RALPH ROISTER DOISTERA COMEDY

L. of Gospel.Doubt you nothing at all, for God will so provide,Who leaveth not his elect to defend and to guide;That wherever I come, such grace you may find,As shall in each point content well your mind,And admit that they call you New Custom, what then?Attribute that folly to the ignorance of men,That follow their fancies, and know not the rightWell, you know where I come once, the LightOf the Gospel, whose beams do glister so clear,Then, Primitive Constitution, in each place you appear;And as elsewhere you have been, so do not mistrust,But in this place hereafter be received you must.New Cus.According to your nature, so do you very wellTo put me in good hope, bright Light of the Gospel.And seeing you be true, I may in no wiseMisdeem you the father or author of lies:For if trust to the gospel do purchase perpetuanceOf life unto him, who therein hath confidence,What shall the light do, whose beams be so bright,That in each respect all things else of lightAre but very darkness, and eke terrestrial?So the Light of the Gospel overshineth them all.Wherefore with great comfort I receive your counsel,With hearty thanks unto you, the Light of the Gospel.L. of Gospel.Do so, and by faith then shall you obtainWhatsoever you desire, the scripture saith plain:Forquicquid petieritis in nomine meo,It must of truth needs be understood so:That without faith, whatsoever we fortune to crave,We may not look for it our desire to have.Faith moveth mountains, so it be pure faith indeed;By faith we obtain whatsoever we need.Then faith shall restore to you more things than this,Believe me, Primitive Constitution, whatsoever is amiss.But where be those reprobates, devoid of all grace,Who lately misused you, as you said, in this place?New Cus.They be suddenly departed, I wot not well whither;For I left them right now both here together.They cannot be far hence, I know very well,Where they be, there is none, if we ask, but can tell.L. of Gospel.Do you know them again, if you meet them aright?New Cus.Yea, sir, that I do, even at the first sight.L. of Gospel.Then let us not tarry, but go seek them straight.New Cus.At hand I am ready on you for to wait.[Exeunt.

L. of Gospel.Doubt you nothing at all, for God will so provide,

Who leaveth not his elect to defend and to guide;

That wherever I come, such grace you may find,

As shall in each point content well your mind,

And admit that they call you New Custom, what then?

Attribute that folly to the ignorance of men,

That follow their fancies, and know not the right

Well, you know where I come once, the Light

Of the Gospel, whose beams do glister so clear,

Then, Primitive Constitution, in each place you appear;

And as elsewhere you have been, so do not mistrust,

But in this place hereafter be received you must.

New Cus.According to your nature, so do you very wellTo put me in good hope, bright Light of the Gospel.And seeing you be true, I may in no wiseMisdeem you the father or author of lies:For if trust to the gospel do purchase perpetuanceOf life unto him, who therein hath confidence,What shall the light do, whose beams be so bright,That in each respect all things else of lightAre but very darkness, and eke terrestrial?So the Light of the Gospel overshineth them all.Wherefore with great comfort I receive your counsel,With hearty thanks unto you, the Light of the Gospel.

New Cus.According to your nature, so do you very well

To put me in good hope, bright Light of the Gospel.

And seeing you be true, I may in no wise

Misdeem you the father or author of lies:

For if trust to the gospel do purchase perpetuance

Of life unto him, who therein hath confidence,

What shall the light do, whose beams be so bright,

That in each respect all things else of light

Are but very darkness, and eke terrestrial?

So the Light of the Gospel overshineth them all.

Wherefore with great comfort I receive your counsel,

With hearty thanks unto you, the Light of the Gospel.

L. of Gospel.Do so, and by faith then shall you obtainWhatsoever you desire, the scripture saith plain:Forquicquid petieritis in nomine meo,It must of truth needs be understood so:That without faith, whatsoever we fortune to crave,We may not look for it our desire to have.Faith moveth mountains, so it be pure faith indeed;By faith we obtain whatsoever we need.Then faith shall restore to you more things than this,Believe me, Primitive Constitution, whatsoever is amiss.But where be those reprobates, devoid of all grace,Who lately misused you, as you said, in this place?

L. of Gospel.Do so, and by faith then shall you obtain

Whatsoever you desire, the scripture saith plain:

Forquicquid petieritis in nomine meo,

It must of truth needs be understood so:

That without faith, whatsoever we fortune to crave,

We may not look for it our desire to have.

Faith moveth mountains, so it be pure faith indeed;

By faith we obtain whatsoever we need.

Then faith shall restore to you more things than this,

Believe me, Primitive Constitution, whatsoever is amiss.

But where be those reprobates, devoid of all grace,

Who lately misused you, as you said, in this place?

New Cus.They be suddenly departed, I wot not well whither;For I left them right now both here together.They cannot be far hence, I know very well,Where they be, there is none, if we ask, but can tell.

New Cus.They be suddenly departed, I wot not well whither;

For I left them right now both here together.

They cannot be far hence, I know very well,

Where they be, there is none, if we ask, but can tell.

L. of Gospel.Do you know them again, if you meet them aright?

New Cus.Yea, sir, that I do, even at the first sight.

L. of Gospel.Then let us not tarry, but go seek them straight.

New Cus.At hand I am ready on you for to wait.[Exeunt.

ACTUS II., SCENA 2.

Hypocrisy,Perverse Doctrine,andIgnoranceenter.

Hypocrisy.Perverse Doctrine, I say, take heed in any sort.That thou never believe whatsoever they report,Though they of the Gospel never so much do preach,Every man will not credit whatsoever they teach.They will not say,all believe, when they do not, I promise thee:For that time will never come in this world, trust me.Tush, tush, be thou busied in any caseTo discredit their preaching in every place.If they teach them one thing, then teach thou the contrary;And if that no scripture for thy place thou have ready,In words that supply, which wanteth in reason,For ill things applied sometime in good season,As of better eftsoons do import the weight,So they be well ordered by good policy and sleight.Howbeit their doctrine be sound, yet their vices find out,As this is a sloven, or this is a lout:He speaketh on envy, such a one for need;This saith it in words, but he thinketh it not in deed.Upon greater occasion they stick not to rave,Saying, this is a whoremaster villain, he, an heretic knave,An extortioner, a thief, a traitor, a murtherer,A covetous person, a common usurer.This he doth for my mistress his wife's sake, by the rood,The better to maintain and support the French hood.[21]Remember also, that it were a great shameFor thee for to have forgotten thy own name.Perverse Doctrine, of right, must the truth so pervert,That he never let it sink into any man's heart:As far as he can, with diligence withstand,For ever it behoveth thee to be ready at hand,To strengthen thine own parts, and disprove other doctrine,Whatsoever shall be taught that is contrary to thine:Still pretend religion, whatsoever you say,And that shall get thee good credit alway,Pleasing the multitude with such kind of gear,[22]As with them, to the which most inclined they are.Square caps, long gowns, with tippets of silk,Brave copes in the church, surplices as white as milk,Beads, and such like: all these bear the price.To these things apply thy attendant device:And other likewise, which well you do know,Which all of great holiness do set forth a show.Though some of them, doubtless, be indifferent, what matter!They furnish our business never the latter.For these, of antiquity since that they do smell,Our cause must commend right wonderful well:And these be the things whereof thou hast need,The better of thy will and purpose to speed.Then give thy attendance, and so be sure of this:That I will be ready and never will missTo assist thee still in working thy purpose,To th' advancing of thee, and depressing thy foes.Perv. Doc.Gramercy, good sister, even with all my heart,For this your good counsel; and for my part,Whatsoever in this case may be possibly done,I shall follow your precepts as a natural son.For the matter so stands, if we look not well about,That we quite perish all out of doubt,Unless some such way we take out of hand,Whereby we may be able our foes to withstand.And for this cause my brother Ignorance and I,Lest it should chance us to fall into jeopardy,Through envy of our names in any man's ear:For this intent, I say, we did diligently careOur names to counterfeit in such manner of sort,That wherever we go we may win good report.Hypocrisy.Of my faith, that is very well done indeed!God send thee a good wit still at thy need.And that in thy doings such success thou may'st find,That all things may chance to thee after thy mind.My brother, if thou have ought else for to say,Speak on, ere that I depart hence away.Perv. Doc.Great thanks for your counsel, and if ye chance to go thither,You may meet with Ignorance, to hasten him hither.Hypocrisy.Farewell: he shall be here, you shall see, even anon.[Exit.Perv. Doc.Alack, alack, now my good sister is gone,Whose presence to enjoy is more pleasant unto me,That any thing whatsoever in the world could be.Good occasion have I such a sister to embrace,For by her means I live and enjoy this place,Which yet I possess as long as I may,And have heretofore many a fair day.For since these new heretics, the devil take them all,In all corners began to bark and to bawlAt the Catholic faith and the old religion,Making of them both but matters of derision;Hypocrisy hath so helped at every need,That but for her hardly were we like for to speed.For be our case never so nigh driven to the worst,Though her means by some means take no place at the first:Yet some means doth she find, by some means at the length,That her ways do prevail, and her matters get strength.She can find out a thousand guiles in a trice,For every purpose a new strong device.No matter so difficile for man to find out,No business so dangerous, no person so stout,But of th' one she is able a solution to make,And th' other's great peril and mood for to slake.And in fine, much matter in few words to contain,She can find out a cloak for every rain.[23]What person is there, that beareth more swayIn all manner of matters at this present dayThroughout the whole world, though of simple degree,And of small power to sight she seem for to be?Consider all trades and conditions of life,Then shall you perceive that Hypocrisy is rifeTo all kind of men and of every age,So far as their years them therein may give knowledge:Lo, here a large field, where at length he may walk,Who list of this matter at the full for to talk.To declare of what power and of what efficacy,In every age, country and time is Hypocrisy.But I may not about such small points now stand:The affairs they be greater, that I have in hand.Ignorance is the cause that I so long tarry here,And behold where the blind buzzard doth appear.Come on, thou gross-headed knave, thou whoreson ass, I say,Where hast thou been, since we departed to-day?EnterIgnorance.Ignorance.Where have I been, quod you? marry, even there I was,Whereas I would have given an hundred pound, by the mass,To have been here; for never, since the day I was born,Was I so near-hand in pieces for to have been torn.For as I was going up and down in the street,To see if I could with Hypocrisy meet,Behold, afar off I began to espyThat heretic New Custom, with another in his company.As soon as they saw me, they hied them apace,Came towards, and met me full in the face.I am glad we have found you then, quod this heretic knave,For you and your fellow this day sought we haveIn every place, and now cannot you fly;And with these words both they came very nigh.Whereat I so feared, I may tell you plain,That I thought at that hour I should have been slain.This is he, quod the varlet, of whom I told you of late,An enemy of the truth, and incensed with hateAgainst God and his church, and an imp of Hypocrisy,A foe to the gospel and to true divinity.Thou liest, heretic, quod I, and nought else could I say,But brake quickly from them, and hither came away.Perv. Doc.Who is he that was with him, Simplicity, canst thou tell?Ignorance.Not I, sure, but some call him the Light of the Gospel.A good personable fellow, and in countenance so bright,That I could not behold him in the visage aright.Perv. Doc.God's precious wounds, that slave! marry, fie on him, fie!Body of our Lord, is he come into the country?I think all the heretics in the world have taken in handBy some solemn oath to pester this land,With their wicked schisms and abhominable sects,Now a vengeance on them all, and the devil break their necks!Light of the Gospel! light of a straw! yet whatever he be,I would he were hanged as high as I can see.Ignorance.What, have you heard of him before this?Perv. Doc.Heard of him? yea, that have I often, i-wis.If there be any in the world, it is this whoreson thief,Believe me, Simplicity, that will work us the mischief.Hath that same new Jack got him such a mate?Now with all my heart a pestilence on his pate!I would they were both hanged fairly together,Or else were at the devil, I care not much whether.For since these Genevan doctors came so fast into this land,Since that time it was never merry with England.First came New Custom, and he gave the onsay.[24]And sithens things have gone worse every day.But, Simplicity, dost thou know what is mine intent?Ignorance.Tell me, and I shall know what you have meant.Perv. Doc.Our matters with Cruelty our friend to discuss,And to hear him, what counsel in this case he will give us;And this is the cause I have tarried for thee,Because that to him I would have thee go with me,But see where he cometh with Avarice sadly walking,Let us listen, if we can, whereof they be talking.

Hypocrisy.Perverse Doctrine, I say, take heed in any sort.

That thou never believe whatsoever they report,

Though they of the Gospel never so much do preach,

Every man will not credit whatsoever they teach.

They will not say,all believe, when they do not, I promise thee:

For that time will never come in this world, trust me.

Tush, tush, be thou busied in any case

To discredit their preaching in every place.

If they teach them one thing, then teach thou the contrary;

And if that no scripture for thy place thou have ready,

In words that supply, which wanteth in reason,

For ill things applied sometime in good season,

As of better eftsoons do import the weight,

So they be well ordered by good policy and sleight.

Howbeit their doctrine be sound, yet their vices find out,

As this is a sloven, or this is a lout:

He speaketh on envy, such a one for need;

This saith it in words, but he thinketh it not in deed.

Upon greater occasion they stick not to rave,

Saying, this is a whoremaster villain, he, an heretic knave,

An extortioner, a thief, a traitor, a murtherer,

A covetous person, a common usurer.

This he doth for my mistress his wife's sake, by the rood,

The better to maintain and support the French hood.[21]

Remember also, that it were a great shame

For thee for to have forgotten thy own name.

Perverse Doctrine, of right, must the truth so pervert,

That he never let it sink into any man's heart:

As far as he can, with diligence withstand,

For ever it behoveth thee to be ready at hand,

To strengthen thine own parts, and disprove other doctrine,

Whatsoever shall be taught that is contrary to thine:

Still pretend religion, whatsoever you say,

And that shall get thee good credit alway,

Pleasing the multitude with such kind of gear,[22]

As with them, to the which most inclined they are.

Square caps, long gowns, with tippets of silk,

Brave copes in the church, surplices as white as milk,

Beads, and such like: all these bear the price.

To these things apply thy attendant device:

And other likewise, which well you do know,

Which all of great holiness do set forth a show.

Though some of them, doubtless, be indifferent, what matter!

They furnish our business never the latter.

For these, of antiquity since that they do smell,

Our cause must commend right wonderful well:

And these be the things whereof thou hast need,

The better of thy will and purpose to speed.

Then give thy attendance, and so be sure of this:

That I will be ready and never will miss

To assist thee still in working thy purpose,

To th' advancing of thee, and depressing thy foes.

Perv. Doc.Gramercy, good sister, even with all my heart,For this your good counsel; and for my part,Whatsoever in this case may be possibly done,I shall follow your precepts as a natural son.For the matter so stands, if we look not well about,That we quite perish all out of doubt,Unless some such way we take out of hand,Whereby we may be able our foes to withstand.And for this cause my brother Ignorance and I,Lest it should chance us to fall into jeopardy,Through envy of our names in any man's ear:For this intent, I say, we did diligently careOur names to counterfeit in such manner of sort,That wherever we go we may win good report.

Perv. Doc.Gramercy, good sister, even with all my heart,

For this your good counsel; and for my part,

Whatsoever in this case may be possibly done,

I shall follow your precepts as a natural son.

For the matter so stands, if we look not well about,

That we quite perish all out of doubt,

Unless some such way we take out of hand,

Whereby we may be able our foes to withstand.

And for this cause my brother Ignorance and I,

Lest it should chance us to fall into jeopardy,

Through envy of our names in any man's ear:

For this intent, I say, we did diligently care

Our names to counterfeit in such manner of sort,

That wherever we go we may win good report.

Hypocrisy.Of my faith, that is very well done indeed!God send thee a good wit still at thy need.And that in thy doings such success thou may'st find,That all things may chance to thee after thy mind.My brother, if thou have ought else for to say,Speak on, ere that I depart hence away.

Hypocrisy.Of my faith, that is very well done indeed!

God send thee a good wit still at thy need.

And that in thy doings such success thou may'st find,

That all things may chance to thee after thy mind.

My brother, if thou have ought else for to say,

Speak on, ere that I depart hence away.

Perv. Doc.Great thanks for your counsel, and if ye chance to go thither,You may meet with Ignorance, to hasten him hither.

Perv. Doc.Great thanks for your counsel, and if ye chance to go thither,

You may meet with Ignorance, to hasten him hither.

Hypocrisy.Farewell: he shall be here, you shall see, even anon.[Exit.

Perv. Doc.Alack, alack, now my good sister is gone,Whose presence to enjoy is more pleasant unto me,That any thing whatsoever in the world could be.Good occasion have I such a sister to embrace,For by her means I live and enjoy this place,Which yet I possess as long as I may,And have heretofore many a fair day.For since these new heretics, the devil take them all,In all corners began to bark and to bawlAt the Catholic faith and the old religion,Making of them both but matters of derision;Hypocrisy hath so helped at every need,That but for her hardly were we like for to speed.For be our case never so nigh driven to the worst,Though her means by some means take no place at the first:Yet some means doth she find, by some means at the length,That her ways do prevail, and her matters get strength.She can find out a thousand guiles in a trice,For every purpose a new strong device.No matter so difficile for man to find out,No business so dangerous, no person so stout,But of th' one she is able a solution to make,And th' other's great peril and mood for to slake.And in fine, much matter in few words to contain,She can find out a cloak for every rain.[23]What person is there, that beareth more swayIn all manner of matters at this present dayThroughout the whole world, though of simple degree,And of small power to sight she seem for to be?Consider all trades and conditions of life,Then shall you perceive that Hypocrisy is rifeTo all kind of men and of every age,So far as their years them therein may give knowledge:Lo, here a large field, where at length he may walk,Who list of this matter at the full for to talk.To declare of what power and of what efficacy,In every age, country and time is Hypocrisy.But I may not about such small points now stand:The affairs they be greater, that I have in hand.Ignorance is the cause that I so long tarry here,And behold where the blind buzzard doth appear.Come on, thou gross-headed knave, thou whoreson ass, I say,Where hast thou been, since we departed to-day?

Perv. Doc.Alack, alack, now my good sister is gone,

Whose presence to enjoy is more pleasant unto me,

That any thing whatsoever in the world could be.

Good occasion have I such a sister to embrace,

For by her means I live and enjoy this place,

Which yet I possess as long as I may,

And have heretofore many a fair day.

For since these new heretics, the devil take them all,

In all corners began to bark and to bawl

At the Catholic faith and the old religion,

Making of them both but matters of derision;

Hypocrisy hath so helped at every need,

That but for her hardly were we like for to speed.

For be our case never so nigh driven to the worst,

Though her means by some means take no place at the first:

Yet some means doth she find, by some means at the length,

That her ways do prevail, and her matters get strength.

She can find out a thousand guiles in a trice,

For every purpose a new strong device.

No matter so difficile for man to find out,

No business so dangerous, no person so stout,

But of th' one she is able a solution to make,

And th' other's great peril and mood for to slake.

And in fine, much matter in few words to contain,

She can find out a cloak for every rain.[23]

What person is there, that beareth more sway

In all manner of matters at this present day

Throughout the whole world, though of simple degree,

And of small power to sight she seem for to be?

Consider all trades and conditions of life,

Then shall you perceive that Hypocrisy is rife

To all kind of men and of every age,

So far as their years them therein may give knowledge:

Lo, here a large field, where at length he may walk,

Who list of this matter at the full for to talk.

To declare of what power and of what efficacy,

In every age, country and time is Hypocrisy.

But I may not about such small points now stand:

The affairs they be greater, that I have in hand.

Ignorance is the cause that I so long tarry here,

And behold where the blind buzzard doth appear.

Come on, thou gross-headed knave, thou whoreson ass, I say,

Where hast thou been, since we departed to-day?

EnterIgnorance.

Ignorance.Where have I been, quod you? marry, even there I was,Whereas I would have given an hundred pound, by the mass,To have been here; for never, since the day I was born,Was I so near-hand in pieces for to have been torn.For as I was going up and down in the street,To see if I could with Hypocrisy meet,Behold, afar off I began to espyThat heretic New Custom, with another in his company.As soon as they saw me, they hied them apace,Came towards, and met me full in the face.I am glad we have found you then, quod this heretic knave,For you and your fellow this day sought we haveIn every place, and now cannot you fly;And with these words both they came very nigh.Whereat I so feared, I may tell you plain,That I thought at that hour I should have been slain.This is he, quod the varlet, of whom I told you of late,An enemy of the truth, and incensed with hateAgainst God and his church, and an imp of Hypocrisy,A foe to the gospel and to true divinity.Thou liest, heretic, quod I, and nought else could I say,But brake quickly from them, and hither came away.

Ignorance.Where have I been, quod you? marry, even there I was,

Whereas I would have given an hundred pound, by the mass,

To have been here; for never, since the day I was born,

Was I so near-hand in pieces for to have been torn.

For as I was going up and down in the street,

To see if I could with Hypocrisy meet,

Behold, afar off I began to espy

That heretic New Custom, with another in his company.

As soon as they saw me, they hied them apace,

Came towards, and met me full in the face.

I am glad we have found you then, quod this heretic knave,

For you and your fellow this day sought we have

In every place, and now cannot you fly;

And with these words both they came very nigh.

Whereat I so feared, I may tell you plain,

That I thought at that hour I should have been slain.

This is he, quod the varlet, of whom I told you of late,

An enemy of the truth, and incensed with hate

Against God and his church, and an imp of Hypocrisy,

A foe to the gospel and to true divinity.

Thou liest, heretic, quod I, and nought else could I say,

But brake quickly from them, and hither came away.

Perv. Doc.Who is he that was with him, Simplicity, canst thou tell?

Ignorance.Not I, sure, but some call him the Light of the Gospel.A good personable fellow, and in countenance so bright,That I could not behold him in the visage aright.

Ignorance.Not I, sure, but some call him the Light of the Gospel.

A good personable fellow, and in countenance so bright,

That I could not behold him in the visage aright.

Perv. Doc.God's precious wounds, that slave! marry, fie on him, fie!Body of our Lord, is he come into the country?I think all the heretics in the world have taken in handBy some solemn oath to pester this land,With their wicked schisms and abhominable sects,Now a vengeance on them all, and the devil break their necks!Light of the Gospel! light of a straw! yet whatever he be,I would he were hanged as high as I can see.

Perv. Doc.God's precious wounds, that slave! marry, fie on him, fie!

Body of our Lord, is he come into the country?

I think all the heretics in the world have taken in hand

By some solemn oath to pester this land,

With their wicked schisms and abhominable sects,

Now a vengeance on them all, and the devil break their necks!

Light of the Gospel! light of a straw! yet whatever he be,

I would he were hanged as high as I can see.

Ignorance.What, have you heard of him before this?

Perv. Doc.Heard of him? yea, that have I often, i-wis.If there be any in the world, it is this whoreson thief,Believe me, Simplicity, that will work us the mischief.Hath that same new Jack got him such a mate?Now with all my heart a pestilence on his pate!I would they were both hanged fairly together,Or else were at the devil, I care not much whether.For since these Genevan doctors came so fast into this land,Since that time it was never merry with England.First came New Custom, and he gave the onsay.[24]And sithens things have gone worse every day.But, Simplicity, dost thou know what is mine intent?

Perv. Doc.Heard of him? yea, that have I often, i-wis.

If there be any in the world, it is this whoreson thief,

Believe me, Simplicity, that will work us the mischief.

Hath that same new Jack got him such a mate?

Now with all my heart a pestilence on his pate!

I would they were both hanged fairly together,

Or else were at the devil, I care not much whether.

For since these Genevan doctors came so fast into this land,

Since that time it was never merry with England.

First came New Custom, and he gave the onsay.[24]

And sithens things have gone worse every day.

But, Simplicity, dost thou know what is mine intent?

Ignorance.Tell me, and I shall know what you have meant.

Perv. Doc.Our matters with Cruelty our friend to discuss,And to hear him, what counsel in this case he will give us;And this is the cause I have tarried for thee,Because that to him I would have thee go with me,But see where he cometh with Avarice sadly walking,Let us listen, if we can, whereof they be talking.

Perv. Doc.Our matters with Cruelty our friend to discuss,

And to hear him, what counsel in this case he will give us;

And this is the cause I have tarried for thee,

Because that to him I would have thee go with me,

But see where he cometh with Avarice sadly walking,

Let us listen, if we can, whereof they be talking.

ACTUS II., SCENA 3.

Cruelty, Avariceenter.Perverse DoctrineandIgnorancetarry.

Cruelty.Nay, by God's heart, if I might do what I list,Not one of them all that should 'scape my fist.His nails,[25]I would plague them one way or another.I would not miss him, no, if he were mine own brother.With small faults I might bear as I saw occasion,And punish or forgive at mine own discretion,For I wot that sometime the wisest may fall;But heresy—fie on that, that is the greatest of all.Every stocks should be full, every prison and jail:Some would I beat with rods, some scourge at a cart's tail,Some hoise their heels upward, some beat in a sack,Some manacle their fingers, some bind in the rack.Some would I starve for hunger, some would I hang privily,Saying, that themselves so died desperately.Some would I accuse of matters of great weight,Openly to hang them as trespassers straight.A thousand mo ways could I tell, and not miss,Which here in England, I may say to you, I have practised ere this,And trust, by His wounds, Avarice, soon again for to try,Howsoever the world go, before that I die.Avarice.Now I will tell thee, Cruelty, by God's sacrament I have swore,It were pity but thou were hanged before.Cruelty.Ha, ha, ha; I had as lief they were hanged as I.By the mass, there is one thing makes me laugh heartily, ha, ha, ha.Avarice.I pray thee what is that?Cruelty.What? ha, ha, ha; I cannot tell forlaughing, I would never better pastime desire,Than to hear a dozen of them howling together in the fire;Whose noise, as me-thinketh, I could best compareTo a cry of hounds following after the hare,Or a rabblement of bandogs barking at a bear;Ha, ha, ha.Avarice.I beshrew thy knave's fingers with my very heart,The devil will reward thee, whose darling thou art.But sirrah, I pray thee—If it had chanced me in those days in thy hands to have fell,I think sure thou wouldst have ordered me well.Cruelty.His blood, I would I might have once seen that chance,I would have vexed thee with a vengeance, for old acquaintance.Avarice.Why so? I was always thy furderer in those days, I am sure.Cruelty.Yea, but what was the cause? thine own profit to procure.For so that thou mightest 'vantage and lucre obtain,Thou wouldest not stick to bring thine own brother to pain.Avarice.Ha, ha, ha; no, nor father and mother, if there were ought to be got,Thou mightest swear, if I could, I would bring them to the pot.Whereof a like history I shall tell thee, Cruelty,In England, which myself played in the days of queen Mary.[26]Two brothers there were dwelling, young gentlemen; but the heirHad substantial revenues, his stock also was fair;A man of good conscience, and studious of the Gospel.Which the other brother perceiving very well,Persuaded him by all means, since he was so bent,To be constant in opinion, and not to relent,Which done, he gave notice to the officers about,How they should come with search to find his brother out;Who, when he was once in this sort apprehended,Shortly after his life in the fire he ended.The other had the most part of all his living—How say'st, sir knave? is not this the near way to thriving?Cruelty.O unreasonable Avarice, unsatiable with gain.Avarice.What [of] this?[27]tush, it was but a merry train.Cruelty.For lucre's sake his own brother to betray?Hence, Judas, with these doings I cannot away.[28]Avarice.I was ever with him, still ready at hand,Continually suggesting of the house and the land.And yet to tell you the truth, as indeed the thing is,Of my conscience I think the best part was his.Cruelty.By God's glorious wounds, he was worthy of none;But thou to be whipped for thy greedy suggestion.Avarice.Heart of God, man, be the means better or worse,I pass not, I, so it be good for the purse.Ha, ha, ha!Enter from behindPerverse,DoctrineandIgnorance.Perv. Doc.If you love the purse so well, Avarice, as you say indeed,Then help me with your counsel now at a need.Avarice.What, Perverse Doctrine, and Ignorance too, were you both so near?We had thought at our coming that no man had been here.Ignorance.We have been in this place ever since that you stayed,And we have heard also whatsoever you have said.Cruelty.Welcome both, on my faith, and I am glad it was our chanceTo meet with you here, Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance.Why, how go'th the world? me-thinks you be sad.Perv. Doc.Marry, God have mercy, but there is small cause to be glad:For except you come speedily with your helping hand,No doubt we shall shortly be banished the land.Avarice.Why so, Perverse Doctrine?Cruelty.I pray thee, let me understand.Perv. Doc.Why so! you know: how, since heresy came lately in place,And New Custom, that vile schismatic, began to defaceAll our old doings, our service, or rites, that of yoreHave been of great price in the old time before:Ourselves have been enforced almost for to flyThe country, or else covertly in some corner to lie.Cruelty.By the mass, that is true, for I dare not appear,Whosoever would give me twenty pounds lands by the year.Avarice.Ha, ha, ha, by God's foot, and I was never in better case in my life,For covetousness with the clergy was never so rife.Wherefore I have no cause in such sort to be grieved,Yet I would I could tell, sirs, how you might be relieved.Perv. Doc.Now, sirrah, to mend up this matter withal:Precious God, it frets me to the very gall.For now of late that slave, that varlet, that heretic, Light of the Gospel,Is come over the sea, as some credibly tell,Whom New Custom doth use in all matters as a stay,The most enemy to us in the world alway;Whose rancour is such, and so great is his spite,That no doubt he will straightway banish us quite,Unless we provide some remedy for the contrary,And with speed; this is truth that I tell thee, Cruelty.Cruelty.His wounds, heart and blood, is he come without any nay?Ignorance.Yea verily, for with these eyes I saw him to-day.Cruelty.Now I would he were here, I would so dress the slave,That I warrant he should bear me a mark to his grave.First I would buffet him thus, then give him a fall;Afterward I would dash out his brains at the wall.Avarice.Hold your hands, you rude knave, or by God's body I swear,I will quickly fetch my fist from your ear.Perv. Doc.Tush, tush, it avails nought to chafen, or to chide,It were more wisdom with speed some redress to provide.Cruelty.Redress? now, by God's guts, I will never stay,Till I find means to rid the beast out of the way.I will cut him off the slampambs,[29]I hold him a crown,Wheresoever I meet him, in country or town.Ignorance.What order you will take, it were best make relation,For mo wits, as you know, may do better than one.Cruelty.I will do then whatsoever shall come in my head,I force not, I,[30]so the villain were dead.Ignorance.And of my furtherance, whatsoever I may do, you be sure,Your good state again, if I can, to procure,With my uttermost help to suppress yonder rascal,For, by the mass, you papists I like best of all.Perv. Doc.Then can we not do amiss, I conjecture lightly,For where as all these come, Perverse Doctrine, Avarice, Ignorance and Cruelty:There goeth the hare,[31]except all good luck go away—But, sirs, it is good, lest your names you descry,To transpose them after some other kind,Else be sure with the people much hatred to find.As for Perverse Doctrine, Sound Doctrine; for Ignorance, Simplicity:With there colours of late ourselves cloaked have we.Cruelty.What then shall I, Cruelty, be called in your judgment?Perv. Doc.Marry, Justice with Severity, a virtue most excellent.Avarice.What will you term Avarice, I pray you let me hear?Perv. Doc.Even Frugality, for to that virtue it cometh most near.Avarice.Content, by his wounds, I; but we must look to our feet,Lest we stumble in these names, whensoever we meet.Perv. Doc.Yea, see you take heed to that in any manner of case,So may you delude the people in every place.Cruelty.Come then, it is time hence that away we depart.Ignorance.We are ready to follow with a most willing heart.Avarice.But, sirs, because we have tarried so long,If you be good fellows, let us part with a song.Cruelty.I am pleased, and therefore let every manFollow after in order, as well as he can.The firstSong.Well handled, by the mass, on every side.Come, Avarice; for we two will no longer abide.[Exit Cruelty and Avarice.Perv. Doc.Farewell to you both, and God send you success,Such as may glad us all in your present business.Now they be departed, and we may not tarry,For it lieth us upon all to be stirring, by Saint Mary.New Custom prevaileth much everywhere,But, no matter, they be fools that do give him such ear.Let old custom prevail rather, it is better than new;This all will confess, that think scripture is true.Do as thy fathers have done before thee (quoth he):Then shalt thou be certain in the right way to be.And sure that is better than to follow the train,That each man inventeth of his own proper brain.Which hath brought the world to this case, as we see,That every day we hear of some notorious heresy.Yet all is the Gospel, whatsoever they say.Well, if it chance that a dog hath a day,Wo then to New Custom and all his mates, tush, tush,No man the Gospel will esteem then a rush.What will that other heretic do, Light of the Gospel, I pray?Dare not once show his face more than we at this day.But come, Ignorance, let us follow after apace,For we have abiden all too long in this place.Ignorance.Let us go then, but, by the mass, I am vengeance dry,I pray let us drink at the alehouse hereby.Perv. Doc.Content, in faith, thither with speed let us hie.

Cruelty.Nay, by God's heart, if I might do what I list,

Not one of them all that should 'scape my fist.

His nails,[25]I would plague them one way or another.

I would not miss him, no, if he were mine own brother.

With small faults I might bear as I saw occasion,

And punish or forgive at mine own discretion,

For I wot that sometime the wisest may fall;

But heresy—fie on that, that is the greatest of all.

Every stocks should be full, every prison and jail:

Some would I beat with rods, some scourge at a cart's tail,

Some hoise their heels upward, some beat in a sack,

Some manacle their fingers, some bind in the rack.

Some would I starve for hunger, some would I hang privily,

Saying, that themselves so died desperately.

Some would I accuse of matters of great weight,

Openly to hang them as trespassers straight.

A thousand mo ways could I tell, and not miss,

Which here in England, I may say to you, I have practised ere this,

And trust, by His wounds, Avarice, soon again for to try,

Howsoever the world go, before that I die.

Avarice.Now I will tell thee, Cruelty, by God's sacrament I have swore,It were pity but thou were hanged before.

Avarice.Now I will tell thee, Cruelty, by God's sacrament I have swore,

It were pity but thou were hanged before.

Cruelty.Ha, ha, ha; I had as lief they were hanged as I.By the mass, there is one thing makes me laugh heartily, ha, ha, ha.

Cruelty.Ha, ha, ha; I had as lief they were hanged as I.

By the mass, there is one thing makes me laugh heartily, ha, ha, ha.

Avarice.I pray thee what is that?

Cruelty.What? ha, ha, ha; I cannot tell forlaughing, I would never better pastime desire,Than to hear a dozen of them howling together in the fire;Whose noise, as me-thinketh, I could best compareTo a cry of hounds following after the hare,Or a rabblement of bandogs barking at a bear;Ha, ha, ha.

Cruelty.What? ha, ha, ha; I cannot tell for

laughing, I would never better pastime desire,

Than to hear a dozen of them howling together in the fire;

Whose noise, as me-thinketh, I could best compare

To a cry of hounds following after the hare,

Or a rabblement of bandogs barking at a bear;

Ha, ha, ha.

Avarice.I beshrew thy knave's fingers with my very heart,The devil will reward thee, whose darling thou art.But sirrah, I pray thee—If it had chanced me in those days in thy hands to have fell,I think sure thou wouldst have ordered me well.

Avarice.I beshrew thy knave's fingers with my very heart,

The devil will reward thee, whose darling thou art.

But sirrah, I pray thee—

If it had chanced me in those days in thy hands to have fell,

I think sure thou wouldst have ordered me well.

Cruelty.His blood, I would I might have once seen that chance,I would have vexed thee with a vengeance, for old acquaintance.

Cruelty.His blood, I would I might have once seen that chance,

I would have vexed thee with a vengeance, for old acquaintance.

Avarice.Why so? I was always thy furderer in those days, I am sure.

Cruelty.Yea, but what was the cause? thine own profit to procure.For so that thou mightest 'vantage and lucre obtain,Thou wouldest not stick to bring thine own brother to pain.

Cruelty.Yea, but what was the cause? thine own profit to procure.

For so that thou mightest 'vantage and lucre obtain,

Thou wouldest not stick to bring thine own brother to pain.

Avarice.Ha, ha, ha; no, nor father and mother, if there were ought to be got,Thou mightest swear, if I could, I would bring them to the pot.Whereof a like history I shall tell thee, Cruelty,In England, which myself played in the days of queen Mary.[26]Two brothers there were dwelling, young gentlemen; but the heirHad substantial revenues, his stock also was fair;A man of good conscience, and studious of the Gospel.Which the other brother perceiving very well,Persuaded him by all means, since he was so bent,To be constant in opinion, and not to relent,Which done, he gave notice to the officers about,How they should come with search to find his brother out;Who, when he was once in this sort apprehended,Shortly after his life in the fire he ended.The other had the most part of all his living—How say'st, sir knave? is not this the near way to thriving?

Avarice.Ha, ha, ha; no, nor father and mother, if there were ought to be got,

Thou mightest swear, if I could, I would bring them to the pot.

Whereof a like history I shall tell thee, Cruelty,

In England, which myself played in the days of queen Mary.[26]

Two brothers there were dwelling, young gentlemen; but the heir

Had substantial revenues, his stock also was fair;

A man of good conscience, and studious of the Gospel.

Which the other brother perceiving very well,

Persuaded him by all means, since he was so bent,

To be constant in opinion, and not to relent,

Which done, he gave notice to the officers about,

How they should come with search to find his brother out;

Who, when he was once in this sort apprehended,

Shortly after his life in the fire he ended.

The other had the most part of all his living—

How say'st, sir knave? is not this the near way to thriving?

Cruelty.O unreasonable Avarice, unsatiable with gain.

Avarice.What [of] this?[27]tush, it was but a merry train.

Cruelty.For lucre's sake his own brother to betray?Hence, Judas, with these doings I cannot away.[28]

Cruelty.For lucre's sake his own brother to betray?

Hence, Judas, with these doings I cannot away.[28]

Avarice.I was ever with him, still ready at hand,Continually suggesting of the house and the land.And yet to tell you the truth, as indeed the thing is,Of my conscience I think the best part was his.

Avarice.I was ever with him, still ready at hand,

Continually suggesting of the house and the land.

And yet to tell you the truth, as indeed the thing is,

Of my conscience I think the best part was his.

Cruelty.By God's glorious wounds, he was worthy of none;But thou to be whipped for thy greedy suggestion.

Cruelty.By God's glorious wounds, he was worthy of none;

But thou to be whipped for thy greedy suggestion.

Avarice.Heart of God, man, be the means better or worse,I pass not, I, so it be good for the purse.Ha, ha, ha!

Avarice.Heart of God, man, be the means better or worse,

I pass not, I, so it be good for the purse.

Ha, ha, ha!

Enter from behindPerverse,DoctrineandIgnorance.

Perv. Doc.If you love the purse so well, Avarice, as you say indeed,Then help me with your counsel now at a need.

Perv. Doc.If you love the purse so well, Avarice, as you say indeed,

Then help me with your counsel now at a need.

Avarice.What, Perverse Doctrine, and Ignorance too, were you both so near?We had thought at our coming that no man had been here.

Avarice.What, Perverse Doctrine, and Ignorance too, were you both so near?

We had thought at our coming that no man had been here.

Ignorance.We have been in this place ever since that you stayed,And we have heard also whatsoever you have said.

Ignorance.We have been in this place ever since that you stayed,

And we have heard also whatsoever you have said.

Cruelty.Welcome both, on my faith, and I am glad it was our chanceTo meet with you here, Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance.Why, how go'th the world? me-thinks you be sad.

Cruelty.Welcome both, on my faith, and I am glad it was our chance

To meet with you here, Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance.

Why, how go'th the world? me-thinks you be sad.

Perv. Doc.Marry, God have mercy, but there is small cause to be glad:For except you come speedily with your helping hand,No doubt we shall shortly be banished the land.

Perv. Doc.Marry, God have mercy, but there is small cause to be glad:

For except you come speedily with your helping hand,

No doubt we shall shortly be banished the land.

Avarice.Why so, Perverse Doctrine?

Cruelty.I pray thee, let me understand.

Perv. Doc.Why so! you know: how, since heresy came lately in place,And New Custom, that vile schismatic, began to defaceAll our old doings, our service, or rites, that of yoreHave been of great price in the old time before:Ourselves have been enforced almost for to flyThe country, or else covertly in some corner to lie.

Perv. Doc.Why so! you know: how, since heresy came lately in place,

And New Custom, that vile schismatic, began to deface

All our old doings, our service, or rites, that of yore

Have been of great price in the old time before:

Ourselves have been enforced almost for to fly

The country, or else covertly in some corner to lie.

Cruelty.By the mass, that is true, for I dare not appear,Whosoever would give me twenty pounds lands by the year.

Cruelty.By the mass, that is true, for I dare not appear,

Whosoever would give me twenty pounds lands by the year.

Avarice.Ha, ha, ha, by God's foot, and I was never in better case in my life,For covetousness with the clergy was never so rife.Wherefore I have no cause in such sort to be grieved,Yet I would I could tell, sirs, how you might be relieved.

Avarice.Ha, ha, ha, by God's foot, and I was never in better case in my life,

For covetousness with the clergy was never so rife.

Wherefore I have no cause in such sort to be grieved,

Yet I would I could tell, sirs, how you might be relieved.

Perv. Doc.Now, sirrah, to mend up this matter withal:Precious God, it frets me to the very gall.For now of late that slave, that varlet, that heretic, Light of the Gospel,Is come over the sea, as some credibly tell,Whom New Custom doth use in all matters as a stay,The most enemy to us in the world alway;Whose rancour is such, and so great is his spite,That no doubt he will straightway banish us quite,Unless we provide some remedy for the contrary,And with speed; this is truth that I tell thee, Cruelty.

Perv. Doc.Now, sirrah, to mend up this matter withal:

Precious God, it frets me to the very gall.

For now of late that slave, that varlet, that heretic, Light of the Gospel,

Is come over the sea, as some credibly tell,

Whom New Custom doth use in all matters as a stay,

The most enemy to us in the world alway;

Whose rancour is such, and so great is his spite,

That no doubt he will straightway banish us quite,

Unless we provide some remedy for the contrary,

And with speed; this is truth that I tell thee, Cruelty.

Cruelty.His wounds, heart and blood, is he come without any nay?

Ignorance.Yea verily, for with these eyes I saw him to-day.

Cruelty.Now I would he were here, I would so dress the slave,That I warrant he should bear me a mark to his grave.First I would buffet him thus, then give him a fall;Afterward I would dash out his brains at the wall.

Cruelty.Now I would he were here, I would so dress the slave,

That I warrant he should bear me a mark to his grave.

First I would buffet him thus, then give him a fall;

Afterward I would dash out his brains at the wall.

Avarice.Hold your hands, you rude knave, or by God's body I swear,I will quickly fetch my fist from your ear.

Avarice.Hold your hands, you rude knave, or by God's body I swear,

I will quickly fetch my fist from your ear.

Perv. Doc.Tush, tush, it avails nought to chafen, or to chide,It were more wisdom with speed some redress to provide.

Perv. Doc.Tush, tush, it avails nought to chafen, or to chide,

It were more wisdom with speed some redress to provide.

Cruelty.Redress? now, by God's guts, I will never stay,Till I find means to rid the beast out of the way.I will cut him off the slampambs,[29]I hold him a crown,Wheresoever I meet him, in country or town.

Cruelty.Redress? now, by God's guts, I will never stay,

Till I find means to rid the beast out of the way.

I will cut him off the slampambs,[29]I hold him a crown,

Wheresoever I meet him, in country or town.

Ignorance.What order you will take, it were best make relation,For mo wits, as you know, may do better than one.

Ignorance.What order you will take, it were best make relation,

For mo wits, as you know, may do better than one.

Cruelty.I will do then whatsoever shall come in my head,I force not, I,[30]so the villain were dead.

Cruelty.I will do then whatsoever shall come in my head,

I force not, I,[30]so the villain were dead.

Ignorance.And of my furtherance, whatsoever I may do, you be sure,Your good state again, if I can, to procure,With my uttermost help to suppress yonder rascal,For, by the mass, you papists I like best of all.

Ignorance.And of my furtherance, whatsoever I may do, you be sure,

Your good state again, if I can, to procure,

With my uttermost help to suppress yonder rascal,

For, by the mass, you papists I like best of all.

Perv. Doc.Then can we not do amiss, I conjecture lightly,For where as all these come, Perverse Doctrine, Avarice, Ignorance and Cruelty:There goeth the hare,[31]except all good luck go away—But, sirs, it is good, lest your names you descry,To transpose them after some other kind,Else be sure with the people much hatred to find.As for Perverse Doctrine, Sound Doctrine; for Ignorance, Simplicity:With there colours of late ourselves cloaked have we.

Perv. Doc.Then can we not do amiss, I conjecture lightly,

For where as all these come, Perverse Doctrine, Avarice, Ignorance and Cruelty:

There goeth the hare,[31]except all good luck go away—

But, sirs, it is good, lest your names you descry,

To transpose them after some other kind,

Else be sure with the people much hatred to find.

As for Perverse Doctrine, Sound Doctrine; for Ignorance, Simplicity:

With there colours of late ourselves cloaked have we.

Cruelty.What then shall I, Cruelty, be called in your judgment?

Perv. Doc.Marry, Justice with Severity, a virtue most excellent.

Avarice.What will you term Avarice, I pray you let me hear?

Perv. Doc.Even Frugality, for to that virtue it cometh most near.

Avarice.Content, by his wounds, I; but we must look to our feet,Lest we stumble in these names, whensoever we meet.

Avarice.Content, by his wounds, I; but we must look to our feet,

Lest we stumble in these names, whensoever we meet.

Perv. Doc.Yea, see you take heed to that in any manner of case,So may you delude the people in every place.

Perv. Doc.Yea, see you take heed to that in any manner of case,

So may you delude the people in every place.

Cruelty.Come then, it is time hence that away we depart.

Ignorance.We are ready to follow with a most willing heart.

Avarice.But, sirs, because we have tarried so long,If you be good fellows, let us part with a song.

Avarice.But, sirs, because we have tarried so long,

If you be good fellows, let us part with a song.

Cruelty.I am pleased, and therefore let every manFollow after in order, as well as he can.

Cruelty.I am pleased, and therefore let every man

Follow after in order, as well as he can.

The firstSong.

Well handled, by the mass, on every side.Come, Avarice; for we two will no longer abide.[Exit Cruelty and Avarice.

Well handled, by the mass, on every side.

Come, Avarice; for we two will no longer abide.[Exit Cruelty and Avarice.

Perv. Doc.Farewell to you both, and God send you success,Such as may glad us all in your present business.Now they be departed, and we may not tarry,For it lieth us upon all to be stirring, by Saint Mary.New Custom prevaileth much everywhere,But, no matter, they be fools that do give him such ear.Let old custom prevail rather, it is better than new;This all will confess, that think scripture is true.Do as thy fathers have done before thee (quoth he):Then shalt thou be certain in the right way to be.And sure that is better than to follow the train,That each man inventeth of his own proper brain.Which hath brought the world to this case, as we see,That every day we hear of some notorious heresy.Yet all is the Gospel, whatsoever they say.Well, if it chance that a dog hath a day,Wo then to New Custom and all his mates, tush, tush,No man the Gospel will esteem then a rush.What will that other heretic do, Light of the Gospel, I pray?Dare not once show his face more than we at this day.But come, Ignorance, let us follow after apace,For we have abiden all too long in this place.

Perv. Doc.Farewell to you both, and God send you success,

Such as may glad us all in your present business.

Now they be departed, and we may not tarry,

For it lieth us upon all to be stirring, by Saint Mary.

New Custom prevaileth much everywhere,

But, no matter, they be fools that do give him such ear.

Let old custom prevail rather, it is better than new;

This all will confess, that think scripture is true.

Do as thy fathers have done before thee (quoth he):

Then shalt thou be certain in the right way to be.

And sure that is better than to follow the train,

That each man inventeth of his own proper brain.

Which hath brought the world to this case, as we see,

That every day we hear of some notorious heresy.

Yet all is the Gospel, whatsoever they say.

Well, if it chance that a dog hath a day,

Wo then to New Custom and all his mates, tush, tush,

No man the Gospel will esteem then a rush.

What will that other heretic do, Light of the Gospel, I pray?

Dare not once show his face more than we at this day.

But come, Ignorance, let us follow after apace,

For we have abiden all too long in this place.

Ignorance.Let us go then, but, by the mass, I am vengeance dry,I pray let us drink at the alehouse hereby.

Ignorance.Let us go then, but, by the mass, I am vengeance dry,

I pray let us drink at the alehouse hereby.

Perv. Doc.Content, in faith, thither with speed let us hie.

Light of the Gospel, New Custom, Perverse Doctrine.

L. of Gospel.They be not this way, as far as I can see,Unless they have hidden themselves up privily.For in presence of Light of the Gospel and Primitive Constitution,Undoubtedly such reprobates can have no habitation.New Cus.Verily I do find it so even as you have said,For at your sight they all fly away as dismayed.Wherefore I have great cause to give you thanks, LightOf the Gospel, that put thus my enemies to flight.L. of Gospel.Nay, they be my enemies also, that be enemies to you.Insomuch as your dealings be both virtuous and true.For what is the Gospel else, whereof I am Light,But truth, equity, verity and right?They be enemies to God too, and all liars impure,Insomuch as he is called Verity in the scripture.And the lying lips, with speakers of vanity,The Lord himself will revenge with extremity.But see, what is he that approacheth so nigh?New Cus.Of whom I told you: it is Perverse Doctrine verily.L. of Gospel.Then let us a little step out of the way,If haply we may hear what he will say.Perv. Doc.Ah, sirrah, by my troth, there is a very good vein!Ignorance hath well lined his cap for the rain!I could have tarried longer there with a good will,But, as the proverb saith, it is good to keep stillOne head for the reckoning, both sober and wise;Wherefore in this thing I have followed that guise.Ignorance is but a dolt, it is I that must drudge,For need (they say) maketh the old wife and man both to trudge.[32]Such snares we shall lay for these heretics, I trust,That New Custom and his fellows shall soon lie in the dust.If Cruelty may prevail, he will never slack,Till he have brought a thousand of them to a stake.Avarice hath promised to do what in him lay,Who hath been in great credit with the world alway.But if Ignorance may get place, there shall we do well,Then adieu all idle heretics and vain talk of the gospel!For me Perverse Doctrine, this shall be my fetch,[33]To keep constant the minds of all I can catch;Lest these glosers sometime they chance to hear preaching,And thereby be converted, and credit their teaching.For I trust shortly to bring it to pass,That less knowledge of the Gospel shall serve, by the mass.L. of Gospel.Let us inclose him, that he may not fly,Else will he be gone, when he doth us espy.O imp of Antichrist, and seed of the devil!Born to all wickedness, and nusled[34]in all evil.Perv. Doc.Nay, thou stinking heretic, art thou there indeed?According to thy naughtiness thou must look for to speed.New Cus.God's holy word in no wise can be heresy,Though so you term it never so falsely.Perv. Doc.Ye precious whoreson, art thou there too?I think you have pretended some harm me to do.Help, help, I say, let me be gone at once,Else I will smite thee in the face with my fist, by God's bones.New Cus.You must be contented a little season to stay:Light of the Gospel for your profit hath something to say.Perv. Doc.I will hear none of your preachings, I promise you plain;For whatever you speak, it is but in vain.L. of Gospel.In vain it shall not be spoken, I know very well.For God hath always given such power to his gospel,That wherever or by whom declared it be,It should redound unto his own honour and glory.God is glorified in those whom he doth elect,God is glorified in those also whom he doth reject.The elect are saved by that in the world they believe;But the other, because no credence they giveTo the truth, cannot be but blameable,Committing a fault of all faults most damnable.For,Si ad eos non venissem, saith Christ our Saviour,If I had not come unto them with the word, this is sure,In far better case the unfaithful had been.For in this one respect they had had no sin.But where the truth is, and yet there contemned,Of Christ his own mouth all such are condemned.Thus the gospel of Christ, be it received or no,Showeth the glory of God, wheresoever it go.Perv. Doc.I were content to abide, and know your pleasure:But for business at this time I have no leisure.L. of Gospel.What leisure ought a man at all times more to have,Than to endeavour both his body and soul for to save?New Cus.For that care all other cares we must set aside.Perv. Doc.Say on, then, for patiently I mind to abide.L. of Gospel.Not to hear what is spoken is only sufficient,But to put it in practice with sincere intentWhatsoever is taught us concerning good-doing,Expressing it plainly in our virtuous living.Perv. Doc.Why, what would you have me in living express?L. of Gospel.Even the gospel, which is nothing else, doubtless,But amendment of life and renouncing of sin:With displeasure toward yourself for the faults you were in.Perv. Doc.How shall I displease myself in sin, I would know?L. of Gospel.In considering that nothing bringeth man so lowOut of God's favour, as sin: nothing setteth him so high,As loathing the same, and calling to him for his mercy.Perv. Doc.Verily I am sorry for my forepassed demeanour,But that cannot avail me but little, I am sure.L. of Gospel.Why think you so? boldly tell me your mind.Perv. Doc.Because God's mercy is far enough behind.L. of Gospel.God's mercy is at hand, if you repent faithfully.Perv. Doc.I repent my sins, and for them am sorry heartily;But how shall I be sure mercy for to obtain?L. of Gospel.Credit me truly, for my words are not vain,I am Light of the Gospel, and have full authorityTo pronounce to the penitent forgiveness of iniquity,So that, in asking, you put your assurance to speed:Then no doubt you have obtained mercy indeed.Perv. Doc.This assurance how cometh it, declare, I pray you?L. of Gospel.In thinking that Christ his words and promises are true;And as he cannot deceive, so cannot be deceived,Which faith of all Christians must needs be received.Perv. Doc.What thing is faith, I pray you recite?L. of Gospel.A substance of things not appearing in sight,Yet which we look for, for so Saint Paul doth define,To the Hebrews, the eleventh chapter and the first line.Perv. Doc.How to purchase this faith, I would I could tell.L. of Gospel.Certainly by me also, the Light of the Gospel;For faith cometh by the word, when we read or hear,As by the same Saint Paul it doth plainly appear,Perv. Doc.Give me leave then to embrace you, I pray you heartily.L. of Gospel.With all my very heart, I receive you courteously.Perv. Doc.To thee I give most humble thanks, O God immortal,That it hath pleased thee me from my wickedness to call;And where as I deserved no mercy, but judgment,Yet to pour down thy pardon on me most abundant,Revoking me from reprobates and members of hell,To win me in society with the Light of the Gospel.L. of Gospel.Stand up, there is somewhat else yet behind.Perv. Doc.I wholly yield myself to you: use me after your mind.L. of Gospel.Perverse Doctrine you shall be called no more after this,But Sincere Doctrine, as now I trust your true name is.Perv. Doc.By God's grace, while I live, I will so endeavour,That my life and my name may accord thus for ever.L. of Gospel.Then all wicked company you must clean forsake,And fly their society as a toad or a snake.Perv. Doc.I abandon them quite, whatsoever they be.New Cus.Well, Sincere Doctrine, hearken also unto me,New Cus.Well, Sincere Doctrine, hearken also unto me,Whom needs you must follow, if you will do well,Since you have embraced the Light of the Gospel.I am not New Custom, as you have been misled,But am Primitive Constitution, from the very headOf the church, which is Christ and his disciples all,And from the fathers, at that time taking original.By me then you must learn for your own behest,And for all vocations what is judged the best.Perv. Doc.I receive you gladly with thanks for your gentleness,At your hands craving earnestly for my trespass forgiveness.New Cus.It is easily forgiven.Perv. Doc.Now as touching my apparel, what counsel do you give?For I see well that, in the constitution primitive,They used no such garment as I have on here,But fashioned it after some other manner.New Cus.So did they truly, I confess it indeed;But in such things a man ought not to take so great heed,For the wearing of a gown, cap, or any other garment,Surely is a matter, as me-seemeth, indifferent,Howbeit, wise princes, for a difference to be had,Hath commanded the clergy in such sort to be clad;But he who puts his religion in wearing the thing,Or thinks himself more holy for the contrary doing,Shall prove but a fool, of whatever conditionHe be, for sure that is but mere superstition.Other things there be, which have been abused,Tolerable enough, if well they were used:Wherefore use your apparel, as is comely and decent,And not against scripture anywhere in my judgment.L. of Gospel.No, sure: for God weigheth not (who is a sprite)Of any vesture or outward appearance a mite,So the conscience be pure, and to no sin a slave:That is all which he most gladly would have.New Cus.Well, these having declared and sufficiently taught,And, I trust, on your part perceived as they ought:By your patience, I mind to depart for a season.L. of Gospel.If your business be so, it is but reason.New Cus.With great thanks unto you, Lightof the Gospel, for the gentleness I have found,At your hands, as of due desert I am bound.L. of Gospel.The Lord be your guide, whither-soever you depart.Perv. Doc.Humble thanks, sir, I yield you from the bottom of my heart.Albeit in this part so small be my skill,That I may not perform them according to my will.New Cus.The peace of God be with you both for evermore.[Exit.Edificationentereth.Wheresoever Light of the Gospel goeth before,There I, Edification, do follow incontinent,As unto the same a necessary consequent:For though the letter always work not that effect,Yet surely in the congregation of God's elect,Where the light and force taketh place, there EdificationOf all right must I make my habitation.Endeavour then always me to retain,So shall your doctrine not be given in vain.Perv. Doc.I receive you most gladly, and I trust in the Lord,That for ever hereafter we shall well accord.Edification.I trust so.L. of Gospel.Fare you well, now you are not alone,For this small while I must needs be gone.Here, take at my hands this Testament-book,And in mine absence therein I pray you earnestly look.Perv. Doc.Your commandment shall be done, with thanks for your counsel.L. of Gospel.Then shall ye sure find great delight in the gospel.[Exit.Assuranceentereth.Edification without Assurance 'vaileth not much.Yet where they both do meet, surely their force is such,That to God's kingdom they open the way,The sweet place of rest and perpetual joy.For assurance in Christ Jesus without man's further merit,Is fully sufficient God's favour to inherit:Wherefore Light of the Gospel willed me so,That to you, Edification, with all speed I should go:So that with Sincere Doctrine we joined in unity,Might in short time conduct him to God's Perfect Felicity.Perv. Doc.I embrace you, Assurance, that bliss to obtain.Assurance.Then be you assured, that you shall not be vain;For if that Christ's words be faithful and just,God's Perfect Felicity is not far hence, I trust.God's Felicityentereth.Verily, where Edification and Assurance in one are allied,God's Felicity is at hand, it may not be denied,Which he promiseth to such as unfeignedly crave,With Assurance that certainly the same they shall have:Which Felicity in person here I do represent,Who by God himself to the faithful am sent,Prepared for them, as he plainly hath said,Since the time that the world's foundations were laid;Wherefore great thanks unto him doubtless you owe,That it would please him such gifts on you to bestow,The most precious thing, which man's reason doth excel,No mind can conceive, much less tongue can tell.Perv. Doc.To him therefore let us give all manner praise,That beareth such affection to mankind always.O Lord, thine honour might be great in heaven so high.And throughout the whole earth thy everlasting glory.Give grace to thy people, that after this transitoryLife they may come to thy perfect felicity.Edification.Defend thy church, O Christ, and thy holy congregation,Both here in England and in every other nation.That we thy truth may attain, and still follow the same,To the salvation of our souls, and glory of thy name.Assurance.Preserve our noble queen Elizabeth and her council all,[35]With thy heavenly grace, sent from thy seat supernal.Grant her and them long to live, her to reign, them to see,What may always be best for the weal-public's commodity.[36]

L. of Gospel.They be not this way, as far as I can see,

Unless they have hidden themselves up privily.

For in presence of Light of the Gospel and Primitive Constitution,

Undoubtedly such reprobates can have no habitation.

New Cus.Verily I do find it so even as you have said,For at your sight they all fly away as dismayed.Wherefore I have great cause to give you thanks, LightOf the Gospel, that put thus my enemies to flight.

New Cus.Verily I do find it so even as you have said,

For at your sight they all fly away as dismayed.

Wherefore I have great cause to give you thanks, Light

Of the Gospel, that put thus my enemies to flight.

L. of Gospel.Nay, they be my enemies also, that be enemies to you.Insomuch as your dealings be both virtuous and true.For what is the Gospel else, whereof I am Light,But truth, equity, verity and right?They be enemies to God too, and all liars impure,Insomuch as he is called Verity in the scripture.And the lying lips, with speakers of vanity,The Lord himself will revenge with extremity.But see, what is he that approacheth so nigh?

L. of Gospel.Nay, they be my enemies also, that be enemies to you.

Insomuch as your dealings be both virtuous and true.

For what is the Gospel else, whereof I am Light,

But truth, equity, verity and right?

They be enemies to God too, and all liars impure,

Insomuch as he is called Verity in the scripture.

And the lying lips, with speakers of vanity,

The Lord himself will revenge with extremity.

But see, what is he that approacheth so nigh?

New Cus.Of whom I told you: it is Perverse Doctrine verily.

L. of Gospel.Then let us a little step out of the way,If haply we may hear what he will say.

L. of Gospel.Then let us a little step out of the way,

If haply we may hear what he will say.

Perv. Doc.Ah, sirrah, by my troth, there is a very good vein!Ignorance hath well lined his cap for the rain!I could have tarried longer there with a good will,But, as the proverb saith, it is good to keep stillOne head for the reckoning, both sober and wise;Wherefore in this thing I have followed that guise.Ignorance is but a dolt, it is I that must drudge,For need (they say) maketh the old wife and man both to trudge.[32]Such snares we shall lay for these heretics, I trust,That New Custom and his fellows shall soon lie in the dust.If Cruelty may prevail, he will never slack,Till he have brought a thousand of them to a stake.Avarice hath promised to do what in him lay,Who hath been in great credit with the world alway.But if Ignorance may get place, there shall we do well,Then adieu all idle heretics and vain talk of the gospel!For me Perverse Doctrine, this shall be my fetch,[33]To keep constant the minds of all I can catch;Lest these glosers sometime they chance to hear preaching,And thereby be converted, and credit their teaching.For I trust shortly to bring it to pass,That less knowledge of the Gospel shall serve, by the mass.

Perv. Doc.Ah, sirrah, by my troth, there is a very good vein!

Ignorance hath well lined his cap for the rain!

I could have tarried longer there with a good will,

But, as the proverb saith, it is good to keep still

One head for the reckoning, both sober and wise;

Wherefore in this thing I have followed that guise.

Ignorance is but a dolt, it is I that must drudge,

For need (they say) maketh the old wife and man both to trudge.[32]

Such snares we shall lay for these heretics, I trust,

That New Custom and his fellows shall soon lie in the dust.

If Cruelty may prevail, he will never slack,

Till he have brought a thousand of them to a stake.

Avarice hath promised to do what in him lay,

Who hath been in great credit with the world alway.

But if Ignorance may get place, there shall we do well,

Then adieu all idle heretics and vain talk of the gospel!

For me Perverse Doctrine, this shall be my fetch,[33]

To keep constant the minds of all I can catch;

Lest these glosers sometime they chance to hear preaching,

And thereby be converted, and credit their teaching.

For I trust shortly to bring it to pass,

That less knowledge of the Gospel shall serve, by the mass.

L. of Gospel.Let us inclose him, that he may not fly,Else will he be gone, when he doth us espy.O imp of Antichrist, and seed of the devil!Born to all wickedness, and nusled[34]in all evil.

L. of Gospel.Let us inclose him, that he may not fly,

Else will he be gone, when he doth us espy.

O imp of Antichrist, and seed of the devil!

Born to all wickedness, and nusled[34]in all evil.

Perv. Doc.Nay, thou stinking heretic, art thou there indeed?According to thy naughtiness thou must look for to speed.

Perv. Doc.Nay, thou stinking heretic, art thou there indeed?

According to thy naughtiness thou must look for to speed.

New Cus.God's holy word in no wise can be heresy,Though so you term it never so falsely.

New Cus.God's holy word in no wise can be heresy,

Though so you term it never so falsely.

Perv. Doc.Ye precious whoreson, art thou there too?I think you have pretended some harm me to do.Help, help, I say, let me be gone at once,Else I will smite thee in the face with my fist, by God's bones.

Perv. Doc.Ye precious whoreson, art thou there too?

I think you have pretended some harm me to do.

Help, help, I say, let me be gone at once,

Else I will smite thee in the face with my fist, by God's bones.

New Cus.You must be contented a little season to stay:Light of the Gospel for your profit hath something to say.

New Cus.You must be contented a little season to stay:

Light of the Gospel for your profit hath something to say.

Perv. Doc.I will hear none of your preachings, I promise you plain;For whatever you speak, it is but in vain.

Perv. Doc.I will hear none of your preachings, I promise you plain;

For whatever you speak, it is but in vain.

L. of Gospel.In vain it shall not be spoken, I know very well.For God hath always given such power to his gospel,That wherever or by whom declared it be,It should redound unto his own honour and glory.God is glorified in those whom he doth elect,God is glorified in those also whom he doth reject.The elect are saved by that in the world they believe;But the other, because no credence they giveTo the truth, cannot be but blameable,Committing a fault of all faults most damnable.For,Si ad eos non venissem, saith Christ our Saviour,If I had not come unto them with the word, this is sure,In far better case the unfaithful had been.For in this one respect they had had no sin.But where the truth is, and yet there contemned,Of Christ his own mouth all such are condemned.Thus the gospel of Christ, be it received or no,Showeth the glory of God, wheresoever it go.

L. of Gospel.In vain it shall not be spoken, I know very well.

For God hath always given such power to his gospel,

That wherever or by whom declared it be,

It should redound unto his own honour and glory.

God is glorified in those whom he doth elect,

God is glorified in those also whom he doth reject.

The elect are saved by that in the world they believe;

But the other, because no credence they give

To the truth, cannot be but blameable,

Committing a fault of all faults most damnable.

For,Si ad eos non venissem, saith Christ our Saviour,

If I had not come unto them with the word, this is sure,

In far better case the unfaithful had been.

For in this one respect they had had no sin.

But where the truth is, and yet there contemned,

Of Christ his own mouth all such are condemned.

Thus the gospel of Christ, be it received or no,

Showeth the glory of God, wheresoever it go.

Perv. Doc.I were content to abide, and know your pleasure:But for business at this time I have no leisure.

Perv. Doc.I were content to abide, and know your pleasure:

But for business at this time I have no leisure.

L. of Gospel.What leisure ought a man at all times more to have,Than to endeavour both his body and soul for to save?

L. of Gospel.What leisure ought a man at all times more to have,

Than to endeavour both his body and soul for to save?

New Cus.For that care all other cares we must set aside.

Perv. Doc.Say on, then, for patiently I mind to abide.

L. of Gospel.Not to hear what is spoken is only sufficient,But to put it in practice with sincere intentWhatsoever is taught us concerning good-doing,Expressing it plainly in our virtuous living.

L. of Gospel.Not to hear what is spoken is only sufficient,

But to put it in practice with sincere intent

Whatsoever is taught us concerning good-doing,

Expressing it plainly in our virtuous living.

Perv. Doc.Why, what would you have me in living express?

L. of Gospel.Even the gospel, which is nothing else, doubtless,But amendment of life and renouncing of sin:With displeasure toward yourself for the faults you were in.

L. of Gospel.Even the gospel, which is nothing else, doubtless,

But amendment of life and renouncing of sin:

With displeasure toward yourself for the faults you were in.

Perv. Doc.How shall I displease myself in sin, I would know?

L. of Gospel.In considering that nothing bringeth man so lowOut of God's favour, as sin: nothing setteth him so high,As loathing the same, and calling to him for his mercy.

L. of Gospel.In considering that nothing bringeth man so low

Out of God's favour, as sin: nothing setteth him so high,

As loathing the same, and calling to him for his mercy.

Perv. Doc.Verily I am sorry for my forepassed demeanour,But that cannot avail me but little, I am sure.

Perv. Doc.Verily I am sorry for my forepassed demeanour,

But that cannot avail me but little, I am sure.

L. of Gospel.Why think you so? boldly tell me your mind.

Perv. Doc.Because God's mercy is far enough behind.

L. of Gospel.God's mercy is at hand, if you repent faithfully.

Perv. Doc.I repent my sins, and for them am sorry heartily;But how shall I be sure mercy for to obtain?

Perv. Doc.I repent my sins, and for them am sorry heartily;

But how shall I be sure mercy for to obtain?

L. of Gospel.Credit me truly, for my words are not vain,I am Light of the Gospel, and have full authorityTo pronounce to the penitent forgiveness of iniquity,So that, in asking, you put your assurance to speed:Then no doubt you have obtained mercy indeed.

L. of Gospel.Credit me truly, for my words are not vain,

I am Light of the Gospel, and have full authority

To pronounce to the penitent forgiveness of iniquity,

So that, in asking, you put your assurance to speed:

Then no doubt you have obtained mercy indeed.

Perv. Doc.This assurance how cometh it, declare, I pray you?

L. of Gospel.In thinking that Christ his words and promises are true;And as he cannot deceive, so cannot be deceived,Which faith of all Christians must needs be received.

L. of Gospel.In thinking that Christ his words and promises are true;

And as he cannot deceive, so cannot be deceived,

Which faith of all Christians must needs be received.

Perv. Doc.What thing is faith, I pray you recite?

L. of Gospel.A substance of things not appearing in sight,Yet which we look for, for so Saint Paul doth define,To the Hebrews, the eleventh chapter and the first line.

L. of Gospel.A substance of things not appearing in sight,

Yet which we look for, for so Saint Paul doth define,

To the Hebrews, the eleventh chapter and the first line.

Perv. Doc.How to purchase this faith, I would I could tell.

L. of Gospel.Certainly by me also, the Light of the Gospel;For faith cometh by the word, when we read or hear,As by the same Saint Paul it doth plainly appear,

L. of Gospel.Certainly by me also, the Light of the Gospel;

For faith cometh by the word, when we read or hear,

As by the same Saint Paul it doth plainly appear,

Perv. Doc.Give me leave then to embrace you, I pray you heartily.

L. of Gospel.With all my very heart, I receive you courteously.

Perv. Doc.To thee I give most humble thanks, O God immortal,That it hath pleased thee me from my wickedness to call;And where as I deserved no mercy, but judgment,Yet to pour down thy pardon on me most abundant,Revoking me from reprobates and members of hell,To win me in society with the Light of the Gospel.

Perv. Doc.To thee I give most humble thanks, O God immortal,

That it hath pleased thee me from my wickedness to call;

And where as I deserved no mercy, but judgment,

Yet to pour down thy pardon on me most abundant,

Revoking me from reprobates and members of hell,

To win me in society with the Light of the Gospel.

L. of Gospel.Stand up, there is somewhat else yet behind.

Perv. Doc.I wholly yield myself to you: use me after your mind.

L. of Gospel.Perverse Doctrine you shall be called no more after this,But Sincere Doctrine, as now I trust your true name is.

L. of Gospel.Perverse Doctrine you shall be called no more after this,

But Sincere Doctrine, as now I trust your true name is.

Perv. Doc.By God's grace, while I live, I will so endeavour,That my life and my name may accord thus for ever.

Perv. Doc.By God's grace, while I live, I will so endeavour,

That my life and my name may accord thus for ever.

L. of Gospel.Then all wicked company you must clean forsake,And fly their society as a toad or a snake.

L. of Gospel.Then all wicked company you must clean forsake,

And fly their society as a toad or a snake.

Perv. Doc.I abandon them quite, whatsoever they be.

New Cus.Well, Sincere Doctrine, hearken also unto me,

New Cus.Well, Sincere Doctrine, hearken also unto me,Whom needs you must follow, if you will do well,Since you have embraced the Light of the Gospel.I am not New Custom, as you have been misled,But am Primitive Constitution, from the very headOf the church, which is Christ and his disciples all,And from the fathers, at that time taking original.By me then you must learn for your own behest,And for all vocations what is judged the best.

New Cus.Well, Sincere Doctrine, hearken also unto me,

Whom needs you must follow, if you will do well,

Since you have embraced the Light of the Gospel.

I am not New Custom, as you have been misled,

But am Primitive Constitution, from the very head

Of the church, which is Christ and his disciples all,

And from the fathers, at that time taking original.

By me then you must learn for your own behest,

And for all vocations what is judged the best.

Perv. Doc.I receive you gladly with thanks for your gentleness,At your hands craving earnestly for my trespass forgiveness.

Perv. Doc.I receive you gladly with thanks for your gentleness,

At your hands craving earnestly for my trespass forgiveness.

New Cus.It is easily forgiven.

Perv. Doc.Now as touching my apparel, what counsel do you give?For I see well that, in the constitution primitive,They used no such garment as I have on here,But fashioned it after some other manner.

Perv. Doc.Now as touching my apparel, what counsel do you give?

For I see well that, in the constitution primitive,

They used no such garment as I have on here,

But fashioned it after some other manner.

New Cus.So did they truly, I confess it indeed;But in such things a man ought not to take so great heed,For the wearing of a gown, cap, or any other garment,Surely is a matter, as me-seemeth, indifferent,Howbeit, wise princes, for a difference to be had,Hath commanded the clergy in such sort to be clad;But he who puts his religion in wearing the thing,Or thinks himself more holy for the contrary doing,Shall prove but a fool, of whatever conditionHe be, for sure that is but mere superstition.Other things there be, which have been abused,Tolerable enough, if well they were used:Wherefore use your apparel, as is comely and decent,And not against scripture anywhere in my judgment.

New Cus.So did they truly, I confess it indeed;

But in such things a man ought not to take so great heed,

For the wearing of a gown, cap, or any other garment,

Surely is a matter, as me-seemeth, indifferent,

Howbeit, wise princes, for a difference to be had,

Hath commanded the clergy in such sort to be clad;

But he who puts his religion in wearing the thing,

Or thinks himself more holy for the contrary doing,

Shall prove but a fool, of whatever condition

He be, for sure that is but mere superstition.

Other things there be, which have been abused,

Tolerable enough, if well they were used:

Wherefore use your apparel, as is comely and decent,

And not against scripture anywhere in my judgment.

L. of Gospel.No, sure: for God weigheth not (who is a sprite)Of any vesture or outward appearance a mite,So the conscience be pure, and to no sin a slave:That is all which he most gladly would have.

L. of Gospel.No, sure: for God weigheth not (who is a sprite)

Of any vesture or outward appearance a mite,

So the conscience be pure, and to no sin a slave:

That is all which he most gladly would have.

New Cus.Well, these having declared and sufficiently taught,And, I trust, on your part perceived as they ought:By your patience, I mind to depart for a season.

New Cus.Well, these having declared and sufficiently taught,

And, I trust, on your part perceived as they ought:

By your patience, I mind to depart for a season.

L. of Gospel.If your business be so, it is but reason.

New Cus.With great thanks unto you, Lightof the Gospel, for the gentleness I have found,At your hands, as of due desert I am bound.

New Cus.With great thanks unto you, Light

of the Gospel, for the gentleness I have found,

At your hands, as of due desert I am bound.

L. of Gospel.The Lord be your guide, whither-soever you depart.

Perv. Doc.Humble thanks, sir, I yield you from the bottom of my heart.Albeit in this part so small be my skill,That I may not perform them according to my will.

Perv. Doc.Humble thanks, sir, I yield you from the bottom of my heart.

Albeit in this part so small be my skill,

That I may not perform them according to my will.

New Cus.The peace of God be with you both for evermore.[Exit.

Edificationentereth.

Wheresoever Light of the Gospel goeth before,There I, Edification, do follow incontinent,As unto the same a necessary consequent:For though the letter always work not that effect,Yet surely in the congregation of God's elect,Where the light and force taketh place, there EdificationOf all right must I make my habitation.Endeavour then always me to retain,So shall your doctrine not be given in vain.

Wheresoever Light of the Gospel goeth before,

There I, Edification, do follow incontinent,

As unto the same a necessary consequent:

For though the letter always work not that effect,

Yet surely in the congregation of God's elect,

Where the light and force taketh place, there Edification

Of all right must I make my habitation.

Endeavour then always me to retain,

So shall your doctrine not be given in vain.

Perv. Doc.I receive you most gladly, and I trust in the Lord,That for ever hereafter we shall well accord.

Perv. Doc.I receive you most gladly, and I trust in the Lord,

That for ever hereafter we shall well accord.

Edification.I trust so.

L. of Gospel.Fare you well, now you are not alone,For this small while I must needs be gone.Here, take at my hands this Testament-book,And in mine absence therein I pray you earnestly look.

L. of Gospel.Fare you well, now you are not alone,

For this small while I must needs be gone.

Here, take at my hands this Testament-book,

And in mine absence therein I pray you earnestly look.

Perv. Doc.Your commandment shall be done, with thanks for your counsel.

L. of Gospel.Then shall ye sure find great delight in the gospel.[Exit.

Assuranceentereth.

Edification without Assurance 'vaileth not much.Yet where they both do meet, surely their force is such,That to God's kingdom they open the way,The sweet place of rest and perpetual joy.For assurance in Christ Jesus without man's further merit,Is fully sufficient God's favour to inherit:Wherefore Light of the Gospel willed me so,That to you, Edification, with all speed I should go:So that with Sincere Doctrine we joined in unity,Might in short time conduct him to God's Perfect Felicity.

Edification without Assurance 'vaileth not much.

Yet where they both do meet, surely their force is such,

That to God's kingdom they open the way,

The sweet place of rest and perpetual joy.

For assurance in Christ Jesus without man's further merit,

Is fully sufficient God's favour to inherit:

Wherefore Light of the Gospel willed me so,

That to you, Edification, with all speed I should go:

So that with Sincere Doctrine we joined in unity,

Might in short time conduct him to God's Perfect Felicity.

Perv. Doc.I embrace you, Assurance, that bliss to obtain.

Assurance.Then be you assured, that you shall not be vain;For if that Christ's words be faithful and just,God's Perfect Felicity is not far hence, I trust.

Assurance.Then be you assured, that you shall not be vain;

For if that Christ's words be faithful and just,

God's Perfect Felicity is not far hence, I trust.

God's Felicityentereth.

Verily, where Edification and Assurance in one are allied,God's Felicity is at hand, it may not be denied,Which he promiseth to such as unfeignedly crave,With Assurance that certainly the same they shall have:Which Felicity in person here I do represent,Who by God himself to the faithful am sent,Prepared for them, as he plainly hath said,Since the time that the world's foundations were laid;Wherefore great thanks unto him doubtless you owe,That it would please him such gifts on you to bestow,The most precious thing, which man's reason doth excel,No mind can conceive, much less tongue can tell.

Verily, where Edification and Assurance in one are allied,

God's Felicity is at hand, it may not be denied,

Which he promiseth to such as unfeignedly crave,

With Assurance that certainly the same they shall have:

Which Felicity in person here I do represent,

Who by God himself to the faithful am sent,

Prepared for them, as he plainly hath said,

Since the time that the world's foundations were laid;

Wherefore great thanks unto him doubtless you owe,

That it would please him such gifts on you to bestow,

The most precious thing, which man's reason doth excel,

No mind can conceive, much less tongue can tell.

Perv. Doc.To him therefore let us give all manner praise,That beareth such affection to mankind always.O Lord, thine honour might be great in heaven so high.And throughout the whole earth thy everlasting glory.Give grace to thy people, that after this transitoryLife they may come to thy perfect felicity.

Perv. Doc.To him therefore let us give all manner praise,

That beareth such affection to mankind always.

O Lord, thine honour might be great in heaven so high.

And throughout the whole earth thy everlasting glory.

Give grace to thy people, that after this transitory

Life they may come to thy perfect felicity.

Edification.Defend thy church, O Christ, and thy holy congregation,Both here in England and in every other nation.That we thy truth may attain, and still follow the same,To the salvation of our souls, and glory of thy name.

Edification.Defend thy church, O Christ, and thy holy congregation,

Both here in England and in every other nation.

That we thy truth may attain, and still follow the same,

To the salvation of our souls, and glory of thy name.

Assurance.Preserve our noble queen Elizabeth and her council all,[35]With thy heavenly grace, sent from thy seat supernal.Grant her and them long to live, her to reign, them to see,What may always be best for the weal-public's commodity.[36]

Assurance.Preserve our noble queen Elizabeth and her council all,[35]

With thy heavenly grace, sent from thy seat supernal.

Grant her and them long to live, her to reign, them to see,

What may always be best for the weal-public's commodity.[36]

The secondSong.

ByNICHOLAS UDALL

(1550)

[The only copy known of this admirable comedy, and that deficient of the title, was discovered in 1818, and is at present in the library of Eton College. It was reprinted in 1818, again in 1821 and 1830, and for the fourth time, with a copious account of Udall and his writings, by Mr W. D. Cooper, 1847. It was licensed and probably printed in 1566, but is quoted in Wilson's "Rule of Reason," 1551, before which date it was no doubt not only composed but performed."Ralph Roister Doister" is the first regular comedy in our language—a place of honour long held by "Gammer Gurton's Needle," which is an inferior, as well as a later, production.Since the appearance of Mr Cooper's edition, Mr Furnivall has printed from the Royal MS. the pageant referred to at p. xiii. of Mr Cooper's introduction in one of the Ballad Society's volumes.]

"Ralph Roister Doister" is the first regular comedy in our language—a place of honour long held by "Gammer Gurton's Needle," which is an inferior, as well as a later, production.

Since the appearance of Mr Cooper's edition, Mr Furnivall has printed from the Royal MS. the pageant referred to at p. xiii. of Mr Cooper's introduction in one of the Ballad Society's volumes.]

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