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2867 
Al 

1908 
COP. 2 


K-tv; 


^75  / 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


PRINTED  FOR  THE  MALONE  SOCIETY  BY 

CHARLES  WHITTINGHAM  &  CO. 

AT  THE  CHISWICK 

PRESS 


THE  LIFE  OF 

SIR  JOHN  OLDCASTLE 

1600 


THE  MALONE  SOCIETY 

REPRINTS 

1908 


This  reprint  of  the  first  quarto  of  Sir  Jo/m  Oldcastle, 
1600,  has  been  prepared  by  Percy  Simpson  and  checked 
by  the  General  Editor. 

Nov.  1908.  W.  W.  Greg. 


PR 
Al 

The  following  entry  appears  in  the  Stationers'  Register:    ^^^^  ;^ 

II  August!  [1600]  .... 
Entred  for  his  copies  vnder  the  handes  of  master  vicars  and  the  wardens.  Thomas  pavier 
These  iij  copies  ^[^^^ 

The   first  parte  of  the  history  of  the  life  of  Sir  John  oldcastell  lord 
Cobham. 

Item  the  second  and  last  parte  of  the  history  of  Sir  John  oldcastell  lord 
Cobham  with  his  martyrdom 

Item  ye  history  of  the  life  and  Deathe  of  Captaine  Thomas  Stucley, 
with   his    Mariage    to  alexander  Curtis   his   daughter,  and  his  valiant 

endinge  of  his  life  at  the  battell  of  Alcazar xviij'* 

[Arber's  Transcript,  III.  169.] 

The  first  part  appeared  in  quarto,  printed  by  V.  S., 
i.e.,  Valentine  Simmes,  for  Pavier,  and  bearing  the  date 
1600.  A  second  quarto,  printed  with  some  alterations 
from  the  first,  was  issued  with  the  addition  of  Shake- 
speare's name  as  author.  In  this  Pavier's  name  again 
figured,  but  without  mention  of  the  printer:  the  date 
given  was  likewise  1600,  but  it  has  been  suggested  that 
this  was  not  the  real  date  of  printing  (see  the  Library, 
ix.  113).  The  play  was  included  among  the  additions 
made  to  the  third  folio  of  Shakespeare's  works  in  1664. 
This  edition  was  printed  from  the  second  quarto,  and 
that  in  the  fourth  folio  of  1685  from  the  previous  folio. 
The  following  allusions  to  the  piece  occur  in  Hens- 
lowe's  Diary  in  the  accounts  of  the  Admiral's  men : 

[fol.  65]  this  16  of  October  [i5]99  Receved  by  me  Thomas  downton 
of  phillipp  Henchlow  to  pay  m'  monday  m""  drayton  &  m""  wilsson  & 
haythway  for  the  first  pte  of  the  lyfe  of  S'  Ihon  Ouldcasstell  &  in  earnest  of 
the  Second  pte  for  the  vse  of  the  compay  ny  ten  pownd  I  say  receved  .   lo" 

•  ••••••• 

Receved  [by  Samuel  Rowley]  of  M'  Hincheloe  [between  i  and  8  Nov. 
1599]   for  M""  Mundaye  &  the  Reste  of  the  poets  at  the  playnge  of 

S"^  lohn  oldcastell  the  ferste  tyme  as  a  gefte x^ 

[fol.  66*]  Receued  of  m"^  Henchlow  for  the  vse  of  the  Company  [between 
19  and  26  Dec.  1599]  to  pay  m"^  drayton  for  the  second  pte  of  S'  Ihon 

ould  Casell  foure  pownd  I  say  receud iiij 

p  me  Thomas  Downton 

V 

126,4880 


[fol.  68]  dd  vnto  the  littell  tayller  at  the  apoyntment  of  Robert  shawe 
the  12  of  marche  1599  [i.e.  1600]  to  macke  thinges  for  the  2  pte  of  owld 
castell  some  of xxx^ 

while  in  the  accounts  of  Worcester's  men  we  find : 

[fol.  115]  Lent  vnto  the  companye  the  17  of  aguste  1602  to  paye  vnto 
thomas  deckers  for  new  a  dicyons  in  owldcastelle  the  some  of   .     xxxx* 

Lent  vnto  lohn  ducke  &  lohn  thayer  the  21  [?]  of  aguste  1602  to  bye 
a  sew^t  for  owld  castell  &  a  sewt  &  a  dublet  of  satten  the  some  of  .  xij" 
Lent  vnto  lohn  ducke  to  paye  for  the  turckes  head  &  ij  wemens  gownes 
mackenge  &  fresh  watr  for  owld  castell  &  the  merser  bill  &  harey 
chettell  in  earneste  of  a  tragedie  called  [?]  y*"  24  of  aguste  1602  .  3"  x^ 
[fol.  116]  Lente  vnto  lohn  thare  the  7  of  septmb^  1602  to  geue  vnto 
Thomas  deckers  for  his  adicions  in  owld  castell  the  some  of  .     .     .     x' 

It  should  be  remarked  that  Downton,  Rowley,  Shaw, 
Thare  and  Duke  were  players  representing  the  com- 
panies; Freshwater  was  a  tradesman.  The  original 
authors  paid  were  Anthony  Munday,  Michael  Drayton, 
Robert  Wilson  and  Thomas  Hathway.  The  first  part 
was  delivered  not  later  than  16  October,  and  performed 
not  later  than  8  November  1599.  Part  II  seems  to 
have  been  completed  by  26  December  1599,  but  was 
probably  not  acted  before  12  March  1600.  The  first 
part  was  published  within  the  year.  The  players  may 
have  succeeded  in  preventing  the  issue  of  Part  II :  they 
stayed  the  publication  of  Patient  Grissel  on  18  March 
1600.  Probably  at  some  date  after  the  publication  of 
the  1600  quarto  the  Admiral's  company  parted  with 
their  rights  to  Worcester's  men.  These,  in  August  and 
September  1602,  employed  Dekker  on  a  revision  of 
the  piece.  It  is  possible  that  the  work  for  which  he 
was  paid  fifty  shillings  was  the  amalgamation  of  the 
two  parts  into  a  single  play  :  there  is  no  mention  of 
separate  parts  in  these  later  entries.  No  edition  of  the 
second  part  is  known. 

Of  the  first  edition  of  Sir  John  Oldcastle  copies  are 

vi 


preserved  in  the  British  Museum  (C.  34.  1.  2)  and 
Bodleian  libraries.  The  former  wants  the  title-page, 
which  has  been  supplied  in  facsimile.  Both  have  been 
used  in  the  preparation  of  the  present  reprint.  The 
copies  differ  in  certain  readings,  that  in  the  British 
Museum  having  an  uncorrected  sheet  F,  and  that  in 
the  Bodleian  an  uncorrected  sheet  G.  The  variants  are 
given  below.  The  quarto  is  printed  in  an  ordinary 
roman  type  closely  approximating  in  size  to  modern 
Pica  (20  11.  =  83  mm.).  The  second  quarto  is  much 
commoner:  copies  are  found  in  the  British  Museum 
(C.  34.  1.  I  and  C.  12.  g.  23),  Bodleian,  Dyce,  Trinity 
College  Cambridge,  and  other  libraries.  The  type  is 
the  same  as  that  of  the  first  quarto.  Since  the  differ- 
ences between  the  quartos  are  often  of  interest,  a  com- 
plete list  of  the  variant  readings  of  the  second  is  given 
below.  It  has  not  been  thought  necessary  to  give  more 
than  a  few  of  the  readings  of  the  folios,  since  they  do 
not  differ  materially  from  those  of  the  second  quarto, 
and  are  of  no  independent  authority. 

For  the  authorship  Henslowe's  Diary  is  first-rate 
evidence,  and  though  it  does  not  necessarily  follow  that 
the  list  of  collaborators  there  given  is  exhaustive,  there 
is  no  reason  in  the  present  case  to  suppose  that  it  is  not. 
The  division  of  the  shares  assignable  to  the  various 
writers  is,  however,  very  obscure,  the  only  clues  appar- 
ently being  certain  inconsistencies  between  various  parts 
of  the  play,  for  instance  the  substitution  of  Winchester 
for  Rochester  in  V.  xi.  The  relation  between  the  quartos 
is  interesting.  The  '  V.  S.'  quarto  is  proved  to  be  the 
earlier  by  the  fact  that  its  catchwords  are  sometimes 
wrongly  preserved  in  the  other.  With  regard  to  the 
alterations  three  points  may  be  noticed  :  the  disappear- 
ance of  certain   dramatic  touches  of  detail   (e.g.  line 

vii 


201/);  a  marked  reduction  in  the  number  of  oaths 
(the  statute  against  profanity  in  plays  did  not  come  into 
force  till  1 606) ;  a  few  textual  corrections  (e.g.  line  2408) . 
In  the  present  reprint  the  acts  and  scenes  have  been 
marked  in  the  margin  according  to  the  division  adopted 
by  Malone  in  his  edition  of  1780,  with  the  addition  of 
IV.  V.  Malone,  printing  from  Q^,  missed  the  exit 
clearly  indicated  in  Q^  at  line  2022.  It  should  be 
noticed  that  there  is  a  transposition  of  the  text  in 
Act  V.  Lines  2289  to  2372  belong  between  lines  2147 
and  2148. 


List  of  Irregular  and  Doubtful  Readings 
OF  THE  First  Quarto 

(Including  the  variants  between  the  British  Museum  and  Bodleian  copies) 

(assign  to  Sumner.) 
(heepskins,  (ftieepskin's .?) 

c.w.  harp. 
feruingmaan. 
hue  to 

Con.  (Aleman') 
Con.  (A  I  etna  n) 
od(old?) 
arrant, 

vs,  [comma  doubtful) 
foureteenth  {first  e  doubtful) 
pound's  [apostrophe  doubtful) 
fatisfied, 

s.d.  [belongs  to  960) 
thofe  (of  thofe) 
firft  (fifth .?) 

c.w.  where 
cobh. 

Harpoole,  {the  1  doubtful) 
prefently 
Amen,  (?) 

Mault-men,(fo/«z«^z  doubtful) 
wee'l  [apostrophe  doubtful) 

viii 


22.  e  tha  ka  naues 

name, 

585. 

58.  enters 

597- 

76.  them, 

598 

81.  pe  pufe 

618. 

83.  ka  naue, 

623. 

93.  ynow, 

646. 

169,  s'bloud  [apostrophe  doubtful) 

651. 

196.  me, 

687. 

197  s.d.  [belongs  to  ] 

98) 

729. 

208.  fhal. 

776. 

212.    Suf 

790. 

246.  liege.) 

819. 

270.  ont. 

843- 

330.  worfe 

959 

367.  houfe. 

978. 

383.  [not  indented) 

986. 

477.   Ente  r  (?) 

1066 

488.  fir. 

1165. 

495,  welcome 

1181. 

545.   Harp 

1183. 

552.  thee 

1188. 

562  c.w.  harp. 

1198. 

584.  [assign  to  Harpoole.) 

1208. 

:222. 

:236. 
:240. 
[290, 

[292. 

[300. 
:3o6. 
:3o8. 

^339- 

^372- 

'391- 

[406. 

[417. 
[421. 
[423. 

[437- 
1438. 
[446. 

449- 

[450. 

[475- 
[497. 

539- 

569 

572. 

[581. 

[618. 

:64i 

647- 
[684. 

[689. 

694. 

725. 

728. 

[730. 

742. 

747- 

749- 
:8o6. 

1824. 

825. 


in't  {apostrophe  doubtful) 

bofome,  [comma  doubtful) 

mer-  |  cy  vs  (on  vs) 

Sir   Old-caftle,  what   if  he 
come  not  lohn  ?   (B.M.) 

fuppie  {B.M.) 

no  walks  within  forty  ( B.M.) 

me  that  {B.M.) 

thers  {B.M.) 

wench;  {B.M.^) 

f  peede. 

know  (not  know  ?) 
fr.  lohn 

kill  man.    {B.M.) 

villainons 

fworne,  {B.M.) 

yfaith,  {B.M.) 

hewill 

me  a  alone.    {B.M.) 

beuer  this    {B.M.) 

Fickle     {B.M.) 

Kenr    {B.M.) 

reft, 

the 

menSjCrowneswhen  (B.M.) 
c.w.  with 

boate,  {Bodl.) 

befide,    {Bodl.) 

hm 
c.w.  Har 

bemore 

Mur 

Mar. 

King,    {Bodl.) 

ynto    {Bodl.) 

felfe  falfe    {Bodl.) 

prince  your  grace  miftakes. 
{Bodl.) 

warres    {B.M.) 

rebellion,    {Bodl.) 


Mur, 
thererefore 
gentleman. 
Peace  he  {Bodl.) 


IX 


1828-9.  (''^''  I  ^'  beginning  of  these 
lines — Bodl.) 

1836.  Croomes.  (55<//.)  (r^^^' Cro- 
mer?') 

1844.  late,  {Bodl.) 

1846.  art  the  {Bodl.) 

1847.  Shewt 

1 85 1,  royall  (loyall) 

1 87 1,  god 

1877.  M  Shrieue, 

1879.  whifpers 

1939.   O Idea,  {period  doubtful) 

charitie, 

Too'th 

to'th 

Harp 

pound. 

Harp 

Bijh.  {Old-ca.) 

Roch 

excellent, 

to  (fo) 

me,  oh  (?) 

{assign  to  Conjlable  ?) 
2242.  foord-dayes, 
2248.  a  bo-|mination 

ome, 

too 

huy 

left  him  thrice. 

Club  (possibly  a  line  lost) 

horrifon, 
2408.  Flowes  (Folowes) 

2439.  imperfectoin 

2440.  inferts  (infects?) 

2448.  Jleepes. 

2449.  men 
2468.  gate 
2472.  done, 
2599.  ^^'cr  etly, 
2620.   boudy 

2679.  attained  (attainted) 
2687.  Lordfhip, 
2707.  though 

b 


1940. 
1952. 
1999. 
2013. 
2031. 
2045. 
2058. 
2105. 
21 10. 
2136. 
2228. 


2268 
2277 
2284 

2303 
2357 
2393 


Also  the  period  at  the  end  of  the  running  title  is  wanting  on  D4, 
E3,  F4,  G4,  H2,  I4  and  Ki.  As  a  rule  speakers'  names  are  only 
followed  by  a  period  when  abbreviated ;  there  is  frequently  no  capital 
to  the  prefixed yJr,  and  lohn  is  sometimes  spelt  Ihon. 


Variant  Readings  of  the  Second  Quarto 


22.   Downe  with  a  kanaues 

30.  As    they    ore   fightings    enter 

.  .  .  Hereford^  his 
38.  ceremonies 
53.  Coflbon,  her  will  Hue 
56.  company  cry  for  clubs : 
57-8.  Gough  and  Herberts  faction  are 

bufie  about  him.  Enter  the2.  Judges, 

65.  Exit  L,  Herbert 

66.  SherifFe 
76.  of  them. 
80.  Lord 

83-7.  omit  bracket  and  s.d. 

116.  And  tis 

117.  SherifiPe, 
141  s.d.  Bayliffe 
162.    Henry 
176.  Au 

186.    Hertford 

200,  me(my  Lords)  the  Clergy  doth 

208.  otnit  ye  .  .  .  omit  but 

220.  bene 

226.  divide  after  SufFolke, 

237-8.  one  line 

247.  What  if 

268.  My  Lord,  he  cannot  in 

289.  Bijh.  I,  I,  fir 

295.   fo  ye 

324  s.d.  omit  three  or 

329.   Oldman.    I,  houfe-keeping 

332 
334 

337 


command,  That 


and  has  fet  downe  an  order 

for  our 

man  aske  at  doore  for 
342.  can  but  crawle 
344.  at  Shrewsbury  battel, 
346.  omit  second  \.Q  .  .  .  omit  that 


347.  omit  is 
358.  filthy  knaues. 
362.  they'l 
363-5.  omit  s.d. 
2,'J'J  •  omit  O  Lord, 
385.  your  fir. 

386-7.  beggarly  that  you  can  fcarfe 
giue  a  bit  of  bread  at  your  doore : 
389.  omit  amongft 

395.  omit  yea, 

help  ye  .  .  .  omit  yfaith, 

396.  mother:  O  God  bee 
402.  Har,  I,  I  am  .  .  .  youle 
412.  omit  and  Jhrowde  himfelfe. 
417.  hates 

420-3.    divide  as  verse  after  God. 

.  .  .  comming,  ...  he  be. 
452.  againft 

477-8.  one  line,  preceded  by  s.d. 
48 1 .  omit  I 

487.  bhcke  .  .  .  the  walke. 

488.  y'are 

489.  Po.  Gramercy 
492.  omit  Maijier 
503.  what  ayle  ye 
505.  came  one  to 
510.  robd 

513.  weel 

518.  a  procefle  .  .  .  were  he 

522.  if  I  cannot  fpeak  . . .  omit  my 

523.  omit  if  not, 

524.  bad 
543.  fcite 

549.  omit  you 

550.  Zounds 

552.  thou  know 

553.  I,  on  fir 


566.  omit  this 

576.  omit  but 

579.  till 

580  s.d.  omit  he 

584.  omit  of  the 

586.  tis  wholfome  Rogue, 

589.  omit  Sbloud 

599.  ye  fhall  .  .  .  omit  fo 

603.  omit  s.d. 

614.  I  do  know 

618.  be  w'ye  . . .  feruingman.   Exit 

620.  omit  God 

623.  hue  and  cry 

625.  omit  for 

630.  omit  which  are 

631.  omit  an  honeft  Conftable, 

634.  owzV  come  neere  a  Gods  name, 

635.  y'are 

641.  Prieft,  cal'd  fir 

643.  omit  he 

645.  is  flie  heere 

654.  good  fir,  and 

657.  mee,  Doll. 

659.  omit  the  second  y faith 

665.   ferke 

683.  Cuds  bores  ...  He 

686.  Berlady 

690  &c.    Prieft  or  Pri.  substituted 

for  Wrotham. 
696.  omit  Ah 

700.  Cotsoll. 

701.  Zounds 

709.  omit  to  the  Prieji 

719.  omit  ifaith 

720.  maddeft  .  .  .  that  ere 
724.  ferueth 

732.  omit  Knight 

733.  omit  efquires, 
752.  (Gentlemen) 
758.  Shenffe? 
799.  ali  one: 

803.  omit  the  second  and 

804.  omit  the  second  and 
823.  omit  out 


823.  flaxe,  flaxe  and  flame. 

825.  Axletree 

836.  omit  and 

838  &c.    King    or    Kin.    or    K. 

substituted  for  Harry. 
859.  you, 
876-7.  omit  s.d. 
878.  pretenfed 
880.  s.d.  transferred  to  ^"jC). 
896.  bene 
898.  fcite 
911.  my  Liege. 
915.  durft  not  .  .  .  bene 
927,  928.  lines  transposed. 
944.  Orwho's 
953.  ferch 

959.  s.d.  transferred  to  960. 
966.  euety 
981.  By  fortune 
003.  fetch 
015.  perfwade  you, 
027.  Chartres 
042.  s.d.  placed  after  IO43. 
056-7.  bufmefle  fhould  |  Let  you 

to  be  merry? 
058.  Yet  this 
067.  among 
1 19.  in  plaine 
121.  And    haue  bene  highly  fa- 

uoured 
125.  traine  laide  to 
136.  one;  O,  heere 
140-3.  as  prose. 
142.  words, 
155.  farwel.    Exit 
161.  burthen'd 
165.  Y'are 
167.  difturbs 
183.   Exit 
206.  we  are 

omit  I  hope  .  .  .  omit  for  our 

manhood,  our  bucklers,  and 
1207-8.  witnefle:    this  little  .  .  , 

before 


XI 


1 210.  I'me 
1226.  burlady, 

1240,  vpon  vs. 

1 24 1,  gold 
1267.  omit  But 

1297.  Enter  Prieji  and 

1304.  knowft  .  .  .  omit  fir  lohn, 

1306.  haft:  and  I  will 

1307.  ha  bin, 

1314.  merrily  come,  merily 
1321.  I  like  not  that,  yon 
1324.  omit  Ah 

1326.  leaue  behind 

1327.  Exit. 
1342.  Sheriffes 
1358.   Exit  Butler. 
1 364.   Enter  Prie/i. 

1365&C.  Vn. substituted for^'wlohn. 
1368.  omit  the  first  I  fee 
1377.  omit  drie 
1382.   it  is: 

1384.  omit    that    were    wont    to 
keepe  this  walke? 
that  villaine 

1398.  th'art 

1399,  think  thou  mightft 
1407.  do't. 

1413.  indeede  h'as 

1 414.  in's  .  .  .  tell  that  he 
1417.  villainous 

1425.  Harry 
1429.  beene 
1437.  and  they  will 
1444.  God  a  mercy, 

1447.  God  a  mercy 

1448.  ha  paide 
1477.  beene 

1 48 1,  omit  Hee's 

1495.  omit  s.d. 

1496-7.  one  line,   omit  s.d. 

1504.   Enter  Prieji. 

1  SoS&ic. Fri. substituted  for  S'lrlohn. 

1508.  what?  ye  are 

1 5 13.  omit  thou 


1 5 14.  Pri.  More?  what 
15 19.  Faith 
1 52 1.  ofFrings 
1534.  Pri.  Sir,  pay 
1537  &c.    King  or  Kin.  substituted 
for  Harry  in  most  speeches. 

1539.  Frenchmens 

1540.  kings 
1546.  carting's 

1561.  diuel  giue  ye  .  .  .  you  haue 
1592-3.  A  s  they  proffer  .^enter  Butler., 
and  drawes  his /word  to  part  them. 
1594.  villaine  .  .  .  d'ye 
1598.  Pleafe  your  Maiefty,  it's 

1 610.  omit  by  this  light 

1 61 1.  Wrotham  is. 

1 62 1,  omit  therfore  faue  my  life, 

1622.  me  to  dye, 
1638.  (?;«// of  Wrootham 
1640.  An  alarum^  enter  King, 
1 65 1,  omit  the  second  thy 
1658.  you 

1672.  world  is 
1684.  Fie  pualtry, 

1689.  omit  none 

1690.  a  part  .  .  .  s.d.  precedes. 

1695.  omit  caitiue 

1696.  among 

1697.  ^^^^ 

171 1,  omit  Bifhop,  ' 
1 72 1,  if  he  were, 

1742.  offered 

1743.  kin.    Speake 

1750.  didft  thou  not 

175 1,  purpofed 

1760.  know  was  not  faulty, 
1767.  Ift  poflible? 
1782.  nere 

1789.  knight,  eene  tak't  your  felfe. 
1798.  omit  the  second  to, 
1800.  you 
1823.  Sheriffe. 

1824-5    s.d.    Enter    Harpoole    and 
OldcajUe.  {after  1825.) 


Xil 


1826  &c.  Cob.  substituted  for  Old- 

caftle. 
1832-3.  omit  one  of  them  &c, 
1835.  omit  maiefties 

1837.  *""''  sbloud 

1838.  omitMX 

1839.  meof  Treafon  M.  Sheriffe? 
1847.  Shew  him 

1862.  atSouthampton 

1863.  omit  it  were  .  .  .  God,  that 

1864.  miles 

1865.  omit  euer 
1867.  omit  my 

1878-9.    They  both  entreat  for  him. 
1906-7.  omit  s.d. 
1928.  ye  wrong  me 
1932.  before  Whitfontide. 
1944.   I  my  .  .  .  s.d.  omit  the 
1 95 1,  omit  And 

All  Englifh,  no  not 
1956.  withal 
i960.   Exit 
1967.  omit. 

1972.  your  honor 

1973.  omit. 

i<)'JS-  °^'^  I  warrant  you, 

before  he'l  go. 
1978.  Exit 
1982.   Liou. 
1990.  omit. 
2000.  it  is  .  .  .  wil  efcape. 

2002.  to  you  . . .  omit  of  his  highefle 
moft  honorable 

2003.  the  Counfell,  .  .  .  omit  yet 

2004.  oOTzV conforming.  .  .  church. 
2015.  omit  for  if  you  do,  you  die: 
2017-9.  enough:  and  as  for  you, 

lie  bind  you  furely 

2021.  omit  Harpoole. 

2022.  omit. 

2023.  feruingmen 

2034.  omit. 

2035.  omit  Heare  me  my  Lord, 
2037.  to  get  hence. 


2043.  divide  as  verse  after  libertie. 
You  part 

2047.  omit  s.d. 

2048.  omit. 

2049.  Out  you  .  .  .  Cobh.  efcapes. 

2058.  omit  Roch  within. 

2059.  on 

2062.  divide  as   verse  after  fpeed. 
For  now's 

2063.  omit  for  me  .  .  .  omit  away. 
2071.  on 

2084.  through 

2103.  winds 

2105.  then  were  it 

21 10.  And  fo  .  .  .  in  his 

2 1 1 4-5 .   The  Kingjieps  in  vpon  them 

with  his  hordes. 
21 19.  the  king, 
2122.  to 

2130.  But  fomewhat 

omit  might  Ifpeake  my  mind, 

21 3 1,  omit. 

'2.\'^i.  came  verie  neere 
2135.  omit. 
2140.  oynit  s.d. 
1\\1-T^.  omit  s.d. 

2147.  Exit. 

2148.  L.  Cobham^ 

2149.  y'are  ...  as  is  heere 

2150.  omit  by  the  mafle 
2154.  omit  In 

2161.  introth. 

2163.  although 

2164.  I  prethee 

2165.  cleane  fheets, 
2167.  nere  layen 
2186.  although 

2193.  omit  heere  is  heard  .  .  .  omit 

great 
2196.  tell  vs  where 
2203.  omit  is 

2207.  omit  Lord  Cobham 
2210.  Jiealing  in  his  gowne. 
2216.  zounds 


Xlll 


22.1 'J.  omit  was 

2221.  fcape. 

2222.  omit  A  .  .  .  omit  aga'ine 
11\1.  farre-dayes, 

2243.   Who  goes 

ii\^.  ope 

2248-50.  divide    after  oftler  .   .    . 

boies  :  .  .  .  end, 
2252-4.  divide  after  ghe^i  ? ...  ha? 
2256.  divide  after  hzuG^ 
2258.  the  woman 
2266.  omit  the  .  .  .  omit  lord 
2269.  foreweare 
2277.  omit  now  the  .  .  .  too  too 
2281.   bin 

2283.  omit  villaine 

2284.  efcapt  .  .  .  omit  out 
2288.   Exit 

2290  &c.    Pri.  substituted  for   Sir 
lohn. 

2298.  till  .  .  .  omit  that  you  might, 

2299.  beene. .  .o/«// 1 . .  .Cobham. 

2300.  omit  ile  none  of  that, 
2304.  omit  Faith  fir  lohn, 
2308-10.  omit  to  buy  .  .  .  fleece, 
2310.  &  money  we   will   haue    I 

warrant 

2312.  omit  %.d. 

2313.  man,  and  nowe  is  rifling  on 
him, 

2315.  Enter  the  Irijhman  with  his 
dead  majier^  and  rifles  him. 

2316.  Irijh.  Alas 

2317.  dy  golde 

2318.  dee  well,  .  .  .  kill  dee, 
2322.  y'are  .  .  .  damn'd  .  .  .  kild 

2324.  omit  Irifh 

2325-7.  omit  firra  .  .  .  barke. 

2325.  dog,  robs  him 

2328.  my  mefler 

2329.  fhain 

2330.  omit. 

2332.  omit  maddc 

2333.  omit  hey 


2336.  of  the  houfe  .   .  .   Irijhman. 

2340.  Faith  fellow 

2341.  <?;wzVthatI  may  not  difapoint, 

2342.  haue  as  much  as 

2344.  tanke  .  .  .  omit  de  ftraw  is 
good  bed  for  me. 

2348.  to 

2349.  omit. 

2351.  omit  Ho, 

2352.  Vds  hat 
2357.  omit  Club  Ho 

2360.  God  a  mercy  .  .  .  where  is 
2362.  Tom's  .  .  .  omit  O 

2364.  Vds  hat 

2365.  yonders  .   .  .  abomination 

2366.  as  was  neuer 

2367.  Vds  hat 

2368.  bin 

2372.  omit  and  lie  .  .  .  exeunt, 

2373.  Enter  Cobham 

2374  Sec.  Coh.  substituted  for  Oldc^. 

2378.  Rochefter. 

2379-80.  one  line. 

2385-6.  one  line. 

2398-9.  s.d.  precedes  2398. 

2408.  Followes 

2410.  ore-flying 

2427.   Makes 

2431-2.  omit. 

2433-4.   one  line. 

2439.  imperfection 

2443.  happen'd? 

2448  s.d.  Fal  afleep. 

2465.  wood-kernes 

2468.  omit. 

i\']Q.  And  which 

2479.  was  knowne. 

2498.  were  there 

2500.  omit. 

2501.  To    Hartford    with    them, 
where 

2504.  omit  s.d. 

2505.  omit  bijhop  of 

with  Prieji.,  Doll.,  and 


XIV 


25 1 1  - 1 3'  divide  as  verse  after  Irilh, 
.  .  .  fo, 

2512.  omit  altogether 

2513.  omit  Seemes  to  be 
2515.  be  me  .  .  .  Lort  Cobham, 
2519&C.  'Pn.  substituted  for  {\r\ohn. 
25 1 9-2 1 .  divide  as  verse  after  Eng- 

lifti,  .  .  .  triall: 
2519.  omit  my 
2521.  omit  be  decided  by 
2527.  faires 
2536.  we  Ihall  beare 

2540.  omit. 

2541.  omit  and  his  man^ 
2551.   La.  Cobham 

2563-4.   No,  if  we  dye  let  this  our 

comfort  bee, 
2566.  I,  I,  my 
2569-71.  omit. 

2573.  ^^^  i'UJO 

2574.  omit  the  second  and 
2577.  vs  to  the 

2581.  lay  waite 

2585.  you 

2591.  yon  prifners 

2594-5.  fufpected  for  this  murder  ? 


2598.  Meane  time 

2620.  bloody 

2623.  But  how  came  your  fharp 

edgd  kniues  vnftieathd 
2626.  you 
2638.   Enter    Conjiable    with     the 

Irijhman^  Prieft^ 
2646.  Lord, 

2655.  Rochefter.    Deliuers  them. 
2659-61.  omit  foule  .  ,  .  of  this: 
2661.  Wer't  not  that  the  Law 
2666.  omit. 

2676.  omit  And  .  .  .  deferu'd, 
2676-7.  Yet  vpright  law  will  not 

hold  you  excufde, 
2679.  attainted 
2682.  omit  he  repents, 
2685.  Rochefter 
2689-90.  one  line  to  liberty. 
2690.  omit  paying  their  fees. 
2691-4.  omit. 
2697.  I  giue  thefe  {Q^N  Crownes. 

omit  more  for  them  to  drinke. 
2697-8.  omit  s.d. 
2699.  and  Cobham. 


Chief  Variants  of  the  Folio  Texts  with  a  few 
Conjectures  of  Malone 


130. 

Oldcaftle's 

1 166. 

unquiet 

304- 

golden  ruddocks. 

1364. 

J  oh  n  and  Do  11. {  M, — c  f.  1 5  7  0 . ) 

452. 

againft  this 

1446. 

bower.   {M. — cf.  2333.) 

473- 

take  the  vantage 

1706. 

Lord, 

501. 

In  good  health. 

1755- 

omit. 

562. 

marry  is  it. 

1793- 

it's  impoflible 

646. 

Ale-m. 

1836. 

Cromer  ? 

651. 

Ale-m. 

1958. 

Ellenor  Rumming,  {M.) 

906. 

whereby  this  matter 

2069. 

I  Ser.    And  I       {M.) 

978. 

of  thofe 

2120. 

can  furnifh  ye; 

1113. 

the  like, 

2242. 

two  fair  dayes. 

Besides  variants  of  this  description  there  are  also  a  number  of  passages 
in  the  folios  in  which  a  single  word  has  dropt  out. 

XV 


List  of  Characters, 

in  the  order  of  their  entrance. 


Lord  Herbert. 

GouGH,  his  man. 

Lord  Powis. 

Davy  "1  ,  . 

r^         Y  his  men. 

UwenJ 

The  Sheriff  of  Hereford. 

a  Bailiff. 

The  Mayor  of  Hereford. 

a  Sergeant. 

two  Judges  of  Assize. 

The  Duke  of  Suffolk. 

The  Bishop  of  Rochester. 

Butler,  (a  gentleman  of  the  Privy 

Chamber. — Fol.) 

Sir  John,  the  parson  of  Wrotham. 

Henry  the  Fifth,  King  of  England. 

The  Earl  of  Huntington. 

7  Soldiers!  , 
ij  f  bea;ears, 

old  man    J       ^^ 

Sir  John  Oldcastle,  Lord  Cob- 
ham. 

Harpoole,  his  steward. 

Clun,  the  Bishop's  Sumner. 

Butler  to  Lord  Cobham. 

a  Constable  of  Kent. 

an  Aleman. 

Doll,  the  parson's  wench. 

Sir  Roger  Acton 

Bourne 

Beverley 

William  Murley 

the  brewer  of  Dunftable 


msur- 
gents. 


conspira- 
tors. 


s  men. 


Cinque 


The  Earlof  Cambridge.^ 
Lord  Scroop. 
Sir  Thomas  Gray. 
Chartres,  agent  of  the 

King  of  France. 
Lady  Cobham. 
Lady  Powis. 

The  Lord  Warden  of  the 

Ports. 

Cromer,  Sheriff  of  Kent, 
three  Servants  of  the  Bishop. 
The  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower. 
MacChane,  an  Irishman. 
Host  of  the  Bell  at  St.  Albans. 
Robin,  a  drawer  (?)  at  the  Bell. 
Club,  a  Lancashire  carrier. 
Kate  Owdham,  his  niece. 
The  Ostler  of  the  Bell. 
The  Mayor  of  St.  Albans, 
a  Constable  of  St.  Albans. 
Officer  of  the  Watch. 
Sir  Richard  Lee. 
two  Servants  of  Sir  Richard, 
the  Gaoler  of  St.  Albans, 
a  Judge, 
two  Justices  (of  the  Peace). 


The  Sheriff  of  Hereford's  man,  Officers  and  Townsmen;  a  messenger 
(1.  172);  attendants  of  the  King,  the  Lord  Warden  and  the  Sheriff  of 
Kent;  the  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower's  guard;  the  Watch  at  St.  Albans 
and  the  Gaoler's  men. 

The  Sumner  is  not  named  till  1.  1952,  the  Irishman  not  till  1.  2516; 
Kate's  name  is  given  as  Owdham,  i.e.  Oldham,  at  I.  2286. 


XVI 


^(T^^'       Tliefirllparc  c 

Of  the  true  and  hono^^'^ 

rable  hfftorfe ,  of  the  life  of  Sir 
fohn  Old^caflk^thegood 


^  Lord  Cobliam. 


t/j  it  hath  been  lately  aUedby  the  ri<rht 
honor  able  the  Earle  of  U^otlmjam 

Lordhigh^dmirailof  England  his 
Jeruants, 


/  > 


LONDON 

Printed  by  V.S.  for  Thomas  Pauicr,  and  are  to  be  foldc  at 
his  Ihop  at  the  figne  of  the  Catte  and  Parrots 
ncae  the  Exchange. 
Z  ^  O  0. 


Second  Quarto '.  A  i  recto  (C.  C54.  1.  1) 


The  Prologue. 


[  He4oukfHlTttie(gent/enuft)preflxt 
'  Vponthe  Argument  vrehaue  in  hand^ . 
Aiay  breedefufpence^and  wrongfully  dijlttrh 
\  The  peaceful/ ejuiet  of  your  fetied  thmghtsi 
)Toflop  which  fcruple^lct  this  hriefefuffi/e. 
It  u  no  pamperd  glutton  nvepre/ent. 

Nor  AgedCouncellor  toyouthfuUjinney 

Tu  t  one^who/e  venue  jhcne  ah  cue  the  refi, 

AvjiitanttJ^artyr.andavertuouspeere, 

Inwhofe  true  faith  and  hyaltieexprefi 

'Unto  his  foueraigne^nd  his  countries  weale: 

ff^ejiriuetopay  that  tribute  ofourLoue, 

TourfauQurs  merite  Jet  fair e  Truth  begracte. 

Since  forgdetrntetition  former  time  defacte. 


Ai 


L 


First  Quarto  :   A  i  recto 


,:i*.-  ^iSa-Sh 


The  true  and  honorable  Hiftorie^  of 
th  life  of  Sir  lohn  Oldcajlle^the 

good  Lord  Cobliam. 

Jh  thie  fight  yenter  the  Sherife  andtw  o  of  his  mer^ 

Sherjjfe. 
!?^  Y  Lorc!s,I  charge  yc  in  fiis  HigfinelTcDaiTJC, 
H  To  keepe  the  peace,vou,ancl  your  followers. 
HerL.  Good  ]Vl.ShcrHFe,!ook  vntoyourfclfv 
To%v.  Do  fojfbr  we  liaue  other  bufincfTc. 
^f  rpjfer  to  fight  agiiWe 
-  Sher.  Will  yc  diRurbc  the  Judges,  and  the  AHifeJ 
Hcare  the  Kings  proclamation, yc  were  beft. 
Pow.   Holdlhcn.ictshearcJt. 
Berh.  But  be  bricfcyVe  were  beft 
Bay/.  O  yes. 

'Dauy  ColTonCjniake  (hortcr  O,or  fhall  marre  your  Yes. 
Sny.  Oyes.  ^ 

Oven  WhatihashernothingtofaybutOycs? 
B4y,  Oyes, 

1>4,  O  rray,pycCofre  plut  dounc  with  her,down  with  het, 
A  PawefTc  a  Pawcflc. 

^ottgh  A  Herbert  a  Hcrbcrt,and  downc  with  Powellc. 

Helter  shelter  agatne. 
Sher.  Hold,  in  the  Kings  name,  hold. 
€>n>ett  DowBC c  tha ka  naucsnanie^  doivne» 

A  5  h 


First  Quarto  :  A  3  recto 


FACSIMILES  BY  HORACE  HART,  M.A.,  AT  THE  OXFORD  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 


The  firft  part 

Of  the  true  6c  hono- 
rable hiftory^of  the  Life  of 

Sir  lohn  Old^ca/lley  the  good 
LordCobham. 

J  J  it  hath  bene  lately  aBedhythe  T^ht 
honorable  the  Earle  of  3\(otingham 
Lord  High  t^dmiraHo/  England^ 
his  Seruants. 

Written  by  William  Shakcfpcarc. 


Lcndon  printed  for  T.  T. 

i6oo. 


-£tftST  Quarto  :  A  i  recto  (Bodl.) 


The  Prologue. 


TH  E  douhtfuHTitle  (Gentlemen)  prefix  f 
f^pon  the  Argument  we  haue  in  hand, 
May  breedfulpence^  And  wrongfully  dt^ut  Be 
The peacefuli quiet  of y our  fetied  thoughts : 
To  hop  whiehfcruple^  let  this  breefefuffice. 
It  is  no  pamper  d  Glutton  tveprefent. 
Nor  aged  C  ouncellour  toyouthfuUJinne ; 
But  one,  rphofe  vtrtue/hone  aboue  the  reliy 
A  'valiant  Martyr y  and  a  <vertuom  ?eere^ 
In  vphofe  true  faith  and  loyalty  expreB 
Vruo  his  Soueraigne,  and  his  Count  ies  weak  ; 
we firiue  to  pay  that  tribute  of  our  loue 
Yourfauours  merit :  Letfaire  Truth  begrac'd^ 
Since f or gd  inuention  former  time  dejacd. 


A 


Second  Quarto  :  A  r  recto 


JSg3S2E?SgHS 


The  true  and  honorable  Hiftorie,  of 
the  life  of  Sir  lohn  OU^Qajile^  the 

good  Lord  Cobham. 

In  the  fight.  Enter  the  Sherijfe,  and  two  of  his  men, 

Shgrife, 
Y  Lords,  I  charge  ye  in  his  Highncdc  narne^ 
To  kcepc  the  peacc,you,and  your  followers, 
//tfr.GoodM.Shcriffe,  look  vnto  your  ftlf, 
Pojv.Do  fojfor  vie  haue  other  bufincfle. 
Proffer  to  fight  agatne, 
.  Sher*  Will  ye  difturbe  the  ludgcs,  and  the  AHize  ? 
Hcarc  the  Kings  proclamation,  yc  were  beft. 
Forv,  Hold  then,  let's  hcarc  it. 
f/er.  But  be  brcefc,  ye  were  beft. 
'Bay/.  O  yes. 

Dauy,  Coffonejinake  fhorter  O,or  flial  marre  your  Yes. 
Baj/l.Oycs, 

Otvjn,  What,  has  her  nothing  to  fay,  but  O  yes  f 
Bay.'O  yes, 

Dd.  O  nay,py  cofle  plut  do  wne  with  hir,down  with  hif. 
A  Parvefe^  a  Paivejfe, 

(jOHgh.K  Herbert  a  Herbert^  and  downewithJ't^w^jf/r, 

Helter  skelter  Mgaine, 
Sher,  Hold,in  the  Kings  name,hold, 
Oivjn.  Downc  with  a  kanaues  naaie,downe. 

As  ^* 


Second  Quarto  :  A  3  recto 


The  firft  part 

Ofthe  true  and  hono- 
rable hiftorie,of  the  life  of  Sir 

yohn  Old'Caflle^  the  good 

Lord  Cobham. 

As  it  hath  been  lately  acted  by  the  right 
honorable  the  Earle  of  Notingham 
Lord  high  Admirall  of  England  his 

feruants. 


LONDON 

Printed  by  V.  S.  for  Thomas  Pauier,  and  are  to  be  folde  at 

his  fhop  at  the  figne  of  the  Catte  and  Parrots 

neere   the   Exchange. 

1600. 


.;'  ''v 


The  Prologue. 


He  doubtful  Title  (Gentlemen)  prefixt 
Upon  the  Argument  we  haue  in  hand., 
May  hreedejujpence^  and  wrongfully  difiurbe 
The  peacefull  quiet  of  your  Jet  led  thoughts: 
To  flop  which  fcruple,  let  this  brief e  fuffife. 
It  is  no  pamper d  glutton  we  prejenty 
Nor  aged  Councellor  to  youthfull  finne^ 
But  one,  whofe  vertue  Jhone  aboue  the  refl^ 
A  valiant  Martyr.,  and  a  vertuous  peere. 
In  whofe  true  faith  and  loyaltie  exprefi 
Unto  his  foueraigne,  and  his  countries  weak: 
We  Jlriue  to  pay  that  tribute  of  our  Loue^ 
Your  fauours  merit e^  let  faire  Truth  be  gractCy 
Since  forg^de  inuention  former  time  defacte. 


lO 


A2 


The  true  and  honorable  Hiftorie,  of 
the  life  of  Sir  lohn  O  Idcajlle^  the 

good  Lord  Cobham. 

In  the  fight  ^  enter  the  Sheriffe  and  two  of  his  men. 


Actl 
sc.  i 


10 


Sheriffe. 

M^"""^"""  Y  Lords,  I  charge  ye  in  his  HighnefTe  name, 
To  keepe  the  peace,  you,  and  your  followers. 
Herb.  Good  M.  Sheriffe,  look  vnto  your  felf. 
Pow.  Do  fo,  for  we  haue  other  bufineffe. 

■ '  Proffer  to  fight  againe 

Sher.  Will  ye  difturbe  the  Judges,  and  the  Affife  ? 
Heare  the  Kings  proclamation,  ye  were  beft. 
Pow.  Hold  then,  lets  heare  it. 
Herb.  But  be  briefe,  ye  were  beft. 
Bayl.  O  yes. 

Dauy  Coffone,  make  fhorter  O,  or  fhall  marre  your  Yes. 
Bay.  O  yes. 

Owen  What,  has  her  nothing  to  fay  but  O  yes }     - 
Bay.  O  yes. 

Da.  O  nay,pye  Coffe  plut  downe  with  her,  down  with  her, 
A  PawefTe  a  Paweffe. 

Gough  A  Herbert  a  Herbert,  and  downe  with  Poweffe. 

Helter  skelter  againe.  20 

Sher.   Hold,  in  the  Kings  name,  hold. 
Owen  Downe  e  tha  ka  naues  name,  downe. 

A3  In 


The  firfl  part  of 


In  this  fight  ^  the  Bailiffe  is  knocked  downe^  and  the  Sherifie 
and  the  other  runne  away. 

Herb.  Powefle,  I  thinke  thy  Welfh  and  thou  do  fmart. 

Pow.   Herbert,  I  thinke  my  fword  came  neere  thy  heart. 

Herb.   Thy  hearts  beft  bloud  fhall  pay  the  lofle  of  mine. 

Gough  A  Herbert  a  Herbert. 

Dauy  A  Pawefle  a  PawefTe. 
30     yf  J  they  are  lifting  their  weapons^  enter  the  Maior  of  Here- 
ford^ andhis  Officers  and  Townes-men  with  clubhes. 

Maior  My  Lords,  as  you  are  liege  men  to  theCrowne, 
True  noblemen,  and  fubiects  to  the  King, 
Attend  his  HighnefTe  proclamation, 
Commaunded  by  the  Judges  of  Aflife, 
For  keeping  peace  at  this  aflemblie. 

Herb.  Good  M.  Maior  of  Hereford  be  briefe. 

Mai.  Serieant,  without  the  ceremonie  of  O  yes. 
Pronounce  alowd  the  proclamation. 
40  Ser.  The  Kings  luftices,  perceiuing  what  publique  mif- 
chiefe  may  enfue  this  priuate  quarrel :  in  his  maiefties  name  do 
ftraightly  charge  and  commaund  all  perfons,  of  what  degree 
foeuer,  to  depart  this  cittie  of  Hereford,  except  fuch  as  are 
bound  to  giue  attendance  at  this  AfTife,  and  that  no  man  pre- 
fume  to  weare  any  weapon,  efpecially  welfh-hookes,  forreft 
billes. 

Owen    Haw,  no  pill  nor  wells  hoog  ?  ha  ? 

Ma.    Peace,  and  heare  the  proclamation. 

^er.  And  that  the  Lord  Poweffe  do  prefently  difperfe  and 
50  difcharge  his  retinue,  and  depart  the  cittie  in  the  Kings  peace, 
he  and  his  followers,  on  paine  of  imprifonment. 

Dauy  Haw  ?  pud  her  Lord  PawefTe  in  prifon,  A  Pawes 
A  PawefTe,  cofTone  Hue  and  tie  with  her  Lord. 

Gough   A  Herbert  a  Herbert. 
In  this  fight  the  Lord  Herbert  is  wounded.,  andfals  to  the  ground^ 

the  Maior  and  his  company  goe  away  crying  clubbes^  Powejfe 

runnes  away.,  Gough  and  other  of  Herberts  faction  bufie  them- 

Jelues  about  Herbert:  enters  the  two  ludges  in  their  roabes^ 

the 


Jir  John  Old-caflle, 


the  Sheriffe  and  his  Bailiffes  afore  them^  iffc. 

1.  lud.  Where's  the  Lord  Herbert?  ishehurtorflaine?        60 
Sher.   Hee's  here  my  Lord. 

2.  lud.  How  fares  his  Lordfhippe,  friends? 
Gough  Mortally  wounded,  fpeechleffe,  he  cannot  Hue. 

1.  lud.  Conuayhim  hence,  let  not  his  wounds  take  ayre, 
And  get  him  drefs'd  with  expedition,       Ex.  Her b.^  Gough 
M.  Maior  of  Hereford,  M  Shriue  o'th  fhire, 

Commit  Lord  PowefTe  to  fafe  cuftodie, 

To  anfwer  the  difturbance  of  the  peace, 

Lord  Herberts  perill,  and  his  high  contempt 

Of  vs,  and  you  the  Kings  commifTioners,  70 

See  it  be  done  with  care  and  diligence. 

Sher.  Pleafe  it  your  Lordfhip,  my  Lord  PowefTe  is  gone, 
Paft  all  recouery. 

2.  lud.    Yet  let  fearch  be  made. 

To  apprehend  his  followers  that  are  left. 

Sher.  There  are  fome  of  them,  firs,  lay  hold  on  them, 

Owen  Of  vs,  and  why?  what  has  her  done  I  pray  you? 

Sher.    Difarme  them  Bailiffes. 

Ma.    Officers  affift. 

Dauy  Heare  youLor  lhudge,what  refibn  is  forthis  ?  80 

Owen   CofTon  pe  pufe  for  fighting  for  our  Lord  ? 

1.  ludge   Away  with  them. 

Dauy  Harg  you  my  Lord,  (fhitten  ka  naue,' 
Owen    Gough  my  Lorde  Herberts  man's  a  5^/^  ^/ 
Dauy    Ife  Hue  and  tie  in  good  quarrell.  once  al  this 

Owen  Pray  you  do  fhuftice,  let  awl  be  prefon. 
Dauy    Prifon  no. 
Lord  fiiudge  I  wooll  giue  you  pale,  good  fuerty. 

2.  Judge   What  Bale?  what  fuerties? 

Dauy  Her  coozin  ap  Ries,  ap  Euan,  ap  Morrice,  ap  Mor-  90 
gan,  ap  Lluellyn,  ap  Madoc,  ap  Meredith, 
ap  Griffen,  ap  Dauy,  ap  Owen  ap  Shinken  Shones. 
2  ludge.  Two  of  the  moft,  fufficient  are  ynow, 
Sher.  And't  pleafe  your  Lordihip  thefe  are  al  but  one. 

I.  ludge. 


The  first  part  of 


1 .  ludge  To  layle  with  them,  and  the  Lord  Herberts  men, 
Weele  talke  with  them,  when  the  Affife  is  done.  Exeunt. 
Riotous,  audacious,  and  vnruly  Groomes, 

Muft  we  be  forced  to  come  from  the  Bench, 
To  quiet  brawles,  which  euery  Conftable 
100  In  other  ciuill  places  can  fuppreffe? 

2.  ludge  Whatwas  the  quarrel  thatcaufde  all  this  ftirre? 
Sher.    About  religion  (as  I  heard)  my  Lord. 

Lord  PowefTe  detracted  from  the  power  of  Rome, 
Affirming  WickHffes  doctrine  to  be  true, 
And  Romes  erroneous :  hot  reply  was  made 
By  the  lord  Herbert,  they  were  traytors  all 
That  would  maintaine  it :  Poweffe  anfwered. 
They  were  as  true,  as  noble,  and  as  wife 
As  he,  that  would  defend  it  with  their  Hues, 

no  He  namde  for  inftance  fir  lohn  Old-caftle 
The  Lord  Cobham :  Herbert  replide  againe. 
He,  thou,  and  all  are  traitors  that  fo  hold. 
The  lie  was  giuen,  the  feuerall  factions  drawne. 
And  fo  enragde,  that  we  could  not  appeafe  it. 

I.  ludge  This  cafe  concernes  the  Kings  prerogatiue, 
And's  dangerous  to  the  State  and  common  wealth. 
Gentlemen,  luftices,  mafter  Maior,  and  mafter  Shrieue, 
It  doth  behoue  vs  all,  and  each  of  vs 
In  generall  and  particular,  to  haue  care 

120  For  the  fuppreffing  of  all  mutinies. 

And  all  affemblies,  except  fouldiers  mufters 
For  the  Kings  preparation  into  France. 
We  heare  of  fecret  conuenticles  made. 
And  there  is  doubt  of  fome  confpiracies. 
Which  may  breake  out  into  rebellious  armes 
When  the  King's  gone,  perchance  before  he  go : 
Note  as  an  inftance,  this  one  perillous  fray. 
What  factions  might  haue  growne  on  either  part, 
To  the  deftruction  of  the  King  and  Realme, 

130  Yet,  in  my  confcience,  fir  lohn  Old-caftle 

Innocent 


ftr  lohn  Old'Caflle, 


Innocent  of  it,  onely  his  name  was  vfde. 

We  therefore  from  his  Highnefle  giue  this  charge. 

You  maifter  Maior,  looke  to  your  citizens, 

You  maifter  Sherife  vnto  your  fhire,  and  you 

As  luftices  in  euery  ones  precinct 

There  be  no  meetings.    When  the  vulgar  fort 

Sit  on  their  Ale-bench,  with  their  cups  and  kannes, 

Matters  of  ftate  be  not  their  common  talke, 

Nor  pure  religion  by  their  lips  prophande. 

Let  vs  returne  vnto  the  Bench  againe,  140 

And  there  examine  further  of  this  fray.     Enter  a  Baily  and 

Sher.  Sirs,  haue  ye  taken  the  lord  Powefle  yet }   a  Serieant 

Ba,    No,  nor  heard  of  him. 

Ser.    No,  hee's  gone  farre  enough. 

2.  lu.  They  that  are  left  behind,  fhallanfwer  all.  Exeunt. 
EnterSuffolkeyBiJhopofRochester^Butler^parJonoflVrotham.      Act  I 

Suffolke   Now  my  lord  Bifhop,  take  free  liberty  ^^-  » 

To  fpeake  your  minde:  what  is  your  fute  to  vs.? 

Bijhop  My  noble  Lord,  no  more  than  what  you  know. 
And  haue  bin  oftentimes  inuefted  with:  150 

Grieuous  complaints  haue  paft  betweene  the  lippes 
Of  enuious  perfons  to  vpbraide  the  Cleargy, 
Some  carping  at  the  liuings  which  we  haue. 
And  others  fpurning  at  the  ceremonies 
That  are  of  auncient  cuftome  in  the  church. 
Amongft  the  which.  Lord  Cobham  is  a  chiefe : 
What  inconuenience  may  proceede  hereof. 
Both  to  the  King  and  to  the  common  wealth. 
May  eafily  be  difcernd,  when  like  a  frenfie 
This  innouation  fhall  poflefTe  their  mindes.  160 

Thefe  vpftarts  will  haue  followers  to  vphold 
Their  damnd  opinion,  more  than  Harry  fhall 
To  vndergoe  his  quarrell  gainft  the  French. 

Suffolke  What  proofe  is  there  againft  them  to  be  had. 
That  what  you  fay  the  law  may  iuftifie } 

Bijhop  They  giue  themfelues  the  name  of  Proteftants, 

B  And 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


And  meete  in  fields  and  folitary  groues. 

fir  Ihon  Was  euer  heard  (my  Lord)  the  like  til  now  ? 
That  theeues  and  rebells,  s'bloud  heretikes, 
170  Playne  heretikes,  He  ftand  toote  to  their  teeth, 
Should  haue  to  colour,  their  vile  practifes, 
A  title  of  fuch  worth,  as  Proteftant  ?      enter onewythaletter, 

Suf.  O  but  you  must  not  fweare,  it  ill  becomes 
One  of  your  coate,  to  rappe  out  bloudy  oathes. 

BiflD.  Pardon  him  good  my  Lord,  it  is  his  zeale, 
An  honeft  country  prelate,  who  laments 
To  fee  fuch  foule  diforder  in  the  church. 

Sir  lohn  Theres  one  they  call  him  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
He  has  not  his  name  for  naught:   for  like  a  caftle 
180  Doth  he  encompaffe  them  within  his  walls, 
But  till  that  caftle  be  fubuerted  quite, 
We  ne're  fhall  be  at  quiet  in  the  realme. 

Bijh.  That  is  our  fute,  my  Lord,  that  he  be  tane, 
And  brought  in  queftion  for  his  herefie, 
Befide,  two  letters  brought  me  out  of  Wales, 
Wherin  my  Lord  Herford  writes  to  me, 
What  tumult  and  fedition  was  begun. 
About  the  Lord  Cobham,  at  the  Sifes  there, 
For  they  had  much  ado  to  calme  the  rage, 
190  And  that  the  valiant  Herbert  is  there  flaine. 

Suf.  Afirethat  muft  be  quencht;  wel,  fay  no  more. 
The  King  anon  goes  to  the  counfell  chamber. 
There  to  debate  of  matters  touching  France : 
As  he  doth  pafTe  by.  He  informe  his  grace 
Concerning  your  petition  :   Mafter  Butler, 
If  I  forget,  do  you  remember  me, 

But.  I  will  my  Lord.  Offer  himapurfe. 

Bijh.  Not  for  a  recompence, 
But  as  a  token  of  our  loue  to  you, 
200  By  me  my  Lords  of  the  cleargie  do  prefent 
This  purfe,  and  in  it  full  a  thoufand  Angells, 
Praying  your  Lordfhip  to  accept  their  gift. 

Suf 


fir  yohn  Old'Caflle, 


Suf.  I  thanke  them,  my  Lord  Bifhop,  for  their  loue, 
But  will  not  take  their  mony,  if  you  pleafe 
To  giue  it  to  this  gentleman,  you  may. 

Bifi).  Sir,  then  we  craue  your  furtherance  herein. 

But.  The  beft  I  can  my  Lord  of  Rochefter. 

Bijh.  Nay,  pray  ye  take  it,  truft  me  but  you  flial, 

Jir  lohn  Were  ye  all  three  vpon  New  Market  heath, 
You  fhould  not  neede  ftraine  curtfie  who  fhould  ha'te,  210 

Sir  lohn  would  quickely  rid  ye  of  that  care. 

Suf  The  King  is  comming,  feare  ye  not  my  Lord, 
The  very  firft  thing  I  will  breake  with  him, 
Shal  be  about  your  matter.  Enter  K.  Harry  and Hunting- 

Har.  My  Lord  of  Suffolke,         ton  in  talke. 
Was  it  not  faide  the  Cleargy  did  refufe 
To  lend  vs  mony  toward  our  warres  in  France  ? 

Suf.  It  was  my  Lord,  but  very  wrongfully. 

Har.  I  know  it  was,  for  Huntington  here  tells  me, 
They  haue  bin  very  bountifull  of  late.  220 

Suf.  And  ftill  they  vow  my  gracious  Lord  to  be  fo. 
Hoping  your  maieftie  will  thinke  of  them. 
As  of  your  louing  fubiects,  and  fuppreffe 
All  fuch  malitious  errors  as  begin 
To  fpot  their  calling,  and  difturb  the  church. 

Har.  God  elfe  forbid  :  why  Suffolke,  is  there 
Any  new  rupture  to  disquiet  them  } 

Suf.  No  new  my  Lord,  the  old  is  great  enough. 
And  fo  increasing,  as  if  not  cut  downe, 

Will  breede  a  fcandale  to  your  royall  ftate,  230 

And  fet  your  Kingdome  quickely  in  an  vproare, 
The  Kentifh  knight.  Lord  Cobham,  in  defpight 
Of  any  law,  or  fpirituall  difcipline, 
Maintaines  this  vpftart  new  religion  ftill. 
And  diuers  great  affemblies  by  his  meanes 
And  priuate  quarrells,  are  commenft  abroad. 
As  by  this  letter  more  at  large  my  liege, 
Is  made  apparant. 

B  2  Har. 


The  first  part  of 


Har.  We  do  find  it  here, 
240  There  was  in  Wales  a  certaine  fray  of  late, 
Betweene  two  noblemen,  but  what  of  this  ? 
Followes  it  ftraight  Lord  Cobham  muft  be  he 
Did  caufe  the  fame  ?  I  dare  be  fworne  (good  knight) 
He  neuer  dreampt  of  any  fuch  contention. 

Bijh.  But  in  his  name  the  quarrell  did  begin, 
About  the  opinion  which  he  held  (my  liege.) 

Har.  How  if  it  did  ?  was  either  he  in  place,  ^ 

To  take  part  with  them,  or  abette  them  in  it  ? 
If  brabling  fellowes,  whofe  inkindled  bloud, 
250  Seethes  in  their  fiery  vaines,  will  needes  go  fight. 
Making  their  quarrells  of  fome  words  that  pafst. 
Either  of  you,  or  you,  amongft  their  cuppes. 
Is  the  fault  yours,  or  are  they  guiltie  of  it.? 

Suffolke  With  pardon  of  yourHighnefle(mydread  lord) 
Such  little  fparkes  neglected,  may  in  time 
Grow  to  a  mighty  flame :  but  thats  not  all. 
He  doth  befide  maintaine  a  ftrange  religion. 
And  will  not  be  compelld  to  come  to  mafle. 

BiJh.  We  do  befeech  you  therefore  gracious  prince, 
260  Without  offence  vnto  your  maiefly 
We  may  be  bold  to  vfe  authoritie. 

Harry  As  how.'' 

Bijhop  To  fummon  him  vnto  the  Arches, 
Where  fuch  offences  haue  their  punifhment. 

Harry  To  anfwere  perfonally,  is  that  your  meaning } 

Bijhop  It  is,  my  lord. 

Harry  How  if  he  appeale } 

Bijhop  He  cannot  (my  Lord)  in  fuch  a  cafe  as  this. 

Suffolke  Not  where  Religion  is  the  plea,  my  lord. 
270      Harry  I  tooke  it  alwayes,  that  our  felfe  ftoode  ont, 
As  a  fufficient  refuge,  vnto  whome 
Not  any  but  might  lawfully  appeale. 
But  weele  not  argue  now  vpon  that  poynt : 
For  fir  lohn  Old-caflle  whom  you  accufe. 

Let 


ftr  John  Old'CaJlle. 


Let  me  intreate  you  to  difpence  awhile 

With  your  high  title  of  preheminence.  in/come. 

Report  did  neuer  yet  condemne  him  fo, 

But  he  hath  alwayes  beene  reputed  loyall: 

And  in  my  knowledge  I  can  fay  thus  much, 

That  he  is  vertuous,  wife,  and  honourable:  280 

If  any  way  his  confcience  be  feduc'de. 

To  wauer  in  his  faith:   He  fend  for  him. 

And  fchoole  him  priuately,  if  that  ferue  not, 

Then  afterward  you  may  proceede  againft  him. 

Butler,  be  you  the  meffenger  for  vs. 

And  will  him  prefently  repaire  to  court,     exeunt. 

fir  lohn  How  now  my  lord,  why  ftand  you  difcontent } 
In  footh,  me  thinkes  the  King  hath  well  decreed. 

Bi/hop  Yea,  yea,  fir  John,  if  he  would  keepe  his  word, 
But  I  perceiue  he  fauours  him  fo  much,  290 

As  this  will  be  to  fmall  effect,  I  feare. 

fir  lohn  Why  then  He  tell  you  what  y'arebeft  to  do: 
If  you  fufpect  the  King  will  be  but  cold 
In  reprehending  him,  fend  you  a  proceffe  too 
To  ferue  vpon  him:  fo  you  may  be  fure 
To  make  him  anfwer't,  howfoere  it  fall. 

Bi/hop  And  well  remembred,  I  will  haue  it  fo, 
A  Sumner  fhall  be  fent  about  it  ftrait  Exit. 

fir  lohn  Yea,doe  fo,in  themeane  fpace  this  remaines 
For  kinde  fir  lohn  of  Wrotham  honefl  lacke.  300 

Me  thinkes  the  purfe  of  gold  the  Bifhop  gaue. 
Made  a  good  fhew,  it  had  a  tempting  looke, 
Befhrew  me,  but  my  fingers  ends  do  itch 
To  be  vpon  thofe  rudduks:  well,  tis  thus: 
I  am  not  as  the  worlde  docs  take  me  for: 
If  euer  woolfe  were  cloathed  in  fheepes  coate, 
Then  I  am  he,  olde  huddle  and  twang,  yfaith, 
A  priefl  in  fhew,  but  in  plaine  termes,  a  theefe. 
Yet  let  me  tell  you  too,  an  honeft  theefe. 
One  that  will  take  it  where  it  may  be  fparde,  310 

B    3  And 


The  first  part  of 


And  fpend  it  freely  in  good  fellowfhip. 

I  haue  as  many  fliapes  as  Proteus  had, 

That  ftill  when  any  villany  is  done, 

There  may  be  none  fufpect  it  was  fir  lohn. 

Befides,  to  comfort  me,  for  whats  this  life, 

Except  the  crabbed  bitternes  thereof 

Be  fweetened  now  and  then  with  lechery  ? 

I  haue  my  Doll,  my  concubine  as  t'were. 

To  frollicke  with,  a  lufty  bounfing  gerle. 
320  But  whilft  I  loyter  here  the  gold,  may  fcape, 

And  that  muft  not  be  fo,  it  is  mine  owne,  ; 

Therefore  He  meete  him  on  his  way  to  court. 

And  fhriue  him  of  it :  there  will  be  the  fport.     Exit. 
Act  I    Enter  three  or  four  e  poore  people^JomeJouldiers^Jomeold  men. 
sc.  iii       I     God  help,  God  help,  there's  law  for  punifhing, 

But  theres  no  law  for  our  necefiity : 

There  be  more  ftockes  to  fet  poore  foldiers  in, 

Than  there  be  houfes  to  releeue  them  at. 

Old  man  Faith,  houfekeeping  decayes  in  euery  place, 
330  Euen  as  Saint  Peter  writ,  ftill  worfe  and  worfe 

4     Maifter  maior  of  Rochefter  has  giuen  commaunde- 

ment,  that  none  fhall  goe  abroade  out  of  the  parifh,  and  they 

haue  fet  an  order  downe  forfooth,  what  euery  poore  houfhol- 

der  muft  giue  towards  our  reliefe :  where  there  befomeceafed 

I  may  fay  to  you,  had  almoft  as  much  neede  to  beg  as  we. 

1  It  is  a  hard  world  the  while. 

Old  man  If  a  poore  man  come  to  a  doore  to  aske  for  Gods 
fake,  they  aske  him  for  a  licence,  or  a  certificate  fromaluftice. 

2  Faith  we  haue  none,  but  what  we  beare  vppon  our  bo- 
340  dies,  our  maimed  limbs,  God  help  vs. 

4  And  yet,  as  lame  as  I  am,  He  with  the  king  into  France, 
if  I  can  crawle  but  a  fhip-boorde,  I  hadde  rather  be  flaine  in 
France,  than  ftarue  in  England. 

Olde  man  Ha,  were  I  but  as  lufty  as  I  was  at  the  battell  of 
Shrewsbury,  I  would  not  doe  as  I  do  :  but  we  are  now  come 
to  the  good  lord  Cobhams,  to  the  beft  man  to  the  poore  that 

is 


fir  yohn  Old-caftle, 


is  in  all  Kent. 

4    God  blefTe  him,  there  be  but  few  fuch. 

Enter  Lord  Cobham  with  Harfoole. 

Cob.  Thou  peeuifh  froward  man,  what  wouldft  thou  haue  ?  35° 

Harp.  This  pride,  this  pride, brings  all  to  beggarie, 
I  feru'de  your  father,  and  your  grandfather, 
Shew  me  fuch  two  men  now :  no,  no. 
Your  backes,  your  backes,  the  diuell  and  pride, 
Has  cut  the  throate  of  all  good  houfekeeping. 
They  were  the  beft  Yeomens  mafters,  that 
Euer  were  in  England. 

Cob.  Yea,  except  thou  haue  a  crue  of  feely  knaues. 
And  fturdy  rogues,  ftill  feeding  at  my  gate, 
There  is  no  hofpitalitie  with  thee.  360 

Harp.  They  may  fit  at  the  gate  well  enough,  but  the  diuell 
of  any  thing  you  giue  them,  except  they  will  eate  ftones. 

Co^.Tislongthenof  fuch  hungry  knaues  as  you,    pointing 
Yea  fir,  heres  your  retinue,  your  guefts  be  come,       to  the 
They  know  their  howers  I  warrant  you,  beggars 

Old.  God  blefTe  your  honour,  God  faue  the  good  Lord 
Cobham,  and  all  his  houfe. 

Soul.  Good  your  honour,  beftow  your  blefl'ed  almes, 
Vpon  poore  men. 

Cob.  Now  fir,  here  be  your  Almes  knights.  370 

Now  are  you  as  fafe  as  the  Emperour. 

Harp.  My  Almes  knights :  nay,  th'are  yours. 
It  is  a  fhame  for  you,  and  He  ftand  too't. 
Your  foolifii  almes  maintaines  more  vagabonds, 
Then  all  the  noblemen  in  Kent  befide. 
Out  you  rogues,  you  knaues,  worke  for  your  liuings, 
Alas  poore  men,  O  Lord,  they  may  beg  their  hearts  out, 
Theres  no  more  charitie  amongft  men. 
Then  amongft  fo  many  maftiffe  dogges. 

What  make  you  here,  you  needy  knaues.?  380 

Away,  away,  you  villaines. 

l.Joul.   I  befeech  you  fir,  be  good  to  vs. 

Cob. 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Cohham  Nay,  nay,  they  know  thee  well  enough,  I  thinke  that 
all  the  beggars  in  this  land  are  thy  acquaintance,  goe  beftowe 
your  almes,  none  will  controule  you  fir. 

Harp.  What  fhould  I  giue  them  ?  you  are  growne  fo  beg- 
garly, you  haue  fcarce  a  bitte  of  breade  to  giue  at  your  doore : 
you  talkeofyour  religion  fo  long,  that  you  hauebanifhedcha- 
ritie  from  amongft  you,  a  man  may  make  a  flaxe  fhop  in  your 
390  kitchin  chimnies,  for  any  fire  there  is  ftirring. 

Cobham  If  thou  wilt  giue  them  nothing,  fend  them  hence, 
let  them  not  ftand  here  fl:aruing  in  the  colde. 

Harp.V^ho  I  driue  them  hence?  if  I  driue  poore  men  from 
your  doore.  He  be  hangd,I  know  not  what  I  may  come  to  my 
felfe:  yea,  God  help  you  poore  knaues,yefee  the  world  yfaith, 
well,  you  had  a  mother :  well,  God  be  with  thee  good  Lady, 
thy  foule'sat  reft:  ftiegaue  more  inftiirts  and  fmocks  to  poore 
children,  then  you  fpend  in  your  houfe,&  yet  you  liue  a  beg- 
gar too. 
400  Cobham  Euen  the  worft  deede  that  ere  my  mother  did,  was 
in  releeuing  fuch  a  foole  as  thou. 

HarpQole  Yea,  yea,  I  am  a  foole  ftill,  with  all  your  wit  you 
will  die  a  beggar,  go  too. 

Cobham  Go  you  olde  foole,  giue  the  poore  people  fome- 
thing,go  in  poore  men  into  the  inner  court,  and  take  fuch  alms 
as  there  is  to  be  had. 

Souldier  God  blefl*e  your  honor. 

Harpoole  Hang  you  roags,  hang  you,  theres  nothing  but 
mifery  amongft.  you,  you  feare  no  law  you.  Exit. 

410      Olde  man  God  blefte  you  good  maifter  Rafe,  God  faue 
your  life,  you  are  good  to  the  poore  ftill. 

Enter  the  Lord  P  owes  di/guifedj  andjhrowdehimfelfe. 

Cobham  What  fellow's  yonder  comes  along  the  groue  ? 
Few  pafl*engers  there  be  that  know  this  way: 
Methinkes  he  ftops  as  though  he  ftayd  for  me. 
And  meant  to  ftirowd  himfelfe  amongft  the  bufties. 
I  know  the  Cleargie  hate  me  to  the  death. 
And  my  religion  gets  me  many  foes: 

And 


fir  John  Old-caflle, 


And  this  may  be  fome  defperate  rogue, 

Subornd  to  worke  me  mifchiefe :  As  it  420 

Pleafeth  God,  if  he  come  toward  me,  fure 

He  ftay  his  comming,  be  he  but  one  man, 

What  foere  he  be :  The  Lord  Powis  comes  on. 

I  haue  beene  well  acquainted  with  that  face. 

Powis  Well  met  my  honorable  lord  and  friend. 

Cobham  You  are  welcome  fir,  what  ere  you  be, 
But  of  this  fodaine  fir,  I  do  not  know  you. 

Powis  I  am  one  that  wifheth  well  vnto  your  honor, 
My  name  is  Powes,  an  olde  friend  of  yours. 

Cobham  My  honorable  lord,  and  worthy  friend,  430 

What  makes  your  lordfhip  thus  alone  in  Kent, 
And  thus  difguifed  in  this  ftrange  attire .'' 

Powis  My  Lord,  an  vnexpected  accident. 
Hath  at  this  time  inforc'de  me  to  thefe  parts : 
And  thus  it  hapt,  not  yet  ful  fiue  dayes  fince, 
Now  at  the  laft  Aflife  at  Hereford, 
It  chanft  that  the  lord  Herbert  and  my  felfe, 
Mongft  other  things,  difcourfing  at  the  table, 
To  fall  in  fpeech  about  fome  certaine  points 
Of  Wickdiffes  doctrine,  gainft  the  papacie,  440 

And  the  religion  catholique,  maintaind 
Through  the  mofi:  part  of  Europe  at  this  day. 
This  wilfull  teafty  lord  ftucke  not  to  fay, 
That  Wickcliffe  was  a  knaue,  a  fchifmatike, 
His  doctrine  diuelifh  and  hereticall. 
And  what  foere  he  was  maintaind  the  fame, 
was  traitor  both  to  God  and  to  his  country. 
Being  moued  at  his  peremptory  fpeech, 
I  told  him,  fome  maintained  thofe  opinions. 
Men,  and  truer  fubiects  then  lord  Herbert  was :  450 

And  he  replying  in  comparifons: 
Your  name  was  vrgde,  my  lord,  gainft  his  chalenge. 
To  be  a  perfect  fauourer  of  the  trueth. 
And  to  be  fiiort,  from  words  we  fell  to  blowes, 

C  Our 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Our  feruants,  and  our  tenants  taking  parts, 
Many  on  both  fides  hurt :  and  for  an  houre 
The  broyle  by  no  meanes  could  be  pacified, 
Vntill  the  ludges  rifing  from  the  bench. 
Were  in  their  perfons  forc'de  to  part  the  fray. 
460       Cobham  I  hope  no  man  was  violently  flaine. 

Powis  Faith  none  1  truft,  but  the  lord  Herberts  felfe, 
Who  is  in  truth  fo  dangeroufly  hurt, 
As  it  is  doubted  he  can  hardly  fcape. 

Cobham  I  am  fory,  my  good  lord,  of  thefe  ill  newes. 

Powis  This  is  the  caufe  that  driues  me  into  Kent, 
To  fhrowd  my  felfe  with  you  fo  good  a  friend, 
Vntill  I  heare  how  things  do  fpeed  at  home. 

Cobham  Your  lordfhip  is  moft  welcome  vnto  Cobham, 
But  I  am  very  fory,  my  good  lord, 
470  My  name  was  brought  in  quefi:ion  in  this  matter, 
Confidering  I  haue  many  enemies, 
That  threaten  malice,  and  do  lie  in  waite 
To  take  aduantage  of  the  fmallefl:  thing. 
But  you  are  welcome,  and  repofe  your  lordfhip. 
And  keepe  your  felfe  here  fecret  in  my  houfe, 
Vntill  we  heare  how  the  lord  Herbert  fpeedes : 
Here  comes  my  man.  Enter  Harpoole. 

Sirra,  what  newes.'' 

Harpoole  Yonders  one  maifi:er  Butler  of  the  priuie  cham- 
480  ber,  is  fent  vnto  you  from  the  King. 

Powis  I  pray  God  the  lord  Herbert  be  not  dead,  and  the 
King  hearing  whither  I  am  gone,  hath  fent  for  me. 

Cob.  Comfort  your  felfe  my  lord,  I  warrant  you. 

Harpoole  Fellow,  what  ailes  thee }  dooft  thou  quake }  doft 
thou  fhake?  doft  thou  tremble?  ha.'' 

Cob.  Peace  you  old  foole,  firra,  conuey  this  gentleman 
in  the  backe  way,  and  bring  the  other  into  the  walke. 

Harpoole  Come  fir.  you  are  welcome,  if  you  loue  my  lorde. 

Powis  God  haue  mercy  gentle  friend.  exeunt. 

490      Cob.  I  thought  as  much,  that  it  would  not  be  long  before  I 

heard 


Jir  yohn  Old-caflle, 


heard  of  fomething  from  the  King,  about  this  matter. 
Enter  Harpoole  with  Maijier  Butler. 

Harpoole  Sir,  yonder  my  lord  walkes,  you  fee  him, 
He  haue  your  men  into  the  Celler  the  while. 

Cobh.  welcome  good  maifter  Butler. 

Butler  Thankes,  my  good  lord  :  his  Maieftie  dooth  com- 
mend his  loue  vntoyour  lordlhip,and  wils  you  to  repairevn- 
to  the  court. 

Cobh.  God  blefle  his  Highnefle,  and  confound  his  enne- 
mies,  I  hope  his  Maieftie  is  well.  500 

Butler  In  health,  my  lord. 

Cobh.  God  long  continue  it :  mee  thinkes  you  looke  as 
though  you  were  not  well,  what  ailes  you  fir  ? 

Butler  Faith  I  haue  had  a  foolifh  odde  mifchance,  that  an- 
gers mee:  comming  ouer  Shooters  hill, there  came  a  fellow  to 
me  like  a  Sailer,  and  asked  me  money,  and  whilft  I  ftaide  my 
horfe  to  draw  my  purfe,he  takes  th'aduantage  of  a  little  banck 
and  leapes  behind  me,whippes  my  purfe  away,  and  with  a  fo- 
daine  ierke  I  know  not  how,  threw  me  at  leaft  three  yards  out 
of  my  faddle.    I  neuer  was  fo  robbed  in  all  my  life.  510 

Cobh.  I  am  very  forie  fir  for  your  mifchance,  wee  will  fend 
our  warrant  foorth,  to  ftay  fuch  fufpitious  perfons  as  fiial  be 
found,  then  maifter  Butler,  we  wil  attend  you. 

Butler  I  humbly  thanke  your  lordfhip,  I  will  attend  you. 

Enter  the  Sumner.  Act  II 

Sum.  I  haue  the  law  to  warrant  what  I  do,  and  though  the  -f^- ' 
Lord  Cobham  be  a  noble  man,  that  difpenfes  not  with  law, 
I  dareferue  procefle  were  a  fiue  noble  men,  though  we  Sum- 
ners  make  fometimes  a  mad  flip  in  a  corner  with  a  prettie 
wench,  a  Sumner  muft  not  goe  alwayes  by  feeing,  a  manne  520 
may  be  content  to  hide  his  eies,  where  he  may  feele  his  profit : 
well,  this  is  my  Lord  Cobhams  houfe,if  I  candeuife  to  fpeake 
with  him,  if  not.  He  clap  my  citation  vpon's  doore,fomylord 
of  Rochefter  bid  me,  but  me  thinkes  here  comes  one  of  his 
men.  Enter  Harpoole. 

Harp.  Welcome  good  fellow,  welcome,  who  wouldft  thou 

C    2  fpeake 


The  first  part  of 


fpeake  with  ? 

Sum.  With  my  lord  Cobham,  I  would  fpeake,  if  thou  be 
one  of  his  men. 
530      Harp.  Yes  I  am  one  of  his  men,  but  thou  canft  not  fpeake 
with  my  lord. 

Sum.   May  I  fend  to  him  then? 

Harp.  He  tel  thee  that,  when  I  know  thy  errand. 

Sum.  I  will  not  tel  my  errand  to  thee. 

Harp.  Then  keepe  it  to  thy  felfe,and  walke  like  a  knaue  as 
thou  cameft. 

Sum.  I  tell  thee  my  lord  keepes  no  knaues,  firra. 

Harp.  Then  thou  ferueft  him  not,  I  beleeue,  what  lord  is  thy 
mafter } 
540      Sum.  My  lord  of  Rochefter. 

Harp.  In  good  time,  and  what  wouldft  thou  haue  with  my 
lord  Cobham } 

Sum.  I  come  by  vertue  of  a  procefTe,  to  afcite  him  to  ap- 
peare  before  my  lord,  in  the  court  at  Rochefter. 

Harp  afide.  Wei,  God  grant  me  patience,  I  could  eate  this 
conger.  My  lord  is  not  at  home,  therefore  it  were  good  Sum- 
ner you  caried  your  procefTe  backe. 

Sum,  Why,  if  he  will  not  be  fpoken  withall,  then  will  I 
leaue  it  here,  and  fee  you  that  he  take  knowledge  of  it. 
550      Harp.  Swounds  you  flaue,  do  you  fetvp  your  bills  here, go 
to,  take  it  downe  againe,doeft  thou  know  what  thou  doft,doft 
thee  know  on  whom  thou  ferueft  procefTe.'' 

Sum.  Yes  marry  doe  I,  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle  Lord  Cob- 
ham. 

Harp.  I  am  glad  thou  knoweft  him  yet,  and  firra  doft  not 
thou  know,  that  the  lord  Cobham  is  a  braue  lord,  that  keepes 
good  beefe  and  beere  in  his  houfe,  and  euery  day  feedes  a 
hundred  poore  people  at's  gate, and  keepes  a  hundred  tall  fel- 
lowes } 
560      Sum.  Whats  that  to  my  procefTe.? 

Harp.   Mary  this  fir,  is  this  procefTe  parchment.'' 

Sum.  Yes  mary. 

harp. 


fir  John  Old'Caflle. 


Harp.  And  this  feale  waxe  ? 

Sum.  It  is  fo. 

Harp.  Ifthisbe  parchment,  &thiswax,eate  you  this  parch- 
ment, and  thiswaxe,  or  I  will  make  parchment  of  your  skinne, 
and  beate  your  braines  into  waxe :  Sirra  Sumner  difpatch, 
deuoure,  firra  deuoure. 

Sum.  I  am  my  lord  of  Rochefters  Sumner,  I  came  to  do  my 
office,  and  thou  fhalt  anfwere  it.  570 

Harp.  Sirra,  no  railing,  but  betake  you  to  your  teeth,  thou 
fhalt  eate  no  worfe  then  thou  bringft  with  thee,  thou  bringft 
it  for  my  lord,  and  wilt  thou  bring  my  lord  worfe  then  thou 
wilt  eate  thy  felfe  ? 

Sum.  Sir,  I  brought  it  not  my  lord  to  eate. 

Harp.  O  do  you  fir  me  now,  all's  one  for  that,  but  ile  make 
you  eate  it,  for  bringing  it. 

Sum.   I  cannot  eate  it. 

Harp.  Can  you  not ,''  sbloud  ile  beate  you  vntil  you  haue  a 
ftomacke.  he  beates  him.  580 

Sum.  O  hold,  hold,  good  mafter  feruing-man,  I  will  eate  it. 

Harp.  Be  champping,  be  chawing  fir,  or  Ile  chaw  you,  you 
rogue,  the  pureft  of  the  hony. 

Sum.  Tough  waxe,  is  the  pureft  of  the  hony. 

Harp.  O  Lord  fir,  oh  oh,  he  eates. 

Feed,  feed,  wholfome  rogue,  wholfome. 
Cannot  you  like  an  honeft  Sumner  walke  with  the  diuell  your 
brother,  to  fetch  in  your  Bailiffes  rents,  but  you  muft  come  to 
a  noble  mans  houfe  with  procefl'e }  Sbloud  if  thy  feale  were  as 
broad  as  the  lead  that  couersRochefter  church,  thou  fhouldft  590 
eate  it. 

Sum.  O  I  am  almoft  choaked,  I  am  almoft  choaked. 

Harp.  Who's  within  there }  wil  you  fiiame  my  Lord,  is 
there  no  beere  in  the  houfe  }  Butler  I  fay. 

But.  Heere,  here.  Enter  Butler. 

Harp.   Giue  him  Beere.  he  drinkes. 

There,  tough  old  fheepskins,  bare  drie  meate. 

Sum.  O  fir,  let  me  go  no  further,  Ile  eate  my  word. 

C  3  harp. 


The  first  part  of 


Harp.  Yea  mary  fir,  fo  I  meane  you  fhall  eate  more  then 
600  your  own  word,  for  ile  make  you  eate  all  thewords  in  the  pro- 
cefTe.  Why  you  drab  monger,  cannot  thefecrets  of  al  the  wen- 
ches in  a  flieire  ferue  your  turne,  but  you  muft  come  hither 
with  a  citation  with  a  poxe  ?  Ile  cite  you.  he  has  then  done. 

A  cup  of  facke  for  the  Sumner. 

But.  Here  fir  here. 

Harp.  Here  flaue  I  drinke  to  thee. 

Sum.   I  thanke  you  fir. 

Harp.  Now  if  thou  findft  thy  ftomacke  well,  becaufe  thou 
fhalt  fee  my  Lord  keep's  meate  in's  houfe,  if  thou  wilt  go  in 
610  thou  fhalt  haue  a  peece  of  beefe  to  thy  break  faft. 

Sum.  No  I  am  very  well  good  M.  feruing-man,  I  thanke 
you,  very  well  fir. 

Harp.  I  am  glad  on't,  then  be  walking  towards  Rochefter  to 
keepe  your  ftomack  warme :  and  Sumner,  if  I  may  know  you 
difl:urb  a  good  wench  within  this  Diocefie,  if  I  do  not  make 
thee  eate  her  peticote,  if  there  were  four  yards  of  Kentifh  cloth 
in't,  I  am  a  villaine. 

Sum.  God  be  with  you  M.  feruingmaan. 

Harp.  Farewell  Sumner.  Enter  Conftahle. 

620      Con.  God  faue  you  M.  Harpoole. 

Harp.  Welcome  Confliable,  welcom  Conftable,  what  news 
with  thee.'' 

Con.  And't  pleafe  you  M.  Harpoole,  I  am  to  make  hue  to 
crie,for  a  fellow  with  one  eie  that  has  rob'd  two  Clothiers,  and 
am  to  craue  your  hindrance,  for  tofearch  all  fufpected  places, 
and  they  fay  there  was  a  woman  in  the  company. 

Harp.  Haft  thou  bin  at  the  Alehoufe,  haft  thou  fought 
there } 

Con.   I  durft  not  fearch  fir,  in  my  Lord  Cobhams  libertie, 
630  except  I  hadfome  of  his  feruants,  which  arefor  my  warrant. 

Harp.  An  honeft  Conftable,  an  honeft  Conftable,  cal  forth 
him  that  keepes  the  Alehoufe  there. 

Con.   Ho,  who's  within  there.'' 

Ale  man  Who  calls  there,  come  neere  a  Gods  name,  oh  is't 

you 


Jir  jfohn  Old-caflle, 


you  M.  Conftable  and  M.  Harpoole,  you  are  welcome  with 
all  myheart,what  make  you  herefoearelythismorning? 

Harp.  Sirra,what  ftrangers  do  you  lodge,  there  is  a  robbery 
done  this  morning,  and  we  are  to  fearch  for  all  fufpected  per- 
fons. 

Aleman.  Godsbores,!  amforyfor't,yfaithfir  I  lodgeno  bo-  640 
dy  but  a  good  honeft  mery  prieft,  they  call  him  fir  lohn  a 
Wrootham,  and  a  handfome  woman  that  is  his  neece,  that  he 
faies  he  has  fome  fute  in  law  for,  and  as  they  go  vp  &  down  to 
London,  fometimes  they  lie  at  my  houfe. 

Harp.  What,  is  he  here  in  thy  houfe  now? 

Con.  She  is  fir,  I  promife  you  fir  he  is  a  quiet  man,  and  be- 
caufe  he  will  not  trouble  too  many  roomes,  he  makes  the  wo- 
man lie  euery  night  at  his  beds  feete. 

Harp.  Bring  her  forth  Conftable,  bring  her  forth,  let's  fee 
her,  let's  fee  her.  650 

Con.  Dorothy,  you  muft  come  downe  to  M.  Conftable. 

Dol.  Anon  forfooth.  Jhe  enters. 

Harp.  Welcome  fweete  lafl"e,  welcome. 

Dol.  I  thank  you  good  M.  feruing-man,  and  mafter  Con- 
ftable alfo. 

Harp.  A  plump  girle  by  the  mas,  a  plump  girle,  ha  Dol  ha, 
wilt  thou  forfake  the  prieft,  and  go  with  me. 

Con.  A  well  faid  M.  Harpoole,  you  are  a  merrie  old  man 
yfaith,  yfaithyouwilneuerbeold:  nowbythemacke,aprettie 
wench  indeed.  660 

Harp.  Ye  old  mad  mery  Conftable,  art  thou  aduis'de  of 
that.-*  ha,  well  faid  Dol,  fill  fome  ale  here. 

Dolaftde  Oh  if  Iwift  this  old  prieft  would  not  fticke  to  me, 
by  loue  I  would  ingle  this  old  feruing-man. 

Harp.  Oh  you  old  mad  colt,  yfaith  lie  feak  you :  fil  all  the 
pots  in  the  houfe  there. 

Con.  Oh  wel  faid  M.  Harpoole,  you  are  heart  of  oake  when 
all's  done. 

Harp.  Ha  Dol,  thou  haft  a  fweete  paire  of  lippes  by  the 
mafl!e.  670 

Dol. 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Doll  Truely  you  are  a  moft  fweet  olde  man,  as  euer  I  fawe, 
by  my  troth,  you  haue  a  face,  able  to  make  any  woman  in  loue 
with  you. 

Harp.  Fill  fweete  Doll,  He  drinke  to  thee. 

Doll  I  pledge  you  fir,and  thanke  you  therefore,  and  I  pray 
you  let  it  come. 

Harp,  imbracing  her  Doll,canfl:  thou  loue  me }  a  mad  mer- 
ry lafTe,  would  to  God  I  had  neuer  feene  thee. 

Doll  I  warrant  you  you  will  not  out  of  my  thoughts  this 
680  tweluemonth,  truely  you  are  as  full  of  fauour,  as  a  man  may 
be.  Ah  thefe  fweete  grey  lockes,  by  my  troth,  they  are  moft 
louely. 

Conftable  Gods  boores  maifter  Harpoole,  I  will  haue  one 
bufle  too. 

Harp.  No  licking  for  you  Conftable,  hand  off,  hand  off. 

Conftable  Bur  lady  I  loue  kifting  as  wel  as  you. 

Doll  Oh  you  are  an  od  boie,you  haue  a  wanton  eie  of  your 
owne :  ah  you  fweet  fugar  lipt  wanton,  you  will  winne  as  ma- 
ny womens  hearts  as  come  in  your  company.       Enter  Prieft, 
690       Wroth.  Doll,  come  hither.  ' 

Harp.  Prieft,  ftie  ftial  not. 

Doll  He  come  anone,  fweete  loue. 

Wroth.  Hand  off,  old  fornicator. 

Harp.  Vicar,  He  fit  here  in  fpight  of  thee,  is  this  fitte  ftuffe 
for  a  prieft  to  carry  vp  and  downe  with  him } 

Wrotham  Ah  firra,  doft  thou  not  know,  that  a  good  fellow 
parfon  may  haue  a  chappel  of  eafe,  where  his  parifti  Church  is 
farre  off".? 

Harp.  You  whoorefon  fton'd  Vicar. 
700       Wroth.  You  old  ftale  rufRn,  you  lion  of  Cotfwold. 

Harp.   Swounds  Vicar,  He  geld  you.        fliesvponhim. 

Conftable  Keepe  the  Kings  peace. 

Doll  Murder,  murder,  murder. 

Ale  man  Holde,  as  you  are  men,  holde,  for  Gods  fake  be 
quiet :  put  vp  your  weapons,  you  drawe  not  in  my  houfe. 

Harp.  You  whoorefon  bawdy  prieft. 

Wroth. 


Jir  yohn  Old-caflle. 


Wroth.  You  old  mutton  monger. 

Conjiable  Hold  fir  John,  hold. 

Doll  to  the  Priejl  I  pray  thee  fweet  heart  be  quiet,  I  was  but 
fitting  to  drinke  a  pot  of  ale  with  him,euen  as  kinde  a  man  as  710 
euer  I  met  with. 

Harp.  Thou  art  a  theefe  I  warrant  thee. 

Wroth.  Then  I  am  but  as  thou  haft  beene  in  thy  dayes,lets 
not  be  afliamed  of  our  trade,  the  King  has  beene  a  theefe  him- 
felfe. 

Doll  Come,  be  quiet,  haft  thou  fped.? 

Wroth.  I  haue  wench,  here  be  crownes  ifaith. 

Doll  Come,  lets  be  all  friends  then. 

Conjiable  Well  faid  miftris  Dorothy  ifaith. 

Harp.  Thou  art  the  madft  prieft  that  euer  I  met  with.        720 

Wroth.  Giue  me  thy  hand,  thou  art  as  good  a  fellow, 
Iamafinger,a  drinker,a  bencher,a  wencher,!  can  fay  a  mafl"e, 
and  kiflealafi^e:  faith  I  haue  a  parlonage,and  bicaufe  I  would 
not  be  at  too  much  charges,  this  wench  ferues  me  for  a  fexton. 

Harp.  Well  faid  mad  prieft,  weele  in  and  be  friends,  exeunt. 
Enter  fir  Roger  Acton^  master  Bourne^  mafter  Beuerley^       Act  II 
and  William  Murley  the  brewer  ofDunftable.  •f'^-  " 

Acton  Now  maifter  Murley,  I  am  well  afi^urde 
You  know  our  arrant,  and  do  like  the  caufe, 
Being  a  man  affected  as  we  are.'^  73° 

Mu.  Mary  God  dild  ye  daintie  my  deere,  no  mafter,  good 
fir  Roger  Acton  Knight,  maifter  Bourne,  and  maifter  Beuer- 
ley  efquires,  gentlemen,  and  iuftices  of  the  peace,  no  maifter  I, 
but  plaine  William  Murly  the  brewer  ofDunftable  your  ho- 
neft  neighbour,  and  your  friend,  if  ye  be  men  of  my  profefli- 
on. 

Beuerley  Profefl'ed  friends  to  Wickliffe,  foes  to  Rome. 

Murl.  Hold  by  me  lad,  leane  vpon  that  ftaffe  good  mai- 
fter Beuerley,  all  of  ahoufe,fay  your  mind,  fay  your  mind. 

Acton  You  know  our  faction  now  is  growne  fo  great,       74° 
Throughout  the  realme,  that  it  beginnes  to  fmoake 
Into  the  Cleargies  eies,  and  the  Kings  eares, 

D  High 


The  first  part  of 


High  time  it  is  that  we  were  drawne  to  head, 

Our  generall  and  officers  appoynted. 

And  warres  ye  wot  will  aske  great  ftore  of  coine. 

Able  to  ftrength  our  action  with  your  purfe, 

You  are  elected  for  a  colonell 

Ouer  a  regiment  of  fifteene  bands. 

Murley  Fuepaltriepaltrie,in  and  out,  to  and  fro,  be  it  more 
750  or  lefTe,  vppon  occafion,Lorde  haue  mercie  vppon  vs,  what  a 
world  is  this  ?  Sir  Roger  Acton,  1  am  but  a  Dunftable  man,  a 
plaine  brewer, ye  know:  will  lufty  Caualiering  captaines  gen- 
tlemen come  at  my  calling,  goe  at  my  bidding?  Daintie  my 
deere,  theile  doe  a  dogge  of  waxe,  a  horfe  of  cheefe,  a  pricke 
and  a  pudding,  no,  no,  ye  muft  appoint  fome  lord  or  knight 
at  leaft  to  that  place. 

Bourne  Why  mafter  Murley,  you  fhall  be  a  Knight : 
Were  you  not  in  election  to  be  fhrieue? 
Haue  ye  not  paft  all  offices  but  that  ? 
760  Haue  ye  not  wealth  to  make  your  wife  a  lady } 
I  warrant  you,  my  lord,  our  Generall 
Beftowes  that  honor  on  you  at  firft  fight. 

Murley  Mary  God  dild  ye  daintie  my  deare : 
But  tell  me,  who  fhalbe  our  Generall  ? 
Wheres  the  lord  Cobham,  fir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
That  noble  almef-giuer,  houfekeeper,  vertuous,    . 
Religious  gentleman .''  Come  to  me  there  boies. 
Come  to  me  there. 

Acton  Why  who  but  he  fhall  be  our  Generall } 
770      Murley  And  fiiall  he  knight  me,  and  make  me  colonell } 

Acton  My  word  for  that,  fir  William  Murley  knight. 

Murley  Fellow  fir  Roger  Acton  knight,  all  fellowes,  I 
meane  in  armes,how  ftrong  are  we .''  how  many  partners  ?  our 
enemies  befide  the  King  are  mightie,  be  it  more  or  lefl*e  vpon 
occafion,  reckon  our  force. 

Acton  There  are  of  vs,  our  friends,  and  followers, 
Three  thoufand  and  three  hundred  at  the  leaft. 
Of  northerne  lads  foure  thoufand,  befide  horfe, 

From 


Jir  John  Old-cajlle. 

From  Kent  there  comes  with  fir  lohn  Old-caftle 

Seauen  thoufand,  then  from  London  iffue  out,  780 

Of  maifters,  feruants,  ftrangers,  prentices 

Fortie  odde  thoufands  into  Ficket  field, 

Where  we  appoynt  our  fpeciall  randeuous. 

Murky  Fue  paltry  paltry,  in  and  out,  to  and  fro.  Lord  haue 
mercie  vpon  vs,what  a  world  is  this,  wheres  that  Ficket  fielde, 
fir  Roger? 

Acton  Behinde  faint  Giles  in  the  field  neere  Holborne. 

Murky  Newgate, vp Holborne, S.Giles  in  the  field,  and  to 
Tiborne,  an  old  faw :  for  the  day,  for  the  day  ? 

Acton  On  friday  next  the  foureteenth  day  of  January.        790 

Murky  Tyllievallie,truft  me  neuer  if  I  haue  any  liking  of 
that  day:  fue  paltry  paltry,  friday  quoth  a,  difmall  day,  Chil- 
dermafle  day  this  yeare  was  friday. 

Beuerky  Naymaifter  Murley,  ifyou  obferuefuch  daies, 
We  make  fome  queftion  of  your  conftancie, 
All  daies  are  like  to  men  refolu'de  in  right. 

Murky  Say  Amen,  and  fay  no  more,  but  fay,  and  hold  ma- 
tter Beuerley,  friday  next, and  Ficket  field,  and  William  Mur- 
ley, and  his  merry  men  fhalbe  al  one,  I  haue  halfe  a  fcore  iades 
that  draw  my  beere  cartes,  and  euery  iade  fhall  beare  a  knaue,  800 
and  euery  knaue  fhall  weare  a  iacke,and  euery  iacke  fiial  haue 
a  fcull,  and  euery  fcull  Ihal  fhew  a  fpeare,and  euery  fpeare  (hal 
kill  a  foe  at  Ficket  field,  at  Ficket  field,  lohn  and  Tom,  and 
Dicke  and  Hodge,  and  Rafe  and  Robin,  William  &  George, 
and  all  my  knaues  fhall  fight  like  men,  at  Ficket  field  on  friday 
next. 

Bourne  What  fumme  of  money  meane  you  to  disburfe } 

Murky  It  may  be  modeftly,  decently,  foberly,  and  hand- 
fomely  I  may  bring  fiue  hundreth  pound. 

Acton  Fiue  hundreth  man }  fiue  thoufand's  not  enough,      810 
A  hundreth  thoufand  will  not  pay  our  men 
Two  months  together,  either  come  preparde 
Like  a  braue  Knight,  and  martiall  Colonell, 
In  glittering  golde,  and  gallant  furniture, 

D  2         Bringing 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Bringing  in  coyne,  a  cart  loade  at  the  leaft, 
And  all  your  followers  mounted  on  good  horfe, 
Or  neuer  come  difgracefuU  to  vs  all. 

Beuerley  Perchance  you  may  be  chofen  Treafurer, 
Tenne  thoufand  pound's  the  leaft  that  you  can  bring. 
820  Murky  Paltry  paltry,  in  and  out,  to  and  fro,  vponoccafion  I 
haue  ten  thoufand  pound  to  fpend,  and  tenne  too.  And  ra- 
ther than  the  Biftiop  fhall  haue  his  will  of  mee  for  my  confci- 
ence,  it  fhall  out  all.  Flame  and  flaxe,  flame  and  flaxe,  it  was 
gottewith  waterand  mault,and  it  fhal  fliewith  fire  and  gunne 
powder.  Sir  Roger,  a  cart  loade  ofmonytil  the  axetree  cracke, 
my  felfe  and  my  men  in  Picket  field  on  friday  next  :  remem- 
ber my  Knighthoode,  and  my  place  :  there's  my  hand  He  bee 
there.  Exit. 

Acton  See  what  Ambition  may  perfwade  men  to, 
830  In  hope  of  honor  he  will  fpend  himfelfe. 

Bourne  I  neuer  thought  a  Brewer  halfe  fo  rich. 

Beuerley  Was  neuer  bankerout  Brewer  yet  but  one, 
With  vfing  too  much  mault,  too  little  water. 

Acton  Thats  no  fault  in  Brewers  now-adayes : 
Come,  away  about  our  bufinefle.  exeunt. 

Act  II        Enter  K.  Harry ^  Suffolke,  Butler^  and  Old-castle  kneeling 
i^'  i"  to  the  Kinp-. 

Harry  Tis  not  enough  Lord  Cobham  to  fubmit. 
You  muft  forfake  your  grofle  opinion, 
840  The  Bifhops  find  themfelues  much  iniured, 

And  though  for  fome  good  feruice  you  haue  done. 
We  for  our  part  are  pleafde  to  pardon  you. 
Yet  they  will  not  fo  foone  be  fatisfied, 

Cobham     My  gracious  Lord  vnto  your  Maieftie, 
Next  vnto  my  God,  I  owe  my  life. 
And  what  is  mine,  either  by  natures  gift. 
Or  fortunes  bountie,  al  is  at  your  feruice. 
But  for  obedience  to  the  Pope  of  Rome, 
I  owe  him  none,  nor  fhall  his  fhaueling  priefts 
850  That  are  in  England,  alter  my  beliefe, 

If 


fir  jfohn  Old-cajlle, 


If  out  of  holy  Scripture  they  can  proue, 
That  I  am  in  an  errour,  I  will  yeeld, 
And  gladly  take  inftruction  at  their  hands, 
But  otherwife,  I  do  befeech  your  grace, 
My  confcience  may  not  be  incroacht  vpon. 

Har.  We  would  be  loath  to  prefle  our  fubiects  bodies. 
Much  lefle  their  foules,  the  deere  redeemed  part. 
Of  him  that  is  the  ruler  of  vs  all, 
Yet  let  me  counfell  ye,  that  might  command. 
Do  not  prefume  to  tempt  them  with  ill  words,  860 

Nor  fufFer  any  meetings  to  be  had 
Within  your  houfe,  but  to  the  vttermoft, 
Difperfe  the  flockes  of  this  new  gathering  feet. 

Cobham  My  liege,  if  any  breathe,  that  dares  come  forth, 
And  fay,  my  life  in  any  of  thefe  points 
Deferues  th'attaindor  of  ignoble  thoughts 
Here  ftand  I,  crauing  no  remorce  at  all, 
But  euen  the  vtmoft  rigor  may  be  fhowne. 

Har.  Let  it  fuffice  we  know  your  loyaltie. 
What  haue  you  there?  870 

Coh.  A  deed  of  clemencie. 
Your  Highnefle  pardon  for  Lord  PowefTe  life. 
Which  I  did  beg,  and  you  my  noble  Lord, 
Of  gracious  fauour  did  vouchfafe  to  grant. 

Har.  But  yet  it  is  not  figned  with  our  hand. 

Cob.  Not  yet  my  Liege.  one  ready  with  -pen 

Har.  The  fact,  you  fay,  was  done,       and  incke. 
Not  of  prepenfed  malice,  but  by  chance. 

Cob.  Vpon  mine  honor  fo,  no  otherwife. 

Har.  There  is  his  pardon,  bid  him  make  amends,  writes.  880 
And  cleanfe  his  foule  to  God  for  his  offence. 
What  we  remit,  is  but  the  bodies  fcourge.      Enter  Bijhop. 
How  now  Lord  Bifhop  ? 

Bijhop  luftice  dread  Soueraigne. 
As  thou  art  King,  fo  graunt  I  may  haue  iuftice. 

Har.  What  meanes  this  exclamation,  let  vs  know } 

D  3  Bijhop 


\ 


The  firfl  part  of 


Bijh.  Ah  my  good  Lord,  the  ftate's  abufde, 
And  our  decrees  moft  fhamefully  prophande. 

Har.  How,  or  by  whom  ? 
890      BiJh.  Euen  by  this  heretike. 

This  lew,  this  Traitor  to  your  maieftie. 

Cob.  Prelate,  thou  Heft,  euen  in  thy  greafie  maw, 
Or  whofoeuer  twits  me  with  the  name. 
Of  either  traitor,  or  of  heretike. 

Har.  Forbeare  I  fay,  and  Bifhop,  fhew  the  caufe 
From  whence  this  late  abufe  hath  bin  deriu'de, 

BiJh.  Thus  mightie  King,  by  generall  confent, 
A  meftenger  was  fent  to  cite  this  Lord, 
To  make  appearance  in  the  confiftorie, 
900  And  comming  to  his  houfe,  a  ruffian  flaue, 
One  of  his  daily  followers,  met  the  man. 
Who  knowing  him  to  be  a  parator, 
AfTaults  him  firft,  and  after  in  contempt 
Of  vs,  and  our  proceedings,  makes  him  eate 
The  written  procefle,  parchment,  feale  and  all : 
Whereby  his  maifter  neither  was  brought  forth, 
Nor  we  but  fcornd,  for  our  authoritie. 

Har.  When  was  this  done? 

BiJh.  At  fixe  a  clocke  this  morning. 
910      Har.  And  when  came  you  to  court  .^ 

Cob.  Laft  night  my  Lord. 

Har.  By  this  it  feemes,  he  is  not  guilty  of  it, 
And  you  haue  done  him  wrong  t'accufe  him  fo. 

BiJh.  But  it  was  done  my  lord  by  his  appointment, 
Or  elfe  his  man  durft  ne're  haue  bin  fo  bold. 

Har.   Or  elfe  you  durft  be  bold,  to  interrupt. 
And  fill  our  eares  with  friuolous  complaints, 
Is  this  the  duetie  you  do  beare  to  vs? 
Was't  not  fufficient  we  did  paflls  our  word 
920  To  fend  for  him,  but  you  mifdoubting  it, 
Or  which  is  worfe,  intending  to  foreftall 
Our  regall  power,  muft  likewife  fummon  him  ? 

This 


Jir  John  Old-caflle 


This  fauours  of  Ambition,  not  of  zeale, 

And  rather  proues,  you  malice  his  eftate, 

Than  any  way  that  he  offends  the  law. 

Go  to,  we  like  it  not,  and  he  your  officer, 

That  was  imployde  fo  much  amiffe  herein, 

Had  his  defert  for  being  infolent :  Enter  Huntington 

So  Cobham  when  you  pleafe  you  may  depart. 

Cob.   I  humbly  bid  farewell  vnto  my  liege.  Exit  <^io 

Har.  Farewell,  what's  the  newes  by  Huntington.? 

Hunt.  Sir  Roger  Acton,  and  a  crue,  my  Lord, 
Of  bold  feditious  rebels,  are  in  Armes, 
Intending  reformation  of  Religion. 
And  with  their  Army  they  intend  to  pitch. 
In  Picket  field,  vnlefTe  they  be  repulft. 

Har.  So  nere  our  prefence }  dare  they  be  fo  bold  ? 
And  will  prowd  warre,  and  eager  thirft  of  bloud. 
Whom  we  had  thought  to  entertaine  farre  off, 
Preffe  forth  vpon  vs  in  our  natiue  boundes  ,''  9^0 

Muft  wee  be  forc't  to  hanfell  our  fharp  blades 
In  England  here,  which  we  prepared  for  France.? 
Well,  a  Gods  name  be  it,  what's  their  number?  fay. 
Or  who's  the  chiefe  commander  of  this  rowt } 

Hunt.  Their  number  is  not  knowne,  as  yet  (my  Lord) 
But  tis  reported  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle 
Is  the  chiefe  man,  on  whom  they  do  depend. 

Har.  How,  the  Lord  Cobham .? 

Hunt.  Yes  my  gracious  Lord. 

Bijh.  I  could  haue  told  your  maieftie  as  much  950 

Before  he  went,  but  that  I  faw  your  Grace 
Was  too  much  blinded  by  his  flaterie. 

Suf.  Send  poaft  my  Lord  to  fetch  him  backe  againe. 

But.  Traitor  vnto  his  country,  how  he  fmooth'de. 
And  feemde  as  innocent  as  Truth  it  felfe .? 

Har.  I  cannot  thinke  it  yet,  he  would  be  falfe. 
But  if  he  be,  no  matter  let  him  go, 
Weele  meet  both  him  and  them  vnto  their  wo. 

Bijhop 


The  first  part  of 


Bijh.  This  falls  out  well,  and  at  the  laft  I  hope       Exeunt 
960  To  fee  this  heretike  die  in  a  rope. 
Act  III  Enter  Earle  of  Cambridge^  Lord  Scroope,  Gray,  and 

s<:'  i  Chartres  the  French  factor. 

Scroop.  Once  more  my  Lord  of  Cambridge  make  reherfal, 
How  you  do  ftand  intiteled  to  the  Crowne, 
The  deeper  fhall  we  print  it  in  our  mindes, 
And  euery  man  the  better  be  refolu'de, 
When  he  perceiues  his  quarrell  to  be  iuft. 

Cam.   Then  thus  Lord  Scroope,  fir  Thomas  Gray,  &  you 
Mounfieur  de  Chartres,  agent  for  the  French, 
970  This  Lionell  Duke  of  Clarence,  as  I  faid, 

Third  fonne  of  Edward  (Englands  King)  the  third 
Had  iflue  Phillip  his  fole  daughter  and  heyre. 
Which  Phillip  afterward  was  giuen  in  marriage, 
To  Edmund  Mortimer  the  Earle  of  March, 
And  by  him  had  a  fon  cald  Roger  Mortimer, 
Which  Roger  likewife  had  of  his  difcent, 
Edmund,  Roger,  Anne,  and  Elianor, 
Two  daughters  and  two  fonnes,  but  thofe  three 
Dide  without  iffue,  Anne  that  did  furuiue, 
980  And  now  was  left  her  fathers  onely  heyre. 
My  fortune  was  to  marry,  being  too 
By  my  grandfather  of  King  Edwardes  line. 
So  of  his  firname,  I  am  calde  you  know, 
Richard  Plantagenet,  my  father  was, 
Edward  the  Duke  of  Yorke,  and  fon  and  heyre 
To  Edmund  Langley,  Edward  the  third's  firft  fonne. 

Scroop  So  that  itfeemes  your  claime  comes  by  your  wife. 
As  lawfull  heyre  to  Roger  Mortimer, 
The  fon  of  Edmund,  which  did  marry  Phillip 
990  Daughter  and  heyre  to  Lyonell  Duke  of  Clarence. 

Cam.  True,  for  this  Harry,  and  his  father  both 
Harry  the  firft,  as  plainely  doth  appeare. 
Are  falfe  intruders,  and  vfurp  the  Crowne, 
For  when  yong  Richard  was  at  Pomfret  flaine, 

In 


Jir  lohn  Old-caftle. 


In  him  the  title  of  prince  Edward  dide, 

That  was  the  eldeft  of  king  Edwards  fonnes: 

William  of  Hatfield,  and  their  fecond  brother, 

Death  in  his  nonage  had  before  bereft: 

So  that  my  wife  deriu'd  from  Lionell, 

Third  fonne  vnto  king  Edward,  ought  proceede,  looo 

And  take  poflefTion  of  the  Diademe 

Before  this  Harry,  or  his  father  king, 

Who  fetcht  their  title  but  from  Lancafter, 

Forth  of  that  royall  line.    And  being  thus. 

What  reafon  ift  but  (he  fhould  haue  her  right? 

Scroope  I  am  refolu'de  our  enterprife  is  iuft. 

Gray  Harry  fhall  die,  or  elfe  refigne  his  crowne. 

Chart.  Performe  but  that,  and  Charles  the  king  of  France 
Shall  ayde  you  lordes,  not  onely  with  his  men, 
But  fend  you  money  to  maintaine  your  warres,  loio 

Fiue  hundred  thoufand  crownes  he  bade  me  proffer. 
If  you  can  ftop  but  Harries  voyage  for  France. 

Scrope  We  neuer  had  a  fitter  time  than  now 
The  realme  in  fuch  diuifion  as  it  is. 

Camb.  Befides,  you  muft  perfwade  ye  there  is  due, 
Vengeance  for  Richards  murder,  which  although 
It  be  deferrde,  yet  will  it  fall  at  laft, 
And  now  as  likely  as  another  time. 
Sinne  hath  had  many  yeeres  to  ripen  in. 

And  now  the  harueft  cannot  be  farre  off,  1020 

Wherein  the  weedes  of  vfurpation. 
Are  to  be  cropt,  and  caft  into  the  fire. 

Scroope  No  more  earle  Cambridge,  here  I  plight  my  faith. 
To  fet  vp  thee,  and  thy  renowned  wife. 

Gray  Gray  will  performe  the  fame,  as  he  is  knight. 

Chart,  And  to  affift  ye,  as  I  faid  before. 
Charters  doth  gage  the  honor  of  his  king. 

Scroope  We  lacke  but  now  Lord  Cobhams  fellowfhip, 
And  then  our  plot  were  abfolute  indeede. 

Camb.  Doubt  not  of  him,  my  lord,  his  life's  purfu'de         1030 

E  By 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


By  th'incenfed  Cleargy,  and  of  late, 
Brought  in  difpleafure  with  the  king,  aflures 
He  may  be  quickly  wonne  vnto  our  faction. 
Who  hath  the  articles  were  drawne  at  large 
Of  our  whole  purpofe  ? 

Gray  That  haue  I  my  Lord. 

Camb.  We  fhould  not  now  be  farre  off  from  his  houfe, 
Our  ferious  conference  hath  beguild  the  way, 
See  where  his  caftle  ftands,  giue  me  the  writing. 
1040  When  we  are  come  vnto  the  fpeech  of  him, 
Becaufe  we  will  not  ftand  to  make  recount, 
Of  that  which  hath  beene  faide,  here  hefhall  reade  enter  Cob. 
Our  mindes  at  large,  and  what  we  craue  of  him. 

Scroope  A  ready  way  :  here  comes  the  man  himfelfe 
Booted  and  fpurrd,  it  feemes  he  hath  beene  riding. 

Camb.  Well  met  Lord  Cobham. 

Cobh.  My  lord  of  Cambridge } 
Your  honor  is  moft  welcome  into  Kent, 
And  all  the  reft  of  this  faire  company. 
1050  I  am  new  come  from  London,  gentle  Lordes : 
But  will  ye  not  take  Cowling  for  your  hoft. 
And  fee  what  entertainement  it  affordes.'' 

Camb.  We  were  intended  to  haue  beene  your  guefts : 
But  now  this  lucky  meeting  (hall  fuffife 
To  end  our  bufineffe,  and  deferre  that  kindneffe. 

Cobh.  Bufineffe  my  lord }  what  bufineffe  fhould  you  haue 
But  to  be  mery.-*  we  haue  no  delicates. 
But  this  He  promife  you,  a  peece  of  venifon, 
A  cup  of  wine,  and  fo  forth  :  hunters  fare : 
1060  And  if  you  pleafe,  weele  ftrike  the  ftagge  our  felues 
Shall  fill  our  difhes  with  his  wel-fed  flefti. 

Scroope  That  is  indeede  the  thing  we  all  defire. 

Cobh.  My  lordes,  and  you  ftiall  haue  your  choice  with  me. 

Camb.  Nay  but  the  ftagge  which  we  defire  to  ftrike, 
Liues  not  in  Cowling:   if  you  will  confent. 
And  goe  with  vs,  weele  bring  you  to  a  forreft, 

where 


Jir  yohn  Old-caftle. 

Where  runnes  a  lufty  hierd :  amongft  the  which 

There  is  a  ftagge  fuperior  to  the  reft, 

A  ftately  beaft,  that  when  his  fellows  runne, 

He  leades  the  race,  and  beates  the  fullen  earth,  1070 

As  though  he  fcornd  it  with  his  trampling  hoofes, 

Aloft  he  beares  his  head,  and  with  his  breaft, 

Like  a  huge  bulwarke  counter-checkes  the  wind : 

And  when  he  ftandeth  ftill,  he  ftretcheth  forth 

His  prowd  ambitious  necke,  as  if  he  meant 

To  wound  the  firmament  with  forked  homes. 

Cobh.  Tis  pitty  fuch  a  goodly  beaft  ftiould  die. 

Camh.  Not  fo,  fir  lohn,  for  he  is  tyrannous. 
And  gores  the  other  deere,  and  will  not  keep 
Within  the  limites  are  appointed  him.  1080 

Of  late  hees  broke  into  a  feueral. 
Which  doth  belong  to  me,  and  there  he  fpoiles 
Both  corne  and  pafture,  two  of  his  wilde  race 
Alike  for  ftealth,  and  couetous  incroatching, 
Already  are  remou'd,  if  he  were  dead, 
I  ftiould  not  onely  be  fecure  from  hurt, 
But  with  his  body  make  a  royall  feaft. 

Scroope  How  fay  you  then,  will  you  firft  hunt  with  vs  ? 

Cobh.  Faith  Lords,  I  like  the  paftime,  where's  the  place  ? 

Camb.  Perufe  this  writing,  it  will  ftiew  you  all,  1090 

And  what  occafion  we  haue  for  the  fport.  he  reades 

Cobh.  Call  yethis  hunting,my lords?  Isthistheftag 
You  faine  would  chafe,  Harry  our  dread  king  ? 
So  we  may  make  a  banquet  for  the  diuell. 
And  in  the  fteede  of  wholefome  meate,  prepare 
A  difti  of  poifon  to  confound  our  felues. 

Camb.  Why  fo  lord  Cobham  ?  fee  you  not  our  claime  } 
And  how  imperioufly  he  holdes  the  crowne  ? 

Scroope  Befides,  you  know  your  felfe  is  in  difgrace, 
Held  as  a  recreant,  and  purfude  to  death.  iioo 

This  will  defend  you  from  your  enemies. 
And  ftablifti  your  religion  through  the  land. 

E  2  Cob. 


The  first  part  of 


Cobh.  Notorious  treafon  !  yet  I  will  conceale        afide 
My  fecret  thoughts,  to  found  the  depth  of  it. 
My  lord  of  Cambridge,  I  doe  fee  your  claime, 
And  what  good  may  redound  vnto  the  land. 
By  profecuting  of  this  enterprife. 
But  where  are  men  ?  where's  power  and  furniture 
To  order  fuch  an  action  ?  we  are  weake, 
1 1 10  Harry,  you  know's  a  mighty  potentate. 

Camb.  Tut,  we  are  ftrong  enough,  you  are  belou'de, 
And  many  will  be  glad  to  follow  you. 
We  are  the  light,  and  fome  will  follow  vs : 
Befides,  there  is  hope  from  France :  heres  an  embaflador 
That  promifeth  both  men  and  money  too. 
The  commons  likewife  (as  we  heare)  pretend 
A  fodaine  tumult,  we  wil  ioyne  with  them. 

Cobh.  Some  likelihoode,  I  muft  confefTe,  to  fpeede: 
But  how  fhall  I  beleeue  this  is  plaine  truth } 
1 1 20  You  are  (my  lords)  fuch  men  as  Hue  in  Court, 
And  highly  haue  beene  fauour'd  of  the  king, 
Efpecially  lord  Scroope,  whome  oftentimes 
He  maketh  choice  of  for  his  bedfellow. 
And  you  lord  Gray  are  of  his  priuy  councell ; 
Is  not  this  a  traine  to  intrappe  my  life.'' 

Camb.   Then  perifh  may  my  foule:  what  thinke  youfo } 

Scroope  VVeele  fweare  to  you. 

Gray  Or  take  the  facrament. 

Cobh.  Nay  you  are  noble  men,  and  I  imagine, 
1 1 30  As  you  are  honorable  by  birth,  and  bloud. 
So  you  will  be  in  heart,  in  thought,  in  word. 
I  craue  no  other  teftimony  but  this. 
That  you  would  all  fubfcribe,  and  fet  your  hands 
Vnto  this  writing  which  you  gaue  to  me. 

Camb.  With  all  our  hearts :  who  hath  any  pen  and  inke } 

Scroope   My  pocket  fhould  haue  one :  yea,  heere  it  is. 

Camb.   Giue  it  me  lord  Scroope:  there  is  my  name. 

Scroope  And  there  is  my  name. 

Gray 


fir  John  Old'Caflle 


Gray  And  mine. 

Cobh.  Sir,  let  me  craue,  1140 

That  you  would  likewife  write  your  name  with  theirs, 
For  confirmation  of  your  maifters  word. 
The  king  of  Fraunce. 

Char.  That  will  I  noble  Lord. 

Cobh.  So  now  this  action  is  well  knit  together, 
And  I  am  for  you :  where's  our  meeting,  lords.? 

Camb.  Here  if  you  pleafe,  the  tenth  of  luly  next. 

Cobh.  In  Kent .''  agreed :  now  let  vs  in  to  fupper, 
I  hope  your  honors  will  not  away  to  night. 

Camb.  Yes  prefently,  for  I  haue  farre  to  ride,  1150 

About  folliciting  of  other  friends. 

Scroope  And  we  would  not  be  abfent  from  the  court, 
Left  thereby  grow  fufpition  in  the  king. 

Cobh.  Yet  tafte  a  cup  of  wine  before  ye  go. 

Camb.  Not  now  my  lord,  we  thanke  you :  fo  farewell. 

Cob.  Farewell  my  noble  lordes :  my  noble  lords  ? 
My  noble  villaines,  bafe  confpirators. 
How  can  they  looke  his  HighnefTe  in  the  face, 
Whome  they  fo  clofly  ftudy  to  betray.? 

But  ile  not  fleepe  vntill  I  make  it  knowne.  1160 

This  head  fhall  not  be  burdned  with  fuch  thoughts. 
Nor  in  this  heart  will  I  conceale  a  deede 
Of  fuch  impietie  againft  my  king. 
Madam,  how  now.?  Enter  Harpoole  and  the  reji. 

Lady  cobh.  You  are  welcome  home,  my  Lord, 
Why  feeme  ye  fo  difquiet  in  your  lookes  ? 
What  hath  befalne  you  that  difquiets  your  minde .? 

Lady  Po.  Bad  newes  I  am  afraide  touching  my  husband. 

Cobh.  Madam,  not  fo:  there  is  your  husbands  pardon. 
Long  may  ye  liue,  each  ioy  vnto  the  other.  1170 

Powejfe  So  great  a  kindneffe  as  I  knowe  not  howe  to  make 
reply,  my  fenfe  is  quite  confounded. 

Cobh.  Let  that  alone :  and  madam  ftay  me  not. 
For  I  muft  backe  vnto  the  court  againe 

E  3  With 


The  first  part  of 


With  all  the  fpeede  I  can :  Harpoole,  my  horfe. 

Lady  Cob.  Sofoone  my  Lord?  what  will  you  ride  all  night? 

Cobham  All  night  or  day,  it  muft  be  fo,  fweete wife, 
Vrge  me  not  why,  or  what  my  bufineiTe  is. 
But  get  you  in :  Lord  PowefTe,  beare  with  me, 
1 1 80  And  madam,  thinke  your  welcome  nere  the  worfe: 
My  houfe  is  at  your  vfe.    Harpoole,  away. 

Harp.  Shall  I  attend  your  lordfhip  to  the  court? 

Cobh,  Yea  fir,  your  gelding,  mount  you  prefently     exe. 

Lady  Cobh.   I  prythee  Harpoole,  lookevn to  thy  Lord, 
I  do  not  like  this  fodaine  porting  backe. 

Powes  Some  earneft  bufinefle  is  a  foote  belike, 
What  e're  it  be,  pray  God  be  his  good  guide. 

Lady  Po.  Amen  that  hath  fo  highly  vs  befted. 

Lady  Co.  Come  madam,  and  my  lord,  weele  hope  the  beft, 
1 1 90  You  fhall  not  into  Wales  till  he  returne. 

Powejfe  Though  great  occafion  be  we  fhould  departe,  yet 
madam willwe  ftay  to  be  refolude,of  thisvnlooktfordoubtful 
accident.  Exeunt. 

Act  111  Enter  Murley  and  his  men^prepared  injomefilthy  order  for  warre. 
sc.  It  Murly.  Come  my  hearts  of  flint,  modeftly,  decently,  fo- 
berly,  and  handfomly,  no  man  afore  his  Leader,  follow  your 
maflier,  your  Captaine,  your  Knight  that  fiial  be,  for  the 
honor  of  Meale-men,  Millers,  and  Mault-men,  dunne  is  the 
mowfe,  Dicke  and  Tom  for  the  credite  of  Dunftable,  ding 
1200  downe  the  enemie  to  morrow,  ye  fhall  not  come  into  the  field 
like  beggars,  where  be  Leonard  and  Laurence  my  two  loa- 
ders. Lord  haue  mercievponvs,  what  a  world  is  this?  I  would 
giue  a  couple  of  fhillings  for  a  dozen  of  good  fethers  for  ye, 
and  forty  pence  for  as  many  skarff^es  to  fet  ye  out  withall, 
frofl:  and  fnow,  a  man  has  no  heart  to  fight  till  he  be  braue. 

Dicke  Mafter  I  hope  we  be  no  babes,  for  our  manhood, 

our  bucklers,  and  our  towne  foote-balls  can  beare  witnefTe  : 

and  this  lite  parrell  we  haue  fhall  off,  and  wee'l  fight  naked  a- 

fore  we  runne  away. 

1 210       Tom.  Nay,  I  am  of  Laurence  mind  for  that,  for  he  meanes 

to 


ftr  yohn  Old-caflle, 

to  leaue  his  life  behind  him,  he  and  Leonard  your  two  loaders 
are  making  their  wills  becaufe  they  haue  wiues,  now  we  Ba- 
chellers  bid  our  friends  fcramblefor  our  goods  if  we  die :  but 
mafter,  pray  ye  let  me  ride  vpon  Cutte. 

Murly  Meale  and  fait,  wheat  and  mault,  fire  and  tow,  froft 
and  fnow,  why  Tom  thou  fhalt :  let  me  fee,  here  are  you,  Wil- 
liam and  George  are  with  my  cart,  and  Robin  and  Hodge 
holding  my  owne  two  horfes,  proper  men,  handfom  men,  tall 
men,  true  men. 

Dicke  But  mafter,  mafter,  me  thinkes  you  are  a  mad  man,  1220 
to  hazard  your  owne  perfon  and  a  cart  load  of  money  too. 

Tom.  Yea,  and  maifter  theres  a  worfe  matter  in't,  if  it  be 
as  I  heard  fay,  we  go  to  fight  againft  all  the  learned  Biftiops, 
that  ftiould  giue  vs  their  bleirmg,and  if  theycurfe  vs,we  ftiall 
fpeede  nere  the  better. 

Dicke  Nay  bir  lady,fome  fay  the  King  takes  their  part, and 
mafter,  dare  you  fight  againft  the  King.'' 

Murly  Fie  paltry,  paltry  in  and  out,  to  and  fro  vpon  occa- 
fion,  if  the  King  be  fo  vnwife  to  come  there,  weele  fight 
with  him  too.  1230 

Tom.  What  if  ye  ftiould  kill  the  King.-* 

Mur.  Then  weele  make  another. 

Dicke  Is  that  all,  do  ye  not  fpeake  treafon  ? 

Mur.  If  we  do,  who  dare  trippe  vs  ?  we  come  to  fight  for 
our  confcience,  and  for  honor,  little  know  you  what  is  in  my 
bofome,  looke  here  madde  knaues,  a  paire  of  guilt  fpurres. 

Tom.  A  paire  of  golden  fpurres .''  why  do  you  not  put  them 
on  your  heeles }  your  bofome' s  no  place  for  fpurres. 

Mur.  Bee't  more  or  lefte  vpon  occafion.  Lord  haue  mer- 
cy vSjTom  th'art  a  foole,and  thou  fpeakeft  treafon  to  knight-  1240 
hood, dare  any  weare  golden  or  filuer  fpurs  til  he  be  a  knight.-" 
no,  I  ftiall  be  knighted  to  morrow,  and  then  they  ftiall  on:  firs, 
was  it  euer  read  in  the  church  booke  of  Dunftable,  that  euer 
mault  man  was  made  knight .'' 

Tom.  No,  but  you  are  more,  you  are  meal-man,  maultman, 
miller,  corne-mafter  and  all. 

Dicke 


The  firfl  part  of 


Dicke  Yea,  and  halfe  a  brewer  too,  and  the  diuell  and 
all  for  wealth,  you  bring  more  money  with  you,  than  all  the 
reft. 
1250  Mur.  The  more's  my  honor,  I  fhal  be  a  knight  to  morow, 
let  me  fpofe  my  men,  Tom  vpon  cutte,  Dicke  vpon  hobbe, 
Hodge  vpon  Ball,  Raph  vpon  Sorell,  and  Robin  vpon  the 
forehorfe. 

Enter  Acton^  Bourne^  and  Beuerley. 

Tern.  Stand,  who  comes  there? 

Act.  Al  friends,  good  fellow. 

Murl.  Friends  and  fellowes  indeede  fir  Roger. 

Act.  Why  thus  you  fhew  your  felfe  a  Gentleman, 
To  keepe  your  day,  and  come  fo  well  preparde, 
1260  Your  cart  ftands  yonder,  guarded  by  your  men, 
Who  tell  me  it  is  loaden  well  with  coine, 
What  fumme  is  there  } 

Mur.  Ten  thoufand  pound  fir  Roger,  and  modeftly,  de- 
cently, foberly,  and  handfomely,  fee  what  I  haue  here  againft 
I  be  knighted. 

Act.  Gilt  fpurs.^*  tis  well. 

Mur.  But  where's  our  armie  fir } 

Act.  Difperft  in  fundry  villages  about. 
Some  here  with  vs  in  Hygate,  fome  at  Finchley, 
i27oTotnam,  Enfield,  Edmunton,  Newington, 
Ifiington,  Hogfdon,  Pancredge,  Kenzington, 
Some  neerer  Thames,  RatclifFe,  Blackwall  and  Bow, 
But  our  chiefs  ftrength  muft  be  the  Londoners, 
Which  ere  the  Sunne  to  morrow  fiiine. 
Will  be  nere  fiftie  thoufand  in  the  field. 

Mur.  Mary  God  dild  ye  daintie  my  deere,  but  vpon  oc- 
cafion  fir  Roger  Acton,  doth  not  the  Kingknow  of  it,  and  ga- 
ther his  power  againft  vs. 

Act.  No,  hee's  fecure  at  Eltham. 
1280      Mur.  What  do  the  Cleargie.'' 

Act.  Feare  extreamly,  yet  prepare  no  force. 

Mur.  In  and  out,  to  and  fro,  BuUie  my  boikin,  we  fliall 

carry 


Jir  yohn  Old-cajlle, 


carry  the  world  afore  vs,  I  vow  by  my  worfliippe,  when  I  am 
knighted,  weele  take  the  King  napping,  if  he  ftand  on  their 
part. 

Act.  This  night  we  few  in  Higate  will  repofe, 
With  the  firft  cocke  weele  rife  and  arme  our  felues, 
To  be  in  Picket  fielde  by  breake  of  day. 
And  there  expect  our  Generall. 

Mur.  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle,  what  if  he  come  not  ?  1290 

Bourne  Yet  our  action  ftands, 
Sir  Roger  Acton  may  fupply  his  place. 

Mur.  True  M.  Bourne,  but  who  fhall  make  me  knight  ? 

Beuer.  He  that  hath  power  to  be  our  Generall. 

Act.  Talke  not  of  trifles,  come  let's  away, 
Our  friends  of  London  long  till  it  be  day.  exeunt. 

Enter  fir  lohn  of  Wrootham  and  Doll.  Act  III 

Doll.  By  my  troth,  thou  art  as  ielous  a  man  as  Hues.  •f^-  "i 

Priest  Canfl:  thou  blame  me  Doll,  thou  art  my  lands,  my 
goods,  my  iewels,  my  wealth,  my  purfe,  none  walks  within  xl.  1 300 
miles  of  London,  but  a  plies  thee  as  truely,as  the  parifh  does 
the  poore  mans  boxe. 

Doll  I  am  as  true  to  thee, as  theftone  is  in  the  wal,and  thou 
knoweft  well  enough  fir  lohn,  I  was  in  as  good  doing,  when  I 
came  to  thee,  as  any  wench  neede  to  be :  and  therefore  thou 
haft  tried  me,  that  thou  haft  :  by  Gods  body,  I  wil  not  be  kept 
as  I  haue  bin,  that  I  will  not. 

Priefi  Doll,  if  this  blade  holde,  theres  not  a  pedler  walkes 
with  a  pack,  but  thou  ftialt  as  boldly  chufe  of  his  wares,  as  with 
thy  ready  mony  in  a  Marchants  ftiop,  weele  haue  as  good  fil-  1 3 10 
uer  as  the  King  coynes  any. 

Doll  What  is  al  the  gold  fpent  you  tooke  the  laft  day  from 
the  Courtier .'' 

Prieji  Tis  gone  Doll,tis  flown,  merely  come,  merely  gon, 
he  comes  a  horfe  backe  that  muft  pay  for  all,  weele  haue  as 
good  meate,  as  mony  can  get,  and  as  good  gownes,  as  can  be 
bought  for  gold,  be  mery  wench,  the  mault-man  comes  on 
munday. 

F  Doll 


The  first  part  of 


Doll  You  might  haue  left  meatCobham,  vntil  you  had  bin 
1320  better  prouided  for. 

Prieji.  No  fweet  Dol,  no,  I  do  not  like  that,  yond  old  ruffian 
is  not  for  the  prieft,  I  do  not  like  a  new  cleark  fhould  come 
in  the  old  bel-frie. 

Doll  Ah  thou  art  a  mad  prieft  yfaith. 

Prieft  Come  Doll,  He  fee  thee  fafe  at  fome  alehoufe  here 
at  Cray,  and  the  next  fheepe  that  comes  fhall  leaue  his 
fleece.  exeunt. 

Act  III  Enter  the  King,  Suffolke  and  Butler. 

ic.  tv  Kifjg  ijj  great  haft.  My  lord  of  Suffolk,  pofte  away  for  life, 

1330  And  let  our  forces  of  fuch  horfe  and  foote, 
As  can  be  gathered  vp  by  any  meanes. 
Make  fpeedy  randeuow  in  Tuttle  fields, 
It  muft  be  done  this  euening  my  Lord, 
This  night  the  rebells  meane  to  draw  to  head 
Neere  Iflington,  which  if  your  fpeede  preuent  not. 
If  once  they  fhould  vnite  their  feuerall  forces, 
Their  power  is  almoft  thought  inuincible. 
Away  my  Lord  I  will  be  with  you  foone. 

Suf.  I  go  my  Soueraigne  with  all  happie  fpeede.  exit 

1 340      King  Make  hafte  my  lord  of  Suffolke  as  you  loue  vs, 
Butler,  pofte  you  to  London  with  all  fpeede. 
Commaund  theMaior,and  fhrieues,  on  their  alegiance, 
The  cittie  gates  be  prefently  fhut  vp. 
And  guarded  with  a  ftrong  fufficient  watch, 
And  not  a  man  be  fuffered  to  pafTe, 
Without  a  fpeciall  warrant  from  our  felfe. 
Command  the  Pofterne  by  the  Tower  be  kept, 
And  proclamation  on  the  paine  of  death. 
That  not  a  citizen  ftirre  from  his  doores, 
1350  Except  fuch  as  the  Maiorand  Shrieues  fhall  chufe. 
For  their  owne  guarde,and  fafety  of  their  perfons, 
Butler  away,  haue  care  vnto  my  charge. 

But.  I  goe  my  Soueraigne. 

King  Butler. 

But. 


Jir  lohn  Old-caflle, 


But.  My  Lord. 

King  Goe  downe  by  Greenewich,  and  command  a  boate, 
At  the  Friers  bridge  attend  my  comming  downe. 

But.  I  will  my  Lord.  exit 

King  It's  time  I  thinke  to  looke  vnto  rebellion, 
When  Acton  doth  expect  vnto  his  ayd,  1360 

No  lefle  than  fiftie  thoufand  Londoners, 
Well,  He  to  Weftminfter  in  this  difguife. 
To  heare  what  newes  is  ftirring  in  thefe  brawles. 

Enter  fir  lohn. 

Sir  lohn  Stand  true-man  faies  a  thiefe. 

King  Stand  thiefe,  faies  a  true  man,  how  if  a  thiefe  ? 

Sir  lohn  Stand  thiefe  too. 

King  Then  thiefe  or  true-man  I  fee  I  muft  ftand,  I  fee  how 
foeuer  the  world  wagges,  the  trade  of  theeuing  yet  will  neuer 
downe,  what  art  thou  .f"  1370 

fir  lohn  A  good  fellow. 

King  So  am  I  too,  I  fee  thou  doft  know  me. 
fiir  lohn.  If  thou  be  a  good  fellow,  play  the  good  fellowes 
part,  deliuer  thy  purfe  without  more  adoe. 

King  I  haue  no  mony. 

fir  lohn  I  muft  make  you  find  fome  before  we  part,  if  you 
haue  no  mony,  you  fhal  haue  ware,  as  many  found  drie  blows 
as  your  skin  can  carrie. 

King  Is  that  the  plaine  truth } 

fir  lohn  Sirranomoreadoe,come,come,giuemethemony  1380 
you  haue,difpatch,  I  cannot  ftand  all  day. 
King  Wel,ifthouwiltneedshaueit,  theretis:  iufttheprouerb, 
one  thiefe  robs  another,  where  the  diuel  are  all  my  old  theeues, 
that  were  wont  to  keepe  this  walke }  Falftaffe  the  villaine  is  fo 
fat,  he  cannot  get  on's  horfe,  but  me  thinkes  Poines  and  Peto 
fhould  be  ftirring  here  abouts. 
fir  lohn  How  much  is  there  on't  of  thy  word .'' 

King  A  hundred  pound  in  Angels,  on  my  word, 
The  time  has  beene  I  would  haue  done  as  much 
For  thee,  if  thou  hadft  paft  this  way,  as  I  haue  now.  1390 

F    2  fir 


The  fir  ft  part  of 

fir.Iohn  Sirra,  what  art  thou,  thou  feem'ft  agentleman  ? 

King  I  am  no  lefle,  yet  a  poore  one  now,  for  thou  haft  all 
my  mony. 

Jir  lohn  From  whence  cam'ft  thou? 

King  From  the  court  at  Eltham. 

fir  lohn  Art  thou  one  of  the  Kings  feruants? 

King  Yes  that  I  am,  and  one  of  his  chamber. 

fir  lohn  I  am  glad  thou  art  no  worfe,  thou  maift  the  better 
fpare  thy  mony,  &  thinkft  thou  thou  mightft  get  a  poor  thiefe 
1400  his  pardon  if  he  ftiould  haue  neede. 

King.  Yes  that  I  can. 

fir  lohn  Wilt  thou  do  fo  much  for  me,  when  I  fliall  haue  oc- 
cafion } 

King  Yes  faith  will  I,  fo  it  be  for  no  murther. 

fiir  lohn  Nay,  I  am  a  pittifull  thiefe,  all  the  hurt  I  do  a  man,  I 
take  but  his  purfe.  He  kill  no  man. 

King  Then  of  my  word  He  do  it. 

fir  lohn  Giue  me  thy  hand  of  the  fame. 
King  There  tis. 
1 4 10     fir  lohn  Me  thinks  the  King  ftiould  begoodtotheeues,be- 
caufe  he  has  bin  a  thiefe  himfelfe,  though  I  thinke  now  he  be 
turned  true-man. 

King  Faith  I  haue  heard  indeed  he  has  had  an  il  name  that 
way  in  his  youth,  but  how  canft  thou  tell  he  has  beene  a 
thiefe } 

fir  lohn  How.^  becaufe  he  once  robde  me  before  I  fell 
to  the  trade  my  felfe,  when  that  foule  villainons  guts,  that 
led  him  to  all  that  rogery,  was  in's  company  there,  that  Fal- 
ftafte. 
1420  King  afide.  Well  if  he  did  rob  thee  then,  thou  art  but  euen 
with  him  now  He  be  fworne :  thou  knoweft  not  the  king  now, 
I  thinke,  if  thou  faweft  him? 

fir  lohn  Not  I  yfaith. 
King  afide.  So  it  ftiould  feeme. 

fir  lohn  Well,  ifold  King  Henry  had  liu'de,  this  King  that 
is  now,  had  made  theeuing  the  beft  trade  in  England. 

King 


Jir  yohn  Old-cajlk. 


King  Why  fo? 

Jir  lohn  Becaufe  he  was  the  chiefe  warden  of  our  compa- 
ny, it's  pittie  that  ere  he  fhould  haue  bin  a  King,  he  was  fo 
braue  a  thiefe,  but  firra,  wilt  remember  my  pardon  if  neede  143° 
be? 

King  Yes  faith  will  I. 

fir  lohn  Wilt  thou  ?  well  then  becaufe  thou  fhalt  go  fafe, 
for  thou  mayeft  hap  (being  fo  earely)  be  met  with  againe,  be- 
fore thou  come  to  Southwarke,  if  any  man  when  he  fhould 
bid  thee  good  morrow,  bid  thee  ftand,  fay  thou  but  fir  lohn, 
and  hewill  let  thee  pafTe. 

King  Is  that  the  word  ?  well  then  let  me  alone. 

fir  lohn  Nay  firra,  becaufe  I  thinke  indeede  I  fhall  haue 
fome  occafion  to  vfe  thee,  &  as  thou  comfl  oft  this  way,  I  may  1440 
light  on  thee  another  time  not  knowing  thee,  here,  ile  breake 
this  Angell,  take  thou  halfe  of  it,  this  is  a  token  betwixt  thee 
and  me. 

King.  God  haue  mercy,  farewell.  exit 

fir  lohn  O  my  fine  golden  flaues,  heres  for  thee  wench 
yfaith, now  Dol,  we  wil  reuel  in  our  beuer,  this  is  a  tyth  pigge 
of  my  vicaridge,God  haue  mercy  neigbour  Shooters  hill,  you 
paid  your  tyth  honeftly.  Wei  Ihearethere  is  a  company  of  re- 
belles  vp  againfl  the  King,  got  together  in  Picket  field  neere 
Holborne,  and  as  it  is  thought  here  in  Kent,  the  King  will  be  1450 
there  to  night  in's  owne  perfon,  well  ile  to  the  Kings  camp, 
and  it  fhall  go  hard,  but  if  there  be  any  doings,  Ile  make  fome 
good  boote  amongfl  them.  exit. 

Banter  King  Henry ^  Suffolke^  Huntingtony  and  two  Act  IV 

with  lights.  ^^-  i 

K.  Hen.  My  Lords  of  Suffolke  and  of  Huntington, 
Who  skouts  it  now }  or  who  flands  Sentinells  } 
What  men  of  worth }  what  Lords  do  walke  the  round } 
Suff.  May  it  pleafe  your  HighnefTe. 

K.  Hen.  Peace,  no  more  of  that,  1460 

The  King's  afleepe,  wake  not  his  maieflie, 

F  3  With 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


With  termes  nor  titles,  hee's  at  reft  in  bed, 
Kings  do  not  vfe  to  watch  themfelues,  they  fleepe, 
And  let  rebellion  and  confpiracie, 
Reuel  and  hauocke  in  the  common  wealth, 
Is  London  lookt  vnto  ? 
Hunt.  It  is  my  Lord, 
Your  noble  Vncle  Exceter  is  there, 
Your  brother  Gloucefter  and  my  Lord  of  Warwicke, 

1470  Who  with  the  maior  and  the  Aldermen, 

Do  guard  the  gates,  and  keepe  good  rule  within, 
The  Earle  of  Cambridge,  and  fir  Thomas  Gray, 
Do  walke  the  Round,  Lord  Scroope  and  Butler  skout, 
So  though  it  pleafe  your  maieftie  to  ieft. 
Were  you  in  bed,  well  might  you  take  your  reft, 

K.  Hen.  I  thank  ye  Lords,  but  you  do  know  of  old, 
That  I  haue  bin  a  perfect  night-walker, 
London  you  fay  is  fafely  lookt  vnto, 
Alas  poore  rebels,  there  your  ayd  muft  faile, 

1480  And  the  Lord  Cobham  fir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
Hee's  quiet  in  Kent,  Acton  ye  are  deceiu'd. 
Reckon  againe,  you  count  without  your  hoft, 
To  morrow  you  fhall  giue  account  to  vs. 
Til  when  my  friends,  this  long  cold  winters  night. 
How  can  we  fpend?  King  Harry  is  a  fleepe, 
And  al  his  Lords,  thefe  garments  tel  vs  fo, 
Al  friends  at  footebal,  fellowes  all  in  field, 
Harry,  and  Dicke,  and  George,  bring  vs  a  drumme, 
Giue  vs  fquare  dice,  weele  keepe  this  court  of  guard, 

1490  For  al  good  fellowes  companies  that  come. 

Wheres  that  mad  prieft  ye  told  me  was  in  Armes, 
To  fight,  as  wel  as  pray,  if  neede  required  ? 

Suff.   Hees  in  the  Camp,  and  if  he  knew  of  this, 
I  vndertake  he  would  not  be  long  hence. 

Har.  Trippe  Dicke,  Trippe  George.  they  triple. 

Hunt.  I  muft  haue  the  dice. 
What  do  we  play  at  ?  the  play  at  dice. 

Suff. 


fir  John  Old'Caflle 


Suff.  Paflage  if  ye  pleafe. 

Hunt.  Set  round  then,  fo,  at  all. 

Har.  George,  you  are  out.  1500 

Giue  me  the  dice,  I  pafle  for  twentie  pound, 
Heres  to  our  luckie  pafTage  into  France. 

Hunt.  Harry  you  paffe  indeede  for  you  fweepe  all. 

Suff.  Afigne king  Harry  fhal  fweepal  in  France,  ent.firlohn 

fir  lohn  Edge  ye  good  fellowes,  take  a  frefhgamfter  in. 

Har.  Mafter  Parfon .''  we  play  nothing  butgold.? 
fir  lohn.  Andfellow,!  telthee  that  the  prieft  hath  gold,  gold  ? 
sbloud  ye  are  but  beggerly  fouldiers  to  me,  I  thinke  I  haue 
more  gold  than  all  you  three. 

Hunt.  It  may  be  fo,  but  we  beleeue  it  not.  1510 

Har.  Set  prieft  fet,  I  paffe  for  all  that  gold. 

fir  lohn  Ye  pafTe  indeede. 

Harry  Prieft.,  haft  thou  any  more? 

fir  lohn  Zounds  what  a  queftion's  that } 
I  tell  thee  I  haue  more  then  all  you  three. 
At  thefe  ten  Angells. 

Harry.  I  wonder  how  thou  comft  by  all  this  gold. 
How  many  benefices  haft  thou  prieft.'' 

fir  lohn  Yfaith  but  one,  doft  wonder  how  I  come  by  gold  ? 
I  wonder  rather  how  poore  fouldiers  fhould  haue  gold,  for  1520 
He  tell  thee  good  fellow,  we  haue  euery  day  tythes,  offerings, 
chriftnings,  weddings,  burialls :  and  you  poore  fnakes  come 
feldome  to  a  bootie.  He  fpeake  a  prowd  word,  I  haue  but  one 
parfonage,  Wrootham,  tis  better  than  the  Bifhopprick  of  Ro- 
chefter,theres  nere  a  hill,  heath, nor  downe  in  all  Kent,  but  tis 
in  my  parifh,  Barrham  downe,  Chobham  downe.  Gads  hill, 
Wrootham  hill,  Blacke  heath,  Cockes  heath.  Birchen  wood, 
all  pay  me  ty  the,  gold  quoth  a. f*  ye  paffe  not  for  that. 

Suff.  Harry  ye  are  out,  now  parfon  fhake  the  dice. 

fir  lohn.  Set,fetIlecouerye,  atal :  Aplagueon'tlam  out,     1530 
thediuell,anddice,anda  wench,  who  will  truft  them? 

Suff.  Saiftthoufo  prieft?  fet  faire,  at  all  for  once. 
Har.  Out  fir,  pay  all. 

ftr  lohn 


The  first  part  of 


ftr  lohn  Sbloud  pay  me  angel  gold, 
He  none  of  your  crackt  French  crownes  nor  piftolets, 
Pay  me  faire  angel  gold,  as  I  pay  you. 

Har.  No  crackt  french  crownes  ?  I  hope  to  fee  more  crackt 
french  crownes  ere  long. 
fir  lohn  Thou  meaneft  of  French  mens  crownes,  when  the 
1540  King  is  in  France. 

Hunt.  Set  round,  at  all. 
ftr  Ihon  Pay  all :  this  is  fome  lucke. 
Har.  Giue  me  the  dice,  tis  I  muft  fhread  the  prieft : 
At  all  fir  John. 

fir  lohn  The  diuell  and  all  is  yours :  at  that :  fdeath,  what 
calling  is  this  ? 

Suff.  Well  throwne  Harry  yfaith. 
Har.  He  caft  better  yet, 

fir  lohn  Then  He  be  hangd.  Sirra,  haft  thou  not  giuen  thy 
1550  foule  to  the  diuell  for  cafting.-* 
Har.  I  pafTe  for  all. 

fir  lohn  Thou  pafteft  all  that  ere  I  playde  withall : 
Sirra,  doft  thou  not  cogge,  nor  foift,  nor  flurre  } 
Har.  Set  parfon,  fet,  the  dice  die  in  my  hand : 
When  parfon,  when  }  what  can  ye  finde  no  more .'' 
Alreadie  drie }  waft  you  bragd  of  your  ftore  .'' 
fir  Ihon  Alls  gone  but  that. 
Hunt.  What,  halfe  a  broken  angell  1 
fir  Ihon  Why  fir,  tis  gold. 
1560      Har.  Yea,  and  He  couer  it. 

fir  Ihon  The  diuell  do  ye  good  on't,  I  am  blinde,  yee  haue 
blowne  me  vp. 

Har.  Nay  tarry  prieft,  ye  ftiall  not  leaue  vs  yet, 
Do  not  thefe  peeces  fit  each  other  well  ? 
fir  Ihon  What  if  they  do } 
Har.  Thereby  beginnes  a  tale : 
There  was  a  thiefe,  in  face  much  like  fir  lohn. 
But  t'was  not  hee,  that  thiefe  was  all  in  greene. 
Met  me  laft  day  on  Blacke  Heath,  neere  the  parke, 

with 


fir  yohn  Old-caflle, 


With  him  a  woman,  I  was  al  alone,  1 570 

And  weaponlefTe,  my  boy  had  al  my  tooles, 

And  was  before  prouiding  me  a  boate : 

Short  tale  to  make,  fir  lohn,  the  thiefe  I  meane, 

Tooke  a  iuft  hundreth  pound  in  gold  from  me. 

I  ftorm'd  at  it,  and  fwore  to  be  reueng'de 

If  ere  we  met,  he  like  a  lufty  thiefe, 

Brake  with  his  teeth  this  Angel  iuft  in  two, 

To  be  a  token  at  our  meeting  next, 

Prouided,  I  fhould  charge  no  Officer 

To  apprehend  him,  but  at  weapons  point  1580 

Recouer  that,  and  what  he  had  befide. 

Well  met  fir  John,  betake  ye  to  your  tooles 

By  torch  light,  for  mafter  parfon  you  are  he 

That  had  my  gold. 

fir  lohn  Zounds  I  won't  in  play,  in  faire  fquare  play  of  the 
keeper  of  Eltham  parke,  and  that  I  will  maintaine  with  this 
poore  whinyard,  be  you  two  honeft  men  to  ftand  and  looke 
vpon's,  and  let's  alone,  and  take  neither  part. 

Har.  Agreede,  I  charge  ye  do  not  boudge  a  foot, 
Sir  lohn  haue  at  ye.  1 590 

fir  lohn  Souldier  ware  your  skonce. 

Here  as  they  are  ready  tojirike^  enter  Butler  and  dr awes  his 
weapon  and  Jieps  betwixt  them. 

But.  Hold  villaines  hold,  my  Lords,  what  do  ye  meane. 
To  fee  a  traitor  draw  againft  the  King.? 
fir  lohn  The  King!  Gods  wil,  I  am  in  a  proper  pickle. 

Har.  Butler  what  newes.?  why  doft  thou  trouble  vs? 

But.  Pleafe  it  your  Highnefi"e,  it  is  breake  of  day. 
And  as  I  skouted  neere  to  Iflington, 

The  gray  ey'd  morning  gaue  me  glimmering,  1600 

Of  armed  men  comming  downe  Hygate  hill, 
Who  by  their  courfe  are  coafting  hitherward. 

Har.  Let  vs  withdraw,  my  Lords,  prepare  our  troopes. 
To  charge  the  rebels,  if  there  be  fuch  caufe. 
For  this  lewd  prieft  this  diuellifli  hypocrite, 

G  That 


The  first  part  of 


That  is  a  thiefe,  a  gamfter,  and  what  not, 
Let  him  be  hang'd  vp  for  example  fake. 

fir  lohn  Not  fo  my  gracious  foueraigne,  I  confefle  I  am  a 
frayle man,  flefh  and bloud as  other  are:  butfet  myimperfecti- 
1 6 1  o  ons  afide,  by  this  light  ye  haue  not  a  taller  man,  nor  a  truer  fub- 
iect  to  the  Crowne  and  State,  than  fir  lohn  of  VVrootham. 
Har.  Wil  a  true  fubiect  robbe  his  King? 
fir  lohn  Alas  twas  ignorance  and  want,  my  gracious  liege. 
Har.  Twas  want  of  grace:  why,  you  fhould  be  as  fait 
To  feafon  others  with  good  document, 
Your  Hues  as  lampes  to  giue  the  people  light. 
As  fhepheards,  not  as  wolues  to  fpoile  the  flock, 
Go  hang  hm  Butler. 

But.  Didft  thou  not  rob  me? 
1620  fir  lohn  I  muft  confefle  I  faw  fome  of  your  gold,  but  my 
dread  Lord,  I  am  in  no  humor  for  death,  therfore  faue  my  life, 
God  will  that  finners  Hue,  do  not  you  caufe  me  die,  once  in 
their  Hues  the  befl:  may  goe  aftray,  and  if  the  world  fay  true, 
your  felfe  (my  liege)  haue  bin  a  thiefe. 

Har.   I  confefl*e  I  haue. 
But  I  repent  and  haue  reclaimd  my  felfe. 
fir  lohn  So  will  I  do  if  you  will  giue  me  time. 
Har.  Wilt  thou  ?  my  lords,  will  you  be  his  fuerties  ? 
Hunt.  That  when  he  robs  againe,  he  fliall  be  hang'd. 
1630     fir  lohn  I  aske  no  more. 

Har.  And  we  will  grant  thee  that, 
Liue  and  repent,  and  proue  an  honefl:  man. 
Which  when  I  heare,  and  fafe  returne  from  France, 
He  giue  thee  Huing,  till  when  take  thy  gold. 
But  fpend  it  better  then  at  cards  or  wine. 
For  better  vertues  fit  that  coate  of  thine. 

fir  lohn  Viuat  Rex  ^  currat  lex^  my  liege,  if  ye  haue  caufe 
of  battell,  ye  flial  fee  fir  lohn  of  Wrootham  beftirre  himfelf  in 
your  quarrel.  exeunt. 

Act  IV  After analarumenter Harry^Suffolk^Huntington^fir lohn^bring- 
"'  "  ing  forth  Ac  ton  j  Beuerly^  and  Mur  ley  prif oners. 

Har 


fir  lohn  Old-caflle, 


Har.  Bring  in  thofe  traitors,  whofe  afpiring  minds,  1642 

Thought  to  haue  triumpht  in  our  ouerthrow. 
But  now  ye  fee,  bafe  villaines,  what  fuccefTe 
Attends  ill  actions  wrongfully  attempted. 
Sir  Roger  Acton,  thou  retainft  the  name 
Of  knight,  and  fhouldft  bemore  difcreetly  temperd, 
Than  ioyne  with  peafants,  gentry  is  diuine, 
But  thou  haft  made  it  more  then  popular. 

Act.  Pardon  my  Lord,  my  confcience  vrg'd  me  to  it,  1650 

Har.  Thy  confcience?  then  thy  confcience  is  corrupt, 
For  in  thy  confcience  thou  art  bound  to  vs. 
And  in  thy  confcience  thou  ftiouldft  loue  thy  country, 
Elfe  what's  the  difference  twixt  a  Chriftian, 
And  the  vnciuil  manners  of  the  Turke.'' 

Beuer.  We  meant  no  hurt  vnto  your  maiefty, 
But  reformation  of  Religion. 

Har.  Reforme  Religion?  was  it  that  ye  fought? 
I  pray  who  gaue  you  that  authority? 

Belike  then  we  do  hold  the  fcepter  vp,  1660 

And  fit  within  the  throne  but  for  a  cipher. 
Time  was,  good  fubiects  would  make  knowne  their  griefe, 
And  pray  amendment,  not  inforce  the  fame, 
Vnleffe  their  King  were  tyrant,  which  I  hope 
You  cannot  iuftly  fay  that  Harry  is, 
What  is  that  other? 

Suff.  A  mault-man  my  Lord, 
And  dwelling  in  Dunftable  as  he  faies. 

Har.  Sirra  what  made  you  leaue  your  barly  broth. 
To  come  in  armour  thus  againft  your  King?  1670 

Mur.  Fie  paltry,  paltry  to  and  fro,  in  and  out  vpon  occajfi- 
on,whataworlde's  this?  knight-hood  (my  liege)  twas  knight- 
hood brought  me  hither,  they  told  me  I  had  wealth  enough 
to  make  my  wife  a  lady. 

Har.  And  fo  you  brought  thofe  horfes  which  we  faw, 
Trapt  all  in  coftly  furniture,  and  meant 
To  weare  thefe  fpurs  when  you  were  knighted  once. 

G   2  Mur. 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Mur.  In  and  out  vpon  occafion  I  did. 

Har.  In  and  out  vppon  occafion,  therefore  you  fhall  be 
1680  hang'd,  and  in  the  fted  of  wearing  thefe  fpurres  vpon  your 
heeles,  about  your  necke  they  fhall  bewray  your  folly  to  the 
world. 
fir  lohn  In  and  out  vpon  ocafion,  that  goes  hard. 

Mur  Fie  paltry  paltry,  to  and  fro,  good  my  liege  a  pardon, 
I  am  fory  for  my  fault. 

Har.  That  comes  too  late:  but  tell  me,  went  there  none 
Befide  fir  Roger  Acton,  vpon  whom 
You  did  depend  to  be  your  gouernour.'' 

Mar.  None  none  my  Lord,  but  fir  lohn  Old-caflle. 
1690      Har.  Beares  he  part  in  this  confpiracie.         enter  BiJIoop 

Act.  We  lookt  my  Lord  that  he  would  meet  vs  here. 

Har.  But  did  he  promife  you  that  he  would  come. 

Act.  Such  letters  we  receiued  forth  of  Kent. 

Bijh.  Where  is  myLord  the  King.?  health  to  your  grace, 
Examining  my  Lord  fome  of  thefe  caitiue  rebels, 
It  is  a  generall  voyce  amongfl  them  all. 
That  they  had  neuer  come  vnto  this  place. 
But  to  haue  met  their  valiant  general. 
The  good  Lord  Cobham  as  they  title  him, 
1700  Whereby,  my  Lord,  your  grace  may  now  perceiue, 
His  treafon  is  apparant,  which  before 
He  fought  to  colour  by  his  flattery. 

Har.  Now  by  my  roialtie  I  would  haue  fworne. 
But  for  his  confcience,  which  I  beare  withall. 
There  had  not  liude  a  more  true  hearted  fubiect. 

BiJh.  It  is  but  counterfeit,  my  gracious  lords, 
And  therefore  may  it  pleafe  your  maieflie. 
To  fet  your  hand  vnto  this  precept  here. 
By  which  weel  caufe  him  forthwith  to  appeare, 
1 710  And  anfwer  this  by  order  of  the  law. 

Har.  Bifhop,  not  only  that,  but  take  commiflion, 
To  fearch,  attach,  imprifon,  and  condemne. 
This  mofl  notorious  traitor  as  you  pleafe. 

Bijh. 


Jtr  yohn  Old-caflle, 


Bijh.  It  fhall  be  done,  my  Lord,  without  delay : 
So  now  I  hold  Lord  Cobham  in  my  hand, 
That  which  (hall  finifh  thy  difdained  life. 

Har.   I  thinke  the  yron  age  begins  but  now, 
(Which  learned  poets  haue  fo  often  taught) 
Wherein  there  is  no  credit  to  be  giuen, 

To  either  wordes,  or  lookes,  or  folemne  oathes,  1720 

For  if  there  were,  how  often  hath  he  fworne, 
How  gently  tun'de  the  muficke  of  his  tongue, 
And  with  what  amiable  face  beheld  he  me. 
When  all,  God  knowes,  was  but  hypocrifie.      enter  Cobham. 

Cob.  Long  life  and  profperous  raigne  vnto  my  Lord. 

Har.  Ah  villaine,  canft  thou  wifli  profperitie, 
Whofe  heart  includeth  naught  but  treacherie .'' 
I  do  arreft  thee  here  my  felfe,  falfe  knight, 
Of  treafon  capitall  againft  the  ftate. 

Cob.  Of  treafon  mightie  prince,  your  grace  miftakes,  1730 

I  hope  it  is  but  in  the  way  of  mirth. 

Har.  Thy  necke  ftiall  feele  it  is  in  earneft  fhortly, 
Darft  thou  intrude  into  our  prefence,  knowing 
How  haynoufly  thou  haft  offended  vs  ? 
But  this  is  thy  accuftomed  deceit. 
Now  thou  perceiuft  thy  purpofe  is  in  vaine. 
With  fome  excufe  or  other  thou  wilt  come. 
To  cleere  thy  felfe  of  this  rebellion. 

Cob.  Rebellion  good  my  Lord,  I  know  of  none. 

Har.  If  you  deny  it,  here  is  euidence,  1740 

See  you  thefe  men,  you  neuer  councelled, 
Nor  offerd  them  affiftance  in  their  warres. 

Cob.   Speake  firs,  not  one  but  all,  I  craue  no  fauour, 
Haue  euer  I  beene  conuerfant  with  you, 
Or  written  letters  to  incourage  you. 
Or  kindled  but  the  leaft  or  fmalleft  part. 
Of  this  your  late  vnnaturall  rebellion } 
Speake  for  I  dare  the  vttermoft  you  can. 

Mur,  In  and  out  vpon  occafion  I  know  you  not. 

G  3  Har. 


The  firfl  part  of 


1750      Har.  No,  didft  not  fay  that  fir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
Was  one  with  whom  you  purpofde  to  haue  met  ? 

Mur.  True,  I  did  fay  fo,  but  in  what  refpect  ? 
Becaufe  I  heard  it  was  reported  fo. 

Har.  Was  there  no  other  argument  but  that  ? 

Act.  To  cleere  my  confcience  ere  I  die  my  lord, 
I  muft  confeffe,  we  haue  no  other  ground 
But  only  Rumor,  to  accufe  this  lord. 
Which  now  I  fee  was  merely  fabulous. 

Har.  The  more  pernitious  you  to  taint  him  then, 
1760  Whome  you  knew  not  was  faulty  yea  or  no. 

Cobh.  Let  this  my  Lord,  which  I  prefent  your  grace 
Speake  for  my  loyalty,  reade  thefe  articles. 
And  then  giue  fentence  of  my  life  or  death. 

Har.  Earle  Cambridge,  Scroope,  and  Gray  corrupted 
With  bribes  from  Charles  of  France,  either  to  winne 
My  Crowne  from  me,  or  fecretly  contriue 
My  death  by  treafon }  Is  this  poffible  } 

Cobh.  There  is  the  platforme,  and  their  hands,  my  lord, 
Each  feuerally  fubfcribed  to  the  fame. 
1770      Har.  Oh  neuer  heard  of  bafe  ingratitude! 
Euen  thofe  I  hugge  within  my  bofome  moft, 
Are  readied  euermore  to  fting  my  heart. 
Pardon  me  Cobham,  I  haue  done  thee  wrong, 
Heereafter  I  will  Hue  to  make  amends. 
Is  then  their  time  of  meeting  fo  neere  hand  ? 
Weele  meete  with  them,  but  little  for  their  eafe, 
If  God  permit :  goe  take  thefe  rebells  hence, 
Let  them  haue  martiall  law :  but  as  for  thee. 
Friend  to  thy  king  and  country,  ftill  be  free.       Exeunt. 
1780      Mur  I.  Be  it  more  or  lefle,  what  a  world  is  this? 
Would  I  had  continued  ftill  of  the  order  of  knaues, 
And  neuer  fought  knighthood,  fince  it  coftes 
So  deere :   fir  Roger,  I  may  thanke  you  for  all. 

Acton  Now  tis  too  late  to  haue  it  remedied, 
I  prithee  Murley  doe  not  vrge  me  with  it. 

Hunt. 


Jir  John  Old-caftle 


Hunt.  Will  you  away,  and  make  no  more  to  do  ? 
Murl.  Fy  paltry  paltry,  to  and  fro,  as  occafion  ferues, 
If  you  be  fo  hafty  take  my  place. 

Hunt.  No  good  fir  knight,  you  fliall  begin  in  your  hand. 
Murl.  I  could  be  glad  to  giue  my  betters  place.    Exeunt.    179° 

EnterBiJhopjlordJVarden^CroamertheShrieue^LadyCob.and  Act  IV 

attendants.  ■^^-  "' 

Bijhop  I  tell  ye  Lady,  its  not  poflible 
But  you  fhould  know  where  he  conueies  himfelfe, 
And  you  haue  hid  him  in  fome  fecret  place. 

L,ady  My  Lord,  beleeue  me,  as  I  haue  a  foule, 
I  know  not  where  my  lord  my  husband  is. 

Bijhop  Go  to,  go  to,  ye  are  an  heretike. 
And  will  be  forc'de  by  torture  to  confefTe, 
If  faire  meanes  will  not  ferue  to  make  ye  tell.  1800 

Lady  My  husband  is  a  noble  gentleman. 
And  neede  not  hide  himfelfe  for  anie  fact 
That  ere  I  heard  of,  therefore  wrong  him  not. 

Bijhop  Your  husband  is  a  dangerous  fchifmaticke, 
Traitor  to  God,  the  King,  and  common  wealth, 
And  thererefore  mafter  Croamer  fhrieue  of  Kent, 
I  charge  you  take  her  to  your  cuftodie. 
And  ceaze  the  goods  of  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle 
To  the  Kings  vfe,  let  her  go  in  no  more, 

To  fetch  fo  much  as  her  apparell  out,  18 10 

There  is  your  warrant  from  his  maieftie. 

L.  War.  Good  my  Lord  Bifhop  pacifie  your  wrath 
Againft  the  Lady. 

Biflj.  Then  let  her  confefTe 
Where  Old-caftle  her  husband  is  conceald. 

L.  War.  I  dare  engage  mine  honor  and  my  life, 
Poore  gentlewoman,  fhe  is  ignorant. 
And  innocent  of  all  his  practifes, 
If  any  euill  by  him  be  practifed. 

Bijh.  If  my  Lord  Warden .''  nay  then  I  charge  you,  1820 

That 


The  first  part  of 


That  all  the  cinque  Ports  whereof  you  are  chiefe, 
Be  laid  forthwith,  that  he  efcape  vs  not, 
Shew  him  his  highnefTewarrantM.Shrieue. 

L.  War.  I  am  foriefor  the  noble  gentleman,  EnterOld-ca- 

^//^.  Peace,  he  comes  here,  now  do  your  office.  Jllei^  Harp. 

Old-caftle  Harpoole  what  bufinefTe  haue  we  here  in  hand  ? 
What  makes  the  Bifhop  and  the  ShirifFe  here, 
I  feare  my  comming  home  is  dangerous, 
I  would  I  had  not  made  fuch  hafte  to  Cobham. 
1830      Harp.  Be  of  good  cheere  my  Lord,  if  they  be  foes  weele 
fcramble  fhrewdly  with  them,  if  they  be  friends  they  are  wel- 
come :  one  of  them  (my  Lord  Warden)  is  your  friend,  but  me 
thinkes  my  ladie  weepes,  I  like  not  that. 

Croo.  Sir  lohn  Old-caftle  Lord  Cobham,  in  the  Kings 
maiefties  name,  I  arreft  ye  of  high  treafon. 

Oldca.  Treafon  M.  Croomes  t 

Harp.  Treafon  M.  Shrieue,  sbloud  what  treafon } 

Oldca.  Harpoole  I  charge  thee  ftirre  not, but  be  quiet  ftill. 
Do  ye  arreft  me  M.  Shrieue  for  treafon  .f* 
1 840      Bijh.  Yea  of  high  treafon,  traitor,  heretike. 

Oldca.  Defiance  in  his  face  that  calls  me  fo, 
I  am  as  true  a  loyall  gentleman 
Vnto  his  highnefte,  as  my  prowdeft  enemie. 
The  King  ftiall  witnefle  my  late  faithfull  feruice, 
For  fafety  of  his  facred  maieftie. 

Biflo.  What  thou  art,  the  kings  hand  ftiall  teftifie, 
Shewt  him  Lord  Warden. 

Old.  lefu  defend  me, 
Is't  poftible  your  cunning  could  fo  temper 
1850  The  princely  difpofition  of  his  mind. 
To  figne  the  damage  of  a  royall  fubiect .'' 
Well,  the  beft  is,  it  beares  an  antedate. 
Procured  by  my  abfence,  and  your  malice. 
But  I,  fince  that,  haue  ftiewd  my  felfe  as  true. 
As  any  churchman  that  dare  challenge  me. 
Let  me  be  brought  before  his  maieftie, 

If 


Jir  yohn  Old-caflle. 


If  he  acquite  me  not,  then  do  your  worft. 

Bifl3.  We  are  not  bound  to  do  kind  offices 
For  any  traitor,  fchifmatike,  nor  heretike. 

The  kings  hand  is  our  warrant  for  our  worke,  i860 

Who  is  departed  on  his  way  for  France, 
And  at  Southhampton  doth  repofe  this  night. 

Harf.  O  that  it  were  the  blefled  will  of  God,  that  thou 
and  I  were  within  twenty  mile  of  it,  on  Salisbury  plaine!  I 
would  lofe  my  head  if  euer  thou  broughtft  thy  head  hither  a- 
gaine.  afide. 

Oldca.  My  Lord  Warden  o'th  cinque  Ports,  &  my  Lord  of 
Rochefter,  ye  are  ioynt  Commiflioners,  fauor  me  fo  much, 
On  my  expence  to  bring  me  to  the  king. 

Bifli.  What,  to  Southhampton.''  1870 

Oldca.  Thither  my  god  Lord, 
And  if  he  do  not  cleere  me  of  al  guilt, 
And  all  fufpition  of  confpiracie. 
Pawning  his  princely  warrant  for  my  truth: 
I  aske  no  fauour,  but  extreameft  torture. 
Bring  me,  or  fend  me  to  him,  good  my  Lord, 
Good  my  Lord  Warden,  M  Shrieue,  entreate. 
Here  the  Lord  Warden^  and  Cromer  vncouer  to  the  Bijhop^  and 
Jecretly  whijpers  with  him. 
Come  hither  lady,  nay,  fweet  wife  forbeare,  1880 

To  heape  one  forrow  on  anothers  necke, 
Tis  griefe  enough  falfly  to  be  accufde. 
And  not  permitted  to  acquite  my  felfe. 
Do  not  thou  with  thy  kind  refpectiue  teares, 
Torment  thy  husbands  heart  that  bleedes  for  thee, 
But  be  of  comfort,  God  hath  help  in  ftore, 
For  thofe  that  put  afTured  truft  in  him. 
Deere  wife,  if  they  commit  me  to  the  Tower, 
Come  vp  to  London  to  your  fifters  houfe: 
That  being  neere  me,  you  may  comfort  me.  1890 

One  folace  find  I  fetled  in  my  foule, 
That  I  am  free  from  treafons  very  thought, 

H  Only 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Only  my  confcience  for  the  Gofpels  fake, 
Is  caufe  of  all  the  troubles  I  fuftaine. 

Lady.  O  my  deere  Lord,  what  fhall  betide  of  vs? 
You  to  the  Tower,  and  I  turnd  out  of  doores, 
Our  fubftance  ceaz'd  vnto  his  highneffe  vfe, 
Euen  to  the  garments  longing  to  our  backes. 

Harp.  Patience  good  madame,  things  at  worft  will  mend, 
1900  And  if  they  doe  not,  yet  our  Hues  may  end. 

Bijh.  Vrge  it  no  more,  for  if  an  Angell  fpake, 
I  fweare  by  fweet  faint  Peters  blefTed  keyes, 
Firft  goes  he  to  the  Tower,  then  to  the  ftake. 

Crom.  But  by  your  leaue,  this  warrant  doth  not  ftretch 
To  imprifon  her. 

Bijhop  No,  turne  her  out  of  doores,       L.  Warden  and 
Euen  as  fhe  is, and  leade  him  to  the  Tower,  Oldcajlle  whijper. 
With  guard  enough  for  feare  of  refcuing. 

Lady  O  God  requite  thee  thou  bloud-thirfty  man. 
1 910      Oldca.  May  it  not  be  my  Lord  of  Rochefter? 
Wherein  haue  I  incurd  your  hate  fo  farre. 
That  my  appeale  vnto  the  King's  denide-f* 

Bijh.  No  hate  of  mine,  but  power  of  holy  church, 
Forbids  all  fauor  to  falfe  heretikes. 

Oldca.  Your  priuate  malice  more  than  publike  power. 
Strikes  moft  at  me,  but  with  my  life  it  ends. 

Harp.  O  that  I  had  the  Bifhop  in  that  feare,  afide 

That  once  I  had  his  Sumner  by  our  felues. 

Crom.  My  Lord  yet  graunt  one  fute  vnto  vs  all, 
1920  That  this  fame  auncient  feruing  man  may  waite 
Vpon  my  lord  his  mafter  in  the  Tower. 

Bijh.  This  old  iniquitie,  this  heretike? 
That  in  contempt  of  our  church  difcipline, 
Compeld  my  Sumner  to  deuoure  his  procefle! 
Old  Ruffian  paft-grace,  vpftart  fchifmatike. 
Had  not  the  King  prayd  vs  to  pardon  ye. 
Ye  had  fryed  for  it,  ye  grizild  heretike. 

Harp.  Sbloud  my  lord  Bifhop,  ye  do  me  wrong,  I  am  nei- 
ther 


Jir  John  Old-caflle 


ther  heretike  nor  puritane,  but  of  the  old  church,  ile  fweare, 
drinke  ale,  kifle  a  wench,  go  to  mafle,  eate  fifh  all  Lent, and  faft  1930 
fridaies  with  cakes  and  wine,  fruite  and  fpicerie,  fhriue  me  of 
my  old  finnes  afore  Eafter,  and  beginne  new  afore  whitfon- 
tide. 

Crom.  A  merie  mad  conceited  knaue  my  lord. 

Harp.  That  knaue  was  fimply  put  vpon  the  Bifhop. 

Bijh.  VVel,  God  forgiue  him  and  I  pardon  him. 
Let  him  attend  his  mafter  in  the  Tower, 
For  I  in  charity  wifh  his  foule  no  hurt. 

Oldca.  God  bleffe  my  foule  from  fuch  cold  charitie, 

BiJh.  Too'th  Tower  with  him,  and  when  my  leifureferues,  1940 
I  will  examine  him  of  Articles, 
Looke  my  lord  Warden  as  you  haue  in  charge, 
The  Shriue  performe  his  office. 

L.  Ward.  Yes  my  lord.  Enter  the  Sumner  with 

bookes. 

BiJh.  What  bringft  thou  there .''  what?  bookes  of  herefie. 

Som.  Yea  my  lord,  heres  not  a  latine  booke, 
No  not  fo  much  as  our  ladies  Pfalter, 
Heres  the  Bible,  the  teftament,  the  Pfalmes  in  meter, 
The  fickemans  falue,  the  treafure  of  gladnefle,  1950 

And  al  in  Englifh,  not  fo  much  but  the  Almanack's  Englifh. 

BiJh.  Away  with  them,to'th  fire  with  them  Clun, 
Now  fie  vpon  thefe  vpftart  heretikes, 
Al  Englifh,  burne  them,  burne  them  quickly  Clun. 

Harp.  But  doe  not  Sumner  as  youle  anfwere  it,  for  I  haue 
there  Englifh  bookes  my  lord,  that  ile  not  part  with  for  your 
Bifhoppricke,  Beuis  of  Hampton,  Owleglaffe,  the  Frier  and 
the  Boy,  Ellen  of  Rumming,  Robin  hood,  and  other  fuch 
godly  flories,  which  if  ye  burne,  by  this  flefh  ile  make  ye  drink 
their  afhes  in  S.  Margets  ale.  exeunt. 

Enter  the  Bijhop  of  Rochefier  with  his  men^  in  Act  IV 

liuerie  coates.  ^<^'  '^ 

I.  Ser.  Is  it  your  honors  pleafure  we  fhal  flay, 
Or  come  backe  in  the  afternoone  to  fetch  you.  1964 

H  2  BiJh. 


The  first  part  of 


Bijh,  Now  you  haue  brought  me  heere  into  the  Tower, 
You  may  go  backe  vnto  the  Porters  Lodge, 
And  fend  for  drinke  or  fuch  things  as  you  want. 
Where  if  I  haue  occafion  to  imploy  you, 
He  fend  fome  officer  to  cal  you  to  me. 
1970  Into  the  cittie  go  not,  I  commaund  you. 

Perhaps  I  may  haue  prefent  neede  to  vfe  you. 

2  We  will  attend  your  worfhip  here  without. 
Bijh.  Do  fo,  I  pray  you, 

3  Come,  we  may  haue  a  quart  of  wine  at  the  Rofe  at  Bark- 
ing, I  warrant  you,  and  come  backe  an  hower  before  he  be 
ready  to  go. 

I   We  muft  hie  vs  then. 

3  Let's  away.  exeunt, 

Bijh.  Ho,  M.  Lieftenant. 
1980      Lieften,  Who  calls  there? 

Bijh.  A  friend  of  yours. 

Lieften.  Mylord  of  Rochefter,  your  honor's  welcome. 

Bijh.  Sir  heres  my  warrant  from  the  Counfell, 
For  conference  with  fir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
Vpon  fome  matter  of  great  confequence. 

Lieften.  Ho,  fir  lohn. 

Harp.  Who  calls  there? 

Lieften.  Harpoole,  tel  Sir  lohn,  that  my  lord  of  Rochefter 
comes  from  the  counfell  to  conferre  with  him. 
1990      Harp.  I  will  fir. 

Lief.  I  thinke  you  may  as  fafe  without  fufpition, 
As  any  man  in  England  as  I  heare, 
For  it  was  you  moft  labor'd  his  commitment. 

Bijh.  1  did  fir,  and  nothing  repent  it  I  afi"ure  you. 

Enter  fir  lohn  Old-cafile. 
M.  Lieftenant  I  pray  you  giue  vs  leaue, 
I  muft  conferre  here  with  fir  lohn  a  little. 

Lief.  With  all  my  heart  my  lord. 

Harp  aftde.   My  lord  be  rulde  by  me,  take  this  occafion 
2000  while  tis  off^ered,  and  on  my  life  your  lordftiip  flial  efcape. 

Old'Ca. 


fir  yohn  Old'Caftle. 


Old-ca.  No  more  I  fay,  peace  left  he  fhould  fufpectit. 

Bijh.  Sir  lohn  I  am  come  vnto  you  from  the  lords  of  his 
highneffe  moft  honorable  counfell,  to  know  if  yet  you  do  re- 
cant your  errors,  conforming  you  vnto  the  holy  church. 

Old-ca,  My  lord  of  Rochefter  on  good  aduife, 
I  fee  my  error,  but  yet  vnderftand  me, 
I  meane  not  error  in  the  faith  I  hold, 
But  error  in  fubmitting  to  your  pleafure. 
Therefore  your  lordftiip  without  more  to  do, 
Muft  be  a  meanes  to  help  me  to  efcape.  2010 

Bijh.  What  meanes?  thou  heretike? 
Darft  thou  but  lift  thy  hand  againft  my  calling  ? 
ftr  lohn  No  not  to  hurt  you  for  a  thoufand  pound, 

Harp.  Nothing  but  to  borrow  your  vpper  garments  a  lit- 
tle; not  a  word  more,  for  if  you  do,  you  die:  peace,  for  waking 
thechildren,  there,  put  them  on,  difpatch,  my  lord,  the  window 
thatgoesout  into  the  leads, is  fure  enough,!  told  you  that  be- 
fore, there,  make  you  ready,  ile  conuay  him  after,  and  bind 
him  furely  in  the  inner  roome. 

Old-ca.  This  is  wel  begun,  God  fend  vs  happie  fpeed,         2020 
Hard  fhift  you  fee  men  make  in  time  of  need:  Harpoole. 

Harp.  Heere  my  Lord,  come  come  away. 

Enter  feruing  men  againe.  Act  IV 

I    I  maruell  that  my  lord  ftiould  ftay  fo  long.  ^^'  "" 

1   He  hath  fent  to  feeke  vs,  I  dare  lay  my  life. 
.    3  We  come  in  good  time,  fee  where  he  is  comming. 

Harp.  I  befeech  you  good  my  lord  of  Rochefter,  be  fauo- 
rable  to  my  lord  and  maifter. 

Old-ca.  The  inner  roomes  be  very  hot  and  clofe, 
I  do  not  like  this  ayre  here  in  the  Tower.  2030 

Harp  His  cafe  is  hard  my  lord,  you  ftiall  fafely  get  out  of 
the  Tower,  but  I  will  downe  vpon  them,  in  which  time  get 
you  away. 

Old-ca.  Fellow  thou  troubleft  me. 

Harp.  Heare  me  my  Lord,  hard  vnder  Iflington  wait  you 
my  comming,   I  will  bring  my  Lady  ready,  with  horfes 

H    3  to 


The  first  part  of 


to  conuay  you  hence. 

Old-ca.  FelloWjgo  back  againevnto  thy  Lord  and  counfell 
him. 
2040      Harp.  Nay  my  good  lord  of  Rochefter,  ile  bring  you  to  S. 
Albons  through  the  woods,  I  warrant  you. 

Old-ca.  Villaine  away. 

Harp.  Nay  fince  I  am  paft  the  Towers  libertIe,thoupart'ft 
not  fo.  he  drawes. 

Bijh.  Clubbes,  clubs,  clubs. 

1  Murther,  murther  murther. 

2  Downe  with  him.  they  fight. 

3  A  villaine  traitor. 

Harp.  You  cowardly  rogues.  ftr  John  ejcapes. 

2050  Enter  Lief  tenant  and  his  men. 

Lieft.  Who  is  fo  bold  as  dare  to  draw  a  fword, 
So  neare  vnto  the  entrance  of  the  Tower  ? 

I  This  ruffian  feruant  to  fir  lohn  Old-caftle  was  like  to 
haue  flaine  my  Lord. 

Lieft.  Lay  hold  on  him. 

Harp.  Stand  off  if  you  loue  your  puddings. 
Rochefter  calls  within. 

Roch  within.  Help,  help,  help,  M .  Lieftenant  help. 

Lief.  Who's  that  within.''  fome  treafon  in  the  Tower  vpon 
2060  mylife,looke  in,  who's  that  which  calls.?        enter  Roch. hound. 

Lief.  Without  your  cloke  my  lord  of  Rochefter } 

Harp.  There,  now  it  workes,  then  let  me  fpeed,  for  now  is 
the  fitteft  time  for  me  to  fcape  away.  exit 

Lief.  Why  do  you  looke  foghaftlyand  affrighted? 

Roch.  Old-caftle  that  traitor  and  his  man. 
When  you  had  left  me  to  conferre  with  him, 
Tooke,  bound,  and  ftript  me,  as  you  fee, 
And  left  me  lying  in  his  inner  chamber. 
And  fo  departed,  and  I 
2070      Lief.  And  you!  ne're  fay,  that  the  Lord  Cobhams  man 
Did  here  fet  vpon  you  like  to  murther  you. 

I  And  fo  he  did. 

Roch. 


fir  John  Old-cajlle. 


Roch.  It  was  vpon  his  mafter  then  he  did, 
That  in  the  brawle  the  traitor  might  efcape. 

Lief.  Where  is  this  Harpoole? 

2  Here  he  was  euen  now. 

Lief.  Where  can  you  tell  ?  they  are  both  efcap'd, 
Since  it  fo  happens  that  he  is  efcap'de, 
I  am  glad  you  are  a  witnefTe  of  the  fame, 
It  might  haue  elfe  beene  laid  vnto  my  charge,  2080 

That  I  had  beene  confenting  to  the  fact. 

Roch.  Come,  fearch  fhal  be  made  for  him  with  expedition, 
thehauens  laid  that  hefhall  not  efcape, and  hue  and  crie  conti- 
nue thorough  England,  to  find  this  damned  dangerous  here- 
tike.  exeunt. 

Enter  Cambridge^  Scroope^  and  Gray,  as  in  a  chamber^  and  Jet  Act  I 

downeatatable,  conjultingabout  their  treajon :  King  Harry      ^'^- ' 
and  Suffolke  lifining  at  the  doore. 

Camb.  In  mine  opinion,  Scroope  hath  well  aduifde, 
Poifon  will  be  the  only  apteft  meane,  2090 

And  fitteft  for  our  purpofe  to  difpatch  him. 

Gray  But  yet  there  may  be  doubt  in  their  deliuery, 
Harry  is  wife,  therefore  Earle  of  Cambridge, 
I  ludge  that  way  not  fo  conuenient. 

Scroop  Whatthinkeyethenofthis,''  I  am  his  bedfellow. 
And  vnfufpected  nightly  fleepe  with  him. 
What  if  I  venture  in  thofe  filent  houres. 
When  fleepe  hath  fealed  vp  all  mortall  eies. 
To  murder  him  in  bed.''  how  like  ye  that.'' 

Camb.  Herein  confifles  no  fafetie  for  your  felfe,  2100 

And  you  difclofde,  what  fliall  become  of  vs.'' 
But  this  day  (as  ye  know)  he  will  aboord, 
The  wind  fo  faire,  and  fet  away  for  France, 
If  as  he  goes,  or  entring  in  the  fliip. 
It  might  be  done,  then  it  were  excellent. 

Gray  Why  any  of  thefe,  or  if  you  will. 
He  caufe  a  prefent  fitting  of  the  Councell, 
Wherein  I  will  pretend  fome  matter  of  fuch  weight. 

As 


The  firfl  part  of 


As  needes  muft  haue  his  royall  company, 
21 10  And  to  difpatch  him  in  the  Councell  chamber. 

Camh.  Tufh,  yet  I  heare  not  any  thing  to  purpofe, 

I  wonder  that  lord  Cobham  ftaies  fo  long, 

His  counfell  in  this  cafe  would  much  auaile  vs. 

They  rife  from  the  table  ^  and  the  King  ft  ep 
in  to  them  J  with  his  hordes. 
Scroop  What  fhalwe  rife  thus,  and  determine  nothing  ? 
Har.  That  were  a  fhame  indeede,  no,  (it  againe, 

And  you  fhall  haue  my  counfell  in  this  cafe, 

If  you  can  find  no  way  to  kill  this  King, 
2 1 20  Then  you  fhall  fee  how  I  can  further  ye, 

Scroopes  way  by  poifon  was  indifferent. 

But  yet  being  bed-fellow  vnto  the  King, 

And  vnfufpected  fleeping  in  his  bofome. 

In  mine  opinion,  that's  the  likelier  way. 

For  fuch  falfe  friends  are  able  to  do  much. 

And  filent  night  is  Treafon's  fittefl  friend. 

Now,  Cambridge  in  his  fetting  hence  for  France, 

Or  by  the  way,  or  as  he  goes  aboord. 

To  do  the  deed,  that  was  indifferent  too, 
2130  Yet  fomewhat  doubtful;  might  I  fpeake  my  mind, 

For  many  reafons  needeleffe  now  to  vrge. 

Mary  Lord  Gray  came  fomething  neare  the  point. 

To  haue  the  King  at  councell,  and  there  murder  him, 

As  Caefar  was  amongft  his  deareft  friends : 

None  like  to  that,  if  all  were  of  his  mind. 

Tell  me  oh  tel  me,  you  bright  honors  flaines, 

For  which  of  all  my  kindneffes  to  you. 

Are  ye  become  thus  traitors  to  your  king.? 

And  France  muft  haue  the  fpoile  of  Harries  life  ? 
2140      All.  Oh  pardon  vs  dread  lord.  all  kneeling. 

Har.  How,  pardon  yc}  that  were  a  finne  indeed. 

Drag  them  to  death,  which  iuftly  they  deferue,  they  leade 

And  France  fhall  dearely  buy  this  villany,         them  away. 

So  foone  as  we  fet  footing  on  her  breaft, 

God 


ftr  yohn  Old'Caflle, 

God  haue  the  praife  for  our  deliuerance, 

And  next,  our  thankes  (Lord  Cobham)  is  to  thee, 

True  perfect  mirror  of  nobilitie.  exeunt. 

Enter  the  hofte^ftr  lohn  Old-caftle^  and  Harpoole.  Act  V 

Hofte  Sir, you  are  welcome  to  this  houfe,  to  fuch  as  heere  is  ^^-  '^' 
with  all  my  heart,  but  by  the  maffe  1  feare  your  lodging  wilbe  2 1 50 
the  woorft,  I  haue  but  two  beds,  and  they  are  both  in  a  cham- 
ber,and  thecarierandhis  daughter  lies  in  theone,and  you  and 
your  wife  muft  lie  in  the  other. 

L.  Cobh.  In  faith  fir, for  my  felfe  I  doe  not  greatly  pafle, 
My  wife  is  weary,  and  would  be  at  reft. 
For  we  haue  traueld  very  far  to  day. 
We  muft  be  content  with  fuch  as  you  haue. 

Hofte  But  I  cannot  tell  how  to  doe  with  your  man. 
Harpoole  What,  haft  thou  neuer  an  empty  roome  in  thy 
houfe  for  me.f*  2160 

Hofte  Not  a  bedde  by  my  troth :  there  came  a  poore  Irifti 
man,  and  I  lodgde  him  in  the  barne,  where  he  has  faire  ftraw, 
though  he  haue  nothing  elfe. 

Harp.  Well  mine  hofte,  I  pray  thee  helpe  mee  to  a  payre  of 
faire  ftieetes,  and  He  go  lodge  with  him. 

Hofte  By  the  mafte  that  thou  ftialt,  a  good  payre  of  hem- 
pen ftieetes,  were  neuer  laine  in:  Come.       exeunt. 

Enter  Constable,  Maior,  and  Watch.  Act  V 

Maior  What  haue  you  fearcht  the  towne?  ^''-  ^ 

Conft.  All  the  towne  fir,  we  haue  not  left  a  houfe  vnfearcht  2 1 70 
that  vfes  to  lodge. 

Maior  Surely  my  lord  of  Rochefter  was  then  deceiude, 
Or  ill  informde  of  fir  lohn  Old-caftle, 
Or  if  he  came  this  way,  hees  paft  the  towne. 
He  could  not  elfe  haue  fcapt  you  in  the  fearch. 

Conft.  The  priuy  watch  hath  beene  abroad  all  night. 
And  not  a  ftranger  lodgeth  in  the  towne 
But  he  is  knowne,  onely  a  lufty  prieft 
We  found  in  bed  with  a  pretty  wench, 

I  That 


The  firfl  part  of 


2180  That  fayes  fhe  is  his  wife,  yonder  at  the  fheeres: 

But  we  haue  chargde  the  hofte  with  his  forth  comming 
To  morow  morning. 

Maior  What  thinke  you  beft  to  do? 
Conft.  Faith  maifter  maior,  heeres  a  few  ftragling  houfes  be- 
yond the  bridge,  and  a  little  Inne  where  cariers  vfe  to  lodge, 
though  I  thinke  furely  he  would  nere  lodge  there:  but  weele 
go  fearch,&  the  rather,  becaufe  therecame  notice  to  the  towne 
the  laft  night  of  an  IrifK  man,  that  had  done  a  murder,  whome 
2 1 89  we  are  to  make  fearch  for. 

Maior  Come  I  pray  you,  and  be  circumfpect.     exeunt 
Act  V      Conft.  FirlT:  befet  the  houfe,  before  you  begin  the  fearch. 
sc.  vi        Officer  Content,  euery  man  take  a  feuerall  place. 

heere  is  heard  a  great  noyfe  within. 
Keepe,  keepe,  ftrike  him  downe  there,  downe  with  him. 
Enter  Const  able  with  the  Irijh  man  in  Harpooles  apparell. 
Con.  Come  you  villainous  heretique,  confefTe  where  your 
maifter  is. 

Iriftf  man  Vat  mefter.? 

Maior  Vat  mefter,  you  counterfeit  rebell,  this  ftiall  not 
2200  ferue  your  turne. 

IriJh  man  Be  fent  Patrike  I  ha  no  mefter. 
Con.  VVheres  the  lord  Cobham  ftr  lohn  Old-caftle  that 
lately  is  efcaped  out  of  the  Tower. 
Iriftj  man  Vat  lort  Cobham.? 

Maior  You  counterfeit,  this  ftial  not  ferue  you,  weele  tor- 
ture you,  weele  make  you  to  confeft*e  where  that  arch-here- 
tique  Lord  Cobham  is:  come  binde  him  faft. 
2208      IriJh  man  Ahone,  ahone,  ahone,  a  Cree. 

Con.  Ahone,  you  crafty  rafcall.?  exeunt. 

Act  V  Lord  Cobham  comes  out  in  his  gowne  ftealing. 

ic.  vti  Cobh.  Harpoole,  Harpoole,  I  heare  a  maruelous  noyfe  a- 
bout  the  houfe,  God  warant  vs,  I  feare  wee  are  purfued:  what 
Harpoole. 

Harp,  within.  Who  calles  there? 
Cobh.  Tis  I,  doft  thou  not  heare  a  noyfe  about  the  houfe? 

Harp. 


Jir  John  Old-caflle, 


Harp.  Yes  mary  doe  I,  zwounds,  1  can  not  finde  my  hofe, 
this  Irifh  rafcall  that  was  lodgde  with  me  all  night,  hath  ftolne 
myapparell,and  has  left  me  nothing  but  a  lowfie  mantle, anda 
paire  of  broags.  Get  vp,get  vp,and  if  the  carier  and  his  wench 
be  afleep, change  you  with  them  as  he  hath  done  with  me, and  2220 
fee  if  we  can  efcape. 

A  noyje  againe  heard  about  the  houje^  a  pretty  while,  then  en-  Act  V 
ter  the  Constable  meetingHarpoole  in  the  Irijh  mans  appar-  ^<^'  ^"' 
rell. 

Con.  Stand  clofe,  heere  comes  the  Irifh  man  that  didde  the 
murther,  by  all  tokens,  this  is  he. 

Maior  And  perceiuing  the  houfe  befet,  would  get  away: 
ftand  firra. 

Harp.  What  art  thou  that  bidft  me  ftand? 

Con.  I  am  the  Officer,  and  am  come  to  fearch  for  an  Irifti  2230 
man,fuch  a  villaine  as  thy  felfe,  that  haftmurtheredaman  this 
laft  night  by  the  hie  way. 

Harp.  Sbloud  Conftable,  art  thou  madde.''  am  I  an  Irifh 
man.-* 

Maior  Sirra,  weele  finde  you  an  Irifh  man  before  we  part: 
lay  hold  vpon  him. 

Con.  Make  him  faft:  O  thou  bloudy  rogue! 
Enter  Lor  dCobham  and  his  lady  in  the  carrier  andwenches 
apparrell. 

Cobham  What  will  thefe  Oftlers  fleepe  all  day?  2240 

Good  morow,  good  morow,  Come  wench,  come, 
Saddle,  faddle,  now  afore  God  too  foord-dayes,  ha? 

Con.  Who  comes  there? 

Maior  Oh  tis  Lankafhire  carier,  let  him  pafTe. 

Cobham  What,  will  no  body  open  the  gates  here? 
Come,  lets  int  ftable  to  looke  to  our  capons. 

The  carrier  calling. 

Club  calling  Hofte,  why  oftler,  zwookes,  heres  fuch  a  bo- 
mination  company  of  boies:  a  pox  of  this  pigftie  at  the  houfe 
end,  it  filles  all  the  houfe  full  of  fleas,  oftler,  oftler.  2250 

Oftler  Who  calles  there,  what  would  you  haue? 

I    2  Club 


The  first  part  of 


Club  Zwookes,  do  you  robbe  your  ghefts?  doe  you  lodge 
rogues  andflaues,and  fcoundrels,ha?theyha  ftolne  our  cloths 
here:  why  oftler? 

Ostler  A  murrein  choake  you,  what  a  bawling  you  keepe. 

Hojle  How  now,  what  woulde  the  carrier  haue?  looke  vp 
there. 

Ostler  They  fay  that  the  man  and  woman  that  lay  by  them 
haue  ftolne  their  clothes. 
2260      Hoste  What,  are  the  ftrange  folkes  vp  yet  that  came  in 
yefter  night.'' 

Const.  What  mine  hofte,  vp  fo  early.? 

Hoste  What,  maifter  Maior,  and  maifter  Conftable! 

Maior  We  are  come  to  feeke  for  fome  fufpected  perfons, 
and  fuch  as  heere  we  found,  haue  apprehended. 
Enter  theCarrier  and  Katein  lord  Cobhamand  ladies  apparell. 

Con.  Who  comes  heere.'' 

Club  Who  comes  heere?  a  plague  found  ome,  you  bawle 

quoth  a,  ods  hat.  He  forzweare  your  houfe,  you  lodgde  a  fel- 

2270  low  and  his  wife  by  vs  that  ha  runne  away  with  our  parrel,and 

left  vs  fuch  gew-gawes  here,  come  Kate,  come  to  mee,  thowfe 

dizeard  yfaith. 

Maior  Mine  hofte,  know  you  this  man.? 

Hoste  Yes  maifter  Maior,  He  giue  my  word  for  him,  why 
neibor  Club,  how  comes  this  geare  about.? 

Kate  Now  a  fowle  ont,  I  can  not  make  this  gew-gaw  ftand 
on  my  head,  now  the  lads  and  the  lafTes  won  flowt  me  too  too 

Const.  How  came  this  man  and  woman  thus  attired? 

Hoste  Here  came  a  man  and  woman  hither  this  laft  night, 
2280  which  I  did  take  for  fubftantiall  people,  and  lodgde  all  in  one 
chamber  by  thefe  folkes:  mee  thinkes,  haue  beene  fo  bolde  to 
change  apparell,and  gone  away  this  morning  ere  they  rofe. 

Maior  That  was  that  villaine  traitour  Old-caftle,  that  thus 
efcapedvs:  make  out  huyand  cry  yet  after  him,  keepe  faft  that 
traiterous  rebell  his  feruant  there :  farewell  mine  hofte. 

Carier  Come  Kate  Owdham,  thou  and  Ife  trimly  dizard. 

Kate  Ifaith  neame  Club,  Ife  wot  nere  what  to  do,  Ife  be  fo 

flowted 


Jir  yohn  Old-cajlle. 


flowted  and  fo  fhowted  at:  but  byth  mefle  Ife  cry.      exeunt. 

Enter  Prieji  and  Doll.  Act  V 

Jir  lohn  Come  Dol,  come,  be  mery  wench,  ^^-  " 

Farewell  Kent,  we  are  not  for  thee. 

Be  lufty  my  lafle,  come  for  Lancafhire,  2292 

We  muft  nip  the  Boung  for  thefe  crownes. 

Doll  Why  is  all  the  gold  fpent  already  that  you  had  the  o- 
ther  day? 

fir  lohn  Gone  Doll,  gone,  flowne, fpent,  vanifhed,  the  diuel, 
drinke  and  the  dice,  has  deuoured  all. 

Doll  You  might  haue  left  me  in  Kent,  that  you  might,  vntil 
you  had  bin  better  prouided,  I  could  haue  ftaied  at  Cobham. 

fir  lohn  No  Dol,  no,  ile  none  of  that,  Kent's  too  hot  Doll,  2300 
Kent's  too  hot:  the  weathercocke  of  Wrotham  will  crow  no 
longer,  we  haue  pluckt  him,  he  has  loft  his  feathers,  I  haue 
prunde  him  bare,  left  him  thrice,  is  moulted,  is  moulted, wech. 

Doll  Faith  fir  lohn,  I  might  haue  gone  to  feruice  againe, 
old  maifter  Harpoole  told  me  he  would  prouide  me  a  miftris. 

fir  lohn  Peace  Doll,  peace,  come  mad  wench,  Ile  make  thee 
an  honeft  woman,  weele  into  Lancafhire  to  our  friends,  the 
troth  is,  Ile  marry  thee,  we  want  but  a  little  mony  to  buy  vs  a 
horfe,  and  to  fpend  by  the  way,  the  next  ftieep  that  comes  fhal 
loofe  his  fleece,  weele  haue  thefe  crownes  wench  I  warrant  2310 
thee:  ftay,  who  comes  here ?fome  I rifhvillaine  me  thinkes  that 

enter  the  Irijh  man  with  his  mafier  fiaine. 
has  flaine  a  man,  and  drawes  him  out  of  the  way  to  rifle  him : 
ftand  clofe  Doll,  weele  fee  the  end. 

The  IriJh  man  falls  to  rifle  his  mafter. 
Alas  poe  mefter,  S.  Rifliard  Lee,  be  faint  Patricke  is  rob  and 
cut  thy  trote,for  dee  fliaine,and  dy  money,and  dee  gold  ring, 
be  me  truly  is  loue  thee  wel,  but  now  dow  be  kil  thee,bee  fliit- 
ten  kanaue. 

fir  lohn.  Stand  firra,  what  art  thou?  2320 

/r/y^»?rt«.BefaintPatrickemefterisporeIrifman,isaleufter. 

fir  lohn  Sirra,  firra,  you  are  a  damned  rogue,  you  haue  kil- 
led a  man  here,  and  rifled  him  of  all  that  he  has,  sbloud  you 

I    3  rogue 


The  firfl  part  of 


rogue  delluer,  or  ile  not  leaue  you  fo  much  as  an  Irifh  haire  a- 
boue  your  fhoulders,  you  whorfon  Irifh  dogge,  firra  vntrufTe 
prefently,  come  ofFand  difpatch,  or  by  this  crofTe  ile  fetch  your 
head  off  as  cleane  as  a  barke. 

Irijhman.  Wees  me  faint  Patricke,  Ife  kill  me  mefter  for 
chaineand  his  ring,  and  nows  be  rob  of  all,  mees  vndoo. 
2330  Prieji  robs  him. 

fir  lohn  Auant  you  rafcal,  go  firra,  be  walking,  come  Doll 
the  diuel  laughes,  when  one  theefe  robs  another,  come  madde 
wench,  weele  to  faint  Albons,  and  reuel  in  our  bower,  hey  my 
braue  girle. 

Doll  O  thou  art  old  fir  lohn, when  all's  done  yfaith. 
Act  V  Enter  the  hojie  of  the  Bell^with  the  Iriflj  man. 

sc.  Hi  Irijhman  Be  me  tro  mefter  is  pore  Irifman,  is  want  ludging, 
is  haue  no  mony,  is  ftarue  and  cold,  good  mefter  giue  her  some 
meate,  is  famife  and  tie. 
2340  Hoft  Yfaith  my  fellow  I  haue  no  lodging,  but  what  I  keep 
for  my  guefle,  that  I  may  not  difapoint,  as  for  meate  thou  ftialt 
haue  fuch  as  there  is,  &  if  thou  wilt  lie  i  n  the  barne,  theres  faire 
ft  raw,  and  roome  enough. 

Irijhman  Is  thanke  my  mefter  hartily,  de  ftraw  is  good  bed 
for  me. 

Hoji  Ho  Robin.? 

Robin  Who  calls,? 

Hojl  Shew  this  poore  Iriftiman  into  the  barne,  go  firra. 

exeunt. 
2350  Enter  carrier  and  Kate. 

Club.  Ho,  who's  within  here,  who  lookesto  the  horfes? 
Gods  hatte  heres  fine  worke,  the  hens  in  the  manger,  and  the 
hogs  in  the  litter,  a  bots  found  you  all,  heres  a  houfe  well  lookt 
too  yvaith. 

Kate  Mas  goffe  Club,  Ife  very  cawd. 

Club.  Get  in  Kate,  get  in  to  fier  and  warme  thee. 

Club  Ho  lohn  Hoftler. 

Hojller  What  gaffer  Club,  welcome  to  faint  Albons, 
How  does  all  our  friends  in  Lancaftiire.? 

Club. 


fir  John  Old'Caftle 


Club  Well  God  haue  mercie  lohn,  how  does  Tom,  wheres  2360 
he? 

Hojiler  O  Tom  is  gone  from  hence,  hees  at  the  three 
horfe-loues  at  Stony-ftratford,  how  does  old  Dick  Dunne? 

Club  Gods  hatte  old  Dunne  has  bin  moyerd  in  a  flough  in 
Brickhil-lane,  a  plague  found  it,  yonder  is  fuch  abhomination 
weather  as  neuer  was  feene. 

HoJller.  Gods  hat  thiefe,  haue  one  half  pecke  of  peafe  and 
oates  more  for  that,  as  I  am  lohn  Oftler,  hee  has  been  euer  as 
good  a  iade  as  euer  traueld. 

Club  Faith  well  faid  old  lacke,  thou  art  the  old  lad  ftil.  2370 

Hojiler  Come  Gaffer  Club,  vnlode,  vnlode,  and  get  to  fup- 
per,  and  He  rub  dunne  the  while.  Come.         exeunt. 

Enter  fir  lohn  Old-cajile^and  his  Lady  difguifde.  Act  V 

Oldca.  Come  Madam,  happily  efcapt,  here  let  vs  (it,  ^^'  '■*■ 

This  place  is  farre  remote  from  any  path. 
And  here  awhile  our  weary  limbs  may  reft, 
To  take  refrefhing,  free  from  the  purfuite 
Of  enuious  Winchefter. 

Lady  But  where  (my  Lord,) 
Shall  we  find  reft  for  our  difquiet  minds?  2380 

There  dwell  vntamed  thoughts  that  hardly  ftoupe, 
To  fuch  abafement  of  difdained  rags. 
We  were  not  wont  to  trauell  thus  by  night, 
Efpecially  on  foote. 

Oldca.  No  matter  loue. 
Extremities  admit  no  better  choice. 
And  were  it  not  for  thee,  fay  froward  time, 
Impofde  a  greater  taske,  I  would  efteeme  it 
As  lightly  as  the  wind  that  blowes  vpon  vs, 
But  in  thy  fufferance  I  am  doubly  taskt,  2390 

Thou  waft  not  wont  to  haue  the  earth  thy  ftoole. 
Nor  the  moift  dewy  grafle  thy  pillow,  nor 
Thy  chamber  to  be  the  wide  horrifon. 

Lady  How  can  it  feeme  a  trouble,  hauing  you 
A  partner  with  me,  in  the  worft  I  feele? 

No 


The  first  part  of 


No  gentle  Lord,  your  prefence  would  giue  eafe 
To  death  it  felfe,  fhould  he  now  feaze  vpon  me, 
Behold  what  my  forefight  hath  vndertane      heres  bread  and 
For  feare  we  faint,  they  are  but  homely  cates,  cheeje  ^  a  bottle, 
2400  Yet  faucde  with  hunger,  they  may  feeme  as  fweete, 
As  greater  dainties  we  were  wont  to  tafte. 

Oldca.  Praife  be  to  him  whofe  plentie  fends  both  this, 
And  all  things  elfe  our  mortall  bodies  need. 
Nor  fcorne  we  this  poore  feeding,  nor  the  ftate 
We  now  are  in,  for  what  is  it  on  earth. 
Nay  vnder  heauen,  continues  at  a  ftay? 
Ebbes  not  the  fea,  when  it  hath  ouerflowne? 
Flowes  not  darknes  when  the  day  is  gone? 
And  fee  we  not  fometime  the  eie  of  heauen, 
2410  Dimmd  with  ouerflying  clowdes:  theres  not  that  worke 
Of  carefull  nature,  or  of  cunning  art, 
(How  ftrong,  how  beauteous,  or  how  rich  It  be) 
But  falls  in  time  to  ruine:  here  gentle  Madame, 
In  this  one  draught  I  wafh  my  forrow  downe.       drinkes. 

Lady  And  I  incoragde  with  your  cheerefuU  fpeech, 
Wil  do  the  like. 

Oldca.  Pray  God  poore  Harpoole  come. 
If  he  fhould  fall  into  the  Bifhops  hands. 
Or  not  remember  where  we  bade  him  meete  vs, 
2420  It  were  the  thing  of  all  things  elfe,  that  now 
Could  breede  reuolt  in  this  new  peace  of  mind. 

Lady  Feare  not  my  Lord,  hees  witty  to  deuife, 
And  ftrong  to  execute  a  prefent  fhift. 

Oldca.  That  power  be  ftil  his  guide  hath  guided  vs, 
My  drowfie  eies  waxe  heauy,  earely  rifing. 
Together  with  the  trauell  we  haue  had. 
Make  me  that  I  could  gladly  take  a  nap. 
Were  I  perfwaded  we  might  be  fecure. 

Lady  Let  that  depend  on  me,  whilft  you  do  fleepe, 
2430  He  watch  that  no  misfortune  happen  vs. 

Lay  then  your  head  vpon  my  lap  fweete  Lord, 

And 


Jir  lohn  Old-caflle 


And  boldly  take  your  reft. 

Oldca.  I  fhal  deare  wife, 
Be  too  much  trouble  to  thee. 

Lady  Vrge  not  that, 
My  duty  binds  me,  and  your  loue  commands. 
I  would  I  had  the  skil  with  tuned  voyce. 
To  draw  on  fleep  with  fome  fweet  melodie, 
But  imperfectoin  and  vnaptnefTe  too, 

Are  both  repugnant,  feare  inferts  the  one,  2440 

The  other  nature  hath  denied  me  vfe. 
But  what  talke  I  of  meanes  to  purchafe  that, 
Is  freely  hapned }  fleepe  with  gentle  hand. 
Hath  fhut  his  eie-liddes,  oh  victorious  labour. 
How  foone  thy  power  can  charme  the  bodies  {qv\.{q  ? 
And  now  thou  likewife  climbft  vnto  my  braine. 
Making  my  heauy  temples  ftoupe  to  thee. 
Great  God  of  heauen  from  danger  keepe  vs  free,  bothjleepes. 
Enter  fir  Richard  Lee^  and  his  men 

Lee.  A  murder  clofely  done  and  in  my  ground .''  2450 

Search  carefully,  if  any  where  it  were. 
This  obfcure  thicket  is  the  likelieft  place. 

Jeruant.  Sir  I  haue  found  the  body  ftiffe  with  cold. 
And  mangled  cruelly  with  many  wounds. 

Lee  Looke  if  thou  knoweft  him,  turne  his  body  vp, 
Alacke  it  is  my  fon,  my  fonne  and  heire, 
Whom  two  yeares  fince,  I  fent  to  Ireland, 
To  practife  there  the  difcipline  of  warre. 
And  comming  home  (for  fo  he  wrote  to  me) 
Some  fauage  hart,  fome  bloudy  diuellifh  hand,  2460 

Either  in  hate,  or  thirfting  for  his  coyne. 
Hath  here  flucde  out  his  bloud,  vnhappy  houre, 
Accurfed  place,  but  moft  inconftant  fate, 
That  hadft  referude  him  from  the  bullets  fire, 
And  fuffered  him  to  fcape  the  wood-karnes  fury, 
Didft  here  ordaine  the  treafure  of  his  life, 
(Euen  here  within  the  armes  of  tender  peace, 

K  And 


The  first  part  of 


And  where  fecurity  gate  greateft  hope) 

To  be  confumde  by  treafons  waftefuU  hand  ? 

2470  And  what  is  moft  afflicting  to  my  foule, 

That  this  his  death  and  murther  fhould  be  wrought, 
Without  the  knowledge  by  whofe  meanes  twas  done, 
1  Jeru.  Not  fo  fir,  I  haue  found  the  authors  of  it. 
See  where  they  fit,  and  in  their  bloudy  fiftes, 
The  fatall  inftruments  of  death  and  finne. 

Lee  luft  iudgementof  that  power,  whofe  gracious  eie, 
Loathing  the  fight  of  fuch  a  hainous  fact, 
Dazeled  their  fenfes  with  benumming  fleepe. 
Till  their  vnhallowed  treachery  were  knowne : 

2480  Awake  ye  monfters,  murderers  awake. 

Tremble  for  horror,  blufh  you  cannot  chufe. 
Beholding  this  inhumane  deed  of  yours. 

Old.  What  meane  you  fir  to  trouble  weary  foules. 
And  interrupt  vs  of  our  quiet  fleepe  ? 

Lee  Oh  diuellifli !  can  you  boaft  vnto  your  felues 
Of  quiet  fleepe,  hauing  within  your  hearts 
The  guilt  of  murder  waking,  that  with  cries 
Deafes  the  lowd  thunder,  and  follicites  heauen. 
With  more  than  Mandrakes  flireekes  for  your  offence  ? 

2490      Lady  Old.  What  murder?  you  vpbraidvs  wrongfully. 
Lee  Can  you  deny  the  fact?  fee  you  not  heere. 
The  body  of  my  fonne  by  you  mif-done  ? 
Looke  on  his  wounds,  looke  on  his  purple  hew : 
Do  we  not  finde  you  where  the  deede  was  done  ? 
Were  not  your  kniues  fafl:  clofed  in  your  hands  ? 
Is  not  this  cloth  an  argument  befide. 
Thus  ftaind  and  fpotted  with  his  innocent  blood? 
Thefe  fpeaking  characters,  were  nothing  elfe 
To  pleade  againfl:  ye,  would  conuict  you  both. 

2500  Bring  them  away,  bereauers  of  my  ioy. 
At  Hartford  where  the  Sifes  now  are  kept. 
Their  liues  fliall  anfwere  for  my  fonnes  loft  life. 
Old-cajlle  As  we  are  innocent,  fo  may  we  fpeede. 

Lee 


fir  jfohn  Old'Caflle, 


Lee  As  I  am  wrongd,  fo  may  the  law  proceede.    exeunt. 
Enter  bifhop  of  Rochester  ^  constable  of  S .  AlbonSjWithftr  lohn  Act  V 
of  Wrotham^  Doll  his  wench,  and  the  Irifhman  in  Har-  ^'^-  ^ 
pooles  ap par  ell. 

Bifhop  What  intricate  confufion  haue  we  heere? 
Not  two  houres  fince  we  apprehended  one, 
In  habite  Irifh,  but  in  fpeech,  not  fo:  2510 

And  now  you  bring  another,  that  in  fpeech 
Is  altogether  Irifh,  but  in  habite 
Seemes  to  be  Englifh :  yea  and  more  than  fo, 
The  feruant  of  that  heretike  Lord  Cobham. 

Irifhman  Fait  me  be  no  feruant  of  the  lord  Cobhams, 
Me  be  Mack  Chane  of  Vlfter. 

Bifhop  Otherwife  calld  Harpoole  of  Kent,  go  to  fir. 
You  cannot  blinde  vs  with  your  broken  Irifh. 

fir  lohn  Truft  me,  my  Lord  Bifhop,  whether  Irifh, 
Or  Englifh,  Harpoole  or  not  Harpoole,  that  2520 

I  leaue  to  be  decided  by  the  triall : 
But  fure  I  am  this  man  by  face  and  fpeech 
Is  he  that  murdred  yong  fir  Richard  Lee  : 
I  met  him  prefently  vpon  the  fact. 
And  that  he  fiew  his  maifter  for  that  gold, 
Thofe  iewells,  and  that  chaine  I  tooke  from  him. 

Bifhop  Well,  our  affaires  doe  call  vs  backe  to  London, 
So  that  we  cannot  profecute  the  caufe 
As  we  defire  to  do,  therefore  we  leaue 

The  charge  with  you,  to  fee  they  be  conuaide  2530 

To  Hartford  Sife :  both  this  counterfaite 
And  you  fir  lohn  of  Wrotham,  and  your  wench, 
For  you  are  culpable  as  well  as  they. 
Though  not  for  murder,  yet  for  felony. 
But  fince  you  are  the  meanes  to  bring  to  light 
This  graceleffe  murder,  you  fhall  beare  with  you. 
Our  letters  to  the  ludges  of  the  bench. 
To  be  your  friendes  in  what  they  lawfull  may. 

fir  lohn  I  thanke  your  Lordfhip.  2539 

K  2  Bifh. 


The  fir  ft  part  of 


Bijh.   So,  away  with  them.  exeunt. 

Act  V  Enter  Gaoler  and  his  man^  bringing  forth  Old  castle. 

^''  ^^       Gaoler  Bring  forth  the  prifoners,  fee  the  court  preparde, 
The  luftices  are  comming  to   the  bench. 
So,  let  him  ftand,  away,  and  fetch  the  reft.  exeunt. 

Old.  Oh  giue  me  patience  to  indure  this  fcourge, 
Thou  that  art  fountaine  of  that  vertuous  ftreame, 
And  though  contempt,  falfe  "witnes,  and  reproch 
Hang  on  thefe  yron  gyues,  to  preffe  my  life 
As  low  as  earth,  yet  ftrengthen  me  with  faith, 
2550  That  I  may  mount  in  fpirite  aboue  the  cloudes. 

Enter  Gaoler  bringing  in  Lady  Old-cajile.,  and  Harpoole, 
Here  comes  my  lady,  forow  tis  for  her. 
Thy  wound  is  greeuous,  elfe  I  fcoffe  at  thee. 
What  and  poore  Harpoole !  art  thou  ith  bryars  too } 
Harp.  Ifaith  my  Lord,  I  am  in,  get  out  how  I  can. 
Lady  Say  (gentle  Lord)  for  now  we  are  alone, 
And  may  conferre,  fhall  we  confefTe  in  briefe. 
Of  whence,  and  what  we  are,  and  fo  preuent 
The  accufation  is  commencde  againft  vs.'' 
2560      Old.  Whatwill  that helpe  vs.'' being knowne,fweeteloue, 
We  fhall  for  herefie  be  put  to  death, 
For  fo  they  tearme  the  religion  we  profefTe. 
No,  if  it  be  ordained  we  muft  die. 
And  at  this  inftant,  this  our  comfort  be. 
That  of  the  guilt  impofde,  our  foules  are  free. 

Harp.  Yea,  yea  my  lord,  Harpoole  is  fo  refolude, 
I  wreake  of  death  the  lefTe,  in  that  I  die 
Not  by  the  fentence  of  that  enuious  prieft 
The  Bifhop  of  Rochefter,  oh  were  it  he, 
2570  Or  by  his  meanes  that  I  fhould  fuffer  here, 
It  would  be  double  torment  to  my  foule. 

Lady  Well,  be  it  then  according  as  heauen  pleafe. 
Enter  lord  ludge^  two  lujiices,  Maior  of  Saint  Albons^  lord 
Powejfeandhis  lady  ^and  old  fir  Richard  Lee:  the  ludge 
and  luftices  take  their  places. 

ludge 


fir  yohn  Old'Caflle, 


ludge  Now  M.  Maior,  what  gentleman  is  that, 
You  bring  with  you,  before  vs,  and  the  bench  ? 

Maior  The  Lord  Powes  if  it  like  your  honor, 
And  this  his  Lady,  trauelling  toward  Wales, 
Who  for  they  lodgde  laft  night  within  my  houfe,  2580 

And  my  Lord  Bifhop  did  lay  fearch  for  fuch. 
Were  very  willing  to  come  on  with  me. 
Left  for  their  fakes,  fufpition  we  might  wrong. 

ludge  We  crie  your  honor  mercy  good  my  Lord, 
Wilt  pleafe  ye  take  your  place,  madame  your  ladyfhip, 
May  here  or  where  you  will  repofe  your  felfe, 
Vntill  this  bufineffe  now  in  hand  be  paft. 

Lady  Po.   I  will  withdraw  into  fome  other  roome. 
So  that  your  Lordfhip,  and  the  reft  be  pleafde. 

ludge  With  all  our  hearts  :  attend  the  Lady  there.  2590 

LordPo.  Wife,  I  haueeydeyondprifonersall  this  while. 
And  my  conceit  doth  tel  me,  tis  our  friend. 
The  noble  Cobham,  and  his  vertuous  Lady. 

Lady  Po.   I  think  no  lefTe,  are  they  fufpected  trow  ye 
For  doing  of  this  murder.'' 

Lord  Po.  What  it  meanes, 
I  cannot  tell,  but  we  fhall  know  anon, 
Meane  fpace  as  you  pafte  by  them,  ask  the  queftion, 
But  do  it  fecr  etly,  you  be  not  feene. 
And  make  fome  figne  that  I  may  know  your  mind.  2600 

Lady  Po.  My  Lord  Cobham,  madam  .''   as/lie  pajfethouerthe 

Old.  NoCobha  now,  nor  madam  asyoulouevs,  ftagebythe. 
But  lohn  of  Lancaftiire,  and  lone  his  wife. 

Lady  Po.  Oh  tel, what  is  it  that  our  loue  can  do, 
To  pleafure  you,  for  we  are  bound  to  you. 

Oldca.  Nothing  but  this, that  you  conceale  our  names. 
So  gentle  lady  paffe  for  being  fpied. 

LadyPo.  MyheartIleaue,tobearepartofyourgriefe.   exit. 

ludge  Call  the  prifoners  to  the  barre  :  fir  Richard  Lee, 
What  euidence  can  you  bring  againft  thefe  people,  2610 

To  proue  them  guiltie  of  the  murder  done } 

K    3  Lee. 


The  first  part  of 


Lee.  This  bloudy  towell,  and  thefe  naked  kniues, 
Befide  we  found  them  fitting  by  the  place, 
Where  the  dead  body  lay  within  a  bufh. 

ludge  What  anfwer  you  why  law  fhould  not  proceed, 
According  to  this  euidence  giuen  in, 
To  taxe  ye  with  the  penalty  of  death  ? 

Old.  That  we  are  free  from  murders  very  thought, 
And  know  not  how  the  gentleman  was  ilaine. 
2620       I  lufi.  How  came  this  linnen  cloth  fo  boudy  then  ? 

Lady  Cob.  My  husband  hot  with  trauelling  my  lord, 
His  nofe  guflit  out  a  bleeding,  that  was  it.  (fheathde? 

2  lufi.  But  wherefore  were  your  fharpe  edgde  kniues  vn- 

Lady  Cob.  To  cut  fuch  fimple  victuall  as  we  had. 

ludge  Say  we  admit  this  anfwer  to  thofe  articles. 
What  made  ye  in  fo  priuate  a  darke  nooke. 
So  far  remote  from  any  common  path. 
As  was  the  thicke  where  the  dead  corpes  was  throwne } 

Old.   lournying  my  lord  from  London  from  the  terme, 
2630  Downe  into  Lancafhire  where  we  do  dwell, 
And  what  with  age  and  trauell  being  faint. 
We  gladly  fought  a  place  where  we  might  reft. 
Free  from  refort  of  other  pafiengers. 
And  fo  we  ftrayed  into  that  fecret  corner. 

ludge  Thefe  are  but  ambages  to  driue  of  time, 
And  linger  luftice  from  her  purpofde  end. 
But  who  are  thefe  ? 

Enter  the  Confi  able  ^bringing  in  the  Irijhman^fir  John  of 
Wrotham^  and  Doll. 
2640       Confi.   Stay  Judgement,  and  releafe  thofe  innocents. 
For  here  is  hee,  whofe  hand  hath  done  the  deed, 
For  which  they  ftand  indited  at  the  barre, 
This  fauage  villaine,  this  rude  Irifti  flaue. 
His  tongue  already  hath  confeft  the  fact. 
And  here  is  witnes  to  confirme  as  much. 

ftr  John  Yes  my  good  Lords,  no  fooner  had  he  flaine 
His  louing  mafter  for  the  wealth  he  had. 

But 


Jir  yohn  Old-cajlle. 


But  I  vpon  the  inftant  met  with  him, 

And  what  he  purchacde  with  the  lofle  of  bloud : 

With  ftrokes  I  prefently  bereau'de  him  of,  2650 

Some  of  the  which  is  fpent,  the  reft  remaining, 

I  wilHngly  furrender  to  the  hands 

Of  old  fir  Richard  Lee,  as  being  his, 

Befide  my  Lord  ludge,  I  greet  your  honor, 

With  letters  from  my  Lord  of  Winchefter.    deliuers  a  letter. 

Lee  Is  this  the  wolfe  whofe  thirfty  throate  did  drinke 
My  deare  fonnes  bloud  ?  art  thou  the  fnake 
He  cheriftit,  yet  with  enuious  piercing  fting, 
AfTaildft  him  mortally  ?  foule  ftigmatike. 

Thou  venome  of  the  country  where  thou  liuedft,  2660 

And  peftilence  of  this :  were  it  not  that  law 
Stands  ready  to  reuenge  thy  crueltie. 
Traitor  to  God,  thy  mafter,  and  to  me, 
Thefe  hands  fhould  be  thy  executioner. 

ludge  Patience  fir  Richard  Lee,  you  fhall  haue  iuftice, 
And  he  the  guerdon  of  his  bafe  defert. 
The  fact  is  odious,  therefore  take  him  hence. 
And  being  hangde  vntil  the  wretch  be  dead. 
His  body  after  fhall  be  hangd  in  chaines, 
Neare  to  the  place,  where  he  did  act  the  murder.  2670 

Irijh.  Prethee  Lord  fhudge  let  me  haue  mine  own  clothes, 
my  ftrouces  there, and  let  me  be  hangd  ina  with  after  mycun- 
try,  the  Irifh  fafhion.  exit. 

ludge  Go  to,  away  with  him,  and  now  fir  lohn. 
Although  by  you,  this  murther  came  to  light. 
And  therein  you  haue  well  deferu'd,  yet  vpright  law, 
So  will  not  haue  you  be  excufde  and  quit. 
For  you  did  rob  the  Irifiiman,  by  which 
You  ftand  attained  here  of  felony, 

Befide,  you  haue  bin  lewd,  and  many  yeares  2680 

Led  a  lafciuious  vnbefeeming  life. 

ftr  lohn  Oh  but  my  Lord,  he  repents,ifir  lohn  repents,  and 
he  will  mend. 

ludge. 


The  firfl  part  of 


ludge  In  hope  thereof,  together  with  the  fauour, 
My  Lord  of  Winchefter  intreates  for  you, 
We  are  content  you  fhall  be  proued. 

fir  lohn  I  thanke  your  good  Lordfhip, 

ludge  Thefe  other  falfly  here,  accufde,  and  brought 
In  perill  wrongfully,  we  in  like  fort 
2690  Do  fet  at  liberty,  paying  their  fees. 

Lord  Po.  That  office  if  it  pleafe  ye  I  will  do, 
For  countries  fake,  becaufe  I  know  them  well. 
They  are  my  neighbours,  therefore  of  my  coft. 
Their  charges  fhall  be  paide. 

Lee.  And  for  amends. 
Touching  the  wrong  vnwittingly  I  haue  done. 
There  are  a  few  crownes  more  for  them  to  drinke.  giues  them 

ludge.  Your  kindnesmeritespraife  fir  Richard  Lee,  apurfe. 
Solet  vs  hence.  exeunt  allhutLord  P  owejfe  andOldcaftle . 

2700      Lord  Po.  But  PowefTe  ftill  mufl  flay, 
There  yet  remaines  a  part  of  that  true  loue, 
He  owes  his  noble  friend  vnfatisfide, 
And  vnperformd,  which  firft  of  all  doth  bind  me, 
To  gratulate  your  lordfhips  fafe  deliuery, 
And  then  intreat,  that  (ince  vnlookt  for  thus. 
We  here  are  met,  your  honor  would  vouchfafe. 
To  ride  with  me  to  Wales,  where  though  my  power, 
(Though  not  to  quittance  thofe  great  benefites, 
I  haue  receiud  of  you)  yet  both  my  houfe, 
27 1 c  My  purfe,  my  feruants,  and  what  elfe  I  haue, 
Are  all  at  your  command,  deny  me  not, 
I  know  the  Bifhops  hate  purfues  ye  fo. 
As  theres  no  fafety  in  abiding  here. 

Old.  Tis  true  my  Lord,  and  God  forgiue  him  for  it. 

LordPo.  Then  let  vs  hence,  you  fhall  be  flraight  prouided 
Of  lufty  geldings,  and  once  entred  Wales, 
Well  may  the  Bifhop  hunt,  but  fpight  his  face, 
He  neuer  more  (hall  haue  the  game  in  chace.  exeunt. 

FINIS. 


The  M  alone  Society 


AT  a  meeting  held  at  University  College  on  July  30,  1906, 
Dr.  Gregory  Foster  presiding,  there  was  founded  a 
Society,  with  the  name  of  the  Malone  Society,  and  as  its 
object  the  production  of  accurate  copies  of  the  best  editions  of 
early  plays,  without  prejudice  to  any  further  development  of 
scope  which  may  be  found  advisable. 

An  organizing  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  draw  up 
rules  for  the  Society,  to  receive  applications  for  membership  (at 
an  annual  subscription  of  one  guinea),  to  put  work  in  hand, 
and  to  report  to  a  meeting  of  the  Society  to  be  convened  at  the 
end  of  06lober  or  beginning  of  November  next. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  original  promoters  of  the 
Society : 


F.  S.  Boas. 
A.  H.  Bullen. 
Henry  Bradley. 
Alois  Brandl. 

E.  K.  Chambers. 

G.  B.  Churchill, 
W.  McN.  Dixon. 
Edward  Dowden. 
Oliver  Elton. 
Ewald  FlUgel. 

T.  Gregory  Foster. 


C.  M.  Gayley. 
Israel  Gollancz. 
H.  F.  Heath. 
W.  P.  Ker. 
Sidney  Lee, 
J.  M,  Manly, 
A.  W,  Pollard, 
Walter  Raleigh, 
Percy  Simpson, 
George  Saintsbury, 
G.  Gregory  Smith, 


The  first  year's  publications  will  be  seleded  from  the  follow- 
ing list: 

The  Beauty  of  Women  (Calisto  and  Melibaea).    F*',  n.  d. 

Wealth  and  Health.    4°,  n.  d. 

St.  John  the  Evangelist.    4°,  n.  d. 

Damon  and  Pithias,  by  R.  Edwards.    4*^,  1571. 

Apius  and  Virginia,  by  R.  B.    4°,  1575. 

The  Battle  of  Alcazar.    4'*,  1594. 

Orlando  Furioso.    4",  1594. 

A  Knack  to  Know  an  Honest  Man.    4*^,  1596. 

Sir  John  Oldcastle.    4°,  1 600. 

The  Weakest  goeth  to  the  Wall.    4*^',  1600. 

King  Leir  and  his  Three  Daughters.    4'^,  1 605. 

Sir  Thomas  More.    MS.  Harley  7368. 

The  first  subscription  will  cover  till  December  31,  1907. 
The  amount  of  work  which  it  will  be  possible  to  issue  to 
members  will,  of  course,  largely  depend  on  the  number  of  sub- 
scriptions, but  it  is  hoped  that  it  may  be  possible  to  issue  on 
an  average  one  play  for  every  twenty-five  members,  besides 
carrying  on  the  ordinary  business  of  the  Society  and  issuing 
a  fly-sheet  dealing  with  matters  likely  to  be  of  interest  to 
members. 

All  communications  should  be  addressed  to  the  Provisional 
Honorary  Secretary,  W.  W.  Greg,  Park  Lodge,  Wimbledon, 
S.W. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


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