mahounde bledde, 204
What ! jjis was a wondir at all.
( ii Dux. Nowe lorde, ij fisshis blissid he efte,
I And gaffe ]pame and \>ei none was for-getyn.
(■ i Dux. 3a, lorde, and xij lepfull Jjer lefte
I Of releue whan all men had eten.
(15) Bex. Ofsuchanodirmangery nomanmenemay. 208 Noo^«^^y«'™''
ii Dux. Mi lorde, but his maistries fiat ' musteris his myght, f=^'-
Bex. But sale sirs, ar Jser sawis soth ]3at Jjei saie ?
ii MUes. 3a lorde, and more selcouth were schewed to
oure sight.
One Lazar, a ladde Jsat in oure lande lay,
Lay loken vndir layre fro lymme and fro light,
And his sistir come rakand in rewfull arraye, 214 A'^^fLazams!'
And lorde, for pev raryng he raysed hym full right,
' The words 'tell hyme' are interlined by later hand.
' Thus in MS. ' The MS. repeats \at.
If. 153-
Xvij.
300
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
* These are deeds
of the devil.'
(16)
* He calls himself
king.'
If. 153 b.
* He shall sit near
me, I will have
fun with him.'
Herod tries
shouting and
strange tongues,
but Jesus will
not speak.
* Your big voice
frightens him.'
And fro his grath garte hym gang,
Euere forthe, with-outen any evill.
Bex. We 1 such lesyngis lastis to lange. aiS
i Miles. Why lorde, wene je })at wordis be wronge ?
pis same ladde lenys vs emange.
Kex. Why, there hope y be dedis of \>e deuyll.
Why schulde je haste hym to hyng
That sought not newly youre newys ? 222
ii Miles. My lorde, for he callis hym a kyng,
And claymes to be a kyng of Jewis.
Kex. But saie, is he kyng in his kyth where he come
froo.? 224
i Miles. Nay lorde, but he callis hym a kyng, his caris to kele.
Bex. Thanne is it litill wondir yf Jsat he be woo.
For to be weried with wrang sen he wirkis wele.
But he schalle sitte be my-selfe sen je saie soo, 228
Comes nerre, kyng, into courte, saie can je not knele?
We schalle haue gaudis full goode and games or we goo.
Howe likis Jsa? wele, lorde? saie, what! deuyll neuere
a dele?
faute in my reuerant in otill moy, 232
I am of fauour, loo 1 fairer be ferre.
Kyte oute yugilment, vta ! oy 1 oy I
Be any witte paX y watte it will waxe werre.
Seruicia primei^ such losellis and lurdaynes as {jou, loo! 236
Resptcias timet, what Jse deuyll and his dame schall y
now doo ?
'o carpe on carle, for y can \>t cure.
Say may Jiou not here me? oy! man, arte J30U woode?
Nowe telle me faithfully before howe fiou fore, 240
Forthe frende, be my faith, Jsou arte a fonde foode.
i Dux. My lorde it astonys hym, youre steuen is so store,
Hym had leuere haue stande stone still Jjer he stode.
' Sic ; ' primet ' is clearly written with the contraction, pmet. There seems
little attempt at sense (purposely) in this jumble of French and Latin.
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 301
Rex. And whedir be boy be abassbid of Herrowde byg it is a joke if he
' ' '" be abashed at
blure, 244 Herod's big
' *^ bluster!
That were a bourde of J^e beste, be mahoundes bloode !
ii Dux. My lorde, y trowe youre fauchone hym flaies
And lettis hym.
Eex. Nowe lely I leue Jie,
And therfore schall y waffe it away. 248
1 And softely with a septoure assaie. Herod puts a
^ *^ sceptre in Jesus
Nowe sir, be perte y fie pray, ^^'°-^'
For none of my gromys ^ schall greue fie ^-
Si loqueris tihi laus, pariter quoque prosper a daniur,
Si loqueris tiMfraus,fellfex et hella parantur.
\ Mi menne, je go menske hym with mayne, 254 and the men
- mock him.
' And loke yhow Jjat it wolde seme.
i Dux (Dewcus ^). FayfF sir, and sofferayne.
ii Dux (Sir vdins). Amangidre demayne.
Rex. Go, aunswer thaym grathely agayne : 258
What deuyll I whedir dote we or dremys 1 if. ,5^.
(18) i Miles. Naye we gete nojt o worde, dare y wele wedde. They cannot get
For he is wraiste of his witte or will of his wone. J;™"* °"' °^
Rex. 5^ sale he lakkid youre lawes as je Jjat ladde ledde.
ii Miles. 3a, lorde, and made many gaudis as we haue gone.
Rex. Nowe sen he comes as a knave and as a knave
cledde, 264
Wherto calle ye hym a kyng ?
i Dux. Nay lorde, he is none,
But an harlotte is hee.
Rex. What deuyll ! y ame harde stedde,
A man myght as wele stere a stokke as a stone.
i ru. My lorde, })is faitour so fouly is aflfrayde, V'M^ 'id'"''^
He loked neuere of lorde so langly allone. 269
' This word was first written gomys, the r was added above the line,
apparently by the same hand.
^ These last six lines are irregularly written as four in the MS.
' The copyist here wrote the names of the two speakers, as well as the
rubricator. I add the brackets.
302
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
' No, he takes us
for angels with
our gay gear/
Rex. No sone, ]>e rebalde seis vs so richely arayed;
He wenys we be aungelis euere ilkone.
ii Dux. My lorde, y holde hym agaste of youre gaye gere.
273
' No one shall
hurt thee ;
whisper in my
ear.'
277
Herod is getting
angry.
and is advised to
retire to his
council.
If. IS4 b.
The sons take it
up. * What ails
the prisoner ? he
must be mad or
witless.*
lii
279
' Shout at him.'
Bex. Grete lordis augh to be gay;
Here schall noman do to }>e dere,
And therfore yit nemyne in itiy nere,
For by the grete god, afld Jjou garre me swere
pou had neuere dole or this day,
f Do carpe on tyte, karle, of thy kynne.
( i Dux. Nay, nedelyngis he neuyns you with none,
Rex. pat schalle he bye or he blynne.
ii Dux. A ! leves lorde I
(19) Rex. Lattis me allone.
i Dux. Nowe goode lorde and ye may meue you nomore,
Itt is not faire to feght with a fonned foode,
But gose to youre counsaille and comforte you Tptie.
Rex. Thou sais soth,we schall see yf so will be goode, 283
For certis oure sorowes are sadde.
ii Pil. What a deuyll ayles hym ?
My lorde, I can garre you be gladde,
For in tyme oure maistir is madde, 287
He lurkis loo, and lokis like a ladde.
He is wode, lorde, or ellis his witte faylis hym.
(20) iLi ru. My lorde, je haue meste you as mekill as je may.
For yhe myght menske hym nomore, were he mahounde.
And sen it semys to be soo, latte vs nowe assaie. 292
Rex. Loke bewscheris, je be to oure boddis boune.
i Dux. My lorde, howe schulde he dowte vs, he dredis
not youre drays.
Rex. Nowe do fourthe, fie deuyll myght hym drawe [sonne]!
And sen he freyins falsed and maids foule frayes,
Raris on hym rudely, and loke je not ronne^. 297
i Til. My lorde, I schall enforce my seliFe sen je sale soo,
' The 16th cent, hand has nota hetoK 1. 295 and Aic at end of 1. 297, and
again, before 1. 307 and at end of 306.
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD. 303
Felawe, be not afFerde nor feyne not jserfore, The eldest son
Tt . ^ 11 rt-ii. 1 begs Jesus to tell
But telle vs nowe some trutnllis be-twene vs twoo, him something
And none of oure men schall medill Jaam more.
And fierfore by resoune array Tpe,
Do telle vs some poynte for thy prowe, 303
Heris bou not what y sale be ? 'P° y™ !???"■'
' J t You mumbnng
pou mummeland myghtyng, I may fie hd^fyoi.-'' ™"''*
Heipe and turne }je fro tene, as y trowe.
(21) ii Fil. Loke vppe, ladde, lightly and loute to my lorde here, The second son
'' tries persuasion.
For fro bale vnto blisse he may nowe jse borowe ; 308
; Carpe on knave cautely and caste fje to corde here,
And sale me nowe somwhat, bou sauterell with sorowe.
Why standis Jjou as still as a stone here ?
Spare not, but speke in fiis plade here, 312
pou gedlyng ! it may gayne Jie some grace here.
My lorde, fiis faitour is so ferde in youre face here, if. 155.
None aunswere in })is nede he nevyns you with none here,
iii Fil. Do bewscheris, for Beliall bloode and his bonys ^, T^ie third is out
•' ' of patience.
Say somwhat or it will waxe werre.
i Fil. Nay we gete noujt one worde in Jjis wonys. 318
ii Fil. Do crie we all on hym at onys, Ojes 1 Ojesl Ojes ! They ail cry out
Rex. O! 56 make a foule noyse for be nonys. .'Ji!?™'' .
' J r J < What a noise !
iu. Fil. Nedlyng my lorde, it is neuere Jie nerre.
(22) i Fil. My lorde, all youre mutyng amendis not a myte, .'There's no use
To medill with a madman is meruaille to me '■', 323 '"s-"
Comaunde youre knyghtis to clothe hym in white. They wish to
clothe him in
And late hym carre as he come to youre contre. white, as a fool.
Eex. Lo sirs, we lede you no lenger a lite.
Mi sone has saide sadly how ]?at it schuld be; 327
But such a poynte for a page is to parfite.
i Dirs. Mi lorde, fooles Jjat are fonde Jjei falle such a fee.
Rex. What 1 in a white garmente to goo. The iting objects
that it is too gay,
' The later hand gives these two lines to ' Pylatns,' the name of 'tercius
filius' being inserted before 1. 327 as well as here.
" MS, has me7ie, which does not agree with the rime.
304
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
but finally con-
sents.
If. 155 b.
Here is an attire
at hand, fashion-
ed for fools-
He shall be
arrayed as a
king !
' Let alone, and
let the king see ;
my lord, are you
pleased?'
Go cry it in court;
if no one is ag-
grievedrlet the
fellow go free.
pus gayly girde in a gowne ? 331
il Dux. Nay lorde, but as a foole forcid hym froo.
^ Bex. How saie je, sirs, schulde it be soo ?
Al chylder. "^a,, lord.
[Eex.] We ! Jsan is ]5er no moo.
But boldely bidde Jsam be boune.
(23) Sir knyghtis, we caste to garre you be gladde, 336
Oure counsaile has warned vs wisely and wele,
White clothis we saie fallis for a fonned ladde,
And all his foly in faith fully we feele.
i Dux. We will with a goode will for his wedis wende, 340
For we wotte wele anowe what wedis he schall were.
ii Dux. Loo I here is an haterell here at youre hent,
Alle facionnd Jserfore foolis to feere.
i Miles. Loo 1 here a jappon of joie, 344
All such schulde be gode for a boy,
i Dux. He schalle be rayed like a Roye,
And schall be fonne in his folie. [TXgy ro&e him.
ii Dux. We 1 thanke fiam, euyll motte |30u the ! 348
i MUes. Nay we gete nojt a worde, wele y warand.
ii Miles. Man, mustir some meruaile to me.
i Dux. What I wene je he be wiser })an we.
Leffe we and late fie Kyng see, 352
Howe it is forcyd and farand.
J Mi lorde, loke yf je be paied,
I For we haue getyn hym his gere.
f Kex. Why, and is }jis rebalde arayed,
I Mi blissing, bewscheris, je here. 355
(24)(Gose, garre crye in my courte,
(And grathely garre write
All }je dedis Jjat we haue done in Jjis same degre.
And who fyndis hym greued late hym telle ty te ^,
J And yf we fynde no defaute
I Hym fallis to go free. 359
* These four last words in the MS. stand at beginning Of the next line.
TRIAL BEFORE HEROD.
305
i Dux. [Crys in the couri^ O yes 1 if any wight with Jjis
wriche any werse wate
Werkis, beris wittenesse who so wirkis wrang,
Buske boldely to jje barre, his balis to a-bate, 362
For my lorde, be my lewte, will not be deland !
\.ToHerod!\ Mylorde.hereapperesnoneto appeyre his estate.
Eex. Wele Jeanne fallis hym goo free ^.
Sir knyghtis, Jeanne grathis you goodly to gange, 366
And repaire with youre present and sale to Pilate,
We graunte hym oure frenschippe all fully to fang.
i Miles. My lorde, with youre leue })is way schall we lere,
Vs likis no lenger here to abide ^. 370
ii Miles. Mi lorde, and he worjje ought in were.
We come agayne with goode chere.
Eex. Nay bewscheris, je fynde vs not here,
Oure leue will we take at Jais tyde. 374
{And rathely ' araye vs to reste,
For such notis has noyed vs or nowe.
{i Dux. 5^> certis lorde, so holde y beste,
For jjis gedlyng vngoodly has greued you. 376
(25) il Dux. Loke je here worde as ye wotte,
. Howe wele we haue quitte vs Jjis while ^-
i MUes. We ! wise men will deme it we dote,
But if we make ende of oure note. 380
Rex. Wendis fourth, })e deuyll in Jii throte I
We fynde no defaute hym to slee,
Wherfore schulde we flaye hym or fleme hym
We fynde nojt in rollis of recorde. 384
And sen ]3at he is dome, for to deme hym,
Ware fiis a goode lawe for a lorde ?
The crying is
done and no one
appears.
The soldiers are
to go back to
Pilate
with Herod's
friendship.
If. 156.
Yij.
Herod goes now
to rest ; the busi-
ness has annoyed
him.
Go forth with
curses, we find
no fault in him
to kill him.
whoirpassaief fromTses'to the end, is difficult to read, both for rime
and for sense.
^ In 1. 370 here stands after abide m Mt>.
* MS. has )atkely.
X
306
XXXI. THE LYTSTERES.
Tell Pilate we
grant him our
grace,
and do as he will
with this midget.
If. 156 b.
' Be not fierce ;
go softly,'
* Adieu, sir !'
392
396
(26) Nay losellis, vn-lely je lemed all to late, 387
Go lere ]:us lordingis of youre londe such lessons to lere.
Repaire with youre present and sale to Pilate,
We graunte hym oure poure all playne to appere,
And also oure greuaunce for-geue we algate.
And we graunte hym oure grace with a goode chere.
As touchyng jjis brothell })at brawlis or debate,
Bidde hym wirke as he will, and wirke noght in were.
Go telle hym Jjis message fro me,
And lede fourth jsat mytyng, euyll motte he the !
i Miles. Mi lorde, with youre leue, late hym be.
For all to longe ledde hym haue we.
ii Miles. What I je sirs, my lorde will je see ?
Kex. What 1 felawes, take je no tente what I telle you 400
And bid you ? Jiat yoman ye ^eme.
ii Miles, Mi lorde, we schall wage hym an ill way.
Rex. Nay bewscheris, be not so bryme,
Fare softely, for so will it seme. 404
i Miles. Nowe sen we schall do as ye deme,
A dewe, sir !
Kex. Daunce on, in fie deuyll way !
XXXII. THE COKIS AND WATIR- !f.?57b.
LEDERESi.
Second accusation before Pilate: remorse of
Judas, and purchase of Field of Blood.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
PiLATUS. I, 2 MILITES.
Anna. Filius.
Kayphas. Armiger.]
Judas.
[Scene, Pilate's Hall?[
1. Pilatus. T)EES, bewscheres, I bidde you, }>at beldis Man. xxvu.i-io.
I 1 T_ . iM^^xxiii, 13-15,
J. here aboute me, 23.
And loke bat 50 stirre with no strifFe but stande stone still, 5'"'*'"'' '"'°'
Filate commands
Or, by fie lorde fiat me liffe lente, I schall garre you lowte me, p^^" =
And all schall byde in my bale fiat wirkis nojt my will. 4
Ye rebaldis fiat regnys in fiis rowte,
je stynte of youre steuenyng so stowte,
Or with Ipis brande fiat dere is to doute,
All to dede I schall dryue you fiis day. 8
2. For sir Pilate of pounce as prince am y preued, as prince most
royal J
As renke moste royall in richeste array, To knawe.
per is no berne in fiis burgh has me aboute heuyd, ^} ^^°^^ own
But he sekis me for souereyne, in certayne y saie, t2
Therfore take hede to youre lordis estate,
pat none jangill nor joUe at my jate,
' As this piece presents three kinds of stanzas, it is perhaps no wonder
that some parts are in confusion. Several lines are lost and words wrong :
I have tentatively supplied a few omissions, in brackets. The _firsf, a b a b
c c c d, are found in stanzas 1,2; stanzas 3 and 4 1 cannot define ; the second,
ababcdcd, are in stanzas 5-15, and in 35-39! stanzas 16, 17, appear to
be imperfect; Mrd, stanzas 18-34, 4°< 4'> "™^ ^^ ^^^ second, but with
three lines added, e d e, of which one is a tag. The repetition- links are of much
help in studying this piece, which must have undergone some vicissitudes.
X 2
308
XXXII. THE COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
He boasts his
beauty,
his broad fore-
head,
glittering eyes,
golden hair.
ruddy cheeks,
and clear colour.
He will settle the
claims of Caia<
phas and Annas
in Parliament.
If. 158.
Y iiij.
* By what title
will you now kill
Jesus ? '
They accuse
iesus again of
arming the
people, of show-
ing miracles^ of
breaking the
Sabbath.
\
Nor no man to grath hym no gate,
Tille I haue seggid and saide all my sawe.
For I ame Jje luifeliest lappid and laide,
With feetour full faire in my face,
My forhed both brente is and brade,
And myne eyne Jjei glittir like pe gleme in Ipe glasse.
And Ipe hore Tp&t hillis my heed
Is even like to Jje golde wyre,
My chekis are bothe ruddy and reede,
And my coloure as cristall is cleere '.
Ther is no prince preuyd vndir palle
But I ame moste myghty of all,
Nor no kyng but he schall come to my call.
Nor grome pat dare greue me for golde.
Sir Kayphas, thurgh counsaill p'l clergy is kid,
For thy counsaille is knowyn for connand and clere,
And Sir Anna, Jjyn aunswer aught not to be hidde,
For jjou is one and is abill and aught to be nere,
In Parlament playne.
And I am Prince pereles, youre poyntis to enquere.
How saie je, Jues, of Jesus pzt swayne ?
Haue done, sirs, sais on youre sawis.
What tytill nowe haue je vnto hym ?
And lely je loke vppon youre lawes.
Saye, why sente je so sone for to spille hym f
Anna. Sir, Jsat is prince and lorde of oure laye,
That traitour vntrewe Tpa.t ye of telle vs,
Nowe certayne and sone pe soth schall I saie.
It is Jesus jjat japer Jsat Judas ganne selle vs.
He marres oure men in all jjat he may,
His " merueylis full mekill is mustered emelle vs,
He dois many derffe dedis on oure sabotte day,
pat vn-connand conjeon he castis hym to quelle vs.
' The late hand adds io behold at the end of this line.
» The MS. has ' This,' but ' His ' seems intended.
16
24
28
32
36
40
44
SECOND ACCUSATION BEFORE PILATE.
309
48
5a
S6
60
64
e. That faitoure so false ^
Fro man on to man he will compelle vs,
And vndo you and our selffe als.
Youre selfFe he will for-do
And he halde furth J)is space,
And all fiis Jurie to,
Yf Jiat ye graunte hym grace *-
7. Pilat. Sir Anna, })is aunswere allow I no thyng,
I holde it but hatereden, J^is artikill hale,
And therfore, sir Busshoppe, at my biddyng.
Do telle me nowe trewly Jje texte of }>is tale.
Do termyne it trewly and tyte.
And lely je lede it by Jje lawe,
Felonye or falsed euyn here I defie it,
Sale me sadly Jje soth, for loue or for awe.
8. Kayphas. Sir Pilate, Ipe talis Tpe traitoure has tolde,
It heuys vs in harte full haly to here lpa.m,
pe warlowe with his wills he wenys Jjam to wolde,
pe ladde with his lesyngis full lightly gan lere Jjam.
Full tyte will he take Jsam vntill hym,
And he Jjus forth go with his gaudis.
Or speche ouer-sprede ; ja, bettir is to spille hym.
The faitoure is so felle with his false fraudis.
9. Pilat. Youre aunsweres is hedouse and hatefuU to here,
Hadde I nowe herde hym and myselfe had hym sene,
Yitt je myght haue made me to trowe you intere.
But faute in hym I fynde none, but conande & clene.
For conande and clene can I clepe hym.
No faute can I fynde to reffuse hym, 76
I hope yitt in haste je schall here hym,
Whanne he comys to racleyme, Jjan may je cuse hym.
10. i Miles. Lorde, fele of his ferles in faith haue we fonne,
Yone harlotte heuys oure hartis full of hate ire, 80
' Line 48 stands after 1. 45 in the MS., but the rime appears to point this
out as the right place for it. There seems to be a line wanting before 1. 48.
' Lines 51-54 stand as two lines in MS.
* He will ruin
you and Judea.'
Pilate does not
allow this answer:
■ Tell me the
truth, seriously.'
68
72
Anna is most
eager to kill him.
If. 158 b.
' Your answer is
hideous ; I find
no fault in him.'
With hatred the
soldiers repeat
the sayings of
Jesus (MattA.
xxiv, 29-31).
310
XXXn. THE COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
' He will judge
us after our
deeds.'
' He will cast
down the temple
and raise it in
three days/
* More noisome
than all, he calls
himself king of
the Jews.'
If. 159.
Yv.
yolmxvia. 33-37.
Pilate is now
stirred to wrath ;
'Where is he?'
' He was sent to
Herod.'
84
87
91
95
He sais hym selflfe \>a.t he is goddls sone,
And schall sitte on ^pt right hande beside his awne sire.
li Miles, per talis is full trewe fiat we telle,
On fie rayne-bowe \>t rebalde it redis,
He sais he schall haue vs to heuene or to hell
To deme vs a day aftir oure dedis.
U. ( Pilat. To deme vs ! in }je deuyll name !
1 Say, whedir ? sale whedir to jjc deuyll ?
What dastardis ! wene ye be wiser })an we ?
i Miles. Mi lorde, with youre leue, we neuen it * for non ill
He has mustered his meruayles to mo Jsan to me.
Mi souerayne lorde, yone sauterell he sais.
He schall caste doune oure tempill, nojt for to layne,
And dresse it vppe dewly with-in thre dales,
Als wele as it was, full goodely agayne.
12. Anna. 5^ sir, and on oure awne sabott day,
panne werkis he werkis full wele.
Pilat. We I fye on hym, faitour, for ay I
For fiei are darke dedis of Jie deuyll.
Kayph. Sir, a noysomemare note newly is noysed,
pat greuis me more jjan any-kynne thyng, 100
He claymes hym clerly tiU a kyngdome of Jewes,
And callis hym selfTe oure comeliest kyng.
13. Pilat. Kyng! injjedeuyllisname, we ! fye on hym, dastard !
What ! wenys Jjat woode warlowe ouere-wyn vs Jjus lightly?
A beggar of Bedlem, borne as a bastard, 105
Nowe by Lucifer lath I Jiat ladde, I leue hym not lightly.
Anna. Sir, |3e harlotte is at Heroudes hall, euyn her at
your hande.
Pilat. I sente to }>at warlowe, fe deuyll myght hym wery.
Kaiph. It langis to youre lordschippe, be lawe of )?is land,
As souerayne youre selffe, to sitte of enquery. no
14. Anna. Sir, ))e traitoure has tolde vs mo trufuUis truly,
Wolde tene you full tyte, and we you fiam tolde :
' MS. has neuenist.
REMORSE OF JUDAS. 311
Pilat. Nowe, be Beliall bonis, J)at boy schall abie,
And bring on his bak a burdeyne of golde.
i Filiua. Mi lorde bat is ledar of lawis of bis lande, 115 Pilate's son re-
1 ,r T-r 1 , 1 minds liim that
36 sente hym youre selfe to Herowde be kyng, as he sent jesus
■' -^ r / &> to Herod, he
And sais, ' Pe dome of bat doge lies holy in your hande mi" await the
> ° J ' king's judgment.
To deme hym or lose hym, at youre likyng.'
15. And f>us je comaunded youre knyghtis for to sale, 119
' For sir Heroude will serche hym full sore.
So {jat he wende with no wills away,'
And fierfore, my goode lorde, moue you nomore *-
f Kaiph. Nowe certis, fiis was wele saide,
I But sir, will je sese nowe, and we schall se syne. 123
Pilat. Sir Kayphas and Anna, right so nowe I thynke, , while they are
-'^ ' o J waitmg they will
Sittis in mahoundis blissing, and aske vs Jje wyne. drink.
3e knyghtis of my courte, comaundis vs to drynke ^. 126
\They drink. Enter Judas, speaking to himself.
16. Judas. Alias ! for woo Jjat I was wrought ^Ai^si that! was
Or euere I come be kynde or kynne,
I banne j^e bonys Jsat me furth brought, 'f- 'sg t-
Woo worthe })e wombe })at I bredde ynne, 130
So may I bidde.
For I so falsely did to hym ' Judas repents
•^ having betrayed
pat vnto me grete kyndnesse kidde. his master.
17. pe purse with his spens aboute I bare, 134
per was none trowed so wele as I,
Of me he triste no man mare,
And I be-trayed hym traytourly
With a false trayne, 138
Sakles I solde his blessid body, ' Guiltless i sold
his blessed body.'
Vnto Jues for to be slayne '.
18. To slaa my souereyne assente I,
And tolde Jsem Jje tyme of his takyng, 142
' Line 122 stands after 1. 119 in the MS.
= Marginal note in late hand, 'Hie caret loquela de primo filio et aliis.'
' Lines 132, 133 are written as one in MS.; so are ll. 139, 140,
312
XXXII. THE COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
He begs Pilate
to let Jesus go.
Caiaphas throws
his sin back upon
himself,
' We are all of
assent to kill
him.'
If. l6o.
Yvj.
Judas offers back
the money.
* Nay, we bought
him ; you assent-
ed yourself.'
Shamously my selfe jsus schente I
So sone for to sente to his slayng.
Nowe wiste I howe he myght passe Jjat payne,
To loke howe beste j^at bote myght be ^ 146
Vnto fie Jues I will agayne.
To saue hym he myght passe free,
pis ware my will. [Advances towards Pilate.
Lorde, welthe and worschippe mot with yow be ! 150
PUat. What tythandis, Judas, tellis Jjou vs till ^"?
19. Judas. My tydyngis are tenefuU, I telle 50U,
Sir Pilate, Jierfore I you praye,
My maistir jjat I gune selle jou,
Gode lorde, late hym wende on his way.
Eaiph. Nay, nedelyngis, Judas, jjat we denye,
What mynde or mater has moued fie ]3us ?
Judas. Sir, I haue synned full greuously,
Betraied }jat right-wisse bloode, Jesus
And maistir myne.
Kaiph. Bewscher, what is fiat till vs,
pe perill and }je plight is thyne.
20. Thyne is })e wronge, Jjou wroughte it,
pou hight vs full trewlye to take hym.
And oures is Jje bargayne, we boughte [it] ',
Loo ! we are alle sente for to slee hym.
Judas *- Alias ! fiat may me rewe full ill,
Giffe je assente hym for to slaa.
PUat. Why, what wolde fiou fiat we did fier-till ?
Judas. I praie you goode lorde, late hym gaa.
And here is of me youre paymente [playne]
Kayph. Naie, we will noght so.
We bought hym for he schulde be slayne ;
' In the MS. 1. 146 runs, 'To loke Jiat howe beste myght be bote,' and
it stands after 1. 147.
^ Marginal note in late hand, ' Hie caret loquela magna et diversa.'
° MS. has hym.
' The azme Judas is inserted by the late hand ; evidently needed.
■* MS. has /4a/e, perhaps a reminiscence of 1. 197. The line is also too long.
154
158
162
166
170
5
REMORSE OF JUDAS.
313
21. To slee hym pi selffe ]jou assente it.
pis wate pou wondirly wele,
What right is nowe to repente [it],
pou schapist pi selfFe vn-seele.
Anna. Do waie, Judas, fiou dose for noght.
Thy wordis I warne jse are in waste.
Thy selffe to sella hym whanne Jjou vs sought,
pou was agaynste hym Jeanne pe moste,
Of vs ilkan.
Kayph. We schall be venged on hym in haste,
Whedir paX euere he will or none.
22. Pilat. per wordis )3at fiou nenys noght nedis it,
pou on-hanged harlott, hark what I sale,
Spare of thy spekyng, noght spedis it.
Or walke oute at pe dore, in pe deuill way.
Judas. Why will ye fianne nojt latte hym passe.
And haue of me agayne youre paie ?
Pilat. I telle pe, traytoure, I wille it noght.
Judas. Alias 1 Jjanne am I lorne [this day]
Bojse bone and bloode.
Alias fie while ! so may I sale.
That euere I sente to spille his bloode.
23. To saue his bloode, sirs, I sale you.
And takes you Jjare youre payment hole.
Spare for to spille hym, I praye youe,
Ellis brewe je me full mekill bale.
Pilat. Nay, heriste Jjou, Judas, )30U schall agayne.
We will it noujt, what deuyll art ]30U ?
When J)ou vs sought jjou was full fayne
Of fiis money ; what aylis pe nowe
For to repente ?
Judas. Agayne, sirs, here, I giffe it you.
And saue hym Jjat he be nojt schent.
24. Pilat. To schende hym thy-selfe has pe schamed,
pou may lathe with Jji liffe paX Jjou ledis.
174
178 None of them
listen to Judas ;
182
186
he is told to walk
out of the door.
190
194
He prays them
to take the ;
money and spare
Jesus.
190 If, 160 b.
Pilate forcibly
refuses.
206
and taunts him
with his
treachery.
314
XXXII. THE'COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
Judas oiFers to be 25.
bondman to
Pilate.
' Find thee faith-
ful ? a traitor
worthy to be
hanged and
drawn !'
26.
If, i6i.
Yvij.
They laugh at
the sorrow of
JudaSf and jeer
him.
27.
Fondely as a false foole JjI selffe has famed,
Therfore Ipe deuyll pe droune for thy darfe dedis.
Judas. I knawe my trespasse and my gilte,
It is so grete, it garres me grise,
Me is full woo he schulde be spilte ;
Might I hym saue of any wise,
Wele were me fian
Saue hym, sirs, to youre seruise
I will me bynde to be your man.
Youre bonde-man, lorde, to be
Nowe euere will I bynde me,
Sir Pilate, ye may trowe me.
Full faithfull schall je fynde me.
Pilat. Fynde J)e faithfull ? a 1 foule mot Jie falle I
Or }J0u come in oure companye,
For by mahoundes bloode, }50U wolde selle vs all,
Thi seruice will we noght for-thy *
pou art unknowen
Fals tiraunte, for })i traitoury
pu art wo[r]]?i to be hanged & drawen.
Hanged and drawen schulde fiou be, knave '■',
And Jjou had right, by all goode reasoune,
Thi maistirs bloode J)Ou biddist vs saue,
And Jjou was firste J^at did him treasoune.
Judas. I cry 50U mercy, lorde, on me rewe,
pis werryd wight J>at wronge has wrought,
Haue mercy on my maistir trewe,
pat I haue in youre bandome brought.
[I cry 30U sore].
Pilat. Goo, jape Jje, Judas, and neuen it noght,
Nor move vs of jsis matere more.
Anna. No more of }jis matere Jjou move \)e,
pou momeland mytyng emell,
3IS
219
223
227
231
23s
239
' The MS. hsis/or it; and 11. 225, 226 are reversed.
^ The MS. has knowen. See knave in 1. 319.
REMORSE OF JUDAS.
315
Oure poynte expresse her reproues fie,
Of felonye falsely and felle.
Kaiph. He grucchis nojt to graunte his gilte,
Why schonnys Jiou nojt to schewe ]?i schame ?
We bought hym for he schulde be spilte,
All same we were consente to Jse same,
And Jji selffe als ;
pou feyned nojt for to defame,
pou saide he was a traytoure fals.
28. Pilat. 3^3'> ^■iid fo'' a f^'se faitoure.
Thy selffe full fully gon selle hym,
O ! }jat was a trante of a tray tour.
So sone Jsou schulde goo to begile hym.
i Miles. What, wolde {jou fiat we late hym ga ?
Yon weried wight, jsat wrought such wronge,
We will not lose oure bargayne swaa,
So lightely for to late hym gang;
And reson why
Latte we fiat lotterell liffe ought long.
It will be fonde, in faith, foly.
29. ii Miles. Yone folte for no foole schall he fynde vs.
We wotte all full wele howe it was.
His maistir whanne he gune bringe vs,
He praied yow my goode lord late hym not passe.
PUat. Nay, sertis, he schalle nojt passe free.
pat we for oure mony has paied.
Judas. Take it a-gayne fiat je toke me,
And saue hym fro fiat bittir braide,
pan were I fayne.
Anna. Itt serues of noght fiat fiou has saide.
And therfore takis it tyte agayne.
30. Pilat. Tyte agayne, traytoure, fiou take it,
We wille it noght welde with-in oure wolde,
3itt schalte f>ou nojt, sawterell, fju sune for-sake it,
For I schall sers hym my selffe sen fiou has hym solde.
243
' We bought him
from you.
247
' Yea, it was a
traitor's trick.'
25'
255
* We can't lose
our bargain :
260
we are not such
fools,*
264
268
If. 161 b.
' Take the
money/
272 * We will not take
the money nor
give him up.'
316
XXXII. THE COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
' The payment
binds the cove-
nant.-'
Judas cries
vengeance on
them all !
They send him
off with hard
words.
Judas sets down
the money ;
If. i6z.
Y viij.
he loathes his
life ; his traitorous
action torments ^
him; no mercy is
to be had, he will
kill himself.
Kaiph. For-sake it in faith, jjat he ne schall, 276
For we will halde hym jjat we haue,
The payment chenys jje with-all,
The thar no nodir comenaunte craue.
[Nor mercy none].
Judas. Sen je assente hym for to slaa, 280
Vengeaunce I crie on you ilkone !
31. Ilkane I crie, pe deuill for-do youe ^ !
And Jjat myghte I both here and see,
Herde heuenyng here I wn-to youe. 284
For sorowe on-sought ye on me se.
Kaiph. Whe I fye on the, traytoure attaynte, at Jjis tyde ;
Of treasoune Jjou tyxste hym, Jiat triste Tpe for trewe.
Do buske Jie henne, brothell, no lenger {jou abide, 288
For if J)ou do, all Jji respouns sare schall \>e rewe.
Say wote Jjou noght who is I ?
Nowe be my nociens, myght I negh nere }>e,
In certayne, ladde, yitt schulde I lere Ipe 292
To lordis to speke curtaisely.
Pilat. Go thy gatis, geddlyng, and greue vs no more,
Lefife of J)i talke, pe deuill mot pe hange.
Judas, pat att je toke me, take it you fiere, 296
Ther with youre maistrie make yowe emange,
And clayme it you clene.
Me lathes with my liff, so liffe I to lang.
My traitourfull tome he turment my tene. joo
32. Sen for my treasoune haue I tane vnto me,
Me thare aske no mercy, for none mon y gete,
Ther-fore in haste my-selfife schall for-do me.
Alias ! pe harde while Jjat euere ete I meete. 304
Thus schall I marke my mytyng meede.
And wirke me wreke with harte and will.
, ' If we take out the speech of Caiaphas, 11. 286-293, the four lines before
it and the seven after it make a perfect stanza.
PURCHASE OF FIELD OF BLOOD. 317
To spille my selffe nowe wille I spede,
For sadly haue I seruyd jjer-till ; 308
So Wala way ! ' Alas l that ever
I betrayed that
pat euere I was in witte or wille, trust.
pat tristy trewe for to be-traye.
33. Alias 1 who may I meue to? 312
Shall I me take non othir reede,
Mi-selffe in haste I schall for-doo, in haste i wui
slay myself.'
And take me nowe vn-to my dede. [Exit Judas. \ 315
Eaiph. Haue done nowe, Sir Pilate, late se what se saie, They consult
' ' ' ' what to do with
As touchyng Jjis money }jat we here haue, '■'^ money.
pat Judas in a wreth has wauyd away,
And keste vs crabbidly, Jsat cursed knave.
Howe saie je Jier-by? 320
Anna. Sir, sen he it slang, we schall it saue.
Kaiph. Tite truste it tille oure tresorie.
34. Pilat. Nay sir, noght soo. 323
Kaiph. Why sir, how ]jan ?
Pilat. Sir, it schall not combre vs.
Nor come in oure Corbonan.
(■ Kaiph. No, tille oure tresory certayne it shall not go in
I the treasury,
I Farther schall it nought. 327
And se youre selfife soth certayne and skill ^
It is price of \>e bloode Jjat we with it boght, it is the price of
blood.
Therfore some othir poynte I purpose it till.
And Jjus I deuyse ; 33 1
[Pilat. ^] A spotte of erthe for to by, wayte nowe I will, if. 162 b.
To bene in pilgriraes >at by j^e wey dies. ^'^It rfl^Sto
35. Pilgrimes and palmeres to putte jsere.
Sir Kaiphas and Anna, assente je Jserto f
And o]>ere false felons \>aX we for-fare. 336
Anna. As je deme, lorde, so wille we doo.
\Enier an Esquire.
• MS. has shall.
' The rubricator forgot to insert the name of Pilate, but it seems likely
that his speech begins with 1. 332.
bury pilgrims in.
318
XXXII. THE COKIS AND WATIRLEDERES.
The squire sa-
lutes Pilate ;
36.
he wishes to let
(i. e. set at
pledge) a place
near.
' What title have
you?'
* It is a free title.
It is called
" Calvary locus."
I will let, but not
sell it.
37.
I would like you
to lend me tlxirty
pence on it/
They agree to
the sum and ask
for the deeds.
If. 163.
Zj.
As soon as the
deeds are given
up they defy the
stjuire and cheat
him of his land.
38.
39.
He goes his way
mourning.
* Armiger. Hayle ! Sir Pilate, perles and princeof })is empire,
Haile 1 ]ie gaiest on grounde, in golde Jjer je glide,
Haile ! Jie louffeliest lorde of lyme and of lyre, 340
And all {le soferans semely })at sittith ]>e beside.
PUat. What wolde Ipon ?
Armlg. A worde, lorde, and wende.
Pilat. Nowe \>o\i arte welcome i-wisse.
But delyuere Jse lightly with-outen any lette, 344
We haue no tome all day to tente on-to Jse.
Armig. A place here beside lorde, wolde I wedde-sette.
Pilat. What title has ]30u ]jer-to ? is it fiyne awne free ?
Armig. Lorde, fre be my fredome me fallis it. 348
pis tale is full trewe J)at I telle 50U,
And Caluary locus men callis it,
I woUe it wedde-sette, but not for to selle jou.
Pilat. ° What wolde fiou borowe, bewshire, be-lyve, late
me se? 352
Armig. If it ware youre lekyng, my lorde, for to lene it,
XXX pens I wolde je lente on-to me.
Kayph. Yis, bewshire, Jjat schall I)ou haue.
PUat. Shewe vs thi dedis and haue here ]>i mony. 356
Armig. Haue her, gode lord, but loke je Jjame saue.
l^Gives the deeds.
Pnat. 3iS) certis, we schall saue Jiame fiill soundely.
And ellis do we noght dewly oure deuere.
Faste, freke, for thy faith, on thy fote fonde \t ! 360
For fro Jiis place, bewschere, I soile Jie for euere '.
Armig. Now sorowe on such socoure as I haue soght.
For all my tresoure thurgh tresoune I tyne ;
I tyne it vn-trewly by tresoune, 364
per-fore nowe my way will I wende ;
' The late hand here writes ' Hie caret.'
' Tl\ere seem to be two lines missing here, one before 1. 35? riming to
'lene it,' the other before 1. 355 riming to ' mony.'
° Marginal note in late hand, 'hie caret loquela'; two lines (riming to
'soght' and 'tyne') are seen to be wanting here.
PURCHASE OF FIELD OF BLOOD. 319
For je do me no right nor no resoune,
I be-take you all to be fende ! \Extt Esquire. 'Gd to the devii,
« -KT . ... all of you!'
Pilat. Nowe certis, we are serued att all, 368
pis place is purchesed full propirly,
The felde of bloode loke je it call,
I you comaunde ilkone for-thy.
40. Kaipli. Sir, as je comaunde vs, call it schall we soo, 372
But my lorde, with youre leue, we may lende her no lengar,
But faste late vs founde to fang on oure foo, ' Let us go ;
3one gedlyng on-godly has brewed vs grete angir.
Anna. Do way, Sir busshoppe, and be not a-baste, 376
For loste is all oure lekyng, lepe he so light.
Blaiph. Nay, Sir, he schall not trusse so tite, and jjat be
5e traste,
For it Wynnes vs no worschippe, Jse werkis of yone wight, the doings of
But grete angir. 380 "= no respect.'
For-thy late vs dresse vs his deth for to dite,
And late we }3is lotterell leue her no lengar.
41. Pilat. Sir Kayphas, thurgh counsaile comaunde we our if- 163 1.
knyghtis,
f To wacche on yone warlowe
I What way }3at he wendis, 384
f Do dresse jou nowe dewly,
I To yone doderon jou dightis,
f And lette nojt to laite hym
I In lande where he lendis,
Nor leuys hym nojt lightly. 387
f ii Miles. In faith we schall fette hym
( Full farre fro his frendis.
f Pilat. Nowe walkis on in jse wanyand,
\ And wende youre way wightely. 389
If. 164.
Ziij.
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS 1.
The second Trial before Pilate continued;
the yudgment of Jesus.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus. Cayphas.
PiLATUS.
Anna.
i> 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 MiLiTES.
Preco (Beadle or Porter).
Barabbas.]
Matih. xxvii.
22-31.
Mark XV. 15-20.
John xix, 1-16.
Pilate commands
obedience from
his followers.
No noise,
[Scene, Pilate's Hall.]
1. PU. TORDYNGES, Jjat are lymett to pe lare of my
I J liaunce,
3e schappely schalkes and schene for to schawe,
I charge 30U as jour chiftan Jiat je chatt for no chaunce,
But loke to youre lord here, and lere at my lawe. 4
As a duke I may dampne jou and drawe,
Many bernys bolde are aboute me,
And what knyght or knave I may knawe
pat list nojt as a lord for to lowte me, 8
I sail lere hym
In the deueles name, }>at dastard, to dowte me.
Ja, who werkis any werkes with-oute me,
I sail charge hym in chynes to chere hym. 12
2. Tharfore je lusty ledes, with-in Tpis lenght lapped,
Do stynte of joure stalkyng and of stoutnes be stalland.
What traytoures his tong with tales has trapped, 15
That fende for his flateryng full foull sail be falland.
' Tillemakers is crossed through, and Mylners is written in the later hand
as a fresh heading, on five of the pages of this piece.
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILAT|: CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 32 1
What broil ouere brathely is bralland, or quarreiiings.
Or vnsoftely will- sege in Jser sales,
pat caytp^e * Jjus carpand and calland
As a boy sail be broght vn-to bales. 20
perfore
Talkes not nor trete not of tales,
For bat gome bat gyrnes or gales, 'He who grins or
■" ' ° screams I will
I myself sail hym ^ hurte full sore. 24 i"^ i>™ ''
3. An. 3e sail sytt hym full sore, what sege will assay jou, chorus of aduia-
If he like not youre lordshippe, fiat ladde, sail je lere hym, priests.
As a pereles prince full prestly to pay jou.
Or as a derworth duke with dyntes sail je dere hym. 28
Cay. 3aa, in faythe 56 haue force for to fere hym,
Thurgh youre manhede and myght bes he marred.
No chyualrus chiftan may chere hym.
Fro that churll with charge je haue charred 32
[and hasted?]
Cay. In pjmyng payne bees he parred,
An. 5aa, and with schath of skelpys yll scarred
Fro tyme Jjat youre tene he haue tasted. 36
4. Now cartes, as me semes, who so sadly has soght 50U, if. 164 b.
Youre praysyng is prophetable, je prelates of pees,
Gramercy, joure goode worde, and vngayne sail it nojt you, "^'^^gj^^ ^°^'
That je will say the sothe and for no sege cese. 40 tmth-saying.'
Cay. EUes were it pite we appered inr Jjis prees.
But consayue how joure knyghtes ere command. romfngf'*'"^^ "°
An. 5a, my ' lord, paX leve je no lese
I can telle you, jou tydes sum tythandis 4+
ful sadde.
Pil. Se, they bring joone broUe in a bande ;
We sail here nowe, hastely at hand, Zu^h^L
What vnhappe before Herowde he had. 48 had with Herod.'
' The MS. has caysiefe. ' MS. has Ayn.
' The MS. repeats my twice.
Y
322
XXXIII. THiC TYLLEMAKERS.
Salutation.
' Herod greets
you.
and gives you
his friendship.
The lad would
not speak, but
was dumb as a
door ; he found
no fault in him.
If. 165.
Ziiij.
and sent him to
you.'
' Listen, sirs,
Herod found no
fault in me,
6. i Mil. Hayll I louelyest lorde }?at euere lawe led jitt,
Hayll ! semelyest vndre on euere ilka-^yde,
Hayll I stateliest on stede in strenghe JjaTifessjed 5itt,
Hayll I liberall, hayll 1 lusty to lordes allied. ^"
Pil. Welcome, what tydandis f>is tyde.
Late no langgage lightly nowe lette 30U.
ii Mil. Sir Herowde, sir, it is not to hyde,
As his gud frende grathely he grete yowe
for euere,
In what manere jsat euere he mete 50U,
By hym-selfe full sone wille he sette you,
And sais Jsat je sail not disseuer.
52
56
60
6. PU. I thanke hym full thraly, and sir, I sale hym pe same,
But what meruelous materes dyd jsis myron Jjer mell ?
i Mil. For all ]>e lordis langage his lipps, sir, wer lame.
For any spirringes in J)at space no speche walde he spell.
Bot domme as a dore gon he dwell,
pus no faute in hym gon he fynde,
For his dedis to deme hjrm to qwell.
Nor in bandis hym brathely to bynde,
and Jjus
He sente hym to youre self, and assynde
pat we, youre knyghtis, suld be clenly enclyned,
And tyte with hym to you to trus.
65
68
72
and small fault in
Jesus to die.* _,
7. Pil. Syrs, herkens! here je not what we haue oppon
hand,
Loo, howe jjere knyghtes carpe Jjat to Jje kyng cared !
Syr Herowde, Jjai say no faute in me fand.
He fest me to his frenschippe, so frendly he fared.
More-over sirs, he spake, and noght spared.
Full gentilly to Jesu jsis iewe.
And sithen to ther knyghtis declared
How fawtes in hym fande he but fewe
To dye,
76
80
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED: JUDGMENT. 323
He taste hym, I telle 50U for trewe,
For to dere hym he demed vndewe,
And sirs, \>e sothly saie I.
8. Cai. Sir Pilate oure prince, we prelatis nowe pray 30U,
Sen Herowde fraysted no ferjjer jjis faitour to slaye,
Resayue in jour sail jjer sawes Jjat I saie you,
Late bryng hym to barre, and at his berde sail we baye.
An. 3^> for and he wende J3us by wiles away,
I wate wele he wirke will vs wondre,
Oure menje he marres fiat he may.
With his seggynges he settes jsam in sondre.
With synne.
With his blure he bredis mekill blondre ;
Whills je haue hym, nowe haldes hym vndir,
We sail wery hym away yf he wynne.
9. Cay. Sir, no tyme is to tarie Jiis traytour to taste,
Agayne Sir Cesar hym selfe he segges and sales,.
All fie wightis in this world wirkis in waste,
pat takis hym any tribute ; })us his teching outrayes.
3itt forther he feynes slik aflfraies,
And sais fiat hym self is God son;
And sir, oure lawe leggis and layes
In what faytour falsed is fon
Suld be slayne.
Pil. For no schame hym to shende will we shon>.
An. Sir, witnesse of fiis wanes may be wonne,
pat will tell fiis with-owten any trayne.
10. Cayp ^ I can reken a rable of renkes full right.
Of perte men in prese fro this place ar I pas,
pat will witnesse, I warande, fie wordis of fiis wight,
How wikkidly wrought fiat fjis wrecche has;
Simon, 3arus, and Judas,
Datan and Gamaliell,
84
Caiaphas wishes
to bring Jesus to
the bar :
he does much
harm among the
people, breeding
blunders.
92
96
*Hold him now
you have him.'
They falsely
accuse him.
IP4
If. 165 b.
108
They bring for-
ward false wit-
nesses.
1 This name is inserted by the later hand.
y 2
324
XXXIII. THK TYLLEMAKERS.
Neptalim, Leui, and Lucas,
And Amys })is maters can mell
to-githere ;
per tales for trewe can they telle,
Of this faytour Jsat false is and felle.
And in legyng of lawes ful lithre.
ii6
Pilate sets them
aside ; this pro-
ceeding is urged'
by hatred.
Pilate is dis-
pleased with the
persistent
charges,
11» PU. 3a, tussch I for youre tales, Jiai touche not entente;
per witnesse I warande ]3at to witnesse je wage.
Some hatred in ther hartis agaynes hym haue hent.
And purpose be this processe to putt down fiis page.
Caip. Sir, in faith vs fallith not to fage,
pai are t[r]yst men and true Jjat we telle jou,
Pil. Youre swering, seris, swiftely 36 swage,
And no more in this maters ye mell jou,
I charge.
An. Sir, dispise not J^is speche jjat we spell you,
Pil. If je feyne slike frawdis, I sail felle jou,
For me likis noght youre langage so large.
but at length is
persuaded to
send for Jesus
again.
If. 166.
Zv.
124
128
13^
12. Cai. Oure langage is to large, but joure lordshipp re-
leue vs,
3itt we both beseke you, late brynge h3Tn to barre.
What poyntes }jat we putte forth, latt your presence
appreue vs,
5e sail here how })is harlott heldes out of herre. 136
Pil. 3a, butt be wise, witty, and warre.
An. 5is, sir, drede jou nojt for no thyng we doute hym.
Fecche hym, he is noght right ferre.
Do bedell, buske Tpe abowte hym. 140
Preeo. I am fayne.
My lorde, for to lede hym or lowte hym,
Vncleth hym, clappe hym, and clowte hym,
If je bid me, I am buxhome and bayne. 144
[Goes to the soldiers.
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 325
13. Knyghtis, je er commaundid with }jis caityf to care,
And bryng hym to barre, and so my lord badd.
i MU. Is {)is thy messege ? [Praoo] 3a, sir. [i Mil.] pan
moue ps no mare.
For we ar light for to leppe and lede forthe pe ladd. 148
ii Mil. [To/esus.] Do steppe furth, in striffe art bou stadde, The soldiers, in-
T 1 1 1 /• 11 11 1 suiting, bring
I vphalde full euyll has J^e happed. Jesus in.
i Mil. O man, thy mynde is full madde,
In oure clukis to be clowted and clapped, 152
And closed.
ii Mil. pou bes lassched, lusschyd, and lapped.
i Mil. 3a, rowted, russhed, and rapped,
pus thy named with noye sail be noysed. 156
14. ii Mn. [To Pt'laie.] Loo, this sege her, my souerayne, Jsat
je for-sente.
Pil. Wele, stirre nojt fro Jjat stede, but stande stille fjare ;
Bot he schappe som shrewdnesse, with shame bese he shente,
And I will frayst in faith, to frayne of hir fare. 160
'■"''^Csiip. \Slarting^ We, outte ! stande may I nojt, so I stare. The priests sud-
■- denly exclaim.
An. 3 a, harrowe, of this traytour with tene. Gosp. o/Nkho-
demus^ ch. i.
Pil. Say, renkes, what rewth gars you rare ? • what do you
roar at, are you
Er ye woode, or wittles I wane, 164 mad?'
What eyles 50U ?
Caip. Out ! slika a sight suld be sene. 'Wearecon-
quered !
An. 3a 1 alias, conquered ar we clene.
Pil. We I ere je fonde, or youre force fayles jou ? 168 'Areyesiiiy?'
15. Cai. A ! sir, saugh je nojt Jiis sight, how Jjat ))er schaftes !^^'^)'°"i"°'
Schuke, bowed to himS'
And the} baneres to this brothell fiai bowde all on brede ?
An. 3a, ther cursed knyghtes by crafte lete them croke, f- '^^b.
To worshippe jjis warlowe vnworthy in wede. 172
Pil. Was it dewly done, }3us in dede ?
Caip. 3a, ja, sir, oure selfe we it sawe.
32]
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS.
Pilate is angry
with the stan-
dard-bearers.
but they declare
they could not
hinder the
lances bowing.
The priests do
not believe the
176
180
If. 167.
Zyj.
• Let the biggest
Pil. We ! spitte on them, ill mott Jjai spede !
Say, dastard, \>e deuyll mote jou drawe,
How dar je
per baners on brede Jiat her blawe,
Lat lowte to jsis lurdan so lawe ?
O faytouris, with falshed how fare je ?
16. iii Mil. We beseke you and tho seniouris beside 50U, sir,
sitte.
With none of oure gouernaunce to be greuous and gryll,
For it lay not in oure lott per launces to lett.
And })is werke paX we haue wrought it was not oure will.
Pil. pou lise, harstow, lurdan ? full ille,
Wele jjou watte if \)6n witnes it walde.
iv Mil. Su", oure strengh myght nojt stabill })am stiDe,
They hilded for ought we couthe halde,
Oure vnwittyng.
V Mil. For all oure fors, in faith, did Jiai folde.
As Tpis warlowe worsehippe fai wolde ;
And vs semid, forsoth, it vnsittyng.
17. Cai. A ! vnfrendly faytours, full fals is youre fable,
pis segge with his suttelte to his seett haj? you sesid.
vi Mil 3e may say what you semes, sir, bot Jser standerdes
to stabill
What freyke hym enforces full foull sail he be fesid
An. Be pe deuyllis nese, je ar doggydly diseasid,
A ! henne-harte I ill happe mot 50U hente.
Pil. For a whapp so he whyned and whesid
And 5itt no lasshe to f)e lurdan was lente,
foul fall 30U !
iii Mil. Sir, i-wisse no wiles we haue \*ente,
Shamefully jou satt to be shente.
Here combred caystifFes, I call jou I
18. iv Mil. Sen jou lykis not, my lord, oure langage to leve,
Latte bryng the biggest men jsat abides in J>is land,
184
188
192
196
204
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 327
Propirly in youre presence J3er pouste to preve, men in the coun-
Be-holde Jjat they helde nott fro })ei haue })aiin In hand. 208 KdAem.'"'^
Pil. Now 5e er ferdest Jjat euere I fand,
Fy on youre faynte hertis in feere,
Stir )je, no langer J30u stande, '
pou bedell, jjis bodworde })ou bere 212
Thurgh })is towne ; —
pe wyghtest men vn-to were,
And |5e strangest Jser standerdis to stere, Pikte sends for
Hider blithely bid Jjam be bowne. 216 min! ™°^°^'
19. Preeo. My souerayne full sone sail be serued youre sawe,
I sail bryng to jjer baneres right bigg men and strange,
A company of keuellis in this contre I knawe
That grete ere and grill, to pe gomes will I gange. 220
[Goes to two soldiers.
Say, ye ledis botht lusty and lange,
3e most passe to sir Pilate a pace.
i Mil. If we wirke not his wille it wer wrang,
We are redy to renne on a race, 224
And rayke.
Preeo. Then tarie not, but tryne on a trace, and the beadle
And folow me fast to his face. soidS-s."^°
ii Mil.^ Do lede vs, vs lykes wele })is lake. 228
\The Beadle returns with them to Pilate.
20. Pre. Lorde, here are Jje biggest hemes Jjat bildis in })is
burgh.
Most stately and strange if with strenght Jiai be streyned,
Leve me, sir, I lie not, to loke J)is lande thurgh,
pai er myghtiest men with manhode demened. 232
1 If we take this rubric as correct, the beadle goes out and fetches in he
same soldiers (1st and 2nd) who had brought Jesus back from Herod to
Pilate, and we may suppose had then retired. See line 157. They as well
as Pilate are, however, quite unconscious of the identity (see next page), and
we should probably name them seventh and eighth soldiers.
328
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS.
Having made
sure that they are
true,
If. 167 b.
Caiaphas bids
them keep the
shafts up from
bowing, or
suffer endless
penalty.
If it twists, turns,
or bends, hack off
my hands.
They are threat-
ened sore if they
fail.
The cock has
crowed ;
Pil. Wate Jjou wele, or ellis has jjou wenyd.
Pre. Sir, I wate wele, withoute wordis moo.
Caip. In thy tale be not taynted nor tenyd.
Pre. We I nay sir, why shuld I be soo ? 236
Pil. Wele Jjan,
We sail frayst er they founde vs fer fro.
To what game Jiai be-gynne for to go,
Sir Cayphas, declare jsam je can. 240
21. Caip. Je lusty ledis, nowe lith to my lare,
Schappe jou to per schaftis J^at so schenely her schyne,
If 30U barnes bowe Jie brede of ' an hare,
Platly je be putte to perpetuell pyne. 244
i Mil. I sail holde Jiis as even as a lyne.
An. Who so schakis, with schames he shendes.
ii Mil. I certayne, I sale as for myne.
Whan it sattles or sadly discendis 248
Whare I stande,
When it wryngis or wronge it wendis,
Outher bristis, barkis, or bendes, —
Hardly lat hakke of myn hande 1 252
22. Pil. Sirs, waites to Jjer wightis j^at no wiles be wrought,
pai are burely and brode, ]>axe bost haue Jjai blowen.
An. To neven of Jjat nowe, sir, it nedis right noght,
For who curstely hym quytes, he sone sail be knawen. 256
Cay. 3a, Jjat dastard to dede sail be drawen.
Who so fautis, he fouly sail falle.
Pil. Nowe knyghtis, sen jse cokkis has crowen,
Haue hym hense with hast fra this halle 260
His wayes ;
Do stifFely steppe on jjis stalle.
Make a crye, and cautely jjou call,
Euene like as sir Annay \)e sais. 264
' cyis written twice in MS.
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 329
23. An. ' Jesu ! bou rewe of gentill Jacob kynne, cry jesus again,
V. . . /- 1.T , , . ,. to defend himself.
pou nerthnst of Nazareth, now neuend is Tpi name,
AUe creatures be accuses, we commaunde be comme in, if- 168.
' ^ Zvij.
And aunswer to fiin enemys, deffende now thy fame. 268
Et Preco, semper post Annam, recitdbii^Judicatur Jesus'^.
\The banners bow, and Pilate rises.
Cay. We ! out, we are shente alle for shame, Aii are afraid.
pis is wrasted all wrange, as I wene.
An. For all fier boste, jone boyes are to blaiiie.
Pil. Slike a sight was neuere jit sene 1 272
Come sytt ;
My comforth was caught fro me clene,
I vpstritt I I me ^ myght noat abstene Pilate forced to
rise and worship
To wirschip hym in wark and in witte. 276 J^us,
24. Cay. per-of meruayled we mekill what moued 50U in
mynde.
In reuerence of Jais ribald so rudely to ryse.
Pil. I was past all my powre, Jjogh I payned me and pynd,
I wrought not as I wolde in no maner of wise. 280 in spite of him-
° self;
Bot syrs, my spech wele aspise,
Wightly his wayes late hym wende,
pus my dome will dewly deuyse,
For I am ferde hym in faith to offende, 284 he is afraid to
ofifend Jesus.
In sightes.
An. pan oure lawe were laght till an ende
To his tales if je treuly attende ;
He enchaunted & charmed oure knyghtis. 288
25. Cay. Be his sorcery, sir, youre selfe f>e soth sawe, 'By sorcery he
- has charmed cur
He charmes oure chyualers & with myscheife enchaunted, soldiers and our.
To reuerence hym ryally we rase all on rowe,
Doutles we endure not of J^is dastard be daunted. 292
' The later hand here adds in the margin Oyes !
'' Original rabric or stage direction in the MS.
' MS, has me.
selves.'
330
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS.
' But I know no-
thing to convict
him.'
' Knowest thou
why they accuse
thee?"
If. i68 b.
Pil. Why, what harmes has Ipis hatell here haunted?
I kenne to co[n]vyk hym no cause.
An. To all gomes he God son hym graunted,
And liste not to leve on oure lawes.
Pil. [To/esus.] Say, man
Consayues ]50u nojt what comberous clause
pat Jjis clargye accusyng ]>e knawse ?
Speke, and excuse fie if J)Ou can.
296
300
' For all the
words of his
mouth man must
account.*
Pilate finds no
points to punish,
but gives the
priests i)0wer to
judge him.
26. Jesus. Euery man has a mouthe Jjat made is on molde.
In wele and in woo to welde at his will,
If he gouerne it gudly like as God wolde,
For his spirituale speche hym [thar] not to spill. 304
And what gome so gouerne it ill.
Full vnhendly and ill sail he happe.
Of ilk tale Jjou talkis vs vntill,
pou accounte sail, Ipon can not escappe. 308
Pil. Sirs myne,
5e foune in faithe all je frappe,
For in Jjis lede no lese can I lappe,
Nor no poynte to putt hym to pyne. 312
27. Cai. With-oute cause, sir, we come not Jiis carle to
accuse hym.
And Jjat will we je witt, as wele is worthy.
Pil. Now I recorde wele Ipe right, je will no rafiere
refuse hym.
To he be dreuen to his dede and demed to dye ; 316
But takes hym vn-to you forthy *,
And like as youre lawe will you lere,
Deme je his body to abye.
An. O I sir Pilate, with-outen any pere, 320
Do way,
Foft/ie in MS.
Z viij.
and persuade
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED: JUDGMENT. 331
5e wate wele with-outen any were, They refuse this,
Vs falles not, nor oure felowes in feere
To slo noman \ youre self pe soth say. 324
28. PH. Why suld I deme to dede Tpzn with-oute deseruyng
in dede ?
But I haue herde al haly why in hertes je hym hate,
He is fautles in faith, and so god mote me spade,
I graunte hym my gud will to gang on his gate. 328
Cai. Nought so, sir, for wele 50 it wate.
To be kyng he claymeth with croune, if ^5
And who so stoutely will steppe to jsat state,
Je suld deme, sir, to be dong doune 332 ^'^\*y J""""
And dede. <='^'"^ ""^
crown.
Pil. Sir, trulye \>a.t touched to tresoune.
And or I remewe, he rewe sail fiat reasoune, , jj^ ^j^^j, ^^^
And or I stalke or stirre fro f-is stede. 336 Jl^'j^'j^f^iieel''
and gives orders
. to scourge Jesus.
29. Sir knyghtis Jjat ar comly, take Ipis caystifi m kepmg,
Skelpe hym with scourges and with skathes hym scorne,
Wrayste and wryng hym to, for wo to he be wepyng, '
And Jjan bryng hym before vs as he was be-forne. 340
i Mil. He may banne ]>e tyme he was borne ;
Sone sail he be serued as je saide vs.
An. Do wappe of his wedis Jiat are worne.
* Unwrap his
ii Mil. All redy sir, we haue arayde vs, 344 do'hes.'
Haue done.
To fiis broil late vs buske vs and brayde vs.
As sir Pilate has propirly prayde vs.
ill Mil. We sail sette to hym sadly sone. 348
[T^ey take Jems to another part of the Hall.
30. iv Mil. Late vs gete of his gere, God giffe hym ille grace. The soldiers
unclothe,
' MS. has nonan.
332
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS.
bind.
and brutally
scourge him.
If. 169 b.
The brutality of
four soldiers.
i Mil. pai ere tytt of tite, lo I take Iper his trasshes.
lii Mil. Nowe knytte hym in f>is corde.
ii Mil. I am caut in Jjis case,
iv Mil. He is bun faste, nowe bete on with bittir brasshis.
i Mil. Go on, lepis, har je, lordyngis, with lasshes,
And enforce we })is faitour to flay hym.
il Mil. Late vs driffe to hym derfly with dasshes,
AUe rede with oure rowtes we aray hym 356
And rente hym.
iii Mil. For my parte I am prest for to pay hym.
iv Mil. 3a, sende hym sorow, assaye hym.
i Mil. Take hym fiat I haue tome for to tente hym.
31. ii Mil. Swyng to this swyre, to swiftely he swete. 361
iii MU.. Swete may Jais swayne for sweght of our swappes !
iv Mil. Russhe on this rebald and hym rathely rehete !
i Mil. Rehete hym I rede you with rowtes and rappes ! 364
ii MU. For all oure noy, Tpis nygard he nappes.
iii Mil. We sail wakken hym with wynde of oure whippes.
iv Mil. Nowe flynge to Tpis flaterer with flappes.
i Mil. I sail hertely hitte on his hippes 368
and haunch.
ii Mil. Fra oure skelpes not scatheles he skyppes.
iii MU. Jitt hjrm list not lyft vp his lippis,
And pray vs to haue pety oh his paunch. 372
32. iv Mil. To haue petie of his paunche he propheres no
prayer.
i Mil. Lorde, how likis thou Jsis lake and fiis lare put we
lere jou ?
ii Mil. Lo, I pull at his pilche, I am prowd payer.
iii Mil. Thus youre cloke sail we cloute to clence you
and clere 30U. 376
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 333
iv Mil. I am straunge in striife for to stere 50U.
i Mil. pus with choppes Jsis churll sail we chastye.
ii Mil. I trowe with Jjis trace we sail tere you.
lU Mil. All J)in vntrew techyngis {jus taste I, 380
Jjou tarand.
iv Mil. I hope I be hardy and hasty.
i Mil. I wate wele my wepon not wast I.
ii MU. He swounes or sweltes, I swarand. 384 if. 170-
&j.
33. iii MU. Late vs louse h3Tn lightyly, do lay on your handes. He swoons, they
' '-'■'■' ■' ■' unbind him,
iv Mil. 5a, for and he dye for this dede, vndone ere we
all.
i Mil. Nowe vnboune is jjis broil, and vnbraced his bandes.
ii MU. O fule, how faris ]30u now, fouU mott Jie fall ! 388
iii MU. Nowe be-cause he oure kyng gon hym call.
We will kyndely hym croune with a brere.
iv MU. 5a, but first bis purpure and palle, and clothe him in
■* I s s: x- ' purple and pall.
And J)is worthy wede sail he were 392
for scorne.
i MU. I am prowd at J^is poynte to appere.
ii MU. Latte vs clethe hjon in jjer clothes full clere,
As a lorde j^at his lordshippe has lorne. 396
34. ui MU. Lange or }jou mete slike a menje as })ou mett with
fiis morne 1
iv MU. Do sette hym in bis sete, as a semely in sales. set him on a seat,
■' ■* -' and crown him
i MU. Now thryng to hym thrally with }>is Jjikk })orne. "^'^ *°''"''
ii Mil. Lo ! it heldes to his hede, Jsat jse harnes out hales.
Ui MU. Thus we teche hym to terapre his tales,
His brayne begynnes for to blede.
iv MU. 3a, his blondre has hym broght to }jer bales.
Now reche hym and raught hym in a^ rede 404 They put a reed
^ tj rf for a sceptre m
so rounde, h'= ha"^,
For his septure it semes in dede.
' a is added by later hand.
334
XXXm. THE TYtLEMAKERS.
1 Mil. 5a, it is gode i-nowe in {jis nede,
Late vs gudly hym grete on Jjis grounde.
408
If, 170 b.
and mock him
with ' Hail, Iting
of the Jews/
The men take
him,
and go to tell
Pilate what they
have done.
Pilate sees how
he has suffered.
and is going to
speak.
35. Aue 1 riall roy and rex judeorum !
Hayle ! comely kyng, Jiat no kyngdom has kende,
Hayll 1 vndughty duke, Tpi dedis ere dom,
Hayll ! man, vnmyghty Tpi menje to mende. 412
iii Mil. Hayll I lord with-out lande for to Jende,
Hayll 1 kyng, hayll 1 knave vnconand.
iv Mil. Hayll ! freyke, without forse pe to fende.
Hayll ! Strang, jsat may not wele stand 416
To stryve.
i Mil. We 1 harlott, heve vp thy hande.
And vs all jjat jse wirschip are wirkand
Thanke vs, Jjer ill mot Jjou Jjryve. 420
36. ii Mil. So late lede hym be-lyve, and lenge her no lenger,
To Sir Pilate oure prince our pride will we prayse.
iii Mil. 3a-, he may synge or he slepe of sorowe and angir,
For many derfe dedes he has done in his dayes. 424
iv Mil. Now wightly late wende on oure wayes.
Late vs trusse vs, no tyme is to tarie. [TAeygo to Pilate.
i Mil. My lorde, will je listen oure layes ?
Here jsis boy is, je bade vs go bary 428
With battis.
ii Mil. We ar combered his corpus for to cary,
Many wightis on hym wondres and wary ;
Lo I his ilesh al be be-flapped Jaat fat is. 432
37. Pil. Wele, bringe hym be-fore vs; \They do so?\k.\ he
blisshes all bloo,
I suppose of his seggyng he will cese euermore.
Sirs, be-holde vpon hight and ecce homoo,
pus bounden and bette and.broght you be-fore. 436
Me semes jjat it sewes hym full sore.
For his gilte on this grounde is he greuyd,
SECOND TRIAL BEFORE PILATE CONTINUED : JUDGMENT. 335
If jou like for to listen my lore,
In race.
38. [Pil.] For propirly by Tpis processe will I preve 440
I had no force fro {jfs felawshippe Jjis freke for to lende. if. .171.
Preco. Here is all, sir, Jjat je for sende, The beadie
Will je wasshe whill pe watir is bote''? p/Sfe tTwash"^
[jBaraddas is brought in.
Pil. Nowe fiis Barabas bandes je vnbende, 444 ■ Let Barabbas
With grace late hym gange on his gate ' ^°'
Where je will.
Bar. 3^ worthy men, fiat I here wate,
God encrece all youre comely estate, 448
For fie grace je haue graunt me vn-till.
39. Pil. Here Jje jugement of Jesu, all Jewes in fiis stede,
Crucifie hym on a crosse and on Caluerye hym kill, ' Crucify jesus
' ' to-day, on the
I dampne hym to-day to dy Jsis same dede, 452 wii of Calvary,
perfore hyngis hym on hight vppon Jjat high hill. hario't™^ ^
And on aythir side hym I will,
pat a harlott 50 hyng in Jjis hast,
Me thynkith it both reasoune and skill 456
Emyddis, sen his malice is mast,
5e hyng hym.
pen hym turmente, som tene for to tast ;
Mo wordis I will not nowe wast, 460
But blynne not to dede to je bryng hym.
40. Cay. Sir, vs semys in oure sight fiat je sadly has saide,
Now knyghtis f>at are conant with f)is catyf je care,
The lifife of fiis losell in youre list is it laide. 464
' A leaf, & ij, is lost here. The words In race are written at the end
of 1. 439, but should follow the next line missing.
' In the margin, in later hand, ' Tunc lavat manus suas.' ' Hole ' (pro-
bably pronounced hSte) is intended to rime with 'gate,' as shown by the
red connecting line.
' MS. has gatis.
336
XXXIII. THE TYLLEMAKERS.
Bind round his
body with cords.
If. 171 b.
i Mil. Late vs alone, my lorde, and lere vs na lare.
Siris, sette to hym sadly and sare,
All in cordis his coorse vmbycast.
ii Mil. Late vs bynde hym in bandis all bare,
iii Mil. Here is one, full lange will it laste.
iv Mil. Lay on hande here.
V Mil, I powU to my poure is past.
Nowe feste is he, felawes, ful fast,
Late vs stere vs, we may not long stand here.
468
472
'Drawhimaway; 41. An.
to, see him to
eath ; he must
be dead by noon !'
On the Sabbath
no dead body
may be unburied.
Drawe hym faste, hense delyuere jou, haue done.
Go, do se hym to dede withoute lenger delay.
For dede bus hym be nedlyng be none. 476
All myrthe bus vs move to-morne fiat we may,-
Itt is sothly oure grette Sabott day.
No dede bodis vnberid sail be.
vi Mil. We see wele Jje soth je vs say. 480
We sail traylle hym tyte to his tree,
pus talkand.
iv Mil. Fare wele, now wightely wende we.
Pil, Nowe certis, je are a manly menje I
Furth in Jje wylde wanyand be walkand, 485
XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
Christ led tip to Calvary.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Johannes.
Maria.
Jesus.
Symon.
Tertia Maria.]
Primus Miles.
Secundus Miles.
Wymond 3 Miles.
Secunda Maria.
[ScENK I ; The soldiers making ready for the crucifixion.^
i Miles. T)EES, barnes and bachillers Jjat beldis here
J^ aboute,
Stirre nojt ones in jsis stede but stonde stone stille,
Or be Jie lorde fiat I leue on, I schall gar you lowte,
But je spare when I speke youre speche schall I spille 4
Smertely and sone ;
For I am sente fro sir Pilate with pride,
To lede Jjis la4de oure lawes to abide,
He gettis no bettir bone. 8
Therfore I comaunde you on euere ilke a side,
Vppon payne of enprisonment jjat noman appere
To suppowie Jjis traytoure, be tyme ne be tyde,
Noght one of Jjis prees ; i a
Nor noght ones so hardy for to enquere.
But helpe me holly, all that are here,
pis kaitiffe care to encrees ^.
' These first lines appear so irregular (purposely so, perhaps) that I count
the stanzas from line 10. Line 2 is divided in the MS., and four of the short
lines are out of place.
Z
Z^ukexidn. 26-33.
Mark XV. 21,
' Peace ! barons
and bachelors, I
am sent to lead
this lad to exe^
cution,
let none support
the traitor.
338
XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
He did not nap
last night and
sliall be dead
to-day,
as to-morrow is
our Sabbath.
He has been
crowned with
thorns, as a fool-
king."
The soldiers are
impatient
for their fellows
to come and help
crucify Jesus.
If, 172 b.
' He must be
dead by noon.
Where is Sir
.Wymond ? '
' Gone to fetch
a cross.'
1. Therfore make rome and rewle you nowe right,
That we may with })is weried wight
Wightely wende on oure waye * ;
He napped noght of all Jsis nyght,
And Jjis daye schall his deth be dight,
Latte see who dare saie naye.
Be-cause to-morne is prouyde
For oure dere Sabbott day,
We wille no mysse be moued,
But mirthe in all fiat euere men may.
2. We haue bene besie all Jjis morne
To clothe hym and to croune with thorne,
As falles for a fole kyng ;
And nowe me thynkith oure felawes skorne.
They highte to haue ben here j^is morne,
pis faitour forthe to bring :
To nappe nowe is nojt goode,
We I howe ! high myght he hyng !
ii Miles. Pees, man, for mahoundes bloode,
Why make je such crying ?
3. i Miles. Why wotte J30U noght als wele as I,
pis carle burde " vnto Caluery,
And Ipere on crosse be done ?
li Miles. Sen dome is geuen pzt he schall dy.
Late calle to vs more companye.
And ellis we erre oure fone.
i Miles. Oure gere be-houes to be grayde,
And felawes sammed sone.
For Sir Pilate has saide
Hym bus be dede be none.
4. Where is sir Wymond, wotte })ou oght ?
ii Miles. He wente to garre a crosse be wroght
To bere ]jis cursed knave.
' MS. has wayes.
' Sic in MS., but probably bude = Ta-ait, behoves, is intended.
16
24
28
32
.?6
40
44
48
CHRIST LED UP TO CALVARY.
339
i Miles. That wolde I sone wer hyder broght,
For sithen schall othir gere be soght,
That vs be-houes to haflfe.
ii Miles. Vs bus haue sties and ropes, 52
To rugge hym tille he raue,
And nayles and othir japes,
If we oure selue wille saue.
i Miles. To tarie longe vs were full lathe, 56
But Wymond come, it is in wathe
But we be blamed all three.
We 1 howe ! Sir Wymond, wayt e[s] skathe ^-
ii Miles. We, howe! Sir Wymond, howe? [Enler Wymond.
iii Miles. I am here, what sale je bathe, 6 1
Why crye je so on me ?
I haue bene garre make
pis crosse, as yhe may see, 64
Of J3at laye ouere Jie lake,
Men called it }3e kyngis tree.
i Miles. Nowe sekirly I Jjought Jie same,
For Jjat balke will noman vs blame 68
To cutte it for Jje kyng,
ii Miles. This karle has called hym kyng at hame,
And sen \\% tre has such a name,
It is accordyng thyng, 72
pat his rigge on it may reste,
For skorne and for hethyng.
iii Miles. Me thoughte it semyd beste
Tille )3is bargayne to bryng. 76
i Miles. It is wele warred, so motte I spede.
And it be lele in lenghe and brede,
Jsan is Jjis space wele spende.
iii Miles. To loke jser-aftir it is no nede, 80
I toke }3e mesure or I yode,
Bothe for fie fette and hande.
• These three words are run together in the MS , ivayteskathe.
Z 2
' We must have
steps and ropes
and nails.'
* How now,
Wymond t '
* I have been
making the cross
out of the liing's
tree.'
If. 173
&vj.
' It is fitting that
this carl who
calls himself
king should have
a royal tree,'
' It is the right
ware, if the mea-
sure be good.*
* I measured hii
before I went.
340
XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
and it is well
bored.
Steps are ordered
with strong steels.
hammers, nails,
He shall bear the
tree who is to be
hanged on it.
If. 173 b.
ii Miles. Be-holde howe it is boorede
Full euen at ilke an ende,
This werke will wele accorde,
It may not be amende.
8. iii Miles. Nay, I haue ordande mekill more,
3aa, thes theues are sente before,
pat beside hym schall hang ' ;
I And sties also are ordande jjore,
With stalworthe steeles as mystir wore,
Bothe some schorte and some lang.
i Miles. For hameres and [for] nayles,
Latte see sone who schall gang.
ii Miles. Here are bragges })at will noght faile,
Of irnne and stele full strange.
9. iii Miles, panne is it as it aweth to bee,
But whiche of yowe schall bere ^ Jsis tree,
Sen I haue broughte it hedir ?
i Miles. Be my feithe bere it schall hee
pat )jer-on hanged sone schall bee,
And we schall teeche hym whedir.
ii MUes. Vppon his bakke it schalle be laide,
For sone we schall come thedir.
iii Miles. Loke Jsat oure gere be grayede,
And go we all to-gedir.
84
92
96
104
John laments the 10,
judgment passed
on his master.
[Scene II ; The road to Calvary : John, Mary, and others
waiting.^
Johannes. Alias ! for my maistir fiat moste is of myght.
That 3ister-even late, with lanternes light, io8
Be-fore Jje busshoppe was brought ;
Bothe Petir and I we saugh Jsat sight.
And sithen we wente oure wayes full wight.
When )je Jewes wondirly wrought. 113
' The MS. has hyng. » j^g jj^j ^^^^^
CHRIST LED UP TO CALVARY.
341
At morne })ei toke to rede,
And soteltes vp soght,
And demed hym to be dede
pat to fiam trespassed noght '.
H. Alias I for syte, what schall I sale,
My worldly welthe is wente for ay,
In woo euere may I wende ;
My maistir, IpaX neuere lakke[d] in lay,
Is demed to be dede Jsis day,
Ewen in hys elmys hende.
Alias 1 for my maistir mylde
That all mennys mysse may mende,
Shulde so falsely be filed.
And no frendis hym to fende,
12. Alias ! for his modir and oj^ir moo,
Mi modir and hir sisteres alsoo,
Sittes samen with sighyngis sore ;
pai wate no-thyng of all jsis woo,
For-thy to warne jsam will I goo.
Sen I may mende no more.
Sen he schall dye as tyte,
And J3ei vnwarned wore,
I ware worthy to wite,
I will go faste ther-fore.
13. But in myn herte grete drede haue I,
pat his modir for dole schall dye, '
When she see ones Jjat sight ;
But certis I schal not wande for-thy.
To warne fiat carefuU company.
Or he to dede be dight K
ii6
* Alas 1 my mild
master has no
1 24 friends to defend
him.
His mother and
others sit together
128 sighing/
132
136
John fears that
Jesus* mother
will die of grief.
140
142
' These four lines are written as two in the MS.
' A leaf, & vij, corresponding to & ij, is here lost.
342 XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
If- 174- 14. [i Mary ?1 Sen he fro vs will twynne ^
& viij.
I schall })e neuere for-sake.
Alias ! pe tyme and tyde !
Mary feds that I wattc wcle be day is come 146
Simeon s pro- '
^me^ '= "^""^ pat are was specified,
Of prophete Symeoun, in prophicie,
The swerde of sorowe schulde renne
Thurgh-oute Tpe herte, sotelly. 150
15. ii Maria. Alias I Ipis is a sithfull sight.
He {jat was euere luflfely and light,
And lorde of high and lawe ;
Oo ! doulfuUy nowe is he dight, 154
In worlde is none so wofuU a wighte,
Ne so carefuU to knawe.
pei pat he mended moste
In dede and als in sawe, 158
Now haue they full grete haste,
To dede hym for to drawe.
[£nfer the soldiers, with Jesus bearing the cross.
'Weep not for \Q_ Jesus. Doughteres of Jerusalem cytte,
me, but for your- ° '' •'
^Sj^™?^"'"' Sees, and mournes no more for me, 162
children. ' '
But thynkes vppon this thyng ;
For youre selfe mourne schall jee,
And for Jse sonnes Jjat borne schal be
Of yowe, bothe olde and yonge ; 166
For such fare schall be-falle.
That 56 schall giffe blissyng
To barayne bodies all.
That no barnes forthe may brynge. 170
' For ye shall see 17. For certis 5e schall see suche a day,
a sad day, when
ye shall say to the That with sore siffhyng schall se saye
mountains, "fall o / o 3 y
on "s." Vnto })e hillis on highte,
' It appears to be the Mary Mother who is speaking ; but the lines are
evidently wrong.
CHRIST LED UP TP CALVARY.
343
'Falle on vs, mountaynes, and je may,
And couere vs fro Jiat felle affraye,
That on vs sone schall light.'
Turnes home Tpe toune vntill,
Sen 5e haue fiis sight,
It is my fadirs will,
AUe Jjat is done and dighte.
18. iii Maria. Alias ! jjis is a cursed cas,
He J)at alle hele in his hande has
Shall here be sakles slayne ;
A ! lorde, be leue lete dense thy face,
Behalde howe he hath schewed his grace,
Howe he is moste of mayne.
This signe schalle bere witnesse
Vnto all pepuU playne,
Howe goddes sone here gilteles
♦ Is putte to pereles payne.
19. i Miles. Saie, wherto bide je here aboute,
Thare quenys, with })er skymeryng and fier schoute,
Wille noght fier stevenis steere ?
ii Miles. Go home, casbalde with ]}i clowte,
Or be Jjat lorde we loue and loute,
pou schall a-bye full dere.
iii Maria. This signe schall vengeaunce calle
On yowe holly in feere.
iii Miles. Go, hye ]>e hense with alle S
Or ille hayle come Jsou here.
20. Joh. Lady, youre gretyng greues me sore.
Maria Sancta. John, helpe me nowe and neuere more.
That I myght come hym tille.
Joh. My lady, wende we forthe be-fore.
To Caluery when je come thedir ',
pan schall je saie what je will.
I The MS. has il/e.
Perhaps 'thore' was the word originally meant
174
If. 174 b.
Return home.'
178
186
* God's guiltless
Son is put to
190 peerless pain.'
The soldiers send
the weeping
women away,
with insults.
and elsewhere.
It occurs in 1.
In 1. 206 pan seems intended, in MS. ])" is written.
194
198
202 John and Mary
mother still stand
about on the hill,
206
2(,6
344
XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
and the men get
angry; 'go,
these queans
comber us with
their clack.
we'll put them
in the lake ! '
Jesus has lost so
much blood that
he swoons.
' Good man,
whither away?'
If. 175 b.
' I have a long
way to go to-day.
i Miles. What a deuyll is Jsis to saye,
How longe schall we stande stille ?
Go ^ hye you hens awaye,
In Jje deuylis name, doune J3e hill. 210
21. ii Miles. Ther quenes vs comeres with fser clakke,
He schall be serued for J^er sake,
With sorowe and with sore ;
iii Miles. And Jsei come more such noyse to make, 214
We schall garre lygge fiame in ]>e lake,
Yf Jiei were halfe a skore. [TAe women flee.
i Miles. Latis nowe such bourdyng be,
Sen oure tooles are before, 218
pis traitoure and Jjis tree,
Wolde I full fayne were jjore.
22. ii Miles. We schall no more so stille be stedde.
For nowe J)er quenes are fro vs fledde 222
pat falsely wolde vs feere.
iii Miles. Me thynkith Jsis boy is so for-bledde,
With Jjis ladde may he noght be ledde,
He swounes, Jsat dare I swere. 226
i Miles. It nedis nojt harde to harle
Sen it dose hym slike dere.
ii Miles. I se here comes a karle,
Shall helpe hym for to here. 230
\Enter Simon the Cyrenian.
23. iii Miles, pat schall je see sone one assaye.
Goode man, whedir is J30U away ?
pou walkis as Jjou were wrothe.
Symon. Sir I haue a grete jornay, 234
pat bus be done Jjis same day.
Or ellis it may do skathe.
i Miles, pou may with litill payne,
Eease thy selffe and vs bathe. 238
■ MS. has To.
CHRIST LED UP TO CALVARY.
345
Symon. Goode sirs, jjat wolde I fayne,
But to dwelle were me lathe.
I cannot stop.'
24. ii Miles. Nay, beuscher, J)ou shall sone be spedde,
Loo, here a ladde ]>aX muste be ledde 242
For his ille dedis to dye ;
iii Miles. And he is brosid and all for-bledde ',
That makis vs here pus stille be stedde,
We pray \>e, sif, for-thy, 246
That ]30u wilte take pis tree,
And bere it to Caluerye.
Symon. Goode sirs, Jjat may noujt be.
For full grete haste haue I. 250
25. My wayes are lang and wyde,
And I may noght abide.
For drede I come to late ;
For surete haue I hight 254
Muste be fulfiUid J)is nyght.
Or it will paire my state.
Therfore, sirs, by youre leue.
Me thynkith I dwelle full lang, 258
Me were loth you for to greue,
Goode sirs, je late me gang.
26. No lenger here now may I wone.
i Miles. Nay, certis, |?ou schalte nojt go so sone, 262
For ought paX }50U can saye ;
pis dede is mostehaste to be done.
For })is boy muste be dede by none,
And nowe is nere myddaye. 266
Go helpe hym in Jiis nede,
And make no more delaye.
Symon. I praye yowe dose youre dede.
And latis me wende my waye. 270
They ask him to
carry the cross
to Calvary.
* I have promised
a surety which
I must keep
to-night or injure
my estate ;
by your leave,
let me go.'
They force him
to stay.
' Do your deed,
I will help you
on my return.'
' The late hand here writes 3 Miles as the speaker of the following five
lines. There is, however, no red line to mark off a separate speech.
346
XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
They threaten
to beat him.
and brutally
constiain him.
He yields be-
cause he can't
help it.
' All the gear
and tools are
ready, march on.'
27. And, sirs, I schall come sone agayne.
To heipe Jjis man with all my mayne,
And even at youre awne will.
il Miles. What ! wolde jsou trusse with such a trayne ! 274
Nay, faitour, ]30U schalte be fayne,
pis forwarde to fuU-fiUe.
Or, be myghty mahounde !
pou schalte rewe it full ille. 278
iii Miles. Late dyng Jjis dastarde ■doune.
But he goo tyte Jjer-till.
28. Symon. Sertis, sir, Tpat wer nought wisely wrought,
To bete me, but I trespassid ought, 282
Outhir in worde or dede.
i Miles. Vppon his bakke it schall be brought,
To here it, whedir he wille or noght,
What 1 deuyll, whome schulde we drede ? 286
Go, take it vppe be-lyve.
And bere it forthe, goode spede !
Symon. It helpis nojt here to striue,
Bere it be-houes me nede.
If. 176 b.
29. And jserfore, sirs, as je haue saide.
To bare Jjis crosse I holde me paied.
Right as je wolde it wore,
ii Miles. Jaa, nowe are we right arraied,
Loke Jjat oure gere be redy grayed.
To wirke whanne we come jsore.
iii Miles. I warand all redy,
Oure tooles bothe lesse and more,
Late hym goo hardely,
Forthe with \>e crosse before ^.
30. i Miles. Sen he has his lade, nowe late hym gang,
For with Jsis warlowe wirke we wrang.
And we Jius with hym yode.
' These four lines are written as two in the MS.
290
294
298
302
CHRIST LED UP TO CALVARY.
347
ii Miles. And nowe is noght goode to tarie lang,
What schulde we done more vs emang ?
Say, sone, so motte Jjou spede. 306
iii Miles. Neuen vs no nodir noote,
Tille we haue done Jjis dede.
i Miles. We 1 me ' me-thynke we doote,
He muste be naked, nede. 310
31. All yf he called hym-selffe a kyng,
In his clothis he schall nojt hyng.
But naked as a stone be stedde.
ii Miles. That calle I accordand thyng, 314
But tille his sidis I trowe fiei clyng,
For bloode Jjat he has bledde.
iii Miles. Wheder Jjei clynge or cleue,
Naked he schalle be ledde, 318
And for fie more myscheue,
Buffettis hym schall be bedde.
32. i MUes. Take of his clothis be-liffe, latte see,
[They strip Jesus.
A ha ! fiis garment will falle wele for mee, 322
And so I hope it schall.
ii Miles. Nay, sir, so may it noght be,
pame muste be parte amonge vs thre.
Take euen as will fall. 326
iii Miles. '^a.2L, and sir Pilate medill hym,
Youre parte woU be but small.
i MUes. Sir, and je liste, go telle hym,
3itt schall he noght haue all, 330
33. Butte even his awne parte and nomore.
ii Miles. 3^3-) l^te fiame ligge still here in stoore,
Vntill })is dede be done.
iii Miles. Latte bynde hym as he was before, 334
And harle on harde Jsat he wer Jjore,
And hanged or it be none.
' These two words stand weme in the MS.
* Talk of no other
business till this
is done.'
* He shall hang
naked :
take off his
clothes,
they shall be
parted among the
soldiers.
unless Pilate
meddle,'
' He shall be
bound as before,
and be hanged
before noon.'
348 XXXIV. THE SHERMEN.
i Miles. He schall be feste of fee,
And Jjat right sore and sone. 338
ii Miles. So fallis hym for to be,
He gettis no bettir bone. [TAey hind Jems again.
34. iii Miles, pis werke is wele nowe, I warand.
For he is boune as beeste in bande, 342
That is demed for to dye.
i Miles, panne rede I Jjat we no lenger stande,
But ilke man feste on hym a hande,
And harle hym hense in bye. 346
ii Miles. 3aa-> nowe is tyme to trusse,
To alle oure companye.
iii Miles. If anye aske aftir vs,
Kenne }jame to Caluarie. 350
XXXV. THE PYNNERES (AND
PAYNTERS^).
^^r?-
Crucijixio Cristi.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus. i, 2, 3, 4 Milites.]
[Scene, Golgotha, afterwards Mount Calvary. \
i Miles. OIR.knyghtis, take heede hydir in hye,
■S'
This dede on-dergh we may noght drawe,
3ee wootte youre selffe als wele as I,
Howe lordis and leders of owre lawe
Has geven dome Jjat Jsis doote schall dye.
ii Mil. Sir, alle jjare counsaile wele we knawe.
Sen we are comen to Caluarie,
Latte ilke man helpe nowe as hym awe.
iii Mil. We are all redy, loo,
pat forward to fullfiUe.
iv Mil. Late here howe we schall doo.
And go we tyte }5er tille '^
i Mil. It may nojt helpe her for to hone,
If we schall any worshippe wynne.
ii Mil. He muste be dede nedelyngis by none.
iii Mil. pan is goode tyme f>at we begynne.
iv Mil. Late dynge hym doune, J)an is he done.
He schall nought dere vs with his dynne.
' The words ' and Paynters ' are added in later hand.
' These four lines are written as two in the MS.
Math, xxvii. 33-
35-
L-ukeicaw. 33-37.
Mark XXV. 22-32.
* We cannot carry
out this death
without dree
(trouble).
Let all help now
we are at Calvary.
16
Strike him down,
he will make no
350
XXXV. THE PYNNERES (aND PAYNTERs).
Let us take care
that our work be
right.'
If. 178 b.
' Here is the
gear, hammers
and nails.
' As everything
is ready,
the cross laid on
the ground
and bored [with
holes],
the lad shall be
laid on it.'
'Walk on.'
Jesus prays to
the Father,
i Mil. He schall be sette and lerned sone,
With care to hym and all his kynne. 20
ii Mil. pe foulest dede of all
Shalle he dye for his dedis.
iii Mil. That menes crosse hym we schall.
iv Mil. Behalde so right he redis. 24
3. i Mil. Thanne to jsis werke vs muste take heede,
So Jiat oure wirkyng be noght wronge.
ii Mil. None othir noote to neven is nede,
But latte vs haste hym for to hange. 28
iii Mil. And I haue gone for gere, goode speede,
Bothe hammeres and nayles large and lange.
iv Mil. panne may we boldely do Jiis dede,
Commes on, late kille J)is traitoure strange. 32
i Mil. Faire myght je falle in feere,
pat has wrought on Jjis wise.
ii Mil. Vs nedis nought for to lere,
Suche faitoures to chastise. 36
4. iii Mil. Sen ilke a thyng es right arrayed,
The wiselier nowe wirke may we,
iv Mil. pe crosse on grounde is goodely graied.
And boorede even as it awith to be. 40
i Mil. Lokis ]>at fie ladde on lengthe be layde,
And made me Jiane vnto Tpis tree.
ii Mil. For alle his fare he schalle be flaied.
That one assaie sone schalle ye see. 44
iii Mil. Come forthe, Jjou cursed knave.
Thy comforte sone schall kele.
iv Mil. Thyne hyre here schall {jou haue.
i Mil. Walkes oon, now wirke we wele. 48
5. Jesus. Almyghty god, my Fadir free,
Late J)is materes be made in mynde,
pou badde J^at I schulde buxsome be, .
For Adam plyght for to be pyned. 52
CRUCIFIXIO CRISTI. 351
Here to dede I obblisshe me he dies to save
_, f, , . mankind from
Fro J5at synne for to saue mankynde, Adam's sin ;
And soueraynely be-seke I f)e,
That bai for me may fauoure fynde : s6 '^-^y '?«>■ '^"'^
' ^ ■' ** favour for my
And fro Jje fende jsame fende, =='■'«■'
So })at }jer saules be saffe,
In welthe withouten ende : Jf- '79-
£> V.
I kepe nought ellis to craue. 60
6. i Mil. We ! herke, sir knyghtis, for mahoundis bloode! 'Listen!
Of Adam-kynde is all his Jjoght.
ii Mil. pe warlowe waxis werre })an woode,
pis doulfuU dede ne dredith he noght. 64 he does not dread
iii Mil. pou schulde haue mynde, with mayne and moode,
Of wikkid werkis Jjat J>ou haste wrought.
iT Mil. I hope bat he had bene as goode 'i think he might
have stopped
Haue sesed of sawes }jat he vppe sought. 68 such sayings.
i MU. Thoo sawes schall rewe hym sore
For all his saunteryng sone.
ii MU. lUe spade Jjame jsat hym spare
Tille he to dede be done ! 72
7. iii MU. Haue done belyue, boy, and make {le boune, Have done !
And bende J)i bakke vn-to \>\s tree. \^Jesus lies down.
iv MU. Byhalde, hym-selffe has laide hym doune, fcown™^
In lenghe and breede as he schulde bee. 76 ^'-^^'-^hed out,
i MU. This traitoure here teynted of treasoune,
Gose faste and fette hym })an, je thre.
And sen he claymeth kyngdome with croune,
Even as a kyng here haue schall hee. 80
u MU. Nowe, certis, I schall nost feyne one man takes
■' ' the right hand.
Or his right hande be feste.
iii MU. pe lefte hande {lanne is myne, another the left.
Late see who beres hym beste. 84
8. iv MU. Hys lymmys on lenghe Jjan schalle I lede, a third the limbs
And even vnto jje bore J^ame bringe,
352
XXXY. THE PYNNERES (aND PAYNTERS).
If. 179 b.
a fourth the head.
* Spare no speed.'
One hand is
brought to the
hole.
A nail is struck.
' It is a foot too
long, — his sinews
are shrunk :
10.
no, It was
wrongly marked/
'Why chatter so f
pull him to it.'
i Mil. Vnto his heede I schall take hede,
And with myne hande helpe hym to hyng. 88
ii Mil, Nowe sen we foure schall do Jiis dede,
And medill with- Tp'is vnthrifty thyng,
Late no man spare for special! speede,
Tille Jjat we haue made endyng. 92
iii Mil. pis forward may not faile,
Nowe are we right arraiede.
iv Mil. This boy here in oure baile
Shall bide full bittir brayde. 96
i MU. Sir knyghtis, sale, howe wirke we nowe ?
ii MU. 3's, certis, I hope I holde Jiis hande.
iii Mil. And to ]>e boore I haue it brought,
Full boxumly with-outen bande. 100
? iv Mil.^ Strike on jjan harde, for hym \>e boght.
? i Mil.' 3is, here is a stubbe will stifFely stande,
Thurgh bones and senous it schall be soght.
This werke is well, I will warande. 104
ii Mil.* Saie, sir, howe do we Ipoie,
pis bargayne may not blynne.
iii Mil. It failis a foote and more,
J)e senous are so gone ynne. 108
iv Mil. I hope Jjat marke a-misse be bored.
ii Mil. pan muste he bide in bittir bale.
iii Mil. In faith, it was ouere skantely scored ;
pat makis it fouly for to faile. 113
i Mil. Why carpe je so ? faste on a corde,
And tugge hym to, by loppe and taile.
iii Mil. Ja, fiou comaundis lightly as a lorde,
Come helpe to haale, with ille haile. 1 16
' Here the rubricator put twice ii Miles. As the previous order
of the soldiers in speaking has been i, a, 3, 4, I have altered these
two so as to continue that order, making what was i Miies at * to accord
with it.
CRUCIFIXIO CRISTI.
353
i Mil. Nowe certis Jiat schall I doo,
Full suerly as a snayle.
ill Mil. And I schall tacche hym too,
Full nemely with a nayle.
11. pis werke will holde, pat dar I heete,
For nowe are feste faste both his handis.
iv Mil. Go we all foure Jjanne to his feete,
So schall oure space be spedely spende.
il Mil. Latte see, what bourde his bale myght beete,
Tharto my bakke nowe wolde I bende.
iv Mil. Owe I J)is werke is all vnmeete,
This boring muste all be amende.
i Mil. A ! pees man, for mahounde,
Latte noman wotte Jsat wondir,
A roope schall rugge hym doune,
Yf all his synnous go a-soundre.
12. ii Mil. pat corde full kyndely can I knytte,
pe comforte of })is karle to kele.
i Mil. Feste on Jjanne faste fiat all be fytte.
It is no force howe felle he feele.
ii Mil. Lugge on je both a litill jitt.
iii Mil. I schalle nought sese, as I haue seele.
iv Mil. And I schall fonde hym for to hitte.
ii Mil. Owe, haylle 1
iv Mil. Hoo nowe, I halde it wele.
i Mil. Haue done, dryue in p&t nayle,
So J>at no faute be foune.
iv Mil. pis wirkyng wolde nojt faile,
Yf foure bullis here were boune.
13. 1 Mil. Ther cordis haue evill encressed his paynes,
Or he wer tiUe pe booryngis brought.
11 Mil. 5aa, assoundir are both synnous and veynis,
On ilke a side, so haue we soughte.
A a
If. i8q.
S yj.
The executioners
do their horrid
work.
134
128
132
They pall till '
the body fits the
136 holes bored.
140
144
If. i8d b.
I4S
Sinews and veins
are asunder.
354
XXXV. THE PYNNERES (aND PAYNTERS).
* We must now
hang him up, to
be seen ;
the mortise is
made to fit.'
Some of the men
think they four
are not enough
to lift the cross.
yo^H xix. 23
(' four parts ').
* It must be done ;
If. 181.
S> vij.
carry him to yon
hill.'
iii Mil. Nowe all his gaudis no thyng hym gaynes,
His sauntering schall with bale be bought.
iv Mil. I wille goo sale to oure soueraynes
Of all jjis werkis howe we haue wrought. 152
1 Mil. Nay sirs, a nothir thyng
Fallis firste to youe me,
I badde we schulde hym hyng.
On heghte Jjat men myght see. 156
14. ii. Mil. We woote wele so ther wordes wore.
But sir, })at dede will do vs dare.
i Mil. It may not mende for to moote more,
pis harlotte muste be hanged here. 160
ii Mil. The mortaise is made fitte Jserfore.
iii Mil. Feste on youre fyngeres j)an, in feere.
iv Mil. I wene it woUe neuere come {jore.
We foure rayse it nojt right, to yere. 164
i Mil. Say man, whi carpis }30u soo ?
Thy liftyng was but light.
ii Mil. He menes Jjcr muste be moo
To heve hym vppe on hight. 168
15. iii Mil. Now certis, I hope it schall noght nede
To calle to vs more companye.
Me-thynke we foure schulde do f>is dede,
And bare hym to jone hille on high. 172
i Mil. It muste be done, with-outen drede,
Nomore, but loke je be redy ;
And Jiis parte schalla I lifte and leede,
On lenghe he schalle no lenger lie. 176
Tharfore nowe makis you boune.
Late bera hym to jone hill.
iv Mil. Thanne will I here here doune.
And tente his tase vntill. 180
16. ii Mil. We twoo schall see tille aythir side,
For ellis J^is werke will wrie all wrang.
CRUCIFIXIO CRISTI.
355
but make a great
to-do about the
weight.
* My back is
broken.* They
wait a while.
iii Mil. We are redy, in Gode, sirs, abide, They are ready,
And late me first his fete vp fang. 184
il Mil. Why tente je so to tales jsis tyde ?
i Mil. Lifte vppe I [All lift the cross together.
iv Mil. Latte see I
ii Mil. Owe 1 lifte a-lang.
iii Mil. Fro all })is harme he schulde hym hyde.
And he war God.
iv Mil, pe deuill hym hang \ 188
i Mil. For grete harme haue I hente,
My schuldir is in soundre.
ii Mil. And sertis I am nere schente,
So lange haue I borne vndir. 192
17. iii Mil. This crosse and I in twoo muste twynne,
Ellis brekis my bakke in sondre sone.
iv Mil. Laye doune agayne and leue youre dynne,
pis dede for vs will neuere be done. \They lay it down.'] 196
i Mil. Assaie, sirs, latte se yf any gynne.
May helpe hym vppe, with-outen hone ;
For here schulde wight men worschippe wynne,
And noght with gaudis al day to gone. 200
ii Mil. More wighter men Jsan we
Full fewe I hope je fynde.
iii Mil. pis bargayne will noght bee,
For certis me wantis wynde. 204
18. iv Mil. So wille of werke neuere we wore,
I hope jjis carle some cautellis caste.
ii Mil. My bourdeyne satte me wondir soore,
Vnto fie hill I myght noght laste. ao8
i MiL Lifte vppe, and sone he schall be fjore,
Therfore feste on youre fyngeres faste.
iii Mil. Owe, lifte 1 l^They take up the cross again.
i Mil. We, loo 1
iv Mil. A litill more.
A a 2
If. 181 b.
* 1 am out of
breath.'
356
XXXV. THE PYNNERES (ASD PAYNTERs).
iiMil.
They reach the
top of the hill.
19.
They set it in
the mortice and
let it fall in sud-
denly, so as to
jolt.
If. 182.
9 viij.
20.
The hole of the
mortice being too
wide.
they fix in the
cross with
wedges,
Holde jjanne !
iMil.
Howe nowe!
ii Mil. pe werste is paste,
iii Mil. He weyes a wikkid weght. •
ii Mil. So may we all foure saie, ■
Or he was heued on heght,
And raysed in J)is array.
216
hammering them 21.
in.
iv Mil. He made vs stande as any stones,
So boustous was he fot to here.
1 Mil. Nowe raise hym nemely for Jje nonys,
And sette hym be Jjis mortas heere. 220
And latte hym falle in alle at ones.
For certis })at payne schall haue no pere.
iii Mil. Heue vppe !
iv Mil. Latte doune, so all his bones
Are a-soundre nowe on sides seeTe.[Tke cross is reared.] 224
i Mil. pis fallyng was more felle,
]3an all the harmes he hadde,
Nowe may a man wele telle,
pe leste lith of Jjis ladde. 228
iii Mil. Me thynkith Jiis crosse will noght abide,
Ne stande stille in jsis mo[r]teyse jitt.
iv Mil. Att Tpe firste tyme was it made ouere wyde,
pat makis it wave, Jjou may wele witte. 232
i Mil. Itt schall be sette on ilke a side,
So TpaX it schall no forther flitte,
Goode wegges schall we take Jsis tyde,
And feste Tpe foote, Jeanne is all fitte. 236
ii Mil. Here are wegges arraied
For jjat, both grete and smale.
iii Mil. Where are oure hameres laide,
fiat we schulde wirke with all f 240
iv Mil. We haue Jjem here euen atte oure hande.
ii Mil. Gyflfe me }>is wegge, I schall it in dryue.
CRUCIFIXIO CRISTI.
357
iv Mil. Here is anodir jitt ordande.
iii Mil. Do take it me hidir belyue. 244
i Mil. Laye on Jjanne faste.
iii Mil. ^is, I warrapde.
I thryng Jjame same, so motte I thryve.
Nowe will Jjis crosse full stabely stande,
All yf he raue Jsei will noght ryve. 248
i Mil. Say, sir, howe likis })0U nowe,
pis werke j^at we haue wrought ?
iv Mil. We praye youe sais vs howe,
3e fele, or faynte je ought ? 252
22. Jesus. Al men Jsat walkis by waye or strete,
Takes tente je schalle no trauayle tyne,
By-holdes myn heede, myn handis, and my feete,
And fully feele nowe or je fyne, 256
Yf any mournyng may be meete
Or myscheue mesured vnto myne.
My Fadir, fiat alle bales may bete,
For-giffis pes men Jsat dois me pyne. 260
What fiai wlrke wotte J>ai noght,
Therfore my Fadir I craue
Latte neuere Jier synnys be sought,
But see Ipex saules to saue \ 264
23. i Mil. We ! harke ! he jangelis like a jay.
ii MU. Me thynke he patris like a py.
iii Mil. He has ben doand all J^is day,
And made grete meuyng of mercy. 268
iv Mil. Es jjis jje same f>at gune vs say.
That he was Goddis sone ahnyghty ?
i Mil. Therfore he felis full felle affraye,
And demyd jsis day for to dye. 273
• In the margin here the late hand has written, as if intended to be
added —
' In welth without end
I kepe noght elles to crave.'
They jest to
Jesus.
If. 182 b.
* Is any mourn-
ing like unto
mine?
Lttke xxiii. 34.
Father, forgive
them, for they
know not what
they do.'
' He jangles like
a jay or a pie.'
' He said he was
God's son.
358
XXXV. THE PYNNEEES (aND PAYNTERs).
Matth. xxvii. 40.
and that he might
raise the temple ;
but he has no
power to show
for all his tricks.'
If. 183.
xxvi J.
' Let him hang,
and make mows
on the moon.'
The men draw
lots for Jesus'
garments.
ii Mil. Vah I qui destruis templum ^.
iii Mil. His sawes wer so, certayne.
iv Mil. And sirs, he saide to some
He myght rayse it agayne.
24. i Mil. To mustir })at he hadde no myght,
For all the kautelles jjat he couthe kaste.
All yf he wer in worde so wight,
For all his force nowe he is feste.
Als Pilate demed is done and dight,
Therfore I rede {sat we go reste.
ii Mil. pis race mon be rehersed right,
Thurgh ]3e worlde Jjoth este and weste.
ui Mil. 3aa, late hym h)Tige here stille.
And make mowes on J)e mone.
iv Mil. panne may we wende at wille.
i Mil. Nay goode sirs, noght so sone.
25. For certis vs nedis anodir note,
pis kirtill wolde I of you craue.
ii MU. Nay, nay, sir, we will loke be lotte,
Whilke of vs foure fallis to to haue.
iii Mil. I rede we drawe cutte for Jiis coote,
Loo, se howe sone alle sidis to saue.
iv Mil. The schorte cutte schall wynne, })at wele je woote,
Whedir itt falle to knyght or knave. 296
i Mil. Felowes, je thar noght flyte,
For this mantell is myne.
ii MU. Goo we }3anne hense tyte,
pis -trauayle here we tyne. 300
276
280
284
288
292
' The MS. has Vath and destruit.
XXXVI. THE BOCHERES.
If. 184.
xxvj ij.
Mortificacio Cristi [and burial of Jesus^
PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
PiLATUS.
Johannes.
Miles.
Caiphas.
Maria Cleophe.
LONGEUS LATUS.
Anna.
Latro a sinistris.
Centerio.
Jesus.
Latro a dextris.
Joseph [of Arimathea].
Maria.
Garcio.
Nichomedis ^
[Scene I, The way be/ore the Tiill of Calvary?^
Pil. OEES, Seniours, and see what I saie,
i^ Takis tente to my talkyng enteere,
Devoyde all Jjis dynne here }jis day,
And fallis to my frenschippe in feere.
Sir Pilate, a Prince with-owten pere,
My name is full neuenly to neuen,
And domisman full derworth in dere '■',
Of gentillest Jewry full euen
Am I.
Who makis oppressioun,
Or dose transgressioun.
Be my discressioun.
Shall be demed dewly to dye.
Mark XV. 26-38
yohn xix. 19-37.
Gospel of Nico-
demus. (Greek
vers.) ch. xi.
Pilate commands
peace and order.
• Nicodemus is spelt as above throughout the piece.
^ The MS. has dede.
360
XXXVI. THE BOCHERES.
Rebels may see
on yon hill how
they will be
treated !
Transgressors
shall be knit to
a cross.
* But it is un-
happy that Jesus
is hung.
he has been
killed through
spite.'
If. 184 b.
The priests ex-
cuse themselves.
2. To dye schall I deme Jjame to dede,
Po rebelles Ipai rewles jsame vn-right,
Who TpaX to 5one hill wille take heede,
May se Jjer ])e soth in his sight,
Howe doulful to dede \>ei are dight
That liste nojt owre lawes for to lere,
Lo Tpus be my mayne and my rayght,
Tho churles schalle I chasteise and cheere,
Be lawe.
like feloune false,
Shall hynge be \>e halse,
Transgressours als,
On the crosse schalle be knytte for to knawe.
3. To knawe schall I knytte fiame on crosse,
To schende J>ame with schame schall I shappe,
Ther lifEs for to leese is no losse,
Suche tirrauntis with teene for to trappe.
pus leelly f>e lawe I vnlappe.
And punyssh Jsame pitously,
Of Jesu I holde it vnhappe,
pat he on yone hill hyng so hye.
For gilte.
His bloode to spille,
Toke ye you till
pus was youre wille
Full spitously to spede he were spilte.
4. Caip. To spille hym we spake in a speede.
For falsed he folowde in faie.
With fraudes oure folke gan he feede.
And laboured to lere fiame his laye.
An. Sir Pilate, of pees we youe praye,
Oure lawe was full lyke to be lome.
He saued no3t oure dere Sabott daye.
And jjat for to scape it were a scorne,
By lawe.
16
24
28
32
36
40
44
48
MOKTIFICACIO CRISTI [anD BURIAL OF JESUs]. 361
Pil. Sirs, be-fore youre sight,
With all my myght,
I examynde hym right,
And cause non in hym cowthe I knawe.
5. Cay. 5e knawe wele fie cause sir in cace.
It touched treasoune vntrewe,
pe tribute to take or to trace
For-badde he, oure bale for to brewe.
Anna. Of japes jitt jangelid yone Jewe,
And cursedly he called hym a kyng,
To deme hym to dede it is diewe,
For treasoune it touches IpaX thyng,
In dede.
Caip. 3itt principall
And worste of all,
He garte hym call
Goddes sonne, jsat fouUe motte hyme speede 1
6. pa. He spedis for to spille in space.
So wondirly wrought is youre will,
His bloode schall youre bodis enbrace.
For Jjat haue je taken you till.
Anna, pat forwarde fulfayne to fulfiUe,
In dede schall we dresse vs be-dene,
3one losell hym likis full ille,
For turned is his trantis all to teene,
I trowe.
Cay. He called hym kyng,
Ille joie hym wring !
ja, late hym hyng,
Full madly on fie mone for to mowe.
7. An. To mowe on jje moone has he mente,
We I fye on Jie, faitour in faye.
Who trowes Tpoa, to \>i tales toke tente.
pou saggard, pi selffe gan Tpou sale.
Pilate found no
harm in him.
52
56
60
64
' His blood be
on you.'
68
76
The priests ac-
cept It exultingly.
72
If. 185.
xxyj iij.
' Let him madly
mow on the
moon/
80
362
XXXVI. THE BOCHERES.
They mock Jesus
on the cross*
* Thou saved
others, save
thyself 1'
The priests want
Pilate to alter
the writing that
he set above
Jesus :
If. 185 b.
but he will not.
pe tempill distroie pe to-daye
Be J)e thirde day ware done ilk-a-dele,
To rayse it Jjou schulde ]>e arraye.
Loo I howe was J)i falsed to feele,
Foule falle Tpe I
For thy presumpcyoune
pou haste thy warisoune,
Do faste, come doune,
And a comely kyng schalle I calle ]>ee.
8. Cay. I calle fie a coward to kenne,
pat meruaylles and mirakills made,
pou mustered emange many menne,
But, brothell, Ipou bourded to brede.
pou saued Jjame fro sorowes }jai saide.
To saue nowe ])i selffe late vs see,
God Sonne if }jou grathely be grayde,
Delyuere ]>e doune of Jsat tree
Anone,
If Jjou be funne
pou be Goddis sonne,
We schall be bonne
To trowe on pe trewlye, ilkone.
9. An. Sir Pilate, youre pleasaun[c]e we praye,
Takis tente to oure talkyng Tpis tide.
And wipe je yone writyng away.
It is not beste it abide.
It sittis youe to sette it aside,
And sette )3at he saide in his sawe.
As he ]3at was prente full of pride,
' Jewes kyng am I,' comely to knawe,
Full playne.
Pil. Quod scripci, scripci,
3 one same wrotte I
I bide ]3er-by.
What gedlyng will grucche there agayne.
84
88
92
96
104
108
116
MORTIFICACIO CRISTI [anD BURIAL OF JESUS]. 363
[Scene II ; Calvary.]
10. Jesus, pou man fiat of mys here has mente,
To me tente enteerly jjou take.
On roode am I ragged and rente,
pou synfuU sawle, for thy sake,
For thy misse amendis wille I make.
My bakke for to bende here I bide,
pis teene for thi trespase I take,
Who couthe fie more kyndynes haue kydde
thanP?
pus for thy goode
I schedde my bloode,
Manne, mende thy moode.
For full bittir jji blisse mon I by.
11. Ma. Alias 1 for my swete sonne I saie,
pat doulfully to dede fjus is dijt,
Alias 1 for full louely J)ou laye
In my wombe, fiis worthely wight.
Alias ! fiat I schulde see Ipis sight
Of my sone so semely to see,
Alias ! }jat }>is blossome so bright
Vntrewly is tugged to })is tree.
Alias !
My lorde, my leyfFe,
With full grete greffe,
Hyngis as a thefFe,
Alias ! he did neuer trespasse.
12. Jesus, pou woman, do way of thy wepyng.
For me may fjou no thyng amende,
My fadirs wille to be wirkyng.
For mankynde my body I bende.
'Man, take heed;
for thy misdeeds
I make amends.'
124
128
Mary mourns for
her son.
132
136
140
hung here like
a thief.
144 'Woman, weep
not ; I do my
Father's will.'
^ These two words are written in a later hand.
364
XXXVI. THE BOCHEEES.
If. i86.
xxvj iiij.
* Alas ! why
must we part?'
Jesus gives his
mother into
John's charge.
Ma. Alias ! fiat Jjou likes noght to lende,
Howe schulde I but wepe for thy woo !
To care nowe my comforte is kende,
Alias ! why schulde we twynne J)us in twoo
For euere ?
Jesus. Womanne, in stede of me,
Loo John Jii sone schall bee.
John, see to ])i modir free,
For my sake do Jjou pi deuere.
148
152
156
She wishes she
were dead.
but John tries to
comfort her.
' How can I see
such sorrow 1 '
' Dear mother,
cease, mourning
does no good.'
13. Ma. Alias I sone, sorowe and si3te,
pat me were closed in clay,
A swerde of sorowe me smyte,
To dede I were done Jjis day.
Joh. A 1 modir, so schall je noght sale,
I praye youe be pees in Jiis presse,
For with all Jse myght ]5at I maye,
Youre comforte I caste to encresse
In dede.
Youre sone am I,
Loo, here redy,
And nowe for-thy
I praye yowe hense for to speede.
14. Ma. My steuen for to stede or to steere,
Howe schulde I such sorowe to see,
My sone jsat is dereworthy and dere,
Thus doulfull a dede for to dye.
Joh. A ! dere modir, blynne of pas blee,
Youre mournyng it may not amende.
Ma. Cleo. A I Marie, take triste vn-to Jje,
For socoure to fie will he sende
pis tyde.
Joh. Fayre modir, faste
Hense latte vs caste.
160
164
168
172
176
180
MORTIFICACIO CRISTI [anD BURIAL OF JKSUs].
365
She will not go
till her son has
* Man, see what
bitter sorrow
I suffer for thee :
Ma. Ta he be paste,
Wille I buske here baynly to bide.
15. Jesus. With bittirfull bale haue I bought,
pus, man, all Jji misse for to mende, 184 if. 186 b.
On me for to looke lette }jou nojt,
Howe baynly my body I bende.
No wighte in Jsis worlde wolde haue wende,
What sorowe I suffre for thy sake, 188
Manne, kaste \>e thy kyndynesse be kende,
Trewe tente vn-to me fjat })ou take.
And treste.
For foxis fier dennys haue jsei, 192
Birdis base ther nestis to paye.
But Jje sone of man this daye,
Hase nojt on his heed for to reste.
16. Lat. a sin. If Jjou be Goddis sone so free, 196
Why hyng {jou Tpus on Jsis hille ?
To saffe nowe ]ji selfFe late vs see,
And vs now, Jjat spedis for to spille.
Lat. a dex. Manne, stynte of thy steuen and be stille, 200
For douteles thy God dredis jjou nojt.
Full wele are we worthy ther-till,
Vnwisely wrange haue we wrought
i-wisse. 204
Noon ille did hee,
pus for to dye ;
Lord I haue mynde of me
What Tpon art come to Jji blisse. 208
17. Jesus. For sothe, sonne, to jie schall I saie.
Sen jjou fro thy foly will falle,
With me schall dwelle nowe Jjis daye.
In paradise place principall. 212
Heloyl heloyi
My God, my God, full free,
Lamajabatanye,
take heed,
for foxes have
holes, birds have
nests, but the
son of man has
nowhere to rest
his head.'
The robber on
the left taunts
him.
but is stopt by
the one on the
right ; • we did
wrong, he had
no ill.
Lord, remember
me.*
' Son, thou re-
petttest thy folly :
thou Shalt bewith
me this day in
Paradise.
£loi, eloi, lama
sabacthani.'
366 XXXVI. THE EOCHERES.
Whar-to for-soke Jiou me ^, 216
In care ?
And I did neuere ille
pis dede for to go tille,
But be it at pi wille. 220
' I *irsf A ! me thristis sare.-
A boy brings 18. Gar. A drinke schalle I dresse be in dede,
a drink. '
A draughte fiat is full dayntely dight,
Full faste schall I springe for to spede, [ 224
I hope I schall holde fiat I haue hight.
If. 187. Caip. Sir Pilate, bat moste is of myght,
xxvj V.
Caiaphas hears Harke I Heely ! now harde I hym -crye,
him cry for Elias i i • i
to help him. He wenys paX Jsat worthely wight 228
In haste for to helpe hym in hye
In his nede.
Pil. If he do soo.
He schall haue woo. 2S2
An. He wer oure foo,
If he dresse hym to do vs pat dede.
19. Gar. pat dede for to dresse yf he doo.
In sertis he schall rewe it full sore ; 236
Neuere pe lees if he like it noght, loo,
Full sone may he couere Jjat care.
The boy offers Nowc swcte sir, yourc wille yf it ware,
Jesus
A draughte here of drinke haue I dreste, 240
To spede for no spence })at je spare ^,
But baldely ye bib it for pe beste
For-why;
vinegar and gall Aysell and galle 244
Is menged with alle,
Drynke it je schalle,
Youre lippis, I halde Jjame full drye.
' These four lines, 213-216, are written as two in the MS.
" MS. has sware.
MORTIFICACIO CRISTI [anD BURIAL OF JESUs]. 367
•The drink will
not harm me ; _
1 will none of it.
20. Jesus, pi drinke it schalle do me no deere, 248
Wete Jjou wele jjer-of will I none.
Nowe, fadir, J>at formed alle in fere,
To thy moste myght make I my mone.
pi wille haue I wrought in jjis wone, 252
pus ragged and rente on Jjis roode,
pus doulffully to dede haue jjei done,
For-giffe ]?ame be grace ]3at is goode,
pai ne wote nojt what it was, 256
My fadir, here my bone.
For nowe all thyng is done,
My spirite to Jsee right sone
Comende I in manus tuas. [Jesus dies.] 260
21. Mar. Now dere sone, Jesus so iente,
Sen my harte is heuy as leede,
O worde wolde I witte or Jjou wente ;
Alias ! nowe my dere sone is dede. 264 if. 187 b.
Full rewfuUy refte is my rede,
Alias 1 for my darlyng so dere.
Joh. A modir, je halde vppe youre heede,
And sigh nojt with sorowes so seere, 268
I praye.
Ma. Cleo. It dose hir pyne
To see hym tyne,
Lede we her heyne, 272
pis mornyng helpe hir ne maye.
\Exit John and the two Maries.
Father, into thy
hands I commend
my spirit.'
Mary mourns
and sighs.
John and
Mary Cleophe
lead her away.
22. Caip. Sir Pilate, parceyue I you praye,
Oure costemes to kepe wele je canne,
To-morne is our dere sabott daye,
Of mirthe muste vs meve ilke a mane.
Jone warlous nowe waxis full wane,
And nedis muste J)ei beried be,
Deluyer jjer dede sir, and Jsane
The priests beg
Pilate to kill the
crucified men,
who are now
276 wan. They must
be buried before
the Sabbath.
280
368
JCXXVI. THE BOCHERES.
Pilate tells
Longeus to kill
Jesus with his
spear.
If. i88.
xxvj vj.
Longeus receives
his sight from
Jesus blood.
284
288
292
296
The weather
is overcast,
the centurion
Shall we sewe to oure saide solempnite
In dede.
Pil. It schalle be done,
In wordis fone ;
Sir knyghtis, go sone,
To jone harlottis you hendely take heede
23. po caytiflSs }>ou kille with })i knyffe,
Delyuere, haue done, Jsei were dede.
Mil. Mi lorde I schall lenghe so f>er liiFe,
pat Ipo brothelles schall neuere bite brede.
Pil. Ser Longeus, steppe forthe in Jjis steede,
pis spere, loo, haue halde in thy hande,
To Jesu ]30U rake fourthe I rede,
And sted noujt but stiffely J)OU stande
A stounde.
In Jesu side
Schoffe it }jis tyde,
No lenger bide.
But grathely Jjou go to pe grounde.
[Longeus pierces Jesus' side.
24. Iiong. lat. O 1 maker vnmade, full of myght, 300
O I Jesu so jentile and jente,
pat sodenly has lente me my sight,
Lorde 1 louyng to Jse be it lente.
On rode arte Jjou ragged and rente,
Mankynde for to mende of his mys.
Full spitously spike is and spente,
Thi bloode lorde to bringe vs to blis
full free.
A ! mercy my socoure,
Mercy my treasoure,
Mercy my sauioure,
pi mercy be markid in me.
25. Cent. O 1 wondirfuU werkar i-wis,
pis weedir is waxen full wan,
304
308
312
MORTIFICACIO CRISTI [anD BURIAL OF JESUs]. 369
Trewe token I trowe Jjat it is
pat mercy is mente vnto man.
Full clerly consayue J)us I can,
No cause in this corse couthe Ipei knowe,
5itt doulfuU l^ei demyd hym jsan
To lose }3us his lifFe be Jser lawe,
No rijte.
Trewly I sale,
Goddis sone verraye,
Was he {sis daye,
pat doulfuUy to dede fius is dijt.
26. Jos. pat lorde lele ay lastyng in lande,
Sir Pilate, full preste in jsis presse, -
He saue Jje be see and be sande,
And all {lat is derworth on deesse.
Pil. Joseph, J3is is lely no lesse,
To me arte ]>ou welcome i-wisse,
Do saie me Jje soth or })ou sesse,
Thy worthyly wille what it is
Anone.
Jos. To J3e I praye,
Giffe me in hye
Jesu bodye.
In gree it for to graue al alone.
27. Pil. Joseph sir, I graunte Ipe jiat geste,
I grucche no^t to grath hym in grave,
Delyuer, haue done he were dreste,
And sewe, sir, oure sabott to saffe.
" Jos. With handis and harte fiat I haue,
I thanke \>e in faith for my frende,
God kepe Jse \>i comforte to craue.
For wightely my way will I wende
In hye.
To do fiat dede
He be my speede,
pat armys gun sprede,
B b
316
thinks it a token
that Jesus was
judged un-
righteously.
320
324
[S^nkr Joseph.
Joseph comes to
Pilate
328
332
336
to beg the body
of Jesus.
Pilate agrees.
340
344
If. 188 b.
Joseph thanks
him,
348
and goes to bury
Jesus.
370 XXXVI. THE BOCHERES.
Manne kynde be his bloode for to bye.
[Enler Nichodemus.
Nichodemus 28. Niclio. Weill mette, sir, in mynde gune [I] meffe 352 '
comes in
For Jesu, jsat juged was vn-jente,
Ye laboured for license and leve,
To berye his body on bente,
Jos. Full myldely Jjat matere I mente, 356
And jjat for to do will I dresse.
and offers to go Ificho. Both Same I wolde bat wente
with him.
And lette not for more ne for lesse,
For-why 360
Oure frende was he,
Faithful! and free.
Jos. perfore go we
To berie }>at body in hye. 364
\They go to the cross.
29. All mankynde may marke in his mynde
To see here jjis sorowfuU sight,
No falsnesse in hym couthe jsei fynde,
pat doulfuUy to dede }jus is dight. 368
Nicho. He was a full worthy wight,
Nowe blemysght and bolned with bloode.
Jos. 3^) for )3at he maistered his myght.
Full falsely fiei fellid jiat foode 372
I wene*,
If- 1?9-.. Bothe bakke and side,
XXVI Vlj.
His woundes wide ;
For-})i ))is tyde 3^6
They take down Take we hvm doune vs be-twene.
the body between •'
them reverently, 3o_ uioiio. Be-twene VS take we hym doune,
And laie hym on lenthe on })is lande.
Jos. pis reuerent and riche of rennoune, 380
Late vs halde hym and halse hym with hande.
and lay it in A graue haue I garte here be ordande,
a new grave, <j *j
never m use.
' MS. has wyne.
MORTIFICACIO CRISTI [aND BURIAL OF JESUs]. 371
Joseph has a
winding-sheet
or napkin.
They bury the
body.
pat neuer was in noote, it is newe.
Wicho, To }3is corse it is comely accordande, 384
To dresse hym with dedis full dewe
pis stounde.
Jos. A sudarye
Loo here haue I, 388
Wynde hym for-thy,
And sone schalle we graue hym in grounde.
31. Nicho. In grounde late vs graue hym and goo,
Do lifFely, latte vs laie hym allone ; 392
Nowe sauiour of me and of moo
pou kepe vs in clennesse ilkone.
Jos. [Prays]. To ' thy mercy nowe make I my moone, and pray.
As sauiour be see and be sande, 396
pou gyde me j^at my griffe be al gone,
With lele lifFe to lenge in J)is lande.
And esse.
ITiclio. Seere oynementis here haue I 400
Brought for Jjis faire body ;
I anoynte pe for-thy
With myrre and aloes.
32. Jos. pis dede it is done ilke a dele, 404
And wroughte is Jiis werke wele i-wis.
To Jje kyng on knes here I knele,
pat baynly Jiou belde me in blisse.
ITicho. He highte me full hendely to be his. 408
A nyght whan I neghed hym full nere ;
Haue mynde lorde and mende ^ me of mys,
For done is oure dedis full dere
pis tyde. 41a
Jos. Jjis lorde so goode,
pat schedde his bloode,
He mende youre moode,
And buske on })is blis for to bide. 416
" The MS. has Da. " The MS. has mnde.
B b 2
Nicodemus
anoints the body
with several
ointments.
If. 189 b.
* Lord, remem-
ber me ; forgive
me my sins.'
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES'
If. igo b.
xxvj. viij. b-
The Harrowing of Hell.
PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Adame.
EUA.
Isaiah [Isaac in error].
Symeon.
Jesus.
Johannes Baptista.
MOYSES.
Eelsabub.
Sattan.
Dauid.
Belliall.
MiCHiLL (Archangel).
Primus diabolus.
Secundus diabolus.
Gospel of Nicho- ,
demus (Latin
vers.), Part II,
ch. ii-viii.
* Man, meekly
think of me.
I have fulfilled
my Father's
promise ;
Scene I, outside the gates of Hell.
1. Jesus. Manne on molde, be meke to me,
And haue thy maker in \\ mynde,
And thynke howe I haue tholid for fie,
With pereles paynes for to be pyned.
The forward of my Fadir free
Haue I fulfiUid, as folke may fynde,
Incifit Extractio Animarum ab Inferno.
Jesus. My fader me from blys has send
Tille erth for mankynde sake,
Adam mys for to amend,
My deth nede must I take.
I dwellyd ther thyrty yeres and two
And somdele more, the sothe to say,
In anger, pyne, and mekylle wo,
I dyde on cros this day.
* The 25th Play of the Towneley Collection (f. 97 b in the MS., p. 244 of
Surtees print) runs nearly parallel with this piece ; it is given below entire.
THE HARROWING OF HFXL.
373
per-fore a-boute nowe woU I bee,
pat I haue bought for to vnbynde.
pe feende |3ame wanne with trayne
Thurgh frewte of erthely foode,
I haue Jiame getyn agayne
Thurgh bying with my bloode.
2. And so I schall pat steede restore,
For ^ whillce pe feende fell for synne,.
pare schalle mankynde wonne euermore.
In blisse jsat schall neuere blynne.
All }jat in werke my werkemen were
Owte of thare woo I wol jjame wynne,
And some signe schall I sende be-fore
Of grace to garre fier gamys be-gynne.
A light I woU jjei haue
To schewe jjame I schall come sone.
My bodie bidis in graue,
Tille alle thes dedis be done.
I win now un-
bind those 1
2 2 have bought
1 shall restore
my workmen
to heaven.'
Jesus sends a
light asa sign
that he is coming.
24
Therfor tille helle now wille I go.
To chalange that is myne,
Adam, Eue, and othere mo,
Thay shalle no longer dwelle in pyne;
The feynde them wan withe trayn
Thrughe fraude of earthly fode,
I have theym boght agan
With shedyng of my blode.
And now I wille that stede restore,
Whiche the feynde felle fro for syn,
Som tokyn wille I send before.
Withe myrth to gar thare gammes begyn.
A light I will thay haue
To know I wille com sone.
My body shalle abyde in graue
Tille alle this dede be done.
9
10
II
12
13
14
19
23
24
' Re&d/ro.
374
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
Jesus' body stays
in the grave.
while he frees
his friends from
their foes.
He will rise on
the third day
and ascend to
heaven.
If. 191.
.XXVlj j.
3. My Fadir ordand on J)is wise
Aftir his will fiat I schulde wende,
For to fnlfille J)e prophicye,
And als I spake my solace to spende.
My frendis \>aX in me faith affies,
Nowe fro ther fois I schall })ame fende.
And on the thirde day ryght vprise,
And so tille heuen I schall assende.
Sithen schall I come agayne
To deme bothe goode and ill,
Tille endles joie or peyne
pus is my Fadris will ^-
28
3a
36
Adam has been
in hell 4600
years.
He sees a glo-
rious beam.
which Eve says
means joy.
[Scene II, Hell; al one side Limbo, enclosing the patriarchs
and prophets ; a light shines across^
4. Adame. Mi bretheren, harkens to me here,
Swilke hope of heele neuere are we hadde,
Foure thousande and sex hundereth jere
Haue we bene heere in J)is stedde.
Nowe see I signe of solace seere,
A glorious gleme to make vs gladde,
Wher-fore I hope oure helpe is nere,
And sone schall sesse oure sorowes sadde.
Eua. Adame, my husband hende,
pis menys solas certayne.
40
44
Adam. My brether, herkyn unto me here,
More hope of helth neuer we had.
Four thousand and six hundred yere
Haue we bene here in darknes stad;
Now se I tokyns of solace sere,
A gloryous gleme to make vs glad,
Wherthrughe I hope that help is nere,
That sone shalle slake oure sorowes sad.
Eve. Adam, my husband heynd,
This menys solace certan.
37
40
44
• A late marginal note here says ' time cantent'
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
375
Such light gune on vs lende
In paradise full playne.
Isaiah '. Adame, we schall wele vndirstande,
I, Ysaias as god me kende,
I prechid in Neptalym, j^at lande,
And Zabulon even vn-till ende.
I spake of'folke in mirke walkarid,
And saide a light schulde on Jiame lende,
This lered I whils I was leuand,
Nowe se I God })is same hath sende.
pis light comes all of Criste,
pat seede to saue vs nowe,
pus is my poynte puplisshid,
But Symeon, what sais Jjou ?
Symeon. Yhis, my tale of farleis feele,
For in Jjis temple his frendis me fande,
48
Isaiah while
living prophesied
a great light.
Isa. ix. 2.
52
56
It was Christ.
60
Simeon repeats
the tale.
Siche light can on vs leynd
In paradyse full playn. 48
Isaias. Adam, thrugh thi syn
Here were we put to dwelle
This wykyd place within,
The name of it is helle ;
Here paynes shalle neuer blyn
That wykyd ar and telle,
Loue that lord withe wyn
His lyfe for vs wold selle.
Et cantent omnes ' Sahiator mundi ' primum versum.
Adam thou welle vnderstand
I am Isaias, so Crist me kende.
I spake of folke in darknes walkand,
I saide a light shuld on theym lende;
This light is alle from Crist commande
That he tille vs has hedir sende,
Thus is my poynt proved in hand.
As I before to fold it kende.
Simeon. So may I telle of farlys feylle 61
For in the tempylle his freyndes me fande,
' Isaac is written, but it is evidently a mistake for Isaiah.
376 XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
I hadde delite with hyra to dele.
And halsed homely with my hande. 64
I saide, " lorde, late thy seruaunt lele
Passe nowe in pesse to lifFe lastand,
If, 191 b. For nowe my selfe has sene thy hele.
Me liste no lengar to liffe in lande." 68
He sees the pis light Jjou hast purucycd
To folkes Jiat liffis in leede,
pe same Jiat I jjame saide,
I see fulfiUid in dede. 72
John Baptist 7. Joh. Bapt. Als voyce criand to folke I kende,
recognizes . , ■» , ■
Christ's coming. pe weyes 01 cnste als I wele kanne, '
I baptiste hym with bothe my hande
Euen in Jje floode of flume Jordanne. 76
pe holy goste fro heuene discende,
Als a white dowue doune on hym Jjanne,
The Fadir voice, my mirthe to mende,
Was made to me euen als manne, 80
Me thoght dayntethe with hym to deylle,
I halsid hym homely with my hand, 64
I saide, Lord, let thi servandes leylle
Pas in peasse to lyf lastande.
Now that myn eeyn has sene thyn hele 67
No longer lyst I lyf in lande. 68
This light thou has purvayde
For theym that lyf in lede, 70
' That I before of the haue saide
I se it is fnlfillyd in dede. 72
Johannes Baptista. As a vo[i]ce cryand I kend
The wayes of Crist, as I welle can, 74
I baptisid hym with bothe myn hende
In the water of flume Jordan ; 76
The Holy Gost firom heuen discende
As a white dowfe downe on me than, 78
The Fader voyce oure myrthes to amende
Was made to me lyke as a man ; 80
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
377
This is my sone, he saide,
In whome me paies full wele,
His light is on vs laide,
He comes ouie cares to kale. 84
Moyses. Of Jjat same light lernyng haue I,
To me Moyses he mustered his myght,
And also vnto anodir, Hely,
Wher we were on an hille on hight. 88
Whyte as snowe was his body,
And his face like to ]>e sonne to sight,
No man on molde was so myghty
Grathely to loke agaynste paX light, 92
pat same light se I nowe,
Shynyng on vs sarteyne,
Wherfore trewly I trowe,
We schalle sone passe fro payne. 96
i Biab. Helpe ! Belsabub 1 to bynde ]3er boyes.
Such harrowe was neuer are herde in helle.
Moses knows
that Christ
showed his
power to himself
and Elias.
The devils are
alarmed at the
sound of the
joyful shouting
in limbo.
'Yond is my son,' he saide,
'And whiche me pleasses fulle welle,' 82
His light is on us layde,
And commys oare karys to kele. 84
Moyses. Now this same nyght lemyng have I,
To me, Moyses, he shewid his myght, 86
And also to another oone, Hely,
Where we stud on a hille on hyght, 88
As whyte as snaw was his body,
His face was like the son for bright, 90
Noman on mold was so mighty
Grathly durst loke agans that light, 92
And that same lighte here se I now
Shynyng on vs, certayn, 94
Where thrughe truly I trow
That we shalle sone pas fro this payn. 96
Bybald. Sen fyrst that helle was mayde. And I was
put therin
Siche sorow neuer ere I had, nor hard I siche
a dyn;
378
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
If. 1^2.
xxvij ij.
' They are shut
up in a. special
part, they shall
never pass out,'
10.
ii Diab, Why rooris Jiou soo, rebalde ? fiou royis,
What is be-tidde, canne ]?ou ought telle ?
i Biab. What ! heris J30u nojt jjis vggely noyse,
pes lurdans Jsat in lymbo dwelle,
pei make menyng of many joies,
And musteres grete mirthe jsame emell.
ii Diab. Mirthe ? nay, nay, }jat Jjoynte is paste.
More hele schall J^ei neuere haue.
i Diab. pei crie on Criste full faste,
And sais he schal Jiame saue.
Belsabub. ^a., if he saue Jsame noght, we schall,
For they are sperde in speciall space,
Whils I am prince and principall
Schall Jsei neuer passe oute of |3is place.
Calle vppe Astrotte and A
To giffe })er counsaille in jjis case.
104
108
Belzabub.
Bybald.
Belzabub.
Eybald.
Belzabub.
98
My hart beginnys to brade, my wytt waxys thyn,
I drede we can not be glad, thise saules mon
fro us twyn ;
How, Belsabub I bynde thise boys, sich harow
was neuer hard in helle.
Out, Rybald! thou rores, what is betyd? can
thou oght telle?
Whi, herys thou not this vgly noyse !
Thise lurdans that in lymbo dwelle
They make menyng of many joyse.
And muster myrthes theym emelle.
Myrth ? nay, nay I that poynt is past.
More hope of helth shalle they neuer haue.
Thay cry on Crist fuUe fast.
And says he shalle theym saue.
Yee, tho he do not I shalle
For thay ar sparyd in specyalle space,
Whils I am prynce and pryncypalle,
Thay shalle neuer pas out of this place.
Calle up Astarot and Anaballe
To gyf vs counselle in this case;
104
108
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
379
Bele, Berit, and Belial,
To marre jjame jsat swilke maistries mase. ii6
Say to Satan oure sire,
And bidde })ame bringe also,
Lucifer louely of lyre.
i Biab. Al redy, lorde, I goo.
11. Jesus \^Wi/hou/j. Aitollite portas principes,
Oppen vppe je jrinces of paynes sere,
Et eleuamint eternaks,
Youre yendles jatis Jjat je haue here. 124
Sattan. What page is ]3ere \>sX makes prees.
And callis hym kyng of vs in fere ?
Dauid \in Limbo]. I lered leuand, with-outen lees.
He is a kyng of vertues clere. 128
The other devils
are called to
council.
' Open your
gates ! '
'Who is it?
David bears wit-
ness to Christ.
Telle Berith and Bellyalle
To mar theym that siche mastry mase; Ii6
Say to sir Satan cure syre.
And byd hym biyng also
Sir Lucyfer Infly of lyre.
Alle redy, lord, I go. 1 30
Attollite portas, principes, vestras et eleuamini
portae etemales, et introibit rex gloriae.
Out, harro, out! what deville is he
That callys hym kyng ouer vs alle? 126
Hark Belzabub, com ne, 137
For hednsly I hard hym calle.
Go spar the yates, ylle mot thou the!
And set the waches on the walle, 140
If that brodelle com ne
With vs ay won he shalle ;
And if he more calle or cry, 141
To make us more debate,
Lay on hym hardely.
And make hym go his gate. 144
Nay, withe hym may ye not fyght,
For he is kyng and conqueroure,
Bybald.
Jesus.
Bybald.
Belzabub.
David.
380
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
If. 192 b.
* The lady who
calls him lord
had never house
nor hall.'
The devils are
affright.
They close their
gates.
* Make him go
away.'
A ! lorde, mekill of myght,
And stronge in ilke a stoure,
In batailes ferse to fight,
And worthy to wynne honnoure. 132
12. Saltan. Honnoure ! in fie deuelway, for what dede ?
All erthely men to me are thrall,
pe lady fiat calles hym lorde in leede,
Hadde neuer jit herberowe, house, ne halle. 136
i Diab. Harke, Belsabub ! I haue grete drede,
For hydously I herde hym calle.
Belliall. We ! spere oure jates, all ill mot })0U spede.
And sette furthe watches on Tpe wall. 140
And if he call or crie
To make vs more debate,
Lay on hym ]jan hardely.
And garre hym gang his gate. 144
13. Sattan. Telle me what boyes dare be so bolde.
For drede to make so mekill draye.
And of so mekille myght, 129
And styf in euery stoure ; 130
Of hym commys alle this light
That shjmys in this bowre,
He is fulle fers in fight 131
Worthi to wyn honoure. 132
Belzabub. Honoure 1 harsto, harlot, for what dede
Alle erthly men to me are thralle, 134
That lad that thou callys lord in lede
He had neuer harbour, house, ne halle ; 136
How, sir Sathanas, com nar
And hark this cursid rowte !
Sathanes. The deville you alle to-har !
What ales the so to showte?
And me, if I com nar
Thy brayn bot I bryst owte.
Belzabub. Thou must com help to spar,
We are beseged abowte.
Sathanes. Besegyd aboute ! Whi who durst be so bold 145
For drede to make on vs a fray? 146
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
381
i Diab. Itt is \>e Jewe }>at Judas solde
For to be dede, jsis othir daye.
Sattan. Owe ! jsis tale in tyme is tolde,
pis traytoure traues vs alway,
He schall be here full harde in holde,
Loke J5at he passe noght, I jse praye.
ii Biab. Nay, nay, he will nojt wende
A-way or I be ware,
He shappis hym for to schende
Alle helle or he go ferre.
14. Sattan. Nay, faitour, Jjer-of schall he faile,
For alle his fare I hym deffie,
I knowe his trantis fro toppe to taile.
He leuys with gaudis and with gilery.
per-by he brought oute of oure bale
Nowe, late, Lazar of Betannye,
per-fore I gaffe to pe Jewes counsaille,
pat Jjei schulde alway garre hym dye.
148
' 'Tis the Jew
that Judas sold/
152
156
' He will ruin'
all hell.'
Satan defies him.
If. 153.
XXVlj UJ.
Satan advised
the Jews and
164 entered into
Judas.
Belzabub. It is the Jew that Judas sold
For to be dede this othere day.
Sathanes. How, in tyme that tale was told.
That trature trauesses vs alle-way
He shalbe here fulle hard in hold,
Bot loke he pas not, I the pray.
Belzabub. Pas I nay, nay, he wille not weynde
From hens or it be war.
He shapys hym for to sheynd
Alle helle or he go far.
Sathanes. Fy, faturs, therof shalle he faylle,
For alle his fare I hym defy;
I know his trantes fro top to taylle,
He lyffes by gawdes and glory.
Therby he broght furthe of oure baylle
The lathe Lazare of Betany,
Bot to the Jues I gaf counsaylle
That thay shuld cause hym dy;
14S
152
156
160
164
382
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
If Satan has
done these
things he may
now conquer
Jesus.
' Be ready to
strike him down.'
Jesus enters
through hell-
gates.
I entered in Judas
pat forwarde to fulfiUe,
per-fore his hire he has,
All-way to wonne here stille. i68
15. Belsabub. Sir Sattanne, sen we here Jje saie,
pat \>o\i and je Jewes wer same assente.
And wotte he wanne Lazar awaye,
pat tille vs was tane for to tente. 172
Trowe jjou Jsat Jjou marre hym maye,
To mustir myghtis what he has mente,
If he nowe depriue vs of oure praye,
We will je witte whanne Jsei are wente. 176
Sattan. I bidde jou be nojt abasshed
But boldely make youe boune
With toles J)at je on traste
And dynge paX dastard doune. 180
16. Jesus [JF?VAo»/]. Principes^portas tolliie,
Vndo youre jatis, je princis of pryde,
Et introibit rex glorie,
pe kyng of blisse comes in Jjis tyde. 184
\Eniers the gates of Hell.
Bybald.
Sathanas.
Jesus.
I enterd ther into Judas
That forward to fulfylle,
Therfor his hyere he has
AUe wayes to won here stylle.
Sir Sathan, sen we here the say
Thou and the Jues were at assent,
And wote he wan the Lazare away
That vnto vs was taken to tent,
Hopys thou that thou mar hym may
To muster the malyce that he has ment?
For and he refe us now oure pray
We wille ye witt or he is went.
I byd the noght abaste,
Bot boldly make you bowne,
Withe toyles that ye intraste
And dyng that dastard downe.
Attollite portas principes vestras, etc.
168
172
176
180
181
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
383
Sattan. Owte ! harrowe [what harlot] is hee,
pat sais his kyngdome schall be cryed.
Savtid [in Limbo], pat may }30U in my sawter see
For Jjat poynte of prophicie.
I saide Jiat he schuld breke
Youre barres and bandis by name,
And on youre werkis take wreke,
Nowe schalle je see Jje same.
17. Jesus, pis steede schall stonde no lenger stoken,
Opynne vppe and latte my pepul passe.
Diabolus. Oute ! beholdes, oure baill is brokynne,
And brosten are alle oure bandis of bras.
Satan bewails.
David foretold
this in his Psalm
[xxiv. 7-9].
192
If. 193 b.
The whole place .
is thrown open.
196
Eybald. Outt, harro! what harlot is he
That sayes his kyngdom shalbe cryde ?
David. That may thou in sawter se,
For of this prynce thus ere I saide ;
I saide that he shuld breke
Youre barres and bandes by name,
And of youre warkes take wreke ;
Now shalle thou se the same.
Jesus. Ye prynces of helle open youre yate,
And let my folk furthe gone ;
A prynce of peasse shalle enter therat
Wheder ye wille or none.
Bjbald. What art thou that spekys so ?
Jesus. A king of blys that hight Jesus.
Bybald. Yea, hens fast I red thou go,
And melle the not with vs.
Belzabub. Oure yates I trow wille last,
Thay ar so strong I weyn.
Bet if oure barres brast
For the thay shalle not twyn.
Jesus. This stede shalle stand no longer stokyn,
Open vp and let my pepille pas.
Bybald. Out, harrol oure baylle is brokyn.
And brusten ar alle oure bandes of bras.
185
187
189
192
193
196
384
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
Limbo is lost.
The devils re-
criminate on each
other.
Telle lucifer alia is vnlokynne.
Belsabub. What Jeanne, is lymbus lorne, alias !
Garre Satan, helpe Jsat we were wroken,
pis werke is werse Jjanne euere it was.
Sattan. I badde je schulde be boune
If he made maistries more,
Do dynge )3at dastard doune.
And sette hym sadde and sore.
18. Belsabub. Ja, sette hym sore, jjat is sone saide,
But come )ji selffe and serue hym soo,
We may not bide his bittir braide.
He wille vs marre, and we wer moo.
Sattan. What 1 faitours, wherfore are je ferde ?
Haue je no force to flitte hym froo ?
Belyue loke jjat my gere be grathed.
Mi selffe schall to TpaX gedlyng goo.
204
208
Belzabub. Harro I oure yates begyn to crak.
In sender, I trow, they go.
And helle, I trow will alle-to-shak ;
Alas, what I am wo I
Bybald. Lymbo is lorne alas I 198
Sir Sathanas com vp ;
This wark is wars then it was.
Sathanas. Yee, hangyd be thou on a cruke ;
Thefys, I bad ye shuld be bowne 201
If he maide mastres more
To dyng that dastard downe,
Sett hym bothe sad and sore. 204
Belzabub. To sett hym sore that is sone saide
Com thou thi self and serue hym so ;
We may not abyde his bytter brayde.
He wolde vs mar and we were mo. 208
Sathanas. Fy, faturs ! Wherefor were ye flayd ?
Have ye no force to flyt hym fro?
Loke in haste my gere be grayd.
My self shalle to that gadlyng go. 212
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
385
[To /esus.] Howe ! belamy, a' de,
With al thy booste and bere,
And telle to me }>is tyde,
What maistries makes Jjou here ? 216
19. Jesus. I make no maistries but for myne,
pame woUe I saue, I telle ]?e nowe,
pou hadde no poure jpame to pyne,
But as my prisonne for Jjer prowe.
Here haue ]3ei soiorned, noght as thyne,
But in thy warde, ]30U wote wele howe.
Sattan. And what deuel haste ]?ou done ay syne
pat neuer wolde negh Jjame nere, or nowe? 224
Jesus. Nowe is ]>e tyme certayne
Mi Fadir ordand be-fore,
pat they schulde passe fro payne,
And wonne in mirthe euer more. 228
20. Sattan. Thy fadir knewe I wele be sight,
He was a write his mette to wynne,
■ Stay, my fine
friend, what
lordship do you
want here?'
' I only want my
people, you had
no jjower save
to imprison them
for their good.
xxvtj UIJ.
This is the time
ordained to set
them free.'
Satan parleys
with Christ,
214
2l6
How, thou belamy, abyde,
Withe alle thi boste and beyn
And telle me in this tyde
What mastres thou makes here.
Jesus. I make no mastry bot for myne,
I wille theym saue, that shalle the sow.
Thou has no powere theym to pyne,
Bot in my pryson for thare prow
Here hane thay soiomyd, noght as thyne
Bot in thi wayrd, thou wote as how.
Sathauas. Why, where has thou bene ay syn
That neuer wold neghe theym nere or now.
Jesus. Now is the tyme certan
My Fader ordaned her-for,
That thay shuld pas fro payn,
In blys to dwelle for euer more.
Sathanas. Thy fader knew I welle by syght.
He was a wright his meett to wyn,
CC
228
386
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
' My Father
dwells in
heaven.
Jesus lived in
sorrow
in order to save
man.
And Marie me menys ]>i modir hight,
pe vttiremeste ende of all Jji kynne. 23'
Who made Jse be so mekil! of myght ?
Jesus, pou -wikid feende, latte be thy dynne,
Mi Fadir wonnys in heuen on hight,
With blisse ]?at schall neuere blynne. ^.',6
I am his awne sone,
His forward to fulfille \
And same ay schall we wonne,
And sundir whan we woUe. 24°
21. Sattan. God sonne, fianne schulde jjou be ful gladde,
Aftir no catel neyd thowe crave %
But fiou has leued ay like a ladde.
And in sorowe as a symple knave. 244
Jesus, pat was for hartely loue I hadde
Vnto mannis soule it for to saue ;
And for to make Jje mased and madde,
And by fiat resoune }3us dewly to haue, 248
Mary me mynnys thi moder hight,
The utmast ende of alle thy kyn, 232
Say who made the so mekille of myght?
Jesus. Thou wykyd feynde lett be thi dy[n],
My Fader wonnes in heven on hight
In blys that neuer more shalle blyn; 336
I am his oonly son his forward to fulfylle,
Togeder wille we won in sonder when we wylle. 240
Sathanas. Goddes son I nay then myght thou be glad,
For no catell thurt the craue;
Bot thou has lyffed ay lyke a lad,
In sorow and as a sympille knaue. 244
Jesus. That was for the hartly luf I had
Vnto man's saulle it forto saue,
And forto make the masyd and mad.
And for that reson rufully to rafe. 248
' Lines 237, 238 are written as one in MS.
' This line was first written ' Aftir no catel Jius fe I telle,' but was
corrected as above by the Elizabethan hand, which also in 1. 244 inserted
as and wrote knave for iraide.
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
387
Mi godhede here I hidde
In Marie modir myne,
For it schulde nojt be kidde,
To Ipe nor to none of thyne. 252
22. Sattan. A ! fiis wolde I were tolde in ilk a toune.
So sen Jjou sais God is thy sire, if. 194 b.
I schall Ipe proue be right resoune,
pou motes his men in to Ipe myre. 256
To breke his bidding were thei boune,
And, for they did at my desire,
Fro paradise he putte jjame doune
In helle here to have \>er hyre. 260
And thy selfe, day and nyght,
Has taught al men emang.
To do resoune and right,
And here workis })ou all wrang. 264
23. Jesus. I wirke noght wrang, })at schal Jjow witte,
If I my men fro woo will wynne,
Mi prophetis playnly prechid it,
Satan reproaches
Christ, for that
men were
obliged to break
God's bidding.
My Godhede here I hyd
In Mary moder myne.
Where it shalle neuer be kyd
To the ne none of thyne. 252
Sathanas. How now? this wold I were told in towne.
Thou says God is thi syre ;
I shalle the prove by good reson
Thou meyttes as man dos into myre. 256
To breke thi byddyng they were full bowne.
And soyn they wroght at my desyre,
From Paradise thou putt theym downe.
In helle here to haue thare hyre: 260
And thou thi self by day and nyght,
Taght euer alle men emang,
Euer to do reson and right.
And here thou wyrkys alle wrang. 264
Jesus. I wyrk no wrang, that shall thou wytt.
If I my men fro wo wille wyn ;
My prophettes playnly prechyd it,
C C 2
388
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
The prophets
preached Christ's
death and de-
scent into hell.
Satan will be
even with Christ,
and quotes
against him
Solomon,
and Job.
All J3is note fiat nowe be-gynne.
pai saide fiat I schulde be obitte,
To hell fat I schulde entre in,
And saue my seruauntis fro fiat pitte,
Wher dampned saulis schall sitte for synne.
And ilke trewe prophettis tale
Muste be fulfiUid in mee,
I haue })ame broughte with bale,
And in blisse schal f)ei be.
24. Sattan. Nowe sen f e liste allegge \>e lawes,
pou schalte be atteynted, or we twynne,
For fio f)at f ou to wittenesse drawes,
Full even agaynste fe will be-gynne.
Salamon saide in his sawes,
pat whoso enteres helle withynne,
Shall neuer come oute, fus clerkis knawes, —
And ferfore felowe, leue ]>i dynne.
Job, f i seruaunte also,
pus in his tyme gune telle,
268
272
276
280
284
Alle the noytes that I begyn; 268
They saide that I shuld be that ilke
In helle where I shuld intre in.
To saue my seruandes fro that pytt
Where dampnyd sauUys shalle syt for syn. 272
And ilke true prophete taylle
Shalbe fulfillid in me,
I haue thaym boght fro baylle,
In Wis now shalle they be. 276
Sathanas. Now sen thou lyst to legge the lawes
Thou shalbe tenyd or we twyn.
For those that thou to witnes drawes
FuUe euen agans the shalle begyn ; 280
As Salamon saide in his sawes.
Who that ones commys helle within
He shalle neuer owte, as clerkes knawes,
Therfor, belamy, let be thy dyn. 284
Job thi seruande also
In his tyme can telle
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
389
pat nowthir frende nor foo
Shulde fynde reles in helle. 288
25. Jesus. He saide full soth, Jiat schall [sou see,
pat in helle may be no reles,
But of fiat place jjan preched he.
Where synffuU care schall euere encrees. 292
And in jjat bale ay schall Jjou be,
Whare sorowes sere schall neuer sesse,
And for my folke Jjer fro wer free,
Nowe schall ]>ei passe to J^e place of pees. 296
pai were here with my wille.
And so schall Tpei fourthe wende.
And Jji selue schall fulfiUe,
per wooe with-outen ende. 300
26. Sattan. Owe I Jianne se I howe J30U mouys emang,
If. ip5.
XXVlj V.
Job says the
truth,
thou shalt stay in
hell for ever.
but my folk shall
pass forth.
' Oh ! there is a
limit to the
harm.
That nawder freynde nor fo •
Shalle fynde relese in helle. 288
Jesus. He sayde fulle soythe, that shalle thou se.
In helle shalbe no relese,
Bot of that place then ment he
Where synfulle care shalle euer encrese. 292
In that baylle ay shalle thou be,
Where sorowes seyr shall never sesse,
And my folk that wer most fre
Shalle pas vnto the place of peasse ; 296
For thay were here with my wille.
And so thay shalle furth weynde,
Thou shalle thiself fulfylle,
Euer wo withoutten endei 300
Sathanas. Whi, and wille thou take theym alle me fro?
Then thynk me thou art vnkynde ;
Nay I pray the do not so,
Vmthynke the better in thy mynde.
Or els let me with the go,
I pray the leyfe me not behynde.
Jesus. Nay tratur, thou shalle won in wo,
And tille a stake I shalle the bynde.
Sathanas. Now here I how thou menys emang. 301
390
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
all shall not ^o,
but some stay.'
' Yes, such as
Cain, and sui-
cides like Judas
and Achitophel,
Dathan and
Abiram,
and all tyrants.
and unbelievers.
If. 195 b.
these I shall
jud^e worse than
Jews.'
Some mesure with malice to melle,
Sen }jou sais all schall nojt gang,
But some schalle alway with vs dwelle. .^o+
Jesus. ^3.0, witte Jjou wele, ellis were it wrang,
Als cursed Cayme paX slewe Abell,
And all paX ha.stis hem selue to hange,
Als Judas and Archedefell, 308
Datan and Abiron,
And alle of Jjare assente,
Als tyrantis euerilkone
pat me and myne turmente. 312
27. And all J^at liste noght to lere my lawe,
pat I haue lefte in lande nowe newe,
pat is my comyng for to knawe,
And to my sacramente pursewe. 316
Mi dede, my rysing, rede be rawe,
Who will noght trowe Jjei are noght trewe,
Vnto my dome I schall Jsame drawe,
And juge })ame worse fjanne any Jewe. 320
With mesure and malyce for to melle,
Bot sen thou says it shalbe lang,
Yit som let alle-wayes with vs dwelle. 304
Jesus. Yis wytt thou welle, els were greatt wrang,
Thou shalle haue Caym that slo Abelle,
And alle that hastes theym self to hang.
As dyd Judas and Architophelle ; 308
And Daton and Aharon and alle of thare assent,
Cursyd tyranttes euer ilkon that me and myn
tormente. 312
And alle that wille not lere my law
That I haue left in land for new
That makes my commyng knaw,
And alle my sacramentes persew; 316
My deth, my rysyng, red by raw.
Who trow thaym not thay ar vntrewe,
Vnto my dome I shalle theym draw.
And juge theym wars than any Jew. 320
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
391
And all }jat likis to leere
My lawe and leue fier bye,
Shall neuere haue harmes heere,
But welthe as is worthy. 324
28. Sattan. Nowe here my hande, I halde me paied,
pis poynte is playnly for oure prowe,
If )?is be soth jjat Jjou hast saide,
We schall haue moo })anne we haue nowe. 328
pis lawe Jiat Jjou nowe late has laide
I schall lere men nojt to allowe,
Iff }jei it take Jjei be be-traied,
For I schall turne Jjame tyte, I trowe. 332
I schall walke este and weste,
Andgarre J^ame werke wele werre.
Jesus. Naye, feende, \>o\i schall be feste,
pat ]30U schalte flitte not ferre. 336
29. Sattan. Feste ! fiat were a foule reasoune,
Nay, bellamy, Jjou bus be smytte.
All who live by
Christ's law will
get no harm in
hell.
Satan is content,
and thinks he will
have enough.
He will walk
east and west
and make men
work badly.
And thay that lyst to lere my law and lyf therby,
Shalle neuer have harmes here, bot welth as is
worthy. 324
Sathanas. Now here my hand. I hold me payde,
Thise poyntes are playnly for my prow.
If this be trew as thou has saide
We shall haue mo then we haue now, 328
Thies lawes that thou has late here laide
I shalle theym lere not to alow.
If thay myn take thay ar betraide,
And I shalle turne theym tytt I trowe. 332
I shalle walk eest, I shalle walk west.
And gar theym wyrk welle war.
Jesus. Nay feynde, thou shalbe fest.
That thou shalle flyt no far. 336
Sathanas. Feste ? fy I that were a wykyd treson !
Belamy, thou shalbe smytt. 338
392
XXXVII. THE SADlLLEKES.
But Jesus calls
Michael to chain
the devil into his
cell.
* Help, Mahomet!
I go mad ] '
He falls into the
pit of hell.
If. ig6._
xxvij vi.
Adam rejoices
and praises
Jesus,
Jesus. Mighill ! myne Aungell, make jje boune,
And feste yone fende, Jjat he not flitte. 340
And deuyll, I comaunde Jje go doune,
In-to thy selle where Ipou schalte sitte. [Saian sinks.
Sattan. Owt, ay 1 herrowe I helpe mahounde !
Nowe wex I woode oute of my witte. 344
Eelsabub. Sattan, )?is saide we are,
Nowe schall fjou fele Jji fitte.
Sattan. Alias I for dole, and care,
I synke in to helle pitte. \Falls into the pit. 348
30. Adame. A ! Jesu lorde, mekill is jji myght.
That mekis jsi-selffe in \\s, manere.
Vs for to helpe as fjou has hight,
Whanne both forfette I and my feere. 352
Here haue we leuyd with-outen light,
Foure thousand and vi c jere,
Now se I be jjis solempne sight,
Howe thy mercy hath made vs clere ^ 356
Jesus. Deville, I commaunde the to go downe
Into thi sete where thou shalle syt.
Sathanas. Alas for doylle and care
I synk into helle pyt.
Bybald. Sir Sathanas, so saide I are,
Now shalle thou haue a fytt.
Jesus. Com now furthe my childer alle,
I forgyf you youre mys ;
Withe me now go ye shalle
To joy and endles blys.
Adam. Lord thou art fuUe mekylle of myght.
That mekys thi self on this manere,
To help vs alle as thou had vs hight,
When bothe forfett I and my fere;
Here haue we dwelt .withoutten light,
iiiiM. and vi hundreth yere.
Now se we by this solempne sight
How that thi mercy makes vs dere.
341
342
347
348
34S
346
349
352
356
' The MS. has dene.
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
393
Hue. A ! lorde, we were worthy
Mo turmentis for to taste,
But mende vs with mercye
Als })0u of myght is moste.
31. [John] Baptista. A ! lorde I loue {jc inwardly,
That me wolde make Tpi messengere,
Thy comyng in erth for to crye.
And teche pi faith to folke in feere.
And sithen be-fore Tpe for to dye.
And bringe boodworde to j^ame here.
How jjai schulde haue thyne helpe in hye,
Nowe se I all \>i poyntis appere.
Als dauid prophete trewe
Ofte tymes tolde vntiU vs,
Of jjis comyng he knewe,
And saide it schulde be Jjus.
32. Dauid. Als I haue saide, jitt sale I soo,
IVe derelinquas, domine,
Animam meam \in\ inferno,
followed by Eve,
360
and John the
Baptist,
364
268 who sees all come
true.
.172
Sua.
Joh.
Moyses.
Dauid.
Lord we were worthy more tomamentes to last.
Thou help vs Lord with thy mercy, as thou of
myght is mast. 360
Lord, I loue the inwardly
That me wold make thi messyngere,
Thi commyng in erthe to cry,
And teche thi fayth to folk in fere, 364
Sythen before the forto dy.
To bryng theym bodword that be here.
How they shuld haue thi help in hy.
Now se I alle those poyntes appere. 368
David, thi prophette trew
Oft tymes told vnto vs ;
Of thi commyng he knew.
And saide it shuld be thus. 372
As I saide ere yit say I so,
Ne derelinquas, domine,
Animam meam in inferno ;
394
XXXVII. THE SADILLERES.
* Thou wilt not
leave my soul in
hell.' Ps. xvi. lo.
If. 196 b.
Jesus calls Adam
and his friends to
come forth, and
tells Michael to
lead them to
Paradise,
33.
Leflfe noght my saule, lorde, aftir fie,
In depe helle where dampned schall goo,
Ne suffre neuere saules fro pe be,
The sorowe of Jsame fiat wonnes in woo
Ay full of filthe, j^at may repleye.
Adame. We thanke his grete goodnesse
He fette vs fro Jiis place,
Makes joie nowe more and lesse,
Omm's we laude god of his grace ^-
Jesus. Adame and my frendis in feere,
Fro all youre fooes come fourth with me,
3e schalle be sette in solas seere,
Wher je schall neuere of sorowes see.
And Mighill, myn aungell clere,
Ressayue J^es saules all vnto Ipe,
And lede Jjame als I schall Tpe lere
To Paradise with playe and plente.
while he returns
to the grave,
ready to rise.
Michael asks for
a saving blessing,
which Jesus
gives.
34.
376
380
384
388
392
[TAey come out 0/ Limbo.
Mi graue I woU go till,
Redy to rise vppe-right.
And so I schall fulfiUe
That I be-fore haue highte.
Mich. Lord, wende we schall aftir j^i sawe.
To solace sere \isx schall be sende,
But \>aX J5er deuelis no draught vs drawe,
Lorde, blisse vs with \)i holy hende ''.
Jesus. Mi blissing haue je all on rawe,
I schall be with youe wher je wende.
3J6
400
Leyfe neuer my sauUe, lord, after the, 376
In depe helle wheder dampned shalle go ;
Suffre thou neuer thi sayntes to se
The sorowe of thaym that won in wo.
Ay fuUe of fylthe and may not fle. 380
' The late hand here writes ' tunc cantent.'
^ A later pen has altered it to honde.
THE HARROWING OF HELL.
395
And all Jjat lelly lufFes my lawe,
pai schall be blissid with-owten ende.
Adame. To Jje lorde, be louyng,
pat vs has wonne fro waa,
For solas will we syng,
Laus tibi cum gloria.
404
\_Exeunt. 408 Praise the Lord.
Moyses.
Tsaias.
Make myrthe bothe more and les,
And loue oure lord we may,
That has broght vs fro bytternes
In blys to abyde for ay.
Therfor now let vs syng
To loue oure lord Jesus,
Vnto his blys he wille vs bryng,
Te Deum laudamus.
IS7-.
XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERESi.
The Resurrection ; fright of the fews.
PiLATUS.
Anna.
Cayphas.
Centurio.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Angelus.
1 Maria [Magdalene].
2 Maria [mother of James and Joses].
3 Maria [Salome]. ' i, 2, 3, 4 Milites.]
Matt, xxvii. 45,
SI-S4, 61-66 ;
xxviii. 1-T5.
Mark XV. 33, 38,
3?. 44 ; xvi. 1-8.
Gosp. o/Nichod.
ch. xiii.
Pilate and
Caiaphas declare
they will stand by
their deed in the
death of Jesus.
[Scene I; Un Pilule's Hall.'\
1. Pil.' T ORDINGIS, listenys nowe vnto me,
\_j I comaunde jou in ilke degre
Als domesman chiffe in Jjis centre,
For counsaill kende,
Atte my bidding jou awe to be
And baynly bende.
2. And sir Cayphas, chifTe of clergye.
Of youre counsaill late here in hye,
By oure assente sen we dyd dye
Ihesus Jiis day ;
pat we mayntayne and stand {jerby
pat werke all-way.
' The 26th Towneley Play, 'Resurrectio Domini' (fo. loi b of the MS.,
p. 354 of Surtees print), is in part parallel. The first forty-five lines differ
entirely; it is here given from that point.
" This name, forgotten by the nibricator, was added in later.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
397
3. Cayph. 3^^, sir, J^at dede schall we mayntayne,
By lawe it was done all be-dene,
3e wotte youre selue, with-outen wene,
Als wele as we. i6
His sawes are nowe vppon hym sene,
And ay schall be,
4. Anna, pe pepull, sirs, in Ipis same steede,
Be-fore jou saide with a hole hade,
pat he was worthy to be dede
And fierto sware,
Sen all was rewlid by rightis rede
Nevyn it nomore. 24
5. Pil. To neuyn me thinketh it nedfull thyng,
Sen he was hadde to beriyng,
Herde we nowthir of olde ne jing
Thithynges be-twene. 28
Cayph. Centurio, skf will bringe thidingis
Of all be-dene.
e. We lefte hym })ere for man moste wise,
If any rebelles wolde ought rise 32
Oure rightwise dome for to dispise.
Or it ofFende,
To sese fiame till Tpe nexte assise,
And f>an make ende. 36
[I^n/er Centurion.
7. Cent. [To himsel/.'\ A ! blissid lorde, Adonay,
What may })es meruayles signifie,
pat her was schewed so oppinly
Vn-to oure sight ? 40
It was lawfully
done.
Annas confirms
it, say no more.
' I must speak of
it, we have heard
nothing since his
burial.'
The centurion
will tell you
if there is
rebellion against
our judgment.
What wonders
came the day of
Jesus' death !
Tunc veniet Centurio velut miles equitans.
Centvirio. . A blyssyd lord, Adonay, what may this
meruelle sygnyfy 38
That here was showyd so openly vnto oure sight,
398 XXXVIII. THE CARPKNTERES.
pis day whanne Jjat jae man gune dye
pat Ihesus highte.
If. 197 b. 8. Itt is a misty thyng to mene,
So selcouth a sight was neuere sene 44
pat oure princes and prestis be-dene
Of [sis affray;
I woll go weten, with-outen wene,
What pei can saye. 48
He salutes Pilate 9. [To Pilate, S(c.\ God sauc sou, sirs, on ilke a side,
and the priests.
Worschippe and welthe in worldis wide
With mekill mirthe myght 5e abide,
Boght day and nyght ^ I 53
Pil. Centurio, welcome this tide,
Oure comely knyght 1
10. 3e haue bene miste vs here among.
Cent. God giffe you grace grathely to gang. 56
Pil. Centurio, ure frende fuUlang,
What is your will ?
He fears they Cont. I drcdc me bat se haue done wrang
have done great ' ■' °
^■•^s- And wondir ill. 60
When the rightwys man can dy that Jesus hight ? 42
[Here occur 25 lines not in York Play]
God saue you, syrs, on euery syde, 49
Worship and welth in warld so wyde. 50
Pilatus. Centurio, welcom this tyde, 53
Oure comly knyght. 54
Cent. God graunt you grace welle for to gyde, 56
And rewUe you right.
Pil. Centurio, welcom, draw nere hand.
Tell ,vs som tythynge"s here emang.
For ye haue gone thrughoutt oure land.
Ye knbw ilk dele.
Cent. Sir, 1 drede me ye haue done wrang 59
And wonder ylle, •
' This line is written in a late hand.
THE RESURRECTION J FRIGHT OF THE JEWS.
399
11. Cayph. Wondir ill ? I pray \>e, why ?
Declare it to Ipis company.
Cent. So schall I, sirs, telle jou trewly ;
With-owten trayne.
pe rightwise mane J)anne mene I by
pat je haue slayne.
12. Pil. Centurio, sesse of such sawe,
pou arte a lered man in Jje lawe,
And if we schulde any witnes drawe
Vs to excuse,
To mayntayne vs euermore \>e awe,
And nojt reffuse.
13. Cent. To mayntayne trouthe is wele worjji,
I saide jou, whanne I sawe hym dy,
pat he was Goddis sone almyghty,
pat hangeth Jjore ;
5itt saie I soo, and stande fierby
For euermore.
64
'_Ye have slain a
righteous man.'
68
' Cease, you
ought to support
us, not oppose.'
' Truth ought to
be supported. I
said he was God's
son, and still say
76
Caip.
Cent.
Fil.
Cent.
Wonder ylle ? I pray the why ?
Declare that to this company.
So shalle I, sir, fulle securly.
With alle my mayn,
The rightwys man, I meyn, hym by
That ye haue slayn.
Centurio sese of sich saw.
Ye ar a greatt man of oure law,
And if we shuld any wytnes draw
To vs excuse.
To mayntene vs euermore ye aw.
And noght refuse.
To mayntene trowthe is welle worthy,
I saide when I saghe hym dy,
That it was Codes son almyghty.
That hang thore ;
So say I yit and abydes therby.
For euermore.
61
64
67
70
76
400
XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES.
If. ijS.
xxviij i.
' Have you any
true signs ? '
' The elements
made mourning ;
14. Cayph. "^a., sir, such reasouns may je rewe,
3e schulde noght neueyn such note enewe,
But 56 couthe any tokenyngis trewe
Vnto vs tell.
Cent. Such woundirfull cas neuere jit je knewe
As now befell.
15. Anna. We praye Tpe telle vs of what thyng.
Cent. All elementis, both olde and jing,
In ther maneres })ai made mornyng,
In like a stede ;
And knewe be countenaunce fiat jser kyng
Was done to dede.
8o
84
88
the sun grew pale 16. pe sonne foi WOO hc waxed all wannc,
for woe;
pe mone and sterres of schynyng blanne,
pe erthe tremeled, and also manna
be-gan to speke ;
pe stones jsat neuer was stered or jjanne
gune a-sondir breke.
the earth shook,
stones brake
asunder, and
dead men rose,'
92
96
Anna.
Cent.
Cayp.
Cent.
Yea, sir, siche resons may ye rew,
Thou shuld not neuen sich notgs new, 80
Bot thou couthe any tokyns trew,
Vntille Ys telle. 82
Sich wonderfulle case ncuer ere ye knew
As then befelle. 84
We pray the telle vs of what thyng.
The elymentes, both old and ying.
In thare manere maide greatt mowrnyng,
In ilka stede; 88
Thay knew by contenaunce that thare kyng
Was done to dede.
The son for wo it waxed alle wan.
The moyn and stames of shynyng blan, 92
And erthe it tremlyd as a man
Began to speke;
The stone that neuer was styrryd or than
In sonder brast and breke; 96
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
401
17. And dede-men rose, both grete and small.
Pil. Centurio, be-ware with-all,
5e wote oure clerkis \>e clipsis ]>ei call
Such sodayne sight,
Both Sonne and mone Jsat sesonne schall
lak of per light.
18. Cayph. ^a., and if dede men rose bodily,
pat myght be done thurgh socery,
perfore we sette no thyng jserby
To be abaiste.
Cent. All fiat I tell for trewthe schall I
euermore traste.
10. In this ilke werke Jsat je did wirke.
Nought allone jse sonne was mirke,
But ho we youre vaile rafFe in youre kirke,
That witte I wolde.
Pil. Swilke tales full sone will make vs irke
And fiei be talde.
Such sights of
sun and moon are
jQQ called eclipses.
Gos^. ofNichode-
TmtSf ch. xi.
104
* And dead men
might rise
through sorcery.'
108
How was the
veil in the
temple torn?
* These tales will
do us harm,'
And dede men rose up bodely bothe greatt and smalle.
IPil. Centurio, bewar withe alle,
Ye wote the clerkes the clyppes it calle
Siche sodan sight ; 100
That son and moyne a seson shalle
Lak of thare light.
Oajrp. Sir, and if that dede men lyse vp bodely,
That may be done thrughe socery, 104
Therfor nothyng we sett therby,
That be thou bast.
Cent, Sir, that I saw truly.
That shalle I euermore trast. 108
Not for that ilk warke that ye dyd wyrke,
Not oonly for the son wex myrke,
Bot how the vaylle rofe in the kyrke,
Fayn wyt I wold. 112
Pil. A! siche tayles fulle sone wold make vs yrke,
If thay were told. 114
Dd
402
XXXvni. THE CARPENTERES.
' We don't want
to hear you.'
* Sirs, good day.'
Annas sends him
off, but Pilate
muses on his
sayings.
20. Anna. Centurio, such speche withdrawe,
Of all fies wordes we haue none awe. ii6
Cent. Nowe sen je sette noght be my sawe,
Sirs, haue gode day I
graunte you grace |3at 56 may knawe
f)e soth alway. 12°
21. Anna. With-drawe Ipe faste, sen Jjou Ipe dredis,
For we schall wele mayntayne oure dedis. [JExti Centurion.
Pil. Such wondir reasouns as he redis
Was neuere beforne. 124
If- 198 b. Caiph. To neven ))is noote no more vs nedis,
Nowfiere even ne morne.
22. perfore loke nomanne make ilke chere,
All Jjis doyng may do no dere, 128
But to be-ware jitt of more were
pat folke may fele ;
We praye you, sirs, of }>es sawes sere
Avise jou wele. 132
Harlot, wherto commys thou vs emang
Witlie siche lesynges vs to fang?
W«ynd furthe, hy myght thou hang,
Vyle fatur !
Cayp. Weynd furthe, in the wenyande,
Ajid. hold stylle thy clattur.
Cent. Sirs, sen ye set not by my saw, haues now good day, ii ^
God lene you grace to knaw the sothe alle way. 120,
Anna. Withe draw the fast, sen thou the dredys.
For we shalle welle mayntene oure dedes.
Pil. Siche wonderfuUe resons as now redes
Were neuer beforne. 124
Cayp. To neuen this note nomore us nedes,
Nawder euen nor mome,
Bot forto be war of more were
That afterward myght do vs dere. 128
Therfor, sir, whils ye are here.
Vs alle emang,
Avyse you of thise sawes sere
How thay wille stand. 132
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
403
23. And to jjis tale takes hade in hye,
For lesu saide even opynly
A thyng Jsat greues all jpis Jury,
And rijte so may, —
pat he schulde rise vppe bodily
With-in Jje thirde day.
24. And be it so, als motte I spade,
His lattar daeda is more to drede
pan is the firsta, if we take hede
Or tente j^erto.
To neuyn Jjis noote me thynka moste nade
and basta to do.
■ Take heed of
this tale.
136
for Jesus said he
should rise on the
third day ;
140
his latter death
is more to be
feared than the
first;
144
25. Anna. 3a, Sir, if all ]3at he saide soo,
He has no myght to rise and goo,
But if his mennastele hym vs froo
And bare away ;
pat were tille us and ofiar moo
A foule ffraye.
148
If his men steal
him away
Anna.
For Jesus saide foUe openly
Vnto the men that yode hym by,
A thyng that grevys alle Jury,
And right so may.
That he shuld ryse up bodely
Within the thryde day.
If it be so as myght I spade,
The latter dede is more to drede
Then was the fyrst, if we take hede
And tend therto ;
Avyse you, sir, for it is nede
The best to do.
Sir, neuer the les if he saide so
He base no myght to ryse and go
Bot his dyscypyls steylle his cors vs fro
And here away;
That were tille vs, and othere mo,
A fowlle enfray.
D d 2
134
13s
138
140
144
148
404 XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES,
they will say that 26. For bannc woldc bei saie, euere ilkone,
he rose.
pat he roose by hym selfie allone ; 152
Therfore latte hym be keple anone
With knyghtes hende.
Vnto thre daies be comen and gone
and broght till ende. 156
27. Pil. In certayne, sirs, right wele je saie,
For }jis ilke poynte nowe [to] purvaye,
Pilate allows a I schall ordayne if I may
watch to be set.
He schall not ryse. 160
Nor none schalle wynne hym jsens away
On no-kjTis wise. [To the soldiers.
28. Sir knyghtis S ]3at are in dedis dowty,
Chosen for chifFe of cheualrye, 164
As we ay in youre force affie
Bojje day and nyght,
Wendis and kepis Jesu body
With all youre myghte ; 168
Then wold the pepylle say euerilkon
That he were rysen hym self alon, 152
Therfor ordan to kepe that stone
Withe knyghtes heynd.
To thise iij dayes be commeu and gone
And broght tille ende. 156
Pil. Now, cartes, sir, Mle welle ye say,
And for this ilk poynt to purvay
I schalle, if that I may.
He shalle not ryse, 160
Nor none shalle wyn hym thens away.
Of nokyns wyse.
Sir knyghtes, that ar of dedes dughty,
And chosen for chefe of cheualry, 164
As I may me in you affy,
By day and nyght.
Ye go and kepe Jesus' body
Withe alle youre myghte, i68
' The late hand has here interlined the word ' lorde,' it does not appear
why.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
405
29. And for thyng Jaat euere be maye
Kepis hym wele to ]>e thirde day,
And latis noman takis hym away
Oute of jjat stede. 172
For and Ipei do, suthly I saie
Je schall be dede.
30. i Mil. Lordingis, we saie jou for certayne,
We schall kepe hym with myghtis and mayne, 176
per schall no traitoures with no trayne
Stele hym vs froo.
Sir knyghtis, takis gere Jjat moste may gayne.
And lates vs goo. \Exeunt.'\ 180
[Scene II, near the Sepulchre^
31. ii Mil. 5is, certis, we are all redy bowne.
We schall hym kepe till oure rennowne ;
On ilke a side latte vs sitte doune,
Nowe all in fere, 184
And sone we schall crake his croune
Whoso comes here.
[The soldiers sit down and/all asleep.
And for thyng that be may,
Kepe hym welle vnto the thryd day,
That no tratur steylle his cors you fray,
Out of that sted, 172
For if ther do, truly I say,
Ye shalle be dede.
i Miles. Yis, Sir Pilate, in certan.
We shall hym kepe withe alle oure mayn, 176
Ther shalle no tratur with no trayn
Steylle hym vs fro ;
Sir knyghtys, take gere that best may gayn,
And let vs go. 180
ii Miles. Yis, certes, we are alle redy bowne.
We shalle hym kepe tille youre renowne.
On euery syde lett us sytt downe,
We alle in fere; 184
And I shalle fownde to crak his crowne,
Who so commys here. 186
[Here Towneley play has 122 lines, chiefly a monologue by Jesus.]
telling the
soldiers to watch
him till the third
day.
If. 199.
xxviij ij.
They go, declar-
ing no traitors
shall steal him.
406
XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES.
Christ is dead,
who is medicine
of all ills.
Tunc lesu resurgente'^.
[Enter the three Maries going to the tomb.
32. i Mar. Alias ! to dede I wolde be dight,
So woo in werke was neuere wight, i88
Mi sorowe is all for })at sight
pat I gune see ;
Howe Criste my maistir, moste of myght,
Is dede fro me. 192
33. Alias ! fiat I schulde se his pyne,
Or yit Jjat I his liffe schulde tyne j
Of ilke a myscheue he is medicyne
And bote of all, 196
Helpe and halde to ilke a hyne
pat on hym on wolde call ^-
34. ii Mar. Alias I who schall my balls bete
Whanne I thynke on his woundes wete ; zoo
Jesu, })at was of loue so swete,
and neuere did ill,
Maria Magdalene. Alas, to dy with doylle am I dyght.
In warld was neuer a wofuUer wight,
I drope, I dare, for seyng of sight
That I can se ;
My lord, that mekelle was of might,
Is ded fro me.
Alas, that I shuld se hys pyne
Or that I shuld his lyfe tyne.
For to iche sore he was medecyne
And boytte of alle ;
Help and hold to euer ilk hyne
To hym wold calle.
If aria Jaoobi. Alas, how stand I on my feete
When I thynk on his woundes wete,
Jesus, that was on luf so swete,
And neuer dyd ylle,
187
190
192
196
1 The marginal note in later hand here, ' tunc angelus cantat Resurgens.'
See lines 383-386.
^ Sic, but probably the line should read, ' on hym wolde call.'
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
407
204
208
Es dede and grauen vnder Jje grete
With-outen skill.
35. iii Mar. With-owten skill jje Jewes ilkone
pat louely lorde has newly slayne,
And trespasse did he neuere none
In no-kyn steede.
To whome nowe schall I make my mone
Sen he is dede ?
36. i Mar. Sen he is dede, my sisteres dere,
Wende we will on mylde manere
With oure a-noynementis faire & clere
pat we haue broght
To noynte his wondis on sides sere,
pat Jewes hym wroght.
37. ii Mar.' Goo we same my sisteres free,
Full faire vs longis his corse to see,
But I wotte noght howe beste may be,
Helpe haue we none. 22c
\_TA0' approach the sepulchre.
He is dead,
slain without
reason by the
Jews.
They go to anoint
the body.
216
If. igg b.
' Let us go
together,
Is dede and grafen vnder tie grete,
Withoutten skylle. 204
Maria Salomee. Withoutten skylle thise Jues ilkon
That lufly lord they haue hym slone,
And trespas dyd he neuer none,
In nokyn sted; 208
To whom shalle we now make cure mone ?
Oure Lord is ded.
Maria Magdalene. Sen he is ded, my systers dere,
Weynd we wille with fulle good chere, 212
With oure anoyntmentes fare and clere
That we haue broght
For to anoynlt his woundes sere.
That Jues hym wroght. 216
Maria J. Go we then, my systers fre,
For sore me longis his cors to see,
Bot I wote neuer how best may be,
Help haue we none; 220
1 The MS. has Prima Maria, but this seems to be a mistake.
408
XXXVni. THE CAKPENTERES.
but who will
remove the
stone?'
They see a young
child clothed in
white.
The stone is
gone !
And who schall nowe here of vs thre
remove \>e stone ?
38. ill Mar. pat do we noght but we wer moo,
For it is huge and heuy also.
i Mar. Sisteris I a jonge child as we goo
Makand momyng,
I see it sitte wher we wende to,
In white clothyng.
39. ii Mar. Sisters, sertis, it is noght to hide,
pe heuy stone is putte beside !
iii Mar. Sertis 1 for thyng }3at may be-tyde
Nere will we wende.
To layte Jjat luffely and with hym bide,
pat was oure ffrende.
[TAey look in, an angel is beside them.
40. Ang. 5^ moumand women in youre fjought.
Here in fsis place whome haue je sought ? 236
i Mar. Jesu, Jsat to dede is brought,
Oure lorde so free.
224
228
232
And whiche shalle of vs systers thre
Remefe the stone ?
Maria S. That do we not bot we were mo,
For it is hoghe and heuy also. 224
Maria M. Systers, we thar no farther go
Ne make mowmyng;
I se two syt where we weynd to,
In whyte clothyng. 228
Maria J. Certes, the sothe is not to hyde.
The graue stone is put besyde.
Maria S. Certes, for thyng that may betyde,
Now wille we weynde 232
To late the luf, and with hym byde,
That was oure freynde.
i Ang. Ye mowmyng women in youre thoght.
Here in this place whome haue ye soght ?
Maria M. Jesus, that vnto ded was broght 237
Oure lord so fre.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
409
Ang. Women, certayne here is he noght,
Come nere and see.
41. He is noght here, Ipe soth to saie,
pe place is voide pat he in laye,
pe sudary here se je may
Was on hym laide.
He is resen and wente his ^ way.
As he 50U saide.
42. Euen as he saide so done has hee,
He is resen thurgh grete poostee.
He schall be foune in Galile
In flesshe and fell.
To his discipilis nowe wende je
and fius Jsame tell.
43. i Mar. Mi sisteres dere, sen it is soo,
pat he is resen dede Jjus froo.
As fie Aungell tolde me and yow too, —
Oqre lorde so fre, —
240
The angel tells
them Jesus is not
there.
and shows them
the napkin.
244
248 ' He is risen and
gone to Galilee ;
tell his disciples.'
252
Mary Magdalene
remains while the
other two go.
[Mark xvi. g.]
256
ii Ang. Certes, women, here is lie noght,
Com nere and se. 240
i Ang. He is not here the sothe to say,
The place is voyde ther in he lay,
The sudary here se ye may
Was on hym layde; 244
He is rysen and gone his way.
As he you sayde.
ii Ang. Euen as he saide so done has he,
He is rysen thrughe his pauste, 248
He shalbe fon in Galale,
In fleshe and felle ;
To his dycypyls now weynd ye
And thus thaym telle. 252
Maria M. My systers fre, sen it is so
That he is resyn the dethe thus fro.
As saide tille vs thise angels two,
Oure lord and leche, 256
MS. repeats his.
410 XXXVm. THE CARPENTERES.
Hens will I neuer goo
Or I hym see.
"■^?S-... 44. ii Mar. Marie, vs thare no lensrer layne S
xxvuj uj. o y '
To Galile nowe late vs wende. 260
i Mar. Nought tille I see Tpa.t faithfuU frende,
Mi lorde & leche,
'Tell all ye have perforc all })is my sisteres hende,
pat je forth preche. 264
45. iii Mar. As we haue herde, so schall we saie,
■Good day, Marie oure sistir, haue goode daye !
i Mar. Nowe verray god as he wele maye
■ God be with He wisse you sisteres wele in youre waye 268
and rewle jou right ^-
[^xeunt 2nd and ■^rd Maries.
46. Alias ! what schall nowe worjje on me,
wSchS^'heart ^' kaytiffe herte will breke in three,
will break.' Whenne I thynke on \>sX body free, 272
How it was spilte !
Both feete and handes nayled tille a tre,
Withouten gilte.
As ye haue hard where that ye go,
Loke that ye preche. 264
Maria J. As we haue hard so shalle we say, 265
Mare, oure syster, haue good day.
Maria M. Now veray God, as he welle may,
Man most of myght, 267*
He wyshe you systers welle in youre way,
And rewle you right. 269
Alas what shalle now worth on me?
My catyf hart wylle breke in thre
When that I thynk on that ilk bodye
How it was spylt ; 273
Thrughe feete and handes nalyd was he —
Withoutten gylt.
' Lende must have been intended.
^ The copyist made an error in this stanza, as a short line is missing :
the late hand supplied in the margin 'a weryed wight,' but the Towneley
play supplies the true line, 267*.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
411
47. With-outen gilte Tpe trewe was tane,
For trespas did he neuere none,
Pe woundes he suflfered many one
Was for my misse.
It was my dede he was for-slayne
And no-thyng his.
276
280
48. How might I but I loued Jsat swete, —
pat for my loue tholed woundes wete.
And sithen be grauen vndir Jse grete — 284
Such kyndnes kithe.
per is no-thing to J^at we mete
May make me blithe. [TAe soldiers awaken.
49. i Mil. What ! oute alias ! what schall I saie,
Where is ]>e corse jsat here in laye ? 289
ii Mil. What ayles })e man ? is he awaye
pat we schulde tent?
i Mil. Rise vppe, and see. ii Mil. Harrowe ! for ay ;
I telle vs schente.
There is no joy
now.
The soldiers wake
up one after the
other,
shouting and
swearing, for
2Q5 they find the
"** grave empty.
i Miles.
ii Miles.
Withoutten gylt then was he tayn,
That lufly lord, thay haue hym slayn,
And tryspas dyd he neuer nana,
Ne yit no mys ;
It was my gylt he was fortayn.
And nothing his.
How myght I hot I lufyd that swete
That for me suffred woundes wete,
Sythen to be grafen vnder the grete,
Siche kyndnes kythe ;
There is nothyng tille that we mete
May make me blythe.
Outt, alas ! what shalle I say ?
Where is the cors that here in lay?
What alys the man? he is away
That we shuld tent.
i Miles. Ryse vp and se.
ii Miles. Harrow thefe for ay,
I cownte vs shent I
276
280
284
288
292
412
XXXVm. THE CARPENTERES.
If. 200 b.
' We are ruined !
I 'dare say he
really rose alone.
We had better
not tell Pilate,
50. iii Mil. What deuill is })is, what aylis jou twoo ?
Such noyse and ciye Jjus for to make too.
i Mil. Why is he gone ? 296
iii Mil. Alias 1 whare is he Jsat here laye ?
iv Mil. Whe ! harrowe I deuill, whare is he away ' ?
51. ii MU.'^ What ! is he Jms-gatis fro vs wente,
pat fals traitour^at here was lente, 300
And we trewly here for to tenia
Had vndir tane ?
Sekirlie, I telle vs schente,
Holy ilkane. 304
52. ul Mil. Alias 1 what schall we do fiis day,
pat Jjus jjis warlowe is wente his waye,
And sauely sirs, I dare wele sale
He rose allone. 308
ii. MU. Witte sir pilate of Jjis affraye,
We mon be slone.
iii Miles.
What devylle alys you two?
Sich no[y]se and cry thus for to may?]
295
ii Miles.
For he is gone.
iii Miles.
Alas! wha?
ii Miles.
He that here lay.
iii MUes.
Harrow, deville, how swa gat he away?
iv MUes.
What, is he thus-gates from us went ?
The fals tratur that here was lentt.
300
That we truly to tent
Had undertaue?
Certanly I telle vs sheynt
Holly ilkane.
304
i MUes.
Alas, what shalle I do this day.
Sen this tratur is won away?
And safely, syrs, I dar welle say,
He rose alon.
308
ii MUes.
Wytt sir Pilate of this enfray
We mon be slone.
' This stanza is imperfect.
* The rubricator gave this to the 3 MU., but he has the next speech.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
413
53. iii Mil. Why, canne none of vs no bettir rede ?
iv Mil. per is not ellis, but we be dede. 312
ii Mil. Whanne Jjat he stered oute of Jsis steede
None couthe it kenne.
i Mil. Alias ! harde happe was on my hede,
Amonge all menne. 316
54. Fro sir Pilate witte of Ipis dede,
pat we were slepande whanne he jede.
He will forfette with-outen drede
All that we haue. 320
ii MU. Vs muste make lies, for fiat is nede,
Oure-selue to saue.
55. iii Mil. ^Si, that I rede I wele, also motte I goo.
iv Mil. And I assente fierto alsoo. 324
ii Mil. An hundereth, schall I sale, and moo,
Armed ilkone.
Come and toke his corse vs froo
And vs nere slayne. 328
if he knows we
were asleep^ we
shall lose all we
have.'
They propose to
lie.
and to say that
xoo armed men
took Jesus.
iv Miles,
ii Miles.
i Miles.
iv Miles.
iii Miles.
iv Miles.
i Miles,
ii Miles,
iii Miles.
Wote ye welle he rose in dede.
I sa[g]h my self when that he yede.
When that he styrryd out of the stede
None couthe it ken.
Alas, hard hap was on my hede
Emang alle men.
Ye, hot wyt sir Pilate of this dede.
That we were slepaud when he yede,
We mon forfett, withoutten drede,
Alle that we haue.
We must make lees, for that is nede,
Oure self to saue.
That red I welle, so myght I go.
And I assent therto also.
A thousand shalle I assay and mo,
Welle armed ilkon.
Com and toke his cors vs fro,
Had vs nere slone.
312
3'6
320
324
328
414 XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERKS.
' I think it best 56. i Mil. Nav, certis, I halde bere none so goode
to say the truth. ■" ' '^ °
As saie Tpe. soth even as it stoode,
Howe Jjat he rose with mayne and mode
And wente his way. 33^
To sir Pilate if he be wode
pis dar I saie.
57. ii Mil. Why, dare jjou to sir Pilate goo
With thes tydingis and saie hym soo ? 336
i Mil. So rede I, if he vs sloo
We die but once. We dye but onys.
if he slay us.'
iii Mil. Nowe, he Jjat wrought vs all jjis woo,
Woo worthe his bonys 1 340
If. 201 a. 58. iv Mil. Go we banne, sir knyghtis hende,
xxviij iiij. t i . -r. i
Sen \>&t we schall to sir Pilate wende,
I trowe jjat we shall parte no frendes
Or })at we passe. 344
He will tell it all. i Mil.^ And I schall hym saie ilke worde tille ende.
Even as it was. [They go to Pilate.
iv MUes. Nay, certes, I hold ther none so good
As say the sothe right as it stude,
How that he rose with mayn and mode,
And went his way; 332
To Sir Pilate, if he be wode.
Thus dar I say.
i Miles. Why and dar thou to Sir Pilate go
With thise tythynges, and telle hym so? 336
il Miles. So red 1 that we do also,
We dy hot oones.
iii Miles et Omnes. Now he that wroght vs alle this wo
Wo worth his bones I 340
iv Miles. Go we sam, sir knyghtes heynd.
Sen we shalle to sir Pilate weyud,
I trow that we shalle parte no freynd,
Er that we pas. 344
i Miles. Now and I shalle telle ilka word tille ende.
Right as it was.
' This speaker added by late hand.
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
415
[Scene III, Pilate's Hall ; enter the soldiers.]
59. Sir Pilate, prince withouten pere,
Sir Cayphas and Anna in fere,
And all je lordyngis }jat are here
To neven by name,
God saue 50U all, on sidis sere.
Fro synne and schame 1
60. Pil. 5^ ^^^ welcome, oure knyghtis kene,
Of mekill mirthe nowe may ^e mene,
Therfore some tales telle vs be-twene
Howe je haue wroght.
i Mil. Oure wakyng lorde with-outen wene
Is worthed to nojt.
61. Casrph. To noght ? alias ! sesse of such sawe.
ii Mil. pe prophete Jesu jsat je wele knawe
Is resen and gone, for all oure awe,
With mayne and myght,
Pil. perfore j^e deuill hym selfFe ]je drawe,
Fals recrayed knyght I
Sir Pilate, prynce withoutten peyr,
Sir Cayphas and Anna bothe in fere,
And alle the lordes aboute you there,
To neuen by name ;
Mahowne you saue on sydes sere
Fro syn and shame.
Pil. Ye ar welcom, oure knyghtes so keyn,
A mekille myrth now may we meyn,
Bot telle vs som talkyng us betwene.
How ye haue wroght.
i Miles. Oure walkyng, lord, withoutten wene,
Is worthe to noght.
To noght? alas, seasse of siche saw.
The prophete Jesus, that ye welle knaw,
Is rysen and went fro vs on raw.
With mayn and myght.
Therfor the deville the alle to-draw,
Vyle recrayd knyght I
Cayp.
ii Miles.
PU.
They salute
Pilate and the
348 others.
352
356
' Our watching
has come to
nought.
360
Jesus has risen.'
t
364 * False recreants !
348
3S2
356
360
364
416 XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES.
cowards ! 62. Combeied cowardis I you call,
Haue je latten hym goo fro you all ?
iii Mil. Sir, Jier was none jjat did but small
When fiat he jede. 368
iv Mil. We wer so ferde downe ganne we falle.
And dared for drede.
had ye no 63. Anna. Hadde je no strenghe hym to gayne stande .■'
himr ° '" Traitoures ! je myght haue boune in bande 372
Bothe hym and fjame })at je jier fande,
And sessid Jjame sone.
i Mil. pat dede all erthely men leuand
Myght nojt haue done. 376
'We were so 64. ii Mil. We wer SO ladde cuer-ilkone,
frightened we ^
durst not stir. Whanue ^at he putte beside ]>e stone,
We wer so stonyd we durste stirre none
And so abasshed. 380
He rose alone." Pil. What ! rosc he by hym selfe allone ?
i Mil. 3^) sir, fiat be ^e traste.
65. iv Mil. We herde never sen we were borne,
'f- 2°' ^- Nor all oure faderes vs be-forne, 384
What I combred cowardes I you calle.
Let ye hym pas fro you alle?
iii Miles. Sir, ther was none that durst do bot smalle
When that he yede. 368
iv Miles. We were so ferde we can downe falle,
And qwoke for drede. 370
i Miles. We were so rad euerilkon 377
When that he put besyde the stone,
We qwoke for ferd, and durst styr none,
And sore we were abast. 380
Pil. Whi, bot rose he bi hymself alone?
ii Miles. Ye, lord, that be ye trast.
We hard neuer on euen ne mome.
Nor yit oure faders vs befome, 384
THE resurrection; fright of the jews.
417
Suche melodic, mydday ne morne,
As was made jsere.
Cayph. Alias ! Jjanne is oure lawes lorne
for euere-mare.
66. ji Mil. What tyme he rose good tente I toke,
pe erthe TpaX tyme tremylled and quoke,
All kyndely force Jjan me for-soke
Tille he was gone.
lil Mil. I was a-ferde, I durste not loke,
ne myght had none,
67. I myght not stande, so was I starke.
Pil. Sir Cayphas, je are a connyng clerke,
If we amisse haue tane oure merke
I trowe same faile,
perfore what schalle worjje nowe of jjis werke ?
Sais your counsaille.
68. Cayph. To saie ]>e beste forsothe I schall,
That schall be prophete to vs all,
3one knyghtis behoues fiere wordis agayne call
Howe he is miste.
Melody at the
time.
388
392
396
400
Pilate asks Caia
phas' counsel,
* we must fail
together if we
have aimed
amiss/
404
388
Siche melody, myd-day ne mome,
As was maide thore.
Pil. Alas, then ar oure lawes forlome
For euer more!
A deville, what shalle now worthe of this?
This warld farys with quantys,
1 pray you, Cayphas, ye vs wys
Of this enfray.
Cayp. Sir and I couth oght by my clergys
Fayn wold I say.
Anna. To say the best for sothe I shalle, 401
It shalbe profett for vs alle,
Yond knyghtes behovys thare wordes agane calle,
How he is myst; 404
E e
y
418 XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES.
' No one ought We noldc for thyno: bat mysrht be-fall
to know of this.' / s r J a
pat no man wiste.
69. Anna, Now, sir Pilate, sen jjat it is soo,
pat he is resynne dede us froo, 408
'Tell the soldiers Comaundis youre knyghtis to saie wher })ei goo,
to say that he
was taken by pat he was tanc
20,000 men.
With xx'i ml. men and mo,
And jjame nere slayne. 412
70. And therto of our tresorie
and reward them Giffc to bame a rewarde for-thy.
for this he. ' '
Pil. Nowe of J)is purpose wele plesed am I,
and forther \)\xs ; 416
[To the soldiers.^ Sir knyghtis, jjat are in dedis dowty,
takes tente to vs,
71. And herkenes what Jsat je shall saift
To ilke arnan both nyjt and daye, 420
That ten ml. men in goode araye
Come 50U vntili,
' 'V= ^^"' ^, . With forse of armys bare hym awa)'e
soldiers, say this •' ^ •'
in every land, AgayUSt yOUr wiU. 424
We wojd not for thyng that myght befalle
That no man wyst. 406
And therfor of youre curtessie 413
Gyf theym a rewarde for-thy. A\t
Pil. Of this counselle welle paide am I,
It shalbe thus. 416
Sir knyghtes, that' ar of dedes doghty.
Take tent tille vs;
Herkyns now how ye shalle say,
Where so ye go by nyght or day, 420
Ten thousand men of good aray
Cam you vntille.
And Ihefyshly toke his cors you fray,
Agans youre wiUe. 424
THE RESURRECTION J FRIGHT OF THE JEWS.
419
72. Thus schall je saie in ilke a lande,
And })erto on Tpat same comenaunde,
A thousande pounde haue in youre hande
To your rewarde ; 428
And frenschippe, sirs, je vndirstande,
Schall not be spared.
73. Caiph.^ Ilkone youre state we schall amende,
And loke je saie as we 50U kende.
i Mil. In what centre so je vs sende
Be nyght or daye,
Wherso we come, wherso we wende,
So schal we saie.
74. Pil. 3^> s^nd where-so je tarie in ilke contre,
Of oure doyng in no degre
Dois fiat nomanne ]>e wiser be,
Ne freyne be-forne, 440
Ne of ]>e sight fiat je gonne see
Nevynnes it nowjjere even ne morne.
75. For we schall mayntayne 50U alwaye,
And to fie pepuU schall we saie, 444
here is ;^ looo
reward.'
432 If. 202.
xxviij V.
436
'Say nothing of
what you have
seen and heard.'
i Miles.
Loke ye say thus in euery land,
And therto on this couande
Ten thousand pounds haue in youre hande
To youre rewarde,
And my frenship I understande
Shalle not be sparde ;
Bot loke ye say as we haue kende.
Yis, sir, as Mahowne me mende,
In iUc contree where so we lende
By nyght or day,
here so we go, where so we weynd.
Thus shalle we say.
428
43°
432
431
433
436
Cayphas inserted by the late hand,
£62
420 XXXVIII. THE CARPENTERES.
It is gretely agaynste oure lay
To trowe such thing.
So schall })ei deme, both nyght and day,
All is lesyng. 448
'Truth shall be 76. Thus schall be sothc be bought and solde,
bought and sold." ■• °
And treasoune schall for trewthe be tolde,
perfore ay in youre hartis je holde
pis counsaile clene. 452
And fares nowe wele, both younge and olde,
Haly be-dene.
Pil. The blyssyng of Mahowne be with you
Nyght and day.
[Seventy-six lines follow this in Towneley, on the subject of York,
play XXXIX ; they are not parallel.]
XXXIX. THE WYNEDRAWERS.1
If, 203 b.
^esus appears to Mary Magdalene after the
Resurrection.
Jesus.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Maria Magdalene.]
[Scene, near the holy sepulchre?^
1. Maria. ALLAS, in \\s, worMe was neuere no wight
Walkand with so mekill woo,
Thou dredfuU dede, drawen hythir and dight
And marre me, as Jsou haste done moo.
In lame is it loken all my light,
For-thy on grounde on-glad I goo,
Jesus of Nazareth he hight,
The false Jewes slewe hym me froo.
2. Mi witte is waste nowe in wede,
I walowe, I walke, nowe woo is me,
For laide nowe is ]jat lufsome in lede.
The Jewes hym nayled vntill a tree. 12
' ' The Wynedrawers ' runs along the top of every page of this piece
except the first, where it has been scratched out and the following written,
' Wevers assygnyd in a". dBi m' c liij", Willm. Cowplande then maire.'
On the left hand margin is written 'Sledmen,' while in the right hand
comer at top is the word ' Palmers,' the latter in a later hand. Along the
top of every page of the next piece XL the original copyist also wrote
' The wynedraweres,' but it has been crossed through and ' Sledmen' written
instead, on the first page -(fo. 206), in the same hand that wrote ' Sledmen '
on fo. 203 v°. It seems therefore that the original copyist made the
mistake of writing ' The Wynedrawers ' over the two plays, that a con-
temporary in correcting it himself wrote ' Sledmen ' to Play XXXIX in
error for XL (there is a faint line across the word which may mean a
stroke of his pen), but then went on to correct the first page of XL (the
rest are done in a different hand). And Play XXXIX, originally performed
by the Winedrawers, was assigned to the Weavers in 1553, and at some
other time, perhaps late in their history, it was assigned to the Palmers.
See after, p. 433, note.
yohn XX. ii-r8,
Matth. xxviii. lo.
None had ever
.such woe, my
light is locked in
clay, I go unglad.
My wits are lost,
I totter.
422
XXXIX. THE WYNEDRAWERS.
O God, help me (
let me see my
lord or his mes-
senger.
* Why weepest
thou so ? whom
seekest thou ? '
' My lord Jesus.'
' Thou faithful
friend, he is near.'
If. 204.
xxviij vii.
' Sir, if you have
borne him away,
tell me for the
sake of the
prophets where
the body may be.
My doulfuU herte is euere in drede,
To grounde nowe gone is all my glee,
I sporne )3er I was wonte to spede,
Nowe helpe me God in persones three. 16
3. Thou lufsome lede in ilke a lande.
As ]30U schope both day and nyght,
Sonne and mone both bright schynand,
pou graunte me grace to haue a sight 20
Of mylorde, or ellis his sande'.
4. Jesus [as a gardener]. Thou wilfuU woman in jjis waye,
Why wepis ]30u soo als Jjou wolde wede,
Als ]50U on felde wolde falle doune faie ?
Do way, and do nomore })at dede. 25
Whome sekist Jiou J)is longe daye ?
Say me Tpe sothe, als Criste Jjc rede.
Maria. Mi lorde Jesu and God verray,
pat suffered for synnes his sides bleede. 29
5. Jesus. I schall ]>e saie, will }3ou me here,
pe soth of hym Jsat fiou hast sought,
With-owten drede, J)ou faithful! fere,
He is full nere Jsat mankynde bought. 33
Maria. Sir, I wolde loke both ferre and nere
To fynde my lorde, I se hym noght.
Jesus. Womane, wepe noght, but mende thy chere,
I wotte wele whedir Jjat he was brought. 37
6. Maria. Swete Sir, yf Jjou hym bare awaye,
Saie me \>e sothe and thedir me leede,
Where \>ovl hym didde with-outen delay
I schall hym seke agayne, goode speede. 41
Therfore, goode gardener, saie Jjou me,
I praye Ipe for the prophetis sake.
Of ther tythyngis TpaX I aske pe.
For it wolde do my sorowe to slake, 45
* Lines 17-21 seem to belong to an imperfect stanza. Stanzas 6 and 7
have twelve lines each, the rest have eight lines, of varying length though
regular as to rime.
JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE.
423
Wher Goddis body founden myght be
pat Joseph of J?e crose gonne take,
Might I hym fange vnto my fee,
Of all my woo he wolde me wrake. 49
7. Jesus. What wolde Jjou doo with Jsat body bare
pat beried was with balefull chere ?
pou may noght salue hym of his sare.
His peynes were so sadde and seere.
But he schall cover mankynde of care,
pat clowded was he schall make clere,
«
And Ipe folke wele for to fare
pat fyled were all in feere. 57
Maria. A I might I euere with Jsat man mete
pe whiche Jsat is so mekill of myght,
Drye schulde I wype })at nowe is wete,
I am but sorowe of worldly sight. 61
8. Jesus. Marie, of mournyng amende thy moode,
And be-holde my woundes wyde,
pus for mannys synnes I schedde my bloode.
And all jsis bittir bale gonne bide- 65
pus was I rased on pe roode
With spere and nayleS that were vnrude,
Trowe it wele, it turnes to goode,
Whanne men in erthe Jjer flessh schall hyde. 69
9. Maria. A I Rabony, I haue pe sought.
Mi rnaistir dere full faste }3is day.
Jesus. Goo awaye, Marie, and touche me nojt,
But take goode kepe what I schall saie. 73
I ame hee pat all thyng wroght,
pat fiou callis jsi lorde and God verraye.
With bittir dede I mankynde boght.
And I am resen as Jjou se may. 77
10. And therfore, Marie, speke nowe with me,
And latte }jou nowe be thy grette.
Maria. Mi lorde Jesu, I knowe nowe pe,
could I have him
in my keeping it
might comfort
me.*
What couldest
with the
idy?' ^
^pltc
* I only sorrow
for the worldly
sight.'
If, 204 b.
'Dry up thy
tears, feel my
wounds, I am,
he.*
She recognizes,
and would clasp
him.
' Touch me not,
Mary,
but speak to me,
and stay thy
sorrow.'
'I know thee.*
424
XXXIX. THE WYNEDRAWERS.
' Touch me not,
my love, I ascend
not yet,'
' Comely con- U.
queror, thou hast
dvercome death,
thy love is
sweeter than
honey.'
If. 205.
xxviij viij.
The figure of
Christ's armour ;
his leather jacket
was man's Hesh,
12.
his hauberk was
his head, his
[breast] plate was 13.
his out-spread *
body, his helm
was his man-
hood;
the crown of
thorns betokens
dignity ;
his diadem, ever-
lasting life.
14.
'Thou hast
bought mankind
dearly,
pi woundes Ipai are nowe wette.
Jesus. Negh me noght, my lone, latte be !
Marie, my doughtir swete.
To my fadir in Trinite
Fotpe I stigh nojt yette '.
Maria. A 1 mercy, comely conquerour,
Thurgh jji myght Jjou haste ouercome dede :
Mercy, Jesu ! man and saueour,
Thi loue is swetter Jjanne pe mede.
Mercy 1 myghty confortour.
For are I was full wille of rede.
Welcome lorde, all myn honnoure,
Mi joie, my luffe, in ilke a stede.
Jesus. Marie, in thyne harte Jjou write,
Myne armoure riche and goode,
Myne actone couered all with white,
Als cors of man be-hewede
With stuflFe goode and parfite
Of maydenes flessh and bloode.
Whan thei ganne thirle and smyte
Mi heede for hawberke stoode.
Mi plates wer spredde all on-brede,
pat was my body vppon a- tree ;
Myne helme couered all with manhede,
pe strengh pev-oi may no man see ;
pe croune of thorne paX garte me blede,
Itt be-menes my dignite.
Mi diademe sais, with-outen drede,
pat dede schall I neuere be,
Maria. A ! blessid body, Jjat bale wolde beete,
Dere haste jsou bought man-kynne.
Thy woundes hath made j^i body wete.
With bloode jjat was Jje with-inne.
Nayled fiou was thurgh hande and feete,
' Here a late side-note says ' Hie deficit.'
8i
'8S
93
97
105
109
"3
JESUS APPEARS TO MARY MAGDALENE,
425
And all was for oure synne.
Full grissely muste we caitiffis grete,
Of bale howe schulde I Wynne f
15. To see Jjis ferly foode
pus ruifully dight,
Rugged and rente on a roode,
pis is a rewfuU sight.
And all is for oure goode,
And no-thyng for his plight,
Spilte }jus is his bloode,
For ilke a synfull wight.
16. Jesus. To my god and my Fadir dere,
To hym als swithe I schall assende,
For I schall nowe nojt longe dwelle here,
I haue done als my Fadir me kende,
_ And therfore loke fiat ilke man lere,
Howe Jjat in erthe Jser liffe may mende.
All jjat me loues I schall drawe nere,
Mi Fadirs blisse Tpa,t neuere schall ende.
17. Maria. AUe for joie me likes to synge,
Myne herte is gladder {lanne \>t glee.
And all for joie of thy risyng
That suffered dede vpponne a tree.
Of luffe nowe is jjou crouned kyng.
Is none so trewe levand more free.
Thy loue passis all erthely thyng,
Lorde, blissed motte fiou euere bee 1
18. Jesus. To Galile schall \>o\x wende,
Marie, my doghtir dere,
Vnto my brethir hende,
per Ipei are all in fere.
Telle Jjame ilke word to ende
pat }>ou spake with me here.
Mi blissing on })e lende,
And all Jsat we leffe here.
117
all for our good,
not for thy fault.'
125
129
If. 205 b.
* I shall soon
ascend to my
Father,
I shall be near
all who love me,'
133
137 Mary rejoices.
141
* Go, tell my
brethren in
Galilee all these
words.'
14s
149
If. 206.
xxix i.
XL. THE SLEDMENi.
The Travellers to Emmaus meet Jesus.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus.
Primus peregrinus.
SecuSdCs peregrinus ^]
Lukexxxv. 13-33.
Two travellers
lamenting the
death of Jesus,
meet and frater-
nize.
[Scene, The road near Emmaus {Em.ax). Enter two
travellers, who meet.']
1. i Pereg. 'T^HAT lorde lire lente Jsis liffe for to lede,
I In my wayes J)ou me wisse jjus will of wone,
Qwen othir men halfe moste mirthe to ]?er mede,
panne als a mornand manne make I my mone '. 4
For douteles nowe may we drede vs,
Alias! Jjei haue refte vs oure rede,
With doole haue Jjei dight hym to dede,
pat lorde ]3at was leeffe for to lede vs. 8
2. ii Pereg. He ledde vs full lelly jsat lorde, now alias.
Mi lorde for his lewte his liffe has he lorne ".
i Pereg. Saye, who comes Tpere claterand ?
ii Pereg. Sir, I, Cleophas.
Abide my leffe broj^ere, to bale am I borne. 12
But telle me whedir Jsou bonnes ?
1 Wynedratuers was written first, then crossed through, and Sledmen
written above in contemporary hand. See note on p. 421.
^ In the MSi. peregrinus is spelt 'Ca.tQa^av.'t. perigrinus, in the contracted
form ;!ign?.
' A stroke is drawn after this line, and the \yords ' hie de novo facto '
written in the margin. The same words are repeated after lines 10, n .
THE TRAVELLERS TO EMMAUS MEET JESUS.
427
i Pereg. To Emax, fiis castell beside vs,
Ther may we bothe herber and hyde vs,
perfore late vs tarie at no townes.
3. ii Pereg. Atte townes for to tarie take we no tent,
But take vs tome at Jjis tyme to talke of sume tales.
And jangle of J)e Jewes and of Jesu so gente,
Howe Jjei bette jjat body was bote of all bales.
With buffetis fiei bete hym full barely.
In Sir Cayphas hall garte Jjei hym call.
And hym be-fore sir Pilate in his hall.
On ]>e morne jsan aftir, full arely.
4. i Pereg. Full arely pe juggemen demed hym to dye,
Both prestis and prelatis to Pilate made preysing,
And alls cursid caytiffis and kene on criste gan ]>ei crie,
And on fiat lele lorde made many a lesyng.
pei spitte in his face to dispise hym.
To spoile hym. no thyng Jsei spared hym,
But natheles baynly fiei bared hym^
With scourges smertly goyng J^ei smote hym.
They are going to
Emmaus castle.
i6
and they leisurely
talk of Jesus
«Q and the late pro-
ceedings before
Pilate.
H
28
If. 2o6 b.
32
5. ii Pereg. pei smotte hym full smertely f)at Jie bloode
oute braste,
pat all his hyde in hurtb was hastely hidde,
A croune of thorne on his heede full thraly jjei thraste,
Itt is grete dole for to deme J)e dedis Jsei hym dide. 36
With byndyng vn-baynly and betyng,
pane on his bakke bare he Jjame by,
A crosse vnto Caluery,
pat swettyng was swemyed for swetyng. 40
e. i Pereg. For all ]>e swette fat he swete with swyngis |3ei
hym swang,
And raflfe hym full rewfiiUy with rapes on a rode,
pan heuyd J)ei hym highly on hight for to hang,
With-outen misse of ]?is man, ]?us mensked pei his mode, 44
The cruelties
they made him
suffer were most
grievous.
428
XL. THE SLEDMEN.
* My heart breaks
when I think of
the sorrow of
such a friend.'
They rehearse
his death,
and burial.
It. 207.
xxix li.
Jesus asks what
wonders they are
speaking of.
They are sur-
prised he does
not know.
pat euere has bene trewest in trastyng.
Me thynkith myn herte is boune for to breke
Of his pitefull paynes when we here speke,
So frendfuU we fonde hym in fraistyng.
48
7, ii Pereg. In frasting we fonde hym full faithfuU and free,
And his mynde mente he neuere mysse to no man ;
Itt was a sorowe, for-soth, in sight for to see
Whanne fiat a spetyifull spere vn-to his harte ranne. 52
In baill )3us his body was beltid,
In to his harte thraly Jjei thraste.
Whan his piteflfuU paynes were paste,
pat swetthyng full swiftely he swelted.
8. i Pereg. He sweltid full swithe in swonyng fiat swette,
Alias ! for jjat luflfely fiat laide is so kiwe.
With granyng full grissely on grounde may we grette.
For so comely a corse canne I none knowe.
With dole vnto dede fiei did hym
For his wise werkis fiat he wrought fiame ;
pes false folke whan fiei be-fioughte fiame,
pat grette vnkyndynesse fiei kidde hym.
56
60
64
ii Pereg. Vnkyndynesse fiei kidde hym, fio caitiflSs so kene.
And als vn-witty wightis, wrought fiei hym wreke.
\_/esus approaches and joins them.
Jesus. What are fies meruailes fiat je of mene.
And fjus mekill mournyng in mynde fiat je make, 68
Walkyng fjus wille by f)es wayes ?
ii Pereg. Why arte fiou a pilgryme, and haste bene
At Jerusalem, and haste fiou noght sene
What dole has ben done in fies dales? 72
10. Jesus. In ther dales, dere sir ? what dole was fier done ?
Of fiat werke wolde I witte, and youre will were ;
' I pray you tell And therfore I pray you telle me now sone,
me.'
Was fier any hurlyng in hande ? nowe late me here. 76
THE TRAVELLERS TO EMMAUS MEET JESUS.
429
1 Pereg. Why herde I^ou no carpyng nor crying,
Att Jerusalem J^er fiou haste bene ?
Whenne Jesu of Nazarene
Was doulfuUy dight to ]>e dying. 80
11. il Pereg. To pe dying Jjei dight hym, Jaat defte was & dere,
Thurgh prokering of princes fiat were Tper in prees,
For-thy ^ as wightis \>3X are will Ipns walke we in were,
For pechyng als pilgrymes fiat putte are to pees. 84
For mornyng of oure maistir fus morne wee,
As wightis J)at are wilsome ]jus walke we,
Of Jesus in telling })us talke we ',
Fro townes for takyng jjus turne we, 88
12. i Pereg. pus turne we fro townes, but take we entent
How fiei mourthered {sat man Jjat we of mene,
Full rewfuUy with ropis on rode ]>ei hym rente.
And takkid ' hym Jser-till full ty te in a tene, 92
Vppe-rightis full rudely fei raised hym ;
panne myghtely to noye hym withall,
In a mortaise faste lete hym fall.
To pynne hym Jjei putte hym and peysed hym * 96
13. ii Pereg. Thei peysed hym to pynne hym, }jat pereles
of pese,
pus on fiat wight Jjat was wise wrojt fiei grete wondir,
3itt with fiat sorowe wolde fiei nojt sesse.
They schogged hym and schotte hym his lymes all in
sondir. 100
His braynes f>us brake fiei and braste hym,
A blynde knyght, such was his happe,
Inne with a spere-poynte atte fie pappe
To pe harte full thraly he thraste hym. 104
' Did you not
hear how the
death of Jesus
was procured by
the chiefs at
Jerusalem ? '
* Lilce uncertain
creatures we
mourn for our
Master.'
If. 207 b.
They repeat the
story of the
execution.
1 MS. has For they.
^ The rubricator placed I Peregrine to this line, as well as to line i
evidently by mistake.
' MS. has talkid.
* MS. has and peysed. hym hetorepei.
430
XL. THE SLEDMEN.
' We have oft
heard that he
would ransom _
Israel. Now is
the third day.'
If. 208.
3c:cix,iii.
*Thewoinenhave
told us they saw
a light and a
vision of angels,
and that the Lord
is alive :
some of cur folk
found what they
said was true.'
Jesus reproaches
them for want of
faith, he talks of
the law and the
prophets.
14. i Pereg. Thei thaste hym full thraly, Jjanwas })er no threpyng,
pus with dole was jsat dere vn-to dede dight,
His bak and his body was bolned for betyng,
Itt was, I saie Tpe for soth, a sorowfuU sight. 108
But oft sithes haue we herde saie,
And we trowe as we herde telle,
That he was to rawsonne I[s]raell ;
But nowe is }jis ]>e thirde daye. 1 1 2
15. ii Pereg. pes dayes newe owre wittis are waxen in were,
For some of oure women for certayne J>ei saide
That Jjai sawe in per sightis solas full seere,
Howe all was lemand light wher he was laide. 116
pei called vs, as euer myght f>ei thriffe,
For certayne ])d saugh it in sight,
A visioune of aungellis bright,
And tolde Jiame fier lorde was a-lyue. 120
16. i Pereg. On-lyue tolde Jjei f)at lorde leued hir in lande,
per women come lightly to warne, I wene,
Some of oure folke hyed forthe and faste pei it fande,
pat all was soth pat Tpei saide fiat sight had fiei sene. 1 24.
For lely Jsei loked Jjer he laye,
pei wende fier fiat foode to haue fonne,
panne was his toumbe tome as a tonne,
panne wiste fiei pai wight was away. 1 2^
17. ii Pereg. Awaye is Jjat wight Jjat wonte was vs for to wisse.
Jesus. A I fooles, })at are fauty and failes of youre feithe,
pis bale bud hym bide and belde Jjame in blisse ;
But je be lele of youre laye, youre liffe holde I laith. 132
To prpphetis he proued it and preched,
And also to Moyses gan he saie
pat he muste nedis die on a day.
And Moyses forth talde it and teched^- 136
' Lines 135, 136 are transposed in the MS.
THE TRAVELLERS TO EMMAUS MEET JESUS. 431
18. And talde it and teched it many tymes Ip&n.
i Pereg. A ! more of bis talking we pray you to telle vs. They beg him to
' u 1 ^ .. go on talking
ii Pereg. 5^> sir, be youre carping full kyndely we kenne, thus.
5e meene of oure maistir of whome Jiat we melle vs. 140
i Pereg. '^3., goode sir, see what I sale jou,
Se je jjis castell beside here ?
All nyght we thynke for to bide here, if' =08 b.
Bide with vs, sir pilgrime, we praye jou, 144
19. We praye jou, sir pilgrime, je presse nojt to passe. They beg jesus
, , to stay with them
Jesus. j\s Sir, me bus nede. aii night at
. . Emmaus castle.
i Pereg. Naye, sir, Tpe nyght is ovir nere.
Jesus. And I haue ferre for to founde.
ii Pereg. I hope wele Jjou has.
i Pereg. We praye fie sir, hartely, all nyght holde jje
here. 148
Jesus. I thanke youe of bis kyndinesse se kydde me. After hesitation
he consents.
i Pereg. Go in, sir, sadly, and sone. [T^ey enter the castle.
ii Pereg. Sir, daunger dowe nojt, haue done. Courtesies.
Jesus. Sir, I muste nedis do as je bid me, 152
20. 3e bidde me so baynly I bide for fie beste. They invite him
... to sit down and
i Pereg. Lo her is a sege, goode sir, I saie sou. to take of what
food they have.
ii Pereg. With such goode as we haue, glad we oure geste.
i Pereg. Sir,of)3ispourepitauncetakepartenowweprayyow.
Jesus. Nowe blisse I Jsis brede bat brought is on be borde. He blesses the
bread.
Fraste fier-on faithfully, my frendis, you to feede. 158
\^ Jesus vanishes.
21. i Pereg. [To feed jjer-on] vnterly haue we tane entent,-^ ^
Ow ! I trowe some torfoyr is be-tidde vs I disite^has
Saie! wheris})isman? SlTeV
ii Pereg.. Away is he wente,
Right now satte he beside vs 1 162
22. i Pereg. Beside vs we both sawe him sitte ! it 209.
And by no poynte couthe I parceyue hym passe. "^dirnot s
1 See »»;^, p. 432- ''™^°''
432
XL. THE SLEDMEN.
They recognise 23.
that it was Jesus.
24.
■Of Jesus the
gentle
let us go preach
the wonderful
works.'
i66
170
74
25.
' He Is risen ; we
have seen him.'
26.
27,
28.
If. 209 b,
* We can do no
more about this
now, because
other plays have
to come,'
29.
ii Pereg. Nay be \>e werkis Jjat he wrought full wele
myght we witte,
Itt was Jesus hym selffe, I wiste who it was.
i Pereg. Itt was Jesus J)us wisely |5at wrought,
pat raised was and rewfuUy rente on })e rode,
Of bale and of bittirnesse has he vs boght,
Boune was and betyn }jat all braste on bloode.
ii Pereg. All braste on bloode, so sore was he bette,
With Jjer wickid Jewes jsat wrethfuU was euere.
With scourges and scharpe thornes on his heede sette,
Suche torfoyr and torment of-telle herde I neuere.
i Pereg. Of-telle herde I neuere of so pitefuU peynes
As suffered oure souerayne, hyngand on highte,
Nowe is he resen with myght and with mayne,
I telle for sikir, we saugh hym in sight. 17
ii Pereg. We saugh hym in sight, nowe take we entent,
Be f)e brede J^at he brake vs so baynly betwene.
Such wondirfuU wais as we haue wente
Of Jesus jje gente was neuere none seene. 18
i Pereg. Sene was jjer neuere so wondirfull werkes.
Be see ne be sande, in Jjis worlde so wide,
Menskfully in mynde Jjes materes now merkis.
And preche we it prestly on euery ilke side.
ii Pereg. On euery ilke side prestely prech it we.
Go we to Jerusaleme Jjes tydingis to telle,
Oure felawes fro fandyng nowe fraste we,
More of jsis mater her may we not melle.
i Pereg. Here may we notte melle [of] more at {jis tyde.
For prossesse of plaies Jjat precis in' plight,
He bringe to his blisse on euery ilke side,
pat soiferayne lorde f>at moste is of myght ^. 194
186
190
' The first portion of this play is in regular 8-line stanzas, riming a b a b
c d d c; but at 1. 158, the point where Jesus vanishes, the metre changes
into one of alternate rimes and 4-line stanzas. Lines 160, 161 are reversed
in the MS., it is one of the blunders of the old copyist.
XLU HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND 'f-.-a.
' J *-' XXIX mi
LABORERS.
xxix liij b.
TAe Purification of Mary. Simeon and Anna
prophesy.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Maria. Anna prophetissa.
Joseph. Symeon.
Angelus. Prisbeter.]
[Scene I, The Temple at Jerusalem.^
Prisb. ALMYGHTY God in heven so hy,
The maker of all heven and erth,
He ordenyd here all thynges evenly,
For man he ment to mend his myrtb. 4
In nomber, weight, and mesure fyne God created aii
and bade men
God creat here althyng, I say, keep his law*.
His lawes he bad men shulde not tyne.
But kepe his commandmentes all way. 8
In the mount of Syney full fayre.
And in two tabyls to you to tell,
His lawes to Moyses tuke God there
To geve to the chylder of Israeli. i a
' This play is written on the blank leaves at the end of quire xxix, in the
same hand of the middle of the i6th century which wrote the Fullers' play
(p. 18). The nibrication (which is not nearly so bright as that of an
earlier date) carefully joins the rimes and the combined verse throughout
the piece. The words ' explicit liber ' at the end seem to show that this
was the concluding piece in a book from which it was copied. On leaf 68
(the proper place for this play), otherwise blank, is written in the same
hand, ' Hatmakers, Maysons, and Laborers, purificacio Marie ; the Laborers
is assigned to bryng furth this pagyant. It is entryd in the latter end of
this boke, next after the Sledmen cj [i. e. caret] Palmers, and it begynnyth
(by the preest). All myghty god in heven so hye.' See notes, pp. 421, 446.
(The play should, rightly, have been numbered XVIII and have been
placed between the Adoration and the Flight into Egypt.)
Ff
434
XLI. HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
Keep God's com-
mand or you will
be lost.
If. 2tO.
xxix V.
God's will by
Moses' lawis that
after certain sick-
nesses, beasts
should be offered
up.
A woman after
child-birth must
cfler a lamb and
two turtle-doves.
That Moyses shuU theme gyde alway,
And leme theme lely to knowe Goddes wyll,
And that he shulde not it denay,
But kepe his lawes stable and styll,
For payn that he hadd putt therefore,
To stone all theme that kepis it nott
Vtterly to death, both lesse and moore.
There shulde no marcy for them be soght.
Therefore kepe well Goddes commandement,
And leyd your lyf after his lawes,
Or ells surely ye mon be shent
Bothe lesse and moore, ylkone on rawes.
This is his wyll after Moyses lawe.
That ye shulde bryng your beistes good,
And offer theme here your God to knawe,
And frome your synns to turne your moode.
Suche beestes as God hais marked here,
Vnto Moyses he spake full yell ',
And bad hyme boldly with good chere.
To say to the chylder of Israeli,
That after that dyvers seknes seer.
And after that dyvers synes alsoo.
Go bryng your beestes to the preest even here
To offer theme vp in Goddes sight, loo.
The woman that hais borne her chylde.
She shall comme hether at the forty day
To be puryfied where she was fylde,
And bryng with her a lame, I say.
And two dove byrdes for her offerand.
And take them to the preest of lay
To offer theme vp with his holy hand :
There shulde no man to this say nay.
The lame is ofiferyd for Goddes honour
i6
24
28
33
36
40
44
' Corrected by the same hand to ' To Moyses he
yell perhaps an error for well.
;e as I yow tell ; '
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY : SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 435
In sacrefyes all onely dight,
And the preistes prayer purchace secure,
For the woman that was fylyd in God sight.
And yf so be that she be power,
And have no lame to offer, than
Two tyrtle doves to Godes honoure
To bryng with her for her offrand.
Loo ! here am I, preest present alway,
To resave all offerandes that hydder is broght.
And for the people to God to pray,
That helth and lyfe to theme be wroght.
48
52
I, a priest, am
here to receive
all such offerings.
56
Anna. Here in this holy playce I say,
Is my full purpose to abyde.
To serve my God bothe nyght and day,
With prayer and fastyng in ever ylk a tyde.
For I haue beyn a wyddo this thre score yere
And foure yere to, the truthe to tell,
And here I haue terryed with full good chere.
For the redempcyon of Israeli.
And so for my holy conversacion,
Grete grace to me hais no we God sent.
To tell by profecy for mans redempcion,
What shall befall by Goddes entent.
I tell you all here in this place,
By Goddes vertue in prophecy.
That one is borne to oure solace,
Here to be present securely
within short space ;
Of his owen mother a madyn free.
Of all vyrgens moost chaist suthly,
The well of mekenes, blyssed myght she be
moost full of grace I
And Symeon, that senyour,
That is so semely in Godes sight,
Ff 2
Anna abides in
the temple night
and day.
60
She has been a
widow sixty-four
years.
64
and has the grace
of prophecy.
68
If. zio b.
•7 2 The child Jesus
will soon be here.
76
and old Simeon
shall see him, _
teQ and take him in
• y his arms *,
436
XLI. HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
he shall be in-
spired and go
to the temple.
He shall hyme se and do honour,
And in his armes he shall hym plight,
that worthy leyd.
Of the holy goost he shall suthly
Take strength, and answere when he shall hy
Furth to this temple and place holy
to do Jjat deyd.
86
[Scene II, Simeon's home at Jerusalem.^
Simeon bewails
his age and
feebleness.
he wishes for
death as he grows
worse.
But it would
rejoice him to
see the blessed
babe foretold by
the prophets.
Symeou. A 1 blyssed God, thowe be my beylde,
And beat my baill bothe nyght and day,
In hevynes my hart is hylde,
Vnto my self, loo thus I say.
For I ame wayke and all vnwelde.
My welth ay wayns and passeth away.
Where so I fayre in fyrth or feylde
I fall ay downe, for febyll, in fay ;
In fay I fall where so I fayre.
In hayre and hewe and hyde, I say.
Owte of this worlde I wolde I were !
Thus wax I warr and warr alway,
And my myscheyf growes in all that may.
Bot thowe, myghty Lorde, my mornyng mar !
Mar ye, for it shulde me well pay,
So happy to se hyme yf I warr.
Nowe certys then shulde my gamme begynne,
And I myght se hyme, of hyme to tell.
That one is borne withouten synne.
And for mans kynde mans myrth to mell.
Borne of a woman and madyn fre,
As wytnesse Davyt and Danyell,
Withouten synne or velanye.
As said also Isacheell.
go
94
io6
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY: SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 437
And Melachiell, that proflfett snell,
Hais tolde vs of that bslbb so bright,
That he shulde come with vs to dwell
In our temple as lame of light.
And other proffettes prophesieth,
And of this blyssed babb dyd mell,
And of his mother, a madyn bright,
In prophecy the truth gan tell, —
That he shulde comme and harro hell
As a gyant grathly to glyde,
And fersly the feyndes malles to fell,
And putt there poors all on syde.
The worthyest wight in this worlde so wyde !
His vertues seer no tong can tell,
He sendes all succour in ylke tyde,
As redemption of Israeli,
thus say they all, —
There patryarkes and ther prophettes clete, —
' A babb is borne to be oure fere,
Knytt in oure kynde for all our chere
to grete and small.'
Ay 1 well were me for ever and ay.
If I myght se that babb so bright,
Or I were buryed here in clay,
Then wolde my cors here mend in myght
Right faithfully.
Nowe lorde ! thowe grant to me thy grace,
To lyf here in this worlde a space.
That I myght se that babb in his face
here or I dy.
A ! lorde God, I thynke, may I endure,
Trowe we that babb shall fynde me here,
Nowe certys with aige I ame so power
that evir it abaites my chere.
Yet yf kynde fale for aige in me.
114
118
* He is to harrow
hell
If. 211.
xxix vj.
and fell the
malice of the
iiend,
126
130
134
and redeem
Israel.
138
Z42
Grant me life to
see him ere I
die/
438
xLi. hatmaKers, masons, and laborers.
* Come, babe,
come quickly.
I care no longer
for health when
1 have seen my
desire.'
The angel pro-
mises he shall
see the child
Jesus.
Simeon praises
God.
God yett may length my lyfe, suthely, 146
Tyll I that babb and foode so free
haue seyn in sight.
For trewly, yf I wyst reverce (?)
Thare shulde nothyng my hart dyseas, 15°
Lorde ! len me grace yf that thowe pleas,
and make me light.
When wyll thowe comme, babb ? let se, haue done ;
Nay comme on tyte and tarry nott, 154
For certys my lyf days are nere done,
for aige to me grete wo hais wroght.
Great wo is wroght vnto mans harte.
Whan he muste want that he wolde haue ; 158
I kepe no longar to haue quarte,
for I haue seen that I for crave.
A 1 trowes thowe these ij eyes shall see
That blyssed babb, or they be owte ? 162
Ye, I pray God so myght it be.
then were I putt all owte of dowte.
[£n/er Angel.^
Aug. Olde Symeon, Godes seruaunt right,
Bolde worde to the I bryng, I say.
For the holy goost, moost of myght,
He says thowe shall not dye away
to thowe haue seen
Jesu the babb that Mary bare,
For all mankynde to slake there care.
He shall do comforth to lesse and mayr,
both morne and even.
Symeon. A 1 lorde, gramarcy, nowe I say !
That thowe this grace hais to me hight,
Or I be buryed here in clay
to see that semely beam so bright.
No man of molde may haue more happ 178
To my solace and myrth allway,
166
170
174
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY : SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 439
Than for to se that Mary lapp,
Jesu, my joy and savyour ay,
Blyssyd be hys name !
Loo, nowe mon I se, the truth to tell,
The redempcion of Israeli,
Jesu, my lorde Emanuell,
withouten blame.
i86
[Scene III, Mary and Joseph at Bethlekem^l]
Mary. Joseph, my husbonde and my feer,
Ye take to me grathely entent,
I wyll you showe in this manere,
What I wyll do, thus haue I ment. 190
Full xl days is comme and went
Sens that my babb Jesu was borne,
Therefore I wolde he were present.
As Moyses lawes sais hus beforne, 194
Here in this temple before Goddes sight.
As other women doith in feer,
So me thynke good skyll and right
The same to do nowe with good chere, 198
after Goddes sawe.
Jos. Mary, my spowse and madyn clene.
This matter that thowe moves to me
Is for all these women, bedene.
That hais conceyved with syn fleshely
to here a chylde.
The lawe is hedgyd for theme right playn,
That they muste be puryfied agayne, 206
For in mans pleasoure for certayn
before were they fylyd.
But Mary byrde, thowe neyd not soo,
' I place this scene thus, notwithstanding 1. 195, which is probably a slip
due to the fact that Bethlehem and the temple were near together on the
stage Cf. the passage U. 348-274.
L-uke ii. 22-38.
Mary tells
Joseph that as her
babe is forty days
old she will pre-
sent him in the
temple, as others
do.
Joseph replies
that she is diflfer-
ent from other
women and need
not do so.
440
XLI. HATMAKEES, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
She would do it
as an example of
meekness to the
law.
Joseph freely
consents.
If. 212.
xxix vij.
She hesitates
about the lamb
and two doves )
they have no
lamb, what shall
they do ?
For this cause to bee puryfiede, loo,
in Goddes temple.
For certys, thowe arte a dene vyrgyn,
For any tiioght thy harte within,
Nor never wroght no flesly synne
nor never yll.
Mary. That I my madenheade hais kept styll
It is onely throgh Goddes wyll,
that be ye bold.
Yett to fulfyll the lawe, ewysse,
That God almyghty gon expresse,
And for a sample of mekenesse,
offer I wolde.
Jos. A I Mary, blyssed be thowe ay,
Thowe thynkes to do after Goddes wyll,
As thowe haist said Mary, I say,
I will hartely consent there-tyll
withouten dowte,
Wherefore we dresse vs furth oure way,
And make offerand to God this day,
Even lykwyse as thy self gon say
with hartes devowte.
Mar. Therto am I full redy dight.
But one thyng, Joseph I wolde you meyve.
Jos. Mary, my spouse and madyn bright,
Tell on hartely, what is your greyf ?
Mar. Both beest and fewU hus muste neydes haue,
As a lambe and ij dove byrdes also.
Lame haue we none nor none we crave,
Therefore Joseph what shall we do,
what is your read ?
And we do not as custome is,
We are worth to be blamyd, i-wysse,
I wolde we dyd nothing amys
as God me speyd.
214
218
226
230
234
238
242
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY: SiMfiON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 441
Jos. A 1 good Mary, the lawe is this,
To riche to offer bothe the lame and the byrd.
And the ij turtles, i-wys,
Or two doyf-byrdes shall not be fyrd
V for our ofiferand ;
And Mary, we haue doyf byrdes two,
As falls for hus therefore we goo,
They ar here in a panyer, loo,
Reddy at hand.
And yf we haue not both in feer,
The lame, the burd, as ryche men haue,
Thynke that vs muste present here
Oure babb Jesus, as we voutsaue
before Godes sight.
He is our lame, Mary, kare the not.
For riche and power none better soght ;
Full well thowe have hym hither broght
this our offerand dight.
He is the lame of God, I say.
That all our syns shall take away
of this worlde here.
He is the lame of God verray,
That muste hus fend frome all our fray.
Borne of thy wombe, all for our pay \
and for our chere.
246
250 Joseph has two
doves ready in a
basket.
264
258
Jesus is their
lamb !
262
He is the lamb
of God also.
266
Mar. Joseph, my spowse, ye say full trewe.
Than lett vs dresse hus furth our way.
Jos. Go we than Mary, and do oure dewe.
And make meekly offerand this day.
Lo, here is the tempyll on this hyll,
And also preest ordand by skyll,
power havand.
2 70 Mary assents ;
\ They set forth, they go to the
^ priest in the
274 temple,
' MS. has/rfly.
442
XLI. HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
And Mary, go we thyther forthy,
andkneeiing, And lett vs both knele devowtly,
And ofFre we vp to God meekly
our dewe offrand.
2?8
If. 212 b.
offer the child to
God.
* Here are two
doves ; we are
poor, and have
neither rent nor
land,'
The priest ac-
cepts, with
prayer.
[Scene IV, The Temple, as before. Enter to the Priest, Joseph
and Mary with the Bade.]
Mar. Vnto my God highest in heven,
And to this preest ordand by skyll,
Jesu my babb, I offer hyme,
Here with my harte and my good wyll 284
right hartely.
Thowe pray for hus to God on hyght,
Thowe preest, present here in his myght.
At this deyd may be in his sight 288
accept goodly.
Jos. Loo sir ? and two doyf-byrddes ar here,
Receyve them with your holy handes,
We ar no better of power, 292
For we haue neyther rentes ne landes
trewely,
Bott good sir, pray to God of myght
To accepte this at we have dight, 296
That we haue offeryd as we arr hight
here hartely.
Presb. O God, and graunter of all grace,
Blyst be thy name both nyght and day, 300
Accepte there offerand in this place
That be here present to the alway.
A 1 blyssed lorde, say never nay.
But lett thy oflferand be boot and beylde 304
Tyll all such folke lyvand in clay.
That thus to the mekly wyll heyld,
That this babb, lord, present in thy sight.
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY: SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 443
Borne of a madyns wombe vnfylde ; 308
Accepte, [lord,] for there specyall gyft
Gevyn to mankynde, both man and chylde,
so specyally.
And this babb borne and here present 312 A prayer of
May beylde vs, that we be not shent, wdcome?"
But ever reddy his grace to hent
here verely.
A blyssed babb I welcome thowe be, 316
Borne of a madyn in chaistety,
Thowe art our beylde, babb, our gamme and our glee
ever sothly.
Welcome I oure wytt and our wysdome, 320
Welcome ! our joy all and somme,
Welcome ! redemptour omnium
tyll hus hartely.
\Enter Anna.
Anna. Welcome ! blyssed Mary and madyn ay, 324 Anna welcomes
■.TT . . 1 ■ t r /TT T Ti » ^^ bright star,
Welcome 1 mooste meke m thyne array, yTo me Babe.
Welcome I bright starne that shyneth bright as day,
all for our blys.
Welcome ! the blyssed beam so bryght, 3j8
Welcome ! the leym of all oure light,
Welcome ! that all pleasour hais plight
to man and wyfe.
Welcome ! thowe blyssed babb so free, 332 if. 213.
XXIX VI n
Welcome ! oure welfayre wyejly,
And welcome all our seall, suthly,
to grete and small.
Babb, welcome to thy beyldly boure, 336
Babb, welcome nowe for our soccoure.
And babb, welcome with all honour
here iiji tljis hall.
our welfare and
bliss.
444
XLI. HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
The angel tells
Simeon to get
ready.
Simeon rejoices,
as light as a leaf,
he feels young
again.
[Scene V-, Simeon's house as lefore : enter Angel^
Aug. Olde Symeon, I say to the, 34°
Dresse the furth in thyne array,
Come to the temple, there shall Jju see,
Jesus, that babb that Mary barre,
that be thowe bolde. 344
Sym. A ! lorde, I thanke jse ever and ay,
Nowe am I light as leyf on tree,
My age is went, I feyll no fray.
Me thynke for this that is tolde me 348
I ame not olde.
Nowe wyll I to yon temple goo
To se the babb that Mary bare,
He is my helth in well and woo, 352
And helps me ever frome great care. [Exit.
Simeon hails the
babe and the
mother.
* Shield us from
ill.
Hail, rose of
Sharon !
{Cant. cant. cap.
ii. I.)
[Scene VI, The Temple, as before : enter Simeon.^
Haill ! blyssed babb, that Mary bare,
And blyssed be thy mother, Mary mylde,
Whose wombe that yeildyd fresh and fayr, 356
And she a clean vyrgen ay vnfyld.
Haill babb, the Father of Heven own chylde,
Chosen to chere vs for our myschance ;
No erthly tong can tell fylyd 360
What thy myght is in every chance.
Haill I the moost worthy to enhance.
Boldly thowe beylde [us] frome all yll,
Withoute thy beylde we gytt grevance, 364
And for our deydes here shulde we spyll.
Haill ! floscampy, and flower vyrgynall,
The odour of thy goodnes reflars to vs all.
Haill ! moost happy to great and to small 368
for our weyll.
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY: SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 445
Haill 1 ryall roose, moost ruddy of hewe. Royal rose <
Haill 1 flower vnfadyng, both freshe ay and newe,
Haill the kyndest in comforth that ever man knewe, 373
for grete heyll.
And mekly I beseke the here where I kneyll,
To suffre thy servant to take the in hand. Let me take thee
■' ' m mine arms.
And in my narmes for to heue the here for my weyll, 376
And where I bound am in bayll to bait all my bandes.
l_Tahs iht habe in his arms.
Now come to me, lorde of all landes, 'f- ='3 1-
Come myghtyest by see and by sandes,
Come myrth by strete and by strandes 380
on moolde.
Come halse me, the babb that is best born. Embrace me, or
else I am lost.
Come halse me, the mjrth of our morne,
Come halse me, for elles I ame lorne 384
for olde.
I thanke the lord God of thy greet grace, Simeon thanks
and praises God.
That thus haith sparyd me a space,
This babb in my narmes for to inbrace 388
as the prophecy tell[es].
I thanke the that me my lyfe lent,
I thanke the that me thus seyll sent,
That this sweyt babb, that I in armes hent, 392
With myrth my myght alwais melles.
Mellyd are my myndes ay with myrth,
Full fresh nowe I feyll is my force.
Of thy grace thowe gave me this gyrth, 396
Thus comly to catch here thy corse
moost semely in sight.
Of helpe thus thy freynd never faills, God's mercy
never fails.
Thy marcy as every man avaylls, 400
Both by downes and by daylls,
Thus mervelous and muche is thy myght.
446
XLI. HATMAKERS, MASONS, AND LABORERS.
' Let me depart
in peace, for
mine eyes have
seen thy salva*
tion,'
Mary and Joseph
marvel at what
they hear said.
If. =14-
xxix ix \
A ! babb, be thowe blyssed for ay,
For thowe art my savyour, I say, 404
And thowe here rewles me in fay,
In all my lyfe.
Nowe blist be \>i name !
For thowe saves hus fro shame, 408
And here thou beyld vs fro blame.
And frome all stryfe.
Nowe care I no moore for my lyfe,
Sen I have seen here this ryall so ryfe, 412
My strength and my stynter of stryfe,
I you say,
In peace lorde, nowe leyf thy servand,
For myne eys haith seyn that is ordand, 416
The helth for all men that be levand,
here for ay.
That helth lorde hais thowe ordand, I say,
Here before the face of thy people, 420
And thy light hais thowe shynyd this day,
for evermore
To be knowe of thy folke that was febyll.
And thy glory for the chylder of Israeli,
That with the in thy kyngdome shall dwell, 424
Whan the damnyd shall be drevyn to hell
than with great care.
Jos. Mary, my spowse and madyn mylde,
In hart I marvell here greatly 428
Howe these folke spekes of our chylde ;
They say and tells of great maistry,
that he shall doo.
Mar. Yea, certes, Joseph I marvell also, 432
But I shall bere it full styll in mynde.
' An extra leaf added to this quire, on which to finish the play. See
noie, p. 433.
THE PURIFICATION OF MARY : SIMEON AND ANNA PROPHESY. 447
Jos. God geve hyme grace here well to do,
For he is come of gentyll kynde.
Sym. Harke I Mary, I shall tell the jje truth or I goo, 436
This was putt here to welde vs fro,
In redemption of many and recover also, rSlmpdonol
T tlio co-.r many, and a
1 tne say. s^^^a shaii ^^^
t 1 1 11 *^y heart when
And the sworde of sorro thy hart shal thyrll, 440 he suffers.
Whan thowe shall se sothly thy son soflfer yll,
For the well of all wrytches {lat shall be his wyll
here in fay.
But to be comforth agayn right well thowe may, 444
And in harte to be fayne the suth, I the say. But thou shait
be comforted.
For his myght is so muche thare can no tong say nay,
here to his wyll.
For this babb as a gyant \ full graythly shall glyde, 448
And the myghtiest mayster shall meve on ylke syde.
To all the wightes that wons in this worlde wyde,
for good or for yll.
Tharefore babb, beylde vs, that we here not spyll. 452
And fayrwell, the former of all at thy wyll,
Fayrwell I starne stabylyst by lowde and be styll. Farewell i
in suthfastnes.
Fayrwell ! the ryolest roose that is renyng, 456
Fayrwell ! the babb best in thy beryng,
Fayrwell ! God son, thowe grant vs thy blyssyng
to fynd our dystresse.
Explicit Liber,
' MS. hssgyane.
If. 2 IS.
XXX j.
XLII. THE ESCREUENERES.
The Incredulity of Thomas.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jokn-xx^ ig-ag.
The disciples are
grieving ;
they fear the
Jews,
and therefore
remain still.
Deus (i. e. Jesus).
Petrus.
Johannes.
Jacobus.
Thomas.]
[Scene I, A chamber with doors shut : the disciples assembled.^
1. Petrus. ALLAS ! to woo ]>aX we wer wrought,
Hadde never no men so mekill Jjought
Sen that oure lorde to dede was brought 3
with Jewes fell ;
Oute of jjis steede ne durst we noght,
but here ay dwelle. 6
a. Joh. Here haue we dwelte with peynes Strang,
Of oure liffe vs lothis, we leve to lange.
For sen the Jewes wrought vs ]>aX wrong 9
Oure lorde to sloo,
Durste we neuere come )janie emang,
ne hense to goo. 1 2
3. Jao. pe wikkid Jewes hatis vs full ille,
And bittir paynes wolde putte vs till,
Therfore I rede fiat we dwelle stille 15
Here \>er we lende.
Unto Jjat Criste oure lorde vs wille
some sccoure sonde. 18
Collations with the Sykes MS. of this play at York ; see p. 455.
I. I. to] the; wer] are. 1. 5. ne] sens,
with our lyvys owe lath we lyff so longe.
wroght this. 1. 11. Sens drust. 1. 12.
1, 14. wolde] thay. 1. 15. omii ];at.
as one, tyll that cryst vs some socor send.
1. 6. ay] a. 1. 8. And
1. 9. Sen that thes Jewys
ne hyne goo. 1. 13. J)es.
11. 17, 18. These lines stand
THE INCREDULITY OF THOMAS. 449
\ Jesus appears. Jesus appears to
'-•' ^^ tVem for an in-
4. Deus. Pees and reste be with yowe ! [He vanishes, stant.
Petrus. A ! brethir dere, what may we trowe,
What was this sight fiat we saughe nowe 2 1
Shynand so bright ?
And vanysshed fius and we ne wote how,
Oute of oure sight ? 24
5. Johes. Oute of youre sight nowe is it soghte,
Itt makith vs madde, Jje light it broght.
Jacobus. Sertis I wotte noght but sekirly 27 it must have
been fancy !
What may it be ;
Itt was vanyte in oure jsought, 29
Nought ellis trowe I it be. 30
\ Jesus re-appears. Jesus appears
again. ' Fear not . '
6. Deus. Fees vnto yowe euermore myght be,
Drede you nojt, for I am hee.
Petrus. On goddis name, benedicite, 33
What may Jjis mene ?
Jacobus. Itt is a sperite, for sothe thynketh me, They think it is
a spirit,
pat dose vs tene. 36
7. Johannes. A sperite it is, ]jat trowe I right, if. 215 b.
All ]3us appered here to oure sight,
Itt makis vs madde of mayne and myght, 39 they are afraid.
Dois vs flaied,
5one is fie same fiat broughte fie light,
pat vs affraied. 42
8. Deus. What thynke je, madmen, in youre thought? 'Why are ye
What mournyng in youre hertis is brought ? Christ ;
I ame Criste, ne drede jou noght, 45
her may ' je se
1. 19. Deus] Jesus ; with] vnto. 1. 21. this] the. 1. 23. ])us ys
vanysshed we wayt not. 1. 2s. youre] our. 1. 26. makes. 1. 27.
whole line omitted. 1. 29. Yt ys some vanytes. 1. 31. Deus] Jesus.
1. 35. A sprett for soth so thynke me. 1. 38. ])at Jjus. 1. 40. flaied]
frayd. 1. 41. gone] yt. 1. 46. may.
' MS. has nay.
450
XLII THE ESCREVENERES.
see my hands
and feet, and feel
my wounds.
Feel and believe,
I am no spirit ;
for further proof
bring tome meat,
if ye have aught
to eat.*
They bring
honeycomb and
some roast fish.
' To make your
faith steadj^ and
your despair for-
gotten I now eat
with you.'
pe same body jsat has you bought
vppon a tre. 4S
9. pat I am comen 50U here to mete,
Be-halde and se myn handis and feete, s°
And grathely gropes my woundes wete
Al jjat here is, 52
pus was I dight youre bales to beete,
and bring to blis. 54
10. For yowe Jjusgatis ]3anne haue I gone,
Folous me grathely euerilkone, 56
And se Jsat I haue flessh and bone,
Gropes me nowe. 58
For so ne has sperite none,
pat schall je trowe. 60
11. To garre 30U kenne and knowe me clere,
I schall you schewe ensaumpillis sere,
Bringe nowe forthe vnto me here 63
some of youre mette.
If je amange you all in-fere
haue ought to ete. 66
12. JaoolDUS. pou luflfand lorde jjat laste schall ay,
Loo here is mette paX Jjou ete may,
A hony kombe pe soth to saye,
Roste fecche Jjertill ; 70
To ete jjerof here we pe praie,
with full goode will. 72
13. Deus. Nowe sen je haue broughte me })is mete.
To make youre trouthe stedfast and grete.
And for je schall wanhope for-gete, 75
and trowe in me.
With youe Jsan here wol I ete,
pat je schalle see. 78
1. 50. behold. 1. 65. Jianne] })us. 1. 56. felys. 1. 70. Roch fych.
1. 71. here we] we wold. 1. 77. fan] now; fenwoll.
THE INCREDULITY OF THOMAS.
451
86
89
14. Nowe haue I done, je haue sene howe,
Boldely etyng here with youe,
Stedfastly loke Jjat 50 trowe
yitt in me efte,
And takis ]>e remenaunte sone to you
J>at her is lefte. 84
15. For joue Jjus was I reuyn and dreste,
perfore some of my peyne je taste,
And spekis now no whare my worde waste,
J3at schall je lere,
And vnto jou fie holy goste
RelefFe yow here.
16. Beis now trewe and trowes in me,
And here I graunte youe in youre poste,
Whome Jiat je bynde bounden schall be
Right at youre steuene,
And whome })at je lesid losed schalbe
Euer more in heuene. [JSxi'i. 96
\_TAomas outside the chamber.
17. Thomas. Alias for sight and sorowes sadde,
Mornyng makis me mased and madde.
On grounde nowe may I gang vngladde 99
Bojse even and morne. 100
pat hende jsat I my helpe of hadde
his liffe has lorne. 102
18. Lorne I haue }jat louely light, 103
pat was my maistir moste of myght,
So doulfully as he was dight 105
was neuere no man ;
Such woo was wrought of fiat worthy wighte
with wondis wan.
If. zi6.
XXX. ij.
91
93
95
' I grant that
whom ye bind
shall be bound,
and whom ye
loose shall be
loosed in heaven.'
Thomas is
mourning for
Jesus,
he rehearses his
master's wrongs.
1. 81, Now stedfastly,
dreste] rent and rayst.
88. here that ye lere
loi. hende] hynd.
1. 83. remland. 1. 85. reuyn and
1. 87. now omiited\ your wordes I wayst.
90, releffe] resave. 1. 100. even] eyn.
Gg 2
452 XLII. THE ESCREVENERES.
19. Whan lo I as his wondis and wondis wette,
With skelpis sore was he swongen, fiat swette, i lo
All naked nailed thurgh hande and feete, 1 1 1
alias ! for pyne, 1 1 2
put bliste, Jiat beste my bale myght bete, 113
his liffe schulde tyne ! 114
He is so cast 20. Alias ! for sorowe my selffe I schende, 115
down with
sorrow that he When I thynke hartely on bat hende,
will seek his ' •' '
brethren. "I fandc hym ay a faithfuU frendc, 117
Trulie to telle ; 118
To my brethir nowe wille I wende 1 19
wher so j^ei dwell.
[Eniers the chamber.
■All our joy is 21. A ! 'blistfull sight was neucre none, 12:
gone. God bless
you, brethren.' Oure joic and comforte is all gone,
Of mournyng may we make oure mone
In ilka lande ; 1 24
God blisse you, brether ! bloode and bone,
same ]3er je stande.
■ Welcome, we 22. Petirus. Welcome Thomas, where has bou bene ?
have seen our
lord." Wete Jjou wele withouten wene 1 28
Jesu oure lorde ))an haue we sene,
on grounde her gang.
Thomas. What sale je men ? alias ! for tene, ^
I trowe 56 mang. 132
If. 216 b, 23. Johannea '. Thomas, trewly it is noght to layne,
Jesu oure lorde is resen agayne.
1. 109. Whan lo as] wan was. 1. no. skelpis] swapis. 1. 113. bale
balles. 1. 119. To] Vnto. 1. 120. wher some.
1. 121. A . . . sight] so wofuU wyghtis. 1. 122. and] owr.
' Johannes supplied from Sykes MS., the name is wanting in Ash-
bimiham.
THE INCREDULITY OF THOMAS.
453
Thomas. Do waie, these tales is but attrayne
of fooles vnwise.
For he f>at was so fully slayne,
howe schulde he rise ?
24. Jacobus. Thomas, trewly he is on-lyue,
pat tholede jse Jewes his flessh to riffe,
He lete vs fele his woundes fyue,
Oure lorde verray.
Thomas. That trowe I nought, so motte I thryue,
what so je saie.
25. Petrus. Thomas we saugh his woundes wette.
How he was nayled thurgh hande and feete,
Hony and fisshe with vs he eette,
J>at body free.
Thomas \ I laye my liflf it was some sperit
56 wende wer hee.
26. Johannes. Nay Thomas, fjou haste misgone,
For-why he bad vs euerilkon
To grope hym grathely, bloode and bone
And flessh to feele,
Such thyngis, Thomas, hase sperite none,
pat wote je wele.
27. Thomas. What ! leue felawes, late be youre fare,
Tili paX I see his body bare.
And sitheri my fyngir putte in thare
within his hyde,
And fele the wound ]>e spere did schere
rijt in his syde ;
Thomas will not
believe that
1 36 Jesus is risen.
■37
138
' Truly he is
alive, we felt his
140 wounds.'
141
142
144
146
147
149 * It was a spirit.'
' We felt his
blood, bones, and
152 flesh ; spirits
have none.'
154
•66
Thomas will not
believe till he
158 has felt the
wound of the
spear.
160
162
1. 135. a trayne.
1. 139. trewly] lely.
1. 157. What leue] now.
this sper.
1. 137. For supplied from Sykes MS.
1. 144. what so] why sa. 1. 155. spretes.
1. 158. his] fat. 1. 161. ])e . . . did]
' Thomas supplied from' Sykes MS.
454
XLII. THE ESCREVENERES.
* Ye play tricks
upon me.'
Jesus appears
again.
* Thomas, see
and feel me.
If. 217.
XXX. lij.
put your hand in
my side and
believe.'
Thomas believes 31.
and asks grace.
* Thomas, you
believe because
you have seen,
but blessed are
those who believe
without seeing.
28. Are schalle I trowe no tales be-twene.
Jacobus. Thomas, Jjat wounde haue we seene.
Thomas, ^z, je wotte neuere what je mene,
youre witte it wantis, i66
Ye muste thynke sen je me ]5us tene ♦
and tule with trantis. i68
[/esus reappears.
29. Deus. Pees ! brethir, be vn-to you,
And, Thomas, tente to me takis Jjou, 170
Putte forthe thy fingir to me nowe,
myn handis })0U see ; 172
Howe I was nayled for mannys prowe
vppon a tree. 174
30. Beholde my woundis are bledand, 175
Here in my side putte in \\ hande.
And file my woundis and vndirstande
jjat J)is is I, 178
And be no more so mistrowand,
But trowe trewly. 180
\Thomas touches the side of Jesus.
Thomas. Mi lorde, my god, full wele is me,
A! blode of price 1 blessid mote Jjou be, 182
Mankynd in erth, be-hold and see 183
jsis blessid blode. 184
Mercy nowe lorde ax I the,
with mayne and mode. 186
32. Deus. Thomas, for Jjou haste sene Jjis sight,
pat I am resen as I you hight, 188
Perfore }jou trowes it ; but ilka wight, 189
Blissed be f)ou euere, 190
1. 166. wyttis ye wantis. 1. 167. thynke no syne thus me to tene.
168. tule] tyll; trawntes. 1. 169. brethir] and rest. 1. 178. ))is] yt.
1. 179. so from Sykes MS. 1. 183. this line from Sykes MS., wholly
wanting in Ashburnham. 1. 188. resyng; you] the. 1. 189. Qmit\av.\
but ilka] euerylk. 1. 190. J)ou] they.
THE INCREDULITY OF THOMAS.
455
pat trowis haly in my rising right,
And saw it neuere.
33. My brethir, fonde nowe forthe in fere,
Ouere all inilke a centre clere.
My rising both ferre and nere.
And preche it schall je,
And my blissyng I gifFe jou here.
And my men^e.
191
192
193 Go forth, and
preach my rising ,'
195
197
1. I93.fandes. 194. clere] sere. 1. 196. Preached shall be. 1. 198. my] this.
The MS. of the Skryveners' play, now in the possession of the York
Philosophical Society, to which it has been presented by Dr. Sykes of
Doncaster, consists of four leaves of parchment, sewn in a parchment cover
with a flap, the whole doubled lengthwise, the flap folding over, as though
intended for the pocket. It is endorsed ' Skryveners ' only, no other marks
indicate the object of this duplicate ; the hand is of about the beginning of
the 1 6th cent., and is not the regular clerkly hand of the Ashburnham MS. ;
the spelling differs considerably, and the short lines are often confused with
the long ones. This cannot have been copied from the Ashburnham, as it
supplies a line and several important words wanting in that MS. ; on the
other hand the Ashburnham is a better text in some points. Both were
probably copied from another original.
The collations given are those of variants from the Ashburnham text
found in the Sykes MS. Notice is not taken of different spelling merely,
which may be seen by consulting Mr. Collier's print of the Sykes MS.,
Camden Miscellany, vol. iv.
If. 2i8 b.
XXX. iiij b.
XLIII. THE TAILOURES
The Ascension.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Jesus.
Jacobus.
MVRIA.
Andreas.
Petrus.
I Angelus.
Johannes.
2 Angelus.]
iKfexxiv. 49-53. [Scene, The Mount of Olives, near Bethany : the disciples with
"^ ^ '■ '' '''■ Mary are assemiled.']
1. Petrus. r\ MIGHTFULL god, how standis it nowe,
\J In worlde J)us will was I neuere are, —
The disciples are
in doubt when
Jesus will leave
them.
John mourns the
loss and want of
his company.
Butte he apperes, — bot I ne wote howe
He fro vs twynnes whanne he will fare.
And jitt may falle Jjat for oure prowe,
And alle his wirkyng lesse and mare,
A 1 kyng of comforte ! gudde arte Jjou,
And lele and likand is thy lare °.
2. Johannes. The missing of my maistir trewe,
That lenghis not with vs lastandly,
Makis me to morne ilke a day newe,
For tharnyng of his company.
His peere of gudnes neuere I knewe,
Of myght ne wisdome it anly.
Petrus. That we hym tharne, sore may vs rewe,
For he luffed vs full faithfully.
16
' An early hand wrote ' Potters ' on this page after ' Tailoures,' but the
pen was struck through it. The Potters play the next piece.
' In the MS. and lele was originally written at end of 1. 7 ; but the
Elizabethan hand corrected it as above.
THE ASCENSION.
467
3. Bot 3itt in all my mysselykyng,
A worde jsat Crista saide comfortis me,
Oure heuynes and oure mournyng,
He saide to joie turned schuld be.
pat joie he saide in his hetyng,
To reue vs none schulde haue no poste,
Wherfore abouen all othir thyng
That joie me longis to knowe & see.
4. Maria, pou Petir, whanne my sone was slayne,
And laide in graue, je wer in were
Whedir he schulde rise, al moste ilkane,
But nowe je wotte thurgh knowyng clere.
Come f>at he saide schulde is gane,
And some to come, but ilkane sere,
Whedir it be to come or none,
Vs awe to knowe it all in fere. [/esus appears.]
5. Jesus. Almyghty god, my Fadir free.
In erthe Tpi bidding haue I done,
And clarified pe name of pe,
To thy selfFe clarifie pe sone.
Als povL haste geuen me pleyne poste.
Of ilke a flesh graunte me my bone,
pat }30u me gaffe myght lyffand be
In endles liflfe and with pe wonne.
6. pat liffe is fjis f>at hath none ende.
To knawe the Fadir, moste of myght.
And me thy sone, whanne fiou gon sende
To dye for man with-outen plight,
Mankynde was thyne whome jju be-kende
And toke me to Jsi jemyng right.
I died for man, mannes misse to mende,
And vnto spitous dede was dight.
7. Thy wille vn-to fiem taughte haue I,
pat wolde vn-to my lare enclyne,
A word of com-
fort, our mourn-
ing shall be
turned to joy.
y^/in xvi. 20.
24
28
* Whatever is to
come, let us
all be together.'
If. 2ig.
XXX. V.
32
j^ohfi xvii. 4-23.
' Father, I have
glorified thy
36 Glorify thy son.
Grant life eternal
to those thou
givest me,
40
44
mankind, given
me to rule.
48
458
XLIII. THE TAILOURES.
They have taken
my teaching
obediently.
banish them not
from us.
let them not be
lost for want of
help.
If. 219 b.
My company will
teach the people.
they will suffer
and be despised
for the truth's
sake.
Hallow them and
their work,'
The apostles
have had great
mistrust, and are
hard of heart.
Mi lare haue they tane buxsomly,
Schall none of them fier trauaile tyne.
pou gaffe )3em me but noght for-thy
3itt are they thyne als wele as myne,
Fleme ]>em not fro oure companye,
Sen thyne are myne and myne er thyne.
8. Sen they are oures, if Jjame nede ought
pou helpe Jjem, if it be thy will,
And als Jjou wate J^at I ]>ame boght,
For faute of helpe latte Tpem not spill.
Fro J3e worlde to take Tpera pray I noght,
But jjat ]30U kepe Jjame ay fro ill.
All ]3ois also ]3at settis )jare Jjoght
In erthe my techyng to fulfill.
9. Mi tythandis tane has my menje
To teche jse pepuU wher they fare ;
In erthe schall Tpei leue aftir me,
And suffir sorowes sadde and sare.
Dispised and hatted schall Tpei be,
Als I haue bene, with lesse and mare.
And suffer ^ dede in sere degre
For sothfastnesse schall none \>era spare.
10. pou halowe fiame, fadir, for-thy.
In sothfastnes so }jat ]>ei may
Be ane as we ar, yowe and I,
In will and werke, both nyght and day,
And knawe Jjat I ame verilye
Both sothfastnes and liffe alway ;
Be the whilke ilke man Tpai is willy
May Wynne Tpe liffe \>a.t laste schall ay.
11. Bot je, my postelis all be-dene,
pat lange has wente a-bowte with me,
In grete wanne-trowing haue je bene,
And wondir harde of hartis ar je,
• MS. has suffered.
52
56
60
64
68
72
76-
80
84
THE ASCENSION.
459
Worthy to be reproued, I wene,
Ar je forsothe, and je will see,
In als mekill als je haue sane
My wirkyng proued and my poste.
12. Whan I was dede and laide in graue,
Of myne vpryse je were in doute,
And some for myne vprysing straue,
When I was laide als vndir-lowte
So depe in erthe ; but sithen I haue
Ben walkand fourty dales aboute,
Eten with 50U, youre trouthe to saue,
Comand emange 50U inne and oute.
13. And fierfore beis nomore in were
Of myne vppe-rysing, day nor nyght,
Youre misbeleue leues ilkone seere,
For witte je wele, als man of myght
Over whome no dede may haue poure,
I schall be endles liffe and right.
But for to schewe you figure clere,
Schewe I me {jus-gatis to youre sight,
14. Howe man by cours of kyride schall ryse.
All }J0gh he be roten on-till nojt,
Oute of his graue in J^is same ^ wise
At jse daye of dome schall he be broght
Wher I schall sitte as trewe Justise,
And deme man aftir he has wroght ;
pe wikkid to wende with }3er enmyse,
pe gode to blisse Jjei schall be broght.
15. A-nodir skill for-soth is jjis.
In a tre mail was traied thurgh trayne,
I man, for-thy, to mende Jsat misse
On a tree boght mankynde agayne.
In confusioune of hym and his
pat falsely to forge f>at frawde was fayne,
' MS. has sane.
they quarrelled
about Christ's
9 ^ uprising.
If. 220.
XXX. vj.
He has been
with them forty
days since then.
96
they must cast
away unbelief.
104
108
Man shall rise
from the grave in
course of nature,
although he he
rotten, at dooms-
day.
116
Through a tree
man was be-
trayed, Christ
redeemed him on
a tree I
460
XLIII. THE TAILOURES.
Christ will come
again in the flesh
at doomsday.
He who believes,
and is baptized,
shall be saved :
the unbeliever is
damned.
The powers given 18
to those who
believe.
* The^ who do
my will shall
abide with me in
bliss.
yohn xiv. 2.
Mankynde to bringe agayne to blisse
His foo fie fende till endles peyne.
16. pe thirde skille is, trewly to telle,
Right als I wende als wele will seme,
So schall I come in flessh and fell
Atte ]3e day of dome ; whan I schal deme
pe goode in endles blisse to dwell.
Mi fomen fro me for to Heme,
With-outen ende in woo to well,
like leuand man, here to take yeme.
17. But in-till all Jie worlde weldand
pe Gospell trewly preche schall je,
Tille ilke a creatoure lifTand.
Who trowes, if that he baptised be
He schall, als yhe schall vndirstande,
Be saued, and of all thraldome free ;
Who trowis it not, as mistrowand
For faute of trouth dampned is he,
But all jjer tokenyngis be-dene
Schall folowe J)am ]3at trowis it right,
In my name deuellis crewell and kene,
Schall Jjei oute-caste of ilk-a wight ;
With newe tongis speke ; serpentis vnclene
For-do ; and if jjei day or nyght
Drinke venym wik, with-outen wene.
To noye Jjame schall it haue no myght.
19. On seke folke schall J^ei handes lay.
And wele schall Jsei haue sone at welde ;
pis poure schall \€\ haue alway,
My menjhe, bothe in towne and felde.
And witte je wele, so schall \€\
pat wirkis my wille in youthe or elde,
A place for Jiame I schall purveye
In blisse with me ay in to belde.
124
128
132
136
14.0
146
150
164
THE ASCENSION.
461
20. Nowe is my jornay brought till ende,
Mi tyme jjat me to lang was lente \
To my Fadir nowe vppe I wende,
And youre Fadir J)at me doune sente. 158
Mi God, youre God, and ilke mannes frende,
That till his techyng will consente,
Till synneres Jjat no synne jjame schende,
pat mys amendis and will repente. 162
21. But for I speke ]>es wordis nowe
To you, youre hartis hase heuynes,
FuU-ffiUid all be it for youre prowe,
pat I hense wende, als nedful is. 166
And butte I wende, comes noght to yowe
pe comfortoure ^ of comforteles ;
And if I wende, je schall fynde howe
I schall hym sende, of my goodnesse. 170
22. Mi Fadirs will full-iillid haue I,
Therfore fareswele, ilkone seere,
I goo make youe a stede redye
Endles to wonne with me in feere. 174
Sende doune a clowde, fadir ! for-thy
I come to jje, my fadir deere.
pe Fadir blissing moste myghty
Giffe I you all Jjat leffe here ". [/esus ascends. 178
23. Maria. A I myghtfull god, ay moste of myght,
A selcouth sight is jsis to see.
Mi sone jjus to be ravisshed right
In a clowde wendande vppe fro me. 182
Bothe is my harte heuy and light,
Heuy for swilke twynnyng schulde be,
And light for he haldis Jjat he hight.
And J>us vppe Wendis in grette poste. 186
' MS. has lende. ' MS. has comforte oure.
' In the margin is here written in the late corrector's hand, ' Ascendo ad
patrem meum. Tunc cantent angeli.'
My time is at an
end,' I go to my
Father and your
Father.
John xiv. 27, 28.
Ye are sorrowful.
If. 32I;_
XXX. vij.
but unless I go
the Comforter wi U
not come to you,
yokn xvi. 7.
Farewell, I go to
make a place
ready for you.
Father, I come.'
A cloud de-
scends.
Mary is sad at
parting, joyful
that he keeps his
promise.
462
XLIII. THE TAILOURES.
She fears to stay
among the Jews.
John will serve
her as her son
at'all times.
She will give
John her mother-
hood.
' We must not
go contrary to
my son's wish,
but my sorrow
will never
lessen.'
James and
Andrew will do
all her desire.
24. His hetyngis haldis he all be-dene,
pat comfortis me in all my care,
But vnto whome schall I me mene,
pus will in worlde was I neuere.
To dwelle amonge Jses Jewes kene,
Me to dispise will Jsei not spare.
Joh. All be he noght in presens scene,
3itt is he salue of ilk a sare,
25. But lady, sen Jsat he be-toke
Me for to serue you as youre Sonne,
3ou nedis no-thyng, lady, but loke
What thyng in erthe je will haue done.
I ware to blame if I for-soke
To wirke youre wille, midday or none.
Or any tyme 3itt of ]>e woke.
Maria. I thanke ])e, John, with wordis fune,
26. Mi modirhed, John, schall Jjou haue,
And for my sone I wolle Jse take.
Joh. pat grace, dere lady, wolde I craue.
Maria. Mi sone sawes will I neuere for-sake.
Itt were not semand }jat we straue
Ne contraried nojt pat he spake.
But John, tille I be broght in graue,
Schall Jjou never see my sorowe slake.
27. Jacob. Owre worthy lorde, sen he is wente
For vs, lady, als is his will.
We thanke hym TpaX vs Tpe hath lente
With vs on ^ l3aie to lenge her stille.
I sale for me with full concente,
pi likyng all will I fulfiUe.
Andreas. So wille we all with grete talent,
For-thy, lady, giflfe Jje noght ill.
190
194
198
206
214
218
' MS. has m>.
THE ASCENSION.
463
[Enter Angels.
28. i Angelus. 3^ ^len of ]?e lande of Galile,
What wondir je to heuene lokand f
pis Jesus whome je fro youe see
Vppe-tane, je schall well vndirstande, 222
Right so agayne come doune schall he,
When he so comes with woundes bledand,
Who wele has wrought full gladde may be.
Who ill has leved full sore dredand. 226
29. ii Angel. J^ \'^^ has bene his seruauntis trewe.
And with hym lengand, nyght and day,
Slike wirkyng als je with hym knew,
Loke jjat je preche it fourthe alway. 230
Youre mede in heuene beis ilke day newe.
And all \>a.t seruis hym wele to paye.
Who trowes you noght, it schall Jiame rewe,
pel mon haue peyne encresand ay. 234
30. Jacobus. Loued be })0u lorde ay, moste of myght,
pat Jjus, in all oure grete disease,
Vs comfortist with thyne aungellis bright ;
Nowe might Jjer Jewes Jsare malise meese, 238
pat sawe J?ame-selue Jjis wondir sight,
pus nere fiame wroght vndir {jer nese '.
And we haue mater day and nyght,
Oure god more for to preyse and plese. 242
31. Andreas. Nowe may fier Jewes be all confused
If ]3ai on-thinke Jjame inwardly,
Howe falsely Jjei haue hym accused,
And sakles schente thurgh Jser envy. 246
per falsed, j^at Jjei longe haue vsed,
Nowe is it proued here opynly,
And they were of }jis mater mused,
Itt schulde Jjame stirre to aske mercy. 250
The angels
explain
that as Christ has
ascended, so he
shall descend.
If. 222.
XXX. viij.
' Preach him
forth, your .re-
ward is in
heaven.'
James gives
praise for this
comfort.
The Jews ought
now to be con-
founded and to
ask mercy.
MS. has nose.
464
XLITI. THE TAILOURES.
' They will not
do that, as there
is no profit in
staying ; let us
go to many
countries.'
32.
33.
If. 222 b.
John takes Mary
away,
34.
James will never
fail her.
' Now to JeruEa- 35.
lem.'
Petrus. pat wille Jsei nojt, Andrewe, late be !
For Jjei are full of pompe and pride,
Itt may nojt availe to Ipe ne me,
Ne none of vs with Jjame to chide.
Prophite to dwelle can I none see,
For-thy late us no lenger bide,
But wende we vnto seere contre.
To preche thurgh all jjis worlde so wide.
Joh. pat is oure charge, for })at is beste,
pat we lenge nowe no lenger here,
For here gete we no place of reste,
To lenge so nere ]>e Jewes poure.
Vs for to do Jiei will Jjame caste,
For-thy come forthe my lady dere.
And wende vs hense, I am full preste
With you to wende with full goode chere ^-
Mi triste is nowe euer ilk a dele
In yowe to wirke aftir youre counsaill.
Jacob. Mi lady dere, Jsat schall je fele
In oght fiat euere vs may availe,
Oure comforte, youre care to kele,
Whill we may leue we schall not faile.
Maria. Mi brethir dere, I traste itt wele.
Mi sone schall quyte jou youre trauaile.
Petrus. To Jerusalem go we agayne.
And loke what fayre so aftir fall,
Oure lorde and maistir moste of mayne.
He wisse youe, and be with youe all.
a.';4
258
263
266
2?4
278
' These two lines are written as three in the MS.
XLIV. THE POTTERES.
If. 223.
xxxj, i.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Maria. 4 Apostolus.
Petrus [i Apos.]. 5 Apostolus.
Johannes [2 Apos.]. i Doctor.
Jacobus [3 Apos.]. 2 Doctor.]
[Scene, A chamber in Jerusalem ; Mary and the Apostles are
assembled in it: the Jews, headed by their Doctors, are
outside.^
1. Peter'- 'QRETHIR, takes tente vnto my steuen,
Jj panne schall je stabily vndirstande,
Oure maistir hende is hence to heuyn,
To reste Jsere on his fadirs right hande.
And we are leued a-lyue, elleuyn,
To lere his lawes lely in lande,
Or we begynne vs muste be even,
Ellis are owre werkis noght to warande.
For parfite noumbre it is none.
Off elleuen for to lere,
Twelue may be a-soundir tone,
And settis in parties seere.
Nobis precepit dominus predicare populo et
iestificare quia pr ope est index ^ viuorum et mortuorum,
' The rnbricator forgot to write the first speaker's name here ; a later
hand wrote Deus, which was struck out, and Petrus substituted.
' The word iudex is interlined in later hand, the rubricator of these two
Latin lines having omitted it. In the margin the late corrector wrote
' nota, a newe clause mayd for the eleuen, of an apostle to make the nomber
of xij.'
ActSt ch. ii.
Theapostlesmeet
to choose another
to make their
number perfect ;
twelve can be
divided in
several.
Acts X. 42.
466
XLIV. THE POTTERES.
Our Lord bade
us preach.
Since we publish
his counsel we
must not say
differently.'
He said he
should establish
holy church, but
iirst his mes-
senger, the Holy
Ghost, should
come.
If, 223 b.
yohn xiv. 26 ;
XV. 26.
James repeats
the promises as
to the Holy
Ghost.
2. Oure lord comaunded vs, more and lesse,
To rewle vs right aftir his rede,
He badde vs preche and bare wittenesse
That he schulde deme bothe quike and dede.
To hym all prophettis preuys expresse,
All jjo Jjat trowis in his godhede,
Off synnes |3ei schall haue forgiffenesse,
So schall we say mekill rede.
And senne we on ]3is wise
Schall his counsaile discrie,
Itt nedis we vs avise,
pat we saye nojt serely.
3. Joh. Serely he saide Jjat we schulde wende
In all Jjis worlde his will to wirke,
And be his counsaile to be kende
He saide he schulde sette haly kirke.
But firste he saide he schulde doune sende
His sande, fiat we schuld nojt be irke,
His haly gaste on vs to lende,
And make vs to melle of materes mirke.
Vs menis he saide vs Jius,
Whan Jjat he fared vs fra ^,
iii Apos. Cum venerit paraclitiis
Docebit vos omnia.
4. Jacob. 53- certaynely, he saide vs soo.
And mekill more jjanne we of mene,
Nisi ego abiero,
pus tolde he ofte tymes vs be-twene,
He saide forsoth, but if I goo,
pe holy goste schall not be sene,
Et dum assumptus fuero,
panne schall I sende 50U comforte clene.
pus tolde he holy howe
pat oure dedis schulde be dight,
' MS. Visfroo.
16
24
28
32
36
40
44
DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
467
So schall we trewly trowe,
He will holde jsat he vs highte.
iv Apos. He highte vs fro harme for to hyde,
And holde in hele both hede and hende,
Whanne we take jjat he talde Jsat tyde,
Fro all oure foois it schall vs fende.
But jjus in bayle behoues vs bide,
To tyme }>at sande till vs be sende ;
pe Jewis besettis vs in ilke aside
pat we may nowdir walke nor wende.
V Apos. We dare nojt walke for drede,
Or comforte come vs till,
Itt is moste for oure spede,
Here to be stokyn still.
Maria. Brethir, what mane je 50U emelle,
To make mournyng at ilk a mele ?
My sone, Jjat of all welthe is well,
He will 30U wisse to wirke full wele.
For'Jje tente day is Jsis to telle.
Sen he saide we schull fauoure fele,
Leuys wele }3at lange schall it not dwell.
And therfore drede you neuere a dele ;
But prayes with harte and hende,
pat we his helpe may haue,
panne schall it sone be sende,
pe sande jsat schall vs saue.
48
'He jpromised
to shield us from
harm ; but we
must wait in
sorrow till it
comes.'
52
56
60
' It is best to
stop here.'
64
If. 224._
xxxj. ij.
Mary asks why
they mourn, her
Son will show
them what to do.
68
72
7. i Doctor. Harke, maistir, for Mahoundes peyne,
Howe Tpa.t Jies mobbardis maddis nowe,
per maistir jsat oure men haue slayne
Hase garte jsame on his trifullis trowe.
ii Doe. pe lurdayne sais he leflfis agayne,
pat mater may Jiei neuere avowe,
For as ]>ei herde his prechyng pleyne.
He was away, Tpai wiste nojt howe.
H h 2
The Jews, out-
side the chamber,
hear them talk-
ing.
76
80
468
XLIV. THE POTTERES.
* Let us give a
great shout ; no,
they'll die for
fear :
we will way-lay
them as they
come out.'
If. 224 b.
i Doo. They wiste nojt whenne he wente,
perfore fully jsei faile,
And sais ]?am schall be sente
Greta helpe thurgh his counsaille. 84
8. ii Doe. He niyghte nowdir sende clothe nor clowte,
He was neuere but a wrecche alway,
But samme cure men and make a schowte,
So schall we beste yone foolis flaye. 88
i Doc. Nay, nay, }>an will Jjei dye for doute,
I rede we make nojt mekill dray.
But warly wayte when Jjai come oute.
And marre Jjame Jjanne, if |3at we may. 92
ii Doe. Now, certis, I assente Jser-tille,
Yitt wolde I noght Jjei wiste,
5one carles Jsan schall we kill
But \>ei liffe als vs liste. 96
Mary praises her
Son for this deed.
[TAe Holy Ghost descends among the Apostles in the chamber^
Angelus tunc cantor e}
9. Maria". Honnoure and blisse be euer nowe.
With worschippe in })is worlde alwaye.
To my souerayne sone, Jesu,
Oure lorde allone jsat laste schall ay, 100
Nowe may we triste his talis ar trewe.
Be dedis \zX. here is done Jiis day.
Als lange as je his pase pursue,
pe fende ne fendis yow for to flay. 104
For his high haligaste
He lattis here on jou lende
Mirthis and trewthe to taste,
And all misse to amende. io8
hand,
' ' Veni creator spiritus ' is added in the margin by a later hand.
'' The rubricator omitted this name, which was supplied by the late
DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
469
10. Pet. All mys to mende nowe haue we myght,
pis is ]>e mirthe oure maistir of mente,
I myght nojt loke, so was it light,
A I loued be jjat lorde Jsat itt vs lente.
Now hase he holden fiat he vs highte,
His holygoste here haue we hente.
Like to ]>e sonne itt semed in sight,
And sodenly Jianne was itt sente.
ii Apos. Hitt was sente for oure sele,
Hitt giflfis vs happe and hele,
Me thynke slike forse I fele,
I myght felle folke full feele.
11. iii Apos. We haue force for to fighte in felde,
And ffauour of all folke in feere,
With wisdome in jjis worlde to welde,
Be knowing of all clergye clere.
iv Apos. We haue bewteis to be oure belde,
And langage nedis vs none to lere,
pat lorde vs awe jappely to jelde,
pat vs has 5emed vnto ]:is jere.
V Apos. This is ]>e jere of grace
pat musteris vs emang.
As aungellis in jsis place,
pat sais J3us in Jjer sange.
12. i Apos. In jjare sigging saide Jiei Jjus,
And tolde ]jer talis be-twene pern two,
Vem creator spiritus,
mentis tuorum visita '.
pei praied Jje spirite come till vs,
And mende oure myndis with mirthis ma,
pat lered )5ei of oure lorde Jesus,
For he saide )3at itt schulde be swa.
The apostles
rejoice at the
coining of the
Holy Ghost.
Il6
It seemed like
the sun.
124
' It has made me
so strong I could
fell many folk.'
If. 225. _
xxxj. iij.
' It has given us
strength, learn-
ing, and
languages.*
£28
This is the year
of grace.
132
' The angels,
singing, prayed
I ag the Spirit to come
•" to us.'
140
• These two are written as one line in the MS.
470
XLIV. THE POTTERES.
John xvi, 6, 20.
* Sadness is ^
turned into joy.'
If, 22s b.
ii Apos. He saide he schulde vs sende
His holygoste fro heuyn,
Oure myndis with mirthe to mende,
Nowe is all ordand euyn.
13. iii Apos. Euen als he saide schulde to vs come,
So has bene schewid vn-to oure sight,
Tristicia impleuit cor vestrum,
Firste sorowe in herte he vs hight ;
Sed conuerteiur in gaudium.
Sen saide he J>at he schulde be light,
Nowe J>at he saide vs, all & summe,
Is mefid emange vs thurgh his myght.
iv Apos. His myght with mayne and mode
May comforte all man-kynde.
144
148
152
The Jews shout,
* these men are
mad, they talk
many tongues.
they are
drunken with
Doctor \outside\. Harke man, for Mahoundes bloode,
per men maddis oute of mynde. 156
14. pei make carpyng of ilke contre.
And leris langage of ilk a lande.
ii Boot. They speke oure speche als wele as we.
And in ilke a steede it vndirstande. 160
i Boot. And all are nojt of Galilee
pat takis Jjis hardinesse on hande ;
Butt })ei are drounken, all Jjcs menje,
Of muste or wyne, I wolle warande. 164
ii Boot. Nowe certis jjis was wele saide,
Jjat makis ]?er mynde to marre,
5one faitours schall be flaied.
Or f)at ]3ei flitte aught ferre. 168
* Take care,
brethren, the
Jews are strong
against us.'
15. iv ApoB. \within.\ Harke, brethir, waites wele aboute.
For in oure fayre we flfynde no frende,
pe Jewes with strengh are sterne and stoute,
And scharpely schapes Jiem vs to schende. 172
i Apos. Oure maistir has putte alle perellis oute,
DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
471
And fellid Jje falsed of jje fende,
Vndo youre dores, and haues no doute,
For to jone warlowes will we wende.
ii ApoB. To wende haue we no drede,
Noght for to do oure dette,
For to neuyn jjat is nede
Shall none on-lyve vs lette. [T/iey open the doors.
16. Pet. 3^ Jewez Jjat in Jerusalem dwelle,
Youre tales are false, J)at schall je fynde ;
pat we are dronken we here you telle,
Be-cause je hope we haue bene pynnyd.
A prophette preued, his name is Johell,
A gentill Jewe of youre awne kynde,
He spekis Jjus in his speciall spell,
And of f>is matere makis he mynde.
Be poyntis of prophicie
He tolde fulle ferre be-fore,
pis may je nojt denye,
For })us his wordis wore,
Et erit in nouissimus diebus, dicit dominus,
effundam de spiritu meo super omnem carnem.
' Have no fear,
open the doors,
we will go to yon
fiends.*
176
' We will do our
duty.'
l8o
Peter addresses
the Jews ;
- g . Joel prophesied
"* all these things.
If. 226.
xxxj, iiij.
192
Ads ii. 17.
yael ii. 28:
17. iii Apos. Loo, losellis, loo, jJUS may ye lere,
Howe youre elders wrotte alway,
pe holygoste have we tane here.
As youre awne prophettis prechid ay. 196
iv Apos. Hitt is Jje myght of oure maistir dere.
All dedis })at here are done Jiis daye.
He gifBs vs myght and playne power
To conclude all ]>aX je can saie. 200
i Doct. There men hase mekill myght,
Thurgh happe jsei here haue tone.
ii Doot. Wende we oute of Jser sight.
And latte \>em even allone. [Exeuni. 204
'Ye wretches, the
Holy Spirit has
come to us, as
your prophets
preached. Our
Master gives us
power,'
The Jews shrink
away and let
them alone.
472
XLIV. THE POTTERES.
' Let us carry
forth the faith,
and take leave
of our lady.'
' None shall
harm you while
my Son is with
you.
If. 226 b.
John and James
stay with me.'
18. i Apos. Nowe, brethir myne, sen we all meffe,
To teche jse feithe to foo and frende,
Oure tarying may turne vs to mischefFe,
Wherfore I counsaille jjat we wende 208
Vntille oure lady, and take oure leue.
ii Apos. Sertis so woll we with wordis hende.
[To Mary.] Mi lady, takis it nojt to greue,
I may no lenger with you lende ^. 212
19. Maria. Nowe Petir, sen itt schall be soo,
pat '56 haue diuerse gatis to gang,
Ther schall none dere you for to doo,
Whils niy sone musteris you emang. 216
Butt John and Jamys, my cosyns twoo,
Loke })at je lenge not fro me lange.
Johau. Lady, youre wille in wele and woo,
Itt schall be wroght, ellis wirke we wrang. 220
Jacob. Lady, we bothe are boune
Atte youre biddyng to be.
Maria. The blissing of my sone
Be boith with you and me ^. 224
' This stanza is short of the four 2 -accented lines.
" Here is a side-note, ' loqilela de novo facta,' and in a more recent ink
is written at the end,
' That with his grace ye may endewe.
And bryng yowe to his Companye.'
XLV. THE DRAPERES.
If. 227 b.
xxxj. V b.
The Death of Mary.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Gabriell.
Maria.
Johannes.
Petrus.
Jesus.
Vnus Diabolus.
Jacobus.
Andreas.
Prima et secunda Ancilla.
Primus et secundus Judaeus.
I, 2, 3, 4 Angelus.]
[Scene I, Mary's dwelling-place^
1. Gab. HAYLE ! myghfuU Marie, Godis modir so mylde I
Hayle ! be Jjou roote of all reste, hayle be fjou ryall,
Hayle ! floure and frewte nojt fadid nor filyd,
Haile ! salue to all synnefull ; nowe sale fe I schall, 4
Thy sone to Jji selue me has sente,
His sande, and sothly he sales,
No lenger }jan fier thre dayes
Here lefte Jie ]3is lifTe J)at is lente *. 8
2. And fierfore he biddis Jse loke Jsat Jjou blithe be,
For to Jjat bigly blisse Jiat berde will Jie bring,
There to sitte with hym-selue, all solas to see.
And to be crowned for his quene and he hym-selue
kyng. 12
In mirthe Jjat euere schall be newe ^,
He sendis to ]3e worjjely, i-wis,
pis palme oute of Paradise,
In tokenyng fiat it schall be trewe. 16
Transitus
Maris, Tischen-
dorf, Text A.
pp. 114-118 ;
Text B. pp. 124-
Z29.
Gabriel salutes
Mary, and tells
her she has but
three days to
live.
Her Son will take
her to bliss, and
have her crowned
queen. As a
token he brings
a palm from
Paradise.
' MS. has kntthe.
' Lines 12-15 ^re run into three lines in MS.
474
XLV. THE DRAPERES.
Mary thanks
Gabriel for his
message,
and prays that
the apostles may
be at her burying.
'They shall all
appear together.
If. 228.
xxxj. vj.
and thy pains be
soon over.'
Mary tells John
she IS sick, and
will die in three
days.
3. Mar, I thanke my sone semely of all his sandis sere,
Vn-to hym lastandly be ay louyng,
pat me fius worjjely wolde menske on Jjis manere,
And to his bigly blisse my bones for to bringe.
But gode sir, neuenes me ])i name?
Gab. Gabriell, TpaX baynely ganne bringe
pe boodworde of his bering,
For sothe, lady, I ame Jse same.
4. Mar. Nowe Gabriell, Jiat sothly is fro my sone sent,
I thanke }3e ]3er tythyngis Jjou tellis me vntill.
And loued be paX lorde of the lane fiat has me lente S
And dere sone, I beseke ]>e,
Crete God, })ou graunte me jsi grace,
Thyne appostelis to haue in Jsis place,
pat J5ei at my bering may be \
5. Gab. Nowe foode faireste of face, most faithful! and fre,
pyne askyng Jji sone has graunte of his grace ;
And sales all same in sight je schall see
All his appostelis appere in Jiis place,
To wirke all J)i will at pi wending,
And sone schall pi peynes be paste.
And J)ou to be in liffe Jsat schall laste
Euermore with-outen any ending.
[£nier John.]
6. Joh. Marie, my modir, paX mylde is and meke,
And cheffe chosen for chaste, nowe telle me, what chere ?
Mar. John, sone, I say pe forsothe I am seke.
Mi swete sone sonde I hete, right nowe it was here.
And douteles he sales I schall dye,
Within thre dales i-wis,
I schall be belded in blisse,
And come to his awne company '.
■ Evidently a line is wanting here, probably it ended in ' will.'
blank in MS.
' Lines 28-31 are written as two in MS.
' Lines 44-47 are run into three in MS.
24
27
31
35
39
43
47
But no
THE DEATH OF MARY.
475
7. Joh. A 1 with I>i leue, lady, Jjou neuene it me noght,
Ne telle me no tydingis to twynne vs in two !
For be Jjou, blissid birde, vnto bere broght,
Euermore whils I wonne in Jsis worlde will me be full
woo\
Therfore lete it stynte, and be still. 52
Mar. Nay, John sone, my selue nowe I see,
Atte Goddis will moste it nedis be,
per-fore be it wroght at his will.
8. Joh. A ! worthy, when Tpou art wente will me be full
woo ! 56
But God giffe Jje appostelis wiste of pi wending.
Mar. 5is, John sone, for certayne schall it be so,
All schall }jei hardely be here at myne ending.
The sonde of my sone saide me ]ms ^, 60
pat sone schall my penaunce be paste.
And I to be in liffe fiat euere schall laste,
Than baynly to belde in Jiat blisse.
\Enter Peter, James, and Andrew, suddenly ?[
9. Pet. O God ! omnipotent, })e giflfer of all grace, 64
Benedicite dominus, a clowde now full clere
Vmbelappid ' me in Jude prechand as I was,
And I haue mekill meruayle how Jiat I come here.
Jae. A ! sesse, of fjis assemelyng can I nojt sale 68
Howe and in what wise ]?at we are here mette.
For sodenly in sight here sone was I sette,
Owthir myrjse or of mornyng mene wele it maye *.
10. And. A ! bredir, be my wetand and i-wisse so wer we, 72
In diuerse landes lely I wotte we were lente.
And how we are semelid }jus can I nojt see.
But as God of his sande has vs same sente.
Joh. A ! felawes, late be youre fare, 76
' Tell me nothing
to part us two, be
still.'
John mourns, but
hopes theapostles
may come.
* Two lines in MS.
^ Perhaps /wjtf is intended.
8 MS. has Vnbelappid.
• Lines 70, 71, are reversed in
They all appear,
miraculously.
' A cloud covered
me as I was
preaching in
Judea.'
If. 228 b.
They are all as-
tpnished but
think God has
sent them.
MS.
476
XLV. THE DRAPERES.
79
John tells them
It is to be near
Mary.
Mary thanks her
Son for his grace.
She faints.
Her maidens
weep and cry,
help!
Mary scolds
them for their
noise.
If. 229._
xxxj.vij.
* We must
all die. John,
make them be
quiet.'
For as God will it moste nedis be,
pat pereles is of poste
His myjt is to do mekill mare ^
11. For Marie, Jjat worthy, schall wende nowe, I wene,
Vnto TpaX bigly blisse jsat high barne baynly vs boght,
Jjat we in hir ^ sight all same myght be sene.
Or sche disseiier vs froo, hir sone sche be-soght.
And J3us has he wroght atte hir will,
Whanne sche shalbe broght on a here,
That we may be neghand hir nere
This tyme for to tente hir vn-till.
12. Mar. Jesu, my darlyng Jsat ding is, and dere,
I thanke ])e my dere sone of J)i grete grace,
pat I all jjis faire felawschip atte hande nowe has here
pat jsei me some comforte may kythe in }3is case,
pis sikenes it sittis me full sare, •
My maidens, take kepe nowe on me !
And caste some watir vppon me,
I faynte ! so febill I fare. \She faints.
13. i Ancilla. Alias 1 for my lady jjat lemed so light.
That euere I leued in Jsis lede ]5us longe for to lende.
That I on ]3is semely schulde se such a sight.
ii Ancilla. Alias 1 helpe ! sche dyes in oure hende.
A 1 Marie, of me haue J)ou mynde, loo
Some comforte vs two for to kythe',
pou knowes we are comen of \\ kynde. 102
14. Mar. What ayles yow women, for wo fius wynly to wepe ?
Yhe do me dere with youre dynne, fo[r] me muste nedis dye.
Yhe schulde, whenne je saw me so slippe and slepe,
Haue lefte all youre late and lette me lye. 106
John ! cosyne, garre Jjame stynte and be still.
Joh. A ! Marie, Jsat mylde is of mode,
92
95
' Lines 76-79 are two in MS. ^ MS. has high.
^ A line is wanting here.
THE DEATH OF MARY. 477
When \>i sone was raised on a rode, 'Thy Son gave
~ . , , thee to me on the
To tente pe he toke me J)e till, no rood,
15. And l5erfore at ]>i bidding full bayne will I be.
Iff per be oght, modir, Jjat I amende may,
I pray }je, myldest of mode, meue Tps to me ; ifi can do aught,
And I schall, dere-wor)ji dame, do it ilke a daye. 114 wm7^ ^ ^'
Mar. A I John sone, Jjat fiis peyne were ouere paste !
With goode harte je alle J)at are here
Praies for me faithfully in feere, 'All pray for me.
For I mon wende fro you as faste. 1 18
16. i Judeus. A I foode fairest of face, most faithful! to fynde,
pou mayden and modir Jsat mylde is and meke.
As bou arte curtaise and comen of oure kynde, The jews pray
her to help them
All our synnes for to sesse Tpi sone Tpou be-seke, 122 to heaven.
With mercy to mende vs of mys.
ii Judeus. Sen jsou lady come of oure kynne,
pou helpe vs nowe, |30u veray virginne,
pat we may be broght vnto blisse. 126
17. Mar. Tesu, my sone, for my sake beseke I be bis, Mary beseeches
•' ' ' ' ' ' her Son for her
As Jjou arte gracious and grete God, Jiou graunte me my kinsfolk ;
grace !
pei fiat is comen of my kynde and amende will jsere mys,
Nowe specially Jjou Jjame spede and spare Jjame a space, 130
And be Jser belde, if ]>i willis be.
And dere sone, whane I schall dye,
I pray be ban, for bi mercy, and that she may
^ ' ' ' •'^ not see the devil
pe fende Jiou latte me nojt see. 134 when she dies.
18. And also my blissid barne, if Jji will be, if. 229 b^
I sadly beseke ])e, my sone, for my sake.
Men bat are stedde stifFely in stormes or in see, • Grant mercy to
' all who call on
And are in will wittirly my worschippe to awake, 138 me in storms, at
And fianne nevenes my name in Jsat nede,
sea.
478
XLV. THE DRAPERES.
19.
help those who
are oppressed or
in need,
and especially
women in child-
birth/
Jesus grants her 20.
asking ;
* but the devil,
hideous, must be
there.
yet fear not, my
angels will be
round thee.'
21.
Thou shalt abide
with me in ever-
lasting bliss.
If. 230.
xxxj. viij.
Mary gives
thanks and_ gives
up her spirit.
22.
pou late Jiame not perissh nor spille ;
Of Jjis bone, my sone, at pi will,
pou graunte me specially to spedel 142
Also, my bliste barne, jsou graunte me my bone,
All Jjat are in newe or in nede and nevenes me be name,
I praie jje sone, for my sake, jjou socoure )jame sone.
In alle Jjer schoures ]>zt are scharpe Jjou shelde Jjame fro
schame. 146
And women also in jjere chylding,
Nowe speciall })ou Jjame spede.
And if so be })ei die in Jiat drede.
To Tpi blisse Jjane baynly Jjou })ame bringe. 150
l^Jissm appears.
Jesus. Marie, my modir, thurgh jje myght nowe of me,
For to make J)e in mynde with mirthe to be mending,
pyne asking all haly here heete I nowe jje.
But modir, Jse fende muste be nedis at Jjyne endyng.
In figoure full foule for to fere \t ; 155
Myne aungelis schall ]3an be a-boute fie.
And l^erfore, dere dame, )30u thar nojt doute Jie,
For douteles \\ dede schall no3t dere Jje ; 158
, And jjerfore, my modir, come myldely to me,
For aftir J)e sonne my sande will I sende.
And to sitte with my selfe all solas to se,
In ay lastand liffe in likyng to lende. i6j
In Jpis blisse schall be jsi bilding,
Of mirth shall )30u neuere haue missing.
But euermore abide in my blissing. i66
All Jjis schall Jjou haue at Jji welding \ 167
Mar. I thanke Jje my swete sone, for certis I am seke,
I may no3t now meve me, for mercie, — almoste, —
To Jje ■■', sone myne jjat made me, fii maiden so meke,
' In the MS., line 167 stands before 1. 165.
' The MS. has/jc, but it is a little indistinct.
THE DEATH OF MARY. 479
Here thurgh Ipi grace, god sone, I giffe J)e my goste. 170
Mi sely saule I Jje sende
To heuene Jjat is highest on heghte,
To pe, sone myne, {sat moste is of myght,
Ressayue it here in-to ]3yne hande. [Dies. 174
[Scene II, Heaven.]
23. Jesus. Myne aungellis lonely of late, lighter ban be levene, Jesus sends Ws
angels to fetch
In-to be erbe wightly I will bat se wende, his mother into
■" ' o J I J heaven.
And bringe me my modir to ]>e highest of heuene,
With mirthe and with melody hir mode for to mende.
For here schall hir blisse neuer be blynnande.
My modir schall myldely be me 180
Sitte nexte Tpe high Trinite,
And neuere in two to be twynnand.
24. i Ang. Lorde 1 atte ]>i bidding full bayne will I be,
pat floure IpaX neuere was fadid full fayne will we fette.
ii Ang. And atte bi will, gode lorde, wirke will we chorus of angels
° J ' o ' singing.
With solace in ilke side Jjat semely vmsitte. 186
iii Ang. Latte vs fonde to hir faste fors hir to deffende,
pat birde for to bringe vnto jsis blis bright,
Body and sawle we schall hir assende.
To regne in Jjis regally, be regentte full right. 190
iv Ang. To bliss Jjat birde for to bringe,
Nowe Gabriell, late vs wightly be wendand ' ;
This maiden mirthe to be mendand,
A semely song latte vs sing ^ 194
Cum vno diabolo.
Et cantant aniiphona scilicet Am regina celorum.
■ In the MS. 1. 191 stands after 1. 186, and is spoken by ii Ang., the
iv Ang. beginning with 1. 192. Probably four lines are missing after
1. 186.
' MS. has see.
If. 231.
xxxij. i.
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [WEAVERS].
The Appearance of our Lady to Thomas.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Thomas apostolus. Jacobus.
Maria. Andreas.
Petrus. Johannes.
Twelve Angels, singing.]
Traftsiitts
MariiBt Tischen-
dorf. Text A.
pp. 1Z9-12X.
Thomas mourns
the cruel death
of Jesus.
[Scene, on the way from India; afterwards the Vale of
Jehoshaphat.']
1. Thorn. In waylyng and weping, in woo am I wapped,
In site and in sorowe, in sighing full sadde,
Mi lorde and my lufFe loo full lowe is he lapped,
pat makes me to mourne nowe full mate and full madde.
What harling and what hurlyng jjat hedesman he hadde !
What breking of braunches ware brosten a-boute hym.
What bolnyng with betyng of brothellis full badde !
Itt leres me full lely to loue hym and lowte hym.
That comely to kenne,
Goddis sone Jesus
He died for vs,
pat makes me Jjus i
To mourne amange many men.
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY TO THOMAS. 481
2. Emange men may I mourne, for pe malice Tpei mente
To Jesu, Tpe gentillest of Jewes generacioun,
Of wisdome and witte were ]>e wa'ies Jpat he wente, i6 The jews injured
pat drewe all \>o domesmen derffe indignacioun ; showed miracles,
For douteles full dere was his diewe dominacioun.
Vnkyndely Jjei kidde Tpem Tpet kyng for to kenne,
With carefuU comforth and colde recreacioun, ao
For he mustered his miracles amonge many men,
And to ]>e pepull he preched,
But ]je Pharases fers
All his resouns revers, 24
And to per hedesmen rehers
pat vntrewe were ]>e tales Jsat he teched.
3. He teched full trewe, but ]>e tirauntes were tened,
For he reproued Jjer pride, jjai purposed Jjame preste, 28 and reproved
To mischeue hym with malis in J^ere mynde haue Jjei menyd,
And to accuse hym of cursednesse pe caistiffis has caste.
Ther rancoure was raised, no renke might it reste,
pei toke hym with treasoune, bat turtill of treuthe, 32 They tortured
him without pity.
pei fedde hym with flappes, with fersnesse hym feste,
To rugge hym, to riife hym, Jjer reyned no rewthe.
Vndewly )3ei demed hym, if. 231 b.
pei dusshed hym, Jjei dasshed hym, 36
pei lusshed hym, Jjei lasshed hym,
pei pusshed hym, Jjei passhed hym,
All sorowe Jiei saide Jjat it semed hym.
4. Itt semed hym all sorowe, be saide in be seggyng, 40 ' That man of
^ ' sorrows,' they
pei skippid and scourged hym, he skapid not with scornes, J'^' •>'"" '• *at
pat he was leder and lorde in jsere lawe lay no leggyng, •'•^ ^^^ "'^^
But thrange on and thristed a croune of thik thornes.
Ilk tag of })at turtill so tatterid and tome es, 44
That Jjat blissid body bio is and bolned for betyng,
3itt pe hedesmen to hynge hym with huge hydous homes.
As brothellis or bribours we[re] belyng and bletyng.
I i
482
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [wEAVEEs].
That friendly
fair creature was
doomed to death.
As a traitor he
was pulled about
and lashed to the
His royal blood
fell to the ground.
He that learns of
Him will find him
a faithful friend.
He rose on the
third day,
If. 232.
xxxlj. ij.
' Mybrethrentold
me, but T would
not believe it.
' Crucifie hym ! ' pei cried.
Sone Pilate in parlement
Of Jesu gaffe jugement ',
To hynge hym ]je harlottis hym hente;
per was no deide of Tpat domesman denyed.
48
52
5. Denyed not IpaX domesman to deme hym to dede,
pat frendly faire foode Jjat neuere offended,
pei hied Jsame in haste Jjan to hynge vppe Ipere heede,
What woo )3at J)ei wroghte hym no wyjt wolde haue
wende it. 56
His true titill fjei toke Jjame no tome for to attende it,
But as a traytour atteynted pei toled hym and tugged hym,
pei schonte for no schoutis his schappe for to schende it,
pei rasid hym on rode als full rasely ]>ei rugged hym. 60
pei persed hym with a spere,
pat the blode riall
To the erjje gun fall,
In redemption of all 64
pat his lele lawes likis to lere.
e. To lere he Jjat likis of his la we, Jsat is lele,
Mai fynde in oure frende here full faithfull feste,
pat wolde hynge fius on hight to enhaunce vs in hele, 68
And by vs fro bondage by his bloode pat is beste.
pan fie comforte of oure companye in kares were keste.
But Jjat lorde so allone wolde not leffe vs full longe,
On pe thirde day he rose rijt with his renkis to reste ; 72
Both flessh and fell fersly ]jat figour gon fange,
And to my brethir gonne appere ;
pai tolde me of pis,
Bot I leued a-mys, 76
To rise flesshly, i-wis,
Me thought Jjat it paste mans pou[e]re.
' Lines 49, 50, are one in MS.
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY TO THOMAS.
483
7. But pe poure of Jjat prince was presiously previd,
Whan fiat souerayne schewed hym selffe to my sijt, 80
To mene of his manhode my mynde was all meued,
But Jjat reuerent redused me be resoune and be rijt.
pe woundes full wide of jsat worthy wight,
He frayned me to fele {same, my faith for to feste, 84
And so I did douteless, and doune I me dijt,
I bende my bak for to bowe and obeyed hym for
beste.
So sone he assendid
Mi felaus in feere 88
Ware sondered sere.
If J:ai were here
Mi myrthe were mekill amended.
8. Amendid were my mirthe with Jaat meyne to mete, 92
Mi felaus in fere for to fynde woU I fonde,
I schall nott stedde in no stede but in stall and in strete,
Grath me be gydis to gette Jjame on grounde.
\_TAe Vale of Jehoshaphat suddenly appears.
0 souerayne ! how sone am I sette here so sounde 1 y6
pis is jje Vale of Josophat, in Jury so gente.
1 will steme of my steuene and sted here a stounde,
For I am wery for walkyng J3e waies Jsat I wente,
Full wilsome and wide. 100
perfore I kaste
Here for to reste,
I halde it beste
To buske on Jsis banke for to bide. \He lies down. 104
[This page is occupied with music, the words to which are, Surge proxima
mea columba mea tabernaculum glorie vasculum vite templum celeste^
\yision of Mary, and Angels singing before her.]
9. i Ang. Rise, Marie, Jiou maiden and modir so milde.
ii Ang. Rise, lilly full lusty, Jji luflfe is full likand.
iii Aug. Rise, chefteyne of chastite, in chering Tpi childe.
I i 2
Jesus made me-
believe.
1 felt his wounds
and bowed down.
If my companions
were here I
should be
happier, I shall
go seek them.
Transiius
Mariie, Tischen-
dorf. Text A,
pp. 119-121.
0 wonder ! I am
suddenly in
Judea !
1 will rest, for 1
am weary.'
If. 232 b.
(?) Transiius
Marise, Text E.
p. 135-
"^- =33....
xxxij, nj.
The angels call
upon Mary, —
rose, dove, turtle.
484
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [wEAVERs].
seemly and
goodly, — to rise
and come to the
king to be
crowned.
Song of Solomon
iii. 8.
If. 233 b.
Thomas sees a
bright light and
a vision of Mary,
borne aloft by
angels.
Thomas praises
Mary, the gentle
courteous, and
beloved.
iv Ang. Rise, rose ripe redolent, in reste to be reyn-
and. 108
V Ang. Rise, douffe of Jjat domesman, all dedis is de-
mand.
yi Ang. Rise, turtour, tabernacle, and tempuU full trewe.
vii Ang. Rise, semely in sight, of J)i sone to be semande.
viii Ang. Rise, grathed full goodely in grace for to
grewe. 112
ix Ang. Rise vppe Jjis stounde.
X Ang. Come chosen childe !
xi Ang. Come Marie milde !
xii Ang. Come floure vnfiled ! 116
viii Ang. Come vppe to fie kyng to be crouned.
[The rest of the page, about half, is occupied with more music, of which
the words are, Veni de libano sfonsa veni coronaberis.']
10. Thorn. O glorious god, what gleraes ar glydand !
I meve in my mynde what may {sis be-mene .'
I see a babbe ' borne in blisse to be bidand, 1 20
With aungelus companye, comely and clene.
Many selcouth sitis in sertis haue I sene,
But jjis mirthe and Jjis melody mengis my mode.
Mar. Thomas, do way all \)\ doutes be-dene, 134
For I ame foundynge fourthe to my faire fode,
I telle jje Jsis tyde.
Thom. Who, my souerayne lady ?
Mar. 3a ! sertis I sale Jie. 128
Thom. Whedir wendes f)Ou, I praye })e ?
Mar. To blisse with my barne for to bide.
11. Thom. To bide with thy barne in blisse to be bidand !
Hayle 1 jentilest of Jesse in Jewes generacion, 132
Haile ! welthe of }jis worlde all welthis is weldand,
Haile ! hendest enhaunsed to high habitacion.
Haile ! derworth and dere is \>\ diewe dominacion.
' MS. has babbe, but berde or burde (i. e. lady) was surely intended.
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY TO THOMAS. 485
Haile 1 floure fresshe florisshed, pi frewte is full felesome. 136
Haile ! sete of cure saveour and sege of saluacion,
Haile 1 happy to helde to, Tpi helpe is full helesome.
Haile 1 pereles in plesaunce, the peerless and
pure, the help for
Haile! precious and pure, 140 aiiouriiis.
Haile ! salue \>aX is sure,
Haile ! lettir of langure,
Haile ! bote of oure bale in obeyesaunce.
12. Mar. Go to ]>[ brethir Jjat in bale are abiding, 144 if. 234.
XXX11 IV
And of what wise to welthe I ame wendande, m^^ t^Hs
With-oute taryng )jou telle Jjame f-is tithynge, STu brethren
per mirthe so besse mekill amendande.
For Thomas, to me were Jsei tendande, 148
Whanne I drewe to Tpe dede, all but Tpon.
Thom. Bot I, lady ! whillis in lande I ame lendande,
Obeye Ipe full baynly my bones will I bowe.
Bot II alias ! 152
Whare was I Jeanne
When Jjat barette beganne ?
An vnhappy manne ih^y ^ifnT"'''
Both nowe and euere I was. 156
what he now sees.
believe me.'
13. Vnhappy, vnhende, am I holden at home,
What drerye destonye me drew fro Jjat dede !
Mar. Thomas, sesse of thy sorowe, for I am sothly the
same.
Thom. pat wote I wele, ]>e worthiest Jsat wrapped is in
wede ! 160
Mar. panne spare nott a space nowe my speche for to ' Delay not, say
you saw me
spade, ascending,
Go sale pem sothely, Jjou sawe me assendinge.
Thom. Now douteles, derworthy, I dare not for drede.
For to my tales fiat I telle Tpei are not attendinge, 164
For no spelle Jjat is spoken.
486
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [wEAVERs].
I give you my
girdle as a token.'
Thomas over-
flows with thanks.
' They will now
believe me, I
fearlessly will do
my duty.'
Maria. I schall jje schewe
A token trewe.
Full fresshe of hewe, i68
Mi girdill, loo, take fiame Ipis tokyn.
14. -Thoni. I thanke })e as reuerent rote of oure reste,
I thanke }>e as stedfast stokke for to stande,
I thanke Tpe as tristy tre for to treste, 172
If. 234 b. I thanke Jse as buxsom bough to pe bande,
I thanke Jjc as leeffe jse lustiest in lande,
I thanke Ipe as bewteuous braunche for to here,
I thanke \>e as floure J>at neuere is fadande, 176
I thanke Tpe as frewte J)at has fedde vs in fere.
I thanke ]>e for euere,
If they repreue me,
Now schall fiei leue me ! 180
pi blissinge giffe me,
And douteles I schall do my deuere.
15. Mar. Thomas, to do Jeanne thy deuere be dressand,
He bid J)e his blissinge fiat beldis aboven, 184
And in sijtte of my sone jjer is sittand.
Shall I knele to )5at comely with croune ;
pat what dispaire be dale or be doune
With pitevous playnte in perellis will pray me, 188
If he synke or swete, in swelte or in swoune,
I schall sewe to my souerayne sone for to say me.
He schall graunte Jjame Jier grace.
Be it manne in his mournyng, 192
Or womanne in childinge,
All ]>es to be helpinge,
pat prince schall I praye in jjat place.
Great thanks! 16. Thom. Gramercy ! Jse goodliest grounded in grace, 196
Gramercy ! ps lufliest lady of lire,
Gramercy ! pe fairest in figure and face,
Gramercy I ps derrest to do oure desire.
Mary will sue for
help for all in
despair, or
danger, for man
in trouble or
woman in travail.
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY TO THOMAS. 487
Mar. Farewele, nowe I passe to \>e pereles empire, 200 Mary passes
Farewele, Thomas, I tarie no tyde here. * ° '
Thorn. Farewele, Jsou schynyng schappe jjat schyniste so xhomasbidsfare-
1 . well to the ieUe
SCnire, of all beauties.
Farewele, fie belle of all bewtes to bide here ;
Farewele ]30u faire foode, 204
Farewele \>e keye of counsaile, if. 23s.
xxxij, V.
Farewele all Jsis worldes wele,
Farewele, our hape and oure hele,
Farewele nowe, both gracious and goode. 208
[TXif Vision vanishes.
[Four staves of music here occupy about half the page; the words are,
Veni electa mea et fonam in te tronum meum Quia concupiuit rex
speciem tuam '.]
17. Thorn. That I mette with bis may here my mirtheis amend, Thomas hastens
by hill and valley
I will hy me in haste and holde jjat I haue hight, to find his feiiow-
To here my brethir Jiis boodeword my bak schall I bende,
And sale fiame in certayne jse soth of |5is sight. ' 212
Be dale and be doune schall I dresse me to dijt.
To I fynde of ]3is felawschippe faithfull in fere,
I schall renne and reste not to ransake full right.
Lo I Jje menje I mente of I mete jjam euen here at hande. 216 if 235 b.
[Meets the other Apostles.
God Saffe JOU in feere. He greets them;
Say brejjir, what chere ? '
Pet. What dois Jjou here ?
pou may nowe of \>i gatis be gangand. 320
18. Thorn, Why dere brethir, what bale is be-gune ?
Pet. Thomas, I telle jje, )5at tene is be-tidde vs.
Thorn. Me for-thinkith for my frendis jjat faithfull are He thought his
friends were true.
foune.
Jacob. 3a, but in care litill kyndnes fiou kid vs. 224
Audr. His bragge and his boste is he besie to bid vs. They upbraid
°° him as a boaster,.
But and \>tr come any cares he kepis not to kenne,
' See the Frontispiece.
488
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [wEAVERS].
and unkind^
because he did
not come to
Mary's burial.
If. 236.
xxxij. vj.
Thomas knows
about it.
He shows the
girdle to them,
who still do not
believe him.
We may renne till we raue, or any ruth rid vs,
For Jje frenschippe he fecched vs be frith or be fenne. 228
Thom. Sirs, me meruailes, I saie yowe,
What mevis in youre mynde.
Joh. We can wele fynde
pou art vnkynde. 232
Thom. Nowe pees Jeanne, and preue it, I pray yowe.
19. Pet. pat fjou come not to courte here vnkyndynes jjou
kid vs,
Oure treuth of has turned vs to tene and to traye,
pis yere haste Jiou rakid, ]3i reuth wolde not ridde vs, 336
For witte Jjou wele p&t worthy is wente on hir waye.
' In a depe denne dede in scho doluen jjis daye,
Marie, )jat maiden and modir so milde.
Thom. I wate wele i-wis,
Jacob. Thomas, do way. 240
Andr. Itt forse nojt to frayne hym, he will not be filde.
Thom. Sirs, with hir haue I spoken
Lattar Jianne yee,
Joh. pat may not bee. 244
Thom. Yis, knelyng on kne.
Pet. panne tite, can {jou telle us some token ?
20. Thom. Lo ! })is token full tristy scho toke me to take youe,
[Shows the girdle.
Jacob. A ! Thomas, whare gate Jjou Jjat girdill so gode? 248
Thom. Sirs, my messages is meuand some mirthe for to
make youe,
For founding flesshly I fande hir till hir faire foode,
And when I mette with jsat maiden, it mengid my mode.
Hir sande has scho sente youe, so semely to see. 252
And. Ya, Thomas, vnstedfaste full staring ]30u stode,
pat makis \\ mynde nowe full madde for to be.
But herken and here nowe * 2 jj
' This line is placed after 1. 257 in the MS.
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LADY TO THOMAS. 489
Late vs loke where we laid hir,
If any folke haue affraied hir.
Joh. Go we groppe wher we graued hir, 258
If we fynde oujte TpaX faire one in fere nowe.
l^I^ey go to Mary' s grave.
21. Pet. Be-halde nowe, hidir youre hedis in haste, They look in the
grave and find
pis glorious and goddely is gone fro ]3is graue. ^he is gone ;
Thorn. Loo ! to my talking ye toke youe no tente for to
traste. • 262
Jacob. A ! Thomas, vntrewly nowe trespassed we haue, they all beg
pardon for not
Mercy, full kyndely we crie and we craue. believing
•"■'■' _ Thomas.
Andr. Mercye, for foule haue we fautid in faye. if. 236 b.
Joh. Mercye, we praye \t, we will not de-praue. 266
Pet. Mercye, for dedis we did fie Jjis daye,
Thorn. Oure saueour so swete
For-gifFe you all,
And so I schall. 2 70
pis tokyn tall
Haue I brought yowe, youre bales to beete.
22, Pet. Itt is welcome, i-wis, fro Jiat worthy wight,
For it was wonte for to wappe }3at worthy vjrgine. 274
Jacob. Itt is welcome, i-wis, fro Jjat lady so light,
For hir wombe wolde scho wrappe with it and were it with The girdle is
welcome for the
Wynne, sake of its wearer.
Andr. Itt is welcome i-wis, fro fiat saluer of synne.
For scho bende it aboute hir with blossom so bright. 278
Joh. Itt is welcome i-wis, fro }je kepe of oure kynne.
For aboute jjat reuerent it rechid full right.
Pet. Nowe knele we ilkone ^iiey kneel to
Vpponne oure kne. 282 ^^^'
Jacob. To }3at lady free.
Andr. Blissid motte sche be !
Ja, for scho is lady lufsome allone,
Thomas returns
to India,
Peter goes to
Rome,
James to
Samaria,
If. 237.
xxxii, vij.
Andrew to
Achaia,
John to Asia.
* Pray God may
bless our labours.'
490
23. Thorn.
XLVI. THE WEFFERES [wEAVERs].
Nowe brethir, bese besie and buske to be bow-
nand, 386
To Ynde will I tome me and trauell to teche.
Pet. And to Romans so royall po renkis to be rownand,
Will I passe fro Jsis place, my pepull to preche.
Jae. And I schall Samaritanus so sadly enserche, 290
To were }?am be wisdome Tpei wirke not in waste.
Andr. And to Achaia full lely jjat lede for to leche,
Will hy me to helpe }jame and hele fiame in haste.
Joh. pis comenaunt accordis, 294
Sirs, sen je will soo,
Me muste nedis parte youe froo
To Assia will I goo.
He lede 30U, Jsat lorde of all lordis ! 298
24. Thorn. The lorde of all lordis in lande schall he lede youe,
Whillis je trauell in trouble, pe trewthe for to teche,
With frewte of oure feithe in firthe schall we fede youe,
For jjat laboure is lufsome, ilke lede for to leche. 302
Nowe I passe fro youre presence \>e pepull to preche.
To lede Jjame and lere Jaame fie lawe of oure lorde ;
As I saide, vs muste a-soundre and sadly enserche,
like contre to kepe clene and knytte in o corde 306
Off oure faithe.
pat frelye foode
pat died on rode,
With mayne and moode, 310
He grath yowe be gydis full grath !
[The rest of leaf 237 and back are blank,
filled with music ; see the facsimiles.]
Both sides of leaf 2 38 are
XLVII. THE OSTELERESi.
If. 23^. ^
xxxiij , j.
The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin.
Jesus.
Maria.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
1, ^, 3. 4i 6. 6 Angelus.]
Jesus.
[Scene I, The heights of Heaven\
1\ TYNE aungellis jjat are bright and schene,
On my message take ye J^e waye
Vnto Marie, my modir clene,
pat berde is brighter Jjan J3e daye.
Crete hir wele haly be-dene,
An to ]3at semely schall je saye,
Off heuene I haue hir chosen quene,
In joie and blisse f)at laste schall aye.
I wille 30U saie what I haue fioughte,
And why Jjat je schall tille hir wende,
I will hir body to me be brought,
To beilde in blisse with-outen ende.
Mi flesshe of hir in erj^e was tone,
Vnkindely thing it were, i-wis
pat scho schulde bide be hire allone.
And I beilde here so high in blis.
For-thy tille hir J3an schall je fare.
Full frendlye for to fecche hir hedir,
pere is no thyng Jiat I loue more,
In blisse Jjanne schall we belde to-gedir.
Transitus
MariiB, Tischen-
dorf, Text B,
P- I3S-
Jesus sends his
angels to burd
Mary,
to say he has
chosen her queen
g of heaven ;
i5
she was his
mother, it were
unnatural she
should he left
alone, while he is
high in bliss.
^ ' Alias Inholders,* and * caret ' beneath, is written immediately after
Osteleres, in the late hand.
492
XLVII. THE OSTELERES.
The angels go
rejoicingly.
If. 239 b.
i Angelus. 0 ! blissfull lorde, nowe moste of myght,
We are redye with all oure myght
Thy bidding to fulfille,
To pi modir, fiat maiden free,
Chosen cheflfe of chastite,
As it is thy wille.
ii Angelus. Off p\s message we are ful fayne,
We are redy with myght and mayne,
Bothe be day and be nyght ;
Heuene and erfie nowe gladde may be,
pat frely foode nowe for to see,
In whome fiat fiou did light \
23
:6
29
33
iii Angelus. Lorde ! Jesu Criste, oure gouernoure,
We are all boune att fji bidding.
With joie and blisse and grete honnoure,
We schall Jji modir to \>e bringe.
36
Hail ! daughter
of blessed Anna,
Hail ! branch
that brought
forth that blessed
flower !
[Scene II, Near Mary's graved]
iv Angelus. Hayle ! pe doughtir of blissid Anne,
pe whiche consayued thurgh Tpe holy goste.
And Tpon brought forthe both god and manne.
The whiche felled doune Ipe fendis boste. 40
V Angelus. Haile ! roote of risse, fiat fourthe brought
pat blissid floure oure saueoure,
The whiche fiat made mankynde of noght,
And brought hym vppe in to his toure.
vi Angelus. Of f>e allone he wolde be borne
In-to fiis worlde of wrecchidnesse,
To saue mankynde fiat was for-lorne.
And bringe f)ame oute of grete distresse.
i Angelus. pou may be gladde, bothe day and nyght.
To se thy sone oure saueoure.
44
48
1 These two 6-line stanzas are the only two that occur in this piece.
THE ASSUMPTION AND CORONATION OF THE VIRGIN. 493
S2
5t>
60
He will }je croune nowe, lady bright,
pou blissid modir and faire floure.
ii Augelus. Marie modir, and mayden clene,
Chosen cheffe vn-to ]>i childe,
Of heuene and erfie ]>o\i arte quene,
Come vppe nowe, lady, make and mylde.
iii Angelus. pi sone has sente vs aftir })e
To bringe \>e nowe vnto his blisse,
per schall Jjou belde and blithe be,
Of joie and mirthe schall jjou nojt misse.
iv Angelus. For in his blisse with-outen ende,
pere schall )jou alkynne solas see,
pi liife in likyng for to lende,
With Ipi dere sone in Trinite.
Maria \ruzttg]. A ! blissid be god, Fadir all weldand,
Hym selffe wottith best what is to doo,
I thanke hym with harte and hande,
pat Jjus his blisse wolde take me too :
And 30U also his aungellis bright,
pat fro my sone to me is sente,
I am redy with all my myght.
For to fulfille his comaundement.
V Angelus. Go we nowe, {jou worjji wight,
Vnto \>i sone fiat is so gente.
We schall Ipe bringe in-to his sight.
To croune jje quene, jsus hase he mente.
vi Angelus. AUe heuene and erjje schall worschippe Ipe,
And baynnely be at Jji.biddinge,
Thy joie schall euere incressid be,
Of solas sere Jian schall )30U synge. Caniando^
He will crown
thee.
Come up, now,
lady.
thy son sends us
for thee.
If. 24^.
xxxiij. ij.
thou shalt live ir
all kinds of joy.'
68
;6
Mary thanks the
Father and the
ahgels.
^ 2 She is ready.
* Let us go to thy
gentle son.'
[Scene III, The heights of Heaven.]
i Angelus. Jesu, lorde and heuene-is kyng,
Here is ]>i modir [jou aftir sente,
* Original direction.
8(
494
XVUl. THE OSTELERES.
If. 240 b.
Mary thanks her
son.
' Hail ! Mary
mother, thou art
clothed with
grace and good-
We shall ascend
to mybliss. Thy
hurts are turned
to joy, mother !
the angels shall
bow to thee.'
The five joys of
Mary;
Gabriel's mes-
sage.
ir. 241.
xxxiij. iij.
We haue her brought at pi biddynge,
Take hir to \>e as jjou haste mente. 84
Maria. Jesu, my sone, loved motte Tpou be,
I thanke \>e hartely in my jjought
pat jjis wise ordandis for me,
And to Ipis blisse Ipou haste me broght. 88
Jesus. Haile ! be ]>o\i Marie, maiden bright,
pou arte my modir and I thy sone,
With grace and goodnesse arte Jiou dight,
With me in blisse ay schall Tpou wonne. 92
Nowe schall Jjou haue fiat I J^e hight,
Thy tyme is paste of all ]>i care,
Wirschippe schall Tpe aungellis bright.
Of newe schall Tpou witte neuere more. 96
Maria. Jesu my sone, loued motte Ipou be,
I thanke Tpe hartely in my J^ojt,
pat on ])[s wise ordandis for me,
And to this blisse J30U has me broght. 100
Jesus. Come forth with me, my modir bright,
In-to my blisse we schall assende,
To wonne in welthe, jJOu worjii wight,
That neuere more schall it haue ende.
Thi newis, modir, to neuen Jsame nowe.
Are turned to joie, and soth it is.
All aungellis bright Tpei schall Ipe bowe.
And worschippe J^e worjjely i-wis.
For mekill joie, modir, had Jjou,
Whan Gabriell grette Tpe wele be jais,
And tolde pe tristely for to trowe,
pou schulde consayue ]>e kyng of blisse. 112
i Angelus. Nowe maiden meke and modir myne ^,
Itt was full mekill myr]3e to Jje,
pat I schulde ligge in wombe of Tpine,
Thurgh gretyng of an aungell free. 116
' See note on next page.
104
108
THE ASSUMPTION AND CORONATION Olf THE VIRGIN.
495
ii Augelus. The secounde joie modir was syne,
With-outen payne whan Jjou bare me.
iii Augelus. The thirde aftir my bittir peyne,
Fro dede on lyve ]3ou sawe me be.
iv Angelus. The fourthe was when I stied vppe right,
To heuene vnto my fadir dare,
My modir, when Jjou saugh jsat sight.
To ]>e it was a solas seere.
V Augelus. pis is ]>e fifle, pou worthy wight.
Of ]>e jois Jjis has no pare,
Nowe schall Jjou belde in blisse so bright.
For euer and ay, I highte Jse here.
vi Angelus. For ]jo\i arte cheffe of chastite.
Off all woman Tpou beris pe floure,
Nowe schalle Ipoa, lady, belde with me,
In blisse Jjat schall euere in-dowre.
i Angelus. Full high on highte in mageste.
With all worshippe and all honnouras,
Wher we schall euere samen be,
Beldand in oura bigly boures ^.
ii Ang. Alle kynnys swetnesse is Jier-in,
pat manne vppon may thynke, or wifFe,
With joie and blisse lpa.t neuare schall blynne,
per schall Jjou, lady, lede thy liffe,
iii Angelus. pou schalte be worshipped with honnoure
In heuene blisse )3at is so bright,
With martiris and with confessouris.
With all virginis, ]3at worthy wight.
[Jesus.] Be-fore all ojsere craatours
I schall Jje giffe both grace and might.
In heuene and erjja to sende socoure.
The birth of
Jesus.
120 The resurrection.
Christ's ascen-
sion into heaven.
124
Her own assump-
tion.
128
I.?2
136
' We will dwell
together in our
delightful
bowers of bliss.
140
144
f. 241 b.
Jesus grants her
grace above all
other creatures,
and mercy to all
who call on her.
» The rubricator has made the Angeh tell the five joys of Mary, but
it is clear from the pronouns used that U. 113-136 are spoken by Jesus,
in continuation of his previous speech. Jesus also should begin again at
line 145, or rather 1. 129.
496 XLVII. THE OSTELERES.
To all jpzl semis })e day and nyght. i+S
I graunte fjame grace with all my myght,
Thurgh askyng of fii praier,
pat to {jc call be day or nyght,
In what disease so Jjat Jjei are. 152
pou arte my liffe and my lekyng,
Mi modir and my mayden schene,
[I'lacing the crown on Mary s head.
Mary is crowned. Ressayue Jjis croune, my dere darlyng,
per I am kyng, {jou schalte be quene. 156
Myne aungellis bright, a songe je singe,
In ]3e honnoure of my modir dere,
And here I giflfe 50U my blissing,
Haly no we, all in fere. 160
XLVIII. THE MERCERESi.
The Judgment Day.
[PERSONS OF THE PLAY.
Deus. I, 2 Anima mala.
I, 2, 3 Angelus. I, 2 Apostolus.
I, 2 Anima bona. i, 2, 3 Diabolus]
If. 2i^2.
xxxiij. i^.
[Scene I, HeavenP[
Deus incipit.
1. FIRSTE when I jjis worlde hadde wroght,
Woode and wynde and wateris wan,
And all-kynne thyng Jjat nowe is oght,
FuUe wele me fioght Jjat I did Jeanne.
Whenne fiei were made goode me Jjame }50ght,
Sethen to my liknes made I man,
And man to greue me gaife he noght,
perfore me rewis Jjat I jse worlde began.
2. Whanne I had made man at my will,
I gaffe hym wittis hym selue to wisse,
And paradise I putte hym till,
And bad hym halde it all as his, 1 2
But of Jje tree of goode and ill,
I saide, " what tyme jjou etis of Jjis,
Manne, jjou spedes \\ selue to spill,
pou arte broght oute of all blisse." 16
3. Belyue brak manne my bidding.
He wende haue bene a god Jjerby,
He wende haue wittyne of all-kynne thyng.
In worlde to haue bene als wise as I. 20
' The 30th Towneley Play, ' Juditiutn ' (fo. 1 2 2 of MS., p. 305, of Surtees
print), is in part parallel; the beginning is lost, the first existing 16 lines
and other parts differ. It is here given from line 17 (York 1, 145 ).
Kk
God rehearses
his creation of
the world,
how he placed
man therein in
Paradise,
how man- broke
God's bidding.
498
XLVIII. THE MERCERE3.
God sent his Son
to save man from
sorrow, who shed
his Islood, and
afterwards
harrowed hell.
If. 242 b.
* Man has found
me full of mercy
and forgiveness,
but they have
grieved me oft,
I will suflEer their
wickedness no
He ete the appill I badde schulde hyng,
pus was he begilid thurgh glotony,'
Sithen both hym and his ospring,
To pyne I putte J)ame all for-thy. 24
4. To lange and late me fioghte it goode,
To catche })ois caitiffis cute of care,
I sente my sone with full blithe moode
TiU erjie, to salue Jiame of J^are sare. 28
For rew})e of Jjame he reste on roode.
And boughte jjame with his body bare,
For J3ame he shedde his harte and bloode,
What kyndinesse myght I do Jjame mare ? 32
5. Sethen aftirwarde he heryed hell,
And toke oute }3ois wrechis jsat ware Jiare-imie.
per faughte Jjat free with feendis feele
For jjame paX ware sounkyn for syime. 36
Sethen in erthe }jan gonne he dwelle,
Ensaumpill he gaue )jame heuene to wynne,
In tempill hym-selffe to teche and tell,
To by })ame blisse Jiat neuere may blynne. 40
6. Sethen haue fjei founde me full of mercye,
Full of grace and for-giffenesse,
And J3ei als wrecchis, wittirly,
Has ledde Jser liffe in lithirnesse. 44
Ofte haue Jsei greued me greuously,
pus have Jiei quitte me my kyndinesse,
per-fore no lenger, sekirlye.
Thole will I jjare wikkidnesse. 48
7. Men seis Ipe worlde but vanite,
3itt will no-maime be ware f>er-by,
like a day per mirroure may fiei se,
Jitt thynke Jjci nojt )>at Jjei schall dye. 52
All }jat euere I saide schulde be
Is nowe fulfiUid thurgh prophicie,
THE JUDGMENT DAY.
499
Ther-fore nowe is it tyme to me
To make endyng of mannes folic. '
8. I haue tholed mankynde many a jere,
In luste and likyng for to lende,
And vnethis fynde I ferre or nere
A man Jjat will his misse amende.
In erthe I see butte synnes seere,
Therfore myne aungellis will I sende
To blawe J)er bemys, fiat all may here
The tyme is comen I will make ende.
9. Aungellis 1 blawes youre bemys belyue 1
like a creatoure for to call,
Leerid and lewde, both man and wiffe,
Ressayue \>er dome Tpis day Ipei schall ;
like a leede fiat euere hadde liife,
Bese none for-getyn, grete ne small.
Ther schall Jsei see fie woundes fyve
pat my sone suffered for Tpem all.
10. And sounderes fiame be-fore my sight,
All same in blisse schall pei not be,
Mi blissid childre, as I haue hight,
On my right hande I schall fiame see :
Sethen schall ilke a weried wight
On my lifte side for ferdnesse flee,
pis day fier domys fius haue I dight,
To ilke a man as he hath serued me.
11. Primiis Ang. Loued be fiou, lorde of myghtis moste,
pat aungell made to messengere,
Thy will schall be fulfiUid in haste,
pat heuene and erthe and helle schalle here.
Goode and ill euery ilke agaste,
Rise and fecche youre flessh fjat was youre feere,
For all f)is worlde is broght to waste,
Drawes to youre dome, it neghes nere.
K k 2
66
Far or near I
scarcely find a
^Q man who repents.
Maith. xxiv. 31 ;
XXV. 31-46.
64
Angels, blow
your trumpets to
call all to the day
of doom.'
68
72
76
If. 243-
xxxiij. vj.
The five wounds
that Christ
suffered will be
seen.
* Set the good
men on the right,
the cursed on
the left hand.'
80
84
500
Xtvni. THE MERCERES.
He summons to
justice.
Matth. xvi. 27.
They rise, body
and soul together.
The good souls
pray mercy for
theu: sins,
If. 243 b.
they have often
grieved God.
The bad souls
shudder at the
horn,
they are in terror
what can they
do»
12. ii Angel. like a creature, bothe olde and yhing,
Be-lyue I bidde jou }3at ^e ryse,
Body and sawle with 50U je bring,
And comes be-fore fie high justise. 52
For I am sente fro heuene kyng
To calle jou to Jjis grette assise,
perfore rise vppe and geue rekenyng,
How je hym serued vppon sere wise. \The Souls rise up.] 96
13. Prima anima bona. Loued be ]?ou lorde, pat is so schene,
pat on jjis manere made vs to rise
Body and sawle to-gedir, clene,
To come before Jje high justise. 100
Of cure ill dedis, lorde, Jjou not mene,
That we haue wroght vppon sere wise,
But graunte vs for thy grace be-dene
pat we may wonne in paradise.
14. ii An. tona. A 1 loued be Ipou, lorde of all !
pat heuene and erthe and all has wroght,
pat with Jjyne aungellis wolde vs call,
Oute of oure graues hidir to be broght.
Ofte haue we greued Tpe, grette and small,
per aftir lorde Jjou deme vs noght I
Ne suffir vs neuere to fendis to be thrall,
pat ofte in erj^e with synne vs soght. 112
15. i An. mala. Alias ! alias I Jsat we were borne.
So may we synfull kaytiffis say,
I here wele be Jjis hydous home
Itt drawes full nere to domesday. 116
Alias I we wrecchis pat ar for-lorne,
pat never jitt serued God to paye,
But ofte we haue his flessh for-sworne,
Alias! alias 1 and welaway. 120
16. What schall we wrecchis do for drede,
Or whedir for ferdnes may we flee ?
104
108
THE JUDGMENT DAY.
501
132
136
When we may bringe forthe no goode dede,
Before hym TpaX cure juge schall be. 124
To aske mercy vs is no nede,
For wele I wotte dampned be we,
Alias ! ]>at we swilke liflfe schulde lede,
pat dighte vs has ])\s destonye. 128
17. Oure wikkid werkis "J^ei will vs wreye,
pat we wende never schuld haue bene weten,
pat we did ofte full pryuely,
Appertely may we se Jjem wreten.
Alias ! wrecchis, dere mon we by,
Full smerte with helle fyre be we smetyn,
Nowe mon neuere saule ne body dye,
But with wikkid peynes euermore be betyne.
18. Alias ! for drede sore may we quake,
Oure dedis beis oure dampnacioune,
For oure mys-meuyng mon we make,
Helpe may none excusacioune. 140
We mon be sette for our synnes sake
For euere fro oure saluacioune,
In helle to dwelle with feendes blake,
Wher neuer schall be redempcioune. 144
19. ii An. mala. Als carefull caitifEs may we ryse,
Sore may we ringe oure handis and wepe,
For cursidnesse and for covetise,
Dampned be we to helle full depe. 148
Rought we neuere of goddis seruise,
His comaundementis wolde we nojt kepe.
' Our wicked
works will de-
stroy us, we see
them written
openly.
If. 2^4.
xxxiij. vij.
The bad must
stay in hell with
black devils.
Well may they
wring their hands
and weep.
iii Mains. Alas carefuUe catyfes may we ryse
Sore may we wryng oure handes and wepe,
For cursid and sore covytyse
Dampned be we in helle fulle depe ;
Roght we neuer of Codes seruyce,
His commaundements wold we not kepe,
145
653
502
XLVIII. THE MERCERES.
' We must bear 20.
ourwicked works
on our backs.
AUour deeds that 21'
will damn us are
plainly brought
forth,'
But ofte Jsan made we sacrafise,
To Satanas, when othir slepe.
Alias ! now wakens all oure were,
Oure wikkid werkis may we not hide,
But on oure bakkis vs muste \>em bere,
Thei wille vs wreye on iike a side.
I see foule feendis J^at wille vs feere,
And all for pompe of wikkid pride,
Wepe we may with many a teere,
Alias ! }jat we Jiis day schulde bide.
Before vs playnly bese fourth brought
pe dedis pai vs schall dame be-dene,
pat eres has herde, or harte has I^oght,
Sen any tyme Jiat we may mene,
pat fote has gone or hande has wroght.
That mouthe has spoken or ey has sene,
pis day full dere Jsanne bese it boght.
Alias ! vnborne and we hadde bene.
152
156
160
164
168
Bot oft tymes maide we sacrifice
To Sathanas when othere can slepe.
Alas, now wakyns alle oure were,
Oure wykyd warkes can we not hide,
Bot on oure bakes we must theym bere.
That wille vs soroo on ilka syde.
Oure dedys this day wille do vs dere,
Oure domysman here we must abide.
And feyndes, that wille vs felly fere,
Thare pray to haue vs for thare pride.
Brymly before vs be thai broght,
Oure dedes that shalle dam vs bidene ;
That eyre has harde, or harte thoght,
That mowthe has spokyn, or ee sene.
That foote has gone, or hande wroght.
In any tyme that we may mene,
FuUe dere this day now bees it boght.
Alas, vnborne then had I bene !
152
156
157
158
161
162
163
166
112
164
167
' In the MS. this stanza was omitted by the scribe in its right place and
added at the end.
THE JUDGMENT DAY. 503
22. iii Angel. Standis noght to-gedir, parte you in two, The angels
All sam schall 36 noght be in blisse, thrg^odfrom
Mi fadir of heuene woll it be soo,
For many of yowe has wroght amys. 172
pe goode on his right hande je goe,
pe way till heuene he will you wisse ;
Je weryed wightis, je flee hym froo,
On his lefte hand? as none of his. 176
23. Deus K pis woffuU worlde is brought till ende,
Mi fadir of heuene he woll it be,
perfore till erjse nowe will I wende, ^ if. 244 1-
Mi-selue to sitte in mageste, i8o Jesus goes to
Til 1 earth in the flesh
To deme my domes I woll descende, to sit in judg-
_ ' ment.
pis body will I bere with me,
Howe it was dight, mannes mys to mende,
All mankynde f)ere schall it see. [Descends to earth.'] 184
[Thirty-two lines intervene here, spoken by 4™ malus.]
i Angelus cum gladio. Stand not togeder, parte in two, 169
Alle sam shalle ye not be in blys, 654
Oure lord of heven wille it be so, 171
For many of you has done amys ;
On his right hande ye good shalle go, 173
The way till heuen he shall you wys;
Ye wykyd sanies ye weynd hym fro,
On his left hande as none of his. 176
Jesus. The tyme is commen, I wille make ende,
My Fader of heuen wille it so be, 178
Therfor title erthe now wille I weynde.
My self to sytt in maieste; 180
To dele my dome I wille discende.
This body wille I bere with me, 182
How it was dight man's mys to amende
Alle man's kynde ther shalle it se. 184
[A long satiro-comic scene between the devils and Tutivillus follows,
fo. 123, after which the piece continues as at 1. 229.]
' i. e. Jesus,
504
XLVm. THE MERCERES.
' My apostles
andiny beloved,
I will now keep
my promise
According to
their deeds
I will judge
them.'
What they shall
Jtaue/ory folly.
[Mare, note in
later hand.]
The apostles are
ready to do his
bidding.
xxxiij. vuj.
[Scene II, The Seat of Judgment?^
24. Beus. Mi postelis and my darlyngis dere,
pe dredfuU dome Jjis day is dight.
Both heuen and erthe and hell schall here,
Howe I schall holde Jiat I haue hight, i88
That je schall sitte on seetis sere,
Be-side my selffe to se }jat sight.
And for to deme folke ferre and nere,
Aftir })er werkyng, wronge or right. 192
25. I saide also whan I you sente
To- sufFre sorowe for my sake.
All fio Jjat -wolde Jjame right repente
Schulde with you wende and wynly wake ; 196
And to youre tales who toke no tente,
Shulde fare to fyre with fendis blake,
Of mercy nowe may nojt be mente,
Butt aftir wirkyng, welth or wrake. 200
26. My hetyng haly schall I fullfiUe.
Therfore comes furth and sittis me by
To here jje dome of goode and ill.
i Apost. ^ I loue }3e, lord god all myghty, 204
Late and herely, lowde and still,
To do thy bidding bayne am I,
I obblissh me to do \\ will.
With all my myght, als is worthy. 208
27. ii Apost. ^ A ! myghtfuU god, here is it sene,
pou will fulfiUe \\ forward right.
And all \\ sawes })ou will maynteyne ;
I loue Jje, lorde, with all my myght. 212
per-fore vs Jiat has erthely bene,
Swilke dingnitees has dressed and dight.
Deus. Comes fourthe, I schall sitte jou betwene,
And all fulfiUe fiat I haue hight. 216
' In the margin to this stanza, ' Hie caret O soverand Savyo' de novo
facto.' " In margin ' de novo facto.'
THE JUDGMENT DAY.
505
Hie ad sedem iudicij cum cantu angelorum.
28. i Slab. Felas, arraye vs for to fight,
And go we faste oure fee to fange,
pe dredefull dome jsis day is dight,
I drede me jjat we dwelle full longe.
ii Biab. We schall be sene euere in Jser sight,
And warly waite, ellis wirke we wrange,
For if jje domisman do vs right,
Full grete partie with vs schall gang.
29. iii Biab. He schall do right to foo and frende,
For nowe schall all jse soth be sought,
All weried wightis with vs schall wende,
To payne endles \€\ schall be broght *.
30. Deus. like a creature, takes entent.
What bodworde I to you bringe,
pis wofuU worlde away is wente,
And I am come as crouned kynge.
Mi fadir of heuene, he has me sente.
To deme youre dedis and make ending,
Comen is fie day of jugement,
Of sorowe may ilk« a synfuU synge.
31. The day is comen of kaydyfnes,
The devils make
ready to fight for
their property.
224
228
' Every creature,
heed my mes-
sage ! My father
has sent me to
judge your
deeds.'
232
236
[Towneley, see before, 1. 184.]
Jesus. Ilka creatoure take tente 229
What bodworde I shalle you bryng.
This wykyd warld away is wente,
And I am commyn as crownyd kyng, 232
Mi fader of heuen has me downe sent.
To deme youre dedes and make endyng.
Commen is the day of lugemente,
Of sorow may eueiy synfuUe syng. 236
The day is commen of catyfhes,
' Here in the margin is written, ' Hie caret de novo facto, Alas that I was
borne, dixit prima anima mala et ij""* anima mala, de novo facto.' And
indeed four lines are wanting to the stanza, as shown by the rimes, though
there is no blank.
506
XLVIII. THE MERCERES.
This day of
sorrow and
dread, long ex-
pected, has come.
If. 245 b.
Christ shows the
wounds he
suffered :
how dearly he
bought man's
brotherhood !
All Jsam to care Jsat are vnclene,
pe day of bale and bittirnes,
Full longe abedyn has it bene, 240
pe day of drede to more and lesse,
Of care ^ of trymbelyng and of tene.
pat ilke a wight }jat weried is
May say, alias ! fiis daye is sene 1 244
32. Here may 50 see my woundes wide,
pe whilke I tholed for youre mysdede,
Thurgh harte and heed, foote, hande, and hide.
Nought for my gilte, butt for youre nede. 248
Beholdis both body, bak, and side.
How dere I bought youre brotherhede.
pes bittir peynes I wolde abide
To bye you blisse, {)us wolde I bleede. 252
33. Mi body was scourged with-outen skill.
As theffe full thraly was [I] thrette.
On crosse Jjei hanged me, on a hill,
AUe those to care that ar vncleyn.
The day of batelle and bitternes,
Fulle long abiden has it beyn ;
The day of drede to more and les,
Of ioy of tremlyng and of teyn.
Ilka wight that wikyd is
May say, alas ! this day is seyn.
Tunc exfandit manus suas et ostendit eis vulnera sua.
Here may ye se my wovindes wide
That I suffred for youre mysdede,
Thrughe harte, hede, fote, hande, and syde,
Not for my gilte bot for youre nede.
Behold both bak, body, and syde,
How dere I boght youre broder-hede.
These bitter paynes I wold abide.
To by you blys thus wold I blede.
Mi body was skowrgid withoutten skille,
Also ther fulle throly was I thrett,
On crosse thai hang me on a hille.
240
244
247
248
252
'■ The copyist first wrote ire (a reminiscence of dies irx), care is written
above it by way of correction.
THE JUDGMENT DAY. 507
Blody and bloo, as I was bette. 256 The tale of the
With croune of thorne throsten full ill, ;™sion"ed.
pis spere vnto my side was sette,
Myne harte bloode spared noght fiei for to spill,
Manne for thy loue wolde I not lette. 260
34. pe Jewes spitte on me spitously,
pei spared me nomore jsan a thefFe,
Whan Jjei me strake I stode full stilly \
Agaynste Jjam did I no thyng greve. 264
Behalde mankynde, Ipis ilke is I,
pat for Jse suffered swilke mischeue,
pus was I dight for thy folye,
Man, loke thy liflfe was to me full leife \ 368
35. pus was I dight ])i sorowe to slake,
Manne, Jjus behoued Ipe to borowed be,
In all my woo toke I no wrake,
Mi will itt was for Jje loue of Ipe. 272
Man, sore aught ]>e for to quake,
pis dredfull day f)is sight to see,
Bio and blody thus was I bett, 256
With crowne of thorne thrastyn fiille ille,
A spere vnto my harte thai sett.
Mi harte blode sparid thai not to spiUe,
Man, for thi luf wold I not lett. 360
The Jues spytt on me spitusly,
Thai sparid me no more then a thefe,
When thai me smote I stud stilly.
Agans thaym did I nokyns grefe : 264
Behalde, mankynde, this ilk am I,
That for the suffred sich myschefe.
Thus was I dight for thi foly,
Man, loke thi luf was me fuUe lefe. 268
Thus was I dight thi sorow to slake,
Man thus behovid the borud to be,
In alle my wo tooke I no wrake.
Mi wille it was for luf of the ; 273
Man for sorow aght the to qwake.
This dredful day this sight to se,
^ The words /»// in 1. 263 and io in 1. 268 are redundant.
508 XLVm. THE MERCERES.
' I suBfered all All bis I Suffered for bi sake,
this for man,
what didst thou Say man, what suffered bou for me ? 276
forme? ■' _' ••
If. 2^6. 36. Mi blissid childre on my right hande,
My children on Youre dome Jsis day je thar not drede,
not "^ '" "^'^ For all youre comforte is command,
Youre liffe in likyng schall je lede. 280
come to the king. Commes to be kvngdome ay lastand,
dom prepared for t j o j
yoU' pat 30U is dight for youre goode dede,
Full blithe may je be where je stande,
For mekill in heuene schall be youre mede. 284
hu/^*^ "d^'^m" ^"^^ Whenne I was hungery ^e me fedde.
To slake my thirste youre harte was free,
Whanne I was clothles je me cledde,
3e wolde no sorowe vppon me see. 288
had pity on me. In harde prcssc whan I was stedde,
Of my paynes l je hadde pitee,
comforted me. Full scke whan I was brought in bedde
and lodged me.
Kyndely je come to coumforte me. 292
AUe this suffred I for thi sake,
Say, man, What suffred thou for me? 276
Tunc vertens se ad bonos, dicit illis,
Mi blissid bames on my right hande,
Youre dome this day thar ye not drede.
For alle youre joy is now commande,
Youre life in lykyng shalle ye lede; 280
Commes to the kyngdom ay lastande,
That you in dight for youre good dede,
FuUe blithe may ye be there ye stand.
For mekille in heuen bees youre mede. 284
When I was hungre ye me fed.
To slek my thrist ye war fuUe fre,
When I was clothles ye me cled.
Ye wold no sorowe on me se ; 288
In hard prison when I was sted
On my penance ye had pyte,
Fulle seke when I was broght in bed
Kyndly ye cam to comforth me. 292
Here the copyist first wrote penaunce instead oi paynes, evidently an
ear-blunder.
THE JUDGMENT DAY. 509
38. Whanne I was wikke and werieste
3e herbered me full hartefuUy,
Full gladde jsanne were je of youre geste,
And pleyned my pouerte piteuously. 296
Be-lyue je brought me of Jie beste,
And made my bedde full esyly ; Ye made my bed
perfore in heuene schall be youre reste,
In joie and blisse to be me by. 300
39. i an. bona. Whanne hadde we, lorde, Jjat all has wroght, -whendidweaU
Meete and drinke Jse with to feede ? Lord?' '"^^'
Sen we in erjse hadde neuere noght
But thurgh jje grace of thy godhede. 304
ii an. bona. V, hanne waste Jsat we pe clothes brought,
Or visite jje in any nede ?
Or in Jji sikenes we \>e sought, u g ^
Lorde, when did we Jie })is dede ? 308
40. Deus. Mi blissid childir, I schall aou saye, 'When you
■f •/ ' helpedtheneedy;
What tyme Jjis dede was to me done,
When any Jjat nede hadde, nyght or day.
When I was wille and weriest
Ye harberd me fulle esely,
Fulle glad then were ye of youre gest,
Ye plenyd my pouerte full pitusly, 296
Belife ye broght me of the best,
And maide my bed there I shuld ly,
Therfor in heuen shalle be youre rest,
In joy and blys to beld me by. 300
1 Bonus. Lord, when had thou so mekille nede?
Hungre or thrusty, how myght it be?
ii Bonus. When was oure harte fre the to feede?
In prison when myght we the se?
iii Bonus. When was thou seke or wautyd wede ?
To harboure the when helpid we?
iv Bonus. When had thou nede of oure fordede ?
When did we alle this dede to the? 308
Jesus. Mi blissid barnes, I shalle you say
What tyme this dede was to me done.
When any that nede had, nyght or day.
510
XLVIII. THE MERCERES.
you never refused
their petition.
But from the 41.
caitiffs of Cain's
kin I will part for
ever.
When I had need 42,
ye expelled me,
when ye sat as
lords I stood out-
side weary and
wet ;
Askid 30U helpe and hadde it sone. 312
Youre fre hartis saide pern neuere nay,
Erely ne late, mydday ne none,
But als ofte sithis as fjei wolde praye,
pame thurte but bide, and haue Jjer bone. 316
3e cursid caytifBs of Kaymes kynne,
pat neuere me comforte in my care,
I and je for euer will twynne.
In dole to dwelle for euermare ; 320
Youre bittir bales schall neuere biynne,
pat je schall haue whan je come Jjare.
pus haue je serued for youre synne.
For derffe dedis je haue done are. 324
Whanne I had mistir of mete and drynke,
CaytifiBs, je cacched me fro youre jate,
Whanne je were sette as sirs on benke,
I stode fier-oute, werie and wette, 328
Was none of yowe wolde on me thynke
Pyte to haue of my poure state ;
Askyd you help and had it sone ; 31^
Youre fre harte saide theym neuer nay,
Erly ne late, myd-day ne noyn,
As oft-sithes as thai wold pray,
Thai thurte bot aske and haue thare boyn. 316
Tunc dicet mails.
Ye cursid catyfs of Kames kyn,
That neuer me comforthid in my care,
Now I and ye for euer shalle twyn,
In doylle to dwelle for ever mare ; 320
Youre bitter bayles shalle neuer blyn.
That ye shalle thole when ye com thare,
Thus haue ye seruyd for youre syn.
For derfe dedes ye haue doyn are. 324
When I had myster of mete and drynke,
Catyfs ye chaste me from youre yate,
When ye were set as syres on bynke
I stode ther cute wery and wate, 328
Yet none of you wold on me thynke,
To haue pite on my poore astate.
THE JUDGMENT DAY.
511
336
340
per-fore till hell I schall you synke,
Weele are je worthy to go j^at gate. 332
43. Whanne I was seke and soriest,
3e visitte me noght, for I was poure,
In prisoune faste whan I was feste,
Was none of you loked howe I fore.
Whenne I wiste neuere where for to reste,
With dyntes je draffe me fro your dore,
Butte euer to pride fianne were je preste,
Mi flessh, my bloode ofte je for-swore.
44. Clothles whanne I was ofte, and colde,
At nede of you jede I full naked,
House ne herborow, helpe ne holde,
Hadde I none of you, Jiof I quaked. 344
Mi mischeffe sawe ye many-folde,
Was none of you my sorowe slaked,
Butt euere for-soke me, yonge and aide,
perfore schall je nowe be for-saked. 348
45. i aia. mala. Whan had ]>o\i, lorde fiat all thyng has,
Hungir or thirste ? sen Jjou god is,
ye visited me
not, poor or in
prison.
If. 247.
xxxiiij. ij.
Ye drove me
with blows from
your door.
none of you
lessened my
sorrow,
therefore I now
forsake you.'
i Malus.
Therfor to helle I shalle you synke,
Welle are ye worthy to go that gate.
When I was seke and soryest
Ye viset me noght, for I was poore,
In prison fast when I was fest
Wold none of you loke how I foore ;
When I wist neuer where to rest
With dyntes ye drofe me from youre doore,
Bot euer to pride them were ye prest.
Mi flesh, my bloode, ye ofte for-swore.
Clothles, when that I was cold
That nerehande for you yode I nakyd.
Mi myschefe saghe ye many-folde.
Was none of you my sorow slakyd ;
Bot euer forsoke me, yong and olde,
Therfor shalle ye now "be forsakyd.
Lorde, when had thou, that alle has.
Hunger or thriste, sen thou God is?
332
336
340
342
345
348
512
XLVm, THE MERCERES.
The bad souls
disclaim these
They were done 46 .
to the needy ;
'ye hid your ears,
your help to them
was not at home,'
If. 247 b.
Jesus calls his
chosen ones to
him,
47.
Whan was Jjou in prisonne was,
Whan was Jjou naked or berberies ? 352
ii aia. mala. Whan was it we sawe pe seke, alias !
Whan kid we Tpe })is vukyndinesse,
Werie or wette to late Ipe passe.
When did we \>e ]>is wikkidnesse ? 356
Deus. CaisiiESs, als ofte als it be-tidde
pat nedfuU aught askid in my name,
3e herde Tpem noght, youre eris je hidde,
Youre helpe to jsame was nojt at hame. 360
To me was Jjat vnkyndines kyd, —
pere-fore here J)is bittir blame.
To leste or moste whan je it did.
To me 56 did })e selue and ])e same. 364
Mi chosen childir, comes vnto me,
With me to wonne nowe schall je wende,
When was that thou in prison was?
When was thou nakyd or harberles? 352
ii Malus. When myght we se the seke, alas !
And kyd the alle this vnkyndnes?
ill Malus. When was we let the helples pas ?
When dyd we the this wikydnes ? 359
iv Malus. Alas, for doylle this day!
Alas, that euer I it abode !
Now am I dampned for ay.
This dome may I not avoyde.
Jesus. Catyfs, as ofte as it betyde 357
That nedefuUe oght askyd in my name.
Ye harde thaym noght, youre eeres was hid,
Youre help to thaym was not at hame ; 360
To me was that vnkyndnes kyd,
Therfor ye here this bitter blame,
To the lest of myne when ye oght dyd.
To me ye did the self and same. 364
Tunc'dicet bonis,
Mi chosyn childer, commes to me,
With me to dwelle now shalle ye weynde.
THE JUDGMENT DAY. 513
pere joie and blisse schall euer be,
Youre lifFe in lyking schall je lende, 368
5e cursed kaitiflis, fro me se flee, he sends the
cursed to hell.
In helle to dwelle with-outen ende,
per je schall neuere butt sorowe see
^ And sitte be Satanas Ipe fende. 372
48. Nowe is fulfiUid all my for-}30ght,
For endid is all erthely thyng,
All worldly wightis jsat I haue wroght,
Aftir Jjer werkis haue nowe wonnyng, 376
Thei pai wolde synne and sessid noght,
Of sorowes sere now schall fiei syng,
And Jjei Jjat mendid ]?ame whils Jsei moght,
Schall belde and bide in my blissing. 380
£i sic facit finem cum melodia
angelorum transiens a loco ad locum.
Ther joy and blys euer shalle be,
Youre life in lykyng for to leynde. 368
Tunc dicet malts.
Ye warid wightes, from me ye fie,
In helle to dwelle withoutten ende,
Ther shalle ye noght hot sorow se,
, And sit bi Sathanas the feynde.
[Another scene between the demons and Tutivillus, with eight closing
lines spoken by a Good soul, complete the Towneley play.]
• In margin here ' nota, miseremini mei, etc'
l1
^=tu. THE INHOLDERS.
\The Coronation of our Lady^
\Fragment in another hand, ? end of \^th cenHJ]
HAYLE ! fulgent Phebus and fader eternal!,
Parfite plasmator and god omnipotent,
Be whos will and power perpetuall, 3
All thinges hath influence and beyng verament.
To the I giffe louyng and laude right excellent,
And to the sperite also, graunter of all grace, 6
Whilke by thi woorde and thi warke omnipotent,
I am thi sonne and equale in that case,
O ! sapor suauitatis, O ! succour and solace, 9
O life eternall and luffer of chastite,
Whome aungels abowne and Jje erthe in his grete space,
And all thinges create loues in mageste. 12
Remembre fader meke, in thi solempnyte.
The woundes of thi sonne, whilke by thy providence
Jjou made discende frome thyne equalite 15
Into the wombe of Marye, be meke obedience.
Of a virgin inviolate for mans iniquyte,
Whilke for his synne stoode mekill fro J)i grace, i8
Be hoole assente of thi solempnite,
pou made me incarnate, and trulie man I was.
Wherefore too spede me here in this space, 21
pou here me fader hertely, I the praye,
As for my moder truely in this case,
pou here p'l sonne, and herk what I shall saye. 24
FRAGMENT IN A LATE HAND. 515
Me semes my silfe it is right grete offence
My moder wombe in erthe sulde putrifye,
Sen her flessh and myne were bothe oone in escence, 27
I had none othir bot of hir truely.
She is my moder to whome legem adimpleui.
Whilke J?ou has ordinate as by thi prouidence, 30
Graunte me thi grace, I the beseke hertely,
As for the tyme of hir meke innocence if. 248 b.
In woorde ne dede thoght the neuer to offende, 33
Sho myght be assumpt, I pray thyn excellence,
Vnto thi troone, and so to be commende,
In bodye and saule euer withoutyn ende 36
With the to reyne in thyne eternyte,
Fro sorrowe and sadnesse synners to offende.
O flagraunt fader 1 graunte yt myght so be ! 39
Responcio Patris ad Filium.
O lampe of light ! O lumen eternall !
O coequale sonne ! O verrey sapience !
0 mediator ande meen, and lyfe perpetual!, 42
In whome of derk clowedes may haue none accidence !
Thoue knawes right wele by thy providence,
1 haue commyt my powere generall, 45
Tibi data poteslas ande plenall influence.
Thou ert my sonne.
[The piece breaks off here, unfinished. See InnhoMers, in Introduction.]
\. 1 2
517
SURGE PROXIMA MEA.
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VENI DE LIBANO SPONSA.
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VENI ELECTA MEA.
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NOTE ON THE MUSIC.
Edited by William H. Cummings, F.S.A.
The difficulties attendant on an attempt to translate ancient manu-
script music into modern notation are many. The scribe of the day
probably wrote down from dictation some well-known melodies, which
were usually orally transmitted from singer to singer ; and even had
he been desirous of representing the traditional tunes with accuracy,
the system for indicating musical sounds by written signs was in
such an indefinite and chaotic condition, that with the best and most
faithful endeavours, the result would have produced merely an
approximation of the music sung.
In the present case some pages of the manuscript seem to have
been penned by an indifferent or careless writer; see facsimiles of fol.
238-238 v" (Plates II, III). The music here is two-part composition
like the other tunes; the parts are; not written in score, but each at
length, the second after the first.'
' Mr. Cummings finds that these two leaves are written in so confused
a manner as to make their rendering into modern notation extremely doubtful ;
instead of attempting it, therefore, the two leaves are presented to the reader
in black facsimile, the only variation from the original MS. being that the
red notes, and the stave-lines and clefs (all of which are red in the orignal) are
here black. For the sake of any student who may wish to colour his copy, the
following enumeration is given, by which he can identify them. Leaf 238 : in
the first stave, counting from top, are four red notes : —
Stave.
Red Notes.
Leaf 238.
I
4
2
>;
3
8
4
4
5
None.
6
4
7
I
8
■S
9
None.
Leaf 238,
1
15
verso.
2
4
3
8
4
3
•\
4
6
9
7
3
8
4
9
2
Identification, beginning at left hand.
7th, 13th, 14th and 15th notes.
I2th, i.^th, i6th, 17th. iFth notes.
2nd,3rd, nth, 2 1st, 22nd, 30th, 31st, 33rdnotes,
28th, 3ist-33rd notes.
gth, 24th-26th notes.
4th note.
4th, istfi, 1 6th, 31st, 32nd notes.
[41st, 42nd, 4.'ith notes.
9th, loth, 27th-32nd. 34th, 36th, 37th, 40th,
ist, 2nd (double note, and the b), 13th, 29th
notes. [40th, 41st notes.
4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 28th, 29th (double note).
34th, 3Sth, 36th notes.
7th, 8th, 22nd, 40th notes.
2nd, 7th-ioth, 22nd, 23rd, 40th, 41st notes.
5th, 6th, 33rd notes.
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th notes.
23rd, 24th notes.
L. T. S.
524
ADDITIONAL NOTE.
The traditional memory of this music has long since passed away,
and we are therefore unable to do more than guess at the probable
rectification of apparent errors. Even in 1597 that learned theorist
and composer, Thomas Morley, speaking of the notation found in
ancient written music, said : ' That order of pricking is gone out of
vse now, so that wee vse the blacke voides as they vsed their black
fuUes, and the bitcke fuUes as they vsed the redde fuUes. The redde
is gone almost quite out of memorie, so that none vse it, and few e
knowe what it meaneth^.'
It should also be remembered that the arbitrary division of music
into bars is comparatively a modem invention ; in ancient music there
was no such thing dreamt of as strict time ; the music was entirely
subordinated to the accent of the words, the very notes themselves
had no absolute fixed measure, and to translate the old notation into
modern signs of semibreves, minims, etc., is opposed to the spirit of
ancient church song. Such music demanded and received very free
declamation ; a modern writer has atifirmed with truth, that in the old
cantus ' the text is the master, the notes the slaves.'
In barring these tunes we are to a considerable extent placing
them in fetters, and we must not therefore always insist on making
bars of equal length.
The facsimile of leaf 235 (see frontispiece), the least complex and
best written of all the pages, shows very clearly the condition of the
manuscript ; in all cases the lines are red, some of the notes are also
in that colour, but the major part are black.
The words appear to have been inserted in a very loose and pro-
miscuous manner, intended, like the musical notes, simply as an aid to
memory. The flat at the commencement of the tune on fol. 232 v"
exists in the original MS. ; and the natural in the thirteenth bar of
the same melody is written a sharp, at that time the usual mode of
indicating that a note was to be raised a semitone.
William H. Cummings.
ADDITIONAL NOTE.
One would have been glad to find that this music — responsoria or
sequences — were of any considerable beauty or value ; but truth com-
pels us to say that it is not so. Reminiscences of old church music,
itself now imperfectly understood, they are not even so intelligible as
the songs found among the Coventry Plays, nor give us a beautiful
' 'A Plaine and easie Introdvction to practicall Mvsicke.' —London, 1597.
'Annotations ' at the end, sign. ^[4.
ADDITIONAL NOTE. 52S
melody, like the Song of Chaucer's child recently discovered in the
MS. Arundel 248. Yet several points of interest arise in connection
wfith these musical fragments, such as the employment of red notes,
a stafif of five lines, and the arrangement in two parts ; English
manuscripts containing written descant or counterpoint being rare at
this date, though the use of descant or improvisation upon a given
theme dates back much earlier. With regard to the red notes, the
Rev. S. S. Greatheed suggests that the red breves may be so coloured
in order to call to the attention of the singer that he is to hold them
on against the two or more corresponding notes in the other part.
The stave in the 15th and i6th centuries was of four, five, or six
lines ; that ' of four lines was used exclusively for plain chaunt,' that
'of five lines was used for all vocal music, except plain chaunt','
with which this accords.-
It seemed probable that these pieces of music, being attached to the
play on the Assumption, and occurring in the Vision of Mary and the
Angels seen by Thomas, might have been taken from the special
church service for that feast ' ; and particularly it seemed likely that
their original source might be foimd in the Breviary according to
the Use of York. After diligent search, however, the problem
appears to resolve itself in this, that the playwright did not quote
textually from any office, but wished to remind his audience in a
general way of words with which they were familiar enough in church.
The plays, themselves religious in origin, were being secularized ; the
music partook of the same character. Possibly a well-known musical
phrase or theme was caught, and its descant attempted to the well-
known words. These words were naturally some of those used in the
office for the Assumption ; part come from the Song of Solomon, the
mediasval biblical storehouse for imaginative language concerning
Mary. The first versicle, however. Surge proxima mea, &c., p. 517,
which may be referred to Cant. ii. 10, is not found there as it stands.
Examining the York Breviary, in the antiphon to the Magnificat of
the Third Day in the Octave of the Assumption', occur the words
' tota speciosa es proxima mea, et macula non est in te : veni a lybano :
sponsa: veni a lybano,' taken from Cant. iv. 7, and ii. 13; the word
proxima (probably a recollection from the Transitus Maria, ' ait
dominus; Exsurge amica mea et proxima mea'*) being substituted
' W. S. Rockstro in Grove's 'Dictionary of Music,' v. Stave.
' There is and was no festival for the Coronation of the Virgin, but that
for her Assumptiin was of considerable importance.
' York Breviary. Edited for the Surtees Society, by Mr. Lawley. Vol. II.
1882 (Surtees, vol. 75), col. 490. It may be remarked that this antiphon is
not found in the Sarum Breviary.
* Tischendorf, Text B. cap. 16 (17), p. 135.
526 ADDITIONAL NOTE.
for arnica of the Vulgate. The versicle appears in its correct form,
' tota puichra es arnica mea,' at the beginning ' of the third antiphon
of the First Vespers of the Assumption ; the same antiphon ending
with ' surge, propera, arnica mea ; veni de libano : veni coronaberis " '
from'Cant. ii. lo, and iv. 8'. In the feast of the Visitation the versicle
from Cant. ii. lo is used in its exact form (York Breviary, ii. col. 750).
Looking now at our versicles it appears evident that the first and
fourth pieces (leaves 232 v° and 238 of the MS.) were made up in part
from these two antiphons, — Surge, proxima mea, columba mea, or
Surge propera mea columba mea (the latinity being somewhat thrown
out in the last). The latter words —
tabernacttlum glorie,
vasculum vite,
templum celeste —
are probably a quotation or a recollection from some sequence, which
I have been unable to trace. The short lines and the repetition of
such rimes were favourite forms in these compositions, of which an
example may be referred to in a York sequence printed (from a MS.
in Sion College) at the end of the' York Missal, edited for the Surtees
Society by Dr. Henderson *.
It has also been suggested by Mr. E. Bishop, that the second an-
tiphon in the second nocturne of the feast of the Visitation of Mary,
printed at end of the York Breviary, vol. ii. col. 742) may have left its
echo on the ear of the writer of our first and fourth pieces. It runs —
Dei tabernaculum
quod ipse sacravit
ex te vite fluvium
cunctis derivavit.
From the same antiphons also come our second and fifth pieces
(leaves 233, 238 v° of MS.), the word sponsa marking the recollection
of that belonging to the Third Day of the Octave, before referred to.
The third versicle (leaf 235 of MS.), the original source of which
I am unable to find (it does not appear to be taken from the Scrip-
tures), was much used in services for virgins and female saints ; in
' York Breviary, col. 476.
* This antiphon also occurs in the York Missal (Surtees Soc. ed. Dr. Hen-
derson, 1874, p. 193) for the Sundays after Trinity. It is also in the Sarum
Breviary, infesto Ass. Maria, and other places.
' The verses as they stand in Cant. cant, are as follow : —
Cap. ii. 10 ; ' , . surge, propera, arnica mea, columba mea, formosa mea, et veni.'
Cap. ii. 13: '. . . Surge, arnica mea, speciosa mea, et veni.'
Cap. iv. 7 : ' Tota puichra es, arnica mea, et macula non est in te.'
Cap. iv. 8: 'Veni de Libano, sponsa mea, veni de Libano, veni: coronaberis
de capite Amana, de vertice,' &c.
' Vol. ii. p 322 ; vol. 60 of the Surtees Society, 1874.
ADDITIONAL NOTE. 527
the feast of the Assumption at York it stands as a responsorium to the
fourth lesson at matins \ Besides this, it is found in the York Breviary
in the Common of Virgins, and as an antiphon in the Common of
Matrons ^ ; and in the Missal as part of a gradual for the feast of a
Virgin and Martyr \ It was doubtless therefore well known, and was
appropriate as the close of the vision, when Mary ' passes to the peer-
less empire ' (p. 487, 1. 200).
To determine whence came the tunes to these versicles is, however,
^'ery difficult, perhaps impossible. The only liturgical book for York
containing music that I have heard of is a fine MS. Antiphonal of the
1 5th century, written for the cathedral church of York, belonging to
Lord Harries, of Everingham Park, York. There are no books of this
description in the British Museum ; York breviaries, &c., being in fact
rare, and York music particularly so. Lord Herries most kindly
placed his valuable Antiphonal at my disposal, but in none of the
antiphons in the feast of the Assumption do I find any resemblance
between the music and that of the plays. And as in this Antiphonal
the part known as the Commune Sanctorum is wanting, I am unable
to see whether the ' Common of a Virgin,' or ' of a Matron,' would have
yielded our tunes ; it is probable they would not. Those which I can
find in the Sarum Breviary give the same answer, and it seems useless
looking further afield. Such as they are, the pieces are to the best of
my belief unknown at the present day outside this collection of plays.
L. T. S.
' York Breviary, Surt. Soc. II, p, 481. ° Ibid., pp. 63, 77.
^ York Missal, Surt. Soc. II, p. 155. Mr. Cummings also finds it in a
Roman Pontifical, Venice, 1572, — in the service for consecration of a Virgin;
in a Processional, Paris, 1671, in the Procession-service for a Virgin and
Martyr ; and in a Processional, Madrid, 1672, in the service for S. Clara, and
in the service on taking the Veil.
528
REFERENCES TO THE MUSIC.
The Manuscript contains five pieces ; three are rendered into
modem notation, two are only given by photo-lithography.
1. On p. 517, and see p. 483.
2. On p. 519, and see p. 484.
3. On p. 521, see pp. 487, 524, 526, and facsimile in frontispiece.
4. Plate II, and see pp. 490, 523, 526.
5. Plate III, and see pp. 490, 523, 526.
GLOSSARY.
i, = substantive.
v, =s verb*
V. s. = verbal substantive.
pa. p. = past participle.
pr. p. = present participle.
pasi t. = past tense,
adj. = adjective.
adv. = adverb,
conj. — conjunction,
pron. = pronoun.
The letter y is treated as i, initial 3 as y, and J) as tk.
■*■> 3/42. 371/409. "dj. one.
Abaiste, 401/106 ; Abayst, C28/211 ;
Abassed, 37/59, pa. p. cast down, de-
pressed.
Abowne, 4/87, prep, above,
Abye, 31/54; Aby, 106/111, v, abide,
A-ohesoune, 121/80, s. reason,
Actone, 424/96, s, leather jerkin or
jacket.
Adele, 49/131, a bit.
Adreed, 261/191, adj. afraid.
A-drygh, 298/160, arff. aside, aWay, off,
Aferde, 190/170, adj. afraid.
Affles, 374/29, V. trust, confide.
Affraied, 190/169, adj. frightened,
Ayle (a person), v. to ail, be the matter
with, 140/65,67; 157/18.
Ay, 2/40 ; 3/43, adv. ever.
Ay lastand, 35/1, everlasting.
Ayre, 139/42 ; Are, 143/176, adv. ere,
before : see Or.
Aysell, 366/244, s. vinegar.
Al-beledande, 2/21, pf. p. all-shelter-
ing, all-protecting : see Belde.
Aide, 63/221, adj. old.
A-liite, 230/254: see tiirte.
All-be, 2/26, conj. although.
AUegge, 158/56, 165/193, 388/277;
V. allege, set forth.
AU-kyn, 24/70; Alkynne, 493/62,
adj. all kinds of, all sorts of.
AU-mightfull, 175/106, adj. almighty.
All to,io7/i53, adv. entirely, altogether.
AU-yf, 8/4, 41/47, conj. although.
M
AIs, adv. as,
Alther best, 110/253, adj. best of all.
And, 41/54, 61/165, conj. if.
Andyjjer, 52/215, should be read as
two words, and hither; the line
would run thus. And werly watte,
and yper pe wynd, i. e. And warily
know, and hither wend thee,
Anes, 63/250, adv. once.
Angris, 111/275, «• troubles, afflictions,
Anlepy, 103/40, adj. single, alone.
A-nodyr, 52/235, adj. another.
A -noynementis, 407/2 1 3, s. ointments.
Apayd, 20/81, pt. p. pleased, satisfied.
Aperte, 173/26; Appertly, 176/133,
adv. openly, manifestly, publicly : see
Pertly,
Appose, 129/87, 298/163,1/. to examine,
interrogate.
Appostita, 222/76, s. apostate.
Appreue, 2'j^/^i, adj. satisfactory,
pleasing.
Arest, 124/35, V. arrest, stay,
Arme, 105/101, o. harme.
Arow, 176/142, adj. averse, reluctant.
Arrore, 283/322, s. error.
As arms, 152/207, 155/276, to arms !
Asith, 215/454, ''^ satisfaction, amends
for injury.
Aspise, 329/281, V. espy, look into;
Aspied, 278/206, pa. p.
Asse, 69/7, V. ask ; elde will asse,
seniority requires.
Assemelyng, 475/68, s. assembling.
m
630
GLOSSARY.
Assewe, 213/401, v. follow after.
Assmnpt, 515/36, pa. p. taken into
heaven.
At, prep. to.
Ather, 7/155, ^)-o«. either.
Atteynted, 388/278, pa. p. convicted.
Awdir, 52/216, adj. either.
Awe, 72/73, s. fear, dread.
Awe, 69/12, V. ought.
Augien, 100/202, adj. own.
Aviso, 207/202, V. consider.
Avowtry, 194/15, s. adultery.
Baill, 428/53, 436/88, s. bale, sorrow.
Baill, 383/195, s. part of a defence in
fortification.
Bayne, 32/94, 174/63, adj. obedient.
Baynely, 2/20, 35, 3/47, 7/160, adv.
near, closely, directly; straightly;
bein Icel. (Line. Gloss.).
Bait : see Bete.
Balde, 157/47, "^Z- ^°^^-
Baldely, 91/397, adv. boldly.
Bale, 5/102, 30/39, o. sorrow.
Balke, 339/68, s. a large beam of wood.
Ban, 48/95, 5. bone.
Bande, 1 22/1 12, 5. a ribbon or string.
Bandome, 255/20, s.for bandon, sub-
jection, disposal, discretion.
Banne, 26/127, 155/279, v. to curse.
Baran, 99/184, adj. barren.
Barenhede, 56/5, s. childhood.
Barett, 179/27, s. strife, struggle,
trouble. '
Bargayne, bargane, 26/119, 49/126,
130, ». strife, combat; 103/23, bar-
gain, arrangement, affair.
Bary, 334/428, v. thrash or thresh (Icel.
berjd).
Barme, 77/153, s. bosom.
Barnes, 67/374, ». children.
Battis, 334/429, s. batt, a beating.
Bede, 50/170, 91/398, v. to bid, offer,
proffer.
Be-dene, 2/14, presently, immediately,
forthwith, but often a mere expletive
to fill up a line or make a rime {see
Matzner).
Bedilis, 283/316, s. beadles.
£eede, 198/141,5. prayers.
Beeldand, 4/87, pr. p. building, con-
structing.
Beelde, 2/35, 3/47, v. to build, form ;
make.
Beeld : see Belde.
Beeldyng, 2/38, 1/. s. shelter, protection .
Beere, 72/75. v. bear, carry.
Beeths, 79/197, v. imper.he: seeBese.
Begylyd,. 215/453, v. deceived, injured.
Be-heest, 208/233, j/. promised.
Behete, 64/272, 120/57, "■ promise,
■ assure.
Be-hewede, 424/97, pa. p. coloured.
Behoves, 41/53, v. pr. s. must ; be-
hoves J>e nede, thou needs must.
Beylde, 43/89, v. protect: see Belde.
Beyldly, 443/336, adj. protecting.
Be-kenne, 232/2.83, v. to give, commit,
deliver; pa.p. Bekende, 457/45 : see
Kende.
Belamy, 275/128, 391/338, s. good
friend (familiar expression).
Belde, 102/8, 112/14, 307/1, v. to pro-
tect, shelter, come under cover : see
Beeld, Beytde, Bylde.
Belyng, 481/47, u. roaring, bellowing.
Belyue, 231/273, 497/17, adv. imme-
diately, quickly, at once.
Belle, 228/195, 487/203, s. prize.
Belschere, 262/214, s. belsire, grand-
father.
Be-mene, 235/58, v. mean, betoken.
Be-menes, 424/107, ». betokens, points
out.
Bemes, 3/50, s. beams, rays.
Bemys, 499/63, s. trumpets.
Benke, 227/188, 510/327, s. bench.
Bente, 229/228, s. field, place.
Berande, 2/40, pr. p. bearing, be-
having.
Berar, 2/36, s. bearer.
Berde, s. 105/78, 106/122, 5. lady;
sometimes applied to a man, 473/10.
Bere, 475/50, s. bier.
Sere, 25/81, v. persuade, induce.
Bere, 143/162, v. bear, carry.
Bering, 115/98, ». birth.
Bering, 474/31, s. burial.
Berne, 389/485, 307/11, s. a baron,
knight.
Beseke, 65/287, v. beseech.
GLOSSARY.
531
Bese, 11/46, ^Tlli,%\ Bees, 96/84, v.
(3 fers. pi. pres.) are.
Besvsryked, 31/69, pa. p. cheated, be-
trayed.
Be-taught, 219/5, pa. p. given up,
delivered : see Teohe.
Bete, K. to amend, remedy; Beete, 353/
125, 424/110; Bait, 445/377.
Bete, 136/277, V. to beat; Bettis, 86/
316, beats; Bett, 136/278; Bette,
131/136, pa. p. beaten.
Be-tidde, 487/222, /«./. befallen, hap-
pened to.
Betyng, 229/228, s. amends, satisfac-
tion, fig. payment ; or possibly fuel,
kindling, used fig.
Bette, 153/211, s. for bete, bote, i.e.
help, remedy.
Bettir, 219/12, v. improve, amend.
Bewe, 291/538, adj. beau.
Be-wsheris, 146/1, s. pi. beausires.
Bewcher, 148/76, sing.
Bewte, 228/195, s. beauty, fairness,
splendour.
Bewteis, 469/125, 5. ? beauties.
Bib, 366/242, V. to drink.
Biddingis, 163/159, s. commandments.
Bide, 113/36, V. stay, abide, remain;
Bidan<l,93/4,;>)-.^.
By, 119/19, V. buy.
By, 6/1 19; Bye, 381/259, /or abye,
V. to abide, suffer for.
Bygged, 4/68, pa. p. built, made.
Byggly, 30/42, 473/10, adj. big-like,
commodious, immense, great, power-
ful.
Bygilid, 133/204, beguiled, deceived.
Bylde, 134/233, v. for bield, to pro-
tect.
Byn, 281/274, prep, be in, ben, within.
Byrde, 439/209, s. lady: see Berde.
Byrnande, 3/50, pr. p. burning.
Birrall, 217/505, s. beryl, a precious
stone.
Blayne, 86/316, 5. blain, sore.
Blakkeste, 5/101, adj. most black.
Blanne : see Blynne.
Blee, 1/5, 220/20, 251/259, s. colour,
complexion.
Blenke, 251/259, i.. blench.
Blynne, 50/165, 335/461, 35Vio6, v.
M
cease, stop, hold, stay ; Blanne,
400/92,/ia. ;.; Blynnande, 479/1 79,
pr.p.
Blisshes, 334/433, "• blushes.
Blyst, 96/84, s. blest, i.e. blest creature.
Blithes, 123/13. V. enjoys.
Blonderande, 12^/4, pr.p. stirring up.
Blondre, 333/403, s. blustering, dis-
turbance.
Bloo, 334/433, 507/256, s. blue, livid
(applied to flesh after it is beaten).
Blore, 227/187, Blure, 85/294,5. blast,
noise, bluster.
Blowe, 297/142, V. to breathe.
Boddis, 302/293, s. orders, bidding.
Bodeword, 58/66, s. command, mes-
sage.
Boght he, 151/171, s. error for
Borghe, (borough or town).
Boyste, 225/131, s. box.
Bolned, 370/370, pa. p. swollen.
Bone, for boune, 65/283, adj. ready.
Bone, 64/252; 88/350, s. boon, peti-
tion, asking.
Boodword, 76/132, ». message, com-
mand.
Boore {for Bene), 352/99; Boor-
yngis, 353/146, bores, holes for nails.
Bordand, 159/80, v. jesting, talking.
Bordis, 154/246, s. jests; see Bourde.
Borowe, 30/40, 303/308, v. to lay a
pledge for; 318/352, 507/270, to
obtain upon a pledge.
Bote, 50/170, s. help, remedy, healing.
Botment, 149/90, o./or abatement, les-
sening.
Bott, 234/51, conj. for but, unless.
Boudiach, 298/172, adj. sulky.
Boune, 286/380, v. to go, advance,
with a sense of limit (to be bound for
a place).
Boune, 35/i6> °<li- ready; 39/113,
done, ready.
Bountith, 1 22/1 18, s. bounty.
Bourde, 266/329 ; Bowrde, 47/66, 1/.
to jest, parry words.
Bourded to brede, 267/333, 362/95,
spoke or jested too broadly, 1. e.
boastingly.
Boure, 96/76, s. bower, chamber.
Boustous, 356/218, mighty-big, huge;
m 2
532
GLOSSARY.
' This cros Is large in lengthe and also
bnstns,' Towneley M., p. 212 (see
Matzner) : boastful, Hampole's Psal-
ter, ed. Bramley.
Bowde, 43/119, adj. bold.
Bowe, 43/110, s. bow or arch, the
arched frame on which the ship is
built. Cf. 'a bowe of a bryge,' in
Catholicon Anglicum, ed. E.E.T.S,
Bowis, 10/35, '^^ houghs.
Bowrde, 47/66, v. to jest.
Bowsom, 198/141, u. buxom, obedient.
Brace forth, 123/13, to press or squeeze
forth.
Bragges, 340/95, s. ? brads, short
strong nails.
Brayde, 36/127, 62/188, 352/96, s.
hasty action, sudden start, or blow.
Brayed, 259/142, v. for abrayed, sud-
denly drew (a sword).
Bralland, 321/17, pr. p. brawling,
shrieking, shouting.
Brando, 259/142, s. sword.
Brandyng, 159/89, error for bourding,
jesting.
Braste, 291/526, pa. p. braced.
Brathe, 221/37, 235/132, adj. fierce,
excessive.
Brede, 162/142, s. broad, on-brede,
abroad, extended : see Brode.
Brede, 180/57, *•• bread.
Breder, 121/86, ». brothers.
Brent, 5/107, pa. p. bumfe'
Brere, 220/20, s. brian
Breste, 219/4, 236/103, v. burst.
Brethell, 263/239, s. wretch.
Breue, 303/63, adj. brief, short.
Brewe, 236/107, *. brew, boil, stir up.
Bryge, 27/143, 133/183, s. strife, con-
tention, trouble.
Brighthode, 3/50, s. brightness.
Bryme, 195/53, 282/300, adj. fierce.
Bryne, 5 /no, v. bum : see Brent.
Brittyn, 292/9, v. to break or cut up
(with a sword) ; Brittynd, 62/195,
pa.p.
Bro, 150/135, s. broth, anything brewed
or boiled, hence figuratively a brew
or a stir.
Brode, 149/89, adj. broad : see Brede.
Brode, 267/333, adv. broadly, widely.
Broydenesse, 292/1, s. breadth.
Brokke, 258/117, s. badger.
Brondis vnbrent, 266/320, unbumt
swords, i. e. staves.
Brosid, 345/244, v, bruised.
Brothell, 154/265, s. wretch, bad
fellow : see Brethell.
Browle, 124/38, 152/196, s. brat,
child (contemptuously).
Bud, 43/99, 219/3 ; Bus, 47/64, /res.;.
must, behoves.
Bun, 11/54, '"^'. bound.
Burde, 263/245, s. jest, joke.
Burdes, 42/75, s. boards, planks.
Burdis, 149/89, v. talkest ; 188/86, s.
speech, talking; same as Bourde,
which see.
Burely, 328/254, adj. burly, big, strong.
Burgeis, 216/485, s. burgesses.
Burguns, 10/40, a. buds.
Bus, 47/64, V. pres. pi. must : see 'Be-,
hoves.
Busk, 74/101, 5. bush.
Busk, 102/8, v. to attire; to bustle.
Buskand, 274/87, /r. ^.making ready.
Bute, 74/96, V. behoved, was obliged,
Butte, 499/61, adv. only.
Buxumly, 2/40, adv. obediently, hum-
bly : see Bowsom.
Cache, 131/145, i/. to catch; Cached,
Caoched, 110/355, pa. p. caught;
510/326, caught away, expelled.
Caistiflls, 481/30, s. caitiffs.
Can, 43/67, V. know.
Care, 124/36, s. grief, vexation.
Care, 274/91, 275/133, 278/201,
284/335. ".turn, wend; CaxiBA,pa.p,
280/257.
Carefull, 107/145, 481/20, adj. griev-
ous, full of trouble.
Carls, 79/192, s. bond-men.
Carpe, 80/201, 106/140, 124/46, v.
say, tell, talk, speak. 1 1
Carping, 148/69, s. talking, speech.
Casbalde, 343/194, ». bald-head, term
of reproach.
Case, 284/335, s. cause.
Catel, 386/242, s. chattels, property.
Catteraks, 51/190, s. cataracts.
GLOSSARY.
533
Oaut, 183/183, 332/36T, adj. artful,
cautious.
Cautely, 303/309, adv. artfully.
Cautellis, 355/206, 358/278, s. cunning
tricks, devices.
Cele, 160/109, ^.for seel, bliss.
Chaas, 139/29, n. chose.
Charred, 321/32, v. ? stayed, turned
aside.
Cheere, 15/27, 48/103, 58/67, 64/276,
s. coiuitenance, temper, behaviour.
Cheffe, 280/242, V. to arrive, to happen.
Chenys, 316/278, v. chains, binds.
Chesoune, 203/77, s. a reason, aphetic
from acheson or encheson.
Cheveleres, 125/52, s. knights.
Chiffe, 204/94, s. chief.
Childe, 104/69, ? shield ; God-childe,
God shield, God forbid.
Chylding, 478/147, s. child-birth.
Childir, 59/109, 60/131, s. children.
Chyned, 279/212, fa. p. chained.
Chynalrus, 321/31, adj. chivalrous.
Choppe, 293/16, V. to put in (prison or
chains).
Churles, 125/52, 280/242,5. lowfellovfs,
wretches.
Cjrte, 210/283, s. city.
Cytte, 180/67, ». for syte, i. e. sorrow,
grief.
Clakke, 344/211, s. clack, chattering.
Clappe, 324/143, V. to slap, to strike.
Clappe, 232/283, V. to enclose, to put in.
Clapped, 125/1, pa. p. couched, laid in
or enclosed.
Clargy, 158/54, ». science, knowledge.
Clarifle, 187/67, 457/36, v. to glorify,
make clear.
Cledde, 508/287, v. clothed, clad.
Cleepe, 231/258, for clepe, v. to call,
name, say.
Cleyngked, 43/106, v. clenched.
Cleke, 280/240, c. clutch.
Clematis, 123/1, ». climates.
Clenoe, 332/376, v. to cleanse.
Clene, 9/24, 149/87, 309/76. "^J- dean,
pure, good, clear, separate.
Clerenes, 123/1, s. brightness, glory.
Clergy, 135/260, 308/29; «• science,
learning.
Clipsis, 401/99, ». eclipses.
Ologhe, 120/52, s. clough or valley.
Closed, 94/29, V. enclosed.
Cloumsed, 191/201, v. shrunk or con-
tracted (with fear), fixed, stupefied.
Clowte, 324/143, J/, to clothe; Clow-
*,ed, 325/152.
Clowte, 343/194, s. kerchief or napkin
for the head ; 49/1 20, a blow, a cuff.
Cobill, 122/112, adj. cobble, round
nuts or stones. A string of nuts for
the old game of cobnut may be in-
tended in this line, ' two cobill notis
vppon a bande.'
Cobittis, 51/201, J. cubits.
CoUe, 119/39, we! colle ! interj. of
surprise.
Cbmberaunoe, 229/217, 5. hindrance.
Combered, 226/171, v. cumbered, hin-
dered; Comeres, 344/211, />r. t.
Comenaunt, 229/234, 316/279, s. cove-
nant, agreement.
Comende, 124/23, v. commend, praise.
Commodrys, 49/143, ». commothers,
i. e. gossips, companions, (see Jamie-
son's Diet. s. V. Cummer).
Con, 99/168, V, to know ; see Can.
Conant, 335/463, covenant.
Conjeon, 308/47, s. a dwarf or hump-
back, a term of contempt (see full
discussion of this word in Dr. Skeat's
Notes to Piers Plowman, Part IV,
p. 241).
Connandly, 162/132; Conande, 124/
31, adv. cunningly, with knowledge.
Consayte, 208/246, s. thought.
Consayue, 272/40, v. think, imagine.
Contek, 153/235, s. strife, quarrel.
Conversaeion, 435/65, ». deportment,
behaviour.
Convik, 290/505, 330/294, adj. convict,
convinced.
Cope, 228/199, s. a cloak or cape.
Corde, 303/309, v. to accord.
Corlousenesse, 255/31, queemess,
strangeness.
Corse, 206/164, 272/41, 48, s. body.
Coueres, 223/101, v. to recover, cure,
aphetic for acover, to regain health.
Couthe,7o/26, 72/64,1). could, were aulc.
Covaites, 197/122; Coveyte, 209/256,
V. greatly desire.
534
GLOSSARY.
Couetise, 182/131, s. covetousness.
Cowde, 205/148, V. could /or could tell,
knew.
Crafte, 44/150, s. knowledge.
Crakid, 1 20/67, P^-P- cracked.
Craue, 9S/47, '"■ to crave, ask ear-
nestly, demand; 130/126, to inquire.
OrepUlis, 255/36, s. cripple.
Croke, 168/240, v. crook, bow.
Cruchys, 213/376; Crouohis, 213/
380, s. crutches.
Curses, 11/58, s. courses.
Curstely, 222/73, adv. cursedly.
Curtayse, 121/101, adv. courteous.
Daynetethly, 4/78, adv. daintily, with
delight.
Dale, 4/78, s. dole, that which is dealt.
Bame, 502/162, v. condemn.
Dampned, 195/65, v. condemned.
Dare, 141/106, 146/6, v. to lie hid, to
crouch with fear, to be in dismay;
240/2, daris, shrinks.
Dared for drede, 416/370, trembled,
shrank for fear.
Darfely, 245/136, adv. cruelly, fiercely ;
Derfely, 245/131.
Dase, 102/11, 5. days.
Daunger, 79/186, 80/212, s. feudal
power, dominion, subjection; 431/
151, delay, hesitation, cf. Rom. of the
Rose, 2318.
Dawe, 288/449, *■ "^^y! ''"'^ a-davie,
put to death, kill.
Dede, 62/210, 350/21, s. death.
Dede, 64/266, 350/31, s. deed, action.
Dedeyned, 22/11, v. disdained.
Dees, 357/81 ; Dese, 255/19, i. dais.
Defayle, 246/146, v. to be wanting to.
Defaute, 158/58, 71, s. defect.
Deffame, 131/137, ». infamy.
Defeude, 23/45, 213/384, v. forbid.
Defea, 26/1 29, v, deaves, to deafen, stun.
Defly, 27/165, adv. probably should be
read derfly, grievously.
Defte, 4/92, adj. clever, dexterous.
Deyne, 240,/i, adj. worthy.
Ueyaer, 7/156, s. duty: see Deuer.
Delande, 4/78, ios/l^l, pr. p. deal-
ing, distributing.
Dele, 51/200, 58/82, s. deal, i.e. a bit
or piece ; sum dele, somewhat.
Delfe, 72/75, V. delve.
Delyuer, 279/217, an exclamation of
impatience, make haste I
Deme, 60/126, deem, judge; Demand,
136/273, ^'•■f-
Demers, 189/142, s. judges.
Denne, 488/338, s. valley.
Deraye, 47/78 ; Dray, 468/90, s. dis-
order, confusion.
Dere, 3/64, 61/153, s. harm, hurt,
injury.
Dere, i/ii, 367/276, adj. precious.
Dere, 1 79/35, 323/83, "• to injure, hurt ;
Derand, 2/37, 223/89, pr.p.; De-
rede, 253/282, pa. p.
Derfely, 107 / 148, adv. grievously,
heavily.
Derfenes, 223/go, s. badness, boldness,
severity, gravity, trouble.
Derffe, 481/17, fierce, severe.
Derrest, 282/280, 486/199, adj. dear-
est, noblest, most warlike.
Derworth, 4/92, 321/28, adj. worthy
of honour, precious.
Dese, 255/19, s. dais : see Dees.
Dette, 471/178, s. debt, duty.
DeveU haue pe worde, 269/386, devil
a word.
Deuer, 198/157, 364/156 : Deyuer,
7/156, s. duty.
Deuyae, 43/79, v. arrange, set out.
Dewes, 4/92, interj. deuce I the deuce !
Dyamaunde, 217/518, s. diamond.
Dyder, 240/2, v. dither, tremble.
Dye, 396/9, V. kill.
Diewe, 273/61, v. due.
Diewly, i/ii, adv. duely.
Dight, 57/38, V. infin. dispose, make
ready; Dight, 173/32, 503/183,
Dyghte, i/ii, pa. p. dressed, made
ready, prepared.
Dyke, 72/75, v. dig.
Dill, 27/138, adj. stupid, foolish.
Dyme, 206/152, adj. dim, difficult to
understand.
Dyne, 42/80, j. noise ; 142/14S, hue
thy dyne, stop thy noise.
Dyng, 91/399, V. to knock, strike.
Ding, 476/88, adj. worthy.
GLOSSARY.
535
Dyngnyte, 16/55; Dj^yte, i/ii, s.
dignity.
Dyns, 32/114, V. resounds; dyns ilk
dele, every part makes a noise.
Dynte, 39/127, s. a blow.
Discrie, 466/22, v. discover, make
known openly.
Disease, 122/127, v. to hurt.
Disesse, 1 24/42, 496/152, ». discomfort,
harm, hurt.
Dispitte, 215/466, s. anger, defiance.
Disputuously, 153/230, adv. angrily,
cruelly, spitefully.
Dite, 319/381, «. to dispose, prepare:
see Dight.
Doo, 41/46, make or cause ; doo fulfill,
cause to be done ; Does,imper. 7/156;
Done, ^a.^. 291/532.
Doo to dede, 140/55, to do to death,
to kill.
Doo, 252/266, ? an interjection.
Do, 253/297, 265/280, :;. intensive (aux-
iliary).
Do telle, 129/80, speak.
Do way, 422/25, put away ! have done I
leave off !
Dochard, 230/239, s. fool, dotard.
Doderon, 319/385, s. doddering, tot-
terer, stumbler, trembler.
Doyf-byrdes, 441/248, doves.
Dole, 5/98, 107, 26/129, s. grief.
Doluen, 199/189, v. dug {from
delve).
Dome, 305/385, adj. dumb.
Doote, dote, 347/309, Dotist, 108/180,
v. to be foolish, to doat, speak or act
foolishly, as the aged.
Dote, 222/65, Doote, 349/5. «• fool-
Doufe, 52/237, s. dove: see Dowue,
Doyf.
Doune ooininyng, 96/88, coming
down, falling.
Doute, 87/326, 471/175. »• fear.
Doute, 124/42. 146/6, V. to fear.
Dowe, 431/15 1, "■ to avail, be of use.
Downe, 10/30, s. hill.
Dovsrue, 376/78, .. dove.
Draffe, 511/338, /'as'*- drove.
Dray, 468/90, s.for deray, disturbance,
confusion.
Drays, 302/294, s.for draws, attempts.
Draught, 394/399, s. stratagem, art-
ful scheme.
Dreoohid, 277/177, v. tormented.
Dreoohyng, 277/182, s. tormenting,
suffering, passion, affliction.
Dredles, 105/90, without doubt.
Drely, 257/77, adv. slowly, continu-
ously.
Dresse, 184/201, v. punish.
Dresse, 257/81, v. to make ready;
dresse J>e boune, 37/52.
Drewry, 217/518, s. ornament or jewel.
Dryff, 107/151 ; Draffe, pa. <. 511/338,
V. drive.
Dryneseh, 10/30, s. dryness.
Drofyng, 292/6, s. dregs, refuse.
Dubbyng, 219/7, s. ornamenting, cloth-
ing.
Dugeperes, 219/8, s. douze pairs, the
twelve peers of France, hence great
lords or knights.
Dule, 107/144, ». grief.
Dulye, 281/269 ; Dewly, 287/407, adj.
due, fitting.
Durdan, 293/41, ». noise, uproar.
Dure, 95/66, V. last, endure.
Durk, 141/105, V. to hide, conceal one-
self, i. e. in a dark place.
Dussh, 481/36, V. to push violently.
Dwelle, 166/198, V. remain, tarry ;
Dwellyng, 28/1 72, pr. p.
Efte, 274/105, adv. after.
Efte-sones, 244/101, adv. soon after,
immediately.
Bftyr, 6/125, a'^"- after.
Egge, 256/40, V. to urge, incite.
Egline, 65/288, a. eyes.
Eke, 12/68, 220/36, V. to increase,
add to.
Elde, 43/91 ; Eelde, 57/32. «■ age.
Elmys, 341/122, s. perhaps for almis =
alms (but more probably a corruption).
Erne, 13/79, *- /'"' 3^™^. care, atten-
tion ; how all fiat erne is oght (oght,
due or owing to), how everything
that care is owing to, i. e. how every-
thing that ought to be done has been
done.
Bmel, emell, 6/146, 70/30, prep.
among, amidst.
536
GLOSSARY.
Enbraste, 111/276,^0. /i. held by, sur-
rounded by.
Encheson, 191/208, s. reason : see
A-ohesoune.
Endower, 19/26 ; Bndowre, 19/30,
s. endeavour.
Enew, 5/104, adj. enough.
Ensampelys, 206/170, 5. examples,
quotations.
Bnserche, 490/290, 305, v. search out.
Ensewe, 36/33, v. follow after.
Entent, 11/50, 35/9, 210/282, 245/
118, 5. attention, heed; take tent, or
entent, take heed, have regard to.
Entere, 38/101, adj. vrhole, entire.
Enterly, 35/9, 63/231, adv. -wholly.
Equite, 213/393, s. equity.
Es, 3/41, is.
Euere ilkane, 106/133, pron. every
one.
Eyre, 190/172, s. air.
Ejcynatores, 271/21, ». senators.
Fade, 6/132, v. to make foul.
Faded, 6/148, lost colour or light.
Fage, 324/125, V. to lie.
Fagyng, 290/513, s. lying, deceiving.
Pay, 436/94, 446/405, faith; in fay,
i' faith.
Faie, 422/24, adj. fey, the state near
death, fated to die.
Faynde, 62/205, v. go, set about, try :
see Fande.
Fayndyngis, 235/84, 5. trials.
Fayne, 89/360, 128/53, adj. glad.
Faynte, 263/229, at^- faint, poor,vifeak.
Fayntely, 246/146, adv. weakly.
Faire, 90/374; Fayre, 470/170, for
fare, s. doing : see Fare.
Fayrear, 3/53, adj. fairer.
Fayre-hede, 6/129, ». fairness.
Fays, 79/198, s. foes.
Faythely, 2/19, adv. ( = faytely), fitly,
featly, properly, aptly. Fi. fake.
FaytouT, 80/213, 124/27, 310/97, s.
a conjuror, a quack and pretender,
liar, deceiver.
Falle, 131/152, j;. happen; mayfalle,
may-hap ; fallis, 146/12, is due to.
Fande, 23/18, 80/202, 142/149, -u. to
attempt, try : see Fonde.
Fandelyng, 151/157, s. fondelyngis,
152/193, fond or silly ones; some-
times a term of endearment, sometimes
ofcontempt(rearf fondlings in mar^!«).
Fandyng, 3o/47> 240/12, 241/31, s.
temptation, trial.
range, 24/79, 5o/i74. 88/355,423/48,
•1,. take, lay hold of, catch.
Fantassy, 106/142, ». fancy.
Fantome, 282/297, s. spirit, imagina-
tion.
Fare, 48/90, 58/78, a, doing, proceed-
ing, action.
Faren, 86/303, v. (3 pers. pi. pres.) fare,
experience, feel; Fore, 511/336,^0. <.
Farly, 173/22, ». a wonder; Farles,
288/442, pi. wonders, miracles.
Farre, 86/307, adv. far.
Fauchone, 301/246, s. falcihion.
Fauty, 430/130, adj. faulty, defect.
Fawlde, 43/113, v. to fold, bend : here
strained to mean break down, fail.
Feocie, 450/70, s. fish.
Fedd, 94/25, pa. p. fed; fedd be tyne,
fed with vexation, deceived ; cf. to
fode out with words, to deceive,
Halliwell's Diet. ; s. v. fode.
Fade, 108/1 86, !/. feed,nonrish, bring up.
Fee, 71/58, s. cattle ; 423/48, 5. pro-
perty ; fange unto my fee, take as my
own property,
Feele, 43/108, 58/78, v. pass, to be
felt, to be perceived.
Feylle, 51/202, ?to feel.
Feere, 58/71, s. company.
Feese, 287/424, 124/40, v. harass,
worry, punish ; Fesid, pa.p. 326/196.
Feest, 119/44, s. feast, good thing.
Feetour, 308/18, s. elegance, neatness.
Fekyll, 37/63, adj. fickle.
Felawe, 110/248, s. companion.
Fele, adj. many.
Felesome, 485/136, adj. tasty, agree-
able.
FeU, 482/73, s. skin.
FeU, 12/63, 119/34, »■ a hill, an upland
pasture.
Pell, 220/18 ; FeUe, 151/157, v. feel.
Felle, 353/136; Fellest, 114/72,
super I, cruel, sharp; Felly, 31/64,
adv. cruelly, badly, sharply.
GLOSSARY.
537
Peloune, 124/34, s. wickedness.
Pelowe, 193/3, s. fellow, applied to a
woman.
Pende, feende, 94/24, »5, 269/396,
s. fiend; Feendis, 97/116, the enemy,
i. e. Satan.
Pende, 9/10, v. defend, prevent.
Pendea-oraft, 282/297, s. devilry.
Pene me, 143/i68,/oj" feyne, to feign,
pretend (reflexive).
Penne, 39/126, s. marsh.
Perde, 62/211, adj. feared, afraid.
Perdnes, ferdnesse, 244/89, 499/78,
». fear, terror.
Pere, s. companion, 10/29, '" f""'' ^"
company.
Pere, 478/155, v. to frighten.
Perly, 41/40, ». wonder; 58/78, adj.
wondrous, strange.
Perre, 87/333, 86/307, adv. farther.
Persly, 482/73, adv. freshly, a-new.
Pervent, 257/96, adj. hot.
Pesid, 326/196, pa.p. harassed, worried :
see Peese.
Peste, 202/20, ». feast.
Peste, 392/340. ■"• bind; 39i/33S)
fa.f. bound.
Pestjmde, 10/29, fres. p. fastening,
joining.
Pett, 203/63; Pette, 136/280, 394/
382, V. to fetch, fetched.
Pettis, 125/50; Petys, 3/55, 65, adj.
neat, pretty, elegant.
Powell, 113/44, *■ '"sl-
Pewle, 18/5, 13, 19/28,44/125, s.fowls.
Pewne, 174/72, adj. few.
Pygure, 6/140; Pigour, 482/73, face,
image.
Pygured, 3/65, pa.pt. formed, shaped.
Pilde, 488/241, adj. polite.
Piled, 341/125, V. defiled.
Pyne, 46/51, v. to stay, end: Pynyd,
54/287, pa.p.
Pyrd, 441/248, ^>-oJa6/y ybr fered, i.e.
frightened away, rejected.
Firth, iz/63, s. a wood or coppice.
Pitte, Z^'2/i46, s. match, equal.
Pytt, 3/65, adj. fit, pretty (see Paytely
and Petya).
Flaye, 252/270, 295/94, J/.to frighten.
Pleme, 257/96, to flee, get away;
305/383) to banish ; flemyd, 141/98,
pa.p.
Flet, 12/64, f. to swim.
FUghte, 128/76, 5. a scolding.
Flyfce, 358/297, V. to scold.
Plitte, 47/58, 119/34, 137/333. to re-
move, leave house.
Plodde, 258/127, s. ?/or fold, i.e.
ground, earth, world. Perhaps it is
a corruption, we expect here a word
beginning with w.
Plowyd, 41/27, J. flood.
Flume, 376/76, s. river.
Pode, 4/76, 79, 5/106, ». food, victuals.
Pode, 275/110,474/32, s. ; seePoode.
Pole, 6/129, *• fool-
Folle, 131/138, V:for falle.
Polte, 315/261, Sj stupid one, fool.
Ponde, 303/329'; Ponned, 304/338.
adj. silly.
Fonde, 479/187, v. to go : see Pounde.
Fonde, 48/80, 169/264, v. to try, to
inquire, discover : see Faude.
Pone, 219/11, 368/284; Fune, 462/
202 ; Femne, 174/72, adj. few.
Fonnes, 48/89, v. grows sillyorfoolish.
Poode, 115/91, 373/10, 474/32, s. crea-
ture, being, whether man, woman, girl,
or boy ; frely/oode, noble creature.
Poole, 202/22, s. foal.
For, 31/69, 57/49, conj. because.
For, sometimes = fro.
Por-bere, 283/325, v. to forbear, be
over mild with.
Por-bledde, 344/224, 345/244, ^o./^,
exhausted with bleeding.
Force, 221/55, *• power, dignity.
Foyoe, 80/211, s. care, argument; I
make no force, I do not care ; 353/
136, no force, no matter.
Fordede, 175/107, s. a deed before-
hand, preparation.
Pordele, 121/107, s. advantage.
Por-do, 142/121, V. kill; 316/282, to
ruin.
Pore, 511/336, past I. fared.
Pore-reyner, 172/16, o. fore-runner.
For-fare, 142/140, v. to perish, to
destroy.
Forfettis, 283/325, a. transgressions,
crimes.
538
GLOSSARY.
Forfette, 295/95, v. to transgress.
For-gange, 141/101, v. for-go.
Forges, 124/34, 459/ii8, v. commit,
fabricate.
For-marryde, 6/139,^0.^. completely
marred, spoilt.
Formaste, 1/4, sup. oi forme, first.
Forme, 45/14, 97/110, adj. fait, fore;
forme ffadres, first parents, ancestors ;
3/66, Ichiefest.
Forsake, 105/107, v. to deny; For-
saken, 260/167; Forsaked, 511/
348, pa. p. ; Forsuke, 216/474, past
t. forsook.
Fortheren, 143/168, 269/394, v. to
further, advance.
For-thy, 21/90, 53/265, conj. therefore.
For-wakid, 240/5, pc{. p. over-watched,
have watched very long.
For-waudered, 110/250, having much
wandered.
Forward, 62/212, 133/193, s. pro-
mise, paction, agreement; 283/306,
order, command.
Forward, 156/14, adv. henceforth.
For-wente, 276/152, adj. over-done.
Fouohesaffe, 196/101, v. vouchsafe.
Founde, 23/24, 32/96, 291/546, v. to
go, go forward, setont; Foune, 56/
12, pa. p. Foundyngo, 484/125,
pres. pt.
Foure, 86/308, ? error for fare.
Frayne, 48/90, 62/185; Freyne,
128/51 ; Frande, 109/225, v. to ask,
inquire.
Frappe, 330/310, v. to brag, to talk
violently.
Fraste, fraiste, frayste, 12/71, 428/
48, 431/158, V. to try, prove, taste.
Free, 170/269, 409/256, adj. fine,
noble, open, clear; lordisfree, a po-
lite address ; 206/183, o"!/- "* s. fine
fellow.
Freele, 174/84, adj. frail.
Freese, 114/72, s. frost.
Freykenesse, 292/2, s. boldness, cour-
age.
Freyne : see Frayne.
Freke, 287/415, 292/2, s. a bold man,
hero, fellow.
Frekly, 91/394, adv. hastily, bravely.
Frely, 121/78, adj. noble, fair.
Frely foode, 492/31, noble creature.
Fresshely, 291 / 546, adv. briskly,
quickly : see Fersly.
Frith, 39/126, s. a wood or coppice;
284/344, field, open space.
Fro, 8i)/z6^, adv. when.
Frosshis, 84/271, s. frogs.
Frusslie, 268/363, v. to bruise, knock,
or hurt.
Fudde, 83/262, s. food.
Fulfllle, 40/12, V. to fill full.
Full, 3/60, V. to foul.
Fime, 188/100; Fun, 98/155, pa. p.
found, tried : see Fande.
Gabbe, 104/48, 106/141, v. to lie, to
jest.
Gabbyngis, 157/26, s. chatterings, idle
talk.
Gadling, 148/63; Gedling, 148/68,
s. vagabond.
Gaffe, 29/14, pa. t. of give ; gaffe they
mght, &c., they did not hesitate to
grieve God.
Gayne, 44/140, 405/179, v. gain, be
usefiil or suitable.
Gaynestandyng, 58/55, withstanding;
noghl gaynestandyng, notwithstanding.
Gales, 321/23, K. screams.
Galylee, 173/63-
Ganeste, 69/90; Gaynest, 67/373,
adj. sup. directest, nearest.
Gange, 34/161, v. to go.
Gar, 75/127; Garre, 86/308; Gares,
5/103, •</. pres. t. make, cause ; Garte,
27/142, 127/45, 370/382, ^fl./>.made,
caused.
Gast, 101/239, a. spirit.
Gate, 511/332, s. road or way.
Gate, 279/229 ; Gatte, 48/98, s. way,
road ; go my gatte, go away.
Gawdes, 70/37, 82/248,5. tricks.
Gedy, 224/165, adj. giddy, heedless.
Gedling ; see Gadling.
Genolgie, 271/39 ; Genolagye, 208/
242, a. genealogy.
Gente, 247/161, 427/19, adj. gentle,
courteous.
Gere, 111/301, 143/160, s. gear, per-
sonal things, clothing.
GLOSSARY.
539
Ges, 11/47, '"■ guess; here perhaps
resolve, hit upon, or decide upon.
Gesse, 13/84, 192/220, v. guess.
Geate, 369/339, s. deed or action.
Gyffe, 32/107, 58/68, conj. if.
Gyffe, 378/114, -v. give : see Gaffe.
GUery, 381/160, s. deceit.
Gynn, 43/101 ; Gynne, 355/197, s. a
catch or contrivance.
Gyrne, 321/23, v. to grin ; Gyr-
nande, 5/io3> pres. p. grinning.
Gyrse, 40/4, s. grass.
Gyrth = grith, 6/133, "• to protect;
50/154, s. safety, protection.
Gyrth, 445/396, s. for gryth, grace,
peace.
Glade, 135/272, v. glided.
Glee, 4/82, 34/162, s. joy, happiness.
Gleme, 135/272, 191/186, s. gleam,
brightness.
Glent, 179/38, s. start, glance.
Gleteryng, 4/82, v. s. glittering.
Glyflftyng, 226/158, s. glance, look.
Glorand, 226/157, v. staring.
Gloueres, 35, s. glovers.
GolUng, 280/235, '• rushing and vio-
lence.
Gome, 154/255, 221/52, s. man, fellow.
Gowlande, 5/103, pres. p. howling.
Grayth, 94/19, v. to prepare ; 190/
171, prepares, frames; grayth men,
to make even, to at-one ; gralh hym
no gate, 308/15, make ready to go ;
Grathid, 62/186, Graied, 251/245,
Grayd, 98/141, 99/190, pa. p. pre-
pared.
Gramercy, 105/92, great thanks.
Granyng, 428/59, s. groaning.
Gratlie, 133/195, adv. directly.
Grathely, 11/46, 42/85, 61/174, 101/
225, adv. properly, strictly, ready,
straightly, exactly.
Graue, 369/338, v. to bury ; Graued,
197/140, pa, p. buried.
Grauyng, 136/286, s. burial.
Gree, 369/338, mg'fcc, in orunder favour.
Gree, 11/46, s. grass.
Grete, 407/203, 411/284, 5. grit, gravel,
earth.
Grete, 144/192, i. weeping, crying.
Grette, 207/191, 494/110, s. greeted.
Greve, 194/42, v. to vex, injure.
Grewes, 132/164, v. grows.
Grill, 327/220, adj. stem, cruel, hor-
rible.
Grise, 314/212, 6. horror.
Grissely, 425/116, adv. frightfully.
Grith, 131/150, s. peace, safe conduct.
Groohe, 61/177, v. grumble, murmur.
Gromys, 301/251, s. men.
Grope, 188/104, V. to feel, search,
sound. {See Geneva Test., Acts xxiv.)
Grouohe, 37/70, v. to grudge, grumble,
murmur ; Gruoohand, 184/206, part,
pres.
Growe, 226/158, n. become frightened,
troubled.
Grughe, 289/473, = Grouche.
Grume, 219/13, s. a man.
Gud, 215/450, s. goods, money.
Guiles, 124/19, s. probably iea.d. gules,
the heraldic term for red, which is
here set off against gold. (In margin
read gules.)
Gun, gune, /or begun, 369/35O1 37°/
352-
Gwisae, 2 73/68, for iwiss, certainly.
Haale, 352/116, v. to haul.
Haftis, 158/76, s. heft; affairs, matters,
same as heft, chief part of one's
business.
Haile, 3^2/116, s. salute.
Hayre, 69/7, s. heir.
Hale, 11/54, 77/i£5. "^J- whole,
healthy.
Hales out, 333/400, v. falls, draws out.
Halfe, 207/192, s. behalf.
Halfe, 426/3, for v. have.
Haly, 2/27, adv. wholly.
Halse, 224/104, s. neck.
Halse, 376/64, 445/382, «. to embrace.
Halayng, 98/149, zoo/213, s. saluta-
tion.
Hane, 253/285, s. ? error/or bane = bone
(but the alliteration requires hs.ne).
Happe, 121/90, 469/118, 0. chance,
fortune, good luck.
Happe, 116/120, 144/195, V. to wrap
up, to clothe.
Happenyng, 255/39, ». chance, luck.
Happing, 2 57/82, s. a coverlet, covering.
540
GLOSSARY.
Har, ,332/353, V. hear.
Hardely, 85/286, adv. boldly, certainly.
Harle, 344/227, v. to drag; Harlid,
282/2^0, pa. p.; Harling, 480/5, v. o.^
Harnes, 333/400, s. brain.
Harnes, 143/161; Harnays, 121/102,5.
ornament, household things, or clothes .
Harre, 286/378, 297/143, 324/136, «•
(0. E. heorr) a hinge ; figuratively,
cardinal point, important matter ;
out of harre, out of joint, out of order.
Harro, 437/119, v. to harry = Herry;
Heryd, 498/33, pa. t.
Harrowe, 295/84, 377/98, s. shouting,
disturbance, cry, uproar.
Harrowe I 5/97, 383/185, 392/343.
inlerj, a cry for help ; 325/162, hallo I
Haratow, 326/185 ; Harste, 228/208,
hearest thou.
Hartely, 42/69, 43/90, adv. heartily ;
185/3, closely, to heart.
Hartely, 246/140, adj. hearty, profess-
ing.
Hartyng, 128/56, 130/115, s. encour-
agement.
Hate, 220/27, <"lj' liot-
Hateredeu, 309/56, o. hatred.
Haterell, 304/342, s. dress, attire.
Hatyll, 145/223; Hatell, 330/293,5.
nobleman, prince, or knight (O. E.
aethel).
Hatir, 267/360, o. a dress, garment,
vestment.
Hatte, 213/404, •</. hate.
Haues, 36/28, v. pres. has ; Hals, 38/
83, pres. s. hast ; 38/86, has (i6th
cent, piece) ; Hays, 40/13, pres. pi.
have : see Haifa.
Haugh, 19/35, 4. river-side meadovp.
Hauk, 253/298, ». hawk.
Hautaud, 15/27, adj. haughty, proud.
Hede, 397 / 20, a. head ; with a hole
hede, vi^ith one voice.
Hedesman, 480/5, 481/25, s. chief
man, chieftain.
Hedgyd, 439/205, v. closed in, limited,
shovfii.
Heele, 60/140, 1 2 1/90, s. health, sal-
vation.
Heete, 85/286, v. promise.
Hefe, 91/401, K,. heave, lift.
Hegh, 8/4, adj. high.
Heynde, 295/97, s. hind, lovf fellow.
Heyne, 367/272, adv. hence.
Heyned, 283/309, v. tarried, waited.
Heldand, 1/6 ; Heledande, ^/^e„pres.
p. going down, descending : see Helde.
Helde, 182/147, ' Heyld, 442/306, v.
yield, move ; Heild, 36/2 1 ; Hilded,
326/188, ^as<<.
Hele, 129/102, s. health, safety.
Helesome, 485/138, adj. full of heal-
ing, helpful.
HeltefuU, 2 28/198, /oc hilte-fuU, i.e.
full to the hilt.
Hende, 36/44, 75/123, arf/. gentle, well-
disposed, civil, polite ; as sb. 451/101.
Hendly, 187/77, <"'''■ '^^^^ kindness,
gently.
Henne-harte, 326/198, adj. chicken-
hearted.
Hente, 11/47, 1l/^ii°> "• seize, take
hold of, catch.
Hope, heppe, 150/132, 231/260, s. a
company, troop, lot.
Heraud, 168/233, ». errand.
Herbar, 122/125, v. harbour, contain.
Herbered, 44/137, 1 1 2/1 1, ^a. />. har-
boured, lodged.
Herberles, 512/352, adj. without
shelter.
Herberow, 1 12/6, ». harbour, lodging.
Herdes, 7i/58> *■ herdsmen.
Here, 11 8/1, 139/46, ■n.hea.r ; Heriste,
313/200, hearest.
Heryed : see Harro.
Hermonye, 53/264, Armenia.
Herre : see Harre.
Herre, 211/325, ». ear.
Herrowe ! 48/99, interj. halloo ! see
Harrowe.
Heste, 120/47, »• s^st.
Hate, 229/^23, Hette, 181/114, v.
promise.
Heth3mg, 107/151, 255/32, s. scorn,
mockery, derision, contempt.
Hettyng, 46/22 ; Hetyngis, 462/187,
pi. s. promise.
Heuenyng, 316/284, s. vengeance.
Heuen-ryke, 96/101, s. the kingdom
of heaven.
HBwuyu, 9/17, a. heaven.
GLOSSARY.
541
Hydande, 1/6, ^c./i. hiding.
Hyde and hewe, 40/22, skin and
colour.
Hye, high. ; in hye, on hye, expression
frequently used to emphasize a sen-
tence or fill up a line, 41/46, 53/261,
366/229.
Hye, 211/329, s. eye.
Hy, hye, v. to make haste.
High, 173/26, adj. loud.
Hight, 129/84, 461/185, ^a.^. promis-
ed ; also called, named (O.E. hdtan).
Hilded, 326/188, v. yielded, inclined,
bowed : see Helde.
Hille, 257/82, 308/21, V. to cover,
shelter.
Hyne, 167/228, adv. hence.
Hyne, 253/291, 406/197, s. servant,
hind.
Hyre, 61/167, 387/260, s. payment,
reward.
Hythyn, 59/89, adv. hence.
Hytist (pou), 229/225, V. art thou
named, called : see Hight.
Hyve, 228/198, s., probably a corrup-
tion for hyne, i.e. servant, fellow, the
old copyist reading n as «, and by ear
writing v.
Hoyly, 40/22, adv. wholly.
Hold, hald, 461/185, v. to keep ; 469/
113, perform (a promise).
Hone, 88/352, 349/13, V. delay, wait;
Honed, 271/35.
Hoo, 19/36, s. a height, hill; many one
hoo, many on hill, in opposition to
the haugh or level ground of the
previous line.
Hoo, 290/507, Ifor 00, i. e. ever, con-
tinually.
Hope, 84/275, 147/46, 149/93. "• to
think, opine, expect, consider.
Hopp iUa hayle ! 82/245, ejaculation
of surprise.
Hore, 308/21, ». hair.
Hover, 88/352, v. to stop, wait, hover ;
Houerand, 53/25 2, pr. p.
Houe, 294/73, V. stop, wait.
Howe, 152/182, 189, adv. in what
manner.
Howe-gates, 229/227, adv. in what
, manner.
Hudde : see "We !
Hune, Hone, 209/272, s. delay.
Hurled, 259/139. pa. p. for harled,
dragged.
Hurth, 427/34, 5. hurt.
Jangill, 273/59, 307/14. »■ prating.
langillande, 36/47, ac[;'. jangling, quar-
relsome.
Jape, 36/47, 178/6, s. trick, jest, or
mock.
Jappis, 280/235, V. chatter.
Jappon, 304/344, ;.. a jest, gibe.
Javell, 273 / 59, 1;. to contend, to
wrangle.
Javellis, 280/235, s. contentions.
Jeauntis, 292/13, s. giants.
Jessen, 86/303, 87/321, = Gessen,
Goshen.
If all, 220/20, conj. although.
lie, 2/26, isle.
Hie hayle ! 253/287, exclamation of
aversion or surprise : see Hopp !
Ingendis, 292/13, s. engines, machines.
In like, 43/99, alike.
In-mange, loi/^i prep, among.
Insens, 136/275, s. incense.
Instore, 242/45, v. to renovate, to
strengthen.
Jolle, 307/14, V. to knock about.
Jorneys, 242/49, days, day's work.
Jouidaue, 1 73/54, Jordan.
Ire, 42/57, s. anger.
Irke, 401/113, adj. tired, oppressed,
Itt, pron. 6/127 ; It, 43/100.
Itt, 162/134, conj. yet.
Juggemen, 427/25, ». judges, domes-
men.
lune, 43/101, 247/161, u. to join.
Jury, 1 30/ 1 2 7, 2 1 1 /3 1 2, s. Jewry , Judea.
I-wys=36wiss, certainly, surely; gene-
rally used as an expletive.
Kaochid, 243/65, v. caught.
Kaydyfnes, 505/237, s. wretchedness,
captivity.
Kayssaris, 123/15, s. emperors.
Kele, 51/198, 300/225, V. cool, assuage.
Kempis, 291/521, s. knights, soldiers.
Kende, 34/i54. 425/129, v. taught,
gave, delivered to.
542
GLOSSARY.
Kene, 1 51/150, adj. keen, eager: see
Kyne.
Kenne, 70/25, 241/29, 32, v. to teach,
give in hand ; 45/8, to know : see Can.
Kepe, 110/247, 423/73, s. care, heed;
take kepe, take care.
Keste, 317/319, ^a. A of cast.
Keuellis, 327/219, s. poles, staves.
Kyd : see Kythe.
Kynde, ^2/209, 94/21, ». nature.
Kynde, 7/155, adj. natural.
Kyndynes, 1 23/15, s. feeling of kindred.
Kjnidis, 9/24, pi., 238/163, tribes.
-Kyn=kirid, adj. suffix : see All-kyn,
"WThat-kynne, TTo-kynue.
Kjme, 30/46, adj. keen.
Kynne, 121/101, s. kindred, family.
Kynreden, 22x1 do, o. kindred.
Kythe, 123/15, i/. show; Kyd, 36/25;
Kydde, 227/192, 135/242. /">• t-
shown, discovered.
Kyth, 39/122, 135/260, 141/91. »•
kith, race, kindred, own people.
Knave, 1 21/100, 140/56, 301/264, s.
boy, lad, young fellow.
Knyght, 151/150, 154/244, s. soldier.
Knyth, 33/i35. "■ /o'' gnith, con-
tracted form of- gnideth (like grayd-
eth, grayth), gnide, to rub, fret, or
irritate.
Knytte, 360/26, v. tied, bound.
Knowynge, s. knowledge.
Konne, 70/25, 16/75, v. to know, can,
able.
Laohe, 230/253, v. to catch, take ;
Laughte, 280/254, pa. p.
Xiadde, 344/225, s. load, burden.
Ladde, 81/217, 83/259, s. common
person, young fellow (used deprecia-
torily), young serving man.
Laght, 329/286, V. drawn, taken.
Laye, 66/346, 308/401; Laie, 290/501,
s. law; Layse, 71/44, 273 note, pi.
laws.
Layke, 261/192, s. game, play, pleasure.
Laykis, 230/238, v. to play, make
game or fun of.
Layne, 186/48, 0. loan.
Layne, 62/iS'i, 109/227, v. hide, con-
ceal ; 48/88, passive.
Laynyng, 204/101, s. concealment.
Layre, 299/213, s. soil, ground.
Layre, 78/181, s. lore, lesson.
Layte, 151/154, 408/233, v. to seek.
Laith, 430/132, adj. loath.
Laytbeste, 5/100, adj. most loathly.
Iiak, 74/109, s. lack, defect, want, fail ;
withouten lai, without fail.
Lakke, in/298, v. lack, want, be
without.
Lame, 441/246, s. lamb.
Iiame, 421/5, s. loam, clay.
Iiane, 56/4, 58/60, s. loan.
Iiange, 221/45, adv. long, much; to
lange, too much ; Lengar, 62/187,
longer.
Iiang are, 111/300, adv. long ago.
Iiang, 461/156, V. to stay.
Iiang, 215/442, V. to belong.
Lappe, 330/311, "• to lap ; fig. to lay
hold of; Lappid, 272/51, pa. p.
wrapped round, embraced ; 480/3,
supported, held.
Lare, 48/105 ; Lajrre, 78/181, s. lore,
learning.
Largely (large), 290/493, adj. big,
presumptuous (applied to language).
Lat = let, 5/120, v.\ lat loke, do look.
Late, 130/111, 131/134, 476/106, V.
to seek, endeavour.
Lath, 50/147, adj. loath ; full lath,
loathfuU.
Lathis, 107/149, V. loathes.
Laugher, 281/275, <"^' lower.
Laughte, 280/254, pa. ^. taken, caught:
see Lache.
Lawe, 214/418, adj. low (in height).
Lawe, 279/225,1;. to humble, bring low.
LawTUere, 298/180, s. a term of re-
proach, sluggard, lown-like man : see
lowmyshe in Prompt. Parv. ; loamy in
Jamieson ; (Skeat's Diet., s. v. loon).
Leche, 160/102, i,. doctor, physician.
Leche, 131/156, 264/266, v. to cure,
to heal, doctor.
Lede, 36/32, 140/70, 192/234, s. per-
son, man; 422/17, being.
Lede, 10/38, s.; 376/70, 476/9;, peo-
ple, country : ' land and lede,' Arthur
and Merlin, p. 4.
Ledlr, 2 76/148, 28o/254;ai(?'.lither,bad,
QLOSSARY.
543
Lee, 280/248, s. pleasure, delight.
Leede, 139/21, s. lead.
IieefCe, 486/1 74,^. Teaf.
Leere, 391/321, v. leam.
Lefe, ^1/21), 105/101, V. leave, stop !
Lefe, 110/249, adv. soon, willingly;
Lever, 237/138, comp. rather.
Leflfand, 192/234, adj. living.
Xie£fe, leeffe, 51/185, 426/8, 12, adj.
dear, pleasant.
Iiegge, 131/147, 231/45, V, allege.
Legli, 297/158, s.for lygh (see 11. 161,
162), lie.
LeytMy, 12/72, adv. lightly, easily.
Lele, 165/185, adj. leal, true.
Lely, 9/17, 158/64, adv. lealy, loyally,
truly.
Lelly, 96/91, s. lilly.
Leman, 193/8, s. lover.
Iiemed, 476/96, v. shone.
Lemer, 115/111, ». beamer, formed on
leme, a flame, ray, or beam ; lemer
of light, shedder of light.
Lemes, 118/16, ;>. rays.
Lende, 3/52, 44/124, 3?5/54. "■ to
stay, to remain, dwell, tarry; 513/
368, to pass.
Lenghis, 456/10, v. stays.
Lenne, 56/4, 248/178, v. to grant, to
lend, give; Lente, ii^/ii, pa. p. -~
Lepe, 130/111, i>. to leap, to spring,
run ; Leppe, 150/134, 325/^8, 230/
254, 232/291, to escape.
Lepfull, 299/207, s. baskets full.
Lere, 78/181, 93/16, to teach ; 48/105,
Leere, 391/321, learn; Leryd, 64/
267, pa. p.
Leme, 16/76, 254/8, v. to teach.
Lese, 87/331, 330/3". s- ^es, deceit.
Lesynge, 23/24, 172/2, s. a lie, false-
hood; Lesyngis, 264/273.
Leste, 261/193, pres. s. subj., if it please
you: see Liste : cf. 1. 286, p. 265.
Lete, 26/124, 105/98, V. let, permit.
Lette, 23/21, 161/117, V. hinder, stay,
refrain.
Lettir, 485/142, s. hinderer.
Leue, 1 57/20, V. read lene = lende, tarry.
Leve, 289/469, 327/231, V. apheticfor
bileue, believe.
Leue, 34/159. "• to live.
Lever, 337/138, adv. sooner, rather; see
Lefe.
Leverie, 203/65, s. delivery.
Leuyn, 9/17, s. lightning.
Levis, 1 26/1 , perhaps read lenis, givest ;
cf. with 129/97.
Lewyn, 53/273, s. living.
Lewte, 231/266; Lewty, 248/178, s.
loyalty.
Lidderon, 298/167, «. weak or lazy
fellow; Lidrone, 298/187.
Liddir : see Ledir and Lithre.
Ligge, lygge, 43/98, 347/332, "• to
lay or lie.
Lygiame, 25/110, s. the body.
Light, 167/224, 213/388, adj. happy,
joyful.
Lykand, 190/150, adj. pleasant.
Lykes me, 7/159, verb impers, 8/7, me
likes, I like; 12/73, pame likes (it
likes them), they like : see Liste.
Likid ill, 169/254, v. been sorrowful,
ill-pleased.
Likyug, 84/382, 86/304, s. pleasure,
delight ; likyng lande, land of delight,
the Promised land.
Limbo, 378/103, s. a sppcial enclosed
part of hell, a prison.
Lyme, 131/148, s. limb.
Lynage, 76/130, s. lineage, people.
Lyolty, 241/25, ?for lyalty, loyalty.
Lyre, lire, 69/30, 249/199, 379/119,
s. face, countenance, flesh.
Lirte, 230/354, s. ? deception, trick
(rfeZe the hyphen in text). Stratmann
has lurten, also bilurten, bilirten, to'
deceive.
Liste, 41/51, 128/76, 265/286, V. im-
personal, to like, to please ; me list, it
pleases me.
Liste, 66/34S, 0.. desire.
Lite, 303/326, a. strife, contest.
Lith, 328/241, -ii. listen ; Lithea,
124/16.
Lithernesae, 498/44, s. idleness.
Lithre, 324/120, adj. lither, easy,
pliant, hence bad : see Ledir.
Litht, 131/148, s. joint.
Lyvyng, 18/12, s. food, victual.
Lodsterne, 124/24, s. load-star.
Lofsom,249/i99,arf/.loveable,beautiful.
544
GLOSSARY.
Ijoghte, 152/181, V. ?=lout, lurk, lie
in ambush (to catch).
Iioyse, 134/216, 1/. destroy: see Iiose.
Lokyn, 93/10, fa. p. locked.
Longes, 23/48, v. belongs.
Loppis, 85/293, s. fleas (the note Jlies
in the margin is an error, though
according to Exod. viii. the fourth
plague was of flies. The description
in 11. 293, 294, suits better locusts
than Jleas, but they do not appear to
be intended. Cf. 11. 339, 340).
Iiordan, 81/226, s. a stupid, worthless
fellow : see Ijurdan,
Lorel, 258/113, J. bad, worthless
fellow.
Lome, 5/108, 50/175, pa. p. lost.
Lose, 70/36, 71/44, 84/272, V. ex-
tinguish, destroy ; Losis, 264/273.
Losellis, 72/78, s. rascals, bad, worth-
less men.
Lothe, 2 2 1/39, adj. loath, disagreeable,
hateful.
Lott, 326/183, 222/68, s. portion,
choice.
Lotterell, 315/259, 319/382, s. ?scoun-
drel, a term of opprobrium.
Loves, 205/134, s. loaves.
Louying, 2/24, 101/237, s. praise,
love.
Loue, 51/189 ; Lowe, 41/42, 44/145,
V. to praise; Louyd, pa. p. 51/194.
Lo-wte, 1/24, 267/353, V. to bow, bend,
reverence.
Luf, 3/46, s. praise.
Lufly, 3/43, adj. lovely; Luffely,
124/16.
Lufsome, 217/520; Lofsom, 249/199,
adj. loveable, beautiful.
-Lurdau, 5/108, Lurdayne, 81/229,
467/77, s. sluggard, worthless or idle
fellow : general term of opprobriiun
(Fr. lourd, lorirderie),
Lusshe, 252/271, s. a slash.
Lusslie, 292/10, 481/37, V. to slash,
cut at.
Maohed, 278/199, v. matched, found
his equal.
Madde, 119/38, v. to grow mad or
wild.
Mahounde, Mahownde, 91/401, 147/
i5> 37. 148/73. Mahomet.
Maye, 119/20, s. maid.
Mayne, 51 / 181, 148/62, s. might,
strength.
Maistrie, 203/64, s. mastery, i. e. right
or power of a master ; Maistreys,
222/63 ; Maistries, 385/216.
Make, 22/14, *• ™ate.
Makeles, 135/270, adj. without a
match, unequalled; as sub 223/92.
Malyngne, 290/506, v. to malign, act
spitefully.
Malysonne, 27/153, s. curse.
Mang, 452/132, V. Ifor meng, are
stupefied.
Mangery, 299/208, ». eating, feast.
Markid, 3/49, 58, v. designed, noted.
Marraude, 4/93, pr. p. marring.
Marre, 81/224, 89/356, 179/43, „. to
spoil, damage, destroy.
Mased, 31/82, 245/126, adj. con-
founded, giddy.
Mase, 79/194, V. iuakes.
Mate, 480/4, adj. dejected, confounded,
stupefied.
Matere, 23/43, a. matter, story.
Me, 102/1, myself, me ; me mene, be-
moan myself.
Mede, 66/335, 426/3; Meed, 135/269,
s. portion, reward.
Mede, 424/89, 5. njead, a drink made
from honey.
Medill, 347/327, v.for mell, meddle.
Medill-erthe, 40 / 8, 41 / 28, s. the
world.
Meene, 220/32, adj. low.
Meese, 222/64, 4^3/238, v. to soothe,
mitigate, diminish.
Meete, 136/281, adj. even, on a level
with : see Mette.
Mefld, 470/152; Mefte, i02/z^o,pa.p.
moved, taken place.
Meyne, 35/2, v. to be spoken of: see
Mene.
Meyne, 36/21, »■. company = menee :
see Men3e.
Mekenesse, 196/88, 92, s. mildness,
humility.
Mekill, 3/41, 74/97, adj. great.
Mele, 467/62, s. time, occasion.
GLOSSARY.
545
MeU, 12/66, 37/55, V. to mingle, med-
dle ; to make and mell, towork and act.
Maude : see Mene.
Mende, 94/18, i;. to amend, reform,
make better; mende your mode, 273/
64, soften your temper, be not angry.
Mene, 93/1, 65/286, 122/119, "■ to
tell, speak, mean, think ; Menyd,
97/125; Mende, 75/121, pa. t.;
TS.en.te, pa. p. 66/314, 94/32.103/30;
Meyne, passive, 35/2.
Meng, 12/74, 366/245, "■ mingle, mix,
stir up; Mengis, 118/4; menged in
mood, disturbed in temper.
Menje, 66/324, j. company, people.
Menyng, 378/103, ». talking.
Menske, 115/107, 243/47, t,. honour,
worship.
MenskfuU, 217/502, arf;. worshlpftiU.
Mente, 6/139, ^a.^. meant, spoke or
intended : see Mene,
Mercy, 170/281, 368/309, s. thanks,
grace ; Mersy, 143/181, s. mercy,
pardon.
Meroye, 489/265, interj. grace.
Merour, 2/34, j. mirror.
Merr, 94/39, v. to mar, destroy: see
Marre.
Mesellis, 86/317, a. pi. lepers.
Mesore, 49/136, s. measure.
Messe, 77/162, s. measure, bound, cf.
M. E. mejie, pi. mepes.
Meste, 302/290, V. error, read (as in
MS.) mefte, moved.
Mett, 85/288, V. meet.
Mette, 189/116, 135/269, V. measured ;
euyn with hym mette, Christ measured
even vpith God : see Meete.
Metyng, 204/95, 213/383, s.meeting.
Myddyng, 85/296, s. dung-hill.
Mydwayes, 72/69, seems to be an
error for mid-wives.
MyghfuU, 473/1, ?/o(- mightfuU.
MightefuU, 3/58, adj. powerful.
Mightes, 2/33, s. powers.
Myn, 41/28, adj. less ; more and myn,
greater and less.
Mynde, 471/188, ». remembrance.
Myre, 387/256, ». mire, bog (here figu-
ratively).
Myrke, 88/344, l ' 3/41, "<?'• dark.
N
Myrknes, 6/146, s. darkness.
Myron, 276/139, 147, 322/62, s., ap-
pears to mean a subordinate or ser-
vant.
Myrroure, 175/93, 184/195, s. mirror,
example, pattern.
Myrthe, 79/188, 227/133; Myrpes,
79/194. s. pleasure, happiness, profit,
advantage.
Mys, 8/9; Mysse, 93/2, 106/132, s.
fault.
Mys, 63/232, V. lose, want; Miste,
398/55. pa- 1- missed.
Myses, 84/273, s. ? lice. In Tovwieley
Myst. the word is mystes.
Mysfare, 211/324, s. misfortune.
Mismarkid, 258/123, mistaken.
Mia-paye, 24/64, v. displease.
Misse, 427/44, s. fault.
Missels, 135/258; Mysese, 167/213,
s. evil, care, anxiety.
Myssyng, 3/48, v. s. want, lack.
Misty, 398/43, adj. ?sad, dreary.
Mystir, 41/52, 278/196, s. need.
Mystris, 37/54, v. pres. s,. needs ; what
mystrispe, why needest thou.
Mistrowand, 454/1 79, adj. unbelieving.
Mytyng, 141/113, 179/26, 296/110,
303/305, s. amite, little fellow, midget,
a darling, term of endearment for
a child ; ' praty mytyng,' Towneley
Mysteries, p. 96. In margin on p. 1 79
read ' mite ' for ' myghty one.'
Mytyng, 316/305, adj. tiny, very small.
Mobardis, 246/137,467/74, a. clowns,
a term of contempt.
Mode, 179/43, 484/123, s. mood,
temper.
Moffe, 22/2, 138/52; Moyfe, 127/48,
V. to move : see Mefid.
Molde, 36/35, ;.. mould, earth.
Momell, 236/106, V. mumble, mutter";
Mummeland, />res. ^. 303/305.
Mon, 31/54, 67, 33/131, anx. u. must.
Mone, 123/14, s. moon. (Note, of mas-
culine gender.)
Mone, 231/275, a. moan.
Mop, 299/196, s. a fool.
More, 11/48, adj. greater.
More, 85/296, s. moor, waste.
Morne, 62/196, v. mourn.
546
GLOSSARY.
Mornys, 62/199; Momyng, 79/190,
s. mourning.
Mort, 222/77, V. aphetic form 0/ amort,
put to death,
Morteysed, 226/163, ^a./i. mortised.
Moster, 123/14, v. show.
Mot, 158/61 ; Mote, 183/178, u. may,
might.
Mote, 387/256; Moote, 354/159, v.
to moot, plead, argue, discuss.
Moulde, 6/141, !,. earth : see Molde.
Mowe, 361/78, V. to make faces.
Mowes, 358/286, ii. pi. faces, grimaces.
Mtun, 78/175, V. mutter.
Muste, 470/164, s. new wine.
Muster, 472/216, v. to show; Mustyr,
6/145 ; Mustirs, 70/30 ; Musteres,
183/177; Mustered me, 178/g.
namely, 114/74, 277/173, adv. espe-
cially.
Ware, 179/52, adj. near; Warre, 47/
62 ; TSene, 303/321, nearer.
Nawe,for awe, 63/240, adj. own.
We, 468/104, read he.
ITedelyngis, 302/278, adv. necessarily.
Uedes, 57/43, adv. of necessity.
Uefifes, 268/370, s. fists.
BTeehe, 128/65 ; Weygh, 23/33, 3^, ".
come near to, approach.
Uemely, 262/219, 353/120, adv.
quickly, nimbly.
Wemen, nemyn, neme, 33/144, 107/
170, 194/37, V. name, mention.
Weuys, 313/185, Ifor nevenys.
ITerre, 303/321, adj. nearer.
Werthrist, .^29/266, (?).
Ifeuen, 45/15, 310/89, v. to name, to
mention ; 285/366, to call, proclaim,
newe, 76/141, of newe = a-new ; here
for the first time.
Newe, 478/144, 494/96, 105, s. noye,
harm, hurt, annoyance.
Wewe, 275/131, V. to annoy.
Wewes, 217/531, V. renews.
ITewesome, 277/183, adj. annoying.
ITexile (an exile), 2/25, s. aisle, from
Lat. axilla, a detached part of the
structure of the world ; here seems
to be confounded with isle.
Nyse, 261/193, 265/286, adj. nice,
good, fastidious, particular.
Noble, 43/107, 225/133 ; Nobill, 210/
300, adj. glorious, notable, grand, fine,
splendid.
Woolens, 316/291, s. ? usefulness..
Woddil, 268/370, V. to strike with the
closed fist, to rap.
Woghte, 2/16, 30/44; Wou5t, 37/59,
nothing.
TToy, 4/7I) V. aphetic for annoy.
Woyes, 90/3S6, T50/140, s. hurts,, an-
noyances ; see Wewe.
Wokyn, 143/152, adj.; Wo-kynues,
24/76, 48/100, adj. no kind of.
Wolde, 418/405, V. would not.
Wones, 285/366, a. nonce ; pe nones,
for then ones, that once, the nonce,
once at least.
Note, 76/141, 154/268; Wott, 128/
75, s. affair, business, matter; Woote,
371/383, s. use, occupation.
Wote, 120/65, s. song, sound.
BTotis, 1 2 2/1 1 2, s. nuts.
IToust, 37/59, adv. not (nothing).
Wovellis, 160/102, s. news.
Kovelte, 122/127, 205/118, s. novelty,
new thing, news.
Wowele, 358/119, s. owl (a nowele =
an owele).
Obitte, 388/269, dead (Lat. obitus).
Oblissh, II 7/ 1 5 1, K. to oblige, compel.
Of, 144/216, prep. for.
Of keght, 54/291, on high.
Omell, 95/62, prep, amidst.
On-brede, 10/35, abroad.
Ondergh, 349/2, adj. undree, without
sorrow or trouble.
Ongayne, 290/511, adj. ungainly.
Ongaynely, 32/99, adv. with trouble.
On-glad, 421/6, adj. sorrowful.
On-hande, 131/138, adv. on one hand,
aside.
Onlif, 83/254; On-lyvo, 32/103, 146/
13, adv. alive.
Oondis, 116/132, V. pr. p. breathe,
from ande, onde, to breathe.
Or, 31/55, adv. before ; see Ayre.
Ordandis, 494/87, v. ordains.
Os, ^1/66, 44/140, conj. as.
GLOSSARY.
547
Ospring, 498/23, s. offspring.
Othir, 236/110, -prep, for or, i.e. ere,
before.
Ouere-wyn, 310/104, v. overcome.
Oure vnwittyng, 326/189, unknown
to DS.
Ought, 23/33, s. anything.
Oute-tane, 29/9; Outtane, 63/224;
Owtane, 198/147, except, excepted.
Outhir, 40/16 ; Owthir, 130/124,
adj. either.
Outrayes, 323/100, 1/. outrages.
Ovet, 86/307, adv. over, too ; Oure
foue, 338/41, over foolishly.
Owe ! 4/81, 93, interj. oh !
Owte-take, 20/67, v. to except.
Oyas ! 285/569, v. oyez, hear !
Paas, 333/4, 1^1 ; I'aso, 234/29, s.
pasque, Passover.
Page, 141/101, 267/358, s. a boy child,
lad.
Pay, 9/25, 131/151. s- pleasure.
Paye, 500/188, v. to please ; Payed,
62/192 ; Paied, 89/359, pleased.
Payer, 332/375, s. ? beater, striker.
Paire, 224/114, 345/256, v. aphetic
form of appair, impair.
Pak, 1 1 1/303; Pakke, 143/160, s.
package or bundle.
Palle, 308/25, ». a cloth covering.
Pappe, 429/103, ». teat, breast.
Papse, 267/358, apparently the name
of a game.
Parellis, 86/306, s. perils.
Parlament, 308/33, s. a discussion, a
speaking.
Parred, 321/34, pa. p. inclosed.
Pase, 468/103, s. pace, steps.
Passande = Passing, 3/56, 6/134.
pr. p. excessive, exceeding.
-Passe, 275/116 {second), adv. pace,
A-passe, apace.
Passh, 481/38, V. to strike with vio-
lence.
Patris, 357/266, V. patters, chatters.
Peohing, 429/84, pr. p. panting,
breathing hard (guttural cA).
Pees, 429/84, 6. silence, pvtie are to pees.
Peysed, 429/96, v. weighed down.
Pole, 224/110, s. stir, fuss.
N
Petelous, 220/16; Perles, 63/239,
adj. peerless, tuiequalled.
Perloyned, 271/31, 32, removed, set
away.
Pertly, 259/136,0^1;. apketic for apeitly,
openly, boldly.
Pight, 1J2/4, pa. p. pitched, set.
Pike, 23/18; Pikis, 123/11, v. to
pluck, pick, choose.
Pilohe, 3,^2/375, s. woollen or fur
pelisse or coat.
Pynakill, 181/91, s. pinnacle.
Pyne, 2/32, v. to torture, to starve ;
Pynde, 178/12; Pynyd, 136/294;
Pyhnyd, 471/184, pa. p.
Pyne, 47/54, 104/56, s. pain, grief,
pmiishment.
Playne, full, open, 161/127, 471/199.
Plajmere, 161/127, adj. plenary.
Plasmator, 514/2, maker, creator.
Plately, 270/3, 328/244, adv. plainly,
perfectly.
Platte, 292/5, n. sit down, sit flat.
Plege, 143/170, V. to pledge, be surety
for ; Of all I plege, of all I am respon-
sible for.
Pleyne, 160/103, "^i- ^'^H ! Plener, 80/
200, comp. fuller, larger ; more fuller
place, a. greater, larger place : see
Playne.
Pleyned, 509/296, v. plained, pitied.
Plesyng, 1/12, s. pleasure.
Plete, 229/236, ? exclamation, Rut, done!
Plete, 206/176, V. plead, argue.
Plextis, 292/5, ? for pleytis, pletis,
argue, quarrel (ye).
Ply, 1/12, V. to bend or turn.
Plight, 432/192, s. promise.
Plight, 312/162, 457/44, 5. danger,
guilt, fault.
Poynte, 127/46, 131/151, 181/99, s.
business, matter, instance.
Post, Poste, 223/88 ;Pooste, 224/114,
Pouste, 61/181, s. power, might.
Pounce, 271/20, ». Pontius.
Poure, 82/242, 144/185, J. power.
Poure, 122/110, adj. poor.
Pouste, 61/181, 5. power, might.
Preoes, 229/230, v. presses.
Prees, 112/12, 338/12; Prese, 285/
370, s. press, crowd, surrounding.
n 2
548
GLOSSARY,
Prente, 222/75,362/111, 1/. to print,
impress.
Presande, 122/110, s. a present.
Present, 162/137, s. presence.
Prestely, 240/11, 247/155, arfi/. readily,
quickly, presently.
Pretend, 242/52, v. Intend.
Preuys, 466/17, v. prove, establish;
Preued, 307/9, 308/25, pa. p.
Price, 182/127, '• value.
Prike, 111/303, v. to pin, fasten.
Prime, 32/90, s. the first hour of the day.
Priuite, 192/226, ». privacy.
Procesae, 324/124, t/, law-suit.
Prokering, 429/82, a. procuring.
Propheres, 332/373, v, prefers,
Prophyte, 177/155. >• profit.
Prossesse, 432/192, ^. process, succes-
sion.
Proue, 23/17, V. try.
Prowe, 20/60, 186/37, '• profit,
honour.
Publiashed, 375/59, openly seen, pub-
licly known.
Pursue, 236/109, u. follow after, go to.
Purvey, 231/272, 234/24, v. to pro-
vide for oneself, make provision.
Qwantise, 72/61, s. cunning, device
(O. Fr. cointise).
Qwarte, 41/50, 260/169, 438/159, s.
health, activity, lithe condition ; out
of qwarte, infirm,
Quat, 41/40, adj. what.
Q,welle, 72/61, 153/209, V. to kill,
destroy.
Qweu, adv. when.
Quenys, 153/209, 345/192. »■ queans,
scolds.
Quyk, 166/211, adj. alive.
Eacleyme, 309/78, s. a call to return,
(a term used in falconry). Cf. "Cam
with him a reclayme," Rich, the
Redeless, Pass. II, 1. 182, and Dr.
Skeat's note ; Whatine he comes to
racleyme, when he returns to the
call.
Badde, 174/59, 4i6/377. <"(?'• light-
ened, afraid.
Badly, 90/390, 277/178, arfv. speedily.
Eaffe, 107/146, V: to rave.
Eaffe, 401/111, past t. of rive, tear;
see Befe.
Bagged, 363/120, pa, p. for rugged,
pulled.
Bay, 230/246, V. for array {flphttic
form).
Eayke, 276/151; Eakis, 2.75/126, v.
to move, go ; Eaykand, 123/3, 223/
93, pr. p. raiking, a rapid irregulai;
movement (Icel. reiia, to wander).
Bayned, 112/18, v. rained.
Eakke, 123/7, *• rack, course or road.
Eappely, 123/7, <"'''. quickly, speedily.
Earyng, 299/215, s. roaring, mourning.
Ease, 279/214, s. course, race.
Basely, 482/60, adv. angrily.
Eathely, 240/6, adv. soon, speedily.
Eawes, 158/50, s. rows, on rawes in
order.
Bead, 19/44, '• counsel, advice,
Beame, 126/16, a. realm.
Eebaldes, 124/35, '• scamps.
Beohe, 232/183, v. reach.
Eeoorde, 330/315, u. to witness.
BeoouTB, 237/141, recourse, i.e. re-
source, ex,pedient.
Eeooveraunoe, 223/101, a. cure or re-
covery : see Coveres.
Eecrayed, 415/364, adj. recreant,
coward.
Becreaoioun, 481/20, colde recreacioun,
poor amusement.
Eede, 158/50, 159/86, 162/145, v.
read.
Eede, 69/17, 97/124, v. to counsel,
advise ; Bed, 30/35, pa. p.
Bedy, 126/12, 1 34/223, adj. near, short.
Befe, 277/165, V. to rive, tear from;
Byff, 107/153, ^c <.; Eaffe, 401/
111, pa. t. ; Bafte, pa. p. 2S2/299.
Beflara, 444/367, j. blows back.
Befuse, 350/315, v. to deny.
Behete, 265/287, 332/363, v. to cheer,
to revive, encourage.
Beyned, 481/34, v. reigned ; Eeynand,
40/14, pr. p. reigning.
Eeke, 220/34, smoke ; figuratively
tumult, uproar.
Bekkeles, 107/146, adj. careless, not
recking anything.
GLOSSARY.
549
EelefPe, 451/90, v. (I) leave behind.
Belea, 389/288, s. release.
Beleue, 299/207, s. remains, left over.
Eeme, 220/34, *■ kingdom.
Bemeued, 95/50, error for remened,
reminded.
Bemewe, 86/310, 33i/335. «• move
back, remove.
Bengne, 245/122, u. reign.
Eenke, 255/17, s. ranging, setting in
order.
Beiike, 125/55, "• " Strong man, a
knight.
Bepleye, 304/380, this seems to be a
corruption ; see the reading below.
Eeproffe, 103/45,-104/56, s. reproach.
Beproued, 230/245, 459/85, .pa. p.
redressed, corrected.
Beproues, 315/241, v. proves back.
Besouns, 159/86, 266/309, 387/255.
s. speeches, discourses) argument,
reason.
Bespete, 65/285, s. respite.
Beste, 481/31, V. quieten, appease.
Beatore, 6/143, it. to refresh ; see In-
store.
Bevette, 43/109, s. rivet.
Eeward, 19/42, 168/235, ». regard,
respect.
Bewe, 39/115, 273/62, V. to suffer,
often impersonal ; Bevires mo, 103/36,
it repents me.
Bewe, 43/iog, s. (? rule), a carpenter's
tool.
Bewlle, 147/46, 5. rule, order.
Bewly, 221/38, adj. ruly, calm.
Bewpe, 283/305, s. pity.
Biall, 124/32, adj. royal.
Bialte, 123/3, "• regality, royalty.
Eyflf, T07/153, V. rive, tear: see Eefe.
Bigge, 339/73. s- back.
EigMwysnes, Bightvisseuesse, 1 75/
1 1 8, s. righteousness.
Eyott, 90/390, s. riot, 'row,' insur-
rection, stir, uproar.
Eisse, 492/41, s. a branch.
Eyste, 71/43, s. rise, increase.
Byre, 57/22 ; Bjrue, 205/136, adj. rife,
abounding.
Eobard, 36/47, s. robber, thief, perhaps
shortened from Roberdsmen or rober-
des hiaves, gangs of lawless men in
the fourteenth century, see statutes
5 Edw. III. e. 14, and 7 Rich. II c. 5 ;
also the name Robert was early ex-
plained to mean robber or thief, see
references in Dr. Skeat's notes to
Piers Plowman (E.E.T.Soc.) Part IV,
Pass, i, pp. 8, 125.
Boght, 26/137 ; Bought, 275/126,
601/149, pa. p. recked, cared : see
Bekkeles.
Boye, 2 1 9/1, 0. king.
Boyse, 1 20/69, v. to praise oneself, to
boast : see Bowse, Bude.
Eome, 178/1, 279/229, ». room ; gose
a rome, give room.
Eomour, 220/34, '• report.
Boo, 31/76, 277/188, s. rest.
Bope, 130/122, /or roy, swagger, boast.
Bouk, 36/48, V. to bow or bend.
Bowe, 19/38, ;>. rest, peace: see Boo.
Eowe, 6/124, *• order, line : see Eawes.
Eownand, 124/35, pr. p. whispering,
muttering.
Eowne, 36/48, v. to mutter or whisper.
E0WS6, 264/271, u. boast.
Eude, 277/175, pa. p. for royed,
boasted.
Euffe, 112/18, a. roof.
Eugge, 279/214, i;. to pull roughly ;
Bagged, pa. p.
Saaude, 63/244, s. sending, what is
sent.
Sad, 41/33, adj. grave, quiet.
Sadly, 43/102, 284/353, adv. gravely,
seriously.
SafEyug) 115/100, s. saving, salvation.
Sagates, 57/30, so-gales = thus-gates
in this manner.
Saggard, 361/82, s. formed from sag,
to fall or bulge by weight of parts
unattached, applied to the body on
the cross, sinking by its weight.
Sale, 274/99, 1/. apheticfor assay, try.
Sayff, 18/12, V. save, store up.
Saise, 111/277, "• says.
Safc, 100/195, s. blame, guilt.
Sakles, 108/181, adj. blameless.
Sales, 321/18, 333/398, s. halls, rooms.
Sail, 323/87, s, hall or chamber.
550
GLOSSARY.
Salue, 177/170, V. to salve, heal;
Salued, 264/263, past t.
Saluyng, 66/334, *■ salving, healing.
Salus, 184/194, V. salutes.
Sam, Same, 44/126, II 1/301; Samyn,
63/235, adv. together.
Samme, 468/87, v. assemble, gather
together; Sammed, 338/43.
Sande, 109/217, s. message.
Sararre, 77/160, adj. comp, of sare,
sore, sorer, worse.
Battles, 328/248, i>. settles, sinks.
Sauerly, 257/80, adv. tastily.
Saughe, 129/86, v. saw.
Saughe, 19/34, ? for saught, adj. peace-
ful, quiet : see "Vnsoght.
Saunteryngo, 351/70, 354/15°. «•
sauntering, strolling. Prof Skeat
tells me this is the earliest instance
yet found of the word saunter.
Sauterell, 303/310, 310/91 ; Sawte-
rell, 315/274, s. ? transgressor, tres-
passer (leaper over bounds). Cf. Fr.
sauterelle, grass-hopper.
Savely, 412/307, adv. safely.
Sawes, 69/17, 97/119, ». words, say-
ings.
Sawntrelle, 249/190, s. saunterer or
stroller. Cf. gangerll and haverel.
Seand, 109/235, s. sight, perception.
Secomoure, 214/427, s. sycamore tree.
Seeoe, 139/38, v. act, stay, stop.
Seege, Sege, 114/59, 227/190, 325/
157, .>. warrior, knight, man, fellow.
Seele, 49/129 ; Seill, 39/136 ; Cele,
160/109; Sele, 9/13; s. happiness,
bliss.
Seere, 128/50, 217/519, adj. many,
several.
Sees, 69/17, V. cease.
Seete, 254/7, *• seat.
Sege, 99/163, s seat,
Seggid, 308/16, pa. p. said.
Seggyng, 285/360, s. saying, nagging.
Seill, 39/136, s. bliss, happiness.
Seyn, 42/77, pa. p. ? seen, looked tp.
Seys, 40/19, s. cease.
Sekirly, 104/63, adv. surely.
Seloouth, 50/159, 127/18, adj. won-
drous, wonderful.
Sele, 9/13, s. happiness.
Selle, 392/342, i. cell.
Sembland, 129/93, ». semblance, ap-
pearance.
Seme, 15/20, v. to appear, be seen,
232/6 ; Seines, seems, is fitting ; Se-
mand, 284/341, pr. p.
Semely, 4/89, 124/45, <"U- seemly,
handsome.
Semelyte, 204/116, s. seemliness.
Sen, 203/66, 341/132, adv. for sithen,
since : see Syn.
Senge, 54/290, s. sign.
SeniouT, 273/73, ». seigniour, lord.
Senous, 352/108; Synnous, 353/132,
s. sinews.
Sente, 312/144, 166, aphetic for assent
or consent; see 1. 168 and 315/246.
Ser, 183/151, s. sir.
Sere, 10/26, adj. several, diverse, many,
9/20, apart, separate.
Serely, Serly, 466/24, adv. separately.
Sermon, 282/302, v. to sermonize.
Sers, 315/275, u. to search.
Servid, 8/8, pa. p. deserved.
Sese, 17/91, V. cease.
Sethen, 16/62; Sene, 17/77; Sythen,
57/i6, conj. since.
Sette, 23/19, pa. p. bestowed, placed.
Sewe, 77/160, V, fpUpw, pursue.
Sehalke, 282/295, 320/2,' s. a soldier,
a servant.
Shame, 137/318, s. bad conduct.
Shame, 31/62, 63, v. reflex, and im-
pers. to be ashamed.
Shamously, 312/143, adv. shamefully.
Shape, 137/318, V. to plan, intend,
prepare ; Shoppe, 35/3, past t. : see
Sohoppe.
Seharid, 246/141, pa. p. scared.
Schawe, 272/56, s. show, appearance.
Schemerande, 4/69, pr. p. shimmer-
ing.
Sctene, 127/22, 496/154, adj. bright,
shining.
Shende, 89/365, t,. to ruin, disgrace ;
Shente, 31/79,^0. p.
Shore, 260/171, v. cut.
Sohewyng, 4/69, v.s. appearance.
Shyll, 139/43, "dj. shrill.
Shippe-oraft, 42/67, s. the art of mak-
ing ships.
GLOSSARY.
551
Sohire, 487/202, adj. sheer, pure.
Sho, 106/120, pron. she.
Sohoflfe, 368/297, V. shove, push.
Sohogged, 429/100, V. jogged, shook.
Schone, 64/244, v. shun, escape.
Schonte, 482/59, v. shunned.
Sohoppe, 204/114, 212/365, V. shaped,
formed: see Shape.
Sohoures, 478/146, i. showers, /g-KJ-a-
tively, assaults of fortune.
Schrewe, 151/169, s. clever, sharp, bad
person.
Sohrew, 248/180, 187, v. to curse:
'ifor beshrew.
Shiowde, 268/364, s. a garment.
Sigging, 469/133, J. saying: see Seg-
gyng-
Sijte, 364/157 : see Syte.
Syle, 144/196, V. to drop, glide away.
Sill, 244/92, Ifor sail, shall.
Sylypp, 57/26, s. syllable.
Symonde, 43/102, s. cement.
Simple, 15/30, I2I/I00, 282/288,0^'.
innocent, weak, mean, lowly, of little
value.
Syn, 6/139, '"^''- since : see Sen.
Syne, 54/296 ; Synge, 74/100 ; Syu-
gnes, 77/156, s. sign.
Syne, Synne, 276/138, adv. since,
later, by and bye.
Synke, 46/36,7/. drown : see Sounkyn.
Syte, 29/16, s. sorrow, disgrace, shame.
Sythen, 57/26, conj. since.
Sithfull, 342/151; SytfuU, 33/129,
adj. sorrowful.
Sithis, 39/130, s. times.
Sittis, 232/288, 287/420, V. impers. it
becomes us (Fr. il nous sled ).
Skape, 49/141, 1/, escape (aphetie).
Skathe, 49/141, 140/77, s. harm,
damage.
Skaunce, 282/291, ». a chance, an ac-
cident. O. F. escance. See Towne-
ley M. pp. 17, igg.
Skell, 12/65, '• shell.
Skelpte, 222/81, 321/35, V. past t. to
strike with anything flat, as a leather
strap, &c. ; skelpte out of score, drove
out of bounds.
Skemeryng, Skymeryng. 130/133, s.
shining : see Schemerande.
Skyffte, 225/130, s. shift, trick, art.
Skylfull, 15/22, adj. having reason or
understanding.
Skill, 459/113; Skylle, 15/26, s.
reason, understanding, motive.
Skymeryng, 343/192, v. skirming,
skirmishing.
Skippid, 481/41, V. grazed (skin).
Skyste, 221/41, v. sometimes so written
for skyft, to shift, divide, change,
separate.
Skwyn, 42/74, s. skew, oblique,
twisted ; of skioyn, askew.
Slake, 46/41 ; Sclake, 9/13, n. abate,
grow less, lessen,
Sleghte, 181/88, 271/8, .. sleight, con-
trivance, cunning.
Slely, 271/8, adv. cunningly.
Slyke, Slike, 46/22, 143/140 ; Selyk,
44/140 (earlier sa-lyke), adj. such :
see Swilke.
Slippe, 476/105, adj. sleepy, drowsy.
Slo, 331/324; Sloo, 164/175, „. to
slay, kill.
Sloppe, 295/77, s. over-garment, a
robe (rather than a shirt, as in mar-
gin)-
Smerte, 41/54, adj. smart, sharp.
Smore, 5/1 17, v. to smother.
Snell, 437/ni, o(^'. sharp, keen. '^~^'~
Softe, 144/196, adv. gentlj', easily.
Soght, 449/25, pa. p. of seek, attri-
buted, fetcht to; 49/128, went;
135/262, sought, paid homage to.
Soile, 318/361, u. aphetie for assoil,
absolve.
Solas, 136/301, 217/509, s. solace,
comfort, joy ; solace sere, 23/40, many
pleasures.
Sorouse, 93/7, s. sorrows.
Sorowe, 103/44, arft/. sorrowfully, sadly.
Sotell, 73/79, adj. subtle, clever.
Sotte, 124/28, s. fool.
Sounkyn, 498/36 ; Sownkyn, 41/30,
pa. p. sunken, drowned, 42/59.
Spared, 419/430,^0.^. closed, shut up.
Spedar, 5/1 10, s. helper, promoter.
Spede, 236/92 ; Speed, 66/330, ».
success.
Spede, 422/15, V. to succeed, go well ;
Spedde, 261/187, ^a./>.
552
GLOSSARY.
Spell, 471 / 187, s. discourse, book
Spellis, 263/240, pi. sayings, fa-
bles.
Spence, 366/241 ; Spens, 3ii/i34> '•
apheticfor ex ence.
Spere, 380/139, u. to shut, close;
Spers, 50/161, imperal. : see Spared.
Spere : see Spire.
Spill, 5/110, 46/50, 130/128, V. to
ruin, destroy, to perish ; Spyll,
21/89; Spilte, 33/140-
Spire, 236/97; Spirre, 114/82 ; Spere,
263/240,.?/. to ask, inquire.
Spirringes, 322/64, ». questionings.
Spites, 283/326, s. contempt.
Spome, 422/15, V. to stumble.
Stabely, 126/6, 131/140, adv. firmly,
truly.
Stabyll, 3/62, adj. stable.
Stadde : see Stedde.
Stages, 44/127, 129, steps or floors.
Stakir, 274/85, 1/. stagger.
Stales, 295/75, ». deceits, slyness, ^«n«
conspiracies.
Stalke, 331/336, V. to walk stealthily.
Stalkyng, 276/157, ». stepping softly
or slowly.
Stalland, 320/14, ^r. />. forbearing.
Stark, 417/396, adj. stiff, rigid.
State, 220/23, s. pomp, high condi-
tion.
Stately, 222/82, adv. in proper posi-
tion.
States, 281/261, s. personages of high
rank, estates.
Stawllys, 44/129, s. stalls, places.
Stedde, 483/94, v. to stay, tarry.
Stedde, 67/363, 113/22,^0./!. placed,
set.
Stedde, 508/289, pressed, put lo it;,
stedde stiffely, 477/137, hard pressed,
in danger.
Stede, 58/74; Steede, 121/S8, s.
stead, place.
Stente, 146/3, v. to still, restrain.
Sterand, 248/175, fres. p. stirring,
active, agile.
Sterne, 127/28, j. star.
Steuyn, Steven, Steuen, 9/16, 45/6,
s. voice, call.
Steuened, 187/64, v. called.
Stevenyng, 307/6, s. shouting.
Stye, 250/229, 5. an ascending lane or
path.-
Sties, 339/52, s. steps.
Stigh, 424/85, V. to rise or ascend ;
Stied, 495/121, past t, rose.
StighiU, 295/75, "■ t° decide, to es-
tablish, order, to part combatants.
Stynt, 52/222, V. to shorten, stop, stay :
see Stente.
Stodmere, 193/13, ». stud-mare.
Stoken, 383/193. 46?/6°> P"- P- fas-
tened, stuck.
Stonyes, 279/223,1;. /or astonies, is as-
tonished (apketic).
Store, 300/242, adj. big, powerful,
strong.
Stormed, 11 2/16, ^a.^. taken by the
storms of weather.
Stounde, 240/8, s. a short time.
Stoure, 243/73, s. conflict, struggle.
Straytely, 184/187, adv. closely.
Stresse, 165/188, s. torce.
Stiyve, 57/24, s. strife.
Sudary, 371/387, 409/243, s. napkin,
winding-sheet.
Sufferayne, 113/46, s. sovereign.
SufEraynd, 61/163, adj. sovereign.
Sagett, 114/64, s. subject.
Suye, 258/114, 262/212, V. sue, follow.
Suppowle, 338/11, V. to support.
SuttiUy, Suttelly, 42/77, 43/105,
cleverly.
Swa> 83/259, so.
Swayne, 122/128, 133/^07, s. youth,
boy.
Swapped, 259/144, 282/286, v. struck,
cut off quickly.
Swarand, 333/384, 7 swarand, Is' (/or
I sail = shall) warrant, (provincialism
still in use).
Sware, 42/74, s. square.
Sweght, 332/362, s. force.
Sweying, 286/371, s. noise.
Swelte, 333/384, 428/56, V. to faint.
Swemyed, 427/40, pa. p. seized with
swimming in the head, giddy.
S'wete, 332/361, V. sweat.
Swetyng, 427/40, s. sweating.
Swettyng, 427/40, 428/56, s. sweeting,
darling.
GLOSSARY^
553
Sweuene, 278/189, s. dream.
Swilke, 16/53, adj. such : see, Slyke.
Swynke, 27/161, v. labour.
Swyre, 332/361, j. a pillar.
Swithe, 91/393, 425/127, adv. soon,
quickly, immediately.
Ta, 104/65, 140/57, V. take.
Tacche, 353/119, v. tack, fasten;
Takkid, 429/92, fastened.
Tadys, 84/271, .<:. toads.
Taynte, 219/6, v. for attaint.
Taken, 76/143, 1 11/278, s. token.
Talde, 99/184, v. told, reckoned.
Talent, 174/69, 462/217, s. desire,
pleasure, inclination.
Tales, 60/128, s. sayings.
Tase, 354/180, s. toes.
Taste, 55/317, 218/535, 393/358, ■•>■
to touch, try, feel.
Taught, 29/10, 225/137, V. pa. p. of
teche, to deliver, give in charge, com-
mit; 263/228, showed.
Teche, 230/255, 393/364, v. to give,
deliver, teach; 125/48, show.
llsTo., 41/39, s. sorrow, trouble.
Teynd, 36/40 ; Tente, 36/27, s. tenth.
Telde, 198/162, 5. cover or habitation.
Telde, 56/14, k. tented, pitched, set up.
Tens, 213/386, 398, s. sorrow, trouble,
grief.
Tenefull, 312/152, adv. sorrowful.
Tenyd, 137/314, pa. p. grieved.
Tent, 9/1 1, s. heed, attention; 29/1,
take tent : see Eutent.
Tente, 412/301,1-. to heed, attend to.
Tente, 36/27, ». tenth.
Texte, 218/535, s. text.
Thaym, 29/7; paime, 2/31, pron.
them.
Thame, 142/137, 456/15, v. to -be de-
prived of, lack, want (Icel. tharnan,
a want).
Thaming, 456/12, j. lacking, want.
Tharr, 18/10; Thar, 168/134, ^- ™-
pers. itneeds ; Thurte, 510/316, pn. t.
The, 158/61, V. thrive; so mot I the,
so may I thrive.
pedyre, 202/41-, adv. thither.
Ther, 3/60 -; pare, 512/367, adv.
where.
There, 86/306; per, 43/92, 90/388,
460/137, adj. these: see pire.
per-gatis, 95/48, adv. in those ways,
those things.
pire, 8/3 ; pir, 95/53, pron. these.
Thirle, 424/100, v. thrill, pierce.
Thithynges, Thidingis, 397/28, 29,
tidings, news.
Tho, 70/39 ; po, 9/1 1, adj. those.
pof, 511/344, conj. though.
pof all, 121/101,122/121, although.
Thole, 183/182, V. suffer, bear.
Thondour, 86/320, s. thunder.
Thore, pore, 1 2/69, 130/11 6, adv. there.
Thraly, 56/3, 123/8, 322/61, adv.
eagerly, earnestly, obediently, duti-
fully.
prang, 178/2, s. throng, crowd.
Thrange, 481/43, v., pa. t. pressed.
Thrawe, 137/309, 258/115, s. while,
time.
Threpe, 230/256, s. threat, dispute.
Threpe, 5/114, v. to chide, dispute.
Threpyng, 430/105, v. ». disputing.
Threste, 258/115, v. to thrust.
Threat, 86/320, pa. p. thrust, beaten
down.
Thrette, 141/111, pa. p. threatened.
Thristed, 481/43, v. thrust.
Thrivandly, ^2/1^, adv. prosperously.
Thurte, 510/316, past t. of Thar.
Tyde, 149/92, v. betide, happen.
Till, 65/282, 298, prep. to.
Tille, 31/59, V. to obtain, procure.
Tyue, 63/241, 318/363, V. lose.
Tyne, 94/26, s. for teyne, teen, vexa-
tion.
Tyrauute, 30/48, s. said of Satan.
Tirraunt, 314/227, 360/30, s. usurper.
Tyte, 90/389, 135/246, adv. quickly,
speedily, directly; Tytar, 84/280,
comp. quicker, sooner.
Tytt, 332/350, pa. p. snatched or pulled
off.
Tyxste, 316/287, v. accusest. O. E.
tihan, M. E. tije.
To, 38/79, ». toe.
To, prep. 65/304, 348/348, for.
To-dyghte, 5/98, pa. p. committed to.
To-morne, 89/356, s. to-morrow.
To-whils, 2/30, adv. whilst.
554
GLOSSARY.
Tole, 54/281, 482/58, V. to work,
labour at, puU about : see Tule.
Teles, 48/1 IQ, 382/179, s. tools,
methods, instruments, utensils.
Tome, 318/345, 428/18,5. leisure; adj.
430/127, empty.
Tone, 471/202, 491/13,^0, ^./oc tane,
taken.
Toime, 264/249, 430/127, s. tun,
barrel.
Torfoyr, 431/160, 432/174, s. disaster,
hardship, difficulty.
Towne, 36/46, s. an enclosed place, as
opposed to wild ppen country, field ;
home farm.
Trace, 125/48, s. step, path, way.
Traye, 279/29, s. trouble, vexation.
Traye,256/Qo,s./ortrayne, deceit, trick.
Trayne, 59/102, 133/205, 179/23, 5.
plot, device ; withouten trayne, a
phrase to fill up a line.
Trayse, 275/118, s. trace, path, way.
Trante, 263/234, 315/251, 454/i68, s.
trick.
Trappid, 231/267, i/. pinched or
squeezed.
Traste, 24/78; Trayste, 76/139, u.
trust; Trast, 132/185, be assured.
Trauayle, 197/129, v. work.
Traues, 381/150, v. crosses.
Trembelya, 32/'^3> '"■ trembles,
quakes.
Tresurry, 135/246, s. treasury.
Trewys, 271/9, s. pi.; trewe, truwe,
faith, fidelity.
Trine, Tryne, 8/5, 103/13, 327/226,
y. to go, step, walk.
Triste, 67/349, 364/176; Treste,
365/191, trust, faith.
TrystefuU, 217/514, adj.to'be trusted.
Trowe, 24/75, '48/53, "• to believe.
Trufvdlis, 26/125, 303/300, 310/111,
trifles, incidents, idle stories.
Trus, Truss, Trusse, 190/15 1, 348/
347, 346/274,. "■ pack up, prepare,
make :feady.
Tule, 454/168, V. to work or labour (a
thing), pull about ; Tulyed, 245/118,
482/58, pa. p. (Scotch tulye, a strug-
gle ; Fr. /outlier, to mingle in con-
fusion.)
Tulles, 143/172, 5. tools, things: see
Toles.
Turnement, 244/91, s. 7 for torment.
Twyne, 42/78, 364/151 ; Twynne,
43/100, V. to sunder, divide.
Twyne, 43/100, v. for tine, to perish.
Vayle, 246/143, v. apheticfor avail,
Vayne, 6/146, empty.
Vaynes, 253/286, s. veins.
Vernand, 216/498, adj. vernal, of the
spring.
Verray, 100/219, adj. true.
Vilaunce, 194/15, vile.
Vyolet, 216/498, 5. violet.
Vmbelappid, 475/66, v. covered
around, surrounded.
Vmbyoaat, 336/467, v. bound about.
Vmsitte, 479/186, s. set around, sur-
round.
Vnbraste, 55/320, unloosed,
■ynbuxumnes, 6/123, s. disobedience.
Vnconand, 280/244, adj. ignorant.
Tncouthe, 59/116, adj. unknovra. .
Vndir-lowte, 459/92, s. a subject, one
stooping beneath subjection.
Vndirstand, 76/145, 78/177, 105/79,
V. to hear.
Vndir-take, 186/23, v. to receive.
Vndre, 322/50, meaning doubtful, per-
haps corrupt.
Vnduglity, 334/411, cowardly.
Vnethis, 499/59, adv. scarcely.
Vngladde, sorry.
Vnhende, 485/155, adj. uncourteous,
Vnysoune, 209/262, s. unison, singing
in one voice or part.
Vnlappe, 280/256, 'i/. to uncover.
Vnmeete, 3527127, adj. unfit,
Vnrude = wiride, 423/67, adj.hax^,
large. (See Stratmann.)
Vnseele, 313/177, i>, misfortune.
Vnsittyng, 326/192, adj. unbecoming.
Vnsoght, 13/77, i°3/44, "^j- ™iquiet,
troubled, disturbed.
"Vnthrifty, 352/90, adj;. ill-thriving,
unsuccessful.
Vnthryuandely = unthrivingly,
5/1 14, adv. unprosperonsly, in vain.
Vn-welde, 43/93, 63/221, adj. infirm.
Vnwittely, 31/52, adv. foolishly.
GLOSSARY.
555
Vn-witty, 130/110, adj. unwise.
Vphald, 325/150, ■«. warrant, vouch
for.
Vpholde, 232/282, s. support.
Vppe sought, 351/6S, V. fetcht up,
brought up.
Vpryse, 459/90; Vprysing, 459/9'.
s. resurrection.
"Vpstritt, 329/275, pa. t, of upstert,
started up.
Vttiremeste, 386/232, adj. last, ut-
most.
"Wa, 107/143, ». woe.
"Waferyng, 39/1 11, wavering, wan-
dering.
■Waffe, 95/54, 301/248, V. to waf^, tp
wave, move, throw ; VTauyd, pa, p.
317/318.
■Wagie, 151/173, adj. and s. evil,
wrong.
■Way, 142/147, do way ! see Do.
"Wayke, 43/93, adj. weak.
"Waite, 328/253, 470/169, u. watch.
"Wake, 9/12, 504/196, V. to watch.
■Wakymge, 415/357, s. watching.
"Wale, 11/55, V. to choose, select.
"Walowe, 421/10, V. to wither, to faint,
die away.
"Wanand, 51/204, v. waning, lessen-
ing.
"Wandes, 42/7S> *• "'O'^s or slats.
■Wandynge, 243/77, verb. s. failing
with fear, blenching.
■Wane, 54/300, vain, in wane, in vain.
■Wane, 51/186, v. lessen.
■Wane, 40/2, 367/278, adj. wan pale ;
see "Wanne.
■Wane, 33/121, 142/144; "Wqne,
153/217; "Waneand, 36/45, s.
thought, meaning ; (sc. wane, Q. E.
wen, opinion) : see ■Wille.
"Wanes, 106/123, s. dwellings: see
"Wones.
"Wanyand, 124/37, s. curse, vengeance ;
in the wanyand, an imprecation, with
a curse or vengeance ; in wilde wane-
and, 36/45, may possibly mean the
same.
"Wangges, 64/275, s. cheeks.
■Wanhope, 450/75, s. despair.
■Wanne for "Wan, 36/38, 50/156, adj.
gloomy, filthy, evil.
■Wanne-trowing, 458/83, s. mistrust,
faint faith.
"Want, 454/166, V. to lack.
Wapped, 292/12, 480/1, 489/274,
pa. p. wrapped, enclosed.
■Wappe of, 331/343, V. unwrap.
"War, 87/329, V. subj. imp. were ; war
they wente, were they gone.
■Warande, 128/67, s. warrant.
■Warde, 221/43, f. custody, guard.
■Ware, 196/31, adj. aware.
■Warisoune, 362/89, s. final reward.
■Warly, 468/91, adj. warily.
"Warlow, 276/141, 281/258, 471/176,
a wizard, one who has made compact
with the devil, hence a wicked man,
a fiendish person.
■Warre, 286/399; 'Were, 22/1,5. war,
doubt, confusion ; his witte is in warre,
his wits are at war, confused.
"Warre, 324/137, adj. ware.
■Warred, 339/77, i/. purchased, spent,
provided.
■Warrok, 291/525, i/. to restrain, bind.
"Wast, 11/52, V. to rob, to waste.
"Waste, 100/196, 154/271, adj. vain,
useless, in waste, in vain.
"Waste, 451/87, adv. wastefully, ex-
travagantly.
"Wathe, 24/65, 49/145, 181/109, s.
danger, evil, injury.
"Wax, II 3/41, V. to grow; "Waxen,
51/192, pa. p. grown.
"We! 76/139, interj. oh! {from the im-
patient why !) "We ! how ! "We !
hudde ! 119/37, 120/47, interjections
of surprise.
"Wedde, 261/189, v. to, pledge, to
wager.
■Wedde-sette, 318/346, v. to put in
pledge, to wedset, to let.
"Wede, 10/34, 94/30. 2i6/gi, ,. dress,
raiment, clothing.
"Wede, 421/9, a. passion, fury; 422/23,
V. to rage, act furiously.
"Wedlak, 1 10/261, s. wedlock.
■Weelde, 4/67, s. wield, power : see
Wolde.
■Weendande, 4/96, pr. p. wending.
556
GLOSSARY.
■Wegge, 356/242, s. wedge.
Welaway 1 27/148, 32/93, interj.
Alas!
"Weldand, 11 2/1, adj. mighty; all
weldand, all mighty, all wielding.
Welde, 212/360, 124/37, 315/273. "•
to use, wield, exercise.
Weledyng, 2/39, v. o. wielding.
"Weyke, 113/25, adj. weak.
"Well, 6/1 31, V. to boil, bubble.
Welland, 87/334, '"^j- boiling, furi-
ously.
■Welthe, 2/39, 33/117, 198/155, s.
well-being, weal.
"Wende, 10/42, v. to turn, put ; 11/46,
away bese went, are put away; 29/3,
went, pa. p. turned, done ; 444/347,
gone.
AWendes, 50/161, v. imperat. go.
"Wene, 156/5, v. to think; Wenys,
49/119, weenest, thinkest; Wende,
157/29. /"IS"-
Wene, 74/104, ». doubt, supposition.
"Were, 36/38, 127/34, v. to defend,
guard, protect.
Were, 243/82, j. defence, shield.
Wore, 1 1 1/302, V. to wear.
Were, 22/1, 228/213, s. doubt, uncer-
tainty, confusion ; 50/146, doubt,
fear ; see Warre.
Wery, 310/108, v. to curse; Weried,
52/232; Weryed, 70/27; Werryed,
pa. p. cursed.
Werie, 110/249, 510/328, adj. weary;
Wery, 108/205, worried, vexed.
Werraye, 147/35, /oc verray, adj. true.
Werre, 296/108, adj. worse.
Wetand, 475/72, pr. p. (? error for
wetyng, s.) thinking, knowing.
Wete, 411/283, 450/51, adj. wet, i.e.
bleeding.
Wete, 4/67, 129/95, V. to wit, to
know ; Weten, 501/130, pa. p.
Wetterly, 19/21, adv. wisely, with
knowledge : see Vnwittely, Wit-
tirly.
"Wliapp, 326/199, s. a whop, a blow.
Whare-som, 34/168, adv. wherever.
WTiatI 4/81, 33/133, 114/71, interj.
howl
WTiat-kynne, 24/52, oi^'.what sort of.
Whe I 251/250, interj. Ho!
WTiedir, 236/112, adv. whither.
w nethir, 104/53, pron. which.
■WMkly, 12/64, '"'''• ^y^e (cf. quick),
in activity.
Whyle, 30/51 ; While, 31/52, s. time.
WTiilke, 15/24, 165/183, pron. which.
WTiilom, 75/126, adv. once, fonuerly.
W nore, 12/72, adv. where.
Wioohis, 153/221, ». witches.
Wyelly, 443/333, adv. ? manlike, in
form of man, from A. S. wy.
Wyffe, 153/216, 173/39, s. woman.
Wight, 140/54, s. child; 144/208,
person, anybody.
Wighte, 52/212; Wight, 145/219,
adj. active, strong.
Wightly, Wyght, 8/6, 10/42, 141/92,
adv. actively, quickly, energetically.
WightneSj 58/58, s. activity, strength.
Wille, 144/208, 508/293, adj. wild,
wandering, bewildered; WiUe of
rede, 424/91, at a loss (see Bede) ;
Wille of wane, 142/144, 153/217,
191/184, at a loss, bewildered (wild
of thought or weening') : see Wane.
Willid, 241/17, V. wandered, strayed.
Willy, 458/79, adj. willing, choosing.
Wilsom, 135/243, 144/188, 236/92,
adj. wild, devious, wandering.
W^ymond, 339, proper name : cf Rauf
Coilyear, 1. 315, &c.
Wyne, 9/25, 1 2/63 ; Wynne, 489/2 76,
s. pleasure, joy.
Wynly, 9/12, adv. profitably, 504/196,
joyfully ; 476/103, ?/or wanly.
Wynne, 81/220, 142/150, v. to gain,
draw away, get, fetch ; Wynne
away, 41/32, go away : see Wonne.
Wynnyng, 1/3, 24/68, •,. ». attaining,
reaching, gain.
Wys, wisse, wysshe, 42/70, 109/239,
237/123, V. teach, direct, guide.
Wyss-ande, T/ii2,pr.p.; Wysahyng,
7/157. s- guiding, leading.
Wyrke, 41/35, 0. to work.
Wirshippe, 24/56, a. (worth-ship),
honour, respect.
Wyste, 5/1 16, V. knew.
Wystus, 219/14, probably for wyscus,
i. e. vicious, angry, cruel.
GLOSSARY.
557
"Wite, 30/34, 129/78, V. blame ; "Witte,
382/176.
Witte, 51/209, V. to know.
■Wittering, 142/124, s. hint, inkling.
"Witty, 124/22, adj. full of knowledge,
■Wittirly, 190/157; "Wittely, 42/88,
adv. wisely, surely : see Wetterly.
Wode, 140/75, adj. mad.
"Wolde, 344/220, V. would.
"Wolde, 30/50, 285/357, 315/273. s-
power, might, authority : seeWeelde.
■Won, -wone, wonne, 2/28, 70/31, v.
to dwell ; "Wonnande, 124/33, />r.^.
"Wondir, wondirly, 398/60, adv. mar-
vellously, excessively.
■Wones, 2/28, ». abode", dwelling-place :
see "Wanes.
"Wonges, 103 / 41, s. cheeks : see
"Wanges.
"Woune, 91/405, pa. p. won, brought
from.
"Wonne, 264/252, o. custom.
"Wonne, 264/251, pa. p. accustomed.
"Wonnjmg, 18/3, s. dwelling.
"Wonnyng-steed, 173/42, s. dwelling-
place.
"Woode, 87/334, adj. m«d.
"Worde, 144/208, for world.
"Wordely, 237/128, adj. worldly.
"Worme, 23/33, 25/91, s.reptile, serpent.
"Wormes, 87/339, s. wild wormes,
locusts, or caterpillars.
"Worth, worthe, 10/34, 50/156 ;
"Worjje, 135/261, 11. to become;
"Worthed, 415/358, pa. p.
"Worthyly, 2/17, 369/333, adj. worthy.
"Worthy to wyte, 150/131, blame-
worthy.
"Wothis, 76/1 38, s. injuries : see "Watlie.
"Wraiste = "Wreste, 76/137, 301/261,
pa. p. wrested.
"Wreye, 501/129, v. destroy, turn.
"Wreyede, 173/25, v. revealed, dis-
covered.
"Wrekyng, 266/323, s. vengeance.
■Wrest, 133/187, 5. a twist, a deceit,
trick.
"Wretthe, 226/154, s. wrath, anger.
"Wrye, 2 70/7, v. for wreye.
"Wrynkis, 273/67, s. wrenches, twists.
"W^othe, 153/223, adj.. angry.
^* ' 37/52, 60, inlerj. yes.
Yare, 36/30; "Yliare, 26/138; 5are,
213/405, adj. or adv. active, ready.
Tame, 175/113, v. desire, yearn for;
jerued, pa. p.
Tarnyng, 127/32, s. yearning, desire.
"Tappely, 279/231 ; Jappely, 469/127
adv. readily, fitly, eagerly.
"SToh, 293/38, ?/or ilk.
Jede, 511/342, V. went;: see Tode,
Toode.
Jelde, 57/30; Yeelde, 58/53, v. to
give, pay.
Teme, 460/128, s. heed, care ; see Sme,
jeme, 15/18, 235/66, v. to rule, govern,
care for.
5emed, 469/128, v. guarded.
5emyng, 457/46, s. caring for, govern-
ing.
Tere, 354/164, to yere, this year. See
Towneley Mysteries, p. 231,
5erned, 185/10, ^a. ^. desired.
Jhe, 5/114, ^roM. ye.
Jhit, 4/87, conj. yet.
5hour, 2/38, your,
5how, 5/117, pron. you.
5ynge, 49/139, adj. young.
50, 200/209, pron. you.
Tode, Toode, 50/151; Joode, 87/
336=Tede, v. went.
Tof, 272/45 ; for pof, conj. though.
Tore, 54/307, yet, for a long time.
Tone me, 354/154, this appears to be
a corruption. Query, read ' you and
me.'
Towe I 282/295, ? an exclamation.
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