CENTRE
for
REFORMATION
and
RENAISSANCE
STUDIES
VICTORIA
UNIVERSITY
T O R O N T O
THE PLAYS & POEMS OF
ROBERT GREENE
EDITED WITH INTRODUCTIONS AND NOTES
Bv J. CHURTON COLLINS, LITT.D.
(PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMIi'qGHAIt)
VOL. Il
FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGAY. JAMES THE FOURTH
THE PINNER OF WAKEFIELD. A MAIDENS DREAME
POEMS FROM THE NOVELS. NOTES TO PLAYS AND POEMS
APPENDIX: ENGLAND'S PARNASSUS. GLOSSARIAL INDEX
GENERAL INDEX
OXFORD
AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
MDCCCCV
HENRY FROWDE, M.A.
PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
LONDON» EDINBURGH
NEV YORK AND TORONTO
1 8 c°
CONTENTS
VOLUME I
PAGE
FACSIMILE OF A PORTION OF THE ALLEYN MS. OF ORLANDO
FURIOSO . . Frontis2Mece
PREFACE .... vii
GENERAL INTRODUCTION . I
INTRODUCTION TO ALPHONSVS 70
ALPHONSVS KING OF ARRAGON 77
INTRODUCTION TO LOOKING GLASSE I37
A LOOKING GLASSE . . 143
INTRODUCTION TO ORLANDO FVRIOSO 215
ORLANDO FVRIOSO 22I
THE ALLEYN MS.. 266
NOTES :--
ALPHONSVS 279
LOOKING GLASSE 290
ORLANDO FVRIOSO . 304
VOLUME II
INTRODUCTION TO FRIER BACON .
FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGAY
INTRODUCTION TO IAMES IV .
IAMES THE FOVRTH . .
INTRODUCTION TO THE PINNER
THE PINNER OF WAKEFIELD . .
INTRODUCTION TO A MAIDENS DREAME
A MAIDENS DREAME .
POEMS FROM THE NOVELS
NOTES :--
FRIER BACON.
IAMES THE FOVRTH
THE PINNER OF WAKEFIELD
A MAIDENS DREAME .
POEMS FROM THE NOVELS
APPENDIX : ENGLAND'S PARNASSUS
GLOSSARIAL INDEX .
INDEX .
I
I5
79
87
*59
29
235
325
349
367
378
38I
398
407
411
INTRODUCTION TO
FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGA¥
THIS play was first published in quarto by Edward White in 1594,
and in the May of that year it was entered on the Stationers' Registers,
thus :-- xiiii to die Maij
A .......... Entred for his Copie under th(e h)andes of bothe the
IïDIVAgD IVttITE wardens a booke entituled the
BACO2Vand.ff?yer 0 UNGA Y.E ... vj a CI -er
It was reprinted also in quarto in I63o and in 1655 1. The text
printed here is that of the first Quarto collated with that of the second
and third.
Of the time of its composition and of its first appearance there is
no record. It would seem from an entry in Henslowe's 19iary that
it had been performed in February, I59 ½.
' R a at fryer baeone, the 19 of febrary, Satterdaye . . . xvij = iija. ' Collier's
Transeript, p. 20.
Henslowe does hOt note that it was a new play, and it probably was
hot. In the Z)iary it heads the list of plays performed by = my lord
Stranges tuerie.' With regard to its composition and first appearance
we have nothing to guide us but conjecture and inference. In point
of merit it stands withJames/Vat the head of Greene's dramas. The
versification and style, as well as its merit from a dramatic and idyllic
point of view, seem to warrant us in concluding that its composition
must bave been subsequent to that of Al;bhonsus, the Zookinff Glasse,
and Orlando t:urioso. It is as plainly the work of a comparatively
practised hand as they are the work of a tiro in his apprenticeship.
Ifwe assign it to the end of I59I or the beginning of 1592 we shall
probably not be far from the mark. Nf. F. G. Fleay (sec Ward's
Introduction, Appendix ]3) very ingeniously deduces from 1. 137, 'Lacie,
thou knowst next friday is S. Iames,' that the play was produced
before August I589. He observes that dramatic authors always used
the almanac ofthe current year, and that St. James's day fell on a Friday
in I578, I589, and 1595. Of these dates the first would be too early,
the third too late, and thus we are limited to 1589 . ]3ut this is as
obviously unsatisfactory as the conclusion he draws from the curtail-
Owing presumably to an error of Malone, Dyce, Lowndes, Grosart,
Dr. Ward, and others, have recorded an edition of 1599- But no such edition is,
so far as I tan ascertain, in existence. Malone had two copies, now in the
]3odleian Library, both of them the 163o reprint, one of them has lost its title-
page) and this eopy Malone supposed to be an edition dated zfi99, and has in
his own hand entered it as such. If he had collated it with the repriut of
he would have seen that it was merely a eopy of that. I cannot find that
before Malone there was any trace or tradition of an edition dated Ifi99. Baker,
in his l?iograpMa Dramatica (ed. 178), makes no mention of sueh an edition.
Its alleged existence seems to be due to Malone's mistaken note.
COLLIN$. Il
z FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGAY
ment of Greene's motto (Id.). Dr. Ward sees ' no reason against the
assumption that it was written belote February 1589, very possibly in
I588 or even in I587.' But surely there are strong reasons against
such an assulnption. As I have already shown, there is no evidence
at all that Greene was engaged in dramatic composition before I59 o.
Of one thing it seems to me that there can be little doubt, that it
stands in the same relation to Marlowe's Faustus as Alfihonsus
stood to his T«mburlaize, not indeed in the sense of borrowing from
it, but in the fact that it was intended to rival itl. The date of the
first appearance of Marlowe's play is not known, but such evidence
as we bave seems to point to some period between I588 and
i89 ; that it preceded Greene's play must, in the absence of certain
proof, be a matter of inference, but it is inference equivalent to moral
certainty. Nothing of course can be deduced from the obvious
parallel between Faust's words (Scene i. 86, Ward's ed.) :--
« I'll haue them wall all Germany with brass,"
and t3urden's words in Frier lacon (I1. 2OO-I) :--
« Thou meanst ere many yeares or daies be past,
To compasse England with a wall of brasse,'
repeated afterwards by the Friar (11. 343-4) :-
'_And Hell and Heceate shall faile the Frier,
But I will circle England round with brasse.'
because Greene found them in the romance on which his drama was
based (see Appendix to Introduction, p. 6), and the presumption in
favour of Fattstus having preceded Greene's play is so overwhelmingly
strong that we cannot suppose that Marlowe borrowed from Greene.
In ail probability the line was one of the interpolations introduced
into the play after Marlowe's death, and in that case was derived from
Greene or from the romance on which Greene drew. But this need
hOt be pressed, for, as Dr. ,Vard observes, it was a ' traditional boast
which was probably quite familiar from the story-book of Friar Bacon.'
In the Lookng Glasse, Greene, for the passage vas plainly vritten by
Greene, had already borrowed from Faustus : compare the scene where
the Usurer is presented in his despair (11. I948-53) :--
' Hell gapes for me, heauen will not hold my soule.
You rnountaines, shroude me from the God of tmth:
Mee-thinkes I sec him sit to iudge the earth;
Sec how he blots me out of the booke of life!
Oh burthen more than AEAna that I beare!
Couer me hilles, and shroude me from the Lord,'
I entirely agree with Dr. Wagner in his remarks on this subjeet in his
Introduction to hi edition of Marlowe's Faustus.
e For the vhole question of the probable date of the prodnetion and
first appearance of Marlowe's Faustus sec Dr. Ward's Introduction to his
edition of fi'austus and ri'fiat 13acon and ri'fiat t?unffay, 4th edition, pp.
XXX--Xxx'V
INTRODUCTION
3
with Faust's (Scene xiv. 83-7, VCard's ed.) :--
' Mountains and hills corne, corne and fall on me
And hide me from the heauy wrath of God.
No, no I
Then will I headlong rn into the earth ;
Earth gape. O no it will hot harbour me.'
Compare again the words of the Usurer (ll. I955-8 ) :--
' In life no peace: each murmuring that I heare,
Mee-thinkes the sentence of damnation soundes,
"Die reprobate, and hie thee hence to hell."
The euill Angell/em;Me/h him, offerizg the knife and rope.
What fiend is this that temptes me to the death?'
with those of Faust at whose side also is standing the Evil Angel
(Scene vi. 20-3, Ward's ed.) :--
' Fearful eehoes tlunder in my ears.
Faustus thotl art damn'd, these swords and knlues,
Poison, guns, halters and enuenom'd steele
Are laid belote me to despatch myself.'
Again (Id. 11. I4-I7):--
' auslus. "Who buzzeth in my ears I ana a spirit.
13e I a deuil, yet God may pity me,
Aye God vill pity me, if I repent.'
compared with the words of the Usurer (11. I96o-3) :--
' What second charge is this?
Mee-thinks I heare a voiee amidst mine eares,
That bids me staie, and tels me that the Lord
Is mercifull to those that do repent.'
But the whole position and scene where the Usurer is presented in
his despair is so analogous to the scene in Faus/us that it can hardly be
doubted that it xvas a reminiscence of the scene in Marlowe's tragedy x.
There are, it must be admitted, no parallels in details and particulars
between Errer tTacon and Faus/us beyond what can be accounted for
from similarities in the romances from which each derived its plot,
the Faus/buch and The Famous t-]is/orie oj Friar tacon. It is
probable that Marlowe's play directed Greene's attention to magicians
and magie as subjects for dramatic treatment, and inspired him with
the idea of competing with Marlowe by treating in his own way
a kindred theme. And his treatment of it is certainly widely different,
as he entirely eliminates, with the exception of one incident, the tragical
element. Greene had no doubt the tact to know where his strength
lay, and where his rival's strength lay. And he had his reward;
he produced a work which, as Henslove's entries show, became as
popular in comedy as Marlowe's was in tragedy.
1 These parallels with Dr. Faustus are hot affected by the faet that the germ of
this passage is round in Lodge's llarum against Usurers. See note on Looking
Glasse, vol. i. p. 9 a, 1. 9 a.
4 FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGAY
Of equal interest is the relation of Frier lacon to Faire Em. It
is scarcely necessary to say that the well-known passage in the address
to the Gentlemen Students prefixed to Greene's Farewell lo Follie 1
proves conclusively that Greene had no part in the composition of that
play, and that to assign it to him is absurd. But the resemblance it bears
to Friar t?acon generally, and particularly in the opening scene, is so
striking that it would be interesting to know whether the resemblance
is merely accidental, or whether it was the result of conscious imita-
tion. It is difficult to think it was accidental, and the question then
arises xvhether Faire Em preceded Frier t?acon or Frier Iacon
Faire Em. I have already stated my reasons for thinking that
Frier t?acon was not composed before 1590. Ail that tan be known with
certainty about Faire Em is that it was on the stage in or before
I59I , for in that year appeared Greene's attack on it in the Farewell
fo Follie. Now, part of the plot of Faire Em is probably founded
on a ballad licensed to Henry Carre, March 2, I58o-I, under the tire
of The 3Iiller's DaugMer oflanchesler2; its style and versification
point to an earlier period than 159 ; it was evidently composed not
originally for the London stage, but for Lord Strange's men to act in
Lancashire and Cheshire, where its many local allusions would alone be
intelligible s; after being acted in the provinces it must have won its
way to the London boards. So that in all probability when Greene refers
to it, it must have been a play of some standing. Simpson is inclined
to asslgn its composition to I587'. On the whole then, though it is
not possible to speak with certainty, it is in the highest degree
probable that Faire Em preceded Frier t?acon . If it did, it may
bave given Greene the model for that part in Frier Bacon in which
the Prince, Lacy, and Margaret are the principal figures, a love
comedy perplexed with disguises and cross-affections. At the
opening of the play, William the Conqueror and the Marquis Lubec
stand in precisely the saine relation to each other as the Prince and
Lacy do in Greene's play, first with regard to Blanche, and afterwards
with regard to Mariana. Margaret sometimes reminds us of Faire Em,
and sometimes of Mariana; the sentiments are often identical ; there
is the saine blending of rustic and courtly life; the blank verse is
often indistinguishable from Greene's. It would not be too much to say
that in tone, colour, and style Faire/m stands in the saine relation
to Frier tacon as Tamburlaine stands to Al2bhonsus.
1 Works (Grosart). vol. ix. pp. 232- 3.
2 Simpson's S«hool of Shakeseare, vol. ii. 377-
Id. 37- t Id.
Dr. Ward Introduction to Friar tacon and Friar tunffay, pp. cxlvii-viii)
is of opinion that Faire Em was subsequent in appearance to Greene's
. play,
tmd that the resernblances between them are to be referred to mtations of
Greene. Had this been the case, is it likely that Greene would have been silent
about what he might fairly bave described as plagiarism from his drama .
INTRODUCTION 5
Greene has founded his play on an old romance written probably
towards the end of the sixteenth century, the earliest extant edition
of which is dated I627. The title-page is as folIows :--
'The Famons Historie of Fryer Bacon. Containing the wonderfnll things
that he did in his Lire : Also the manner of his Death ; With the Lines and
Deaths of the two Coniurers, Bungye and Vanderrnast. Very pleasant and
delightfnll to be read. Bliidschap doet, het leuen ver Langhen. Printed at
London by G. P. for Francis Grone, and are to be sold at his shop at the vpper
end of ShOW Hill, against the Saracens head. I627."
This is in black-letter; the ]3ritish Museum copy is imperfect,
and I bave therefore supplied the deficiencies from another quarto
printed, it is supposed--for it is undated--in I63o. Dyce and
Dr. Ward have contented themselves with extracts from the reprint
in the second volume of Thoms's Prose lomances. I have given
in the Appendix to this Introduction all those portions of the romance
which bave furnished Greene with material. A comparison of the
drama with the romance will show that Greene in the most charming
part of his work owes nothing to the original. His indebtedness to
the romance extends indeed no further than the part played by Bacon.
The only hint in the romance of the love portion is in chapter xv,
where it is said that a fait maid caIled Mellisant had two suitors,
a knight and a gentleman, and that of the two she preferred the
gcntleman, which may bave suggested Margaret's preference of Lacy
to the Prince. The test belongs to Greene. There is hOt, so far
as we know, any foundation either in fact or tradition for Edward's
intrigue with 'the fait maid of Fressingfield' or for the visit of
Henry III, the King of Castile, and the Emperor of Germany to
Oxford.
The historical personages and the part they play will hOt of course
bear examination for a moment and this part of the drama is full
of the absurdest fictions and anachronisms. Henry III, indeed, paid
several visits to Oxford (see the first book of Anthony à Wood's l-Iisto O,
and Inti¢uities of ta Universily), but the Emperor of Germany, who
was Frederic II, was never in England, nor, so far as is known, was
the King of Castile, Ferdinand III. The whole accourir given of
Prince Edward is incorrect. He married Eleanor of Castile sixteen
years before he went on the Crusade referred to by Greene, and he
married, hOt in England, but by proxy in Spain, nor did he ever
distinguish himself before the walls of Damascus. I-tis relations
with Friar Bacon are as purely fictitious as his connexion with the
Fait Maid of Fressingfield. No scholar or magician of the name
of Vandermast is known. Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, and Warren are
historical personages but there is nothing which connects Lacy with
an)" maid of Fressingfield, and Warren was hot Earl of Sussex but
Earl of Surrey.
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION
CHAP. II. I63 o
How the King sent for Frier ]Bacon, and of the wonderful things that
he shewed the King and Queen.--
The King being in Oxfordshire at a Nobleman's house was very
desirous to see this famous Frier, for he had heard many tiines of the
wondrous things that he had done by his art.
The King, Queen and Nobles sate then all clown: they having so
done the Frier waving his wand, and presently was heard such ex-
cellent Musick that they were all amazed, for they all said they had
never heard the like ..... Then waved he his wand again, and
there was another kind of Musick heard, and whilst it was a playing,
there was suddenly belote them a Table richly covered with all sorts
of delicates: Then desired he the King and Queen to taste of some
certain rare fruits that were on the Table, which they and the Nobles
there presently did, and were very highly pleased with the taste.
ÇHAP. V
How F'ryer ]Bacon ruade a ]Brasen head fo speake, by the which hee
would have walled England about with 13rasse.--
F'ryer ]Bacon reading one day of the many Conquests of Fng]and,
bethought himself how hee might keepe if hereafter from the like
Conquests, and fo make himse]fe famous hereafter fo all posterities:
This (after great study) hee round cou]d be no way so well donc as
one ; which was to make a head of ]Brasse, and if he could make this
head fo speake (and heare if when if speakes) then might hee be able
to wa]l al] England about with ]Brasse. To this purpose he got one
F'ryer ]Bungey fo assist him, who was a great Schollar and a magician,
(but hot fo bee compared with Frier ]Bacon) : These two with great study
and paines so framed a head of [Brasse, that in the inward parts
thereof there was all things (like as is in a natura]] mans head) : this
being done, they were as farre from perfection of the worke as they
were before, for they knew hOt how to give those parts that they had
ruade motion, without which if was impossible that it shou]d speake :
Many bookes they read, yet cou]d not finde out any hope of what
they sought, so that ai the ]ast they conc]uded fo raise a spirit, and
to know of him that which they cou]d hot attaine fo by their owne
studies. To do this they prepared ail things ready and went one even-
ing fo a wood thereby, and after many ceremonies used, they spake the
words of conjuration, which the IDevill straight obeyed and appeared
unto them, asking what they wou]d ? Know, said Frier ]Bacon, that wee
have ruade an artifi¢ial] head of brasse, which wee would have to speake,
fo the furtherance ofwhich vee have raised thee ; and being raised, wee
vil] here keepe thee, unlesse thou te]l fo us the way and manner how
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION
to make this Head to speak. The Devill told him that he had hOt that
power of hi,nselfe : beginner of lyes (said Fryer Bacon) I know that thou
dost dissemble, and therefore tell it us quickly, or else wee will here
bind thee to remaine during our pleasures. At these threatnings the
Devill consented to doe it, and told them, that with a continuall fume
of the six hotest Simples it should bave motion, and in one month space
speake, the Time of the moneth or day hee knew not : also hee told them,
that if they heard it hOt before it had done speaking, all their labour
should be lost : they, being satisfied, licensed the Spirit for to depart.--
Then went these two learned Fryers home againe, and prepared the
Simples ready, and ruade the fume, and with continuall watching
attended when this Brasen head would speake : thus watched they for
three weekes without any rest, so that they were so weary and sleepy,
that they could not any longer retaine froln rest: then called Fryer
Bacon his man lVliles, and told him, that it was not unknowne to him
what paines Fryer 13ungy and himselfe had taken for three weekes
space, onely to make, and to heare the Brasen-head speake, which if
they did not, then had they lost ail their labour, and all England had a
great losse thereby : therefore hee intreated bliles that he would watch
whilest that they sleep,and call them ifthe Head speake. Feare not, good
Master (said blailes) I will not sleepe, but harken and attend upon the
head, and if it doe chance to speake, I will call you : therefore I pray
take you both your rests and let mee alone for watching this head.
After Fryer 13acon had given him a great charge : The second time,
Fryer 13ungy and he went to sleepe, and left Miles alone to watch the
]3rasen head: Miles, to keepe him from sleeping, got a Tabor and
Pipe, and being merry disposed, sung this Song to a Northren tune,
Of Cam'st thou hOt from New-Castle
To couple is a custome,
AI1 things thereto agree:
Why should hot I then love .
Since love to all is free.
But l'll bave one that's pretty,
Her cheekes of scarlet die ?
For to breed my delight,
When that I ligge her by.
Though vertue be a Dowry,
Yet I'll ehuse money store:
If my love prove untrue,
With that I can get more.
The faire is oft unconstant,
The blacke is often proud.
I'll chuse a lovely browne,
Corne fiddler scrape thy crowd.
8 FRIER BACON AND FRIER 13ONGAY
Corne fidler scrape thy crowd,
For Peggie the browne is she,
Must be my Bride, God guide
That Peggie and I agree.
With his owne Musicke, and such songs as these spent he his time,
and kept from sleeping, at last, after some noyse the Head spake these
two words, Time is. Miles hearing it to speake rm more, thought his
Master would be angry if hee waked him for that, and therefore hee let
them both sleepe, and began to mocke the Head in this manner : Thou
Brazer-faced Head, bath my Master tooke ail this paines about thee,
and now dost thou requite him with two vords, Time is: had he
watched with a Lawyer so long as he bath watched with thee, he would
bave given him more, and better words then thou hast yet, if thou can
sFeake no wiser, they shall sleepe till doomes day for me: Time is:
I know Time is, and that you shall heare good-man Brazen-face.
To the tune of Daintie corne thou to me.
Time is for some to plant,
Time is for some to sowe;
Time is for some to graft
The borne as some do know.
Time is for some to eate,
Time is for some to sleepe,
Time is for some to laugh,
Time is for some to weepe.
Time is for some to sing,
Time is for some to pray,
Time is for some to creepe,
That bave drunke ail the day.
Time is to cart a Bawd,
Time is to whip a \Vhore,
Time is to hang a Theefe,
And time is for much more.
Doe you tell us Copper-nose, when Time is, I hope we Schollers know
our Times, when to drinke drunke, when to kisse our Hostis, when to
goe on her score, and when to pay it, that time comes seldome. After
halle an hour had passed, the Head did speake againe, two words, which
were these: Time was. Mlles respected these words as little as he
did the former, and would hot wake them, but still scoffed at the
Brasen head, that it had learned no better words, and had such
a Tutor as his Master : and in scorne of it sung this Song.
To the tune of A rich Merchant Man.
Time was when thou a Kettle
Wert fill'd with better matter:
But Fryer Bacon did thee spoyle,
When he thy sides did batter.
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION 9
Time was when conscience dwelled
With men of occupation :
Time was when Lawyers did hot thrive
So well by mens vexation.
Time was when Kings and Beggars
Of one poore stuffe had being:
Time was when office kept no knaves:
That rime it was worth seeing.
Time was a bowle of water
Did give the face reflection,
Time was when women lnew no paint:
Which now they call complexion.
Time was: I know that I3razen-face, without your telling, I know
Time was, and I know what things there was when Time was, and if
you speake no wiser, no Master shall be waked for mee. Thus Mlles
talked and sung till another halle houre was gone, then the t3razen-
head spake againe these words; Time is past: and therewith fell
downe, and presently followed a terrible noyse, with strange flashes of
tire, so that Miles was halle dead with feare : at this noyse the two
Fryers awakened, and wondred to see the whole roome so full of
smoake, but that having vanished they might perceive the Brazen-head
broken and lying on the ground : at this sight they grieved, and called
Miles to know how this came. Mi]es halle dead with feaxe, said that
it fell downe of it selle, and that with the noyse and tire that followed
hee was almost frighted out of his wits: Fryer Bacon asked him if
hee did hot speake ? Yes (quoth Miles) it spake, but to no purpose.
I'll bave a Parret speake better in that time that you have beene teach-
ing this Brazen-head. Out on thee villaine (said Fryer I3acon) thou
hast undone us both, hadst thou but called us when it did speake, all
England had bin wa]led round about with Brasse, to its glory and out
eternall lames : what were the words it spake ? Very few (said Mlles)
and those were none of the wisest that I have heard neither : first he
said Time is. Hadst thou call'd us then (said Fryer ]3acon) wee had
beene ruade for ever : then (said Mlles) halle an boute after it spake
againe and said, Time was. And wouldst thou hot call us then (said
Bungy ?) Alas (said Mlles) I thought he would have told me some long
Tale, and then I purposed to bave called you : then halle an houre
after he cried Time is past, and made such a noyse, that hee hath
waked you himselfe mee thinkes. At this Fryer Bacon was in such
a rage, that hee vould have beaten his man, but he was restrained by
]3ungey: but nevertheles for his punishment he with his Art struck
him dumbe for one whole months space. Thus that great worke of
these learned Fryers was overthrown (to their great griefes) by this
simple fellow.
o FRIER BACON AND FRIER BONGAY
CItAP. Vil
How Fryer Bacon over-came the German Conjurer Vandermast, and
make a spirit of his owne carry him into Germany.
The King of England after hee had taken in the towne, shewed great
mercy to the Inhabitants, giving some of them their lives freely, and
others hee set at libertie for their Gold: the Towne hee kept as his
owne, and swore the Chiefe Citizens to be his true subjects. Presently
after the King of France sent an Ambassadour to the King of England,
for to intreat a peace betweene them. This Ambassadour being come
to the King he feasted him (as it is the manner of Princes to doe) and
with the best sports as he had then, welcomed him. The Ambassadour
seeing the King of England so free in his Love, desired likewise to
give him some taste of his good liking, and to that intent sent for one
of his fellowes (being a Germane, and named Vandermast) a famous
Conjurer, who being come, hee told the King, that since his Grace had
beene so bountifull in his love to him, he would shew him (by a servant
of his) such wonderfull things, that his Grace had never seene the
like before. The King demaunded of him, of what nature those things
were that hee would doe ? The Ambassadour answered, that they were
things done by the Art of Magicke. The King hearing of this, sent
straight for Fryer Bacon, who presently came and brought Fryer
Bungey with him.
When the Banquet was done, Vandermast did aske the King, if hee
desired to see any Spirit of any man deceased; and if that he did,
hee vould raise him in such manner and fashion as he was in when
that hee lived.
Fryer Bungey then began to shew his Art ; and after some turning
and looking on his Booke, he brought up among them the Hysperian
Tree, which did beare golden Apples; these Apples were kept by
a waking Dragon, that lay under the Tree : Hee having done this bid
Vandermast finde one that durst gather the fruit. Then Vandermast did
raise the ghost of Hercules in his habit that he wore when that he was
living, and with his club on his shoulder ; Here is one said Vander-
toast, that shall gather fruit from this Tree : this is Hercules, that in
his lire time gathered of this fruit, and made the Dragon couch : and
now againe shall hee gather it in spight of all opposition : As Hercules
was going to plucke the fruit, Fryer Bacon held up his wand, at which
Hercules stayed and seemed fearefull. Vandermast bid him for to
gather of the fruit, or else hee would torment him. Hercules was
more fearefull, and said, I cannot, nor I date not; for here great
Bacon stands, whose charmes are farre more powerful than thine, I
must obey him, Vandermast. Hereat Vandenrast curst Hercules,
and threatned him : But Fryer Bacon laughed, and bid him not to
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION
chafe himselfe ere that his journey vas ended ; for seeing (said he)
that Hercules will doe nothing at your command, I will have him doe
you some service at mine: with that hee bid Hercules carry him
home into Germany. The Devill obeyed him, and tooke Vandermast
on his backe, and went away with him in all their sights. Hold Fryer,
cried the Embassadour, I will hot loose Vandermast for half my land.
Content your selfe my Lord, answered Fryer Bacon, I have but sent
him home to see his wife, and ere long he may returne. The King of
England thanked Fryer Bacon, and forced some gifts on him for his
service that hee had done for him ; for Fryer Bacon did so little respect
money, that he never would take any of the King.
CHAP. XV. 163o
(Ed. 1627 has not the later chapters.)
How Fryer Bacon did help a young man to his sweetheart, vhich
Fryer Bungey would have married to another; and of the mirth
that was at the wedding.
An Oxford-shire Gentleman had long time loved a falr Maid, called
Millisant ; this love of his was as kindly received of her, as it was freely
given of him, so that there wanted nothing to the finishing of their
joys, but the consent of her father, who would hOt grant that she
should be his wife (though formerly he had been a means to further
the match) by leason there was a Knight that was a suitor to her, and
did desire that he might have her to his wife : but this Knight could
never get from her the least token of good will : so surely was her love
fixed upon the Gentleman.
Fryer Bacon (knowing him for a vertuous gentleman) pityed him :
and to give his griefs some release, shewed him a glass, wherein any
one might see anything done (within fifty toiles space) that they de-
sired : So soon as he had looked in the glass, he saw his Love Millisant
with her Father, and the Knight, ready to be married by Fryer I3ungey :
At the sight of this he cryed out that he was undone, for now should he
lose his lire in losing of his Love. Fryer Bacon bids him take comfort
for he would prevent the marriage.
CHAP. XVIII
How two young gentlemen that came to Fryer ]3acon to know hov
their Fathers did, killed one another, and how Fryer Bacon for grief
did break his rare glass, wherein he could see anything that was
done vithin fifty mlles about him.
(After introductory paragraph describing the wonderful glass.)
It happened one day that there came to him two young Gentlemen,
(that were Countrymen, and Neighbours Children) for to know of him
FRIER. BACON AND FRIER BONGAY
by his Glass, how their Fathers did : he being no niggard of his cunning,
let them see his glass, wherein they streight beheld thelr wishes, which
they (through their own follies) bought at their lires losses as you shall
hear.
The Fathers of these two Gentlemen, (in their sons absence) were
become great foes ; this hatred between them was grown to that height,
that wheresoever they met, they had not only words but blows.
Just at that rime, as it should seem, that their sons were looking to
see how they were in health, they were met and had drawn, and were
together by the ears.
Their Sons seeing this, (and having been always great friends) knew
not what to say to one another, but beheld each other with angry
looks : At last one of their Fathers, as they might perceive in the Glass,
had a fall ; and the other taking advantage, stood over him ready to
strike him : The Son of him that was down, could then contain himself
no longer, but told the other young man, that his Father had received
wrong. He answered again, that it was fair. At last there grew such
foul words between them, and their bloods were so heated, that they
presently stabb'd one another with their daggers, and so fell down dead.
Fryer Bacon seeing them rail, ran to them, but it was too late; for
they were breathless ere he came. This ruade him to grieve exceed-
ingly : he judging that they had received the cause of their deaths by
this his Glass, took the Glass in his hand, and uttered words to this effect.
Wretched Bacon, wretched in thy knowledge, in thy understanding
wretched, for thy Art hath been the ruine of these two Gentlemen.
Had I been busied in those holy things, the which mine Order tyes me
to, I had not had that rime that made this wicked Glass: Wicked I
well may call it, that is the causer of so vile an Act ; would it were
sensible, then should it feel my wrath, but being as it is, l'll ruine it
for ruining of them: And with that he broke his rare and wonderful
glass, whose like the whole World had not. In this grief of his, there
came news to him, of the deaths of Vandermast and Fryer Bungey
This did increase his grief, and ruade him so sorrowful, that in three
days he would not eat anything, but kept his Chamber.
CHAPo XIX
How Fryar Bacon burnt his Books of Magick, and gave himself to the
study of Divinity only, and how he turned Anchorite.
In the time that Frier Bacon kept his chamber, he fell into divers
meditations : Sometimes into the vanity of Arts and Sciences : then
would he condemn himself for studying of those things that were so
Contrary to his Order, and soul's health, and would say» that Magick
ruade a man a Devil; Sometimes would he meditate on Divinity ;
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION x 3
then would he cry out upon himself for neglecting the study of it, and
for studying Magick : Sometirnes would he rneditate on the shortness
of rnan's life, then would he condernn himself for spending a rime so
short, so ill as he had donc his : So would he go from one thing to an-
other, and in ail condernn his former studies.
And that the world should know how truly he did repent his wicked
lire, he caused a great tire tobe ruade, and sending for many of his
Friends, Scholars, and others, he spake to them after this manner : My
good Friends and fellow Students, it is hot unknown unto you, how that
through mine Art I have attained to that credit, that few rnen living
ever had : Of the wonders that I have donc all England tan speak,
both King and Commons: I bave unlocked the secrets of Art and
Nature, and let the world sec those things, that bave lain hid ever
since the death of Hermes, that rare and profound Philosopher : My
studies have round out the secrets of the Stars, the Books that I have
ruade of them do serve for presidents to out greatest Doctors, so
excellent hath my judgrnent been therein.
I likewise have round out the secrets of Trees, Plants, and Stones,
with their several uses; yet ail this knowledge of mine I esteem so
lightly, that I wish that I were ignorant, and knew nothing; for the
knowledge of these things, as I bave truly ound, serveth hot to better
a man in goodness, but only to make him proud, and think too well of
hirnself. What hath all rny knowledge of Natures Secrets gained me ?
Only this, the loss of a better knowledge, the loss of divine Studies,
which rnakes the immortal part of man, (his soul) blessed.
I bave found that my Knowledge bath been a heavy burthen, and
bath kept down rny good thoughts : but I will remove the Cause, which
are these books; which I do purpose here belote you all to burn.
They all intreated him to spare the Books, because in them there were
those things that after ages rnight receive great benefit by. He vould
hot hearken unto them, but threw thern ail into the tire, and in that
flame burnt the greatest learning in the world.
Then did he dispose of all his goods, some part he gave to poor
Scholars, and sorne he gave to other (poor folks), nothing left he for
himself. Then caused he to be (rnade) in the Church-wa]l a cell,
where he locked himself in, and there remained to his death. His
rime he spent in Prayer, Meditation, and such divine exercises, and did
seek by all rneans to persuade rnen frorn the study of Magick.
Thus lived he some two years space in that Cell, never coming forth ;
his rneat and drink he received in at a window, and at that window he
did discourse with those that came to him ; his grave he digged with his
own halls, and was laid there when... Lire and Death of this farnous
Fx3,er... part of his lire a Magician, and died a truc penitent Sinner,
and an Anchorite.
_. THE
HONORABLE
HI ST ORIE OF
F R IEII Ë/G 0 'A AND o r.
As itwas lately plaid byth© Prince t'alatrne his Setuants.
Made bi' Robin Greene, Marier of ttrts.
LONDON,
Printed by Erxzas- A,t.D dwel[in
neer¢ ChnR-Çhurch. 63o.
THE
HONORABLE HISTOIII
offfier Ba¢on,and ffier Bongay.
As it wa plaid by her Maiefiies feruants.
" Made by Robert Treene Mailler o! Arts.
LONDON,
for Edward Wh¢ » ad a« m b fol a bs [hop, a
h¢ |kd¢ Norh dooe of Poul«s, th¢ Ngnc o[
th¢ Gm t 94,
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