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 University of California. 
 
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Carln ©njltii^ ®ramatit(ti( 
 
 THE DRAMATIC 
 WRITINGS OF 
 R. WEVER AND 
 THOMAS INGELEND 
 
iSarIt) iSngltsI) Uramatists 
 
 The 
 Dramatic Writings of 
 
 RICHARD WEVER 
 
 AND 
 
 THOMAS INGELEND 
 
 COMPRISING 
 
 Lust-^ Juventus — Disobedient Child — l^ice Wanton — 
 Note- Book and Word- List 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 JOHN S. FARMER 
 
 Privately Printed for Subscribers by the 
 Early English Drama Society, i8 Bury Street 
 
 Bloomsbury, W.C. 
 
"^ -- CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Lusty Juventus, by R. Wever i 
 
 The Disobedient Child ) • • • 43 
 
 \ BY T. Ingelend 
 Nice Wanton (attrib.) ) . • • 93 
 
 Note-Book and Word-List 117 
 

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 Facsimile of Title-page of 
 from a copy in the British 
 
 " Lusty 
 Museum. 
 
 Juvenilis " 
 
 
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An Enterlude called Lusty Juuentus, 
 Lyuely Describing the Frailtie of 
 Youth : of Natur Prone to Vyce : by 
 Grace and Good Counsayll Traynable to 
 Vertue. 
 
 Messenger 
 
 Lusty Juuentus 
 
 Good Counsaill 
 
 Knowledge 
 
 Sathan the Deuyll 
 
 Hypocrisie 
 
 Felowship 
 
 Abhominable Lyuyng 
 
 Gods mercifull promises 
 
 Foure maye play it easely, tnkyng such partes as they 
 th'inke best : so that any one take of those partes that be 
 not in place at once. 
 
^ or THC 
 
 ITT . 
 
 UNfVEPSITY 
 
 LUSTY JUVENTUS 
 
 The Prologue of the Messenger. 
 For as much as man is naturally prone 
 To evil from his youth, as Scripture doth recite, 
 It is necessary that he be speedily withdrawn 
 From concupiscence of sin, his natural ap- 
 petite : ^ [write,— 
 An order to bring up youth Ecclesiasticus doth 
 An untamed horse will be hard, saith he, 
 And a wanton child wilful will be. [excuse, 
 
 Give him no liberty in youth, nor his folly 
 Bow down his neck, and keep him in good awe, 
 Lest he be stubborn : no labour refuse [law. 
 To train him to wisdom and teach him God's 
 For youth is frail and easy to draw 
 By grace to goodness, by nature to ill : 
 That nature hath ingrafted, is hard to kill. 
 
 Nevertheless, in youth men may be best 
 Trained to virtue by godly mean ; 
 Vice may be so mortified and so supprest. 
 That it shall not break furth, yet the root will 
 remain ; [plain, 
 
 As in this interlude by youth you shall see 
 From his lust by Good Counsel brought to 
 
 godly conversation. 
 And shortly after to frail nature's inclination. 
 
 B 2 
 
4 Lusty Juventus 
 
 The enemy of mankind, Satan, through 
 Hypocrisy [intent, 
 
 Feigned or chosen holiness of man's bhnd 
 Forsaking God's word, that leadeth right way. 
 Is brought to Fellowship and ungracious com- 
 pany. 
 To Abhominable Living till he be wholly bent, 
 And so to desperation, if good counsel were 
 
 not sent 
 From God, that in trouble doth no man forsake 
 That doth call, and trust in him for Christ's 
 Finally, youth by God's special grace [sake. 
 Doth earnestly repent his abhominable living 
 By the doctrine of good counsel, and to his 
 God's mercy entereth to him reciting [solace 
 God's merciful promises, as they be in writing : 
 He believeth and followeth, to his great con- 
 solation, [their fashion. 
 And these parts ye shall see briefly played in 
 [Here entereth Lusty Juventus, or Youth, 
 singing as followeth: 
 In a herber green, asleep where as I lay. 
 The birds sang sweet in the middes of the day ; 
 I dreamed fast of mirth and play : 
 
 In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure. 
 
 Methought I walked still to and fro. 
 And from her company I could not go ; 
 But when I waked, it was not so : 
 
 In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure. 
 
 Therefore my heart is surely pight. 
 
 Of her alone to have a sight, 
 
 Which is my joy and heart's delight : 
 
 In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure. 
 Finis. 
 
Lusty Juventus 5 
 
 [Lusty Juventus, or Youth, speaketh. 
 What, ho? Are they not here? 
 I am disappointed, by the blessed mass ! 
 I had thought to have found them making 
 
 good cheer ; 
 But now they are gone to some secret place. 
 Well, seeing they are gone, I do not greatly 
 Another time I will hold them as much, [pass ; 
 Seeing they break promise, and keep not the 
 tweche. 
 
 What shall I do now to pass away the day? 
 Is there any man here that will go to game? 
 At whatsoever he will play, 
 To make one I am ready to the same : 
 Youth full of pleasure is my proper name. 
 To be alone is not my appetite, [company. 
 
 For of all things in the world I love merry 
 
 Who knoweth where is e'er a minstrel? 
 By the mass, I would fain go dance a fit. 
 My companions are at it, I know right well ; 
 They do not all this while in a corner sit : 
 Against another time they have taught me wit : 
 I beshrew their hearts for serving me this, 
 I will go seek them, whether I hit or miss. 
 
 [Here entereth Good Counsel, to whom 
 Youth yet speaketh. 
 Well i-met, father, well i-met : 
 Did you hear any minstrels play. 
 As you came hitherward upon your way? 
 And if you did, I pray you wish me thither, 
 For I am going to seek them, and, in faith, I 
 know not whither. [your favour : 
 
 Good C. Sir, I will ask you a question by 
 What would you with the minstrel do? 
 
 ]uv. Nothing but have a dance or two, 
 To pass the time away in pleasure. 
 
6 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Good C. If that be the matter, I promise 
 you sure, 
 I am the more sorrier that it should so be; 
 For there is no such passing the time ap- 
 pointed in the Scripture, 
 Nor yet thereunto it doth not agree ! 
 I wish that ye would so use your liberty, 
 To walk as you are bound to do, [called you to. 
 According- to the vocation which God hath 
 
 Juv. Why, sir, are you angry, because I 
 have spoken so? 
 By the mass, it is alone for my appetite. 
 
 Good C. Show me your name, I pray you 
 And then I will my mind express. [heartily, 
 
 ]uv. My name is called Juventus, doubtless : 
 Say what you will, I will give you the hearing. 
 
 Good C. For as much as God hath created 
 you of nothing, [tion, 
 
 Unto his own likeness by spiritual illumina- 
 It is unmeet that ye should lead your living 
 Contrary to his godly determination, [hortation, 
 Saint Paul unto the Ephesians giveth good ex- 
 Saying, walk circumspectly, redeeming the 
 time; [ness incline. 
 
 That is, to spend it well, and not to wicked- 
 
 ]uv. No, no, hardily none of mine ; [a fool ; 
 
 If I would live so strait, you might count me 
 
 Let them keep those rules, which are doctors 
 
 divine, [school. 
 
 And have be brought up all their days in 
 
 Good C. Moses in the law exhorteth his 
 people, [plainly write, 
 
 As in the book of Deuteronomy he doth 
 That they should live obedient and thankful ; 
 For in effect these words he doth recite : 
 All ye this day stand before the Lord's sight, 
 
Lusty Juventus 7 
 
 Both princes, rulers, elders, and parents, 
 Children, wives, young, and old ; therefore 
 obey His commandments. [documents ; 
 Juv. I am too youngs to understand his 
 Wherefore did all they stand before his pre- 
 sence? [ance, 
 Good C. To enter with God peace and alli- 
 Promising that they would him honour, fear, 
 and serve : [covenants, 
 All kind of people were bound in those 
 That from his law they should never swerve; 
 For God useth no partiality. [clergy, 
 Juv. What, am I bound, as well as the 
 To learn and follow his precepts and law? 
 Good C. Yea, surely, or else God will with- 
 draw 
 His mercy from you, promised in his covenant; 
 For, except you live under his obedience and 
 awe, [ment? 
 How can you receive the benefits of his Testa- 
 For he that submitteth himself to be a servant. 
 And his master's commandment will not fulfil 
 nor regard, [reward. 
 According as he hath done, is worthy his 
 Juv. It is as true a saying as ever I heard ; 
 Therefore your name, I pray you now tell. 
 For, by my truth, your communication I like 
 wonders well. 
 Good C. My name is called Good Counsel. 
 Juv. Good Counsel? 
 Now, in faith, I cry you mercy : 
 I am sorry that I have you thus offended ; 
 But, I pray you, bear with me patiently. 
 And my misbehaviour shall be amended : 
 I know my time I have rudely spended, [ance; 
 Following my own lust, being led by ignor 
 
 '■■] 
 
8 Lusty Juventus 
 
 But now I hope of better knowledge through 
 your acquaintance. [gracious assistance 
 Good C. I pray God guide you with his 
 Unto the knowledge of his truth, your ignor- 
 ance to undo, [Christians, 
 That you may be one of those numbered 
 Which followeth the lamb whither he doth go : 
 The lamb Jesus Christ my meaning is so, 
 By sure faith and confidence in his bitter death 
 
 and passion, 
 The only price of our health and salvation. 
 Juv. Sir, I thank you for your hearty 
 oration : [ment, 
 
 And now, I pray you, show me your advise- 
 How I may live in this my vocation. 
 According to God's will and commandment. 
 
 Good C. First of all, it is most expedient. 
 That you exercise yourself in continual prayer, 
 That it might please the Lord omnipotent 
 To send unto you his holy spirit and comforter, 
 Which will lead you every day and hour 
 Unto the knowledge of his word and verity. 
 Wherein you may learn to live most christianly. 
 Juv. O Lord, grant me of thy infinite mercy 
 
 [He kneeleth. 
 The true knowledge of thy law and will. 
 And illumine my heart with spirit continually. 
 That I may be apt thy holy precepts to fulfil ; 
 Strengthen me, that I may persever still 
 Thy commandments to obey : 
 And then shall I never slip nor fall away. 
 
 [He riseth. 
 Good C. Full true be these words, which 
 Christ himself did say, 
 He that seeketh shall surely find. 
 
 [Knowledge enter eth. 
 
Lusty Juventus 9 
 
 Behold, Youth, now rejoice we may, 
 
 For I see Knowledge of God['s] Verity stand 
 
 here behind : 
 He is come now to satisfy your mind 
 In those things which you will desire ; 
 Therefore together let us approach him near. 
 
 Juv. Ah, Good Counsel, now it doth appear^ 
 That God never rejecteth the humbles[t] 
 
 petition. 
 Knowl. Now the Lord bless you all with 
 
 his heavenly benediction. 
 And with his fiery love your hearts inflame. 
 That of his merciful promises you may have 
 
 the fruition, 
 The subtlety of the devil utterly to defame. 
 Now, good Christian audience, I will express 
 
 my name, [my name doth hight. 
 
 The True Knowledge of God's Verity, this 
 Whom God hath appointed to give the blind 
 
 their sight. [might, 
 
 Good C. All praise be given to that Lord of 
 
 Which hath appointed you hither at this 
 
 present hour ; 
 For I trust you will so instruct youth aright. 
 That he shall live according to God's pleasure. 
 Juv. And I thank Jesus Christ my Saviour, 
 That he is come to my company. [heartily 
 
 Knowl. I thank you, my friends, most 
 For your gentle salutation. [tion, 
 
 Juv. Sir, I will be so bold, by your delibera- 
 To open my mind unto you now. 
 Trusting that, by your good exhortation, 
 I shall learn those things which I never knew : 
 This one thing chiefly I would learn of you, 
 How I may my life in this my vocation lead, 
 According as God hath ordained and decreed. 
 
to Lusty Juventus 
 
 Knowl. The prophet David saith, that the 
 man is blessed, [Lord, 
 
 Which doth exercise himself in the law of the 
 And doth not follow the way of the wicked ; 
 As the first psalm doth plainly record : 
 The fourscore and thirteenth psalm thereunto 
 doth accord ; [Lord, saith he, 
 
 Blessed is the man whom thou teachest, O 
 To learn thy law, precepts, word, or verity. 
 And Christ in the gospel saith manifestly : 
 Blessed is he which heareth the Word of God 
 and keepeth it ; [ingly, 
 
 That is, to believe his word and live accord- 
 Declaring the faith by the fruits of the spirit, 
 Whose fruits are these, as St. Paul to the 
 Galathi doth write, [ness, 
 
 Love, joy, peace, long suffering, and faithful- 
 Meekness, goodness, temperance, and gentle- 
 ness, [he doth express, 
 Good C. By these words, which unto you 
 He teacheth that you ought to have a steadfast 
 
 faith ; 
 Without the which it is impossible doubtless 
 To please God, as Saint Paul saith : 
 Where faith is not, godly living decayeth ; 
 For whatsoever is not of faith, saith St. Paul, 
 is sin, [working. 
 
 But where a perfect faith is, there is good 
 ]uv. It seemeth to me, that this is your 
 meaning, [the works of charity, 
 
 That, when I observe God's commandments and 
 They shall prevail unto me nothing. 
 Except I believe to be saved thereby, [blindly ; 
 Knowl. No, no, you are deceived very 
 For faith in Christ's merits doth only justify, 
 And make us righteous in God's sight. 
 
Lusty Juventus " 
 
 Jtiv. Why should I then in good works 
 Seeing- I shall not be saved by them? [delight, 
 Good C. Because they are required of all 
 Christian men, 
 As the necessary fruits of true repentance. 
 Knowl. But the reward of the heavenly in- 
 heritance [servings ; 
 Is given us through faith, for Christ's de- 
 As St. Paul declareth in the fourth chapter to 
 
 the Romans, 
 Therefore we ought not to work as hirelings : 
 Seeing Christ hath purged us once from all 
 
 our wicked living, 
 Let us no more wallow therein, [in hirn. 
 
 But persever, like good branches, bearing fruit 
 Juv. Now I know where about you have 
 My elders never taught me so before, [been : 
 Good C. Though your elders were blind, 
 doubt not you therefore; [tions 
 
 For Saint Peter saith, vain is the conversa- 
 Which ye receive by your elders' traditions. 
 Juv. I will gladly receive your godly ad- 
 monitions : 
 But yet, I pray you, show me the cause 
 That they, being men of great discretions, 
 Did not instruct me in God's laws. 
 According to his will and ordinance. 
 
 Knowl. Because they themselves were 
 wrapped in ignorance, 
 Being deceived by false preachers, [teachers, 
 Juv. O Lord, deliver me from wicked 
 That I be not deceived with their false doctrine. 
 Good C. To God's word you must only in- 
 All other doctrine clean set apart. [cline; 
 Juv. Surely that I will from the bottom of 
 my heart; 
 
12 Lusty Juventus 
 
 And I thank the livings God which hath given 
 
 me the knowledge 
 To know his doctrine from the false and per- 
 I being yet young and full tender of age ; [vart, 
 And that he hath made me partaker of the 
 
 heavenly inheritage, 
 Of his own mercy, and not of my deserving, 
 For hell I have deserved by my sinful working. 
 I know right well, my elders and parents 
 Have of a long time deceived be 
 With blind hypocrisy and superstitious intents, 
 Trusting in their own works, which is nothing 
 
 but vanity ; 
 Their steps shall not be followed for me : 
 Therefore, I pray you, show me a brief con- 
 clusion. 
 How I ought to live in Christian religion. 
 Knowl. The first beginning of wisdom, as 
 
 saith the wise Solomon, 
 Is to fear God with all thy heart and power; 
 And then thou must believe all his promises 
 
 without any exception, [and sure : 
 
 And that he will perform them botli constant 
 And then, because he is thy only Saviour, 
 Thou must love him with all thy soul and mind, 
 And thy neighbour as thyself, because he hath 
 
 so assigned. [cannot be so kind : 
 
 Juv. To love my neighbour as myself? I 
 I pray you tell me, what mean you? 
 
 Knowl. My meaning is, as Christ saith in 
 
 the sixth chapter of Matthew, 
 To do to him as you would be done to. [do, 
 Juv. I pray God give me grace so for to 
 That unto his will I may be obedient. 
 
 Good C. Here you shall receive Christ's 
 
 testament 
 
Lusty Juventus ^3 
 
 To comfort your conscience, when need shall 
 
 require, 
 To learn the contents thereof, see that you be 
 
 diligent ; 
 The which all Christian men ought to desire. 
 For it is the well or fountain most clear, [tion 
 Out of the which doth spring sweet consola- 
 To all those that thirst after eternal salvation. 
 Knowl. Therein shall you find most whole- 
 some preservation [adversity, 
 Both in troubles, persecutions, sickness, and 
 And a sure defence in the time of temptation. 
 Against whom the devil cannot prevail with 
 
 all his army : 
 And, if you persever therein unfeignedly, [rest, 
 It will set your heart at such quietness and 
 Which cannot never be turned with storms nor 
 
 tempest. [flatter nor jest, 
 
 Good C. With this thing you must neither 
 But stedfastly believe it every day and hour. 
 And let your conversation openly protest. 
 That of your heart it is the most precious 
 
 treasure, [men procure 
 
 And then your godly example shall other 
 To learn and exercise the same also : 
 I pray God strengthen you so for to do. 
 
 Juv. Now for this godly knowledge which 
 
 you have brought me to, 
 I beseech the living God reward you again : 
 From your company I will never depart nor go, 
 So long as in this life I do remain ; 
 For in this book I see manifest and plain, 
 That he that followeth his own lusts and 
 
 imagination, [tion : 
 
 Keepeth the ready path to everlasting damna- 
 And he that leadeth a godly conversation 
 
14 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Shall be brought to such quietness, joy, and 
 peace, [tion, 
 
 Which in comparison passeth all worldly gloria- 
 Which cannot endure, but shortly cease. 
 Both the time and hour I may now bless. 
 That I met with you, father Good Counsel, 
 To bring me to the knowledge of this heavenly 
 gospel. [well, 
 
 Knowl. This your profession I like very 
 So that you intend to live according ; 
 I pray God, your living do not rebel. 
 But ever agree unto your saying, [i^g, 
 
 That, when ye shall make accounts or reckon- 
 Of this talent which you have received. 
 You may be one of those, with whom the Lord 
 shall be pleased. 
 Good C. For this conversation of Youth 
 the Lord's name be praised : 
 Let us now depart for a season. [Exit. 
 
 Knowl. To give God the glory it is con- 
 venient and reason : 
 If you will depart, I will not tarry. [Exit. 
 Juv. And I will never forsake your com- 
 pany. 
 While I live in this world. [Exit. 
 
 [Here entereth the Devil. 
 Devil. O, O, all too late ! 
 I trow this gear will come to naught ; 
 For I perceive my power doth abate. 
 For all the policy that ever I have wrought ; 
 Many and sundry ways I have fought. 
 To have the Word of God deluded utterly ; 
 
 for sorrow ! yet it will not be. 
 
 1 have done the best that I can. 
 And my mistress also in every place, 
 To root it clean from the heart of man ; 
 
Lusty Juventus iS- 
 
 And yet for all that it flourisheth apace; 
 I am sore in dread to show my face, [spised, 
 My auctority and works are so greatly de- 
 My inventions, and all that ever I have devised. 
 O, O, full well I know the cause. 
 That my estimation doth thus decay; 
 The old people would believe still in my laws, 
 But the young-er sort lead them a contrary 
 They will not believe, they plainly say, [way ^ 
 In old traditions and made by men, [them. 
 But they will live, as the Scripture teacheth 
 Out, I cry, upon them, they do me open wrong. 
 To bring up their children thus in knowledge ; 
 For, if they will not follow my ways, when 
 
 they are young, [age : 
 
 It is hard turning them when they come to 
 I must needs find some means this matter to 
 
 'suage ; [quite,. 
 
 I mean, to turn their hearts from the Scripture 
 That in carnal pleasures they may have more 
 
 delight. 
 Well, I will go haste to infect this youth 
 Through the enticement of my son Hypocrisy, 
 And work some proper feat to stop his mouth,. 
 That he may lead his life carnally : 
 I had never more need my matters to apply. 
 
 my child Hypocrisy, where art thou? 
 
 1 charge thee of my blessing appear before 
 
 me now. [Here entereth Hypocrisy. 
 
 Hyp. O, O, quoth he, keep again the sow; 
 I come as fast as I can, I warrant you : 
 Where is he that hath the sow to sell? 
 I will give him money, if I like her well ; [care, 
 Whether it be sow or hog, I do not greatly 
 For by my occupation I am a butcher. 
 
 Devil. O my child, how dost thou fare? 
 
1 6 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Hyp. Sancti amen, who have we there? 
 By the mass, I will buy none of thy ware; 
 Thou art a chapman for the devil. 
 
 Devil. What, my son, canst thou not tell, 
 Who is here, and what I am? 
 I am thine own father Satan. [then; 
 
 Hyp. Be you so, sir? I cry you mercy 
 You may say I am homely, and lack learning, 
 To liken my father's voice unto a sow's groan- 
 ing : 
 But, I pray you, show me the cause and why, 
 That you called me hither so hastily? 
 
 Devil. Ah, Hypocrisy, I am undone utterly. 
 
 Hyp. Utterly undone ! nay, stop there 
 For I myself do know the contrary [hardily ; 
 By daily experience : 
 Do not I yet reign abroad? 
 And as long as I am in the world. 
 You have some treasure and substance. 
 I suppose I have been the flower 
 In setting forth thy laws and power 
 Without any delay : 
 By the mass, if I had not been. 
 Thou haddest not been worth a Flander's pin 
 At this present day. 
 
 The time were too long now to declare. 
 How many and great the number are. 
 Which have deceived be ; 
 And brought clean from God's law 
 Unto thy yoke and awe, 
 Through the enticement of me. 
 I have been busied since the world began, 
 To graff thy laws in the heart of man. 
 Where they ought to be refused : 
 And I have so mingled God's commandments 
 With vain zeals and blind intents, 
 
Lusty Juventus 17 
 
 That they be greatly abused. 
 
 I set up great idolatry 
 
 With all kind of filthy sodometry, 
 
 To give mankind a fall : 
 
 And I [have] brought up such superstition, 
 
 Under the name of holiness and religion, 
 
 That deceived almost all. 
 
 As holy cardinals, holy popes, 
 
 Holy vestments, holy copes, 
 
 Holy hermits and friars, 
 
 Holy priests, holy bishops. 
 
 Holy monks, holy abbots, 
 
 Yea, and all obstinate liars : 
 
 Holy pardons, holy beads. 
 
 Holy saints, holy images, 
 
 With holy, holy blood, 
 
 Ho'y stocks, holy stones, 
 
 Holy clouts, holy bones ; 
 
 Yea, and holy holy wood. 
 
 Holy skins, holy bulls. 
 
 Holy rochets and cowls. 
 
 Holy crouches and staves. 
 
 Holy hoods, holy caps, 
 
 Holy mitres, holy hats ; 
 
 Ah good holy holy knaves. 
 
 Holy days, holy fastings. 
 
 Holy twitching, holy tastings, 
 
 Holy visions and sights, 
 
 Holy wax, holy lead. 
 
 Holy water, holy bread, 
 
 To drive away spirits. 
 
 Holy fire, holy palm. 
 
 Holy oil, holy cream, 
 
 And holy ashes also ; 
 
 Holy brooches, holy rings. 
 
 Holy kneeling, holy censings, 
 
 w. & I. c 
 
1 8 Lusty Juventus 
 
 And a hundred trim-trams mo. 
 
 Holy crosses, holy bells, 
 
 Holy relics, holy jewels, 
 
 Of mine own invention ; 
 
 Holy candles, holy tapers, 
 
 Holy parchments, holy papers : 
 
 Had not you a holy son? [done, 
 
 Devil. All these things, which thou hast 
 My honour and laws hath maintained ; 
 But now, O alas ! one things is begun, 
 By the which my kingdom is greatly decayed ; 
 I shall lese all, I am sore afraid : 
 Except thy help, I know right plain, 
 I shall never be able to recover it again. 
 God's Word is so greatly sprung up in youth, 
 That he little regardeth my laws or me ; 
 He telleth his parents that is very truth, 
 That they of long time have deceived be : 
 He saith according to Christ's verity 
 All his doings he will order and frame, 
 Mortifying the flesh with the lusts of the same. 
 
 Hyp. Ah, sirrah, there beginneth the game : 
 What, is Juventus become so tame, 
 To be a New Gospeller? 
 
 Devil. As fast as I do make, he doth mar ; 
 He hath followed so long the steps of Good 
 
 Counsel, 
 That Knowledge and he together doth dwell ; 
 For who is so busy in every place as youth, 
 To read and declare the manifest truth? 
 But, O Hypocrisy, if thou could stop his 
 Thou shouldst win my heart for ever, [mouth, 
 
 Hyp. What would you have me to do in 
 the matter? 
 Show me therein your advisement. 
 
 Devil. I would have thee go incontinent, 
 
Lusty Juventus 19 
 
 And work some crafty feat or policy, 
 To set Knowledge and him at controversy; 
 And his company thyself greatly use, 
 That God's Word he may clean abuse. 
 
 Hyp. At your request I will not refuse 
 To do that thing, which in me doth lie : 
 Doubt ye not, but I will excuse 
 Those things, which he doth plainly deny; 
 And I will handle my matters so craftily, 
 That, ere he cometh to man's state, [the bate. 
 God's Word and his living shall be clean at 
 
 Devil. Thou shalt have my blessing both 
 early and late; 
 And, because thou shalt all my counsel keep, 
 Thou shalt call thy name Friendship. 
 
 Hyp. By the mass, it is a name full meet 
 For my proper and amiable person. 
 
 Devil. O, farewell, farewell, my son ; 
 Speed thy business, for I must be gone. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Hyp. I warrant you, let me alone. 
 I will be with Juventus anon, 
 And that, ere he be ware ; 
 And, i-wis, if he walk not straight, 
 I will use such a sleight, 
 That shall trap him in a snare. 
 
 How shall I bring this gear to pass? -^ 
 
 I can tell now, by the mass, 
 Without any more advisement : 
 I will infect him with wicked company, 
 Whose conversation shall be so fleshly. 
 Yea, able to overcome an innocent. 
 This wicked Fellowship 
 Shall him company keep 
 For a while : 
 And then I will bring in 
 
 c 2 
 
20 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Abhominable Living, 
 
 Him to beguile. 
 
 With words fair I will him 'tice, 
 
 Telling him of a girl nice, 
 
 Which shall him somewhat move; 
 
 Abhominable Living though she be, 
 
 Yet he shall no other ways see, 
 
 But she is for to love. 
 
 She shall him procure 
 
 To live in pleasure, 
 
 After his own phantasy ; 
 
 And my matter to frame, / 
 
 I will call her name 
 
 Unknowen Honesty. 
 
 This will I convey 
 
 My matter, I say. 
 
 Somewhat handsomely; 
 
 That, through wicked Fellowship 
 
 And false pretended Friendship, 
 
 Youth shall live carnally. 
 
 Trudge, Hypocrisy, trudge ! 
 
 Thou art a good drudge, 
 
 To serve the devil : 
 
 If thou shouldest lie and lurk. 
 
 And not intend thy work, 
 
 Thy master should do full evil. 
 
 [Here entereth Youth, to whom Hypocrisy 
 yet speaketh. 
 What, Master Youth? 
 Well i-met, by my truth; 
 And whither away? 
 You are the last man. 
 Which I talked on, 
 I swear, by this day. 
 Methought by your face, 
 Ere you came in place. 
 
Lusty Juventus 21 
 
 It should be you : 
 
 Therefore I did abide 
 
 Here in this tide 
 
 For your coming, this is true. [I thank you, 
 
 Juv. For your gentleness, sir, most heartily 
 But yet you must hold me somewhat excused ; 
 For to my simple knowledge I never knew, 
 That you and I together were acquainted : 
 But nevertheless, if you do it renew. 
 Old acquaintance will soon be remembered. 
 
 Hyp. Ah, now I see well, Youth is 
 feathered, 
 And his crumbs he hath well gathered, 
 Since I spake with him last ; 
 A poor man's tale cannot now be heard, 
 As in times past. 
 
 I cry you mercy, I was somewhat bold, 
 Thinking that your mastership would 
 Not have been so strange ; 
 But now I perceive, that promotion 
 Causeth both man, manners, and fashion 
 Greatly for to change. [lenge; 
 
 Juv. You are to blame this me to chal- 
 
 For I think I am not he, which you take me 
 
 for. [were bore ; 
 
 Hyp. Yes, I have known you ever since you 
 Your age is yet under a score, 
 Which I can well remember : 
 I-wis, i-wis, you and I 
 Many a time have been full merry. 
 When you were young and tender. [lenger; 
 
 Juv. Then, I pray you, let us reason no 
 But first show your nomination. 
 
 Hyp. Of my name to make declaration 
 Without any dissimulation, 
 I am called Friendship : 
 
22 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Although I be simple and rude of fashion, 
 
 Yet by lineage and generation 
 
 I am nigh kin to your mastership. 
 
 Juv. What, Friendship? 
 I am glad to see that you be merry ; 
 By my truth, I had almost you forgot, 
 By long absence brought out of memory. 
 
 Hyp. By the mass, I love you so heartily, 
 That there is none so welcome to my company : 
 I pray you, tell me whither are you going? 
 
 Juv. My intention is, to go hear a preach- 
 ing, [one I 
 
 Hyp. A preaching, quod-a? ah, good little 
 
 By Christ, she will make you cry out of the 
 
 winning, [morning. 
 
 If you follow her instruction so early in the 
 
 Juv. Full great I do abhor this your wicked 
 
 saying ; [vice : 
 
 For, no doubt, they increase much sin and 
 
 Therefore I pray you, show not your meaning, 
 
 For I delight not in such foolish fantasies. 
 
 Hyp. Surely, then you are the more unwise : 
 You may have a spurt amongst them now and 
 
 then; 
 Why should not you, as well as other men? 
 
 Juv. As for those filthy doings I utterly 
 
 detest them ; [tion. 
 
 I will hear no more of your wicked communica- 
 
 Hyp. If I may be so bold by your delibera- 
 What will you do at a preaching? [tion, 
 
 Juv. Learn some wholesome and godly 
 teaching 
 Of the true minister of Christ's gospel. 
 
 Hyp. Tush ! what he will say, I know 
 right well ; 
 He will say that God is a good man. 
 
Lusty Juventus 23 
 
 He can make him no better, and say the best 
 he can. 
 
 Juv. I know that, but what then? 
 The more that God's Word is preached and 
 taug-ht, .[n^en 
 
 The greater the occasion is to all Christian 
 To forsake their sinful livings, both wicked, 
 vile and naught : [have wrought, 
 
 And to repent their former evils, which they 
 Trusting by Christ's death to be redeemed : 
 And he that this doth shall never be deceived. 
 
 Hyp. Well said, master doctor, well said ! 
 By the mass, we must have you into the pulpit : 
 I pray you be remembered, and cover your 
 head ; . [wit : 
 
 For indeed you have need to keep in your 
 Ah, sirrah, who would have thought it, 
 That youth had been such a well-learned man ! 
 Let me see your portous, gentle Sir John ! 
 
 Juv. No, it is not a book for you to look on. 
 You ought not to jest with God's Testament. 
 
 Hyp. What, man? I pray you be content; 
 For I do nothing else, but say my phantasy : 
 But yet, if you would do after my advisement, 
 In that matter you should not be so busy ; 
 Was not your father as well-learned as ye? 
 And if he had said then as you have now done, 
 I-wis he had been like to make a burn. 
 
 Juv. It were much better for me than to 
 
 return [his word. 
 
 From my faith in Christ and the profession of 
 
 Hyp. Whether is better a halter or a cord, 
 I cannot tell, I swear by God's mother : 
 But I think you will have the one or the other : 
 Will you lose all your friends' good will, 
 To continue in that opinion still? 
 
24 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Was there not as well-learned men before as 
 
 now? 
 Yea, and better too, I may say to you? 
 And they taug-ht the younger sort of people 
 By the elders to take an example : [bind, 
 
 And if I did not love you, as nature doth me 
 You should not know so much of my mind. 
 
 Juv. Whether were I better to be ignorant 
 and blind. 
 And to be damned in hell for infidelity ; [find 
 Or to learn godly knowledge, wherein I shall 
 The right path-way to eternal felicity? 
 
 Hyp. Can you deny, but it is your duty 
 Unto your elders to be obedient? 
 
 Juv. I grant I am bound to obey my parents 
 In all things honest and lawful. 
 
 Hyp. Lawful, quod-a? ah, fool, fool! 
 Wilt thou set men to school, 
 When they be old? 
 I may say to you secretly. 
 The world was never merry. 
 Since children were so bold : 
 Now every boy will be a teacher, 
 The father a fool, and the child a preacher; 
 This is pretty gear : 
 The foul presumption of youth 
 Will turn shortly to great ruth, 
 I fear, I fear, I fear. 
 
 Juv. The sermon will be done, ere I can 
 come there : 
 I care not greatly whether I go or no; 
 And yet for my promise, by God I swear, 
 There is no remedy but I must needs go ; 
 Of my companions there will be mo. 
 And I promised them, by God's grace, 
 To meet them there as the sermon was. 
 
Lusty Juventus 25 
 
 Hyp. For once breaking promise do not 
 you pass ; 
 Make some excuse the matter to cease, 
 What have they to do? 
 And you and I were, I wot where, 
 We would be as merry as there, 
 Yea, and merrier too. 
 
 ]uv. I would gladly in your company go; 
 But, if my companions should chance to see> 
 They would report full evil by me : 
 And peradventure, if I should it use, 
 My company they would clean refuse. 
 
 Hyp. What, are those fellows so curious. 
 That yourself you cannot excuse? 
 I will teach you the matter to convey ; 
 Do what your own lust, and say as they say ; 
 And if you be reproved with your own affinity, 
 Bid them pluck the beam out of their own eye : 
 The old popish priests mock and despise, 
 And the ignorant people, that believe their lies. 
 Call them papists, hypocrites, and joining of 
 
 the plough; 
 Face out the matter, and then good enough ! 
 Let your book at your girdle be tied. 
 Or else in your bosom that he may be spied ; 
 And then it will be said both with youth and 
 
 age. 
 Yonder fellow hath an excellent knowledge. 
 Tush, tush ! 
 
 I could so beat the bush, 
 That all should be flush. 
 That ever I did. [disposed ; 
 
 Juv. Now, by my truth, you are merrily 
 Let us go thither as you think best. [fast? 
 
 Hyp. How say you? shall we go to break- 
 Will you go to the pie-feast? 
 
26 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Or, by the mass, if thou wilt be my guest, 
 
 It shall cost thee nothing; 
 
 I have a furny card in a place, 
 
 That will bear a turn besides the ace. 
 
 She purveys now apace 
 
 For my coming : 
 
 And if thou wilt sibber as well as I, 
 
 We shall have merry company : 
 
 And I warrant thee, if we have not a pie, 
 
 We shall have a pudding. [all thing ; 
 
 Juv. By the mass, that meat I love above 
 You may draw me about the town with a 
 pudding. 
 
 Hyp. Then you shall see my cunning : 
 A poor shift for a living 
 Amongest poor men used is ; 
 The kind heart of hers 
 Hath eased my purse. 
 Many a time ere this. 
 
 [Here entereth Fellowship. 
 
 F'ship. I marvel greatly where Friendship 
 is; 
 He promised to meet me here ere this time : 
 I beshrew his heart, that his promise doth 
 
 miss ; 
 And then be ye sure, it shall not be mine. 
 
 Hyp. Yes, Fellowship, that it shall be thine. 
 For I have tarried here this hour or twain ; 
 And this honest gentleman in my company hath 
 
 been. 
 To abide your coming, this thing is plain. 
 
 F'ship. By the mass, if you chide, I will be 
 gone again ; 
 For in faith. Friendship, I may say to thee, 
 I love not to be there, where chiders be. 
 
 Hyp. No, God it knoweth, you are so full 
 of honesty, 
 
Lusty Juventus 27 
 
 As a mary-bone is full of honey : 
 
 But, sirrah, I pray you, bid this gentleman 
 
 welcome, 
 For he is desirous in your company to come : 
 I tell you he is a man of the right making ; 
 And one that hath excellent learning; 
 At his girdle he hath such a book, 
 That the Popish priests dare not in him look : 
 This is a fellow for the nonce. 
 
 F'ship. I love him the better, by God's 
 precious bones : 
 You are heartily welcome, as I may say, 
 I shall desire you of better acquaintance; 
 That of your company be bold I may, 
 You may be sure, if in me it lie 
 To do you pleasure, you should it find : 
 For, by the mass, I love you both with heart 
 and mind. [ness doth me bind; 
 
 ]uv. To say the same to you your gentle- 
 And I thank you heartily for your kindness. 
 
 Hyp. Well you see this gentleman fines 
 Your gentleness and your kindness, 
 I thank him, and I thank you; 
 And I think, if the truth were sought. 
 The one bad and the other naught, 
 Never a good, I make God a vow ! 
 But yet. Fellowship, tell me one thing, 
 Did you see little Bess this morning? [said, 
 We should have our breakfast yesternight, she 
 But she hath forgotten it now, I am afraid. 
 
 F'ship. Her promise shall be performed and 
 paid; 
 For I spake with her, since the time I rose, 
 And then she told me how the matter goeth : 
 We must be with her between eight and nine, 
 And then her master and mistress will be at the 
 preaching. 
 
28 Lusty Juventus 
 
 ]uv. I purposed myself there to have been ; 
 But this man provoked me to the contrary, 
 And told me that we should have merry com- 
 pany, [but be merry ; 
 F'ship. Merry, quod-a? we cannot choose 
 For there is such a girl where as we go, 
 Which will make us to be merry, whether we 
 will or no. [she doth go ; 
 Hyp. The ground is the better on the which 
 For she will make better cheer with that little, 
 which she can get, [meat. 
 Than many a one can with a great banket of 
 Juv. To be in her company my heart is set ; 
 Therefore, I pray you, let us be gone. 
 
 F'ship. She will come for us herself anon ; 
 For I told her before, where we would stand, 
 And then, she said, she would beck us with 
 her hand. [is a gallant : 
 
 Juv. Now, by the mass, I perceive that she 
 What, will she take pains to come for us 
 hither? [must be familiar with her : 
 
 Hyp. Yea, I warrant you ; therefore you 
 When she cometh in place, 
 You must her embrace 
 Somewhat handsomely; 
 Lest she think it danger, 
 Because you are a stranger. 
 To come in your company. [busy, 
 
 Juv. Yea, by God's foot, that I will be 
 And I may say to you I can play the knave 
 secretly. 
 
 [Here entereth Abhominahle Livijig. 
 Ah. Liv. Hem ! come away quickly, 
 The back door is open ; I dare not tarry : 
 Come, Fellowship, come on away ! 
 
 Hyp. What, Unknown Honesty? a word ! 
 
Lusty Juventus 29 
 
 [Draws A. L. aside. 
 
 You shall not go yet, by God I swear ; [fray, 
 
 Here is none but your friends, you need not to 
 
 Although this strange young gentleman be 
 
 here. [danger ; 
 
 Juv. I trust, in me she will think no 
 For I love well the company of fair women. 
 
 Ah. Liv. Who, you? nay, ye are such a 
 holy man. 
 That to touch one ye dare not be bold ; 
 I think, you would not kiss a young woman, 
 If one would give you twenty pound in gold. 
 
 Juv. Yes, by the mass, that I would ; 
 I could find in my heart to kiss you in your 
 smock. [away that mock; 
 
 Ah. Liv. My back is broad enough to bear 
 For one hath told me many a time, 
 That you have said you would use no such 
 wanton's company as mine. 
 
 Juv. By dog's precious wounds, that was 
 some whoreson villain; 
 I will never eat meat that shall do me good. 
 Till I have cut his flesh, by God's precious 
 Tell me, I pray you, who it was, [blood : 
 
 And I will trim the knave, by the blessed mass. 
 
 Ah. Liv. Tush ! as for that, do not you pass; 
 That which I told you was but for love. 
 
 Hyp. She did nothing else but prove, 
 Whether a little thing would you move 
 To be angry and fret ; 
 What, and if one had said so? 
 Let such trifling matters go, 
 And be good to men's flesh for all that. 
 
 Juv. To kiss her since she came, I had 
 clean forgot : 
 You are welcome to my company. 
 
30 Lusty Juventus 
 
 [He kisseth Abhotiiinahle Living. 
 
 Ah. Liv. Sir, I thank you most heartily; 
 By your kindness it doth appear. 
 
 Hyp. What a hurly-burly is here ! 
 Smick smack, and all this gear ! 
 You will to tick-tack, I fear, 
 If you had time : 
 Well, wanton, well; 
 I-wis, I can tell, 
 That such smock-smell 
 Will set your nose out of tune. 
 
 Ab. Liv. What, man? you need not to fume, 
 Seeing- he is come into my company now ; 
 He is as well welcome as the best of you : 
 And if it lie in me to do him pleasure. 
 He shall have it, you may ye sure, [of favour : 
 
 F'ship. Then old acquaintance is clean out 
 Lo, Friendship, this gear goeth with a sleight ; 
 He hath driven us twain out of conceit. 
 
 Hyp. Out of conceit, quod-a? no, no; 
 I dare well say, she thinketh not so : 
 How say you. Unknown Honesty? 
 Do not you love Fellowship and me? [three; 
 
 Ah. Liv. Yea, by the mass, I love you all 
 But yet indeed, if I should say the truth. 
 Amongst all other, welcome Master Youth. 
 
 ]uv. Full greatly I do delight to kiss your 
 pleasant mouth : 
 
 [He kisseth Ahhominahle Living. 
 I am not able your kindness to recompence ; 
 I long to talk with you secretly, therefore let 
 us go hence. [twenty pence, 
 
 Ah. Liv. I agree to that ; for I would not for 
 That it were known where I have been. 
 
 Hyp. What, and it were known? it is no 
 deadly sin : 
 
Lusty Juventus 3' 
 
 As for my part, I do not greatly care, [bare. 
 So that they find not your proper buttocks 
 
 Ah. Liv. Now much fie upon you! how 
 
 bawdy you are ! [at twice : 
 
 I-wis, Friendship, it mought have been spoken 
 
 What think you, for your saying that the 
 
 people will surmise? 
 
 Juv. Who dare be so bold us to despise? 
 And if I may hear a knave speak one word, 
 I will run thorough his cheeks with my sword. 
 
 F'ship. This is an earnest fellow, of God's 
 Word ! 
 See, I pray you, how he is disposed to fight ! 
 
 Juv. Why should I not, and if my cause be 
 What, and if a knave do me beguile, [right? 
 Shall I stand crouching like an owl? 
 No, no ; then you might count me a very cow ; 
 I know what belongeth to God's law as well as 
 you. [allow ; 
 
 Ah. Liv. Your wit therein greatly I do 
 For, and if I were a man, as you are, 
 I would not stick to give a blow, 
 To teach other knaves to beware, 
 I beshrew you twice, and if you do spare, 
 But lay load on the flesh, whatsoever befall, 
 You have strength enough to do it with all. 
 
 F'ship. Let us depart, and if that we shall ; 
 Come on, masters, we twain will go before. 
 
 Juv. Nay, nay, my friend, stop there; 
 It is not you, that shall have her away, 
 She shall go with me, and if she go to-day — 
 
 Hyp. She shall go with none of you, I 
 dare well say ; 
 
 Ah. Liv. To forsake any of your company I 
 would be very loth ; 
 Therefore I will follow you all three. 
 
32 Lusty Juventus 
 
 Hyp. Now I beshrew his heart, that to that 
 will not agree ; [long, 
 
 But yet because the time shall not seem very 
 Ere we depart, let us have a merry song. 
 
 [They sing as followeth: 
 Why should not youth fulfil his own mind, 
 As the course of nature doth him bind? 
 Is not everything ordained to do his kind? 
 Report me to you, report me to you. 
 
 Do not the flowers spring fresh and gay, 
 Pleasant and sweet in the month of May? 
 And when their time cometh, they fade away. 
 Report me to you, report me to you. 
 
 Be not the trees in winter bare? 
 Like unto their kind, such they are; 
 And when they spring, their fruits declare. 
 Report me to you, report me to you. 
 
 What should youth do with the fruits of age, 
 But live in pleasure in his passage? 
 For when age cometh, his lusts will suage. 
 Report me to you, report me to you. 
 
 Why should not youth fulfil his own mind. 
 As the course of nature doth him bind? &c. 
 
 [They go forth. Here entereth Good Counsel. 
 
 Good C. O merciful Lord, who can cease to 
 lament, 
 Or keep his heart from continual mourning, 
 To see how Youth is fallen from thy word and 
 
 testament. 
 And wholly inclined to Abhominable Living? 
 He liveth nothing according to his professing; 
 But, alas ! his life is to thy word['s] abusion, 
 Except thy great mercy, to his utter confusion. 
 O, where is now the godly conversation. 
 
Lusty Juventus 33 
 
 Which should be among the professors of thy 
 word ! [gregation, 
 
 O, where may a man find now one faithful con- 
 That is not infected with dissension or discord? 
 Or amongst whom are all vices utterly ab- 
 horred ! 
 O, where is the brotherly love between man 
 
 and man ! 
 We may lament the time our vice began. 
 O, where is the peace and meekness, long 
 
 suifering and temperance, 
 Which are the fruits of God's holy spirit? 
 With whom is the flesh brought under obedi- 
 ence, [follow it? 
 Or who readeth the scripture with intent to 
 Who useth not now covetousness and deceit? 
 Who giveth unto the poor that which is due? 
 I think, in this world few that live now. 
 O, where is the godly example, that parents 
 should give [living? 
 Unto their young family by godly and virtuous 
 Alas ! how wickedly do they themselves live. 
 Without any fear of God or his righteous 
 threatening ! [^^Si 
 They have no respect unto the dreadful reckon- 
 Which shall be required of us, when the Lord 
 
 shall come, 
 As a rightful judge at the day of doom. 
 O, what a joyful sight was it for to see, 
 When Youth began God's word to embrace? 
 Then he promised Godly Knowledge and me. 
 That from our instruction he would never turn 
 his face ; [chase ! 
 
 But now he walketh, alas ! in the ungodly 's 
 Heaping sin upon sin, vice upon vice : 
 
 [Here entereth Juventus. 
 w. & I. D 
 
34 Lusty Juventus 
 
 He that liveth most ungodly is counted most 
 wise — 
 
 Juv. Who is here playing at the dice? 
 I heard one speak of cinque and sice; 
 His words did me entice 
 Hither to come. [thou run? 
 
 Good C. Ah, Youth, Youth, whither dost 
 Greatly I do bewail thy miserable estate; 
 The terrible plagues, which in God's law are 
 
 written, 
 Hang over thy head both early and late : 
 
 fleshly Capernite, stubborn and obstinate, 
 Thou hadst liever forsake Christ, thy Saviour, 
 
 and King, [living. 
 
 Than thy fleshly swinish lusts and abhominable 
 Juv. What, old whoreson, art thou 
 a-chiding? 
 
 1 will play a spurt, why should I not? 
 I set not a mite by thy checking : 
 
 What hast thou to do, and if I lose my coat? 
 I will trill the bones, while I have one groat; 
 And, when there is no more ink in the pen, 
 I will make a shift, as well as other men. 
 Good C. Then I perceive you have forgotten 
 
 clean [and me : 
 
 The promise, that you made unto Knowledge 
 You said such fleshly fruits should not be seen ; 
 But to God's word your life should agree. 
 Full true be the words of the prophet Hosfe, 
 No verity nor knowledge of God is now in the 
 
 land, [hand. 
 
 But abhominable vices hath gotten the upper 
 
 Juv. Your mind therein I do well under- 
 
 You go about my living to despise, [stand : 
 
 But you will not see the beams in your own 
 
 eyes. 
 
Lusty Juventus 35 
 
 Good C. The devil hath you deceived, which 
 is the author of hes, 
 And trapped you in his snare of wicked Hypo- 
 Therefore all that ever you do devise, [crisy ; 
 Is to maintain your fleshly liberty. 
 
 ]uv. I marvel, why you do this reprove me ; 
 Wherein do I my life abuse? [well accuse, 
 
 Good C. Your whole conversation I may 
 As in my conscience just occasion I find ; 
 Therefore be not offended, although I express 
 my mind. [will not be behind 
 
 ]uv. By the mass, if thou tell not truth, I 
 To touch you as well again. [complain : 
 
 Good C. For this thing- most chiefly I do 
 Have you not professed the knowledge of 
 Christ's gospel? [I'eign 
 
 And yet, I think, no more ungodliness doth 
 In any wicked heathen, Turk, or infidel ; 
 Who can devise that sin or evil. 
 That you practise not from day to day? 
 Yea, and count it nothing but a jest or a play. 
 Alas ! what wantonness remaineth in your 
 flesh ! [will ! 
 
 How desirous are you to accomplish your own 
 What pleasure and delight have you in wicked- 
 ness ! 
 How diligent are you your lusts to fulfil ! 
 St Paul saith, that you ought your fleshly lusts 
 to kill : [frame ; 
 
 But unto his teaching your life ye will not 
 Therefore in vain you bear a Christian name. 
 Read the Five to the Galatians, and there you 
 
 shall see, 
 That the flesh rebelleth against the spirit. 
 And that your own flesh is your most utter 
 enemy, 
 
 D 2 
 
36 Lusty Juventus 
 
 If in your soul's health you do delig-ht : 
 The time were too long- now to recite, 
 What whoredom, uncleanness, and filthy com- 
 munication 
 Is dispersed with youth in every congregation. 
 To speak of pride, envy, and abhominable 
 
 oaths, 
 They are the common practices of youth, 
 To avance your flesh, you cut and jag your 
 
 clothes. 
 And yet ye are a great gospeller in the mouth : 
 What shall I say for this blaspheming the 
 
 truth? 
 I will show you what St Paul doth declare 
 In his Epistle to the Hebrews and the tenth 
 chapter. [consent. 
 
 For him, saith he, which doth willingly sin or 
 After he hath received the knowledge of the 
 verity, [ing for judgment, 
 
 Remaineth no more sacrifice, but a fearful look- 
 And a terrible fire, which shall consume the 
 
 adversary ; 
 And Christ saith that this blasphemy 
 Shall never be pardoned nor forgiven 
 In this world, nor in the world to come. 
 
 Juv. Alas, alas ! what have I wrought and 
 done ! [He lieth doivn. 
 
 Here in this place I will fall down desperate; 
 To ask for mercy now, I know, it is too late. 
 Alas, alas ! that ever I was begat ! 
 I would to God I had never been born ! [state, 
 All faithful men, that behold this wretched 
 May very justly laugh me to scorn ; [worn, 
 They may say, my time I have evil-spent and 
 Thus in my first age to work my own destruc- 
 tion : 
 
Lusty Juventus 37 
 
 In the eternal pains is my part and portion. 
 Good C. Why, Youth, art thou fallen into 
 desperation ? 
 What, man, pluck up thine heart, and rise, 
 Although thou see nothing now but thy con- 
 demnation, 
 Yet it may please God again to open thy eyes : 
 Ah, wretched creature, what doest thou sur- 
 mise? [thy sin? 
 Thinkest not that God's mercy doth exceed 
 Remember his Merciful Promises, and comfort 
 thyself in him. [which I lie in, 
 ]uv. O sir, this state is so miserable, the 
 That my comfort and hope from me is 
 I would to God I had never been ! [separated : 
 Woe worth the time, that ever I was created ! 
 Good C. Ah, frail vessel, unfaithful and 
 faint-hearted, 
 Doest thou think that God is so merciless, 
 That when the sinner doth repent, and is con- 
 verted. 
 That he will not fulfil his merciful promises? 
 
 ]uv. Alas, sir ! I am in such heaviness. 
 That his promises I cannot remember. 
 
 Good C. In thy wickedness continue no 
 lenger ; 
 But trust in the Lord without any fear. 
 And his Merciful Promises shall shortly appear. 
 ]uv. I would believe, if I might them hear, 
 With all my heart, power and mind. 
 
 Good C. The living God hath him hither 
 Lo, where he cometh even here by, [assigned : 
 Therefore mark his sayings diligently. 
 
 [Here entereth God's Merciful Promises. 
 God's Prom. The Lord, by his prophet 
 Ezekiel, saith in this wise plainly, 
 
38 Lusty Juventus 
 
 As in the thirty-third chapter it doth appear : 
 Be converted, O ye children, and turn unto me, 
 And I shall remedy the cause of your de- 
 parture ; 
 And also he saith in the eighteenth chapter, 
 I do not delight in a sinner's death, 
 But that he should convert and live : thus the 
 Lord saith. [faith 
 
 Juv. Then must I give neither credit nor 
 Unto St Paul's saying, which this man did 
 allege. [according unto knowledge; 
 
 God's Prom. Yes, you must credit them. 
 For St Paul speaketh of those which resist the 
 
 truth by violence. 
 And so end their lives without repentance. 
 Thus Saint Augustine doth them define, 
 If unto the Lord's word you do your ears in- 
 cline, [manded, 
 And observe these things which he hath com- 
 This sinful state, in the which you have lain, 
 Shall be forgotten and never more remem- 
 bered : [promised. 
 And Christ himself in the gospel hath 
 That he, which in him unfeignedly doth believe, 
 Although he were dead, yet shall he live. 
 
 [Juvenilis riseth. 
 Juv. These comfortable sayings doth me 
 greatly move 
 To arise from this wretched place. 
 
 God's Prom. For me his mercy sake thou 
 shalt obtain his grace, [know; 
 
 And not for thine own desertes, this must thou 
 For my sake alone, ye shall receive solace; 
 For my sake alone, he will thee mercy show : 
 Therefore to him, as it is most due. 
 Give most hearty thanks with heart unfeigned, 
 
Lusty Juventus 39 
 
 Whose name for evermore be praised, [read. 
 Good C. The prodigal son, as in Luke we 
 Which in vicious Uving his good doth waste, 
 As soon as his living he had remembered, 
 To confess his wretchedness he was not 
 
 aghast; 
 Wherefore his father lovingly him embrac d, 
 And was right joyful, the text saith plain. 
 Because his son was returnen again. [vam • 
 ]uv. O sinful flesh, thy pleasures are but 
 Now I find it true, as the scripture doth say, 
 Broad and pleasant is the path which leadeth 
 
 unto pain, 
 But unto eternal life full narrow is the way. 
 He that is not led by God's spirit surely goeth 
 
 astray ; [horred : 
 
 And all that ever he doth shall be clean ab- 
 Although he brag and boast never so much of 
 
 God's word. 
 O subtle Satan, full deceitful is thy snare; 
 Who is able thy falsehood to disclose? [spare, 
 What is the man, that thou doest favour or 
 And doest not tempt him eternal joys to lose? 
 Not one in the world, surely I suppose, [wait, 
 Therefore happy is the man, which doth truly 
 Always to refuse thy deceitful and crafty bait. 
 When I had thought to live most christianly. 
 And followed the steps of Knowledge and Good 
 
 Counsel, 
 Ere I was aware, thou haddest deceived me, 
 And brought me into the path, which leadeth 
 
 unto hell : 
 And of an earnest professor of Christ's gospel 
 Thou madest me an hypocrite, blind and per- 
 vert, [turned my heart. 
 And from virtue unto vice thou hadst clean 
 
4© Lusty Juventus 
 
 First, by hypocrisy thou didest me move, 
 The mortification of the flesh clean to forsake, 
 And wanton desires to embrace and love ; 
 Alas ! to think on it my heart doth yet quake : 
 Under the title of Friendship to me ye spake, 
 And so to wicked Fellowship did me bring. 
 Which brought me clean to Abhominable 
 
 Living. 
 Thus, I say, Satan did me deceive, 
 And wrapped me in sin many a fold ; [leave. 
 The steps of Good Counsel I did forsake and 
 And forgot the words which before to me he 
 
 told: 
 The fruits of a true christian in me waxed cold ; 
 I followed mine own lusts, the flesh I did not 
 
 tame, [the same. 
 
 And had them in derision which would not do 
 Yet it hath pleased God of his endless mercy 
 To give me respite my life to amend ; [iniquity. 
 From the bottom of my heart I repent my 
 I will walk in his laws unto my life's end : 
 From his holy ordinance I will never descend, 
 But my whole delight shall be to live therein. 
 Utterly abhorring all filthiness and sin. 
 All Christian people which be here present, 
 May learn by me hypocrisy to know, 
 With which the devil, as with a poison most 
 
 pestilent, 
 Daily seeketh all men to overthrow : 
 Credit not all things unto the outward show, 
 But try them with God's word, that squire and 
 
 rule most just, [their trust. 
 
 Which never deceiveth them, that in him put 
 Let no flattering friendship, nor yet wicked 
 
 company, 
 Persuade you in no wise God's word to abuse; 
 
Lusty Juventus '^^L{F0r^.2,lb>' "^^ 
 
 But see that you stand steadfastly unto the 
 
 verity, [frame and use, 
 
 And according to the rule thereof your doings 
 Neither kindred nor fellowship shall you ex- 
 cuse, [seat, 
 When you shall appear before the judgment 
 But your own secret conscience shall then give 
 
 an audit. [present, 
 
 All you that be young, whom I do now re- 
 Set your delight doth day and night on Christ's 
 
 Testament : [denly slide, 
 
 If pleasure you tickle, be not fickle, and sud- 
 But in God's fear everywhere see that you 
 
 abide: [after wisdom run, 
 
 In your tender age seek for knowledge, and 
 And in your old age teach your farnily to do 
 
 as you have done : [in vanity ; 
 
 Your bodies subdue unto virtue, delight not 
 Say not, I am young, I shall live long, lest 
 
 your days shortened be : [toys and nice. 
 Do not incline to spend your time in wanton 
 For idleness doth increase much wickedness 
 
 and vice : [not near ; 
 
 Do not delay the time, and say, my end is 
 For with short warning the Lord coming shall 
 
 suddenly appear. [to live thereafter, 
 
 God give us grace, his word to embrace, and 
 That by the same his holy name may be 
 
 praised ever. [tions together 
 
 Good C. Now let us make our supplica- 
 
 For the prosperous estate of our noble and 
 
 virtuous king, [persevere. 
 
 That in his godly proceedings he may still 
 Which seeketh the glory of God above all 
 
 other thing : [standing, 
 
 O Lord, endue his heart with true under- 
 
42 Lusty Juventus 
 
 And give him a prosperous life long over us 
 to reign, [captain. 
 
 To govern and rule his people as a worthy 
 
 Juv. Also let us pray for all the nobility of 
 
 this realm ; [authorised 
 
 And, namely, for those whom his grace hath 
 
 To maintain the public wealth over us and 
 them, 
 
 That they may see his gracious acts published ; 
 
 And that they, being truly admonished 
 
 By the complaint of them which are wrong- 
 fully oppressed. 
 
 May seek reformation, and see it redressed. 
 Good C. Then shall this land enjoy great 
 quietness and rest : [fore, 
 
 And give unto God most hearty thanks there- 
 
 To whom be honour, praise, and glory for 
 evermore. 
 
 Finis, quod R. Wever. 
 
 Imprynted at London, in Lothbury, ouer agaynst 
 Sainct Margarits Church, by Wyllyam Copland. [40, 
 black-letter.] 
 
 Imprinted at London in Paules churche yeard, by 
 Abraham Vele, at the sygne of the Lambe. 
 
[Reduced Facsimile of Title-page of " The Disobedient 
 Child " from a copy in the British Museum.] 
 
A Pretie and Mery new Enterlude, called 
 The Disobedient Child, Compiled by 
 Thomas Ingelend, late Student in Cam- 
 bridge. 
 
 The Prologue Speaker 
 The Rich Man 
 The Rich Man's Son 
 The Man Cook 
 The Woman Cook 
 The Young Woman 
 The Servingman 
 The Priest 
 The Devil 
 The Perorator 
 
THE DISOBEDIENT CHILD 
 
 THE PROLOGUE. 
 
 The Prologue Speaker. Now, forasmuch as 
 in these latter days, 
 Throughout the whole world in every land. 
 Vice doth encrease, and virtue decays, 
 Iniquity having the upper hand ; 
 We therefore intend, good gentle audience, 
 A pretty short interlude to play at this present : 
 Desiring your leave and quiet silence 
 To show the same, as is meet and expedient. 
 The sum whereof, matter and argument. 
 In tv/o or three verses briefly to declare, 
 Since that it is for an honest intent, 
 I will somewhat bestow my care. 
 In the city of London there was a rich man 
 Who, loving his son most tenderly. 
 Moved him earnestly now and then, 
 That he would give his mind to study, [ing, 
 Saying that by knowledge, science and learn- 
 Is at the last gotten a pleasant life, 
 But through the want and lack of this thing 
 Is purchased poverty, sorrow and strife. 
 His son, notwithstanding this gentle monition, 
 As one that was clean devoid of grace, 
 Did turn to a mock and open derision 
 
46 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Most wickedly with an unshamefast face; 
 Insomuch that, contrary to his father's will, 
 Unto a young woman he did consent, 
 Whereby of lust he might have his fill, 
 And married the same incontinent. 
 Not long after that, the child began 
 To feel his wife's great frowardness. 
 And called himself unhappy man. 
 Oppressed with pains and heaviness : 
 Who, before that time, did live blessedly, 
 Whilst he was under his father's wing; 
 But now, being wedded, mourning and misery 
 Did him torment without ending. 
 But now it is time for me to be going. 
 And hence to depart for a certain space, 
 For I do hear the Rich Man coming 
 With the wanton boy into this place. 
 
 [Here the Prologue Speaker goeth out, and 
 in Cometh the Rich Man and his son. 
 
 Son. Father, I beseech you, father, show 
 me the way. 
 What thing I were best to take in hand, 
 W^hereby this short life so spend I may. 
 That all grief and trouble I might withstand. 
 
 Father. What is the meaning, my child, I 
 This question to demand of me? [thee pray, 
 For that thing to do I am glad alway, 
 Which should not be grievous to thee. [I take, 
 
 Son. Marry, but therefore of you counsel 
 Seeing now my childhood I am clean past. 
 That unto me ye plainly do make 
 What to a young man is best for to taste. 
 
 Father. I see nothing truly, my son, so 
 And to prove so profitable for thee, [meet, 
 As unto the school to move thy feet. 
 With studious lads there for to be. 
 
The Disobedient Child 47 
 
 Son. What, the school ! nay, father, nay ! 
 Go to the school is not the best way. [invent 
 
 Father. Say what thou list, for I cannot 
 A way more commodious to my judgment. 
 
 Son. It is well known how that ye have 
 loved 
 Me heretofore at all times most tenderly; 
 But now (me-think) ye have plainly showed 
 Certain tokens of hatred; [advice^ 
 
 For if I should go to my book after your 
 Which have spent my childhood so pleasantly^ 
 I may then seem driven out of paradise. 
 To take pain and woe, grief and misery. 
 All things I had rather sustain and abide. 
 The business of the school once cast aside ; 
 Therefore, though ye cry, till ye reve asunder, 
 I will not meddle with such a matter. 
 
 Father. Why, cannot I thee thus much 
 persuade? 
 For that in my mind is the best trade. 
 
 Son. When all is said and all is done, 
 Concerning all things, both more and less, 
 Yet like to the school none under the sun 
 Bringeth to children so much heaviness. 
 
 Father. What, though it be painful, what^ 
 though it be grievous. 
 For so be all things at the first learning. 
 Yet marvellous pleasure it bringeth unto us. 
 As a reward for such painstaking. 
 Wherefore come off, and be of good cheer, 
 And go to thy book without any fear. 
 For a man without knowledge (as I have read) 
 May well be compared to one that is dead. 
 
 Son. No more of the school ; no more of 
 the book; 
 That woful work is not for my purpose, 
 
48 The Disobedient Child 
 
 For upon those books I may not look : 
 
 If so 1 did, my labour I should lose, [express, 
 
 Father. Why then to me thy fancy [doth] 
 
 That the school matters to thee are counted 
 
 weariness. [rich, 
 
 Son. Even as to a great man, wealthy and 
 Service and bondage is a hard thing, 
 So to a boy, both dainty and nice, 
 Learning and study is greatly displeasing. 
 
 Father. What, my child, displeasing, I 
 pray thee. 
 That maketh a man live so happily? [wisdom 
 
 Son. Yea, by my troth, such kind of 
 Is to my heart, I tell you, very loathsome. 
 
 Father. What trial thereof hast thou taken. 
 That the school of thee is so ill bespoken? 
 
 Son. W^hat trial thereof would ye fain 
 Nothing more easy than this to show : [know ? 
 At other boys' hands I have it learned. 
 And that of those truly, most of all other, 
 Which for a certain time have remained 
 ,In the house and prison of a schoolmaster. 
 
 Father. I dare well say that there is no 
 But rather joy, pastime and pleasure [misery, 
 Always with scholars keeping company : 
 No life to this, I thee well assure. [say; 
 
 Son. It is not true, father, which you do 
 The contrary thereof is proved alway, 
 For as the bruit goeth by many a one, 
 Their tender bodies both night and day [stone, 
 Are whipped and scourged, and beat like a 
 That from top to toe the skin is away. 
 
 Father. Is there not (say they) for them in 
 this case 
 Given other while for pardon some place? 
 
 Son. None, truly, none; but that alas, alas, 
 
The Disobedient Child 49 
 
 Diseases among them do grow apace ; 
 For out of their back and side doth flow 
 Of very gore-blood marvellous abundance ; 
 And yet for all that is not suffered to go, 
 Till death be almost seen in their countenance. 
 Should I be content thither then to run, 
 Where the blood from my breech thus should 
 
 spun. 
 So long as my wits shall be mine own, 
 The schoolhouse for me shall stand alone. 
 
 Father. But I am sure that this kind of 
 fashion 
 Is not showed to children of honest condition. 
 
 Son. Of truth, with these masters is no 
 
 difference, [violence. 
 
 For alike towards all is their wrath and 
 
 Father. Son, in this point thou art quite 
 deceived, 
 And without doubt falsely persuaded, [master 
 For it is not to be judged that any school- 
 Is of so great fierceness and cruelty. 
 And of young infants so sore a tormentor, 
 That the breath should be about to leave the 
 body. [believed. 
 
 Son. Father, this thing I could not have 
 But of late days I did behold 
 An honest man's son hereby buried, [cold. 
 
 Which through many stripes was dead and 
 
 Father. Peraventure, the child of some dis- 
 ease did labour, 
 Which was the cause of his sepulture. 
 
 Son. With no disease, surely, was he dis- 
 As unto me it was then reported. [quieted. 
 
 Father. If that with no such thing he were 
 infected, 
 What was the cause that he departed? 
 
 w. & I. E 
 
CO The Disobedient Child 
 
 Son. Men say that of this man, his bloody 
 master, 
 Who like a lion most commonly frowned, 
 Being hanged up by the heels together. 
 Was belly and buttocks grievously whipped; 
 And last of all (which to speak I tremble), 
 That his head to the wall he had often crushed. 
 
 Father. Thus to think, son, thou art be- 
 guiled verily. 
 And I would wish thee to suppose the contrary, 
 And not for such tales my counsel to forsake. 
 Which only do covet thee learned to make. 
 
 Son. If Demosthenes and TuUy were present 
 
 truly, [deeply. 
 
 They could not print it within my head [more] 
 
 Father. Yet, by thy father's will and inter- 
 cession, 
 Thou shalt be content that thing to pardon. 
 
 Son. Command what ye list, that only ex- 
 And I will be ready your mind to fulfil, [cepted, 
 But whereas I should to the school have re- 
 sorted. 
 My hand to the palmer submitting still, 
 I will not obey ye therein, to be plain, 
 Though with a thousand strokes I be slain. 
 
 Father. Woe is me, my son, woe is me ! 
 This heavy and doleful day to see. 
 
 Son. I grant indeed I am your son ; 
 But you my father shall not be, 
 If that you will cast me into that prison. 
 Where torn in pieces ye might me see. [rent? 
 
 Father. Where I might see thee torn and 
 O Lord, I could not such a deed invent ! 
 
 Son. Nay, by the mass, I hold ye a groat, 
 Those cruel tyrants cut not my throat : 
 Better it were myself did slay. 
 
The Disobedient Child 51 
 
 Than they with the rod my flesh should flay. 
 
 Well, I would we did this talk omit, 
 
 For it is loathsome to me every whit. [I devise, 
 
 Father. What trade then, I pray thee, shall 
 
 Whereof thy living at length may arise? 
 
 Wilt thou follow warfare, and a soldier be 
 
 'ppointed, [numbered? 
 
 And so among Troyans and Romans be 
 
 Son. See ye not, masters, my father's 
 Have ye the like at any time heard? [advice? 
 To will me thereto he is not wise, 
 If my years and strength he did regard ; 
 Ye speak worse and worse, whatsoever ye say ; 
 This manner of life is not a good way, 
 For no kind of office can me please, [always. 
 Which is subject to wounds and strokes 
 
 Father. Somewhat to do it is meet and con- 
 venient ; 
 Wilt thou then give thy diligent endeavour 
 To let thy youth unhonestly be spent. 
 And do as poor knaves, which jaxes do scour? 
 For I do not see that any good art. 
 Or else any honest science or occupation, 
 Thou wilt be content to have a part, 
 After thy father's mind and exhortation. 
 
 Son. Ha, ha, ha, ha, labour in very deed ! 
 God send him that life which stands in need : 
 There be many fathers that children have. 
 And yet not make the worst of them a slave, 
 Might not you of yourself be well ashamed. 
 Which would have your son thither con- 
 strained? [succour, 
 
 Father. I would not have thee driven to that 
 Yet for because the scriptures declare. 
 That he should not eat, which will not labour, 
 Some work to do it must be thy care. 
 
 E 2 
 
52 
 
 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Son. Father, it is but a folly with you to 
 strive, 
 But yet notwithstanding I hope to thrive. 
 Father. That this thine intent may take 
 good success, 
 I pray God heartily of his goodness. [hearse 
 Son. Well, well, shall I in few words re- 
 What thing doth most my conscience pierce. 
 Father. Therewith I am, son, very well 
 contented. [pleased. 
 
 Son. Yea, but I think that ye will not be 
 Father. Indeed, peradventure it may so 
 chance. [chance, 
 
 Son. Nay, but I pray ye, without any per- 
 Shall not my request turn to your grievance? 
 Father. If it be just and lawful, which thou 
 
 dost require. 
 Son. Both just and lawful, have ye no fear. 
 Father. Now therefore ask ; what is thy 
 
 petition? 
 Son. Lo, this it is, without further dilation; 
 For so much as all young men for this my 
 As the moon the stars, I do far excel, [beauty, 
 Therefore out of hand with all speed possibly 
 To have a wife, methink, would do well. 
 For now I am young, lively, and lusty. 
 And welcome besides to all men's company. 
 Father. Good Lord, good Lord, what do I 
 hear? [desire? 
 
 Son. Is this your beginning to perform my 
 Father. Alas ! my child, what meaneth thy 
 doting? 
 Why dost thou covet thy own undoing? 
 
 Son (Aside). I know not in the w^orld how 
 to do the thing. 
 That in his stomach may be delighting. 
 
The Disobedient Child 53 
 
 Father. Why, foolish idiot, thou goest 
 about a wife. 
 Which is a burthen and yoke all thy life. 
 
 Son. Admit she shall as a burthen with me 
 remain. 
 Yet will I take one, if your good-will I attain. 
 
 Father. Son, it shall not be thus, by my 
 counsel. 
 
 Son. I trust ye will not me otherwise compel. 
 
 Father. If thou were as wise as I have 
 judged thee, 
 Thou wouldest in this case be ruled by me. 
 
 Son. To follow the contrary I cannot be 
 My heart thereon is stifly fixed. [turned ; 
 
 Father. What, I say, about thine own de- 
 struction? 
 
 Son. No, no, but about mine own salvation : 
 For if I be helped, I swear by the mass. 
 It is only marriage that brings it to pass. 
 It is not the school, it is not the book : 
 It is not science or occupation, 
 It is not to be a barber or cook. 
 Wherein is now set my consolation ; 
 And since it is thus, be, father, content; 
 For to marry a wife I am full bent. [ruled. 
 
 Father. Well, if thou wilt not, my son, be 
 But needs will follow thine own foolishness, 
 Take heed hereafter, if thou be troubled, 
 At me thou never seek redress ; 
 For I am certain thou canst not abide 
 Any pain at all, grief or vexation. 
 Thy childhood with me so easily did slide. 
 Full of all pastime and delectation ; 
 And if thou wouldest follow the book and 
 
 learning. 
 And with thyself also take a wise way, 
 
54 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Then thou mayst get a gentleman's living, 
 And with many other bear a great sway : 
 Besides this, I would in time to come. 
 After my power and small hability. 
 Help thee and further thee, as my wisdom 
 Should me most counsel for thy commodity. 
 And such a wife I would prepare for thee 
 As should be virtuous, wise, and honest, 
 And give thee with her after my degree, 
 Whereby thou mightest always live in rest. 
 
 Son. I cannot, I tell ye again, so much of 
 Consume at my book without a wife, [my life 
 Father. I perceive therefore I have done 
 too well. 
 And showed overmuch favour to thee. 
 That now against me thou dost rebel. 
 And for thine own furtherance wilt not agree; 
 Wherefore of my goods thou gettest not a 
 Nor any succour else at my hands, [penny. 
 For such a child is most unworthy 
 To have any part of his father's lands, [lands. 
 Son. I do not esteem, father, your goods or 
 Or any part of all your treasure; 
 For I judge it enough to be out of bands. 
 And from this day forward to take my pleasure. 
 Father. Well, if it shall chance thee thy 
 folly to repent. 
 As thou art like within short space, 
 Think none but thyself worthy to be shent, 
 Letting my counsel to take no place, [blame : 
 Son. As touching that matter, I will no man 
 Now, farewell, father, most heartily for the 
 same. [name ! 
 
 Father. Farewell, my son, depart in God's 
 Son. Room, I say ; room, let me be gone : 
 My father, if he list, shall tarry alone. 
 
The Disobedient Child 55 
 
 [Here the Son goeth out, and the Rich Man 
 
 tarrieth behind alone. [sider, 
 
 Father. Now at the last I do myself con- 
 How great grief it is and heaviness 
 To every man that is a father, 
 To suffer his child to follow wantonness : 
 If I might live a hundred years longer, 
 And should have sons and daughters many, 
 Yet for this boy's sake I will not suffer 
 One of them all at home with me to tarry; 
 They should not be kept thus under my wing. 
 And have all that which they desire; 
 For why it is but their only undoing, 
 And, after the proverb, we put oil to the fire. 
 Wherefore we parents must have a regard 
 Our children in time for to subdue, 
 Or else we shall have them ever untoward. 
 Yea, spiteful, disdainful, naught and untrue. 
 And let us them thrust alway to the school, 
 Whereby at their books they may be kept 
 
 under : 
 And so we shall shortly their courage cool, 
 And bring them to honesty, virtue and nurture. 
 But, alas, now-a-days (the more is the pity), 
 Science and learning is so little regarded, 
 That none of us doth muse or study 
 To see our children well taught and instructed. 
 We deck them, we trim them with gorgeous 
 
 array, [gay. 
 
 We pamper and feed them, and keep them so 
 That in the end of all this they be our foes. 
 We bass them, [we] kiss them, we look round 
 
 about ; 
 We marvel and wonder to see them so lean ; 
 We ever anon do invent and seek out 
 To make them go tricksy, gallant, and clean : 
 
56 
 
 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Which is nothing else but the very provoking 
 
 To all unthriftiness, vice, and iniquity; 
 
 It puffeth them up, it is an alluring 
 
 Their fathers and mothers at length to defy. 
 
 Which thing mine own son doth plainly de- 
 
 Whom I always entirely have loved ; [clare, 
 
 He was so my joy, he was so my care, 
 
 That now of the same I am despised. 
 
 And how he is hence from me departed, 
 
 He hath no delight with me to dwell ; 
 
 He is not merry, until he be married. 
 
 He hath of knavery took such a smell. 
 
 But yet seeing that he is my son, 
 
 He doth me constrain bitterly to weep, 
 
 I am not (methink) well till I be gone ; 
 
 For this place I can no longer keep. 
 
 [Here the Rich Man goeth out, and the two 
 
 Cooks Cometh in; first the one, and then 
 
 the other. [out, and come away, 
 
 Man-Cook. Make haste, Blanche, blab it 
 
 For we have enough to do all this whole day ; 
 
 Why, Blanche, blab it out, wilt thou not come, 
 
 And knowest what business there is to be 
 
 done? 
 If thou may be set with the pot at thy nose. 
 Thou carest not how other matters goes ; 
 Come away, I bid thee, and tarry no longer, 
 To trust to thy help I am much the better ! 
 Maid-Cook. What a murrain, I say, what 
 
 a noise dost thou make ! 
 I think that thou be not well in thy wits ! 
 I never heard man on this sort to take, 
 With such angry words and hasty fits. 
 
 Man. Why, dost thou remember what is to 
 
 be bought 
 For the great bridal against to-morrow? 
 
The Disobedient Child 57' 
 
 The market must be in every place sought 
 For all kinds of meats, God give thee sorrow ! 
 
 Maid. What banging, what cursing, Long- 
 tongue, is with thee ! 
 I made as much speed as I could possibly ; 
 I-wis thou mightest have tarried for me. 
 Until in all points I had been ready ; 
 I have for thee looked full oft heretofore, 
 And yet for all that said never the more. 
 
 Man. Well, for this once I am with thee 
 content. 
 So that hereafter thou make more haste; 
 Or else, I tell thee, thou wilt it repent, 
 To loiter so long, till the market be past. 
 For there must be bought beef, veal and 
 
 mutton, 
 And that even such as is good and fat. 
 With pig, geese, conies, and capon; [that? 
 How sayest thou, Blanche? blab it out unto 
 
 Maid. I cannot tell. Long-tongue, what I 
 Of such good cheer I am so glad, [should say ; 
 That if I would not eat at all that day, 
 My belly to fill I were very mad ! [swan ; 
 
 Man. There must be also pheasant and 
 There must be heronsew, partridge, and quail ; 
 And therefore I must do what I can, 
 That none of all these the gentleman fail. 
 I dare say he looks for many things mo. 
 To be prepared against to-morn ; 
 Wherefore, I say, hence let us go : 
 My feet do stand upon a thorn. [again 
 
 Maid. Nay, good Long-tongue, I pray once 
 To hear yet of my mind a word or twain. 
 
 Man. Come off, then : dispatch, and speak 
 it quickly, 
 For what thing it is thou causest me tarry. 
 
58 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Maid. Of whence is this gentleman that 
 to-morrow is married? 
 Where doth his father and his mother dwell? 
 Above forty miles he hath travelled, 
 As yesternight his servant did tell. 
 
 Man. In very deed he comes a great way, 
 With my master he may not long abide; 
 It hath cost him so much on costly array, 
 That money out of his purse apace doth slide. 
 They say that his friends be rich and wealthy, 
 And in the city of London have their dwelling. 
 But yet of them all he hath no penny 
 To spend and bestow here at his wedding. 
 And if it be true that his servant did say. 
 He hath utterly lost his friends' good-will, 
 Because he would not their counsel obey, 
 And in his own country tarry still; 
 As for this woman, which he shall marry. 
 At Saint Albans always hath spent her life; 
 I think she be a shrew, I tell thee plainly, 
 And full of debate, malice and strife, [before, 
 
 Maid. Though I never saw this woman 
 Which hither with him this gentleman brought, 
 Yet nevertheless I have tokens in store. 
 To judge of a woman that is forward and 
 
 naught. 
 Xhe tip of her nose is as sharp as mine. 
 Her tongue and her tune is very shrill ; 
 I warrant her she comes of an ungracious kin. 
 And loveth too much her pleasure and will : 
 What though she be now so neat and so nice. 
 And speaketh as gentle as ever I heard : 
 Yet young men, which be both witty and wise. 
 Such looks and such words should not regard. 
 
 Man. Blanche, blab it out ; thou sayest 
 very true ; 
 
The Disobedient Child 59 
 
 I think thou beginnest at length to preach : 
 
 This thing to me is strange and new, 
 
 To hear such a fool young men to teach. 
 
 Maid. A fool ! mine own Long-tongue ! 
 why, call'st thou me fool ! 
 Though now in the kitchen I waste the day, 
 Yet in times past I went to school. 
 And of my Latin primer I took assay, [assay, 
 
 Man. Masters, this woman did take such 
 And then in those days so applied her book, 
 That one word thereof she carried not away, 
 But then of a scholar was made a cook. 
 I dare say she knoweth not how her primer 
 Which of her master she learned then, [began. 
 
 Maid. I trow it began with Domine labia, 
 aperies. [peas ? 
 
 Man. What, did it begin with butter de 
 
 Maid. I tell thee again, with Domine, labia 
 If now to hear it be thine ease. [aperies, 
 
 Man. How, how, with, my madam lay in 
 the pease? [labia aperies. 
 
 Maid. I think thou art mad ! with Domine, 
 
 Man. Yea, marry, I judged it went such 
 ways ; 
 It began with, Dorothy, lay up the keys ! 
 
 Maid. Nay then, good night ; I perceive by 
 this gear. 
 That none is so deaf as who will not hear; 
 I spake as plainly as I could devise, 
 Yet me understand thou canst in no wise ! 
 
 Man. Why, yet once again, and I will better 
 listen. 
 And look upon thee how thy lips do open. 
 
 Maid. Well, mark then, and hearken once 
 for all, 
 Or else hear it again thou never shall ; 
 
6o The Disobedient Child 
 
 My book, I say, beg-an with Domine, labia 
 aperies. [standingf ! 
 
 Man. Fie, fie, how slow am I of under- 
 Was it all this while, Domine, labia aperies ? 
 Belike I have lost my sense of hearing-, [days. 
 With broiling and burning in the kitchen o' 
 
 Maid. I promise thee thou seemest to have 
 done little better. 
 For that I wot in my life I never saw 
 One like to thyself in so easy a matter, 
 Unless he were deaf, thus play the daw. 
 
 Man. Come on, come on, we have almost 
 forgotten 
 Such plenty of victuals as we should buy; 
 It were alms, by my troth, thou were well 
 
 beaten, 
 Because so long thou hast made me tarry. 
 
 Maid. Tush, tush, we shall come in very 
 If so be thou goest as fast as I ; [good season, 
 Take up thy basket, and quickly have done. 
 We will be both there by and by. [running, 
 
 Man. I for my part will never leave 
 Until that I come to the sign of the Whiting. 
 
 [Here the two Cooks run out, and in cometh 
 the Young Man and the Young Woman 
 his lover. [I do seek? 
 
 Y. Woman. Where is my sweeting, whom 
 He promised me to have met me here : 
 Till I speak with him I think it a week. 
 For he is my joy, he is my cheer ! 
 There is no night, there is no day. 
 But that my thoughts be all of him ; 
 I have no delight, if he be away : 
 Such toys in my head do ever swim. 
 But behold at the last, where he doth come. 
 For whom my heart desired long ; 
 
The Disobedient Child 6i 
 
 Now shall I know, all and some, 
 
 Or else I would say I had great wrong. 
 
 F. Man. My darling, my coney, my bird 
 so bright of ble : 
 Sweetheart, I say, all hail to thee ! 
 How do our loves? be they fast asleep? 
 Or the old liveliness do they still keep? 
 
 Y. Woman. Do ye ask, and my love be 
 fast asleep? 
 O, if a woman may utter her mind, 
 My love had almost made me to weep, 
 Because that even now I did not you find ; 
 I thought it surely a whole hundred year, 
 Till in this place I saw you here. 
 
 Y. Man. Alack, alack, I am sorry for this ! 
 I had such business, I might not come; 
 But ye may perceive what my wit is. 
 How small regard I have and wisdom. 
 
 Y. Woman. Whereas ye ask me concerning 
 my love, 
 I well assure you it doth daily augment ; 
 Nothing can make me start or move; 
 You only to love is mine intent. [relent, 
 
 Y. Man. And as for my love it doth never 
 For of you I do dream, of you I do think; 
 To dinner and supper I never went, 
 But of beer and wine to you I did drink. 
 Now of such thinks therefore to make an end. 
 Which pitiful lovers do cruelly torment. 
 To marriage, in God's name, let us descend, 
 As unto this hour we have been bent. 
 
 Y. Woman. Your will to accomplish I am 
 As any woman, believe me truly. [as ready 
 
 Y. Man. This ring then I give you as a 
 token sure, 
 Whereby our love shall always endure. 
 
62 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Y. Woman. With a pure pretence your 
 pledge I take gladly, 
 For a sign of our love, faith, and fidelity. 
 
 Y. Man. Now I am safe, now I am glad, 
 Now I do live, now I do reign ; 
 Methought till now I was too sad. 
 Wherefore, sadness, fly hence again ! 
 Away with those words which my father 
 
 brought out ! 
 Away with his sageness and exhortation ! 
 He could not make me his fool or his lout. 
 And put me besides this delectation. 
 Did he judge that I would go to the school, 
 And might my time spend after this sort? 
 I am not his calf, nor yet his fool ; 
 This virgin I kiss is my comfort ! [be married, 
 
 Y. Woman. Well then, I pray you, let us 
 For methink from it we have long tarried. 
 
 Y. Man. Agreed, my sweeting, it shall be 
 then done, 
 Since that thy good-will I have gotten and won. 
 
 Y. Woman. There would this day be very 
 That every one his belly may fill, [good cheer, 
 And three or four minstrels would be here. 
 That none in the house sit idle or still. 
 
 Y. Man. Take ye no thought for abun- 
 dance of meat. 
 That should be spent at our bridal. 
 For there shall be enough for all men to eat, 
 And minstrels besides thereto shall not fail. 
 The cooks, I dare say, a good while agone. 
 With such kind of flesh as I did them tell. 
 Are from the market both come home. 
 Or else, my own coney, they do not well. 
 I knew, before that I come to this place, 
 We should be married together this day. 
 
The Disobedient Child 63 
 
 Which caused me then forthwith in thi^ case 
 To send for victuals, ere I came away. 
 
 Y. Woman. Wherefore then (I pray ye) 
 
 shall we go to our inn, 
 And look that everything be made ready? 
 Or else all is not worth a brass pin. 
 Such haste is required in matrimony. 
 
 Y. Man. I think six o'clock it is not much 
 
 past, 
 But yet to the priest we will make haste. 
 That according to custom we may be both 
 
 coupled, 
 And with a strong knot for ever bound fast : 
 Yet, ere I depart, some song I will sing, 
 To the intent to declare my joy without fear. 
 And in the meantime you may, my sweeting, 
 Rest yourself in this little chair. 
 
 The Song. 
 Spite of his spite, which that in vain 
 Doth seek to force my fantasy, 
 I am professed for loss or gain. 
 To he thine own assuredly ; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn,. 
 
 My fantasy will never turn I 
 Although my father of busy wit 
 Doth babble still, I care not tho; 
 I have no fear, nor yet will fiit, 
 As doth the water to and fro; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn, 
 
 My fantasy will never turn I 
 For I am set and will not swerve, 
 Whom spiteful speech removeth nought; 
 And since that I thy grace deserve, 
 I count it is not dearly bought; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn^ 
 
 My fantasy will never turn! 
 
64 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Who is afraid, let you him fly, 
 For I shall well abide the brunt: 
 Maugre to his lips that listeth to lie, 
 Of busy brains as is the wont; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn, 
 
 My fantasy will never turn! 
 Who listeth thereat to laugh or lour, 
 I am not he that ought doth rech; 
 There is no pain that hath the power 
 Out of tny breast your love to fetch; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn. 
 
 My fantasy will never turn! 
 For whereas he moved me to the school, 
 And only to follow my booh and learning: 
 He could never make me such a fool. 
 With all his soft words and fair speaking ; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn, 
 
 My fantasy will never turn! 
 This minion here, this mincing trull, 
 Doth please me more a thousand fold. 
 Than all the earth that is so full 
 Of precious stones, silver and gold; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn, 
 
 My fantasy will never turn ! 
 Whatsoever I did it was for her sake, 
 It was for her love and only pleasure; 
 I count it no labour such labour to take. 
 In getting to me so high a treasure; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn. 
 
 My fantasy will never turn ! 
 This day I intended for to he merry. 
 Although my hard father be far hence, 
 I know no cause for to be heavy. 
 For all this cost and great expense; 
 
 Wherefore let my father spite and spurn. 
 
 My fantasy will never turn! 
 
The Disobedient Child 65 
 
 Y. Man. How like ye this song, my own 
 Is it well made for our purpose? [sweet rose? 
 
 Y. Woman. I never heard in all my life a 
 better, 
 More pleasant, more meet for the matter; 
 Now let us go then, the morning is nigh gone, 
 We cannot any longer here remain : 
 Farewell, good masters every one, 
 Till from the church we come again. 
 
 [Here they go out, and in cometh the Priest 
 alone. 
 
 Priest. Sirs, by my troth it is a world to see 
 The exceeding negligence of every one, 
 Even from the highest to the lowest degree 
 Both goodness and conscience is clean gone. 
 There is a young gentleman in this town, 
 Who this same day now must be married : 
 Yet though I would bestow a crown. 
 That knave the clerk cannot be spied ; 
 For he is safe, if that in the alehouse 
 He may sit tippling of nut-brown ale. 
 That oft he comes forth as drunk as a mouse. 
 With a nose of his own not greatly pale ; 
 And this is not once, but every day 
 Almost, of my faith, throughout the whole year, 
 That he these tricks doth use to play, 
 Without all shame, dread and fear. 
 He knoweth himself, that yesternight 
 The said young gentleman came to me. 
 And then desired that he might 
 This morning betimes married be; 
 But now I doubt it will be high noon, 
 Ere that his business be quite ended, 
 Unless the knavish fool come very soon, 
 That this same thing may be despatched ; 
 And therefore, since that this naughty pack 
 w. & I. F 
 
66 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Hath at this present me thus served, 
 He is hke henceforward my good-will to lack, 
 Or else unwise I mi^ht be judged. 
 I am taught hereafter how such a one to trust 
 In any matter concerning the church ; 
 For, if I should, I perceive that I must 
 Of mine own honesty lose very much. 
 And yet for all this, from week to week. 
 For his stipend and wages he ever crieth, 
 And for the same continually doth seek. 
 As from time to time plainly appeareth ; 
 But whether his wages he hath deserved. 
 Unto you all I do me report, 
 Since that his duty he hath not fulfilled, 
 Nor to the church will scant resort ; 
 That many a time and oft I am fain 
 To play the priest, clerk, and all. 
 Though thus to do it is great pain. 
 And my reward but very small. 
 Wherefore (God willing) I will such order take, 
 Before that I be many days elder, 
 That he shall be glad this town to forsake, 
 And learn evermore to please his better. 
 And in such wise all they shall be used, 
 Which in this parish intend to be clerks ; 
 Great pity it were the church should be dis- 
 ordered, [works. 
 Because that such swillbowls do not their 
 And to say truth, in many a place. 
 And other great towns beside this same. 
 The priests and parishioners be in the like case, 
 W^hich to the churchwardens may be a shame. 
 How should the priest his ofiFice fulfil, 
 Accordingly as indeed he ought. 
 When that the clerk will have a self-will. 
 And always in service-time must be sought? 
 
The Disobedient Child 67 
 
 Notwithstanding at this present there is no 
 But to take time, as it doth fall, [remed^^, 
 Wherefore I will go hence and make me ready, 
 For it helpeth not to chafe or brawl. 
 
 [Here the Priest goeth out, and in cometh the 
 Rich Man. [chamber, 
 
 Rich Man. Coming this day forth of my 
 Even as for water to wash I did call. 
 By chance I espied a certain stranger. 
 Standing beneath within my hall ; 
 Who in very deed came from the innholder, 
 Whereas for a time my son did lie. 
 And said that his master had sent me a letter. 
 And bad him to bring it with all speed possible; 
 Wherein he did write that as this day 
 That unthrift, my son, to a certain maid 
 Should then be wedded without further delay, 
 And hath borrowed more than will be paid ; 
 And since that he heard he was my son 
 By a gentleman or two this other day. 
 He thought that it should be very well done 
 To let me have knowledge thereof by the way ; 
 And willed me, if that I would any thing 
 Of him to be done of me in this matter, [bring, 
 That then he his servant such word should 
 As at his coming he might do hereafter : 
 I bad him thank his master most heartily. 
 And sent him by him a piece of venison. 
 For that he vouchsafed to write so gently. 
 Touching the marrying and state of my son ; 
 But notwithstanding I sent him no money 
 To pay such debts as my son did owe, 
 Because he had me forsaken utterly. 
 And me for his good father would not know; 
 And said that with him I would not make 
 From that day forward during my life, 
 
 F 2 
 
68 The Disobedient Child 
 
 But as he had brewed, that so he should bake, 
 Since of his own choosing he gat him a wife. 
 Thus, when his servant from me departed. 
 Into my chamber I went again. 
 And there a great while I bitterly weeped : 
 This news to me was so great pain. 
 And thus with these words I began to moan, 
 Lamenting and mourning myself all alone : 
 O madness, O doting of those young folk ! 
 O minds without wit, advice and discretion, 
 With whom their parents can bear no stroke 
 In their first matrimonial conjunction : [ness 
 They know not what misery, grief and unquiet- 
 Will hereafter ensue of their extreme foolish- 
 ness ; 
 Of all such labours they be clean ignorant, 
 Which, in the nourishing and keeping of 
 
 children. 
 To their great charges it is convenient 
 Either of them henceforth to sustain : 
 Concerning expenses bestowed in a house. 
 They perceive as little as doth the mouse. 
 On the one side the wife will brawl and scold, 
 On the other side the infant will cry in the 
 
 cradle : 
 Anon, when the child waxeth somewhat old. 
 For meat and drink he begins to babble : 
 Hereupon cometh it that at markets and fairs 
 A husband is forced to buy many wares. 
 Yet for all this hath my foolish son. 
 As wise [as] a woodcock, without any wit, 
 Despising his father's mind and opinion. 
 Married a wife for him most unfit. 
 Supposing that mirth to be everlasting. 
 Which then at the first was greatly pleasing. 
 How they two will live, I cannot tell ; 
 
The Disobedient Child 69 
 
 Whereto they may trust, they have nothing. 
 My mind giveth me, that they will come dwell 
 At length by their father for want of living ; 
 But my son doubtless, for anything that I 
 Shall reap in such wise as he did sow ; [know, 
 True he shall find, that Hipponax did write, 
 Who said with a wife are two days of pleasure ; 
 The first is the joy of the marriage-day and 
 
 night, 
 The second to be at the wife's sepulture : 
 And this by experience he shall prove true. 
 That of his bridal great evils do ensue. 
 And (as I suppose) it will prove in his life, 
 When he shall wish that to him it may chance. 
 Which unto Eupolis and also his wife. 
 The night they were wedded, fell for a 
 
 vengeance ; 
 Who with the heavy ruin of the bed were slain. 
 As the Poet Ovid in these two verses makes 
 
 plain : 
 Sit tibi conjugii nox prima novissitni vitcB, 
 Eupolis hoc periit et nova nupta mode. 
 Ovidius, writing against one Ibis his enemy. 
 That the first night of his marriage did wish 
 The last of his life might be certainly, [perish. 
 For so (quoth he) did Eupolis and his wife 
 Yet to my son I pray God to send. 
 Because thereunto me nature doth bind. 
 Though he hath offended, a better end 
 Than Eupolis and his wife did find. 
 And now I shall long ever anon, 
 Till some of those quarters come riding hither. 
 Unto the which my son is gone. 
 To know how they do live together. 
 But I am fasting, and it is almost noon, 
 And more than time that I had dined : 
 
70 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Wherefore from hence I will go soon ; 
 I think by this time my meat is burned. 
 
 [Here the Rich Man goeth out, and in cometh 
 the Young Man his son with the Young 
 Woman, being both married. 
 
 Husb. O my sweet wife, my pretty coney ! 
 
 Wife. O my husband, as pleasant as honey. 
 
 Husb. O Lord, what pleasures and great 
 commodity 
 Are heaped together in matrimony ! [love is ! 
 
 Wife. How vehement, how strong a thing 
 How many smirks and dulsome kisses ! 
 
 Husb. What smiling, what laughing ! 
 What sport, pastime, and playing ! 
 
 Wife. What tickling, what toying ! 
 What dallying, what joying ! [lighted, 
 
 Husb. The man with the wife is wholly de- 
 And with many causes to laughter enforced. 
 
 Wife. When they two drink, they drink 
 together ; 
 They never eat but one with another. [walk, 
 
 Husb. Sometimes to their garden forth they 
 And into the fields sometimes they go, 
 With merry tricks and gestures they talk, 
 As they do move their feet to and fro. 
 
 Wife. Sometimes they ride into the country. 
 Passing the time with mirth and sport ; 
 And when with their friends they have been 
 
 merry. 
 Home to their own house they do resort. 
 
 Husb. Sometimes abroad they go to see 
 And other trim sights for to behold : [plays, 
 When often they meet in the highways 
 Much of their acquaintance they knew of old. 
 
 Wife. Sometimes to the church they do re- 
 To hear the sermon that shall be made, [pair. 
 
The Disobedient Child 71 
 
 Though it to remember they shall have small 
 
 care; 
 For why they be now but few of that trade. 
 
 Hush. Sometimes at home at cards they 
 play, 
 Sometimes at this game, sometimes at that; 
 They need not with sadness to pass the day, 
 Nor yet to sit still, or stand in one plat. 
 
 Wife. And as for us wives, occasions do 
 move [cheer, 
 
 Sometimes with our gossips to make good 
 Or else we did not, as did us behove. 
 For certain days and weeks in the year. 
 
 Hush. I think that a man might spend a 
 whole day, 
 Declaring the joys and endless bliss, 
 Which married persons receive alway, 
 If they love faithfully, as meet it is. [earnestly, 
 
 Wije. Wives cannot choose but love 
 If that their husbands do all things well ; 
 Or else, my sweetheart, we shall espy. 
 That in quietness they cannot dwell. 
 
 Hush. If they do not, it may be a shame, 
 For I love you heartily, I you assure : 
 Or else I were truly greatly to blame, 
 Ye are so loving, so kind and demure. [foot 
 
 Wife. I trust that with neither hand nor 
 Ye shall see any occasion by me : 
 But that I love you even from the heart-root. 
 And during my life so intend to be. [commend. 
 
 Hush. Who then merry marriage can dis- 
 And will not with Aristotle in his Ethics agree? 
 But will say, that misery is the end. 
 When otherwise I find it to be : 
 A politic man will marry a wife, 
 As the philosopher makes declaration. 
 
72 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Not only to have children by his life, 
 
 But also for living, help, and sustentation. 
 
 Wife. Who will not with H 'erodes plainly 
 confess, 
 That mankind to society is wholly adjoining, 
 And in this society nevertheless 
 Of worthy wedlock took the beginning : 
 Without the which no city can stand, 
 Nor household be perfect in any land? 
 
 Hush. Pythagoras, Socrates, and Crates 
 also. 
 Which truly were men of very small substance. 
 As I heard my father tell long ago, 
 Did take them wives with a safe conscience ; 
 And dwelled together, supposing that they 
 Were unto philosophy nother stop nor stay. 
 
 Wife. Yea, what can be more according to 
 kind. 
 Than a man to a woman himself to bind? 
 
 Hush. Away with those therefore, that 
 marriage despise. 
 And of dangers thereof invent many lies ! 
 
 Wife. But what is he that cometh yonder? 
 Do ye not think it is our man? 
 Somewhat there is that he hasteth hither, 
 For he makes as much speed as he can. 
 
 [Here the servant of the Rich Man's Son 
 cometh in, with an errand to his master. 
 
 Serv. Master, there is a stranger at home. 
 He would very fain with you talk : 
 For until that to him ye do come. 
 Forth of the doors he will not walk. 
 
 Hush. Come on then, my wife, if it be so, 
 Let us depart hence for a season : 
 For I am not well, till I do know 
 Of that man's coming the very reason. 
 
The Disobedient Child 73 
 
 [Here they both go out, and their Servant 
 doth tarry behind alone. [will, 
 
 Serv. Let them go both, and do what they 
 And with communication fill their belly : 
 For I, by Saint George, will tarry here still, 
 In all my life I was never so weary ! 
 I have this day filled so many pots 
 With all manner wine, ale, and beer, 
 That I wished their bellies full of bots, 
 Long of whom was made such cheer. 
 What kinds of meat, both flesh and fish. 
 Have I, poor knave, to the table carried 
 From time to time, dish after dish; 
 My legs from going never ceased ! 
 What running had I for apples and nuts ! 
 What calling for biscuits, comfits, and cara- 
 ways ! 
 A vengeance, said I, light on their guts, 
 That makes me to turn so many ways ! 
 What crying was there for cards and dice ! 
 What roisting, what ruflfling made they within ! 
 I counted them all not greatly wise, 
 For my head did almost ache with din. 
 What babbling, what jang'ling was in the 
 
 house ! 
 What quaflfing, what bibbing with many a cup ! 
 That some lay along as drunk as a mouse, 
 Not able so much as their heads to hold up ! 
 What dancing, what leaping, what jumping 
 
 about. 
 From bench to bench, and stool to stool. 
 That I wondered their brains did not fall out, 
 When they so outrageously played the fool ! 
 What juggling was there upon the boards ! 
 What thrusting of knives through many a 
 nose ! 
 
 y 
 
74 The Disobedient Child 
 
 What bearing of forms, what holding of 
 
 swords, 
 And putting of botkins through leg and hose ! 
 Yet for all that they called for drink, 
 And said they could not play for dry. 
 That many at me did nod and wink. 
 Because I should bring it by and by. [walk : 
 Howsoever they sported, the pot did still 
 If that were away, then all was lost. 
 For ever anon the jug was their talk, [cost. 
 They passed not who bare such charge and 
 Therefore let him look his purse be right good, 
 That it may discharge all that is spent, [hood. 
 Or else it will make his hair grow through his 
 There was such havoc made at this present; 
 But I am afeard my master be angry. 
 That I did abide thus long behind : 
 Yet for his anger I pass not greatly, 
 His words they be but only wind ! 
 Now that I have rested so long in this place. 
 Homeward again I will hie me apace. 
 
 [Here the Servant goeth out, and in cometh 
 first the Wife, and shortly after the 
 Husband. [here? 
 
 Wife. Where is my husband? was he not 
 I marvel much whither he is gone ! 
 Then I perceive I am [not] much the near : 
 But lo, where he cometh hither alone ! 
 Wot ye what, husband, from day to day 
 With dainty dishes our bodies have been filled? 
 What meat to-morrow next shall we assay, 
 Whereby we may then be both refreshed? 
 
 Hush. Do ye now provide and give a 
 For victuals hereafter to be prepared? [regard 
 
 Wife. But that I know, husband, it lieth us 
 in hand 
 
The Disobedient Child 75 
 
 Of thing-s to come to have a consideration, 
 I would not once will you to understand 
 About such business my careful provision : 
 It is needful therefore to work we make haste, 
 That to get both our livings we may know the 
 cast. [vexed, 
 
 Husb. To trouble me now, and make me 
 This mischievous means hast thou invented. 
 
 Wife. What trouble for thee, what kind of 
 vexation, 
 Have I to disquiet thee caused at this present? 
 My only mind is thou make expedition 
 To seek for our profit, as is convenient. 
 Wherefore to thee I say once again. 
 Because to take pains thou art so loth. 
 By Christ, it were best with might and main 
 To fall to some work, I swear a great oath ! 
 
 Hush. Yet, for a time, if it may thee please, 
 Let me be quiet, and take mine ease. 
 
 Wife. Wilt thou have us then through 
 hunger be starved? [be killed. 
 
 Hush. I would not we should for hunger 
 
 Wife. Then, I say then, this gear go about, 
 And look that thou labour diligently, 
 Or else thou shalt shortly prove without doubt, 
 Thy sluggishness will not please me greatly. 
 
 Hush. Beginnest thou even now to be 
 painful and grievous. 
 And to thy husband a woman so troublous? 
 
 Wife. What words have we here, thou mis- 
 begotten : 
 Is there not already enough to be spoken? 
 
 Hush. O mirth, O joy, O pastime and 
 How little a space do you endure ! [pleasure, 
 
 Wife. I see my commandment can take no 
 place ; 
 
76 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Thou shalt aby therefore, I swear by the mass ! 
 
 [Here the Wife must strike her Husband 
 handsomely about the shoulders with 
 something. [alas ! 
 
 Husb. Alas, good wife ! good wife, alas, 
 Strike not so hard, I pray thee heartily ! 
 Whatsoever thou wilt have brought to pass. 
 It shall be done with all speed possible. 
 
 Wife. Lay these faggots, man, upon thy 
 shoulder. 
 And carry this wood from street to street. 
 To sell the same, that we both together 
 Our living may get, as is most meet. 
 Hence, nidiot, hence without more delay ! 
 What meanest thou thus to stagger and stay? 
 
 Husb. O Lord ! what, how miserable men 
 be those. 
 Which to their wives as wretches be wedded. 
 And have them continually their mortal foes, 
 Serving them thus, as slaves that be hired ! 
 Now by experience true I do find. 
 Which oftentimes unto me heretofore 
 My father did say, declaring his mind, 
 That in matrimony was pain evermore; 
 What shall I do, most pitiful creature? 
 Just cause I have, alas, to lament : 
 That frantic woman my death will procure, 
 If so be this day without gain be spent : 
 For unless for my wood some money be taken, 
 Like a dog with a cudgel I shall be beaten ! 
 Ho, thou good fellow, which standest so nigh, 
 Of these heavy bundles ease my sore back. 
 And somewhat therefore give me by and by, 
 Or else I die, for silver I do lack. 
 Now that I have some money received 
 For this my burthen, home I will go. 
 
The Disobedient Child 11 
 
 And lest that my wife be discontented, 
 What I have take, I will her show. 
 Wife, I am come : I went a long way, 
 And here is the profit and gains of this day ! 
 Wi]e. Why, thou lout, thou fool, thou 
 whoreson folt, 
 Is this thy wood money, thou peevish dolt? 
 Thou shalt smart for this gear, I make God a 
 vow ! [the sow ! 
 
 Thou knowest no more to sell wood than doth 
 Hush. By God's precious ! I will not un- 
 To do as I have done any longer, [wisely suffer 
 Wife. Why, dost thou rise against me, 
 villain? 
 Take heed I scratch not out thy eyes twain ! 
 
 Hush. Scratch, and thou dare, for I have a 
 
 Perchance I will rid thee of thy life ! ' [knife : 
 
 Wife. Slay me with thy knife, thou shitten 
 
 dastard ! 
 
 Dost thou think to find me such a dissard? 
 
 By Cock's bones ! I will make thy skin to 
 
 rattle, [settle. 
 
 And the brains in thy skull more deeply to 
 
 [Here the Wife must lay on load upon her 
 
 Husband. 
 Hush. Good wife, be content ! forgive me 
 this fault ! 
 I will never again do that which is naught. 
 
 Wife. Go to, foolish calf, go to, and uprise, 
 
 And put up thy knife, I thee advise. [soever. 
 
 Hush. I will do your commandments what- 
 
 Wife. Hence away, then, and fill this with 
 
 water. [state 
 
 Hush. O merciful God, in what lamentable 
 
 Is he, of whom the wife is the master? 
 
 Would God I had been predestinate 
 
78 The Disobedient Child 
 
 On my marriage day to have died with a fever ! 
 
 wretched creature, what may I do? 
 My grievous wife shall I return unto? 
 Lo, wife, behold ! without further delay 
 The water ye sent for here I do bring. 
 
 Wife. What, I say? what meaneth this 
 weeping? 
 What aileth thee to make all this crying? [yet. 
 
 Hush. I weep not, forsooth, nor cry not as 
 
 Wife. No, nor thou wilt not, if thou hast 
 any wit ; 
 It is not thy weeping that can ought avail, 
 And therefore this matter no longer bewail. 
 Come off, I say, and run by the river. 
 And wash these clothes in the water. 
 
 Hush. Wife, I will thither hie me fast. 
 
 Wife. Yet I advise thee, thou cullon, make 
 haste. 
 
 Hush. O, how unhappy and eke unfortunate 
 Is the most part of married men's condition ! 
 
 1 would to death I had been agate, [tion. 
 When my mother in bearing me made lamenta- 
 What shall I do? whither shall I turn? 
 
 Most careful man now under the sky ! 
 In the flaming fire I had rather burn. 
 Than with extreme pain live so heavily. 
 There is no shift ; to my wife I must go. 
 Whom that I did wed ; I am full wo ! [clean, 
 Where are ye, wife? your clothes are washed 
 As white as a lily, without spot or stain. 
 
 Wife. Thou thief, thou caitiff, why is not 
 Washed as fair as all the rest? [this place 
 Thou shalt for this gear now smoke apace ! 
 By Jis, I swear, thou brutish beast ! 
 
 [Here she must knock her Husband. 
 
 Hush. Alas, alas ! I am almost quite dead ! 
 
The Disobedient Child 79 
 
 My wife so pitifully hath broken my head ! 
 
 [Here her Husband must lie along on the 
 ground, as though he were sore beaten 
 and wounded. 
 
 Wife. Well, I perceive the time will away, 
 And into the country to go I have promised ; 
 Look therefore thou go not from hence to-day, 
 Till home again I am returned. 
 Take heed, I say, this house thee retain, 
 And stir not for any thing out of my door, 
 Until that I come hither again. 
 As thou wilt be rewarded therefore. 
 
 [Here the Wife goeth out, and the Husband 
 tarrieth behind alone. 
 
 Husb. The flying fiend go with my wife, 
 And in her journey ill may she speed ! 
 I pray God Almighty to shorten her life ! 
 The earth at no time doth bear such a weed ! 
 Although that I be a gentleman born. 
 And come by my anc^tors of a good blood. 
 Vet am I like to wear a coat torn. 
 And hither and thither go carry wood ! 
 But rather than I this life will abide, 
 To-morrow morning I do intend 
 Home to my father again to ride, 
 If some man to me his horse will lend. 
 She is to her gossips gone to make merry, 
 And there she will be for three or four days : 
 She cares not, though I do now miscarry, 
 And suffer such pain and sorrow always. 
 She leaveth to me neither bread nor drink, 
 But such, as I judge, no body would eat : 
 I might by the walls lie dead and stink. 
 For any great wholesomeness in my meat. 
 She walketh abroad, and taketh her pleasure : 
 Herself to cherish is all her care : 
 
8o The Disobedient Child 
 
 She passeth not what grief I endure, 
 Or how I can Hve with noughty fare : 
 And since it is so, without further delay 
 To my father to-morrow I will away. 
 
 [Here he goeth out, and in cometh the Devil. 
 
 Satan the Devil. Ho, ho, ho ! what a fellow 
 Give room, I say, both more and less : [am I ! 
 My strength and power, hence to the sky, 
 No earthly tongue can well express ! 
 O, what inventions, crafts and wiles 
 Is there contained within this head ! 
 I know that he is within few miles. 
 Which of the same is throughly sped. 
 O, it was all my study day and night 
 Cunningly to bring this matter to pass : 
 In all the earth there is no wight, 
 But I can make to cry alas. 
 This man and wife, that not long ago 
 Fell in this place together by the ears : 
 It was only I that this strife did sow. 
 And have been about it "certain years. 
 For after that I had taken a smell 
 Of their good will and fervent love, 
 Me-thought I should not tarry in hell. 
 But unto debate them shortly move : 
 O, it was I that made him to despise 
 All wisdom, goodness, virtue, and learning, 
 That he afterward could in no wise 
 Once in his heart fancy teaching : 
 O, it was I that made him refuse 
 The wholesome monition of his father dear, 
 And caused him still of a wife to muse. 
 As though she should be his joy and cheer ! 
 O, it was I that made him go hence. 
 And suppose that his father was very unkind ; 
 It was I that did drive him to such expense. 
 
The Disobedient Child 8i 
 
 And made him as bare as an ape is behind. 
 
 And now that I have this business ended, 
 
 And joined him and his wife together, 
 
 I think that I have my part well played : 
 
 None of you all would do it better. 
 
 Ho, ho, ho ! this well-favoured head of mine, 
 
 What thing soever it hath in hand, 
 
 Is never troubled with ale or wine. 
 
 Neither by sea, nor yet by land. 
 
 I tell you I am a marvellous body. 
 
 As any is at this day living : 
 
 My head doth devise each thing so trimly. 
 
 That all men may wonder of the ending. 
 
 O, I have such fetches, such toys in this head, 
 
 Such crafty devices and subtle train. 
 
 That whomsoever of you I do wed. 
 
 Ye are like at my hands to take small gain. 
 
 There is no gentleman, knight, or lord : 
 
 There is no duke, earl, or king. 
 
 But, if I list, I can with one word 
 
 Shortly send unto their lodging. 
 
 Some I disquiet with covetousness : 
 
 Some with wrath, pride and lechery ; 
 
 And some I do thrust into such distress. 
 
 That he feeleth only pain and misery. 
 
 Some I allure to have their delight 
 
 Always in gluttony, envy and murder, [might, 
 
 And those things to practise with all their 
 
 Either by land or else by water. 
 
 Ho, ho, ho ! there is none to be compared 
 
 To me, I tell you, in any point : 
 
 With a great sort myself I have tried. 
 
 That boldly ventured many a joint. 
 
 And when for a long time we had wrestled. 
 
 And showed our strength on either side. 
 
 Yet oftentimes a fall they received, 
 
 w. & I. G 
 
82 The Disobedient Child 
 
 When through my poHcy their feet did shde. 
 
 Wherefore (my dear children) I warn ye all : 
 
 Take heed, take heed of my temptation, 
 
 For commonly at the last ye have the fall, 
 
 And also [be] brought to desperation. 
 
 O ! it is a folly for many to strive, 
 
 And think of me to get the upper hand. 
 
 For unless that God make them to thrive, 
 
 They cannot against me stick or stand : 
 
 And though that God on high have his 
 
 And ruleth the world everywhere, [dominion, 
 
 Yet by your leave I have a portion 
 
 Of this same earth that standeth here. 
 
 The kingdom of God is above in heaven, 
 
 And mine is, I tell you, beneath in hell; 
 
 But yet a greater place, if he had dealt even. 
 
 He should have given me and mine to dwell : 
 
 For to my palace of every nation. 
 
 Of what degree or birth soever they be, 
 
 Come running in with such festination, 
 
 That otherwhiles they amazed me. 
 
 O, all the Jews and all the Turks, 
 
 Yea, and a great part of Christendom, 
 
 When they have done my will and my works. 
 
 In the end they fly hither all and some : 
 
 There is no minute of the day. 
 
 There is no minute of the night. 
 
 But that in my palace there is alway 
 
 Crowding together a marvellous sight ; 
 
 They come on thicker than swarms of bees, 
 
 And make such a noise and crying out. 
 
 That many a one lieth on his knees. 
 
 With thousands kept under and closed about : 
 
 Not so much as my parlours, halls, and every 
 
 chamber : 
 My porches, my galleries, and my court : 
 
The Disobedient Child 83 
 
 My entries, my kitchen, and my larder, [out ! 
 But with all manner people be filled through- 
 What shall I say more, I cannot tell. 
 But of this (my children) I am certain. 
 There comes more in one hour unto hell, 
 Than unto heaven in a month or twain. 
 And yet for all this my nature is such, 
 That I am not pleased with this company. 
 But out of my kingdom I must walk much. 
 That one or other I may take tardy. 
 Ho, ho, ho ! I am never once afraid 
 With these my claws you for to touch, 
 For I will not leave, till you be paid 
 Such treasure as is within my pouch. 
 The world is my son, and I am his father, 
 And also the flesh is a daughter of mine; 
 It is I alone that taught them to gather 
 Both gold and silver that is so fine; 
 Wherefore I suppose that they love me well. 
 And my commandments gladly obey. 
 That at the last then unto hell 
 They may come all the ready way. 
 But now {I know), since I came hither, 
 There is such a multitude at my gate. 
 That I must again repair down thither 
 After mine old manner and rate. 
 
 [Here the Devil goeth out, and in cometh the 
 Rich Man's Son alone. [ended, 
 
 Son. How glad am I that my journey is 
 Which I was about this whole day ! 
 My horse to stand still I never suffered. 
 Because I would come to the end of my way : 
 But yet I am sorry that I cannot find 
 My loving father at home at his place, 
 That unto him I may break my mind, 
 And let him know my miserable case. 
 
 G 2 
 
84 The Disobedient Child 
 
 [Here he confesseth his naughtiness, uttering 
 the same with a pitiful voice. 
 I have been wild, I have been wanton, 
 I have ever followed my fancy and will : 
 I have been to my father a froward son. 
 And from day to day continued still. 
 I have always proudly disdained those 
 That in my madness gave me good counsel : 
 I counted them most my mortal foes, 
 And stoutly against them did rebel. 
 The thing that was good I greatly hated, 
 As one which lacked both wit and reason; 
 The thing that was evil I ever loved. 
 Which now I see is my confusion. 
 I could not abide of the school to hear ; 
 Masters and teachers my heart abhorred; 
 Methought the book was not fit gear 
 For my tender fingers to have handled ; 
 I counted it a pleasure to be daintily fed, 
 And to be clothed in costly array : 
 I would most commonly slug in my bed, 
 Until it were very far-forth day. 
 And (to be short) anon after this. 
 There came such fancies in my brain, 
 That to have a wife, whom I might kiss, 
 I reckoned to be the greatest gain. 
 But yet, alas, I was quite deceived ; 
 The thing itself doth easily appear; 
 I would, alas, I had been buried. 
 When to my father I gave not ear ! 
 That which I had I have clean spent. 
 And kept so much riot with the same. 
 That now I am fain a coat that is rent, 
 Alas, to wear for very shame. 
 I have not a cross left in my purse 
 To help myself now in my need, 
 
The Disobedient Child 85 
 
 That well I am worthy of God's curse, 
 And of my father to have small meed. 
 
 [Here the Rich Man must he as it were 
 coming in. 
 But except mine eyes do me beguile, 
 That man is my father, whom I do see : 
 And now that he comes, without craft or wile. 
 To him I will bend on either knee. 
 Ah, father, father, my father most dear ! 
 
 Father. Ah ! mine own child, with thee 
 what cheer? 
 
 Son. All such sayings as in my mind 
 At the first time ye studied to settle. 
 Most true, alas, I do them find. 
 As though they were written in the Gospel. 
 
 Father. Those words, my son, I have 
 almost forgotten ; 
 Stand up, therefore, and kneel no longer, 
 And what it was I spake so often. 
 At two or three words recite to thy father. 
 
 Son. If that ye be, father, well remembered, 
 As the same I believe ye cannot forget, 
 You said that, so soon as I were married. 
 Much pain and trouble thereby I should get. 
 
 Father. Hast thou by proof, son, this thing 
 tried ? [enced : 
 
 Son. Yea, alas, too much I have experi- 
 My wife I did wed all full of frenzy. 
 My seely poor shoulders hath now so bruised, 
 That like to a cripple I move me weakly, 
 Being full often with the staff thwacked : 
 She spareth no more my flesh and bone. 
 Than if my body were made of stone ! 
 Her will, her mind, and her commandment 
 From that day hither I have fulfilled, 
 Which if I did not, I was bitterly shent, 
 
86 The Disobedient Child 
 
 And with many strokes grievously punished : 
 
 That would God, the hour when I was married, 
 
 In the midst of the church I might have sinked. 
 
 I think there is no man under the sun, 
 
 That here on the earth beareth life, 
 
 Which would do such drudgery as I have done, 
 
 At the unkind words of such a wife ; 
 
 For how I was used, and in what wise, 
 
 A day to declare will not suffice. 
 
 If this be not true, as I have spoken, 
 
 To my good neighbours I me report, 
 
 Who other whiles, when I was smitten. 
 
 My wife to be gentle did then exhort : 
 
 For glad I was to abide all labour. 
 
 Whereby the less might be my dolour. 
 
 Wherefore, good father, I you humbly desire 
 
 To have pity of me and some compassion. 
 
 Or else I am like to lie fast in the mire, 
 
 Without any succour or consolation : 
 
 For at this hour I have not a penny. 
 
 Myself to help in this great misery. [counsel 
 
 Father. For so much as by my advice and 
 In no manner wise thou wouldest be ruled. 
 Therefore to thee I cannot do well. 
 But let thee still suffer as thou hast deserved, 
 For that thou hast suffered is yet nothing 
 To that tribulation which is behind coming. 
 
 Son. Alas, father, what shall I do? 
 My wits of themselves cannot devise 
 What thing I were best go unto, 
 Whereof an honest living may arise : 
 Wherefore, gentle father, in this distress, 
 Somewhat assuage mine heaviness. 
 
 Father. What should I do, I cannot tell, 
 For now that thou hast taken a wife, 
 With me thy father thou mayest not dwell, 
 
The Disobedient Child 87 
 
 But always with her spend thy life. 
 
 Thou mayest not again thy wife forsake, 
 
 Which during life to thee thou didst take. 
 
 ►Son. Alas, I am not able thus to endure, 
 Though thereunto I were never so willing ; 
 For my wife is of such a crooked nature, 
 As no woman else in this day living. 
 And if the very truth I shall confess. 
 She is to me an evil that is endless. 
 
 Father. If that thou thinkest thyself alone 
 Only to lead this irksome life, [moan, 
 
 Thou may'st learn what grief, sorrow and 
 Socrates had with Xantippe his wife ; 
 Her husband full oft she taunted and checked. 
 And, as the book saith, unhonestly mocked. 
 
 Son. I cannot tell what was Socrates' wife. 
 But mine I do know, alas, too well ; 
 She is one that is evermore full of strife, 
 And of all scolders beareth the bell, [tongue; 
 When she speaketh best, then brawleth her 
 When she is still, she fighteth apace; 
 She is an old witch, though she be young : 
 No mirth with her, no joy or solace ! 
 
 Father. I cannot, my son, thy state redress; 
 Me thy father thou didst refuse; 
 Wherefore now help thy own foolishness. 
 And of thy wife no longer muse. 
 
 Son. My wife went forth into the country 
 With certain gossips to make good cheer. 
 And bad me at home still to be, 
 That at her return she might find me there : 
 And if that she do take me from home, 
 My bones, alas, she will make to crackle. 
 And me her husband, as a stark mome. 
 With knocking and mocking she will handle; 
 And, therefore, if I may not here remain. 
 
88 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Yet, loving father, give me your reward. 
 That I may with speed ride home again, 
 That to my wife's words have some regard. 
 Father. If that at the first thou wouldest 
 have been ordered, 
 And done as thy father counselled thee. 
 So wretched a life had never chanced, [me; 
 Whereof at this present thou complainest to 
 But yet come on, to my house we will be going, 
 And there thou shalt see what I will give : — 
 A little to help thy need living, 
 Since that in such penury thou dost live; 
 And that once done, thou must hence again. 
 For I am not he that will thee retain. 
 
 [Here the Rich Man and his Son go out, and 
 in Cometh the Perorator. [gentle audience, 
 The Perorator. This Interlude here, good 
 Which presently before you we have played. 
 Was set forth with such care and diligence. 
 As by us truly might well be shewed. 
 Short it is, I deny not, and full of brevity. 
 But if ye mark thereof the matter. 
 Then choose ye cannot but see plainly, 
 How pain and pleasure be knit together. 
 By this little play the father is taught 
 After what manner his child to use, [brought 
 Lest that through cockering af length he be 
 His father's commandment to refuse ; 
 Here he may learn a witty lesson 
 Betimes to correct his son being tender, 
 And not let him be lost and undone 
 With wantonness, of mischief the mother; 
 For as long as the twig is gentle and pliant 
 (Every man knoweth this by experience); 
 With small force and strength it may be bent, 
 Putting thereto but little diligence; 
 
The Disobedient Child 89 
 
 But after that it waxeth somewhat bigger, 
 And to cast his branches largely beginneth, 
 It is scant the might of all thy power, 
 That one bough thereof easily bendeth : 
 This twig to a child may well be applied, 
 Which, in his childhood and age of infancy. 
 With small correction may be amended, 
 Embracing the school with heart and body, 
 Who afterward, with overmuch liberty. 
 And ranging abroad with the bridle of will, 
 Despiseth all virtue, learning, and honesty. 
 And also his father's mind to fulfil : 
 Whereby at the length it so falleth out 
 That this the young stripling, after that day 
 Runs into confusion without any doubt. 
 And like for evermore quite to decay. 
 Wherefore take heed, all ye that be parents, 
 And follow a part after my counsel ; 
 Instruct your children and make them students. 
 That unto all goodness they do not rebel ; 
 Remember what writeth Solomon the wise : 
 Qui parcit virgcc, odit filium. 
 Therefore for as much as ye can devise. 
 Spare not the rod, but follow wisdom : 
 Further, ye young men and children also, 
 Listen to me and hearken a while, 
 What in few words for you I will show 
 Without any flattery, fraud, or guile. 
 This rich man's son whom we did set forth 
 Here evidently before our eyes. 
 Was (as it chanced) nothing worth : 
 Given to all noughtiness, vice, and lies. 
 The cause whereof was this for a truth : 
 His time full idly he did spend. 
 And would not study in his youth. 
 Which might have brought him to a good end ; 
 
90 The Disobedient Child 
 
 His father's commandment he would not obey, 
 
 But wantonly followed his fantasy, 
 
 For nothing that he could do or say 
 
 Would bring this child to honesty. 
 
 And at the last (as here ye might see) 
 
 Upon a wife he fixed his mind, 
 
 Thinking the same to be felicity. 
 
 When indeed misery came behind ; 
 
 For by this wife he carefully lived, 
 
 Who under his father did want nothing, 
 
 And in such sort was hereby tormented. 
 
 That ever anon he went lamenting. 
 
 His father did will him lightness to leave, 
 
 And only to give himself unto study. 
 
 But yet unto virtue he would not cleave, 
 
 Which is commodious for soul and body. 
 
 You heard that by sentences ancient and old, 
 
 He stirred his son as he best thought; 
 
 But he, as an unthrlft stout and bold, 
 
 His wholesome counsel did set at nought ; 
 
 And since that he despised his father, 
 
 God unto him did suddenly then send 
 
 Such poverty with a wife and grief together,, 
 
 That shame and sorrow was his end. 
 
 Wherefore to conclude, I warn you all 
 
 By your loving parents always be ruled. 
 
 Or else be well assured of such a fall. 
 
 As unto this young man worthily chanced. 
 
 Worship God daily, which is the chief thing,. 
 
 And his holy laws do not offend : 
 
 Look that ye truly serve the king. 
 
 And all your faults be glad to amend : 
 
 Moreover, be true of hand and tongue, 
 
 And learn to do all things that be honest, 
 
 For no time so fit, as when ye be young, 
 
 Because that age only is the aptest. 
 
The Disobedient Child 9i 
 
 I have no more to speak at this season, 
 For very good will these things I did say, 
 Because I do see that virtue is geason 
 With most men and children at this day. 
 [Here the rest of the Players come in, and 
 kneel down all together, each of them say- 
 ing one of these verses : 
 And last of all to make an end, 
 O God, to thee we most humbly pray. 
 That to Queen Elizabeth thou do send 
 Thy lively path and perfect way ! 
 Grant her in health to reign 
 With us many years most prosperously, 
 And after this life for to attain 
 The eternal bliss, joy, and felicity ! 
 Our bishops, pastors, and ministers also, 
 The true understanding of thy word. 
 Both night and day, now mercifully show. 
 That their life and preaching may godly accord. 
 The lords of the council and the nobility, 
 Most heavenly father, we thee desire 
 With grace, wisdom, and godly policy 
 Their hearts and minds always inspire. 
 . And that we thy people, duly considering ^ 
 The power of our queen and great auctority, 
 May please thee and serve her without feign- 
 Living in peace, rest, and tranquillity. [ing, 
 God Save the Queen. 
 
 A SONG. 
 
 Why doth the world study vain glory to attain, 
 The prosperity whereof is short and transitory, 
 Whose mighty power doth fall down again, 
 Like earthen pots, that hreaketh suddenly? 
 Believe rather words that he written in ice, 
 Than the wretched world with his subtlety, 
 Deceitful in gifts, men only to entice, 
 
92 The Disobedient Child 
 
 Destitute of all sure credence and fidelity. 
 Give credit more to men of true judgments 
 Than to the worldly renown and joys, 
 Replenished with dreams and vain intents, 
 Abounding in wicked and noughty toys, [lent? 
 Where is now Solomon, in wisdom so excel- 
 Where is now Samson, in battle so strong? 
 Where is now Absolotn, in beauty resplendent''^ 
 Where is now good Jonathan, hid so long? 
 Where is now Ccesar, in victory triumphing? 
 Where is now Dives, in dishes so dainty? 
 Where is now Tully, in eloquence exceeding? 
 Where is now Aristotle, learned so deeply? 
 What emperors, kings, and dukes in times 
 
 past. 
 What earls and lords, and captains of war, 
 What popes and bishops, all at the last 
 In the twinkling of an eye are fled so far? 
 How short a feast is this worldly joying? 
 Even as a shadow it passeth away. 
 Depriving a man of gifts everlasting. 
 Leading to darkness and not to day ! 
 O meat of worms, O heap of dust, 
 O like to dew, climb not too high ! 
 To live to-morrow thou canst not trust, 
 Therefore now betime help the needy. 
 The fleshly beauty, whereat thou dost wonder, 
 In holy Scripture is likened to hay, 
 And as a leaf in a stormy weather. 
 So is man's life blowen clean away. 
 Call nothing thine that may be lost : 
 The world doth give and take again. 
 But set thy mind on the Holy Ghost; 
 Despise the world that is so vain! 
 
 FINIS. 
 
6rU^- 
 
 Intcrliitie 
 
 4 i' u tt .". : i 
 
 
 50et^.'' 
 
 
 
 
 [i?edwced Facsimiie of Title-page of •■ Mce Wanton" 
 from a copy in the British Museum.] 
 
A PRETTY INTERLUDE 
 
 NICE WANTON 
 
 Wherein ye may see 
 Three branches of an ill tree : 
 The mother and her children three, 
 Two naught, and one godly. 
 
 Early sharp, that will be thorn. 
 Soon ill, that will be naught : 
 To be naught, better unborn. 
 Better unfed than naughtily taught. 
 
 Ut magnutn niagnos, pueros puerilia doctus. 
 
 The Messenger 
 Barnabas Iniquity 
 
 IsMAEL Baily Errand 
 
 Dalilah Xantippe 
 
 Eulalia Worldly Shame 
 
 Daniel the Judge 
 
 Anno Domini, mdlx. 
 
NICE WANTON 
 
 THE PROLOGUE. 
 
 The Messenger. The prudent Prince Solo- 
 mon doth say, 
 He that spareth the rod, the child doth hate. 
 He would youth should be kept in awe alway 
 By correction in time at reasonable rate : 
 
 To be taught to fear God, and their parents 
 obey, [tain 
 
 To get learning and quahties, thereby to main- 
 An honest quiet life, correspondent alway 
 To God's law and the king's, for it is certain, 
 
 If children be noseled in idleness and ill. 
 And brought up therein, it is hard to restrain, 
 And draw them from natural wont evil, 
 As here in this interlude ye shall see plain : 
 
 By two children brought up wantonly in play, 
 Whom the mother doth excuse, when she 
 
 should chastise ; 
 They delight in dalliance and mischief alway, 
 At last they end their lives in miserable wise. 
 
 The mother persuaded by worldly shame, 
 
 That she was the cause of their wretched life. 
 
 So pensive, so sorrowful, for their death she 
 
 became, [knife. 
 
 That in despair she would sle herself with a 
 
96 Nice Wanton 
 
 Then her son Barnabas (by interpretation 
 The son of comfort), her ill-purpose do[th] stay, 
 By the scriptures he giveth her godly consola- 
 tion, [pi^y- 
 And so concludeth ; all these parts will we 
 
 [Barnahas cometh. 
 Bar. My master, in my lesson yesterday, 
 Did recite this text of Ecclesiasticus : 
 Man is prone to evil from his youth, did he say, 
 Which sentence may well be verified in us. 
 Myself, my brother, and sister Dalilah, [find. 
 Whom our parents to their cost to school do 
 I tarry for them here, time passeth away, 
 I lose my learning, they ever loiter behind. 
 
 If I go before, they do me threat 
 To complain to my mother : she for their sake, 
 Being her tender tidlings, will me beat : [take? 
 Lord, in this perplexity, what way shall I 
 What will become of them? grace God them 
 send [amend ! 
 
 To apply their learning, and their manners 
 [Ismael and Dalilah come in singing. 
 Here we comen, and here we lonen, 
 And here we will abide ahide-a. 
 Bar. Fye, brother, fye, and specially you, 
 sister Dalilah, 
 Soberness becometh maids alway. 
 
 Dal. What, ye dolt, ye be ever in one song ! 
 
 Ism. Yea, sir, it shall cost you blows, ere 
 
 it be long. [play. 
 
 Bar. Be ye not ashamed the truands to 
 
 Losing your time and learning, and that every 
 
 day? [honest living to get. 
 
 Learning bringeth knowledge of God and 
 
 Dal. Yea, marry, I warrant you, master 
 
 hoddypeak. 
 
Nice Wanton 97 
 
 Bar. Learn apace, sister, and after to spin 
 and sew, 
 And other honest housewifely points to know. 
 
 75;??. Spin, quod-a? yea, by the mass, and 
 with your heels up-wind, 
 For a good mouse-hunt is cat after Saint Kind. 
 
 Bar. Lewd speaking corrupteth good 
 manners. Saint Paul doth say; 
 Come, let us go, if ye will, to school this day ; 
 I shall be shent for tarrying so long. 
 
 [Barnabas goeth out. 
 
 Ism. Go, get thee hence, thy mouth full of 
 horse-dung ! 
 Now, pretty sister, what sport shall we devise? 
 Thus palting to school, I think us unwise : 
 In summer die for thrist, in winter for cold. 
 And still to live in fear of a churl who would ? 
 
 Dal. Not I, by the mass, I had rather he 
 hanged were, 
 Than I would sit quaking like a mome for fear. 
 I am sun-burned in summer, in winter the cold 
 Maketh my limbs gross, and my beauty decay ; 
 If I should use it, as they would I should, 
 I should never be fair woman, I dare say. 
 
 75m. No, sister, no, but I can tell. 
 Where we shall have good cheer, 
 Lusty companions two or three. 
 At good wine, ale, and beer. 
 
 Dal. O good brother, let us go, 
 I will never go more to-to school. 
 Shall I never know, 
 What pastime meaneth? 
 Yes, I will not be such a fool. 
 
 Ism. Have with thee, Dahlah : 
 Farewell our school ! 
 Away with books and all, 
 
 w. &' I. H 
 
Nice Wanton 
 
 [They cast away their books. 
 I will set my heart 
 On a merry pin, 
 Whatever shall befall. [Enter Eulalia. 
 
 Eul. Lord, what folly is in youth ! 
 How unhappy be children now-a-days? 
 And the more pity, to say the truth, 
 Their parents maintain them in evil ways : 
 Which is a great cause that the world decays, 
 For children, brought up in idleness and play, 
 Unthrifty and disobedient continue alway. 
 
 A neighbour of mine hath children hereby, 
 Idle, disobedient, proud, wanton, and nice. 
 As they come by, they do shrewd turns daily; 
 Their parents so to suffer them surely be not 
 
 wise. [mine advice ; 
 
 They laugh me to scorn, when I tell them 
 I will speak with their elders and warn them 
 
 neighbourly : 
 Never in better time, their mother is hereby. 
 
 [Enter Xantippe. 
 God save you, gossip, I am very fain, 
 That you chance now to come this way ; 
 I long to talk with you a word or twain, 
 I pray you take it friendly that I shall say : 
 Ismael your son and your daughter Dalilah 
 Do me shrewd turns daily more and more, 
 Chide and beat my children, it grieveth me 
 
 sore. [the way, 
 
 They swear, curse, and scold, as they go by 
 Giving other ill ensample to do the same. 
 To God's displeasure and their hurt another 
 
 day. 
 Chastise them for it, or else ye be to blame. 
 Xan. Tush, tush, if ye have no more than 
 
 that to say, 
 
Nice Wanton 99 
 
 Ye may hold your tongue and get ye away, 
 Alas, poor souls, they sit a-school all day 
 In fear of a churl ; and if a little they play, 
 He beateth them like a devil ; when they come 
 
 home, 
 Your mistress-ship would have me lay on. 
 If I should beat them, so oft as men complain. 
 By the mass, within this month I should make 
 
 them lame. 
 Eul. Be not offended, I pray you, I must 
 
 say more. 
 Your son is suspect light-fingered to be : 
 Your daughter hath nice tricks three or four ; 
 See to it in time, lest worse ye do see; 
 He that spareth the rod, hateth the child truly. 
 Yet Salomon sober correction doth mean. 
 Not to beat and bounce them, to make them 
 
 lame. [at ease : 
 
 Xan. God thank you, mistress, I am well 
 
 Such a fool to teach me, preaching as she 
 
 please ! 
 Dame, ye belie them deadly, I know plain ; 
 Because they go handsomely, ye disdain. 
 Eul. . Then on the other as well would I 
 
 complain, [you ! 
 
 But your other son is good, and no thanks to 
 These will ye make nought, by sweet Jesu. 
 
 Xan. Gup, liar, my children nought ye lie : 
 By your malice they shall not set a fly; 
 I have but one mome in comparison of his 
 
 brother : 
 Him the fool praiseth, and despiseth the other. 
 Eul. Well, Xantippe, better in time than 
 
 too late, 
 Seeing ye take it so, here my leave I take. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 H 2 
 
loo Nice Wanton 
 
 Xan. Marry, good leave have ye, the great 
 God be with you ! 
 My children or I be cursed, I think ; 
 They be complained on, wherever they go. 
 That for their pleasure they might drink. 
 Nay, by this the poor souls be come from school 
 
 weary ; 
 I will go get them meat to make them merry. 
 
 [Exit. 
 [Iniquity, Ismael, and Dalilah come in 
 
 together. 
 Iniq. Lo, lo, here I hring-a. 
 Ism. What is she, now ye have her? 
 Dal. A lusty minion loner. 
 Iniq. For no gold will I give her — 
 All together. Welcome, my honey-a ! 
 Iniq. O my heart ! [Here he speaketh. 
 This wench can sing. 
 
 And play her part. [heart. 
 
 Dal. I am yours, and you mine, with all my 
 Iniq. By the mass, it is well sung ; 
 Were ye not sorry ye were a maid so long? 
 Dal. Fie, master Iniquity, fie, I am a maid 
 
 yet. 
 Ism. No, sister, no, your maidenhead is 
 
 sick. 
 Iniq. That knave your brother will be a 
 blab still, [will. 
 
 I-wis, Dalilah, ye can say as much by him, if ye 
 Dal. By him, quod-a? he hath whores two 
 or three. 
 But ich tell your minion doll, by Gog's body : 
 It skillcth not she doth hold you as much. 
 /5m. Ye lie falsely, she will play me no such 
 
 touch. 
 Dal. Not she? Yes, to do your heart good, 
 
Nice Wanton loi 
 
 I could tell you who putteth a bone in your 
 hood ! [there— 
 
 Ism. Peace, whore, or ye bear me a box on 
 
 Dal. Here is mine ear, knave; strike, and 
 To suffer him thus ye be no man, [thou dare ! 
 If ye will not reveng-e me, I will find one ; 
 To set so little by me ye were not wont — 
 Well, it is no matter; 
 Though ye do, ceteri nolunt. [fool? 
 
 Iniq. Peace, Dalilah ; speak ye Latin, poor 
 
 Dal. No, no, but a proverb I learned at 
 school — [were past grace; — 
 
 Ism. Yea, sister, you went to school, till ye 
 
 Dal. Yea, so didst thou, by thy knave's 
 face ! 
 
 Iniq. Well, no more a-do, let all this go, 
 We kinsfolk must be friends, it must be so. 
 Come on, come on, come on. 
 
 [He casteth dice on the hoard. 
 Here they be that will do us all good. 
 
 Ism. If ye use it long, your hair will grow 
 through your hood. 
 
 Iniq. Come on, knave, with Christ's curse, 
 I must have some of the money 
 Thou hast picked out of thy father's purse ! 
 
 Dal. He, by the mass, if he can get his 
 purse. 
 Now and then he maketh it by half the worse. 
 
 Ism. I defy you both, whore and knave — 
 
 Iniq. What, ye princocks, begin ye to rave? 
 Come on — 
 
 Dal. Master Iniquity, by your leave, 
 I will play a crown or two here by your sleeve. 
 
 Ism. Then be ye servant to a worshipful 
 man. 
 Master Iniquity — a right name, by Saint John ! 
 
102 Nice Wanton 
 
 Dal. What can ye say by Master Iniquity? 
 I love him and his name most heartily. 
 
 Iniq. God-a-mercy, Dalilah, good luck, I 
 warrant thee, 
 I will shrive you both by and by. 
 
 [He kisseth her. 
 
 Ism. Come on, but first let us have a song-. 
 
 Dal. I am content, so that it be not long. 
 [Iniquity and Dalilah sing: 
 
 Iniq. Gold locks, She must have knocks, 
 Or else I do her wrong. [lie still, 
 
 Dal. When ye have your will Ye were best 
 The winter nights he long. 
 
 Iniq. When I ne may, Another assay ; 
 I will take it for no wrong: [hood 
 
 Dal. Then, by the rood, A bone in your 
 I shall put, ere it he long. 
 
 Ism. She matcheth you, sirrah ! 
 
 Iniq. By Gog's blood, she is the best whore 
 in England. [hand. 
 
 Dal. It is knavishly praised; give me your 
 
 Iniq. I would thou hadst such another. 
 
 Ism. By the mass, rather than forty pound, 
 brother. 
 
 Iniq. Here, sirs, come on ; seven — 
 
 [They set him. 
 Eleven at all — 
 
 Ism. Do ye nick us? beknave your noly ! — 
 
 Iniq. Ten mine — 
 
 Ism. (casteth dice). Six mine. 
 Have at it, and it were for all my father's kine. 
 It is lost by his wounds, and ten to one ! 
 
 Iniq. Take the dice, Dalilah, cast on — 
 [She casteth, and they set. 
 
 Dal. Come on ; five ! 
 Thrive at fairest — 
 
Nice Wanton i°3 
 
 Ism. Gup, whore, and I at rest [he loseth]. 
 By Gog's blood, I ween God and the devil be 
 against me— [take thee ! 
 
 Iniq. If th' one forsake thee, th' other will 
 Ism. Then is he a good fellow; I would not 
 pass, ["lass : 
 
 So that I might bear a rule in hell, by the 
 To toss firebrands at these pennyfathers' pates ; 
 I would be porter, and receive them at the 
 gates. [them each one : 
 
 In boiling lead and brimstone I would seeth 
 The knaves have all the money, good fellows 
 have none. [money now? 
 
 Dal. Play, brother, have ye lost all your 
 Ism. Yea, I thank that knave and such a 
 whore as thou. [sweat ; 
 
 'Tis no matter, I will have money, or I will 
 By Gog's blood, I will rob the next I meet — 
 Yea, and it be my father. [He goeth out. 
 
 Iniq. Thou boy, by the mass, ye will climb 
 the ladder. 
 Ah, sirrah, I love a wench that can be wily. 
 She perceived my mind with a twink of mine 
 If we two play boody on any man, [eye, 
 
 We will make him as bare as Job anon, 
 Well, Dalilah, let see what ye have won. 
 
 [They tell. 
 
 Dal. Sir, I had ten shillings when I begon, 
 
 And here is all — every farthing. [pound ! 
 
 Iniq. Ye lie like a whore, ye have won a 
 
 Dal. Then the devil strike me to the 
 
 ground ! [leave, mistress — 
 
 Iniq. I will feel your pocket, by your 
 
 Dal. Away, knave, not mine, by the 
 
 mass — [boot — 
 
 Iniq. Yes, by God, and give you this to 
 
104 Nice Wanton 
 
 [He giveth her a box. 
 
 Dal. Out, whoreson knave, I beshrew thy 
 heart-root ! 
 Wilt thou rob me and beat me too ? [or two I 
 
 Iniq. In the way of correction, but a blow 
 
 Dal. Correct thy dogs, thou shalt not beat 
 me, [thee. 
 
 I will make your knave's flesh cut, I warrant 
 Ye think I have no friends ; yes, I have in store 
 A good fellow or two, perchance more, [gear, 
 Yea, by the mass, they shall box you for this 
 A knave I found thee, a knave I leave thee here. 
 
 [She goeth out. 
 
 Iniq. Gup, whore; do ye hear this jade? 
 Loving, when she is pleased : 
 When she is angry, thus shrewd : 
 Thief, brother : sister, whore ; 
 Two graffs of an ill tree, 
 I will tarry no longer here, 
 Farewell, God be with ye ! [He goeth out. 
 
 [Dalilah cometh in ragged, her face hid, or 
 disfigured, halting on a staff. 
 
 Dal. Alas, wretched wretch that I am, 
 Most miserable caitiff that ever was born. 
 Full of pain and sorrow, crooked and lorn : 
 Stuff'd with diseases, in this world forlorn. 
 My sinews be shrunken, my flesh eaten with 
 My bones full of ache and great pain : [pox : 
 My head is bald, that bare yellow locks ; 
 Crooked I creep to the earth again. [shake : 
 Mine eyesight is dim, my hands tremble and 
 My stomach abhorreth all kind of meat : 
 For lack of clothes great cold I take. 
 When appetite serveth, I can get no meat. 
 Where I was fair and amiable of face. 
 Now am I foul and horrible to see; 
 
Nice Wanton 105 
 
 All this I have deserved for lack of grace; 
 Justly for my sins God doth plague me. 
 
 My parents did tiddle me : they were to 
 blame ; 
 Instead of correction, in ill did me maintain : 
 I fell to naught, and shall die with shame; 
 Yet all this is not half of my grief and pain. 
 
 The worm of my conscience, that shall never 
 Accuseth me daily more and more : [die, 
 
 So oft have I sinned wilfully. 
 That I fear to be damned evermore. 
 
 [Enter Barnabas. 
 
 Bar. What woful wight art thou, tell me, 
 That here most grievously dost lament? 
 Confess the truth, and I will comfort thee, 
 By the word of God omnipotent : 
 Although your time ye have misspent, 
 Repent and amend, while ye have space. 
 And God will restore you to health and grace. 
 
 Dal. To tell you who I am, I dare not for 
 shame ; [case, 
 
 But my filthy living hath brought me in this 
 Full oft for my wantonness you did me blame; 
 Yet to take your counsel I had not the grace. 
 To be restored to health, alas, it is past ; 
 Disease hath brought me into such decay, 
 Help me with your alms, while my life doth 
 
 last. 
 That, like a wretch as I am, I may go my way. 
 
 Bar. Show me your name, sister, I you 
 And I will help you now at your need ; [pray, 
 Both body and soul will I feed. 
 
 Dal. You have named me already, if I 
 durst be so bold : 
 Your sister Dalilah, that wretch I am ; 
 My wanton nice toys ye knew of old. 
 
io6 Nice Wanton 
 
 Alas, brother, they have brought me to this 
 
 shame, [would play. 
 
 When you went to school, my brother and I 
 
 Swear, chide, and scold with man and woman ; 
 
 To do shrewd turns our delight was alway, 
 
 Yet were we tiddled, and you beaten now and 
 
 then. 
 Thus our parents let us do what we would, 
 And you by correction they kept thee under 
 
 awe : 
 When we grew big, we were sturdy and bold ; 
 By father and mother we set not a straw, 
 
 Small matter for me ; I am past ; 
 But your brother and mine is in great jeopardy : 
 In danger to come to shame at the last. 
 He frameth his living so wickedly, [be nought, 
 Bar. Well, sister, I ever feared ye would 
 Your lewd behaviours sore grieve[d] my heart ; 
 To train you to goodness all means have I 
 
 sought. 
 But in vain ; yet will I play a brotherly part. 
 For the soul is more precious, most dearly 
 
 bought 
 With the blood of Christ, dying therefore : 
 To save it first a mean must be sought 
 At God's hand by Christ, man's only Saviour. 
 Consider, Dalilah, God's fatherly goodness, 
 Which for your good hath brought you in this 
 
 case. [less, 
 
 Scourged you with his rod of pure love doubt- 
 That, once knowing yourself, ye might call for 
 
 grace. 
 Ye seem to repent, but I doubt whether 
 For your sins or for the misery ye be in : 
 Earnestly repent for your sin rather, 
 For these plagues be but the reward of sin. 
 
Nice Wanton io7 
 
 But so repent that ye sin no more, 
 And then beHeve with steadfast faith, 
 That God will forgive you for evermore. 
 For Christ's sake, as the scripture saith. 
 
 As for your body, if it be curable, 
 I will cause to be healed, and during your life 
 I will clothe you and feed you, as I am able. 
 Come, sister, go with me, ye have need of 
 relief. [They go out. 
 
 Daniel {the judge). As a judge of the 
 country, here am I come. 
 Sent by the king's majesty, justice to do : 
 Chiefly to proceed in judgment of a felon : 
 I tarry for the verdict of the quest, ere I go. 
 [Iniquity, Baily errand, comes in; the judge 
 sitteth down. [no; 
 
 Go, Baily, know whether they be all agreed, or 
 If they be so, bid them come away. 
 And bring their prisoner; I would hear what 
 they say. 
 [Baily]. I go, my Lord, I go, too soon for 
 one : [bone. 
 
 He is Hke to play a cast will break his neck- 
 I beseech your lor 'ship be good to him : 
 The man is come of good kin. 
 If your lordship would be so good to me, 
 [He telleth him in his ear the rest may not 
 hear. 
 As for my sake to set him free, 
 I could have twenty pound in a purse. 
 Yea, and your lordship a right fair horse, 
 Well worth ten pound — [hell-hound ! 
 
 Daniel (the judge). Get thee away, thou 
 If ye were well examined and tried. 
 Perchance a false knave ye would be spied. 
 [Iniquity goeth out; the judge speaketh stilL 
 
io8 Nice Wanton 
 
 Bribes (saith Salomon) blind the wise man's 
 
 sight, 
 
 That he cannot see to give judgment right. 
 
 Should I be a briber? nay, he shall have the 
 
 law, [awe. 
 
 As I owe to God and the king obedience and 
 
 [They bring Ismael in, hound like a 
 
 prisoner. [running away ! 
 
 Iniq. (aside). Ye be tied fair enough for 
 
 If ye do not after me, ye will be hanged, I 
 
 dare say ; 
 If thou tell no tales, but hold thy tongue, 
 I will set thee at liberty, ere it be long, 
 Though thou be judged to die anon. 
 
 Judge (to the jury). Come on, sirs, I pray 
 
 Be you all agreed in one? [you, come on, 
 
 Quest (i.e. Jury). Yea, my lord, everychone. 
 
 [One of them speaketh for the quest. 
 Judge. Where Ismael was indicted by 
 Of felony, burglary, and murder, [twelve men 
 As the indictment declareth how, where, and 
 Ye heard it read to you lately in order : [when, 
 You, with the rest, I trust all true men, 
 Be charged upon your oaths to give verdit 
 
 directly, 
 Whether Ismael thereof be guilty or not guilty. 
 Quest. Guilty, my lord, and most guilty. 
 
 [One for the rest. 
 Iniq. Wilt thou hang, my lord, [this] 
 whoreson noddy? [and I warrant thee — 
 Judge (to Iniquity). Tush, hold thy tongue, 
 Judge (to Ismael). The Lord have mercy 
 upon thee ! 
 Thou shalt go to the place thou cam'st fro 
 Till to-morrow, nine of the clock, there to 
 remain : 
 
Nice Wanton 109. 
 
 To the place of execution then shalt thou go, 
 There be hanged to death, and after again, 
 Being dead, for ensample to be hanged in a 
 Take him away, and see it be done, [chain. 
 
 At your peril that may fall thereupon, [respite, 
 
 Ism. Though I be judged to die, I require 
 
 For the king's advantage some things I can 
 
 recite. [spite — 
 
 Iniq. Away with him, he will speak but of 
 
 Judge. Well, we will hear you say what you- 
 can. 
 But see that ye wrongfully accuse no man. 
 
 Ism. I will belie no man, but this I may say, 
 Here standeth he that brought me to this way i 
 
 Iniq. My lord, he lieth like a damned knave, 
 The fear of death doth make him rave — 
 
 Ism. His naughty company and play at dice 
 Did me first to stealing entice : [face ; 
 
 He was with me at robberies, I say it to his 
 Yet can I say more in time and space. 
 
 Iniq. Thou hast said too much, I beshrew 
 thy whoreson's face. [Aside. 
 
 Hang him, my lord, out of the way. 
 The thief careth not what he doth say. 
 Let me be hangman, I will teach him a sleight; 
 For fear of talking, I will strangle him- 
 
 straight ; 
 Tarry here that list, for I will go — 
 
 [He would go. 
 
 Judge. No, no, my friend, not so; 
 I thought always ye should not be good. 
 And now it will prove, I see, by the rood. 
 
 [They take him in a halter; he fighteth with 
 them. 
 Take him, and lay him in irons strong, 
 We will talk with you more, ere it be long. 
 
no Nice Wanton 
 
 Iniq. He that layeth hands on me in this 
 Ich lay my brawHng iron on his face ! [place, 
 By Gog's blood, I defy thy worst; 
 If thou shouldest hang me, I were accurst. 
 I have been at as low an ebb as this, 
 And quickly aloft again, by Gis ! 
 I have mo friends than ye think I have ; 
 I am entertained of all men like no slave : 
 Yea, within this moneth, I may say to you, 
 I will be your servant and your master too. 
 Yea, creep into your breast, will ye have it so? 
 
 Judge. Away with them both, lead them 
 At his death tell me what he doth say, [away 
 For then belike he will not lie. [fly ! 
 
 Iniq. I care not for you both, no, not a 
 [They lead them out. 
 
 Judge. If no man have here more matter 
 I must go hence some other way. [to say, 
 
 [He goeth out. 
 [Enter Worldly Shame. 
 
 W. Shame. Ha, ha ! though I come in 
 rudely, be not aghast, 
 I must work a feat in all the haste ; [dame, 
 I have caught two birds, I will set for the 
 If I catch her in my clutch, I will her tame. 
 
 Of all this while know ye not my name? 
 I am right worshipful master Worldly Shame ; 
 The matter that I come now about. 
 Is even this, I put you out of doubt — 
 
 There is one Xantippe, a curst shrew, 
 I think all the world doth her know, 
 Such a jade she is, and so curst a quean. 
 She would out-scold the devil's dame, I ween. 
 
 Sirs, this fine woman had babes three. 
 Twain the dearest darlings that might be, 
 Ismael and fair Dalilah these two : 
 
Nice Wanton "^ 
 
 With the lout Barnabas I have nothing to do. 
 
 All was good, that these tiddlings do might : 
 Swear, lie, steal, scold, or fight : 
 Cards, dice, kiss, clip, and so forth : 
 All this our mammy would take in good worth. 
 Now, sir, Dalilah my daughter is dead of the 
 pox, [locks. 
 
 And my son hang'th in chains, and waveth his 
 These news will I tell her, and the matter so 
 frame, [Shame ! 
 
 That she shall be thine own, master Worldly 
 Ha, ha, ha !— [Enter Xantippe. 
 
 Peace, peace, she cometh hereby, 
 I spoke no word of her, no, not I, — 
 
 O Mistress Xantippe, I can tell you news : 
 The fair wench, your dear daughter Dalilah, 
 Is dead of the pox taken at the stews ; 
 And thy son Ismael, that pretty boy. 
 Whom I dare say you loved very well. 
 Is hanged in chains, every man can tell. 
 Every man saith thy daughter was a strong 
 
 whore. 
 And thy son a strong thief and a murderer. 
 It must needs grieve you wonderous. 
 That they died so shamefully both two : [now 
 Men will taunt you and mock you, for they say 
 The cause of their death was even very you. 
 Xan. I the cause of their death? 
 
 [She would sowne. 
 W. Shame. Will ye sowne, the devil stop 
 thy breath? 
 Thou shalt die (I trow) with more shame; 
 I will get me hence out of the way. 
 If the whore should die, men would me blame; 
 That I killed her, knaves should say. [Exit. 
 Xan. Alas, alas, and well-away ! 
 
112 Nice Wanton 
 
 I may curse the time that I was born, 
 Never woman had such fortune, I dare say ; 
 Alas, two of my children be forlorn. 
 
 My fair daughter Dalilah is dead of the pox : 
 My dear son Ismael hanged up in chains. 
 Alas, the wind waveth his yellow locks, 
 It slayeth my heart, and breaketh my brains. 
 
 Why should God punish and plague me so 
 To see my children die so shamefully ! [sore? 
 I will never eat bread in this world more. 
 With this knife will I slay myself by and by. 
 [She would stick herself with a knife. 
 [Enter Barnabas. 
 
 Bar. Beware what ye do ; fye, mother, fye ! 
 Will ye spill yourself for your own offence, 
 And seem for ever to exclude God's mercy? 
 God doth punish you for your negligence : 
 Wherefore take his correction with patience, 
 And thank him heartily, that of his goodness 
 He bringeth you in knowledge of your trespass. 
 
 For when my brother and sister were of 
 young age, 
 You saw they were given to idleness and play. 
 Would apply no learning, but live in outrage. 
 
 And men complained on them every day. 
 Ye winked at their faults, and tiddled them 
 
 alway ; 
 By maintenance they grew to mischief and ill, 
 So at last God's justice did them both spill. 
 
 In that God preserved me, small thank to 
 If God had not given me special grace, [you : 
 To avoid evil and do good, this is true, 
 I had lived and died in as wretched case. 
 As they did, for I had both suff ranee and space ; 
 But it is an old proverb, you have heard it, I 
 That God will have see, shall not wink, [think : 
 
Nice Wanton of „3 
 
 Yet in this we may all take comfort : 
 They took great repentance, I heard say, 
 And as for my sister, I am able to report. 
 She lamented for her sins to her dying day : 
 To repent and believe I exhorted her alway ; 
 Before her death she believed, that God of his 
 
 mercy. 
 For Christ's sake would save her eternally. 
 If you do even so, ye need not despair. 
 For God will freely remit your sins all, [fear? 
 Christ hath paid the ransom, why should ye 
 To believe this and do well, to God for grace 
 All worldly cares let pass and fall, [call. 
 
 And thus comfort my father I pray you heartily, 
 
 [Xantippe goeth out. 
 I have a little to say, I will come by and by. 
 Right gentle audience, by this interlude ye 
 may see, 
 How dangerous it is for the frailty of youth, 
 Without good governance, to live at liberty. 
 Such chances as these oft happen of truth : 
 Many miscarry, it is the more ruth, [pain, 
 
 By negligence of their elders and not taking 
 In time good learning and qualities to attain. 
 Therefore exhort I all parents to be diligent 
 In bringing up their children aye to be circum- 
 Lest they fall to evil, be not negligent; [spect; 
 But chastise them, before they be sore infect : 
 Accept their well-doing, in ill them reject. 
 A young plant ye may plant and bow as ye 
 will ; [still. 
 
 Where it groweth strong, there will it abide 
 
 Even so by children : in their tender age 
 Ye may work them, like wax, to your own in- 
 tent ; 
 But if ye suffer them long to live in outrage, 
 w. & I. I 
 
114 Nice Wanton 
 
 They will be sturdy and stiff, and will not 
 
 relent. 
 O ye children, let your time be well-spent, 
 Apply your learning-, and your elders obey ; 
 It will be your profit another day. [pray, 
 
 Now, for the Queen's royal majesty let us 
 [He kneeleth down. 
 That God (in whose hands is the heart of all 
 queens), [alway : 
 
 May endue her highness with godly puissance 
 That her grace may long reign and prosper in 
 all things, [all queens. 
 
 In God's word and justice may give light to 
 Let us pray for the honourable council and 
 nobility, [tranquillity. 
 
 That they may always counsel us wisdom with 
 God save the Queen, the realm, and com- 
 monalty ! 
 
 [He maketh courtesy and goeth out. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 A SONG. 
 
 It is good to he merry 
 But who can he merry? 
 He that hath a pure conscience, 
 He may well he merry. 
 
 Who hath a pure conscience, tell me? 
 No man of himself, I ensure thee. 
 Then must it follow of necessity, 
 That no man can be merry. 
 
Nice Wanton 115 
 
 Purity itself may pureness give; 
 You must ask it of God in true belief: 
 Then will he give it, and none repreve : 
 And so we may be merry. 
 
 What is the practice of a conscience pure? 
 To love and fear God, and other allure. 
 And for his sake to help his neighbour : 
 Then may he well be merry. 
 
 What shall we have, that can and will do this ? 
 After this life everlasting bliss. 
 Yet not by desert, but by gift, i-wis : 
 There God make us all merry ! 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 Imprinted at London, in Paules Churche yearde at 
 the Sygne of the Swane by John Kyng. 
 
 I 2 
 
A NOTE-BOOK AND 
 WORD-LIST 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 Contemporary References, Bibliography, 
 Variorum Readings, Notes, &c., together 
 with a Glossary of Words and Phrases 
 now Archaic or Obsolete ; the whole 
 arranged in One Alphabet in Dictionary 
 Form. 
 
A FORE-WORD TO NOTE- 
 BOOK AND WORD-LIST 
 
 Reference from text to Note-Book is copious, and as 
 complete as may be; so also, conversely, from Note-Book 
 to text. The following pages may, with almost absolute 
 certainty, be consulted on any point that may occur in 
 the course of reading; but more especially as regards 
 
 Biographical and other Notes, 
 
 Contemporary References to Author and Plays, 
 
 Bibliography, 
 
 Variorum Readings, 
 
 Words and Phrases, now Obsolete or Archaic. 
 The scheme of reference from Note-Book to text as- 
 sumes the division, in the mind's eye, of each page into 
 four horizontal sections; which, beginning at the top, 
 are indicated in the Note-Book by the letters a, b, c, d 
 following the page figure. In practice this will be found 
 easy, and an enormous help to the eye over the usual 
 reference to page alone in "fixing" the "catchword." 
 Thus i26a = the first quarter of page 126; ^oc = the third 
 quarter of page 40 ; and so forth. 
 
 Abbreviations. 
 
 L.J. Lusty Juvenilis. 
 
 B.C. The Disobedient Child. 
 
 N.W. Nice Wanton. 
 
NOTE-BOOK AND WORD-LIST 
 
 TO THE DRAMATIC WRITINGS 
 
 OF RICHARD WEVER AND 
 
 THOMAS INGELEND 
 
 Abide-a, " we will abide, ahide-a " (N.W. 96c), a is 
 used to lengthen out the line ; it leaves the sense un- 
 changed. 
 
 Advisement, " show me your advisement " (L.J. 8b), 
 advice, counsel. " Ten schippes were dryven, through 
 ille avisement, Thorgh a tempest ryven, the schipmen 
 held them schent." — Langtoft, Chron.^ p. 148. 
 
 Agate, " I had been agate " (D.C. 78c), a-going, bound : 
 here = near to. 
 
 All, " eleven at all " (N.W. 102c), altogether. " The 
 kynge knew the burgeyse at alle ; Anone to hym he 
 lette hym calle." — Ipomydon, 1369. 
 
 Alms, " it were alms " (D.C. 60&), " a good thing " 
 (Halliwell). " Not a good thing, but a charity *' (Haz- 
 litt). Perhaps " godsend " will do (Ed. E.E.D.S.). 
 
 Ancetors, " ancetors of a good blood " (D.C. 79c), an- 
 cestors. 
 
 And (passim), if. 
 
 Ape, " bare as an ape is behind " (D.C. 8ia), as bare 
 as may be : cf. " the higher an ape goes the more it 
 shows its tail." 
 
 Assay, " I took assay " (D.C. 59a), attempted to learn. 
 
 " Yet wol I make assay " (Chaucer, Cant. Tales 
 
 (1383), 13177- 
 AvANCE, " avance your f^esh " (L.J. 366), advance, 
 
 profit. 
 
I20 Note-Book and Word- List [baily 
 
 Baily, " Go Baily " (N.W. 1076), an officer of the law, 
 bailiff : still in Scots use. 
 
 Banket, " banket of meat " (L.J. 28b), banquet. 
 
 Bass, " we bass them " (D.C. 55^), kiss : Fr. baiser : 
 subsequently the Teutonic form, busse, gained the 
 ascendency. Now vulgar or ludicrous, but formerly 
 in literary use. " Come, grin on me, and I will think 
 thou smilest. And buss thee as thy wife." — Shak- 
 speare (1596), K. John, iii. 4. 
 
 Bate, " clean at the bate " (L.J. 19&), debate, argument, 
 reasoning. " And breeds no bate with telling." — 
 Shakspeare, 2 Henry IV. (1598), ii. 4. 
 
 Bawdy, "how bawdy you are" (L.J. 31a), wanton, 
 loose in talk, obscene : the same word, though dif- 
 ferent in origin, was also employed to designate defile- 
 ment in a physical sense. " Only they That come to 
 hear a rnerry bawdy play. Will be deceiv'd." — Shak- 
 speare, Henry VIII. (1601), Prologue. 
 
 Be, *' have be brought " (L.J. 6d) — et passim, been. 
 
 Beck, " beck us with her hand " (L.J. 286), beckon, 
 salute, nod in recognition : also as subs., " Nods and 
 becks and wreathed smiles." — Milton, L' Allegro (1637). 
 
 Beknave, " beknave your noly " (N.W. i02d), properly, 
 to call one a knave : here a mild oath = May the Devil 
 take your head ! 
 
 Bell, " beareth the belV (D.C. 87c), proverbial = first 
 in command, chief, leader : from the bellwether of a 
 flock. 
 
 Blab, ''blab it out" (D.C. 56c) — "will be a blab'' 
 (N.W. lood), talk, tell : now, though not formerly, 
 implying imprudence or a breach of confidence. 
 " That delightful engine of her thoughts, That blabb'd 
 them with such pleasing eloquence. Is torn from 
 forth that pretty hollow cage." — Shakspeare, Titus 
 Andron. (1593), iii. i. 
 
 Ble, " so bright of ble " (D.C. 6ia), fair of countenance, 
 bright in complexion : a common phrase in old 
 romances. " Wan that mayde y-hurde hure speke, 
 chaunged was al hure fe/ee." — Sir Fcrumb. (ed. Herr- 
 itage), 1360. 
 
CLIP] Note-Book and Word- List 121 
 
 Bone, " putteth a bone in your hood " (N.W. loia) — " a 
 bone in your hood I shall put " (N.W. 1026), cuckold. 
 
 Bones, see Trill. 
 
 BooDY, " if we two play boody " (N.W. 103c), i.e. booty 
 — dishonestly, "on the cross." 
 
 BoTKiNS, " botkins through leg and bone " (D.C. 74a), 
 daggers. " Might his quietus make With a bare bod- 
 kin.'" — Shakspeare, Hamlet (1596), iii. i. 
 
 BoTS, " full of bots " (D.C. 736), the larvae of the bot- 
 fly. " Begnawn with the bots.'" — Shakspeare, Taming 
 of Shrew (1593), iii. 2. 
 
 Brass pin, " not worth a brass pin " (D.C. 63a), of the 
 lowest standard of value : modern, brass farthing. 
 
 By and by (passim), immediately : " the tendency of 
 mankind to procrastination has altered the meaning 
 of this phrase from ' at once, immediately,' to ' after 
 a time ' " (Trench). 
 
 Calf, " I am not his calf " (D.C. 626), fool : a generic 
 reproach. 
 
 Caraways, " comfits and caraways " (D.C. 73&), a kind 
 of sweetmeat or sweet bread containing caraway 
 seeds, caraway comfits. " . . we are wont to eate 
 carawaies or biskets, or some other kind of comfits or 
 seedes together with apples, thereby to breake winde 
 ingendred by them ; and surely it is a very good way 
 for students." — Cogan, Haven of Health (1595). 
 
 Carefully, " for by this life he carefully lived " (D.C. 
 90&), i.e. full of care or sorrow. 
 
 Chapman, " a chapman for the devil " (L.J. i6a), mer- 
 chant, buyer, dealer. " A companye of chapmen 
 riche." — Chaucer, Cant. Tales (1383), 4554. 
 
 Clean, " forgotten clean " (L.J. 34c) — " clean devoid " 
 (D.C. 45d), entirely, perfectly. " Thou shalt make 
 clean riddance of the corners." — Bible (i6n), Lcvit. 
 xxiii. 22. 
 
 Clip, " kiss, clip, and so forth " (N.W. 112a), embrace, 
 kiss. " . . then embraces his son-in-law; then again 
 worries he his daughter, with clipping her . . ." — 
 Shakspeare, Winter's Tale (1604), v. 2. 
 
122 Note-Book and Word-List [commodious 
 
 Commodious, " more commodious to my judgment "" 
 (D.C. 47a), i.e. according to, suitable, fit. 
 
 Coney, "my darling, my coney'' (D.C. 6ia), an en- 
 dearment : whence innumerable suggestive combina- 
 tions. 
 
 Crouches, " holy crouches and staves " (L.J. 17c), a 
 
 cross, crucifix, or the sign of the cross. 
 CuLLON, " thou cullon " (D.C. ySb), cullion, stupid 
 
 fellow : also a general term of abuse. " And makes 
 
 a god of such a cuZ/ion. "— Shakspeare, Taming of 
 
 Shrew (1593), iv. 2. 
 
 Daw, " play the daw " (D.C. 60b), simpleton, dawcock : 
 to play the daw = to act the fool. " For when hee 
 hath all done, I compte him but a very daw.'' — Ed- 
 wards, Damon and Pithias (E.E.D.S., Works). 
 
 Days, " burning in the kitchen o' days " (D.C. 60a), in 
 the daytime : the colloquialism, a bit curtailed, is still 
 current American : e.g. "they don't put out fire-? 
 nights." 
 
 Dilation, " without further dilation " (D.C. 52c), detail, 
 circumstance, enlargement, or amplification. 
 
 Disdain, " ye disdain " (N.W. 99c), jealous of, sneer at, 
 belittle. 
 
 Disobediest Child (The). Written by Thomas Inge- 
 lend (q.v.), " late student in Cambridge "(Title-page), 
 certainly before 1553, the date of the death of Edward 
 VL (" Look that ye truly serve the King " — god), 
 and acted, thinks Mr. Fleay, in 1560-1, before Queen 
 Elizabeth, being altered to serve the occasion (" O God 
 ... we pray that Queen Elizabeth " — gib). Indeed, it 
 is surmised that this apparently post-Reformation play 
 may have been composed in the reign of Henry VIII., 
 the conjecture being based on some few indistinct allu- 
 sions to Catholic customs. There is nothing antece- 
 dently untenable in the conjecture, as interpolations 
 such as would explain the double reference to " king " 
 and " queen " were not uncommon. Editions — One 
 only is known, printed by Thomas Colwell (c. 1564), 
 of which copies are in the British Museum, Bodleian 
 (Malone and Douce), and Bridgewater House libraries. 
 Reprinted (i) by Percy Society, edited by J. O. Halli- 
 
entries] Note-Book and Word-List 123 
 
 well, 1848; and (2) included in Hazlitt's edition of 
 Dodsley's Old Plays, 1874. The Text (pp. 45-92) is 
 Halliwell's, which Hazlitt collated with the Bridge- 
 water House copy. " The purpose of the play is 
 serious and the conclusion almost tragic, but fit] con- 
 tributes to the comedy of domestic satire. If the main 
 characters were but indicated by name, like those 
 below-stairs, Blanche and Long-Tongue, this pictur- 
 esque and wholly dramatic interlude would have at- 
 tracted more notice than has been vouchsafed it. Its 
 literary merits, verse, poetic feeling and expression, 
 and its natural dialogue entitle it to high consideration ; 
 its decidedly novel dramatic qualities . . . rank it with 
 the Nice Wanton (q.v.) as one of the most vigorous of 
 our early representatives of the dramatic actualities 
 of family life " (Gayley). Contrary to the usual prac- 
 tice, in old as well as modern pieces. The Disobedi- 
 ent Child concludes unhappily, though without any 
 attempt at a highly wrought tragical catastrophe ; the 
 Rich man persists in his unrelenting conduct, and we 
 are left to imagine that his son returns to live and die 
 in misery with his termagant wife. Variorum Read- 
 ings — " Meet and expedient (45c), these first eight 
 lines are also found in the interlude introduced into 
 the play of Sir Thomas More, printed by the Shak- 
 speare Society, p. 60 " (Halliwell) ; to speak of which 
 I tremble (50a), trembled, in original ; for his stipend 
 and wages he ever crieth (666), never, in original ; the 
 flying fiend (796), flying and fiend, in original. 
 
 Documents, " too young to understand his documents "^ 
 (L.J. 7a), teachings: hence to do cumentize = to preach, 
 to moralise. 
 
 Dog's precious wounds (L.J. 29c), God's, &c. : like 
 Cock's, Gog's, &c., euphemistic. 
 
 DuLSOME, " smirks and dulsome kisses " (D.C. 706), 
 " dulsum, i.e. sweet " (Hazlitt). 
 
 Eke, " eke unfortunate " (D.C. 78c), also : very common 
 in old ballads and romances. 
 
 Entries, " my entries, my kitchen " (D.C. 83a), en- 
 trances. ** And therwithalle namid is eterne. And at 
 the entre so they dide wryte. " — Lydgate, M.S. Soc. 
 Antiq., 134, f. 15. 
 
124 Note-Book and Word-List [facsimiles 
 
 Facsimiles — Lusty Juventus (title-page), i ; Disobedient 
 Child (title-page), 43. 
 
 Festination, " with such festination " (D.C. 82c), haste : 
 festinately ( = quickly) occurs in Love's Lab. Lost, 
 iii. I. 
 
 Fetches, " such fetches " (D.C. Sib), stratagems, 
 tricks, contrivances. 
 
 Fines, " well you see this gentleman fines " (L.J. 27c), 
 Hazlitt suggests defines : the other archaic senses of 
 fine are (i) =to adorn, embellish, make fine (" to fine 
 his title with some show of truth." — Shakspeare, 
 Henry V. i. 2) ; and (2) to make an end of, soften, 
 mollify, relax (" to fine the hate of foes." — Shak- 
 speare, Lucrece). 
 
 Fit, " would fain go dance a fit ^' (L.J. 5c), a canto, 
 division of song or dance. " Well, my lord, you say 
 so in fits/' — Shakspeare, Troilus (1602), ii. i. 
 
 Flander's pin, " not worth a Flander's pin " (L.J. i6c), 
 the simile is possibly an echo of the aversion of Henry 
 VI n. to Anne of Cleves, whom he called a " Flanders 
 mare." Pins were first made in England in 1543, 
 having been brought from France about 1540. 
 
 Flying fiend, " the flying fiend go with thy wife " (D.C. 
 796), the devil booted and spurred : cf. Sedgeley 
 curse — " Now the Sedgly curse upon thee, And the 
 great fiend ride through thee Booted and spurr'd, with 
 a scythe on his neck." 
 
 FoLT, "thou whoreson folf (D.C. 77a), fool. "This 
 is a jolted [foolish] man." — Robert de Brunne, 164. 
 
 Fray, " you need not to fray " (L.J. 29a), fear, be 
 frightened. " Whenne Jacob was moost in fray God 
 him coumfortide, that al do may." — Cursor Mundi, 
 4775- 
 
 Galathi (L.J. 10&), Galatians. 
 
 Gallant, " she is a gallant " (L.J. 28c), i.e. a person 
 in gay or fine apparel : applied to a woman, an un- 
 usual, though not exceptional, usage. 
 
 Gear, " this gear will come to naught " (L.J. 14^), 
 affair, business, matter. " I will remedy this gear 
 ere long."— Shakspeare, 2 Henry VL (1594). »»• i- 
 
hability] Note- Book and Word-List 125 
 
 Geason, " virtue is geason " (D.C. 91a), scarce, un- 
 common, unusual. " Scant and geason/^ — Harrison, 
 England, 236. 
 
 Gis, " by Gis " (N.W. iioa), see Jis. 
 
 God, " God is a good man " (L.J. 22d), seemingly in 
 ridicule of questions discussed by Papist schoolmen, 
 as Whether the Pope be God or man, or a mean be- 
 twixt both (Hawkins). The saying is 'humorously 
 put into Dogberry's mouth {Much Ado, iii. 4); and 
 in Germany they say, " God is a good person, He lets 
 things take their course." 
 
 God's precious bones (L.J. 27^), one of the many cur- 
 rent oaths : the name of the Deity was usually veiled — 
 Gog's, Dog's, Cock's, &c. — but here it is given in full 
 flavour. 
 
 Gog's body (N.W. lood), God's body : see previous 
 entry. 
 
 Gold locks (N.W. 102&), a flaxen-haired woman. " A 
 golden-lockt wench, as we say a goldilocks.'" — Florio, 
 Worlde of Wordes (1598), s,v. Biondella, 
 
 Gospeller, see New Gospeller. 
 
 Gossips, " with our gossips to make good cheer " (D.C. 
 71&) — " to her gossips gone to make merry " (D.C. 
 79c), properly a sponsor in baptism ; hence, as the re- 
 lation was formerly an intimate one, a familiar ac- 
 quaintance. " Our Christian ancestors understanding 
 a spiritual affinity to grow between the parents, and 
 such as undertooke for the child at baptisme, called 
 each other by the name of Godsib, that is, of kin 
 together through God ; and the child in like manner 
 called such his godfathers and godmothers." — Verste- 
 gan, p. 223. 
 
 Graff, " to graff thy laws " (L.J. i6d) — " two graffs of 
 an ill tree " (N.W. 104c), graft. " To make the graffe 
 that hee fro Judas fette, Fructifye in a pure virgyne." 
 — Lydgate, MS. Soc. Antiq. 134, f. 18. 
 
 Gup, "Gup, liar" (NW. 98^), go up; a direction to 
 horses. 
 
 Hability, " small hability " (D.C. 54a), ability. 
 
126 Note-Book and Word- List [hardily 
 
 Hardily, " hardily none of mine " (L.J. 6c) — '* stop 
 there hardily " (L.J. i6&), boldly, certainly, assuredly. 
 " Hardily he entrede in to Pilat, and axide the body 
 of Jhesu." — Wycliffe, Mark xv. 43. 
 
 Have, ''have with thee" (N.W.gyd) — ''have at it" 
 (N.W. 97d), i.e. "I'll risk it," "try it," "go with 
 you." 
 
 Heart-root, "from the heart-roof {D.C. yid), i.e. 
 from the bottom of the heart. 
 
 Herber, "in a herber green" (L.J. 4c), arbour. 
 
 Heronsew, " heronsew, partridge, and quail " (D.C. 
 57c), the heron, hernshaw. 
 
 Hight, " my name doth hight " (L.J. gb), express, re- 
 present. 
 
 Hoddypeak, " master hoddypeak " (N.VV. 96^), Mr. 
 Fool, softhead : a generic reproach — from simpleton to 
 cuckold. " Art here again, thou hoddypeke? " — 
 Gammer Gurton (E.E.D.S. Anon. PL 3rd S., 1256). 
 — " What, ye brainsicke fooles, ye hoddy-peakes, ye 
 doddy poules, doe ye believe him? are ye seduced 
 also? " — Latimer, Serm. fol. 44, b. — " Who, under 
 her husband's that hoddy-peke's nose, must have all 
 the destining dew of his delicate rose." — Nash, Ana- 
 tomie of Absurdities, B. 
 
 Hold, " I hold ye a groat " (D.C. 50^), bet, wager. 
 " I hold a noble." — Hey wood, John, Tib, &c. 
 (E.E.D.S., Works, I. 6gd). 
 
 Home, " if that she do take me from home " (D.C. Syd), 
 i.e. catch me away from home. 
 
 Hurly-burly, "what a hurly-burly'' (L.J. 30a), noise, 
 tumult. 
 
 IcH, " ich tell your minion doll " (N.W. lood), I. 
 
 Illustration, see Facsimiles. 
 
 I-met, " well i-met, father " (L.J. 5c), met : the i (a cor- 
 ruption of A.-S. ge) is frequent in early writers as an 
 augment or prefix to the imperfects and participles 
 of verbs: e.g. i-feend = known ; i-s/a'it;e = slain, &c. 
 
 Incontinent, " married the same incontinent " (D.C. 
 46a), immediately. " He says he will return incon- 
 tinent.'" — Shakspeare, Othello (1602), iv. 3. 12. 
 
LONG] Note-Book and Word-List 127 
 
 Infect, " they be sore infect " (N.VV. ii3(i), infected. 
 '* And in the imitation of these twain, (Whom, as 
 Ulysses says, opinion crowns With an Imperial voice) 
 many are infect.'' — Shakspeare, Tro. and Cress. (1602), 
 
 »• 3- 
 
 Ingelend (Thomas). Our knowledge concerning the 
 author of The Disobedient Child {Nice Wanton, q.v., 
 has also been attributed to the same pen) is of the 
 most meagre description, and is in fact little more 
 than is learned from the title-page of the play, from 
 which we glean that he studied at Cambridge. Tradi- 
 tion says he belonged to Christ's College. 
 
 Ink, " no more ink in the pen " (L.J. 34c), " an indeli- 
 cate figure which occurs in jest-books and other early 
 literature " (Hazlitt). 
 
 I-wis (passim), indeed, truly, certainly : often errone- 
 ously taken as equivalent to " I know," as if I wot. 
 
 Jaxes, "which jaxes do scour" (D.C. 51c), privies. 
 " The laques was very well doon " (in Ellis, Orig. 
 Letters, iii. iii. 84). 
 
 Jis, " By Jis " (D.C. ySd), Jesus. " By Gis, and by St. 
 Charity, Alack, and fie for shame. "—Shakspeare, 
 Hamlet (1596), iv. 5. 
 
 King, " our noble and virtuous King " (L.J. 41^), Ed- 
 ward VI. 
 
 Ladder, " ye will climb the ladder " (N.W. 103c), the 
 gallows : i.e. will be hanged. 
 
 Lenger, " let us reason no lenger " (L.J. 2id), longer. 
 
 Lese, " I shall lese all " (L.J. 18&), lose. " A bag for 
 my bread, And another for my cheese, A little dog to 
 follow me, To gather what I lese.''— Newest Acad, of 
 Compl. 
 
 Lonen, " here we lonen " (N.W. 96c)—" a lusty minion 
 loner " (N.W. 1006), Hazlitt remarks, " I do not find 
 this word (lonen) in any other glossaries . . . loner 
 is evidently used in a bad sense, to signify an idle, 
 loafing person " — surely, however, it is a misprint for 
 love and lover? 
 
 Long, " long of whom " (D.C. 73^). owing to, along of. 
 
128 Note-Book and Word-List [lour 
 
 Lour, " laugh or lour " (D.C. 64a), frown, look sad, 
 lower. " For had he lawghed, had he loured, He 
 moste haue be devoured Yf Adriane ne had y-be." — 
 Chaucer, House of Fame (c. 1384), i. 409. 
 
 Lusty Juventus. A controversial interlude written 
 (c. 1550) in favour of the Reformation. Editions — (i) 
 printed by Williarru Copland, n.d. (see Colophon) ; 
 (2) by Abraham Vele : copies of No. i are in the 
 British Museum (Garrick) and in the library of the 
 Duke of Devonshire (Heber's copy, formerly in Lin- 
 coln Cathedral library) ; an example of No. 2 is in 
 the Bodleian Library. Reprinted (3) in Hawkins's 
 English Drama, 1773, vol. i. ; and (4) in Dodsley's 
 Old Plays (Hazlitt), 1874, vol. ii. Authorship- 
 Lusty Juventus, a controversial interlude and sur- 
 vival of the moral interlude, akin to such plays as 
 Bale's King John and Respuhlica, was written in the 
 reign of Edward VL by Richard Wever (q.v.), its 
 design being to expose the superstitions of the Papacy 
 (see lyb to i8a) and thus (inferentially) to promote the 
 Reformation. The younger generation are represented 
 as Hot Gospellers, leaning to the new doctrine (i5i« 
 and b) — " The old people would believe still in my 
 laws, But the younger sort lead them a contrary 
 way ; They will not believe, they plainly say, In old 
 traditions and made by men. But they will live as 
 the scripture teacheth them," &c. Critics differ widely 
 concerning this piece. According to Hazlitt, " cer- 
 tainly a piece of rather heavy and tedious morality, 
 replete with good instruction, but didactic to a fault 
 . . . [and] deficient in the curious allusions, which 
 abound in other productions of the same kind ; even 
 that mysterious character. Abominable Living, whose 
 introduction promises some amusement and illustra- 
 tion, moves off the scene almost immediately after 
 her first appearance, while Little Bess, whose en- 
 trance might have been a vehicle for some diverting 
 or sentimental situation, does not ' come on ' at all." 
 Prof. Gayley (Eng. Rep. Comedies) thinks otherwise : 
 " Lusty Juventus is of the dramatic kindred of Man- 
 kynd and Nature. Its characters are allegorical in 
 name but concrete in person ; and one of them, Ab- 
 hominable Living, passes, also, under the appellation 
 of ' litle Besse.' The conversations are sprightly, and 
 
LUSTY juvENTUs] Notc-Book and Word-List 129 
 
 the songs show considerable lyric power. But the 
 play is "a Protestant polemic, and its success must have 
 depended to a large extent upon the bitterness of the 
 satire against ' Holy cardinals, holy popes. Holy vest- 
 ments, holy copes,' and various alleged hypocrisies 
 and excesses of the Church of Rome. That this play 
 had a long life id shown by its insertion, though under 
 the designation of an interlude with which it had 
 nothing in common, as a play within a play in the 
 tragedy of Sir Thomas More (about 1590)." Vario- 
 rum Readings — Generally speaking, Copland's edition 
 shows a more obsolete spelling than Vele's, besides 
 many other important variations. [In the following 
 catalogue, C = Copland; V = Vele.] An order to bring 
 (3c), And order (C) ; forsaking God's word (4a), for- 
 sakyn (C) ; great consolation (46), consolaion (V) ; 
 in a herber green (4c), arbour green (C) ; asleep as 
 I lay (4c), aslope (C) ; my heart is surely pight (^d), 
 surel i-pight (C) ; they break promise (56), they brake 
 (C) ; he will play (5b), ye will (C) ; my appetite (5b), 
 appetyte (V) ; my companions (5c}, my compacions 
 (C) ; taught me wit (5c), my wit (C) ; I pray you ivish 
 l^d), pray you wyse (V) ; for in effect (6d), for infecte 
 (C) ; he that submitteth (7c), that, omitted (C) ; I pray 
 you now tell (7c), you, omitted (C) ; thy infinite mercy 
 (8c), infinitie (V) ; thy law and will (8c), the law, &c. 
 (C) ; that I may be apt (8d), way be apt (C) ; Godl's] 
 Verity (ga), both copies read God ; now it doth ap- 
 pear (qa), neiv it doth (C) ; this my name (gb), thus 
 my name (C), but the sense is unchanged ; doth plainly 
 record (loa), accorde (C) ; to learn thy law (106), the 
 (C) ; by these words (loc), be ; without the which (loc), 
 the which, omitted (C) ; this is your meaning (lod), 
 is, omitted (C) ; in good works (iia), God (V); the 
 false and pervart (12a), pervarce (C) ; his own mercy 
 (12a), one (C) ; all thy heart (12c), they (C) ; be so 
 kind (i2c), to (C) ; chapter of Matliew ' {i2d), Chap. 
 Math. (C) ; those that thirst (13a), which (V); which 
 cannot never (136), not, omitted (V) ; God reward you 
 13d), God to reward (V) ; he that leadeth (13d), leadetc 
 (C) ; shall be brought (14a), borught (C) ; this heavenly 
 gospel (14a), his (C) ; in this world [Exit (14c), Exit, 
 omitted (C) ; go haste to infect (15c), taste (C) ; with 
 all kind (17a), a (C) ; all obstinate liars (17b), absfinatc 
 (C) ; holy bones (17c), hole (C) ; one thing is begun 
 W. & I. K 
 
130 Note-Book and Word-List [lusty juventus 
 
 (i8b), begone (C) ; he hath followed (i8c), that (C) ; 
 some crafty feat (19a), craft (V) ; shalt call thy name 
 (19&), my (C) ; must be gone. [Exit (19c), Exit, 
 omitted (C) ; which I talked on (2od), called (C) ; here 
 in this tide (21a), omitted (C) ; will soon be (21b), some 
 (C) ; causeth both man (21c), canseth (C) ; then I pray 
 you (2 id), you, omitted (C) ; as for those filthy doings 
 (22c), as for al those fylthe doinges (C) ; for you to 
 look on (25c), you, omitted (C) ; but I think (23d), 
 thynge (C) ; taught the younger sort (24a), thought 
 (C) ; whither were I better (24a), where (V) ; wilt 
 thou set men (24c), wil (C) ; the foul presumption of 
 youth (24c), the foole presumptious (C) ; I wot where 
 (25a), I wote wote where (C) ; if I should (256), would 
 (C) ; face out the matter (25c), fare (C) ; heat the 
 bush (25^), beare (C) ; if thou wilt sibber (26a), Jybben 
 (V) ; that his promise (26c), this (C) ; I will be gone 
 (26^), wylt (V) ; God's precious bones (276), Dog's 
 (C) ; well you see (27c), wyl, in orig. ; were sought 
 (27c), wer ysought (C) ; make us to be merry (28a), 
 to, omitted (C) ; with that little (286), a (C) ; many a 
 one can (286), a, omitted (C) ; she will come for us 
 (28&), for us, omitted (C) ; ; lest she think it danger 
 (28c), thinketh (C) ; Yea, by God's foot, &c. (28J), 
 " these two lines I have given to Juventus against the 
 authority of the copies. The entrance of Abhominable 
 Living is not marked in the copies " (Hawkins) ; the 
 back door is open {28d), opned (C) ; [Draws A. L. aside 
 (29a), this is not marked in the copies ; I think you 
 would (29b), thyng (C) ; that you have said (29r), iou 
 (C) ; some whoreson villain (29c), horson (C) ; a little 
 thing (29^), lile (V) ; you will to tick-tack (30a), tick- 
 take (C) ; if you had time (30a), thou (C) ; with a 
 sleight (30c), with af sleight (C) ; I agree to that (3od), 
 this and the following line are given to Juventus in 
 Copland's edition ; it is no deadly sin (30(i), it were 
 no daly (C) ; how bawdy you are (31a), bady (C) ; it 
 mought have been (31a), mouth (C) ; the month of 
 May (32?)), of, omitted (C) ; in his passage (32c), thys 
 (C) ; word and testament (32(i), and testament, omitted 
 (C) ; his professing (32^), profession (C) ; where is 
 now (32J), now, omitted (C) ; professors of thy word 
 (33'''). both copies read professour ; faithful congrega- 
 tion (330), congregation, omitted (C) ; utterly abhorred 
 (33a), abhorred utterly (C) ; how wickedly (33c), 
 
MERRY pin] Note-Book and Word-List 131 
 
 wicked (C) ; cinque and sice (34«), " Juventus coming 
 in and hearing imperfectly the words sin and vice, very 
 naturally mistakes them for terms used at dice; we 
 may presume, therefore, that the genuine reading 
 should be cinque and sice " (Hawkins) — Sice reads 
 cyce in Copland's edition ; I set not a mite (34c), not, 
 omitted (C) ; I will make a shift (34c), shyfe (C) ; and 
 trapped you (35a), trape (C) ; chiefly I do complain 
 (35&), complaye (C) ; your most utter enemy (35^) 
 our most veter (C) ; blaspheming the truth (3()6) 
 piasphcmyng (C) ; a terrible fire (36c), trrible (C) 
 this wretched state (36^), his (V) ; ah, frail vessel (37^) 
 fair (C) ; thus Saint Augustine (386), this (C) and Aus 
 tine (V) ; and was right joyful (300), as (C) ; was 
 returnen again (39b), returned (V) ; broad and pleasant 
 (39^). borde (V) ; narrow is the way (39^?), the Garrick 
 copy now in the British Museum ends here, being 
 imperfect ; and does not tempt him (39c), mot (V) ; 
 All Christian people (40c), the words " All Christian," 
 " May learn," and " With " in this and the two 
 following lines are those cojijecturally supplied by 
 Hawkins, the copy being torn ; whom his grace (42a), 
 is (V). 
 
 Mary-rone, " as a mary-bone is full of honey " (L.J. 
 270), a corruption of marrow-bone. " A cook they 
 hadde with hem for the nones, To boille the chiknes 
 with the marybones.'" — Chaucer, Prol. (c. 1384), 380. 
 
 Maugre, " maugre to his lips " (D.C. 64a), notwithstand- 
 ing, in spite of : Fr. malgrd. 
 
 Men's flesh, " be good to men's flesh " (L.J. 29^), 
 fiesh = t\\e organs of generation, male or female: 
 generic. " She would not exchange flesh with one 
 that loved her." — Shakspeare, Winter's Tale, iv. 3. 
 
 Merry pin, '* on a merry pin " (N.W. 98a), merry 
 humour, jovial mood : usually in reference to partial 
 intoxication. Probably in allusion to the row or 
 series of pegs let into the side of a drinking-cup to 
 regulate the share to be drunk by each person. " This 
 mischance plucked down their hartes, whiche were 
 set on so mer\ a pvnne, for the victory of Montarges. " 
 —Hall, Henry Vl'. (an. 5). 
 
 K 2 
 
132 Note-Book and Word-List [middes 
 
 MiDDES, " in the middes of the day " (L.J. 4c), middle, 
 midst. 
 
 MiMON, (a) " this minion here " (D.C. 64c), originally 
 anything pleasant or agreeable : Fr. tnignon. Whence 
 specifically a darling, favourite, mistress {pour le hon 
 motif) ; and (in a bad sense) wanton, harlot. " My 
 minion seemeth very merry." — Heywood, Love 
 (E.E.D.S., Works, i. 155a). (&) " Your minion doll " 
 (N.W. looci), as adj. =wanton : also = dainty, deli- 
 cate, &-C. 
 
 Mo (passim), more : so common was this popular abbre- 
 viation that it was retained in the Bible as late as 
 1717 — " The children of Israel are mo and mightier 
 than we " (Ex. i. 9). 
 
 Mock, " bear away that mock " (L.J. 29b), jibe, sneer; 
 see Heywood's Works (E.E.D.S.), i. 148^. 
 
 MoME, " a stark mome " (D.C. 87^) — '* I have but one 
 mome ^^ (N.W 99^), gull, ninny, blockhead, buffoon. 
 " Mome, malt-horse, capon, coxcomb, idiot, patch." — 
 Shakspeare, Com. of Err. (1593), iii. i. 
 
 Mouse, " drunk as a mouse " (D.C. 65c), as drunk as 
 may be : once a very common simile. " Then seke 
 another house. This is not worth a louse ; As dronken 
 as a mouse." — Doctour Doubble Ale. 
 
 Mouse-hunt, " a good mouse-hunt is cat after St. 
 Kind" (var. read.=St. King), i.e. mouse-hunter = 
 a wencher, or a woman given to the quest of men : 
 viouse-hunt = the act of kind; cf. mouse = (0) an en- 
 dearment, (?})-pud. mul. " Aye, you have been a 
 m.ouse-hunt in your time, But I will watch you from 
 such watching now," — Shakspeare, Rom. and Jul. 
 (1595). iv. 4. 
 
 Naughty pack, " this naughty pack " (D.C. 65^), a 
 generic reproach: of both sexes, but spec. = (a) 
 wencher; (b) wanton. " For wanton lasses and gal- 
 lant women. And other lewde noughty packes." — 
 Bansley, Pride of Women (1550). 
 
 Ne (passim), not, nor. 
 
 Near, " much the near " (D.C. 74c), nearer. 
 
NICE wanton] Note-Book and Word-List 133 
 
 New Gospeller, Great Gospeller (L.J, 18c), i.e. an 
 adherent of the principles of the Reformation. This 
 play was written to expose Papist superstitions and 
 to promote the new doctrines, towards which the 
 younger generation were generally well disposed, 
 though the older folk, not unnaturally, were more 
 tenacious of the teaching of their youth (see i^d to 
 15c; 24c). ^' Great Gospeller in the mouth" (L.J. 
 366) = a zealous exponent of the new teaching. 
 
 Nice, (a) " both dainty and nice " (D.C. 48a), tender 
 and delicate : the pronunciation to rhyme with " rich " 
 is obvious : cf. Four P.P. (b) " Wanton boys and 
 nice " (L.J. 41c) — " Wanton and nice " (N.VV. 986), 
 luxurious, effeminate. " Shore's wife was my nice 
 chest." — Mirr. for Mag., 412. " Men wax nice and 
 effeminate." — Baret, Alvearie. 
 
 Nice Wanton. This play has in some quarters been 
 assigned (but without direct evidence) to Thomas 
 Ingelend, the author of The Disobedient Child. Be 
 that as it may (and Mr. Fleay held very strongly to 
 this view), it is not unfitting that it should be grouped 
 with the other plays in this volume of the Early Eng- 
 lish Dramatists ; especially with The Disobedient Child 
 (q.v.), another early dramatic representation of family 
 life. There are likewise other coincidences with the 
 undoubted Ingelend play. Interpolations show that 
 although written before 1553, in which year Edward 
 \'T. died (" An honest quiet life, correspondent always 
 To God's law and the King's " — g5c), it was subse- 
 quently adapted for representation before Queen Mary 
 or Queen Elizabeth (" Now for the Queen's royal 
 majesty " — 114a). Editions — printed in 1560 by John 
 Kyng, only two copies now known to be extant ; viz., 
 one in the King's Library, British Museum, from the 
 Roxburghe sale, and the other in the library of the 
 Duke of Devonshire. Reprinted for the first time in 
 Hazlitt's edition of Dodsley's Old Plays (1874), whose 
 text is here adopted (pp. 95-115). Variorum Readings 
 (the variations are those of the original copies) — cat 
 after Saint Kind (97a), Kynge ; gup liar (ggd), gupliade ; 
 a box on there (loia), an ; eleven at all (102c), a 
 leaven; I fell to naught (105a), no: you have named 
 me (105^), your; your sister Dalilah (105^), you; 
 well sister (1066), 5»7vtr ( = certainly, securely); I doubt 
 
134 Note-Book and Word-List [nick 
 
 ivhcther (io6d), whater ; and during your life (107a), 
 or; Ishmael was indicted (io8c), intided ; some things 
 I can recite (109a), in; one Xantippe (nod), none; 
 my son hang'th (ma), hanged; tell you news (iiih), 
 neder ; every man can tell (iiic), ever; God's justice 
 did (ii2d), bid; aye to be circumspect (113c), yea; 
 counsel us wisdom (114b), is; can be merry (114^), 
 cam me mery ; he may well be merry (114^). Hazlitt 
 observes, " this marginal note has partly been cut off 
 by the binder " : — 
 
 resyng, 
 answer- 
 ing other 
 t ahvays 
 staff, 
 , ysing to 
 other. 
 
 Nick, " do ye nick us " (N.W. io2d), i.e. do ye nick 
 (record or count) a cast. Reckonings were anciently 
 kept by nicking notches on sticks : many proverbial 
 sayings and colloquialisms may be traced to this prac- 
 tice. 
 
 NiDiOT, " hence, nidiot " (D.C. y6b), i.e. an idiot ; the 
 article and noun undergoing a somewhat analogous 
 change as in newt for an ewt, or an apron for a 
 napron, &c. 
 
 Noddy, " this whoreson noddy " (N.W. loSJ), fool, 
 noodle. " 5. She did nod, and I said, I. P. And 
 that set together is noddy. S. Now you have taken 
 the pains to set it together, take it for your pains." — 
 Shakspeare, Two Gent. V. (1595), ^- ^• 
 
 NoLY, " beknave your noly " (N.W. 102J), head, 
 noddle. 
 
 NosELED, " if children be noseJed " (N.W. 95c), nursled. 
 
 NouGiiTY, " noughty fare " (D.C. 80a), possessed of 
 nothing (A.S.), i.e. short commons : the same as 
 nought (or naught). 
 
 Of, " of this man " (D.C. 50a), i.e. by. 
 
 Oil, " oil to the fire " (D.C. 55^), something to aggra- 
 vate matters, heighten disaster, add fuel to the flames. 
 " Malicious and busye personcs who added oyle to the 
 fornace." — Hall, Chron. (c. 1548), 820 (1809). 
 
PLEASURE] Note-Book and Word-List 135 
 
 Palmkr, " my hand to the palmer submitting " (D.C. 
 50c), Hazlitt suggests the schoohnaster, as inflicting 
 punishment by caning the hand. This is obviously 
 wrong : palmer = stick or rod, and spec, a flat piece 
 of wood for striking the palm of the hand in punish- 
 ment. " Children are kept in awe with the pahner, 
 lest they forget them selues." — Dans, tr. Bullinger on 
 Apoc. (1573). 61. 
 
 Palting, "" palling to school" (N.W. 976), trudging, 
 going with effort (this passage is the only illustrative 
 quotation for the word in the O.E.D.). It is possibly 
 a curtailed figurative usage of palter = to shuffle. 
 
 Pass, " I would not pass " (N.W. 103a) — " I do not 
 greatly pass " (L.J. 5a) — " they passed not " (D.C. 
 746), care, regard. " As for these silken-coated 
 slaves, I pass not ; It is to you, good people, that I 
 speak." — Shakspeare, 2 Hen. VI. (1594), iv. 2. 
 
 Pease, see Madam. 
 
 Pennefather, " pennefather's pates "(N.W. 103b), miser, 
 niggard. " And yet knowing them to be such niggish 
 peny-fathers, that ... as long as they live, not the 
 worth of one farthing of that heap of gold shall come 
 to them." — More, Utopia (1551), n. vi. 
 
 Perorator (D.C. 886), the person who spoke the Epi- 
 logue. 
 
 Pie-feast, "go to the pie-feast " (L.J. 25^), may be 
 taken (a) literally ; (h) as a satirical allusion to the 
 Roman ordinal, " so intricate . . . that . . , there 
 was more difliculty to find out what should be read 
 than to read it when it was found out " ; or (c) 
 " clack," " talkee-talkee " : /)ie = chatterer. 
 
 PiGHT, " my heart is surely pight Of her alone to have a 
 sight " (L.J. 4(i), fixed, placed, determined. " I . . , 
 found him pight to do it." — Shakspeare, Lear (1605), 
 ii. I. 
 
 Pleasure, " to do him pleasure'' (L.J. 306), here with 
 obscene meaning : cf. Fr. plaisir. " He toke her 
 in hys armes, and her kyste ; And of that Lady he 
 had all hys pleasure, And so begate a chylde." — 
 Robcrte the Deuyll (c. 1500) (Hazlitt, Early Pop. 
 Poetry, i. 223). " Kate being pleased, wished that 
 her pleasure could Endure as long as a buff jerkin 
 
136 Note-Book and Word-List [portous 
 
 would : Content thee, Kate, although thy pleasure 
 vvasteth, Thy pleasure's place like a buff jerkin 
 lasteth." — Davies, Epigrams (1596), In Katam, viii. 
 
 Portous, " let me see your portous " (L.J. 23c), properly 
 a breviary; here = Bible. 
 
 'Ppointed, "a soldier be 'ppointed '^ (D.C. 51a), ap- 
 pointed: cf. 'rrest = arrest (E.E.D.S., Anon PL, ist 
 Ser. g6d). 
 
 Princocks, " What, ye princocks " (N.W. loid), pert, 
 saucy youth. " You are a saucy boy . . . You are 
 a princox, go." — Shakspeare, Romeo and Juliet 
 (1595). i- 5- 
 
 Print, " they could not print it . . . more deeply " (D.C. 
 506), impress. 
 
 Pudding, " you may draw me about the town with a 
 pudding " (L.J. 266), Hawkins glossed this passage 
 thus : — This passage will receive illustration from the 
 following quotation out of Bishop Latimer's sermon 
 preached before Edward the VL, about the year 1550 : 
 " A good fellow on a tyme bad another of hys frendes 
 to a breakfast, and sayed, Yf you wyl come, you 
 shal be welcome ; but I tell you afore hande, you shat 
 haue but sclender fare, one dysh and that is al. 
 What is that? said he. A puddynge and nothynge 
 els. Mary, sayed he, you cannot please me better ; 
 of all meates, that is for myne owne toth ; you may 
 draw me round the town with a pudding " (Sig. G 
 vii.). 
 
 Quest, " the verdict of the quest " (N.W. 107&), jury, 
 inquest : still colloquial. " What lawful! quest have 
 giv'n their verdict up Unto the frowning judge." — 
 Shakspeare, Rich. III. (1597), i. 4. 
 
 Rech, "that ought doth rec/z " (D.C. 64a), care, reck. 
 
 " The stiwarde therof I ne reche, I-wisse I have 
 
 therto no meche." — MS. Cantab. Ff. v. 48, f. 53. 
 Repreve, " and none repreve " (N.W. 115a). reprove. 
 Reve, " till ye reve asunder " (D.C. 47&), split, burst. 
 Rochets, " holy rochets and cowls " (L.J. 17c), a 
 
 bishop's rochet = 3. linen vest worn under a satin robe. 
 
 " Rochet, a surplys, rochet. '^ — Palsgrave. 
 
SIR JOHN] Note-Book and Word-List 137 
 
 RoiSTiNG, " what roisting . . . made they withen " 
 (D.C. 73c), bullying, rioting. " They ruffle and roist 
 it out." — Harrison, England (1577), 149. 
 
 Rood, " by the rood " (N.W. 102&), cross, crucifix : see 
 Heywood, Works, I. (E.E.D.S.), 26od. " You may 
 jest on, but, by the holy rood, I do not like these 
 several councils, I." — Shakspeare, Rich. III. (1597), 
 iii. 2. 
 
 Room, " Room, I say, let me be gone " (D.C. 54^), give 
 place to make way for; see Midsummer Plight's 
 Dream, ii. i. 
 
 Ruffling, " what ruffling made they within " (D.C. 
 73(7), boisterous play, turbulency, cheating bullyism. 
 " Brother to this upright man, flesh and blood, ruffling 
 Tear-cat is my name ; and a ruffler is my slile, my 
 title, my profession." — Middleton, Roar. Girl. 
 
 Ruth, " to great ruth " (L.J. 24c), pity. " Tho can 
 she weep to stir up gentle ruth, Both for her noble 
 blood and for her tender youth." — Spenser, Fairy 
 Queen (1590), I. i. 50. 
 
 Saint Kind, see Mouse-hunt. 
 
 Seely, " my serly poor shoulders " (D.C. 85^), simple, 
 harmless, silly. 
 
 Seeth, " seeth them each one " (N.W. 103b), soak, 
 steep : an obsolete sense. 
 
 Shent, " I shall be shent " (N.W. gyb—et passim), 
 abashed, confounded, reviled, blamed, scolded. 
 
 Shitten, "thou shitten dastard" (D.C. 77c), generic 
 abuse. 
 
 Sibber, " if thou wilt sibber " (L.J. 26a), the word has 
 hitherto remained unglossed : the sense seems to point 
 to a connection with sib (gossip). Hence, to make 
 sport, or merry together, as gossips might well do ; 
 cf. " With all my heart I'll gossip at the feast " (Shak- 
 speare, Comedy of Errors, v.). 
 
 Sir John, " gentle Sir John " (L.J. 23c), a priest; sir = 
 doitiiuus, a scholastic title for holders of the B.A. 
 degree at the Universities. 
 
138 Note-Book and Word-List [sirrah 
 
 Sirrah, "ah, sirrah! ^^ (L.J. i8c), a familiar address, 
 either in anger or contempt : sometimes to women. 
 
 Skilleth, " it skilleth not " (N.W. lood), signifies, 
 matters, is of concern or importance. " Whate'er he 
 be it skills not much." — Shakspeare, Taming of 
 Shrew (1593), iii. 2. 
 
 Sle, " sle herself with a knife " (N.W. 05^), slew. 
 *' Gret bourde it wold be, Off them to slec twoo or 
 thre, I swere the, be Seynt Gyle." — MS. Cantab. Ff. 
 V. 48, f. 49. 
 
 Sleight, " I will teach him a sleight " (N.W. 109c), 
 artifice, contrivance, trick. 
 
 Slug, " slug in my bed " (D.C. 84c), play the sluggard, 
 to laze. " He lay not all night slugging in a cabin 
 under his mantle." — Spenser, State of Ireland. 
 
 Smell, " he hath of knavery took such a smell " (D.C. 
 56b) : cf. " that you . . . shall smell of calumny " 
 (Meas. for Meas. ii. 4). 
 
 Smock-smell, " such smock-smell will set your nose out 
 of tune " (L.J. 30&), wenching : cf. smell-smock, a 
 whoremonger. " Mulierarius, one given to love 
 women, a smell smo eke.'" — Nomenclator (15S5), 528. 
 " Brigaille, a noteable smelsmocke, or muttonmungar. 
 a cunning solicitor of a wench." — Cotgrave, Diet. 
 (1611). " This theame of smocke is very large and 
 wide, And might (in verse) be further amplifide : But 
 I thinke best a speedy end to make. Lest for a smel- 
 smocke some should me mistake." — Taylor, Workes 
 (1630), ii. 167. 
 
 Smoke, " thou shalt for this gear now smoke apace " 
 (D.C. 78d), i.e. beaten till a dust is raised. " Beaten 
 her till she smoke.'" — Heywood, John Tib (E.E.D.S., 
 Works, I. Gyd). 
 
 SoDOMETRY, " filthy sodomctry " (L.J. 17a), sodomy. 
 
 Some, " all and some " (D.C. 6ia ; 82c), everyone, alto- 
 gether, entirely. " Thereof spekys the apostell John. 
 In his gospel] all and some.'" — MS. Ashmole, 61, f. 83. 
 
 Sort, '* a great sort " (D.C. 8i<i), company, assembly. 
 "The whole sort of my craft." — Heywood, Weather 
 {Works, 1. nob). 
 
 SowNE, " will ye sowne " (N.W. md), swoon. 
 
toys] Note-Book and Word-List 139 
 
 Spun, " where the blood from my breech thus should 
 spun " (D.C. 49a), query spwyn, to burst or break 
 out (Hazlitt). 
 
 Squire, " that squire and rule most just " (L.J. /{od), 
 square. 
 
 Stark, " a stark mome " (D.C. 87^), absolute, entire, 
 complete. 
 
 Suspect, ''suspect light-fingered to be" (N.W. 99b), 
 suspected. 
 
 Sweeting, " where is my sweeting " (D.C. 60c), sweet- 
 heart, darling. 
 
 SwiLLBOWLS, "such swUlbowls " (D.C. 66d), tipplers, 
 heavy topers. " Lucious Cotta . . . was taken for the 
 greatest swielboUe of wine in the woo|;;lde." — Udal, 
 Eras. Apopth. (1542), 367. 
 
 Thinks, " of such thinks to make an end " (D.C. 6id), 
 thoughts : " a provincialism " (Halliwell) ; " rather 
 perhaps, a Cockneyism " (Hazlitt) ; cf. thank 
 ( = thanks). 
 
 This, "serving me this " (L.J. 5c) — " this will I convey " 
 (L.J. 20b) — " this me to challenge " (L.J. 21c) — " why 
 you do this reprove me " (L.J. 35a), thus. 
 
 Thrist, " die for thrist " (N.W. 97&), thirst. 
 
 Tick-tack, "you nill to tick-tack I fear" (L.J. 30a), 
 wantonness, lechery. 
 
 TiDDLE, " my parents did tiddle me " (N.W. 105a), pet, 
 spoil. 
 
 TiDLiNGS, "her tender tidlings " (N.W. 96b), pets, 
 darlings. 
 
 To-MORN, " prepared against to-morn " (D.C. 57^), to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Touch, " to touch one ye dare not be bold " (L.J. 
 29b), know carnally : as subs., " she will play me no 
 such touch'' (N.W. iood) = the act of kind. "If 
 /Eneas be a spark they there . . . May take a gentle 
 touch together : So each of other may have proof." — 
 Cotton, Virgil. Trav. (1670), 80 ; see Meas. for Meas. v. 
 
 Toys, "wanton toys'' (L.J. 41c) — "such toys in my 
 head" (D.C. 6od), whim, fancy, caprice. "The very 
 
I40 Note-Book and Word-List [trim 
 
 place puts toys of desperation, Without more notice, 
 into every brain." — Shakspeare, Hamlet (1596), i. 4. 
 77- 
 
 Trim, " I will trim the knave " (L.J. 29c), call to ac- 
 count, thrash. " For I will trim thee in thy geare. 
 Or else I would I were cald a sow." — Wife lapped in 
 Morrell's Skin (Hazlitt, Early Pop. Poetry, iv. 209) 
 (1520), 717. 
 
 Trim-trams, " a hundred trim-trams mo " (L.J. i8a), 
 trifle, absurdity, folly, nonsense. " Our consciences, 
 now quite unclogged from the fear of [the Pope's] 
 vain terriculaments and rattle-bladders, and from the 
 fondness of his trim-trams and gewgaws." — Patten 
 (Arber, Eng. Garner, iii. 70) (1547). 
 
 Trull, " this mincing trull " (D.C. 64c), wanton, harlot : 
 spec, a hedge-whore. But it is not always a reproach ; 
 cf. I Henry VI. ii. 2. 28. 
 
 TwECHE, " keep not the tweche " (L.J. 5b), touch. 
 
 Twink, " a twink of mine eye " (N.W. 103c), twinkling. 
 
 Unknowen, " unknowen Honesty " (L.J. 20b), unknown. 
 
 Unshamefast, *' with an unshamcfast face " (D.C. 46a), 
 shameless. 
 
 Untiirift, " that imthrift my son " (D.C. 67b), spend- 
 thrift. "Upstart tmthrifts." — Shakspeare, Rich. II. 
 
 Variorum Readings, see the Plays by name. 
 
 Wever (Richard). Beyond the fact that he wrote Lusty 
 Juventus, nothing is known of this early playwright. 
 
 Whoreson, " some whoreson villain " (L.J. 29c), a 
 generic reproach. "A whoreson cold, sir." — Shak- 
 speare, 2 Henry IV. (1598), iii. 2. 193. 
 
 Wit, Witty, " your wit ... I do allow " (L.J. 31c) — " a 
 witty lesson " (D.C. 88^^), wisdom, cleverness : as adj. 
 = clever. 
 
 Wonders, " I like wonders well " (L.J. 7^), wondrous. 
 
 Woodcock, " as wise as a woodcock " (D.C. 68d), wood- 
 cock = simpleton, ninny, fool. " O this woodcock, 
 what an ass it is ! " — Shakspeare, Taming of Shrew 
 (1593), i- 2. 
 
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