Respublica
              Attributed to Nicholas Udall


         Centre for Computing in the Humanities
                 University of Toronto



                   <1The Prologue.>1

First helth and successe w<2i>2t<2h>2 many agoode newe yeare,
Wissed vnto all this moste noble presence
I have more tentreate<sI>s youe of gentle Sufferaunce,
That this our matier may have quyet vtterauce.
we that are thactours have <2our>2selves dedicate
with some Christmas devise yo<2ur>2 spirites to recreate
And our poete trusteth the thinge we shall recyte
maye w<2i>2thowte offence the hearers myndes delyte.
In dede no man speaketh word<2es>2 so well fore pondred
But the same by some meanes maye be misconstred,
Nor nothinge so well ment, but that by somme p<2re>2tence
ytt maie be wronge interp<2re>2ted from the auctors sence.
But let this be taken no wurse then yt ys mente

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And I hope nor we nor owre poete shalbe shente.
But nowe of thargumente to towch a worde or twayne
the Name of <2our>2 playe ys Respublica certaine
oure meaninge ys (I saie not, as by plaine storye,
but as yt were in figure by an allegorye)
To shewe that all Commen weales Ruin <2and>2 decaye
from tyme to tyme hath been, ys, and shalbe alwaie,
whan Insolence, Flaterie, Opression
and Avarice have the Rewle in theire possession.
But thoughe these vices bycloked collusyon
And by counterfaicte Names, hidden theire abusion
Do Reigne for a while to comon weales p<2re>2iudice
pervertinge all right and all ordre of true Iustice
yet tyme trieth all and tyme bringeth truth to lyght
that wronge maye not ever still reigne in place of right.
for whan pleaseth god suche comon weales to restore
To theire welthe <2and>2 honoure wherin thei were afore
he sendeth downe his mooste tendre Compassion
to cause truth goe abowte in visitation.
veritee the daughter of sage old Father Tyme
Shewith all as yt ys bee ytt vertue or Cryme.
than dooeth fustice all suche as Com<2m>2on Weale oppresse
Tempered with mercye endevoure to suppresse.
with whome anone is lynked tranquillitee and peace/
to Common weales foye and p<2er>2petuall encreace.
But shall boyes (saith some nowe) of suche highe mattiers plaie?
No not as disscussers, but yet the booke dothe saie
<2Ex ore infantium perfecisti Laudem,>2
for whan Criste came rydinge into <2Hieresalem>2,
The yong babes with tholde folke cryed owte all <2and>2 some,
blessed bee the man that in the Lordes name dothe come.
Soo for goode Englande sake this p<2re>2sente howre <2and>2 daie
In hope of hir restoring from hir late decaye,
we children to youe olde folke, bothe <2with>2 harte <2and>2 voyce
maie Ioyne all togither to thanke god <2and>2 Reioyce
That he hath sent Marye <2our>2 Soveraigne <2and>2 Quene
to reforme thabuses which hithertoo hath been,

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And that yls whiche long tyme have reigned vncorrecte
shall nowe foreuer bee redressed with effecte.
She is oure most wise/ <2and>2 most worthie Nemesis
Of whome <2our>2 plaie meneth tamende <2that>2 is amysse.
Whiche to bring to passe <2that>2 she maye have tyme <2and>2 space
Leat vs booth yong <2and>2 olde to godde commend her grace/
Nowe yf yowe so please, I wyll goe, <2and>2 hither send,
That shall make youe laughe well yf ye abide thend.
                         Finis.

             <1Actus Primi scena Prima.>1

                        <2Avaryce.>2

Now godd[i]ggod every chone bothe greate and smale
from highest to lowest Goddiggod to yowe all.
Goddiggod what sholde I saie? even or morowe?
if I marke howe the daie goeth god geve me sorowe.
But goddiggod echone twentie and twentie skore
of that ye most longe for what wolde ye have more?
ye muste pardoune my wyttes/ for I tell youe plaine
I have a hive of humble bees swarmynge in my braine
and he that hath the compace to fetch <2that>2 I must fetche
I maie saie in Counsaile, had nede his wyttes to stretche.
But nowe what my name is, <2and>2 what is my purpose
Takinge youe all for frendes I feare not to disclose.
My veray trewe vnchristen Name ys Avarice
which I may not have openlye knowen in no wise,
For though to moste men I am founde Commodius
yet to those that vse me my name is Odius
For who is so foolishe that the evell he hath wrought
for his owen behouff he wolde to light sholde be brought?
or who hadnot rather, his ill doinges to hide,
Thenne to have the same bruted on everye syde?
Therefore to worke my feate I will my name disguise
And call my Name polycie in stede of Covetise.

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The Name of policie ys praised of eche one
But to rake grumle sede Avaryce ys a Lone.
The Name of policie is of none suspected,
polycye is ner of any cryme detected,
So that vnder the Name and cloke of policie
Avaryce maie weorke factes <2and>2 scape all Ielousie.
And nowe ys the tyme come that except I be a beaste
een to make vp my mouth and to feather my neste
A tyme that I have wayted for, a greate Longe space
and nowe maie I spede my purpose If I have grace.
For heare ye sirrha? our greate graund Ladie mother
Noble dame Respublica, she and none other
of the offalles, the refuse, the Ragges, the paringes
The baggage, the trashe, the fragmentes, the sharinges
The od endes, the Cr[u]mes, the dribletes, the chippinges
The patches, the peces, the broklettes, the drippinges
The fliettance, the scrapinges, the wilde wai[v]es and straies
The skimmynges, the gubbins of booties and praies
The glenynges, the casualties, the blynde excheates,
The forginge of forfayctes, the scape of extraictes,
Thexcesse, the waste, the spoile, the superfluites,
The windefalles, the shriddinges, the flycynges/ <2the>2 petie fees
with a Thowsaunde thinges mo which she maye right well
    lacke,
woulde fyll all these same purses <2that>2 hange att my bakke/
yea and tenne tymes as manye moo bagges as these
which sholde be but a flea bytinge for hir to lese
That if I maie have the grace, <2and>2 happe, to blynde her
I doubte not a shewete Ladye I shall fynde hir.
to hir ytt wer nothing yet manye a smale makith a greate
And all thinge wolde helpe me what ever I maye geate.
full lytle knowe men the greate nede <2that>2 I am yn,
doo not I spende dailie of that that I doo wynne?
then age cometh on and what ys a lytle golde
to kepe a man by drede <2that>2 is feble a<n>d olde?
no man therefore blame me/ thoughe I wolde have more/

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the worlde waxeth harde <2and>2 store (thei saie) is no sore.
Nowe the chaunce of theves, in goode houre be ytt spoken--
owte alas I feare I lefte my Cofer Open.
I am surelye vndoone/ alas where be my Cayes?
It ys gone <2that>2 I have swette for/ all my lyve daies.
wo worthe all whoreson theves/ <2and>2 suche covetous knaves
<2that>2 for theire wyndinge sheete/ wolde scrape men owt of theire
     graves.                                         <2Exeat.>2


              <1A ctus Primi scena secunda.>1

 <2Adulacion, Insolence, Oppressyon/ Intrant canta[n]tes.>2

<2Adulacion.>2 Oh noble Insolence if I coulde singe as well
  I wolde looke in heaven emonge Angells to dwell.
<2I[n]solence.>2 Sing? howe doo I sing, but as other manye doe?
<2Adutacion.>2 yes, an Angels voice ye have to herken vnto.
<2Insolence.>2 yea, but what availeth that to highe dignitiee?
<2Oppression.>2 By his armes not a whitte, as farre as I can see.
<2Inso.>2 Or what helpeth that thinge, to sett a man a lofte?
<2Oppression.>2 By his woundes not a strawel so have I tolde yowe
    ofte.
  <2dul.>2 No but ye are one of suche goodlye personage
  of suche wytte <2and>2 beawtye and of sage parentage
  So excelente in all poyntes of everye arte--
<2Inso.>2 In dede god and nature in me have done their parte.
<2Adul.>2 That yf ye will putte yourselfe forwarde to the mooste,
  ye maie throughowte the whole lande rewle all the Roste.
  howe saie yowe oppression? ys ytt not even so?
<2Oppr.>2 Thowe saiest soothe Adulacion so mowte I goe.
  if he wer disposed to take the charge in hand
  I warraunte hym a chive to Rewle all the whole lande.
<2Adul.>2 Lo maister lnsolenceye heare Oppression?
<2Inso.>2 I thanke boothe hime and thee goode Adulacion,
  And Long have I dreamed of suche an enterpryse
  But howe or where to be gynne I cannot devise.

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<2Oppression.>2 Wherefore serve frendes, but your enterpryse to
    allowe?
<2Adul.>2 And than must youe supporte them, as thei muste main-
     tayne youe.
<2Opp.>2 And wherefore do frendes serve, but to sett youe yn?
<2Adul.>2 ye shall have all my healpe/ whan ever ye beginne.
<2Inso.>2 But we maie herein, nothing attempte in no wyse
  withowte the Counsaile of <2our>2 fownder Avaryce.
<2Adul.>2 He muste directe all this geare by his holye gooste.
<2Oppr.>2 For he knowith whatt ys to be done in eche cooste
  he knoweth where <2and>2 howe that money is to be hadde
  And yonder he cometh me thinketh more then half madde.
                                                <2Intrat Avar.>2

               <1A ctus Primi scena tertia.>1

     <2Avarice.  Insolence.  Oppression.  Adulacion.>2

<2Avarice.>2 It was a faire grace <2that>2 I was not vndooen clene
  yet my kye was safe lockt vnder nyne lockes I wene
  but een as against suche a thing my harte wyll throbbe.
  I fownde knaves abowte my howse readye me to Robbe.
  Theare was suche tooting suche looking <2and>2 suche priinge
  suche herkenynge/ suche stalking, suche watching, suche
     spyinge.
  what wolde ye my maisters? we looke after a catte.
  what make ye heareabowt? we have smelled a ratte.
  Nowe a wheale on suche noses thought I by and by,
  That so quicklye canne sente where hidden golde dothe lye.
  But had I not come when I dyd withowte all failles
  I thinke theye had digged vp my walles with theire nailes.
<2Inso.>2 Let vs speake to hym and breake his chafing talke.
<2Avar.>2 Suche gredinesse of Money emonge men dothe walke,
  That have yt they wyll eyther by hooke or by crooke--
<2Oppr.>2 lett vs call to hym <2that>2 he maye this waye Looke.
<2Avar.>2 whether by right or by wronge, in feith some care not.
  Therefore catche that catche maye hardely <2and>2 spare not--

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<2Adul.>2 All Haille oure Fownder <2and>2 chief <2maister>2 Avaryce.
<2Avar.>2 the devyll ys a knave an I catche not a flyce--
<2Adul.>2 when ye see your tyme looke this waie your frendes vppon.
<2Avar.>2 I doubte not to skamble and rake as well as one--
<2Adul.>2 heare bee that wolde faine bee desiples of your arte.
<2Avar.>2 I wilnot bee behinde to gette a childes parte.
<2Adul.>2 Nowe if ye have done/ I pray youe looke this waye
     backe.
<2Avar.>2 Whoo buzzeth in myne eare so? what? ye sawecye Iacke?
<2Adul.>2 Are ye yet at leysure with your good frendes to talke?

<2Avar.>2 what clawest thowe myne elbowe pratlinge merchaunt?
     walke.
  ye flaterabundus yowe, youe flyering clawbacke youe
  youe the Crowe is white youe, youe the swanne is blacke youe,
  youe Iohn Holde my stafe youe/ youe what is the clocke youe
  youe <2ait aio>2 youe, yowe <2negat negoy>2 yowe.
<2Adul.>2 I mervaile yowe speake to me in suche facion.
<2Avar.>2 whi troublest thowe me then in my contemplacion?
<2Adul.>2 I came of right goode love not mynding youe to lett.
<2Avar.>2 Thowe ner camst to anie man of good love yett.
<2Adul.>2 And these mennes myndes yt was I sholde soo dooe.
<2Avar.>2 As false wretches as thyne owen selfe and falser tooe.
<2Ins. et oppr.>2 we have been loving to yowe <2and>2 faithfull alwaye.
<2Avarice.>2 For your owne <2profittes>2 thenne <2and>2 not myne I dare saie
  And een verai youe three it was <2and>2 others none
  that wolde have Robbed me not yet haulf an howre gone.
<2Gnsot. Oppr. A dula.>2 we never robbed anye manne later or rather.
<2Avar.>2 Yes manye a tyme <2and>2 ofte your owne veraie Father.
<2Oppr.>2 And to yowe have we borne hartie favors alwaie.
<2Avar.>2 And I warraunte youe Hangd for your labours one daie.
<2Oppr, Adul.>2 Even as oure god we have alwaie Honered youe.
<2Avar.>2 And een as your god I have aie succoured youe.
<2Oppr.>2 Wee call yowe our fownder by all holye Halowes.
<2Avar.>2 Founder me no foundring, but beware the galowes.
<2Inso.>2 I praie youe leave thes wordes/ <2and>2 talke frendlie at laste.
<2Avar.>2 Content at your request/ my fume is nowe well paste

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  And in faith what saithe <2our>2 frende Adulacion?
<2Adul.>2 I wonder at your Roughe Communycacion,
  <2that>2 ye wolde to me vse wordes of suche vehemence.
<2Avar.>2 Feyth manne I spake but even to prove your pacyence,
  that yf thowe haddest grunted or stormed thereat--
<2Adul.>2 Naie fewe times doe I vse suche lewde manier as that.
<2Avar.>2 Come, shake handes <2and>2 for euer we twoo bee at one.
<2Adul.>2 As for grutche in me there shall never remaine none.
<2Avar.>2 Nowe <2maister>2 Insolence to your ghostelye purpose.
<2Insol.>2 we accordyd a matier to youe to disclosse.
<2Avar.>2 I vnderstande all youre agreemente <2and>2 accorde
  for I laie in your bosoms when ye spake the worde,
  And I like well the advise of oppression,
  And eke of Flatterie for your progression.
<2Inso.>2 If there were matier whereon to worke I care not.
<2Avar.>2 ye shall have matier enoughe, bee doinge, spare not.
<2Inso.>2 what? to come to honour and welthe for vs all three?
<2Avar.>2 Ah than ye coulde be well content to leave owte me.
<2Inso.>2 no for I knowe ye can for yourselfe well provyde.
<2Avar.>2 Yea that I can <2and>2 for Twentye hundreth besyde.
<2Adul.>2 Oh wolde Christe goode fownder ye wolde <2that>2 thing open.
<2Avar.>2 Bones knave wilt thowe have ytt/ ere yt can be spoken?
<2Oppr.>2 for the passion of god tell ytt vs with all spede.
<2Avar.>2 By the crosse not aworde/ here is haste made in dede.
<2Insole.>2 yes good Swete Avarice despatch <2and>2 tell att once.
<2Avar.>2 Naie then cutte my throte, ye are felowes for the nonce.
  will ye have a matier before ytt canbe tolde?
  If ye will have me tell ytt, ye shall your tonges holde.
  whiste. scilence, not aworde / mum / leatte your clattcr sease.
  are ye with Childe to heare/ <2and>2 cannot holde your pease?
  So sir, nowe, Respublica the ladie of Estate
  ye knowe nowe latelye is left almoost desolate.
  hir weltheys decayed hir Comforte cleane a goe
<2and>2 she att hir wittes endes what for to saie or doe.
  fayne wolde she have succoure <2and>2 easemente of hir griefe

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   And highlye advaunce them <2that>2 wolde promise reliefe
   suche as wolde warraunte hir spirites to revive
   mowght mounte to highe eastate / <2and>2 be most sure to thrive.
<2Inso.>2 So. <2Adula.>2 well saide. <2Opp.>2 hah. <2Avar.>2 what is this hum,
     hah? hum?
<2Insol.>2 onn forth. <2Adul.>2 goe too. <2Op.>2 tell on. <2Avar.>2 bodye of me.
     <2Adul.>2 mum.
<2Avarice.>2 what saie ye? <2Inso.>2 hake. <2Adul.>2 tuff. <2Op.>2 hem. <2Av.>2 who
     haken tuffa hum.
   What saie ye? <2Oppr.>2 nothing. <2Inso.>2 not aworde. <2Ava.>2 nor youe
     neither? <2Ad.>2 mum.
<2Avar.>2 dyd ye speake or not? <2Ins.>2 no. <2Opp.>2 no. <2Adul.>2 no. <2Ava.>2 nor
     yet doo not?s1
<2Inso.>2 no. <2Opp.>2 no. <2Adul.>2 no. <2Op.>2 no. <2Inso.>2 no. <2Adul.>2 no. <2Avar.
that>2
     <2that that that that that?>2
   <2Sir>2 I entend dame Respublica tassa[i]lle
   and so to crepe in to bee of hir Counsaille.
   I hope well to bring hir in suche a paradise
   that hir selfe shall sue me to have my service
   Than shall I have tyme <2and>2 poure to bringe in youe three.
<2Oppression.>2 do this owte of hande founder, <2and>2 first speake for
     me
   bring me in credyte that my hande be in the pye,
   An I gett not elbowe rowme emong them let me lye.
<2Avar.>2 Naie see an Oppression this eager elfe,
   bee not sens more covetous then covetous selfe.
   Softe be not so hastie I praie youe Sir softe awhile
   youe will over the Hedge ere ye come att the stile.
<2Oppr.>2 I wolde fayne be shouldering <2and>2 rumbeling emonge them.
<2Avar.>2 Naie I will helpe Iavels as shall wrong them.
<2Adul.>2 I praie youe goode foundre let not me be the laste.
<2Avar.>2 Thowe shalte be well placed where to thrive verai faste.

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<2Adul.>2 I thanke youe <2maister>2 Avarice with all my harte.
<2Avar.>2 And when thoue arte in place see thowe plaie well thie
     parte
   Whan ye clawe hir elbowe remenbre your best frende,
   <2and>2 lett my Commendacions be ever <2att>2 one ende.
<2Adul.>2 I warraunte youe. <2Insol.>2 And what shall [I] bee left cleane
     owte?
<2Avar.>2 No syr, ye shall bee chiefe to bring all thinges abowte.
   ye shall emonges vs have the chiefe preeminence,
   And we to youe as yt were, oughe obedience.
   ye shalbe our leadcr, our Captaine, <2and>2 our guyde
   Than must ye looke a lofte with thandes vnder the side.
   I shall tell Respublica ye can beste governe,
   bee not ye than skeymishe to take in hand the stern
   than shall we assiste youe as frendes of perfitte truste,
   to doe <2and>2 to vndoe and Commaunde what ye luste
   And when youe have all att your owne will <2and>2 pleasure
   parte of your lyvinges to your frendes ye maie measure
   and punishe the prowdeste of theim <2that>2 will resiste.
<2Oppr.>2 He that ones wincheth shall fele the waite of my fiste.
<2Adul.>2 yea we muste all holde <2and>2 cleve togither like burres.
<2Avar.>2 yea see ye three hang <2and>2 drawe togither like furres.
<2Oppr.>2 And so shall we be sure, to gett store of money,
   Sweter then sugar. <2Avar.>2 sweter then enie honey.
<2Insot.>2 verai well spoken, this geare will right well accorde.
<2Adul.>2 didnot I saie ye were worthie to be a lorde?
<2Avar.>2 I will make Insolence a lorde of highe eastate.
<2Insol.>2 And I will take vppon me well bothe earelye and late.
<2Oppr.>2 But Insolence when ye come to the encrochinge of landes
   ye maie not take all alone into youre handes
   I will looke to have parte of goodes landes <2and>2 plate.
<2Insole.>2 Ye shall have enoughe eche bodye after his rate.
<2Adul.>2 I muste have parte too/ ye muste not have all alone.
<2Inso.>2 Thowe shalte bee laden tyll thye shoulders shall cracke <2and>2
     grone.

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<2Adul.>2 I praie youe lett me have a goode Lordship or twoo.
<2Insol.>2 Respublica shall feede the/tyll thowe wilt<te> saie hoo.
<2Adul.>2 And I miuste have gonde mannour places twoo or three.
<2Insole.>2 But the chiefe and beste Lordship mustc remaine to me.
<2Oppr.>2 masse/ and I will louke to be served of the beste,
orels some folke some where shall sytt but in snnale reste.
<2Insol.>2 I muste have castels <2and>2 Townes in ever ye shierc.
<2Adul.>2 And I chaunge of howses one heare/ <2and>2 another there.
<2Inso.>2 And I muste have pastures/ <2and>2 townships <2and>2 woodes.
<2Oppr.>2 And I muste nedes have store of golde <2and>2 other goodes.
<2Insolence.>2 And I must have chaungc of Farmes <2and>2 pastures for
    shepe,
with dailie revenues my lustye porte for to kepe.
<2Avar.>2 I wolde have a bone here rather then a grote
to make thes Snarling currcs gnawe owte eche others throte.
here be eager whelpes loe: to yt Boye/ box him balle.
poore I, maie picke strawes/ these hungri dogges will snatche all.
<2Oppr.>2 Eche man snatche for hym selfe by gosse I wilbe spedde.
<2Avar.>2 Lacke who lacke shall/ Oppression wilbe corne fedde..
Is not dame Respublica sure of boode handlihge
whan theis whelpes, ere they have ytt/ fall thus to skambling?
And me their chiefe Fownder/ thei have cen syns forgotte.
<2Insolence.>2 Thowe shalte have gold and silver enoughe to thy
    lotte,
  Respublica hath enoughe to fill all oure lappes.
<2Adul.>2 Than I praie youe sir leate oure fownder have some
    scrappes.
<2Avar.>2 Scr[a]ppes ye doultishe lowte? fede youe your founder with
    scrappes?
yf youe were well served/ youre head wolde have some rappes.
<2Adul.>2 I spake of goode will. <2Inso.>2 Naie fight not good Avarice.
<2Avar.>2 What enie of vs getteth/ thoue haste the chiefe price.
<2Avar.>2 Than what ever ye doe ye will remembre me?
<2Insol. Oppr. Adul.>2 yea. <2Avar.>2 well so doe than, <2and>2 I forgeve youe
    all three.

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<2Insol.>2 But when doe wee enter everye man his Charge?
<2Avar.>2 as soone as I can spye Respublica att large
  I will bourde hir, and I trowe so wynne hir favoure
  that she sh<a>ll hire me/ and paie well for my laboure.
  than wyll I comende the vertues of youe three
  that she shall praie <2and>2 wishe vnder our Rewle to bee.
  Therefore from this houre bee ye all in readinesse.
<2Oppr.>2 Doubte not of vs thowe seeste all oure gredinesse.
<2Insol.>2 If ytt bee at midnight, I come att the firste call.
                             <2they go foorthwarde one after other.>2
<2Adul.>2 Doe but whistle for me, and I come foorth with all.
<2Avar.>2 That is well spoken. I love suche atowarde twygg.
<2(he whistleth. Adut.>2 I come fownder.  <2Avar. that>2 is myne owne
    good spaig[n]ell Rigg.
  And come on backe againe all three, come bakke agayne.
<2Insol.>2 Owre founder calleth vs backe. <2Oppr.>2 retourne then
    amaigne.

               <1Actus Primi scena Quarta.>1

        <2A varyce.  A dulacion.  Insolence.   Oppression.>2

<2Avar.>2 Come on syrs all three, And first to youe best be truste
  What is your brainpan stufte with all? wull or sawe duste?
<2Adul.>2 why so?  <2Avar.>2 what is your name?  <2Adul.>2 Flatterie.
    <2Avar.>2 een so iust?
<2Adul.>2 Yea, orels Adulacion if youe so luste,
  Either name is well knowne to mannye a bodye.
<2Avar.>2 An honest mome, ah ye dolt, ye lowte, ye nodye.
  shall Respublica here youre commendacion,
  by the name of Flatterie or Adulacion?
  or when ye Commende me to hir, will ye saie this
Forsouthe his name is Avarice or Covetise?
  And youe that sholde have wytte/ yst your descretion
  Bluntlye to goe forth, and be called Oppression?

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  and youe Insolence doe ye thinke yt wolde well frame
  If ye were presented to hir vnder that name?
<2Insol.>2 I thought nothing therevppon by my holydome.
<2Oppre.>2 My mynde was an other waie by my christendome.
<2Adul.>2 that thing was lest parte of my thowght by Saincte denie.
<2Avar.>2 No Marie your myndes were all on your haulfe penie.
  but my maisters I must on myne honestie passe,
  And not Ronne on heade, like a brute beaste or an asse
  For is not Oppression eche where sore hated?
  and is not flaterie openly rahated?
  And am not I Avarice styll cryed owte vppon?
<2Adul.>2 Yes I coulde have tolde youe <2that,>2 agreate <w>hile agone
  but I woulde not displease youe.  <2Avar. and>2 youe Insolence
  I have harde youe ill spoken of a greate waie hens.
<2Adul.>2 In my consciens the devill hym selfe dothe love youe.
<2Avar.>2 But chaungeyng your yll name fewer shall reprove youe
  as I myne owen self where my name is knowen
  Am right sore assailed to be over throwen
  But dooing as I wyll nowe countrefaicte my name
  I spede all my purposes/ <2and>2 yet escape blame.
<2Inso.>2 Lett vs then have newe names eche manne withowte delaye.
<2Avar.>2 Els will some of youe make, good hanging stuff one daie
<2Oppr.>2 Thowe must newe christen vs. <2Insol.>2 first what shall my
     name bee?
<2Avar.>2 Faithe sir your name shalbe mounsyre Authoritie.
<2Oppr.>2 And for me what ys your determinacyon?
<2Avar.>2 Marye syr ye shalbe, called Reformacyon.
<2Adul.>2 Nowe I praie yowe devise for me an honest name.
<2Avar.>2 Thowe arte suche a beaste, I cannot for veray shame.
<2Adul.>2If ye thinke good lett me be called Policie.
<2Avar.>2 policie.  a rope ye shall. Naye <2Hipocrisie.>2
<2Adul.>2 Fy that were as slaunderous a name a[s] Flatterye.
<2Avarice.>2 And I kepe for myselfe the name of Policie.
  But if I devise for thee, wilte thowe not shame me?
<2Adul.>2 Naie, I will make the prowde of me, orels blame me.
 <2Adul.>2 I thanke youe Avaryce. <2Honestie, Honestie.>2
<2Avar.>2 Avaryce ye whooresone? Policye I tell the.
<2Adul.>2 I thanke youe Polycye. Honestie, Honestie.
   Howe saie youe Insolence? I am nowe <2Honestie.>2

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<2Avar.>2 Well than for this tyme thy name shalbe <2Honestie.>2
<2Advl.>2 I thanke youe Avaryce. <2Honestle, Honestie.>2
<2Avar.>2 Avaryce ye whooresone? Policye I tell the.
<2Adul.>2 I thanke youe Polycye. Honestie, Honestie.
   Howe saie youe Insolence? I am nowe <2Honestie.>2
<2Avar.>2 We shall att length have a knave of youe <2Honestie.>2
   Sayde not I he sholde be called mounsier Authoritye?
<2Adulacion.>2 Oh frende Oppression, <2Honestie, Honestie.>2
<2Avar.>2 Oppression? hah? is the devyll in thye brayne?
   Take hede, or in faithe ye are flatterye againe.
   policie, Reformacion, <2Authoritie.>2
<2Adul. Hipocrysie,>2 Diffamacion, <2Authorytie.>2
<2Avar.>2 Hipocrisye, hah? Hipocrisie, ye dull asse?
<2Adul.>2 Thowe namedste Hipocrisie even nowe by the masse.
<2Avaryce.>2 Polycye I saide, policye knave polycye.
   Nowe saye as I sayd.  <2Adul.>2 Policie knave policie/
<2Avar.>2 And what callest thowe hym here?  <2Adul.>2 Dyffamacion.
<2Avar.>2 I tolde the he shoulde be called Reformacion.
<2Adul.>2 veraye well.  <2Avar.>2 What ys he nowe?  <2Adul.>2 Deforma-
     cion.
<2Avarice.>2 Was ever the like asse borne in all nacions?
<2Adul.>2 A pestell on hym, lie comes of the Acyons.
<2Avar.>2 Come on, ye shall Learne to sion.
   Sing on nowe. Re.  <2Adul.>2 Re.  <2Avar.>2 Refor.  <2Adul.>2Reforma
      cion.
<2Avar.>2 Policie, Reformacion, Authorytie.
<2Adulacion.>2 Polycie, Reformacion and Honestie.
<2Avar.>2 In faithe ye asse yf your tong make enie moo trips
   ye shall bothe be flatterie and have on the lips.
   And now mounsyre Authoritie againste I youe call
   ye muste have other garmentes, and soo muste ye all
   ye muste for the season, counterfaite gravitee.
<2Ins. et oppr.>2 yes, what els?  <2Adul.>2 And I muste counterfaite
      honestie.
<2Avar.>2 And I must tourne my gowne in <2and>2 owte I wene
   for theise gaping purses maie in no wyse be seen.

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   I will tourne ytt een here. come helpe me honestye.
<2Adul.>2 here at hande.  <2Avar.>2 why, how now? plaie the knave
     honestie?
   helpe, what dooest thowe nowe?  <2Adul.>2 I counterfaicte
     honestie.
<2Avar.>2Why than come thowe; helpe me, my frende Oppression.
   what helpe calle youe that?  <2Oppr.>2 fytt for your discrecion.
<2Avar.>2 Oh I shoulde have sayde, helpe sir Reformacyon.
<2Oppr.>2 Yea Marye sir that is my nomynacion.
<2Avar.>2 And whan yowe are [in] your Robe, keape yt afore close.
<2Oppr.>2 I praie youe maister policie for what purpose?
<2Avar.>2 All folke wyll take youe if theye piepe vnder your gowne
   for the veriest catif in Countrey or towne.
   Now goe, <2and>2 when I call, see that ye readie be.
<2Inso.>2 I will.  <2Oppr.>2 And I wyll.  <2Adul.>2 And so will I honestie.
                                                     <2exeant.>2
<2Avar.>2 Well nowe will I departe hens also for a space
   And to bourde Respublica waite a tyme of grace.
   <w>herever I fynde hir a tyme convenie<n>t
   I shall saie and dooe that maie bee expedient.
                                                 <2exeat Avar.>2


                <1Actus secundi scena prima.>1

                        <2Respublica.>2

<2Respublica.>2 Lorde what yearethlye thinge is permanent or stable,
   or what is all this worlde but a lumpe mutable?
   who woulde have thowgh     that I from so florent estate
   coulde have been browght so base as I am made of Late?
   But as the waving seas, doe flowe <2and>2 ebbe by course,
   So all thinges els doe chaunge to better and to wurse.
   Greate Cyties <2and>2 their fame in tyme dooe fade and passe
   Nowe is a Champion fielde where noble Troie was.
   where is the greate Empire of the Medes <2and>2 persans?
   where bee tholde conquestes of the puissaunt Grecians?

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   where Babilon? where Athennes? where Corinth so wyde?
   are thei not consumed with all their pompe <2and>2 pryde?
   what is the cause heareof mannes wytte cannot discusse
   but of Long contynuaunce the thing is founde thus.
   yet by all experience thus muche is well seen
   That in Comon weales while goode governors have been
   All thing hath prospered, and where suche men dooe lacke
   Comon weales decaye, and all thinges do goe backe.
   what mervaile then yf I wanting a perfecte staigh
   From mooste flourishing welth bee falen in decaye?
   But lyke as by default quicke ruine dothe befalle
   So maie good governemente att ons recover all.
                        <2Intrat Avar. cogitabundus et ludibundus.>2


              <1Actus secundi scena Secunda.>1

                  <2Avaricia.: Respublica.>2

<2Avar.>2 Alas my swete bages howe lanke and emptye ye bee?
   but in faithe and trawth sirs the fawlte ys not in mee.
<2Respubl.>2 well my helpe and Comforte oh lorde must come from
     thee.
<2Avar.>2 And ny swete purses heare I praie youe all see see,
   how the litle foole[s] gaspe <2and>2 gape for grumble sede.
<2Resp.>2 Iff ytt be thie will lorde send some redresse with spede.
<2Avar.>2 But in faithe goode swete fooles yt shall cost me a fall,
   but I will shortelye fyll youe; <2and>2 stoppe your mouthes all.
<2Resp.>2 Oh, that ytt were my happe, on frendelye frendes to light--
<2Avar.>2 Hahe? who is that same; <2that>2 speaketh yonder in sight?
   Who ist? Respublica? yea by the marye masse.
<2Respub.>2 Than might I bee againe, aswell as ere I was.
<2Avar.>2 <H>ide, vp th<es>e pipes, nowe I praie god she bee blynde,
   I am haulf a fraide leste she have an yei be hynde.
   we must nowe chaunge <2our>2 Coppie: oh lorde whowe I fraie,
   lest she sawe my toyes <2and>2 harde whatt I dyd saie.
<2Respub.>2 Is there no good manne that on me wyll have mercye?

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<2Avar.>2 Remembre nowe my name ys maister policie.
   all thing I tell yowe muste nowe goe by policie.
<2Resp.>2 Herke; me thinke I heare the name of polycye.
<2Avar.>2 Hooe calleth Conscience? heare am I polycie.
<2Resp.>2 I praie youe come to me if youe bee policie.
<2Avar.>2 yea forsouth, yea forsouthe, my name ys polycye.
<2Resp.>2 I am sore decaied throughe defalte of polycye.
<2Avar.>2 yea, moost noble Respublica, I knowe that well,
   And doe rnore lament yt, then enie tong can tell.
   For an if goode policie had had youe in hande,
   ye had nowe been the wealthiest in anye lande.
   but good policie hath long been putte to exile.
<2Resp.>2 yea god wotte ye have been bard from me agreate
     while.
<2Avar.>2 yea, I have been putte backe, as one cleane of shaken,
   And what can a man doe, tyll he be forthe taken?
<2Resp.>2 well I fele the lacke of your helping hande by the Roode.
<2Avar.>2 Alacke noble ladye I woulde I coulde doo youe goode.
<2Respub.>2 yes policie ye might amende all if youe luste.
<2Avar.>2 yea feithe, I durste put miself to youe of truste
   but there bee enoughe that for youe coulde shifte make.
<2Respublica.>2 yet none like to yowe, if yowe woulde yt vnder take,
   <2and>2 I will putt miselfe whollye into your hand
   Metall, graine, cataill, treasure, goodes <2and>2 landes.
<2Avar.>2 well I will take some paine but this to youe be knowen,
   I will doe ytt, not for your sake, but for myne owne.
<2Respub.>2 Howe saie ye <2that>2 policie?  <2Avar.>2 this to yowe bee
     knowen,
   I will doe all for your sake, and not for myne owen.
<2Resp.>2 I thanke youe policie.  <2Avar.>2 naie I thanke youe ladye
   And I trust ere long to ease all [y]oure maladie.
   will ye putte yourselfe nowe wholye into my handes?

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<2Resp.>2 ordre me as youe wyll.   <2Avar.>2 Treasure goodes  <2and>2
     Iandes?
<2Kesp.>2 yea everye whitte.  <2Avar.>2 well, I thanke youe ons againe.
   But nowe that youe maie thinke I my dealing trewe <2and>2 plaine,
   And because one cannot doe so well as <rn>annye,
   ye<sI>s muste associate me with mo compaignie
   And first by my will ye shall sette vp honestie.
<2Resp.>2 Marye, with all my veraie harte: but where is he?
<2Avar.>2 veray hard to fynde: but I thinke I coulde fett<s2>s hym.
<2Resp.>2 Call him straight waies hither, see that nothing lett hym.
<2Avar.>2 It were best if I shall goe fett men for the nones
   to make but one viage, <2and>2 bring them all att ones.
<2Resp.>2 whome more then hym?  <2Avar.>2 ye muste stablishe
     Authoritie.
<2Resp.>2 that muste needes bee doen.  <2Avar.>2 and eke Reforma-
     cion.
   wee fowre will rewle thinges of an other facion.
<2Resp.>2 Polycye I praie youe goe fette all these straight waye.
<2Avar.>2 yes, for this your present case maie byde no delaye,
   I will goe <2and>2come wyth all Festinacion.
<2Resp.>2 I like well this trade of Administracion
   policie for to devise for my Comoditie
   no personne to be advaunced but honestye,
   then Reformacion good holsome lawes to make
   And Auctorytie see the same effecte maie take
   what comon weale shall then bee so happie as I?
   For this (I perceive) is the drifte of policie.
                  <2Intrat Avarice ad ducens Insol. oppr. et adulac.>2
   And beholde where he is retourned againe seens,
   Hee shewith himselfe aman of muche diligence.

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                <1Actus secitndi, scena tertia.>1

   <2A dulacion.  A varyce.  Respublica.  Insolence.  Oppression.>2

<2Adul.>2 I will doe hir double servis to another.
<2Avar.>2 ye double knave youe, willye never be other?
<2Adula.>2 she shall have triple service of me honestye.
<2Avar.>2 ye quadrible knavc will, ye ner vse modestie?
   Thowe dronken whoresone, doest thoue not see nor perceive
   where Respublica standes readie vs to receyve?
<2Respub.>2 what talke have theye yonder emong them selves to-
     gither?
<2Adul.>2 I have spied hir nowe. shall I first to hir thither?
<2Avar.>2 Softe lett me present yowe.  <2Resp.>2 I weene thei bee in
      feare.
   polycye approche, <2and>2 bring my goode frendes nere.
<2Avar.>2 Come on my deare frendes <2and>2 execute <2with>2 good wyll,
   suche offyce as eche of youe shall be putt vntyll.
   Dame Respublica yt ys that for youe hathe sent.
   Come on Frendes I will youe vnto her greace present.
<2Inso. Oppr.>2 <To> serve h<i)r we are preast with harte <2and>2 whole
     entent.
<2Avar.>2 Madame I have brought youe these men for whom I went.
<2Respub.>2 Policie I thanke youe/ ye have made spiede spede,
   thereforeye be double welcolne/ <2and>2 welcome frendes in dede.
<2Avar.>2 Madame your grace to serve we all are fullye bente.
<2Adul.>2 And Madame ye shall fynde me double diligente.
<2Resp.>2 That is spoken of a goode harte: but who bee ye?
<2Adula.>2 Forsouth madame my name ys maister Honestie.
<2Resp.>2 honestye? well saide.  <2A var.>2 Madame this is honestie.
<2Adula.>2 yea forsouth an please your grace I am honestee.
<2Avar.>2 Madame he is for youe: on my woorde regarde hym.
<2Resp.>2 yes <2and>2 with large preferment I will rewragrde hym.

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<2Adul.>2 I thanke your grace. And I will for youe take suche paine
   that ere I deserve one/ ye shall geve me twayne.
<2Avar.>2 Honestie your tong tripth.  <2Resp.>2 howe saide ye, take such
     paine?
<2Adul.>2 That ere ye geve me one I will deserve twaine.
   By your lycence madame to take awaie this mote.
<2Avar.>2 Naie honestie will not see a wemme on your Cote.
   Nowe vnto youe I commende Reformacion.
<2Resp.>2 Of hym is no small nede nowe in this nacion.
<2Oppr.>2 well nowe <2that>2 ye bydde me abuses to redresse
   I doubte not all enormitis so to represse,
   As shall redowne to your wealth and honour att length.
<2Respub.>2 There to shall Authoritee ayde youe with his strength.
<2Avar.>2 yea, for Authoritee to governe ys mooste fytte.
<2Insole.>2 yf ye dame Republica doe me so admytte
   I doubte not to hamper the prowdeste of them all.
<2Resp.>2 And emong youe destroye, Avarice--  <2Adul.>2 hem.  <2Insol.>2
     <2et oppr.>2 we shall.
<2Resp.>2 Vanquishe Oppression and Adulacion,
   For those three have nighe wrought my desolacion.
<2Avar.>2 hem, sirs, hem there, kepe your gownes close afore I saie
   have ye forgotten nowe what I tolde youe one daye?
   There is an other too/ that wolde bee chaced hens.
<2Respubl.>2 who is that?  <2Avar.>2 Lucifers sonne called Insolence.
<2Resp.>2 ye saie truth and manye naughtie ones moo then he.
<2Insol. et oppr.>2 If ye dare truste vs--  <2Insol.>2 all--  <2Oppr.>2 all shall
     reformed bee.
<2Resp.>2 I thanke youe/ <2and>2 I truste youe for my maintenaunce
   Too bee administer for your goode governaunce.
<2Insol.>2 Than withowte feare or care ye maie yourselfe repose.
<2Oppr.>2 And lett vs alone withall suche mattiers as<sI>s those.
<2Resp.>2 Than I leave yowe heare on our affaires to consoulte.
                                                  <2exeat Resp.>2

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<2Insol.>2 whan youe please in godes name.  <2Oppr.>2 we muste bothe
                     sifte <2and>2 boulte.
<2Adul.>2 She is gonne.  <2Avar.>2 well then sirs lett vs make no delaye
   But abowte our markett departe eche manne his waye.
<2Adul.>2 Naie first lett vs sing a song to lighten our hartes.
<2Avar.>2 Than are ye like for me/ to sing but of three <2partes.>2
   Canne Avarice harte bee sett on a merie pynne
   And see no gaine no profitte att all coming in?
<2Insol.>2 We shall have enoughe to drive awaie all sorowe.
<2Avar.>2 Than sing wee on bowne viage, and Saincte George the
     borowe.
        <2Cantent, Bring ye to me>2 and <2I to ye,>2 et cetera <2et sic exeant.>2


               <1Actus tercij <sI>s scena Prima.>1

                        <2Respublica.>2

<2Respub.>2 The goode hope that my mysters have putt me in
   to recover rewine that in me dothe beginne,
   hathe so recomforted my spirites <2and>2 myne harte
   that I feale muche easemente of my greate greefe <2and>2 smarte.
   nowe I doe lesse woonder that lost men life to save,
   Ferre from lande dooe laboure againste the roring wave
   for hope I see, hathe mightie Operacion
   Againste the mortall sting of drouping desperacion.
   nowe if I might but heare what policie hathe wrought
   or some one good thing <2that>2 my frendes to passe had browght
   I woulde putt no doubtes but all thing should
   Loe where Cometh honestie: he wyll the truthe tell.


               <1Actus tercij Scena sccunda.>1

                  <2Adulacyon.  Respublyca.>2

<2Adul.>2 Three Hundred pounde by yeare and agoode manour place.
   well, yt ys metely well in so sholte tyme and space.

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   More will come right shortelye this geare dothe gailie walke.
   Bones, heare is Respublica, what vse I suche ta[l]ke?
   I seeke ladie Respublica.  <2Resp.>2 loe I am here
   And welcome honestie. what doe my frendes mooste deare?
<2Adul.>2 Certes, madame we reste nor daie nor night nor howre
   <to p>ractise and travaile for your welth and honoure.
   But/ O/ lorde what a prudente man ys policie
   what a depe heade he hathe to devise <2and>2 to spie.
<2Resp.>2 he is fyne in dede.  <2Adul.>2 Also Reformacion.
   howe earenest he is in his Opperacyon.
<2Resp.>2 I thinke of hym no lesse.  <2Adul.>2 nowe than Authoritee
   The stowtest in his offyce that ever I dyd see.
   I will no farther prayse them madame/ for doubtelesse
   theye ferre sormounte all praise <2that>2 rny tong can expresse.
   yee maie blesse the tyme ye mette with suche as thei bee
   And I doe my poore parte/ <2Resp.>2 I doubte not honestee,
   And condinge Rewarde shall ye all have for your paine.
<2Adul.>2 I have scarce an howse wherin myselfe to mayntayne.
<2Respub. Honestie,>2 shall not lacke.  <2Adul.>2 I doe not crave nor care.
   we shall take but scraps <2and>2 refuse, that ye maie spare.
   we willnot encroche the peoples Comoditie
   we shall take onelie that maie come with honestie.
<2Respub.>2 Christes blessing have ye. but loe yonder cometh people.
<2Adul.>2 I had thought as soone to have mette here paules
     steeple.


                <1Actus tercij scena tertia.>1

             <2People.     Adulacion.     Respublica.>2

<2People.>2 whares Rice puddingcake? I praie god she bee in heale.
<2Adul.>2 who? Rice puddingcake?  <2peopl.>2 yea alese dicts comon-
     weale.
<2Adul.>2 I knowe hir not.  <2peopl.>2 masse youe liest valeslye in your
     harte.
   She is this waie. che wart afalse harlot youe arte.

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   <2dul.>2 I knowe Respublica. <2peopl.>2 yea marie whare is shee?
   <2dul.>2 She is buisie nowe/ <2peopl.>2 masse ere iche goe chill hir zee,
   for this waie she came.   <2Respub.>2 lett my people come to
     mee.
<2Adulac.>2 god forbydde els. Come on people is this same shee?
<2Peopl.>2 yea malkin ist.  <2Resp.>2 People what wolde youe with me
     nowe?
   <2Peopl.>2 Marye mustres madame my ladie, howe doe youe?
<2Respub.>2 Even so so people. I thanke youe withall my Harte,
   And I hope for better.  <2Peopl.>2 Than lett poore volke ha zome
     <2parte>2
   vor we Ignoram people whom itche doe perzente
   wer ner zo I polde, zo wrong, and zo I torment.
   Lorde Ihese Christe whan he was I pounst <2and>2 I pilate
   was ner zo I trounst as we have been of years late.
<2Adul.>2 how so? who hathe wrought to youe suche extremytee?
<2Peopl.>2 Naie to tell how zo, passeth our captyvytee.
<2Respub.>2 It passeth anie mans Imaginacion.
<2People.>2 youe zai zouth, yt passeth anie mans madge mason
   vor we pynke ye love vs as well as ere ye dyd.
<2Respub.>2 My love towardes youe my people cannot be hydde.
<2people.>2 And we pinke ye woulde faine wee poore volke did well.
<2Respub.>2 And better then ere ye dyd/ if howe, I coulde tell
<2people.>2 And we Pinke ye woulde we zelie poore volke sholde
     thrive.
<2Respub.>2 yea doubtles as anye lyke creature alive.
<2Adul.>2 What nede ye of hir goode will towardes yowe to doubte?
<2people.>2 peace thoue with zorowe and let me tell my tall owte.
<2Respub.>2 Saie on my good people/ let me heare all your mynde.
<2people.>2 Bum vei we ignoram people beeth not zo blinde
   but we passeive, ther falleth of corne <2and>2 cattall
   wull, shepe/ woode, leade, tynne, Iron <2and>2 other metall,
   And of all pinges, enoughe vor goode and badde
   and as commediens wor vs, as er we hadde.
   and yet the price of evrye thing is zo dere

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   as thoughe the grounde dyd bring vorth no suche thing no
     where.
<2Respb.>2 In dede I have enoughe if yt be well ordered,
   but fewe folke the better yf I bee misordered.
<2People.>2 Nai now youe zai zouth/ een pieke same waie goeth the
     hare.
   Ill ordring tis, hath made bothe youe and wee threde bare.
<2Adulacion.>2 what naughtie folkes were thei? can yowe their names
     reade?
<2People.>2 yea that Iscan awhole messe of om for a neade.
   There is vorste and vormooste Flatteree ill a pee
   A slypper suger mowthed howrecop, as can bee
   he fliereth on youe/ <2and>2 beareth vs faire in hande
   And therewhile robbeth bothe youe <2and>2 we of oure lande.
   Than cometh the sowre roughe crabbcd childe Oppression
   he tumbleth whom a lust oute of possession.
   Than ys there the thirde, Iscannot membre his name.
   what call ye piekesame felowes? god geve them a shame,
   that beeth styll clymbing vp a lofte for premydence
   And cannot be content with theire state?  <2Adul.>2 Insolence?
<2people.>2 yea picke same is he, zorylesse.  <2Resp.>2 Naie Insolence.
<2people.>2 well, hele roile all the roste alone cha harde yt zaide
   orels make the best of them agaste <2and>2 afraide.
   And zuche goode men as coulde <2and>2 woulde ordre youe well
   he is so copped he nil not suffre<sI>s to mell.
   If theye nylnot be rolde then hence oute of favoure
   <yea> and perhaps corrupte om zore vor their Laboure.
   yet he and thother twaine weorke all after the vice
   of cha for yet tone name tother is Covetise.
   picke hongri howrecop hathe suche a policate wytte,
   That he teacheth them to rake and scrape vp eche whytt.
   And zo these vowre, (but it shall never come owt for me)

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   volke thinke will never cease to spoile bothe youe <2and>2 we.
   vor sometime thei face vs/ and call vs peason knaves
   And zwareth goddes bones thei will make vs all slaves.
   Tharevore chwas besiraunce your ladidome to zee,
   and to geve youe warning.  <2Resp.>2 heare ye this Honestye?
<2people.>2 well and god emend all and abee zo good a clerke--
<2Resp.>2 heare ye this honestie?  <2people.>2 though tynkers sholde
      lacke worke.
<2Resp.>2 I am putte in comforte all shall shortelye emende.
<2Adul.>2 itt ys in goode waie alreadye/ els godde defende.
<2Respub.>2 loe people hearest thowe this? bee of good cheare.
<2peop.>2 yea, iche heare his vaire wordes: but what beeth we the
      neare?
<2Respub.>2 People vnderstande ye that this ys <2Honestee.>2
<2peopl.>2 whare a bee trowe? masse cha zeen zome as zmothe as
     hee
   have be trial bee vound valse flattcrers to bee.
<2Respub.>2 I take this man for no suche: this ys <2Honestee.>2
<2People.>2 A gaye smoult smirking howrecop tis zo mot I pee.
<2Respub.>2 well credite my wordes people/ this ys honestee.
<2People.>2 whan Isfinde ytt, chil beleve yt. <2Resp.>2 tys honestie.
<2people.>2 Iscrye hym mercye than. <2Resp.>2 he and <2Authorytee,>2
   Ioignyng with policie <2and>2 Reformacyon
   Travaile to rcstore tholde welth to this nacion
<2people.>2 whoughe than chil warte all within twoo years as plentye,
   as twas eny tyme within these yeres twyse twentye.
   but how maye we knowe, <2and>2 see that this thyng ys trewe?
<2Adulacion.>2 yc shall prove att length by theffecte <2that>2 shall
     ensue.
<2peop.>2 Nai and we shall alwaie bee served but with shales,
   than chil beleve een still/ <2that>2 vaire woordes beeth but tales.
<2Agdul.>2 The thing alreadie to suche forwardnes ys browght
   that muche to your benefytte ys alreadie wrowght.
<2Peop.>2 yea? what any goode acte have ye alreadye doone?
<2Adul.>2 It ys but yong daies yet, thinges are but nowe beegone.
   the frewte of <2our>2 dooinges cannot so soone appeare.

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   but people ye shall feele ytt within seve(n) y(eare.)
   ye knowe it is no smale weorke from so greate decaie--
<2Respub.>2 People, he saith truthe. <2Adul.>2 to sett all in good staighe
   therefore bee ye quiet, and hope for a goode ende.
<2people.>2 yes chil tarie laisure I <2and>2 take what god shall send.
<2Respub.>2 Than people let vs twaine/ departe in quietnesse,
   For this talking here/ maye hinder theire buisinesse.
<2peopl.>2 Come on I chil waite avore youe, and bee your <2exeant.>2
     manne.
<2Adul.>2 And I will to rny fealows as faste as I canne.
   Bee thei gone? fare well theye/ god sende them bothe the pippe.
   but in feith people I will have youe on the hyppe.
   I wilbe even with youe for your brode carping.
   Ah, ye peasaunte wretche, on vs fowre to bee harping.
   And yet muste we <2our>2 mattiers handle descretelye,
   orels I feare yt will ende not veraye swetelye.
   but nowe I wolde Avarice orels Insolence,
   or Oppression were heare rather then six pence.
   And loe where Avarice comth a woulff in the tale,
   (as the proverbe saithe) what dothe he after hym hale?


               <1Actus tercij scena quarta.>1

                   <2A varice.    A dulacion. <sI>s>2

<2Avar.>2 Come on  swete bags of golde/ come on with a good will
   I on youe soo tendre; <2and>2 ye soo frowarde styll?
   Come forewarde I praie youe swete bags; ah, will ye soo?
   Come or I muste drawe youe whether ye will or noo.
   I knowe your desire ye woulde faine bee in my chest.
   when the bealie is full the bones woulde bee att reast.
   bee contente awhile I will couche youe all vp soone
   where ye shalnot bee spied neither of Sonne nor Mone.
   what nowe brother honestie? what prye ye this waie?
   is there eni thing here that ys yours, can ye saie?

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   looke of from my baggs, yt ys a pretye matrer,
   ye can see no grene cheese/ but your teethe wyll watier/
<2Adul. In nomine patris,>2 hast thowe gotte all this syens?
<2Avar.>2 whi, thinkest thowe I have sett ydle sens I went hens?
   Naie I have filled my lytle purses too eche one.
<2Adul.>2 hast thow so in dede? thowe arte a felowe alone.
<2Avar.>2 with olde Aungelots and Edwardes I thinke I have.
   Come forthe. how saie ye sir? pepe out ye litle knave.
   howe thinke youe by this bunting? is he full or no?
   And his felowes all dothe not theire skinne stretche for wo?
   Now theie litell buttons no bygger then twoo nuttes
   have theye not plaied gluttons, <2and>2 filled well theire guttes?
<2Adul.>2 But looke who cometh yonder puffing and tuffing.
<2Avar.>2 Come the devill yf hym luste staring and snuffing.


               <1Actus tertij scena quinta.>1

            <2Oppression.     A varice.    A dulacion.>2

<2Oppr.>2 In all my whole life was I never werier.
<2Avar.>2 Come nere on goddes halfe the mo knaves the merier.
   where have ye lost your breath? in some cofer dyvinge?
<2Opp.>2 Shouldring emonges them for a peice of a lyvinge.
<2Adulacion.>2 And what are yowe nowe in any goode hope to
     thryve?
<2Oppr.>2 Feithe if I luste I maie were myters fowre or fyve
   I have so manye haulfe bisshoprikes at the leaste.
<2Adul.>2 by tharmes of Callis/ than am I a verye beaste.
<2Avar.>2 why what hast thowe gotten to thie share in this space?
<2Adul.>2 three hundred pound by the yeare and one manior place.
<2Avar.>2Ah the passhen of god/ three hundred pownd <2and>2 no more?
<2Adul.>2 Is not that faire for hym <2that>2 had nothing befo
<2Avar.>2 what, three hundred pound by years? call the honestee?
   Call thee a knave thowe shamest <2our>2 fraternitee.
   three hundred pounde? if some man had been in thie rome

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   A thowsaunde pounde a yeare/ ere this tyme might have come-
   three hunderd pounde a yeare ? againste <2our>2 next metinge,
   geate more/ or I shall geve [thee] a homlye greetinge.
<2Adul.>2 he here hathe flytched the bisshoprikes alreadie.
<2Avar.>2 yea, I can him thanke he hathe been somewhatt spedie.
<2Oppr.>2 But yet have I left many a goode gobbet looce.
   Chaunge thoue for the reast/ geve a fether for agooce.
<2Adula.>2 Didst thowe with anie one of them make suche exchaunge?
<2Oppr.>2 yea I almoste leaft them never a ferme nor graunge.<sI>s
   I tolde them Respublica at their wealth dyd grutche
<2and>2 the fyfte pennie thaye had was for them to muche.
   So Authoritee <2and>2 I, did with theim soo choppe
   that we lefte the best of them a threde bare bisshop:
   to some we left one howse, to some we left none,
   The beste had but his see place, that he might kepe home.
   we enfourmed them/ <2and>2 we defourmed theym,
   we confourmed them, <2and>2 we refourrned theym.
<2Adul.>2 And what gave ye theim in your permutacions?
<2Oppr.>2 Bare parsonages of appropriacions,
   bowght from Respublica <2and>2 firste emprowed,
   than at the higheste extente to bisshops allowed,
   leate owte to theire handes for fowrescore <2and>2 ny<netee>n yeare.
<2Avar.>2 Loe cosyn honestee loe, doo ye heare this geare?
   Faith youer rnasship will thrive att the latter lammas.
<2Adul.>2 I nowe graunte myselfe to have been a verye asse,
   but all ys not yet gonne/ in cace I have goode lucke.
<2Oppr.>2 No there is yet enoughe left, for a better plucke
   For some of them were aged <2and>2 yet wouldnot dye,
   and some woulde in no wyse to owre desyres applye.
   But we have Roddes in pysse for them everye chone,
   that they shalbe flyced yf we reigne, one by one.
<2Avar.>2 And howe dyd all frame with <2our>2 mounsire Authorytee?
<2Oppr.>2 Att length he wonne the full superiorytee.
<2Adul.>2 But the rude grosse people at hym repyneth sore,
   and againste vs all fowre with a wyde throte dothe he rore.

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   But softe, peace, me thinketh I here hym hem and hake.<sI>s
   If we mete here all fowre we shall some ordre take.


                 <1Actus tercij scena sexta.>1

      <2Insolence.  Adulacion.  Oppression.  A varice.>2

<2Insolence.>2 what, myne olde frendes all three? by my truthe sirs
     well founde.
<2Adul. et oppr.>2 feith syr, mooste hartelye welcome into this
     grownde.
<2Insol.>2 Bones, what have we here?  <2Avar.>2 a hah.  <2Insol.>2 bags of
     money, I trowe?
<2Avar.>2 Have we? naie I have, but none for youe <2that>2 I knowe.
   loe sir, thus miglit an boneste man come to his harmes.
   I will lye downe on them/ <2and>2 kepe theym in myne armes.
<2Insol.>2 Haste thowe gotte all this? I miselfe have not so muche.
<2Avar.>2 Than have ye whole towncs <2and>2 castells: I have none suche
   yet wyll ye not denie I iudge in my fansie,,
   that ye gotte theym by the drifte of me Policie.
<2Insol.>2 I confesse that.  <2Oppr.>2 all my landes are scarce so muche
     woorth.
<2Avar.>2 Thei were lesse when I pulicie firstc <2sett youe>2 foorth.
<2Adul.>2 he hathe purses with golde, woulde I had so manie.
<2Avar.>2 It were pittie <2that>2 suche a gooce shoulde have enie.
   youre good masship appoincted me to crumes <2and>2 scraps
   but Police wyll lyve by his neighbours perhaps.
   But thus I see youe woulde polle me an ye wiste howe
   therefore I will goe hoorde yt, I make god a vowe
   I will make yt sure vnder nyne doores and nyne lockes
   <And> who but looketh that waie, shall syt in niene stockes.
<2Insolence.>2 Naie, fyrste declare to vs howe thowe didst all this
     geate.
<2Avar.>2 For your learning I will youe a spectacle sette
   but fyrst gette ye from me, <2and>2 stande a goode waie hence,
   This shallnot lye within your reache by youre lycence.

|p 
   Naie yet farther lest ye take my baggs for bluddinges
   for suchc hongrye dokgs will slabbe vp sluttishe puddinges.
<2Adnl.>2 Is yt well nowe?  <2Avar.>2 yea, nowe hardelie stand there
     styll,
   And the Names of my baggs to youe declare I will.
   Firste and foremoste this bagg is my veraie cleare gaine
   of leasses encroched and foorthwith solde againe
   This bag is myne intresse, of thys yearcs vserie
   And this is of mattiers bolstred vpp with periurie
   This is bribes above my stipende in offecis
   This fifth I have by selling of benefices
   This ys my rentes that my clerkes yearelye render me
   to bee <2and>2 contynue in offyce vnder me.
   This same I got by sectourshipp of my Mother,
   A vengeaunce on hir old witche for suche an other.
   This bag have I kepte of other sectourships whole,
   whiche the madde knaves woulde have<s1>s scattred by penie dole.
   This is of Churche goodes scraped vpp withoute alawe,
   For which was as quicke scaambling as ever I sawe,
   of their plate, their iewels, <2and>2 copes, we made them lowtes,
   Stopping peoples barking with lynnen rags <2and>2 clowtes,
   Thei had thalter clothes thalbes and amices
   With the sindons in which wer wrapte the chalices.
   This nyneth hath beguiled the king of his custome,
   This tenth of selling counterfaicte wares hath come.
   Now this eleventh is of tallowe, Butter, Cheese,
   Corne, Raweclothes, leather by stelth sent beyonde seaes
   This twelfth is of grayne, bell meatall, tynne and lead,
   Conveighd owte by crekes whan Respublica was in bed
   This thirteenth I filled throughe facing owte of dawes
   bothe from landes and goodes by pretence of the lawes.
   Thus these thirteen smale Iobbes are myne by policie
   All men must shifte for a poore Lyving honestlye.
   If er I bestowe them, yt shalbee the nexte lent
   to the prioure of prickingham and his covent.
<2Adul.>2 well nowe we maie come nere maie we not if we lust?

|p 
<2Avar.>2 ye are nere enoughe: oute of my reache I dare youe trust.
<2Adul.>2 well, nowe lett vs sing yf ytt please Authoritee
   to refreshe oure spirites yt ys restorytee.
<2Insol.>2 I recke not for Compaignie sake to sing once <more.>
<2Avar.>2 I have lesse minde to sing nowe then I had before.
   than had I no luste to sing because I was bare,
   And nowe howe to kepe that I have gotte I doe care.
<2Oppr.>2 Solace we muste nedes have whan <2that>2 we are werie.
<2Adul.>2 It prolongeth the life of manne to bee merye.
<2Avar.>2 An if ye sing so muche honestie withowte faile
   Thriste <2and>2 youe at length I feare will makea battaile
   But goe too, sing on, yf there be no remedie.
   An ye looke at my bags ye marre my melodie.
    <2Cantent, Hey noney nony houghe for money>2 et cetera.
<2Oppr.>2 Now, abought profitte devide we ourselves abrode.
<2Avar.>2 yea, and heare ye maisters? while tyme is, laie on lode
   Consider ye have but a tyme of hey making,
   And harvest is not mued withowte peines taking.
   Nowe, tyme willnot tarye <2and>2 therefore take good hede
   despache while tyme serveth and all your matie[r]s spede.
   Tyme hath no reine nor bridle/ but renneth a pace.
<2Insol.>2 Marke policies woordes/ sirs, excellent in our cace.
<2Avar.>2 And tyme hathe this one vngracious propertee,
   to blab at length <2and>2 open all that he doothe see.
   Than a daughter eke he hath called veritee,
   As vnhappie a longtounged girle as can bee.
   she bringeth all to light, some she bring[eth] to shame,
   she careth not a grote what manne hathe thanke or blame.
   yf men be praise worthie she dothe so declare them
   And if otherwyse in faithe she dothe not spare them.
<2Oppress.>2 we will feather oure nestes ere tyme maye vs espie
   or veritee have powre our doinges to descrye.
<2Avar.>2 Remembre this verse, <2Vt sint omnia salva,>2
   <2Fronte capillata, post hec occasio calva.>2

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<2oppr.>2 Make me vnderstande that fyne rag of rhetorike.
<2Avar>2 Loe here a fyne felowe to have a bisshopricke
   a verse of latynne he cannot vnderstande,
   yet dareth he presume boldelye to take in hande,
   Into a deanerie or Archdeaconrye to choppe,
   And to have the liveloode awaie from a bisshopp.
<2oppr.>2 <To me shewe> thie verse and leave thys perswasion.
<2Avar.>2 Forsouthe sir yt was of the goddesse occasyon.
   She weareth a greate long tuffet of heare beefore
   and behinde hathe not one heare/ neither lesse nor more
   whereby is taught youe that when Occasyon ys
   ye muste take yt be tyme/ or of your purpose mysse.
<2Adul.>2 Than while Occasion doeth nowe serve soo well,
   I praie youe geve eare to one thing <2that>2 I must tell.
<2Inso. et oppr.>2 what ys that?  <2Adul.>2 Mounsire yf ye heare people
     mumbling
   ye muste storme, <2and>2 sharpelye take hym vp for stumbling.
   ye woulde not thinke what he said alitle while sens
   of vs, to Respublica/ in myne owne presence.
<2Inso.>2 whan I mete theym nexte/ I shall tell them bothe my
     mynde.
<2Avar.>2 And policie to helpe youe/ wyll not be behinde.
<2Adul.>2 Ientle Respublica was soone pacified,
   But people was sturdie <2and>2 woulde not be qualified.
<2Avar.>2 Alas good poore selie sowle beare heare faire in hand
   And ye maie wynne hyr/ as youe lust to vse hyr land.
<2Oppr.>2 But of goddesse occasion one lytle more.
<2Avar.>2 Marye sir/ even as I woulde have said before,
   she standeth with winged feete on a rolling whele
   to take flyght or anie grasse, maie growe on hir hele,
   And even while we stand Iangling in this presence,
   I dare saie she is flowen twise twentie score myle- hence.
<2Oppr.>2 yea? cockes bones/ than Adew.  <2Insol.>2 farewell/ <2Adul.>2
     and I am gone.                          <2exeant currentes.>2
<2Avar.>2 Feithe and have after, as faste as I can, anon.

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   Now rny goddamighties as I dyd hither tugg youe
   So will I on my backe to your lodging lugg youe
   And sure yf ye can be quiet there, and lye styll
   I will shortelye bring youe, moo felowes so I wyll.
   I have a good benefyce of an hunderd markes
   yt is smade policie to give suche to greate clerkes
   they will take no benefice but thei muste h
   A bare clerke canne bee content with a lyving smale.
   Therefore sir Iohn lacke latten my frende shall have myne.
   And of hym maie I ferme yt for eyght powndes or nyne
   The reste maie I reserve to myselfe for myne owne share
   For wee are good feeders of the poore so wee are,
   And we patrones are bounde to see (I dooe youe tell)
   The churche patrimonie to bee bestowyd well.
   other od corners besydes these I have mannye,
   which withall goodspeede shall encreace your co(mpaignie.)
   Come on nowe therefore: In feith I doo greate wronge
   to promise youe lodging, <2and>2 kepe youe thens so long.   <2exeat.>2


               <1Actus quarti scena Prima.>1

                        <2Respublica.>2

<2Respub.>2 O, lorde what maie yt meane to bee thus borne in hand
   And yet none emendement to fele nor vnderstand?
   people dothe dailie and hourelye to me resorte,
   Chalenging my promise of relief and comforte.
   I reporte to hym, as my rewlers doe to mee,
   people still affirmeth that they devourers bee.
   The more I doo hym chere/ the more he dothe dispaire,
   I saie his wealth doeth mende, he saithe it dooeth appaire.
   what shoulde I iudge of this? maie yt bee credible,
   or by anie reason rnaye yt be possible,
   that suche fowre as those in whome I have putt my truste
   shewing suche face of frendship, shoulde bee men vniuste?
   I will knowe if people feele yet anye redresse,

|p 
   of his former sors <2and>2 of hys rufull distresse.
   we shall meete soone, I doubte not, <2and>2 talke to gether.
                                               <2Intrat people.>2
   And loe as I woulde wishe, he approcheth hether.


               <1A ctus quarti scena secunda.>1

                    <2Respublica.     People.>2

<2Respub.>2 well mette people, what place goe ye nowe vntoo?
<2Peopl.>2 I cham at the ferthest to zee how yowe doo.
   we twayne must eft<sI>s whiles come fisike either other,
   vor wee beethe your children, and youe beethe our mother.
<2Respublica.>2 And howe doo youe mend now in your thrifte <2and>2
     your purse?
<2people.>2 As zoure ale in sommer, that is still wurse <2and>2 wurse.
<2Respub.>2 People, what sholde I saie?  <2peopl.>2 nai masse Iscannot
     tell
   but we ignorams all woulde faine ye shoulde doe well.
   and how fele youe yourselfe? better then ye dyd, trowe?
<2Respub.>2 Till god send better happe rather decaie then growe.
   this bringeth me in a conceipte of zelousye.
   Rather than muche good, woulde I speake with policie.
<2peopl.>2 was not he drownde trowe last yeare, whan conscience was?
<2Respub.>2 I see hym yonder appere: this cometh well to passe.
<2Peopl.>2 Is thissame he? <2Resp.>2 yea.  <2peopl.>2 an iche heard not you
     zo zai
   Choulde zware a had bee deade, orels cleane renne awaye.


                <1A ctus quarti scena tertia.>1

             <2<A varice.>    Respublica.     People.>2
<2Avar.>2 O mooste noble Iadie, that I have not of late,
   Made to youe relacion how ye stande in state,
   hath not been of negligence nor to weo[r]ke by stelthe

|p 
   but of my depe studies devising for your wealthe.
<2Respub.>2 To heare the truthe thereof, I wisshed youe to see.
<2People.>2 Dooeth youe studd your braines mace Icntman, praie youe
     tell me
   for our ladie Rice puddingcakes comoditee?
<2Avar.>2 I devyse what I canne for the prospiritee
   of thys Ladie Respu[b]lica/ <2and>2 hyr people.
<2Peopl.>2 That lye, ere this is flowen as ferre hens as polle steple.
   Ispraie god ye studde not, as cha hard of zome elfes,
   that studdie for the comon profytte of theire owne selfes.
<2Avar.>2 To studie for bothe your welthes I am a debtcr.
<2peopl.>2 vaye than as goode ner a whitt as ner the better.
<2Avar.>2 I doo nothing but coumpace therefore withowte doubte.
<2peopl.>2 I vey then the vet to ferre a coumpace abowte.
   vor zome good might ha bee doone in all this season.
<2Avar.>2 So there is, if to perceve ytt, ye had reason.
<2Respub.>2 Truelie I fele miselfe hitherto wurse and wurse.
<2People.>2 And Isvele the same bothe in my grownde and my
     purse.
   vive or zixe yeare ago chad vowre kine to my paile
<2and>2 att this prezent houre cham scarce woorthe a good cowe
     taile
   and that tyme chad a widge, and hir vole/ <2and>2 tenne shepe
   Nowe Iscan geate nothing my zelfe and my wife to kepe.
   Than an chad I bee with the kinges masse counstable,
   Choulde zette myselfe voorth pertelye, <2and>2 zo chwas hable.
   Now vor lacke of a sallet whan my lyege hath neade
   cham vaine to take an hatte of godsgood on my heade.
   And vor god my dame, this ys but small amendelnent.
   Iscomporte me to youe: how thinketh youre iudgement?
   Coumpacing ka? Ientman, call ye thissame coumpacing?
   And/ whom shall we twaine thanke, youe, for this coumpacinge?
<2Avar.>2 Nu sir.  <2peop.>2 Nowe by the compace that god coumpaced--
<2Respub.>2 Blame have thei of god <2and>2 man, <2that>2 this hath coum
      paced.

|p 
<2Peopl.>2 Asmall coumpace more nowe nnaie zoone coumpace by
    throod
  To make fowertie thowsaunde volkes heare growe throughe
    their hood
<2Avar.>2 That is their owen faulte, not the faulte of policie.
<2Respub.>2 God above he knowith whose faulte it is <2and>2 n<ot I.>
<2Peopl.>2 but didnot yche daylie geve youe warning?  <2Resp.>2
    doubtelesse.
<2peopl.>2 And dydnot iche plaine me to youe?  <2Resp.>2 I graunte no
    lesse.
<2peopl.>2 And whan ich made my mone/ what woulde [ye] to rne
    tell?
<2Respub.>2 as my hope was, that att length althing shoulde bee well.
<2peopl.>2 Coumpacing ka?  <2Resp.>2 people I put truste in other.
<2peopl.>2 valse bezeivers of zemlitee by godds mother.
<2Avar.>2 well suffer me then for my declaracion
  to fett Authoritee and Reformacion
  that ye maie bothe heare <2and>2 charge them as well as me.
<2Respub.>2 with<s1>s all my harte goode policie, let ytt so bee.
  I praie youe call theim hither, if thei maie bee gotte.
<2people.>2 Anche heare om, Iscan tell where thei saie true or not.


                <1Actus quarti scena quarta.>1

    <2A varice.  Insolence.  Respublica.  Oppression.  People.>2

<2Avar.>2 The fowlest open mowthed whretch <2that>2 eare ye harde.
<2Insol.>2 Couldest thowe by no meanes make the peasaunte afearde?
<2Avar.>2 No, but anon I trowe we shall his masship trym
  Conveighe hir awaie/ <2and>2 than all wee three chide hym.
  But whiste and come apace.  <2Respub.>2 I here policies voyce.
<2Avar.>2 That I mette youe so well, I doe muche reioyce.
  Ladye Respublica woulde youe come hir before.
<2Insolence.>2 Madame god ye save.  <2Oppr. and>2 preserve for ever-
    more.

|p 
<2Resp.>2 This is happie, happe. ye come soosoone tigither.
<2Avar.>2 As 1 went, I mette them bothe twaine hasting hether.
<2Resp.>2 Never in better tyme.  <2Insol.>2 Madame what is your will?
<2Oppress.>2 Is there eni thing, <2that>2 youe woulde saie vs vntill?
<2Respub.>2 People cryeth owte <2and>2 I am muche agrieved
  that we fele oure selves in nothing yet relived.
<2Oppr.>2 No? that is not true. Mannie declare I canne--
<2Respub.>2 Even in briefe woordes/ I praie youe doe yt than.
<2peopl.>2 Praie youe lett me spose with thissame new come gentman.
<2Insol.>2 No sir.  <2Peopl.>2 masse but chil speake anche can spie rny
    tyme whan.
<2Oppr.>2 Firste youre priestes <2and>2 bisshops have not as thei have
    had.
<2Resp.>2 <whan they> had theire lyvinges men were bothe fedde and
    cladde.
<2Oppress.>2 yea, but they ought not by scripture to be calde lordes.
<2Respub.>2 That thei rewle the churche with scripture well accordes.
<2oppr.>2 Thei were prowde and covetous/ <2and>2 tooke muche vppon
    theim.
<2people.>2 but they were not covetous that tooke all from theym.
<2oppr.>2 The coigne eke is chaunged.  <2pepl.>2 yea from zillver to
    drosse,
  (twas tolde vs) vor the beste: but poore wee bare the losse.
  whan chad with zwette of browes got vp a fewe smale crumes
  att paiing of my debtes ich coulde not make my sommes.
  my landlorde vor my corne/ paide me zuche sommes <2and>2 zuche
  whan he should hate vor rent, yt was but haulfe zo muche.
  zix pence in eche shilling was I strike quite awaie
  zo vor one piece iche tooke, chawas vaine to paie him twaie.
  one woulde thinke twer brasse, <2and>2 zorowe have I els,
  But ichwin mooste parte ont was made of <2our>2 olde bells.
<2Insol.>2 yet if ye marke ytt well, for one peice ye have three,
  whiche for your people is no smale Commoditie.
<2Peop.>2 well I nill medle in thissame matier no more,
  but Isrecke not an twer ziluer as twas avor.

|p 
<2Oppr.>2 People, ye shall att lengthe finde ytt all for the best.
<2People.>2 Cha harde our parrishe clarke saye, <2diuum este, Iusllum>2
    <2weste.>2
<2Respub.>2 vndoubtedly I fele many thinges are amisse.
<2People.>2 Yea Iscan tell moo thinges yet, an me luste by Iisse.
  thei have all the woodes throughout the realme destroyed,
  which might have served long yeares beeing well emploied.
<2and>2 than the greate cobbes have zo take the reste to hire
  that poore volke cannot gett a sticke to make a fire.
  Than their great grazing hath made fleshe so dere I wotte
  that poore volke att shambles cannot bestowe their grotte.
<2Resp.>2 I lamente yt people. Alac, what maie I doe?
  I miselfe I feare shall come to ruine toe.
  Policie, what coumforte? whan will youe ease my smarte?
<2Avar.>2 ye are as safe even nowe, but for your false harte,
  As any ladie of your name in Christendome.
<2Peopl.>2 If iche had zo zaide, chad lied by my holidome.
<2Resp.>2 ye heare what people saith which feleth as I doe.
<2Avar.>2 But rude peples wordes will ye geve credyte vnto?
  will ye iudge yourselfe after his foolishe ian(gling?)
  ye wer well enoughe tyll be begonne his wrangling.
<2Insol.>2 will ye beleve people that hath no manier of skill
  to iudge or to descerne what thing is good or yll?
  he is so headstrong he muste bee bridled with Lawes.
<2Peopl.>2 Thoughe zome bee starke bedlems, yet wise volkes beeth
    no dawes.
<2Insol.>2 we have ofte founde people/ mooste disobedient,
  to orders mooste requisyte and expedient.
  who suche a mainteynour of wrong opinions
  As people in all Countries and dominions?
  ye oughte therefore to rebuke hym att all houres
  for discouraginge anie ministers of yours.
<2oppr.>2 ye nnuste tarrye<s1>s tyme ere we can your pourpose serve.

|p 
<2peopl.>2 ye <2and>2 than while the grasse shall growe, the horse shall
    sterve.
<2Insol.>2 Doe ye not see this by all experience plaine
  that men from deseases recover[ed] againe,
  doe after sycknes paste/ remaine a long tyme weake?
<2Respub.>2 People, herke, Authoritee dooth good reason speake.
<2Insol,>2 So ye, thoughe Oppressed with Longe aduersitee,
  yet doubtenot are towarde wealth <2and>2 prospiritee.
<2Respub.>2 Loe people, to hope a while longer sha
<2peopl.>2 well, then1 cham perswaged to doo att your enquest
<2Insol.>2 Madame mistruste not vs your painfull ministers.
<2Avar.>2 Never had Ladie nnore watchefull officers.
<2Oppr.>2 For my parte I will sware the gosspell booke vppon
  That if the Lawes I have made shoulde everye one
  Redowne to myne owne singuler comodytee,
  theye coulde not be frendelier framed then thei bee.
<2Insol.>2 Therefore repose yourselfe madame a while <2and>2 winke
  ye are in better case towarde then youe can thinke.
<2Avar.>2 we shall heare remaine, and geve people good counsaile
  quiet for to be tyll policie maie prevaile.
<2Resp.>2 he will doe well with your goode informacions.
<2Peopl.>2 yea, vei, chil volowe their goode exaltacions.
<2Respub.>2 Than I leave youe all heare to god. I will departe.
                                                 <2exeat Resp.>2
<2people.>2 Now howe, destructions tn membre in my harte.,
<2A var.>2 destructions? ye miser.  <2Insol.>2 ye peasaunt.  <2Oppr.>2 ye
    lowte.
<2Insol.>2 <Canne ye na>ught els doe but rage, <2and>2 rave, <2and>2 crye
    owt?
<2Oppr.>2 And cannot tell on whome?  <2Avar.>2 no more then can
    adawe.
<2Oppr.>2 Crow against your betters.  <2Insol. and>2 murmourc against
    the lawe.
  leate me heare thee prate as thow haste doone hearetofore.
<2Avar.>2 Or trouble ladie Respublica anie more.

|p 
<2Oppr.>2 Thow canst not see thow wretch / canst thow? whan thow
    arte well.
<2Avar.>2 Ist parte of thie plaie with suche highe matiers to mell?
<2Insol.>2 Doethe yt becorne the to barke/ with suche awide throte?
<2Avar.>2 And to have an ore in everye bodies bote?
<2Insol.>2 If thowe dooe so againe, yt shall with the bee wurse.
<2Oppr.>2 we shall wring <2and>2 pinche the/ bothe by bealie <2and>2 purse. 
<2Insol.>2 I wolde aduise youe frende to grunte <2and>2 grone no more.
<2Oppr.>2 Doe the like againe <2and>2 thoue shalte rue yt ful sore.
<2Avar.>2 It were best for youe freend all mourmouringe to cease.
<2people.>2 bum vei than chil een goo home, and vaire holde mi peace.
<2Insol.>2 Dooe soo by my reade/ <2and>2 fall to honest laboure.
<2Avar.>2 hens home <2and>2 bee quiete, <2and>2 thow shalte fynde favour.
<2people.>2 Then chil byd youe vare well.  <2Oppr.>2 no woordes but hens
     a pace.
  this was doone as shoulde bee. <2A var.>2 this was doone in right place.
<2people.>2 but howe, one worde erche goe/ yele geve volkes leave to
     thinke?
<2Oppr.>2 No marie will we not, nor to looke but winke.
<2people.>2 yes by gisse but chil loe, naie hoe thare, pought is free,
  <2and>2 a catt pey zaith maie looke on a king pardee.   <2exeat.>2
<2Inso.>2 Nowe where don wee bee come? I home. <2exeat.  oppr.>2 And
     I abrode. <2exeat.>2
<2Avar.>2 And I must see what feete abought rny doore have trodde.
                                                      <2exeat.>2

                 <1Actus quinti scena Prima.>1

                       <2Misericordia.>2

<2Miserico.>2 wherein apeareth the graciousnesse of god
  More then ynfinitelye to excede mans goodnesse,
  but that he kepeth backe the sharpe stroke of hys rod
  whan man woulde rage in mooste furious woodenes?

  Scarce anie emendes maie mannes eagrenesse appeace,
  yea <2and>2 thoughe he forgeve, he wilnot soone forgette:
  towardes true penitens gods wrathe foorthwith doothe cease,
<2and>2 he their past sinnes, behind his backe dooeth sett.

|p 
Of long sufferaunce he is with weaknesse to beare,
while anie hope of emendment dooethe Remaine
<2and>2 thoughe he plague synners to call them <home by> feare
yet his mercye and grace are ai readie againe.

His grievous displeasure dureth not for ever,
And why? quia miserationes eius,
whiche to shewe he chieflye delighteth ever,
manent super omnia Opera eius/

It grieveth hym sore whan he muste neades take veaungeaunce
his delite and glorie ys mercie to practyse
his tender compassion on treue repentaunce,
he hath still from the beginninge sowte texcercise.

The masse of this worlde in his mercie did he frame,
the skie, yearthe, and sea his mercye replenished,
ln his mercye dyd he after redeame the same
whan els remcdilesse <2yt>2 must have peryshed.

In his mercie was lsraell delivered/
from the gyptian thraldome and captivitee
In his mercye the same throughe the red sea was led
And through wildernesse to a lande of Libertee.

Syth that tyme all comonweales he hath protected
and to suche as withe earnest prayer have made mone,
me Compassion he hath quickelye directed
to revive <2and>2 recover theym everie one.

Now lastely hath he harde the mooste doulfull lament
of wofull Respublica his derling mooste dere.
Therefore me Compassion with spede he hathe sent,
hir mooste sorowfull herte to recoumforte <2and>2 chere.

I tarrye hir commynge that I maie hir salute,
<2and>2 loe me thinketh I see hir appere in place,
of frendshipp devoyde/ <2and>2 of succoure destitute.
I will heare hir, and than geve wordes of solace.

|p 
                <1Actus quinti scena secunda.>1

      <2Respublica.  Misericordia / Avaryce/ Adulacion/>2

<2Respub.>2 O lorde haste thowe for ever closed vp thine eare?
  wilt thowe never more the desolates praier heare?
  wilt thow styll torne awaie thy face from my distresse?
  wilte thowe cleane forsake me and leave me coumfortlesse?
  the secret sigthes <2and>2 sobbes <2and>2 praiers of myne harte,
  shall thei not forever thyne yeis to me converte?
  I graunte that myne offences have so muche deserved,
  But for whome save sinners ys thye mercie reserved?
  <thow promised> so, which hithertoo haste been iuste.
  Despaire lorde I wilnot/ nor thie goodnesse mistruste.
  Lo downe on my destresse and for thye glorie sake,
  thoughe I bee ill worthie/ yet<2<sI>s>2 mercye on me take.
<2Miseric.>2 Now will I speake to hir.  <2Resp.>2 who maketh me
    afearde?
<2Miser.>2 No, I will thee comforte: god hath thi praier harde.
  and now Respublica bee of good hope and truste.
<2Respub.>2 O lorde nowe doe I see that thowe arte ever iuste.
<2Miseric.>2 I am sent to recoumforte thee Respublica.
<2Respub.>2 O Ladie Compassion, Misericordia.
<2Miser.>2 what saie ye to me? what wooman, can ye not speake?
  I am com downe, all youre sorowes at ons to breake.
  Speake, wooman--  <2Respub.>2 Misericor[dia].  Mia. owte com
     fortablye
  ye shall have nowe no more cause to speake desperablie.
<2Respub.>2 My harte in godds mercie is so delated,
  That my veraie spirite to heaven is elated.
  O Ladie Compassion, welcome verament
  Ever bee god praysed/ <2that>2 youe to me hathe sent.
<2Miseric.>2 Now that I have put youe in sure hope of reliefe,

|p 
  I muste goe fett veritee to trye owte all your griefe.
  veritee shall open how your decaie hath growne
  <2and>2 then the causers thereof shalbe over throwne.
<2Respub.>2 who bee the causers thereof I cannot descerne,
  but yond cometh one of them, <2that>2 doe me governe.
<2Miseric.>2 what is his name?  <2Resp.>2 Policie.  <2Miser.>2 policie is
    goode
  he dooeth worke youe manie good thinges of likelihood.
<2Avar.>2 A vengeaunce vpon hym <2and>2 god geve hym his curse
  I am besieged nowe of everye cutpurse.
  I can goe no where now in citie neither Towne
  But piers piekpurse, plaieth att organes vnder my gowne.
<2Miseric.>2 what talketh he?  <2A var.>2 who speaketh yond? Res-
     publica?
<2Respub.>2 What of the piekpurse?  <2Avar.>2 Forsouth dame Res-
    publica
  I saide an we had twoo pielouries mo twer ner the wurse
  for yt is a light thing nowe to mete piers piekpurse.
  god preserve youe right faire Ladie <2and>2 christe youe save
  who are yowe? <2and>2 what woulde ye in this countrie have?
<2Respub.>2 Thissame is the Ladie Misericordia
  sent from god purposely.  <2Avar.>2 vnto youe Respublica?
<2Misericor.>2 yea.  <2Avar.>2 Than muste ye nedes bee mooste hartelie
    welcome
  we had ner more nede of youe by my hol<ydom>e.
  there bee in this countrye which but ye coumforte <send>
  are full like to make bothe a madde, <2and>2 a shorte end.
<2Miseric.<s1>s>2 I will goe to doo that I said Respublica
  and retourne with spede.  <2Respub.>2 Swete Misericordia.
                                                 <2exeat Mia.>2
<2Avar.>2 Good Misericordia now/ and ladie mooste dcare.
  Christe blister on your harte; what make youe heare?
<2Respub.>2 Come backe policie.  <2Avar.>2 I come.  <2Resp.>2 whither
     woulde ye nowe?
<2Avar.>2 Conveigh miselfe hens honestlye, if I wiste howe.

|p 
<2Respub.>2 whan come ye policie? what looke ye? something loste?
<2Avar>2 Anon. If I tarie yt will tourne to my coste.
<2Resp.>2 Ah frende policie.  <2Avar.>2 yea.  <2Resp.>2 Now shall I bee in
     blisse
  thankes to god.  <2Avar.>2 we rnust finde provision for this.
<2Respub.>2 hah?  <2Avar.>2 dydnot I er tell youe <2that>2 god woulde youe
     save?
  yee maie see nowe what it is goode rewlers to have.
<2Respublica.>2 ye saie trewth, but looke yonder cometh honestie.
<2Avar.>2 Praie god Amen.  <2Resp.>2 yes looke els.  <2Avar.>2 what newes
     bringeth he?
<2Adul.>2 I shoulde speake a woorde in theare of policie.
  If I maie not so, I will speake ytt openlie.
<2Resp.>2 I have not seen youe a greate while honestie.
<2Adulac.>2 O Noble Ladie Respublica, well yowe bee.
<2Respub.>2 All shalbee now, such newes I have to me brought.
<2Adulac.>2 I  heare  yt  toulde for  trouth.   Policye, all wilbe
     nought/
<2Resp.>2 hearest thoue anie Ioyfull newes abrode, or not?
<2Adul.>2 yea, I heare certaine newes/ which are bothe brym and
     hotte
  there is newe stertt vp a ladye cald veritee/
<2Respub.>2 Than am I all safe, and sure of prospiritee.
  how was yt spoken?  <2Adul.>2 thus in laten grosse and blunte
  Misericurdia et veritas sibi obuiauerunt,
  That is, Mercye and truthe are bothe mett together/
<2Respub.>2 Than will yt not bee long/ ere thei bothe come hither.
<2Avar.>2 hither? how so?  <2Resp.>2 yea bothe mercie <2and>2 verytee.
<2Avar.>2 A pestle on them bothe saving my Charitee.
  but softe brother honestie I ye might mistake ytt
  Of whiche veritee wast, trowe youe <2that>2 thaye spake ytt?
<2Adul.>2 <Of the ge>nerall Veritee Olde tymes dawghter.
<2Avar.>2 Feith they were not <2our>2 frendes <2that>2 firste hither broug
     hir.
  olde tymes doughter? that shuttle brained tall, long man

|p 
  That nere standeth still/ but flyghth as fast as he canne
  muche like as he swymmed or glided vppon yce?
<2Adul.>2 yea.  <2Resp.>2 for all that, of wise men, he is thought mooste
     wise.
<2Auar.>2 I knowe hym, he carrieth a clocke on his heade,
  A sand glasse in his hande, a diall in his foreheade.
<2Respub.>2 ye saie truthe policie, the same is veraye he.
<2Avar.>2 Old tyme the evisdropper? I knowe hym pardee
  An Auncient turner of houses vpside downe,
<2  and>2 a comon consumer of Cytie and towne.
  Old tymes doughter (quod he?) I shrewe his naked harte,
  manie of my frendes hathe he brought to paine <2and>2 smarte.
  Compassion and that trueth come hither to yowe?
<2Respub.>2 mercie before ye came, promised so right nowe.
<2Avar.>2 It is no tyme nowe honestie to be idle.
<2Adul.>2 Some thing brueth?  <2Avar.>2 It is tyme for vs to bridle.
  well goe your waies afore in all haste honestee,
  And tell reformacion and Authoritee,
  That bothe theis Ladies in all goodlye facion,
  muste bee enterteyned here in this nacion/
  Madame Respublica, ist not your pleasure soo?
<2Respub.>2 what els? in all the haste honestee see ye gooe.
<2Avar.>2 Saie ferther, that I wolde/ we fowre anon might mete
  her, or where thei will, save in the open strete.
  And here youe honestie?  <2Adul.>2 what nowe?  <2Avar.>2 a litell
     nere,
  provyde in anie wise that veritee come not heare,
  Let lnsolence <2and>2 Oppression kepe hir hens.
<2Adul.>2 we shall all three therein/ doe oure best diligence
<2Avar.>2 Byd them well remembre the worlde will waxe quaisie
  Some of vs erelong maie happe leape at a daisie,
  Or but owte the.i. of Misericordia,
  And withowte an.i. plaie een plaine trussing corda.
                                                  <2exeat A dul.>2
<2Resp.>2 Polycye what is it that ye talke there so Long?
<2Avar.>2 I send instructions that thei maie not doe wrong..
<2Respub.>2 Saide ye aught to hym, <2that>2 maie not be tolde to me?

|p 
<2Avar.>2 Shoulde we with ery trifling trifle trouble ye?
  well then ye looke for theis twoo ladi<es, I am sure.>
<2Respub.>2 I truste thei wilnot faile on me to doe theire cure.
<2Avar.>2 I tolde youe ever, dyd I not? that your welthe woulde
    franne.
<2Respub.>2 I shall rewarde your paines: orels I were to blame.
<2Avar.>2 Than beste I goe now streght to my felowes <2and>2 see--
<2Respub.>2 That thinges nedefull for vs maie not vnreadie bee.
  Doo soo I praie youe.  <2Avar.>2 Fare ye well Respublica
  till I see youe nexte. <2exeat.  Resp.>2 Nowe Misericordia!
  whan shall bee thy pleasure, bring hither veritee.
                                      <2Intrant Mia. et veritas.>2
  behoulde een with the worde speaking where thei bothebee.



                <1Actus quinti scena tertia.>1

           <2Misericordia.     Veritas. Respublica.>2

<2Miseric.>2 I dare saie Respublica thinketh the tyme long.
<2veritee/>2 who can blame hir, having endured so muche wrong?
  but as meate <2and>2 drinke <2and>2 other bodylye foode
  is never founde to bee, so pleasaunte nor so goode,
  As whan fretting hongre/ <2and>2 thriste hathe pincht afore
<2  and>2 as health after sickenes is sweeter evermore,
  so after decaye <2and>2 aduersytee overcome,
  welth <2and>2 prospiritee shalbe double welcome.
<2Miser.>2 How nowe Respublica? have I not been long hens?
<2Respub.>2 Come ye firste or Laste ye blisse me with your presence
<2Miser.>2 As I was commaunded, I bring yowe veritee,
  to helpe youe, youre people, and theire posteritee.
<2veritee.>2 Dere iewell Respublica, I dooe youe enbrace.
<2Resp.>2 I thinke your goodnesse, <2and>2 submitte me to your grace.
<2Miser.>2 Enbrace veritee for Ever Respublica

|p 
  And cleve fast to hir.  <2Resp.>2 yes Misericordia.
<2Miser.>2 Nowe please yt yow to declare sister veritee,
  how she maie recover hir olde prospiritee
  hir honour, hir wealth, hir riches, hyr substaunce
  hir cornons, hyr people, hir strength, <2and>2 hyr puissaunce.
<2veritee.>2 All this wilbee recovered in continent
  and to better state also by good governement.
<2Respub.>2 No ladie of my name vpon yearth I esteme
  hath had better administers then myne have been,
  <Pol>icie, Reformacion, <2and Authorite.>2
<2Miser.>2 Thes three bee veray good.  <2Resp.>2 And thee foure[th]
     <2Honestee.>2
<2veritas.>2 But what if these which have had youe <2and>2 yours to
     kepe,
  have been ravnyng woulves in the clothing of sheepe?
<2Respub.>2 If I hard not youe verytee suche sentence geve,
  by no mans perswasion I could ytt beeleve.
<2veritee.>2 Ah good Respublica thow haste been abused,
  whom thowe chosest are vices to be refused,
  whom thow calst <2Honestee>2 ys Adulacion
  And he that in pretence was Reformacyon
  is in dede Oppression and houge violence
  Whom thowe calst Authoritee, is prowde Insolence.
  Than he <2that>2 was Policie, the chiefe manne of price
  In dede is moost stinking <2and>2 filthie Avarice.
  he firste enveigled thee and his purpose to frame
  Cloked eche of these vices, with a vertuous name.
<2Resp. Benedicite,>2 is this a possible case?
<2veritee.>2 ye shall see yt proved trewe before your owne face
  thei shalbe convinced beefore youe one by one.
<2Resp.>2 O Lorde what mervail if rny thriste wer well nighe gon?
  but what redresse shall I have hereof? and
<2Miseric.>2 Suche as maie bee mooste fitte, <2and>2 as soone as we can.
  Iustice <2and>2 peace are appointed to descende
  thone to kepe youe quiete/ theother youe to defende.
  As soonc as wee fowre sisters togither shalbe mette,

|p 
  An<sI>s ordre for your establishment shall bee sett,
  by the eternall providence / yt is decreed<s2>s soo.
<2Respub.>2 O mooste mercifull lorde all prayse bee thee vnto.
<2Miseric.>2 I will leave youe here with my syster veritee,
  And learne of their coming wyth all celerytee.
<2veritee.>2 ye nede not, For I knowe thei bee nowe veray nere
  And beholde they begynne alreadie to appeare.
               <1Actus Quinti scena quarta.>1
                                <2Misericordia.     Respublica.>2
<2peace.>2 Nowe, ons againe in god leat vs twoo systers kisse,
  In token of oure ioynyng to rnake a perfytte blysse.
<2Iusticia.>2 And nowe leate vs never bee soondred any more,
  tyll we maie Respublica perfectelye restore.
<2veritee.>2 Leat vs meete theym, Sister Misericordia.
<2Miseric.>2 And vnto theire sight present Respublica.
<2Iust. pax.>2 All haile mooste deare systers Mercye <2and>2 verytee,
                      ica, with all sincerytee.
<2Respub>2 O yye ladies celestiall, howe muche am I bounde,
  with thankes to fall flatte before youe on the grownde
  That ye thus vouchesalve a forlorne creature
  by youre heave[n]lye protection to recure.
  <2Iustic.>2 I Iustice from heaven am come youe to visytte.
  <2pax. and>2 I peace for ever with yowe to enhabite.
  <2Miseric.>2 And all wee fowre Systers to thutmooste of our poure
  shall restore, establishe, and defend youre honnour.
<2Iustic.>2 we shall firste restore your moste happie eastate
<2and>2 suppresse all them <2that>2 had made youe desolate.
<2veritee.>2 verytee shall all trueth open as ytt ys.
<2Iustic.>2 I Iustice shall redresse what er is founde amisse.
<2Miseric.>2 I mercye where the membre maie recured bee
shall temper the rigoure / <2and>2 slake extremitee.

|p 
<2pax.>2 I peace whan thuncurable is clene cutte awaie,
  <2and>2 thyll made goode, shall flourishe for ever and aie.
<2Respub.>2 And I which cannot otherwise your goodnes deserve,
  shall your holsome directions dewlie observe.
  and what yf Insolence shall come or Avarice?
<2veritee.>2 Detest them, abhore them, <2and>2 refuse their service.
  I doubte not but thei wilbe styll haunting hither
  tyll we fowre shall theim fowre take here altogither.
<2Miseric.>2 Nowe Sisters goe wee and Respublica with vs,
  to bee newe appareled otherwyse then thus.
<2Iustic.>2 Come on Respublica with vs to wealth from wooe
  godde hathe geven vs in charge that yt muste bee soo.
<2veritee.>2 The blysfull renovacion ye shall reigne in
  rnuste from hensfoorthe nowe immediatelye begynne.
                 <2Cantent, The mercye of god>2 et cetera, <2et exeant.I>2


                <1Actus Quinti scena quinta.>1

                   <2A varice.     A dulacion.>2

<2Avar.>2 Suche gredie covetous folke as nowe of daies been
  I trowe before these present daies wer never seen
  An honest man can goe in no place of the strete
  but he shall I thinke with an hundred beggers mete.
  geve for goddes sake, geve for Saincte Charitee
  geve for oure Ladies sake, geve for the Trenitee
  Geve in the waye of your goodspede, geve, geve, geve, geve.
  Finde we oure money in the strete doo theye beeleve?
  If I had not a speciall grace to saie naye
  I wer but vndooen emongst them in one daie.
  But who cometh yond? honestee? he cometh in ha
<2Adul.>2 I seke policie.  <2Avar.>2 here boye.  <2Adul.>2 All is in waste.
<2Avar.>2 howe so?  <2Adul.>2 we strive againste the streame all <2that>2 we
     doo.
<2Avar.>2 wherein?  <2Adul.>2 that veritee come not this place vntoo.

|p 
  For wotte ye what?  <2Avar.>2 I shall whan ye<sI>s have spake the
     woorde.
<2Adul.>2 Iustice <2and>2 peace too with full consent and accorde
  are come downe from heaven/ <2and>2 have kyste together.
<2Avar.>2 God geve grace that theye twayne also come not hither.
<2A dulac.>2 As mercye and trueth sibi obviaverunt
  So Iusticia et pax osculat$ sunt.
<2Avar.>2 Is yt trewe? are theye come?  <2Adul.>2 and have kist to-
    gether.
<2Avar.>2 Than carrye yn a pace for feare of fowle weather.
  have they kyssed together?  <2Adul.>2 yea.  <2Avar.>2 what nedcth
     that?
  men shoulde kysse woomen. And what poincte bee theye
    att?
<2Adul.>2 All the foure sisters I doo you tunderstaunde
  have alreadie taken Respublica in hand
  Theye fowre progresse with hir in everye border,
<2  and>2 marre all that ever we have sette in order.
<2Avar.>2 And what doeth Insolence/ or what saieth he to that?
<2Adul.>2 he stampeth, he stareth, <2and>2 snuffeth sore theareat.
<2Avar.>2 I advise hym to storme, <2and>2 to shewe himselfe stowte,
  thei bee weemen and perchaunce maye bee faced owte,
  And peace is an honest Ladie and a quiete.
<2Adul.>2 veritee and Iustice are not for oure dyete.
<2Avar.>2 Then mercye ys a goode one. I like hir well.
<2Adul.>2 yet oft turnth she hyr face awaie, and willnot mell.
<2Avar.>2 well, fall backe, fall edge, I am ons att a poincte
  If Respublica come taduenture a Ioyncte.
<2Adul.>2 She is freshe and gaye/ <2and>2 flourissheth who but she?
<2Avar.>2 who brought yt to suche passe, will I tell hir, but wee?
  Orels making these newe Ladies of hir werie,
  wee shoulde thrihumphe <2and>2 reigne.  <2Adul.>2 Oh never so merye.
<2Avar.>2 well, goe to our Compaignie, I will remaine here
  I maie perhaps see dame Respublica appere.
  I wilbe in hande with hir and make agoode face.

|p 
<2Adul.>2 And what shall I doe?  <2Avar.>2 geve warning in the meane
     space,
   that lnsulence shrinke<sI>s not, but plaie the stowte man.
<2Adul.>2 That I knowe he will doo, for ons I knowe he can.
<2Avar.>2 And that youe all three be prest to come hether,
   whan nede shall require, we laye <2our>2 heades together.
   wliye arte thowe heare yet?  <2Adul.>2 I am gon withall my might.
                                                       <2exeat.>2
<2Avur.>2 And loe where Respublica appereth in sight. <2Intrat Resp.>2
   She is nowe att hyr Nymphes bearing vpp hir traine.
   I will stande a syde, <2and>2 Lysten a woorde or twaine.


                  <1A ctus quinti scena sexta.>1

                   <2Respublica.  Avarice.>2

<2Respub.>2 O Lorde thy mercies shall I sing evermore
   whiche dooest soo tenderlie thie hande maide restore.
   but what creature woulde suspicion have had,
   That my late administers had been men so bad?
   or who woulde have thowght theim counterfaictes to have been
   that had harde their woordes, and their countenaunce seen?
<2and>2 chieflye Avarice which dyd the matier breake?
<2Avar.>2 That wonrde towcheth me: now is tyme for me to speake.
<2Resp.>2 I thought hym policie as iuste <2and>2 true as stele.
<2Avar.>2 I am gladde that by me ye doo suche goodnesse fele.
<2Respub.>2 And that my wealth dyd growe, as it hath growne of late.
<2Avar.>2 I ever tolde ye/youe shoulde growe to this eastate.
<2Respub.>2 Thowe tell me? <2Avar.>2 yea I tolde youe soo in veraie dede:.
   <2and>2 highlie I reioyce yt doeth so well succede.
   And Salve<s2>s festa dies vpon youe Madame
   I am glad ye have gotte a newe robe so I am
   what saincte in the callender doe we serve to daye,
   that ye bee so gorgeouslye decked and so gaye?
<2Resp.>2 ln reioycing that I shalbe cleane ryd of thee.

|p 
<2Avar.>2 Naie by this crosse ye shall neuer be rydde for me.
<2Respub.>2 And of thy compares.  <2Avar.>2 well leate them doo as thei
    luste.
  I will ryde vppon Iyll myne owne mare <2that>2 is iuste
  other waies I shall doe yowe service of the beste.
<2Respub.>2 Thowe wicked wretche dareste thowe with me to ieste?
<2Avar.>2 what? I now see, <2honores mutant mores,>2
  but as semeth here, <2raro in meliores.>2
<2Respub.>2 The and all thy service I doe from me exile.
<2Avar.>2 Is that the highe rewarde ye promist me ere while?
  is not this awise wooman and mynded to thrive
  That woulde me Policie owte of the countrie drive?
<2Respub.>2 Thee and thy complices from me I shall owte caste.
<2Avar.>2 Than I praie youe paye vs, for <2our>2 paines that are paste.
<2Respub.>2 ye shalbe paide.  <2Avar.>2 ons I have doone the best I
    canne,
  Authorytee also he hath plaied the man,
  Reformacion, hath doen his parte I canne tell,
  If ye mystruste honestie, feith ye doo not well.
  And as for Avarice he is conveighed quite
  I bed hym gette hym hens or I woulde hym endyte.
  I policie have made hym to plucke in his hornes,
  I sware I woulde els laie hym on prickels <2and>2 thornes
  where he shoulde take no rest neither daie nor night,
  so he had as liefe bee hanged as come in sight.
<2Respub.>2 I maie saie with Iob, howe vainelye doe ye cheare me
  whan all the wordes ye geve frome truth doeth disagree,
  And with the wise man, I maie moost iustlye saye this,
<2Iust[ici]a tamen non luxit in nobis.>2>2
  Orels with the prophet in mooste sorowfull moode
  the fruicte of our Iustice is tourned into wormwoode.
  well the best of youe is a detestable vice,
  And thow for thie parte arte mooste stinking Avarice,
<2Avar.>2 Iesu when were youe wonte so foule moothed to bee,
  to geve suche niecknames? Ah in feith dame veritee
  hath had youe in scooling of Late. well in gods name.

|p 
  I am sorie for yowe, een sorie, that <I am.>
  I wisse 1 have wrowte to sctt youe in goode state,
<2and>2 watched for that purpose/ bothe earelie <2and>2 late.
  And I wis if yowe woulde abyde my framynge,
<2and>2 not thus to have fall to checking and blamynge,
  I woulde ere long of yowe [haue] made suche carpenter weorke,
  That ye shoulde have saide Policie had been a clerke
  Naie youe shoulde have seen, how I woulde have youe com-
     paste.
<2Respub.>2 yea, no doubte, ye woulde have doone somme great <2and>2
     fyne acte.
<2Avar.>2 I woulde have browght haulfe kent into Northumberlande
  <2and>2 Somersett shiere should have raught to Cumberlande,
  Than woulde I have stretche[d] the countie of warwicke
  vppon tainter hookes, <2and>2 made ytt reache to Barwicke.
  A pece of the Bisshoprique shoulde have come southwarde--
  Tut, tut I tell yowe, I had wonderous feates towarde.
<2Respub.>2 God hath placed me alreaddie in the best wise.
<2Avar.>2 yea, but yet not haulfe so well as I coulde devise.
  but no force. well than I see ye will none of mee.
<2Respub.>2 No.  <2Avar.>2 than ye can be content I departe from yee.
<2Respub.>2 yea.  <2Avar.>2 well, yet <2and>2 ye praie me I will tarrye still.
<2Respub.>2 No.  <2Avar.>2 well speake me faire <2and>2 woo me yet/ <2and>2 I
    will.
<2Respub.>2 No hens, avaunt.  <2Avar.>2 have I had of youe suche a
    clogg,
  And nowe [youe] byd me avaunte <2and>2 make me a dogg.
<2Respub.>2 Hens at ons.  <2Avar.>2 Naie, tut, an ye will ha vs, ha vs.
<2Respub.>2 owte of my presence.  <2Avar.>2 well then ye wilnot ha vs/
<2Respub.>2 No, avoide I charge the.  <2Avar.>2 than nedes departe I
    muste.
  Adieu, in feith I woulde have servyd youe of truste/
  But sens Respublica hathe putt me to exile

|p 
  where maye I goo kepe miselfe secrete for a while?
  is there neuer a goode chaplaine in all this towne,
  that will for a while hide me vnder his gowne?
  Never a goode farmer? neuer agoode merchaunte manne?
  well I will goo pieke owt some corner yf I canne
  but first will I monishe rny fellowes of this geare,
  An we scape this plounge, I care not for the next yeare. <2exeat.>2
<2Respub.>2 Nowe will I to Iustice <2and>2 thother ladies three,
  And praie that these vices maie all suppressed bee.
                                               <2Intrat people.>2
  But loe, heare cometh people, I will nowe torne againe
  And firste knowe of his goode state by a woorde or twaine.



                <1Actus quinti scena septima.>1

                   <2Respublica.     People.>2

<2Respub.>2 what standith he prying? dareth he not entre?
<2people.>2 <Ch>oul<de vai>ne zee my ladie: but Isdare not venter.
<2Respub.>2 Shrinke not backe from me, but drawe to me my deare
    frend.
<2people.>2 Chill virst knowe an ye bee alone zo god me rnende.
<2Respub.>2 Come, here bee non but thie frends, me beleve.
<2people.>2 well, than chil bee zo bolde to peake in by your leve.
<2Respub.>2 how happeneth that thowe hast so long been me froo?
<2people.>2 Marie chill tell yowe: as soone as ye were agoe
  hither cam a zorte of courtnalls, harde men <2and>2 zore
  Thei shaked me vp, chwas ner zo rattled avore.
  Theye vell all vppon me catche awoorde <2that>2 might catche,
  well was hym that at me people might geat a snatche.
  Choulde have been at home rather then anewe grote.
  Iche maie zedge to yowe, Isfearde pulling owte my throte.
  they bade me pieke me home, <2and come>2 att yowe no more.
  An iche did, thei zware Isshoulde bee corroupt therefore.

|p 
   zo thieke prowte howrecop, what call ye hym?  <2Resp.>2 In-
     solence.
<2People.>2 yea, even thickesame, he vaire popt me to silence.
<2Respub.>2 And howe ys it with youe now? better then it was?
<2people.>2 All beginneth now to come gailie well to passe.
   wee heare of your goode vortunc that goeth a bowte
   howe ye beeth permounted which makithe all vs proute.
   And iche am hable sens to bie rne anewe cote,
   And Isthanke god chave in my purse a zilver grote.
   I wis iche cowlde not zo zai these zixe yeares afore.
   who ever cawsed yt, ill thanke have they therefore/
<2Respub.>2 Thei wilbe heare soone/ byde youe theim here for a
     traine.
<2people.>2 Masse but I nynnat. woulde ye have om sqwatte owt ons
     braine?
<2Respub.>2 They shallnot doe the harme the value of a poincte.
<2peopl.>2 then an youe zaie the woorde ichill ieoperde a io[i]ncte.
<2Respub.>2 If thei but offer thee wrong they shall smarte therefore.
<2people.>2 Naie will ye bee zoo goode to tye om vp a vore?
   and what shalche zai to om?  <2Resp.>2 nothing but bee a bayte
   tyll take theim all here soodainelie I maie awayte.      <2exeat.>2
<2people.>2 well ytt shalbe doo, Choulde laugh and bothe my handes
     clappe,
   to zee Ricepuddingcakes envies take in a trappe.
   <2and>2 azee praie, if zome of om comnot yonder.
   choulde my ladie had byd ner zo lytle longer.


                <1Actus quinti scena Octava.>1

<2Insolence.    A dulacion.    Oppression.    Pe<op>le.    A varice.>2

<2Insol.>2 where is Avarice howe? he doeth not nowe appere.
<2Adul.>2 he bydde me monishe youe that we might all mete here.
<2Oppr.>2 But see whcre people staundeth.  <2Adul.>2what dothe he here
     now?
<2Oppr.>2 Abought litle goodnes, I dare my woorde avowe.

|p 
<2Insolence.>2 Let vs speake vnto hym. people wherefore <2and>2 why,
   like a loytring losell standeste thowe heare idelye?
<2Oppr.>2 Thowe comest to Respublica to make some mone.
<2Adul.>2 Orel some complainte.  <2pepl.>2 youe all see charn here alone.
<2Insolence.>2 ye muste have silver money rnuste ye ientilman?
   youe cannot be content with suche coigne as wee can.
<2Oppr.>2 ye1 rnuste burne woode <2and>2 cole muste ye all of pleasaunce?
   burne turves or some of thy bedstrawe with a vengeaunce.
<2Adul.>2 ye muste eate freashe meate bowght from the shambles
     muste ye?
   eate garlike and Onnyons <2and>2 rootes or grasse an luste ye.
<2Insolence.>2 In feith I will whippe youe for this ye peasaunte lowte.
<2Adul.>2 And twygge youe.  <2Insolenc.>2 ere an other yeare come
     abowte.
<2Adul.>2 but see where Avarice cometh rennyng veraie faste.
                                                <2Intrat A var.>2
<2Avar.>2 I have trodde <2and>2 scudde tyll my winde is almoste paste,
   yet my mates are not where.  <2Insol. et Adul.>2 we bee heare corne
     of late.
<2Avar.>2 Be there not trowe ye<s2>s honester men in Newgate?
<2Insolence.>2 No woordes of reproche brother myne I reade
     youe.
<2Avar.>2 None but goddigod eve, <2and>2 goddigod spede youe.
   Fare<s3>s ye well againe an ye bee faling owte nowe.
<2Insol. A dul.>2 we mynde yt not.  <2Avar.>2 twere more neade to looke
     abowte youe.
<2Insol.>2 Howe goethe all tell vs?  <2Avar.>2 my ladye is waxte froward.
   our names bee all knowen, so there is araie towarde/
<2Insol. oppr.>2 God spede vs well.  <2Avar.>2 ons I am thruste owte of
     serice.
<2Adul.>2 Alas what maie I doe?  <2Insol. oppr.>2 tell vs thie best aduise.
<2Ava.>2 Naie I cannot have youe whan I woulde, none of yowe all,
   therefore shifte for your selves, eche one for me youe shall.

|p 
<2Adul.>2 Naie for the pashe of god, tell vs what beste to doo,
   ye knowe I was ner slake to resorte<s1>s youe vntoo.
<2Avar.>2 T<he>is l<adies> that are come for comon weales reliefe,
   pr<ep>are to weorke vs woo, and doo vs all mischiefe.
<2Insolence.>2 Naie by his precious populorum I shwere,
   Not the prowdest of them all can hurte me a heare.
<2Oppre.>2 If theye offre of vs to make theire gawdes or toyes,
   theie shall [find] I trowe, we are no babes, nor boyes.
<2Avar.>2 To prevaile againste them with force I doo despaire.
<2Insolence.>2 Bee that as bee maie.  <2Adul.>2 I will fall to speaking
     faire.
   butte of all this trouble we maie thanke people this wretche.
<2Oppr.>2 Feith vilaine if wee scape, thow shalte an halter stretche.
<2Adulacion.>2 But what remedie therwhile?  <2Avar.>2 feith all wilbe
     nawght.
<2Adul.>2 Tell vs what to doo.  <2Avar.>2 I will.  thei come, wee are
     caught.
<2Adul.>2 whether shall I renne?  <2Avar.>2 Nowe sing a song, honestie.
<2Adul.>2 I am past singing now.  <2Avar.>2 yes one song honestie.
   haye, haie, haie, haie,
   I wilbe merie while I maie.


                 <1Actus quinti scena Nona.>1

     <2Veritee.  Iustice.  Avarice.   Respublica.  Adulacion.>2
          <2Mia.  peace.  people.   Insol.  Oppression.>2

<2Veritee.>2 Heare theye bee all fower. This is an happie chaunce.
<2Avar.>2 Take eche manne a ladie sirs/ <2and>2 leate vs goo daunce.
<2Resp.>2 I leafte people heare for atraine to holde them talke.
<2Avar.<s2>s>2 Alas that I coulde tell/ which waie beste hens to walke.

|p 
   what bee thes faire Ladies?  <2and>2 whether will theye
     trowe?
<2Iustice.>2 wee arest youe sirs all fowre as ye stande in a rowe,
   not so hardie in your hartes oure areste to gaine saie.
<2Avar.>2 Naie we are content if ye let vs gooe oure waie.
<2Iustice.>2 Non not a foote, we muste firste your reckeninge take.
<2Avar.>2 I nere bought nor solde with yowe reckeninge to make
   Nor I knowe not who yowe bee.  <2Iust.>2 Iustice is my name.
<2Avar.>2 where is your dwelling?  <2Iust.>2 In heaven <2and>2 thens I came.
<2Avar.>2 Dwell ye in heaven/ <2and>2 so madde to come hither?
   all our hucking here, is howe we maie geate thither.
<2Iustice.>2 I bring heaven with me and make it where I am.
<2Avar.>2 Than I praie youe lett me bee your prentise madame.
   I wilbe at your becke.  <2Iust.>2 ye shall ere ye de<parte.>
<2Avar.>2 I woulde learne howe to make heaven withall my harte.
   well as for Ladie Misericordia,
   I remembre I sawe yowe with Respublica.
<2Adul.>2 youe if youe soo please maie doo muche goode in this lande
   Mannie att this howre dooe nede your goode helping hande.
<2Avar.>2 And ye cam downe from heaven too, I iudge.  <2Miseric.>2 yea
     sure.
<2Avar.>2 why what folke are ye <2that>2 cannot heaven endure?
   And what maie I call youe Ladie?  <2pax.>2 my name is peace.
<2Avar.>2 ye have long dwelte with vs, wee have been long in
     peace.
<2peace.>2 Cale ye it peace sirrha whan brother <2and>2 brother,
   cannot bee content to live one by an other,
   whan one for his howse, for his lande, yea for his grote
   is readie to strive, <2and>2 plucke owte an others throte?
   I will in all suche thinges make perfecte vnion.
<2Avar.>2 Than goode night the laweiers gaine by Saincte Tronnion.
   westminster hale might goo plaie if that cam to passe.
   feithe we must serve youe with a Supersideas.
<2veritee.>2 well, leave vaine pratling, <2and>2 nowe come aunswere to
     mee.

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<2Avar.>2 I mustc heare first what ye saie, <2and>2 who ye bee.
<2veritee.>2 I am dame veritee. <2Avar>2 what? the dawghter of Tyme?
<2veritee.>2 yea.  <2Avar.>2 I knowe my <2maister/ your>2 father well
     afyne.
   welcome faire Ladie, swete ladie, litle ladye,
   plaine ladie, smoothe ladie, sometyme spittle ladye,
   Ladie longtong, ladye tell all, ladie make bate,
<2and>2 I beseche youe from whens are ye come of late?
<2veritee.>2 I am sproong owte of the earth.  <2Avar.>2 what, ye doo butt
     ieste.
<2verytee.>2 The booke saieth, <2Veritas de terra orta est.>2
<2Avar.>2 happie is he which hathe, that garden platte I trowe
   owte of which suche faire blossomes doe spring <2and>2 growe
   yet this one thing I saye.  <2verit.>2 what?  <2Avar.>2 ye are frende to
     fewe,
   preste to open all thinges and mennes manniers to shewe.
<2veritee.>2 If ye bee true <2and>2 iuste that is your benefite.
<2Avar.>2 True or vntrue, iuste or vniust it is your spite
   <2and>2 gladde ye are to take other folkes in A tryppe,
   y(.t.y..d..i.1....)we <2and>2 than your owne selfe on the whippe.
   well ye might bee honeste of your tonge if yowe woulde.
<2veritee.>2 If your <2actes>2 were honest ye did but as ye shoulde.
<2Avar.>2 who chargeth me with the cryme of anie vice?
<2Veritee.>2 Thowe calst thieselfe policie, and artc Averice.
<2Avar.>2 Naie I defie youre mallis, I am policie.
   Aske of my felowes here, am not I policie?
<2veritee.>2 Ladies, will ye all see hym openlie tried?
<2Iustice.>2 if he bee an yll one, leate hym bee descryed.
<2veritee.>2.what haste thow in thie bosome? <2Avar.>2 nothing I truelie/
<2veritee.>2 Nothing trulie <2gotte>2 saie.  shewe ytt foorth openlie.
<2Avar.>2 what shoulde I shew foorth?  <2verit. that>2 bag in thie bosome
     hid.
<2Avar.>2 It lieth well, I thanke youe as muche as thoughe I dyd.
<2veritee.>2 Naie come on, owte with ytt.  <2Avar.>2 loe herc tis for your
     fansie.

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<2verytee.>2 Geve it mc.  <2Avar.>2 yea, naie I defie that polycye.
<2ver.>2 Open yt.  <2Avar.>2 yea, that eche bodie might bee catching,
   Somes teeth I thinke water een sens to bee snatching.
<2ver.>2 we muste nedes see what yt is.  <2Avar.>2 tis abag of rie.
<2veritee.>2 Rye, what Rye?  <2Avar.>2 A bag of Rie.  <2ver.>2 suche as men
     doe eate?
<2Avar.>2 A bag of Rye flowre a greate deale better then wheate.
<2verytee.>2 Lett vs see what Rye ytt is, poore it owte in haste.
<2Avar.>2 yea shall? I trowe not. In dede soo might wee make
     waste.
<2veritee.>2 There is no remedie,<sI>s powre ytt owte in my lappe.
<2Avar.>2 Naie if there bee no choyse I will vse myne owne cappe.
<2veritee.>2 So, A bag of Rye <2quod>2 thoue?  <2Avar.>2 yea so god me spede.
<2veritee.>2 Thou saiest even trueth tis a bagg of Rye in dede,
   vsiree, periuree, pitcheree, patcherie,
   pilferie, briberee, snatcherie, catcherie,
   Flatterie, Robberie, clowterie, botcherie,
   Troumper ye, harlotrie, myserie, tretcherie.
<2Avar.>2 There is too<s2>s an please youe, a litle sorcerie/
   witcherie, bauderee, <2and>2 suche other grosseree.
<2veritee.>2 And howe gotste thowe all this in thye possession?
<2Avar.>2 Pardon me, and I will make my confession.
   The worlde is harde/ <2and>2 the bag ys but veraie smale.
   I gotte it where I colde to goe on beg<ging wi>tha<ll,>
   A plaine true deling manne that loveth not to <st>eale,
   and I durst not bee bolde to crave of comon weale.
<2veritee.>2 Now doe of thie gowne, <2and>2 tourne the inside owtwarde.
<2Avar.>2 Leate me alone/ and an Angell for a rewarde.
<2veritee.>2 Come of atons: whan? come of. No more gawdies nor
     iapes.
<2Avar.>2 muste I nedes whipp over the chaine like Iacke a napes?

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<2Respub.>2 owte, in the vertue of god/ what doo yee here see?
<2Avar.>2 All this had been loste Respublica but for me.
<2Resp.>2 O lorde where hast thow dragged vp all these purses?
<2veritee.>2 where he hathe had for theim manie thowsaunde curses.
<2Respub.>2 where hast thowe gotten thern? tell trueth <2and>2 donot lye.
<2Avar.>2 where no honest manne coulde have gotten theym but I.
   In blinde corners where some woulde have hourded theim
   had not I take theym with the manier <2and>2 bourdened theym.
<2Respub.>2 And whither was yt thine entent to conveigh theim
     now?
<2Avar.>2 I hidde them that I might bring theim safelie to youe.
   I durst not beare theim openlie to god I vowe,
   I wis ye have harde me blame piekepurses or nowe.
<2and>2 this is all yours.  <2Verit.>2 It is hers in veraie dede.
<2Avar. with>2 Sufferaunce I coulde gette mo to helpe hir nede.
<2veritee.>2 Howe saie<sI>s ye Respublica nowe to Policie?
<2Respub.>2 I ner suspecte hym nor hadde hym in zelosie.
<2veritee.>2 Een suche like counterfaictes shall all the rest appere.
   sirs doe of <2your>2 vtmoste robes eche one even heare.
   Now what these are yee see plaine demonstration.
<2Respub.>2 Insolence.     Oppression.      Adulacion.
   O lorde howe have I bee vsed these five yeres past?
<2people.>2 Naie Isner thought better of om iche by goddes vast.
   vey rnadanne rny Ladie suche Strussioners as these
   have ofte made youe beeleve the moone was a grene chese.<s2>s
<2veritee.>2 Nowe ye see, what thei are, the punishment of this
   muste bee referred to the goddesse Nemesis
   she is the mooste highe goddesse of correccion
   Cleare of conscience <2and>2 voide of affeccion
   she hath powre from a bove, <2and>2 is newlie sent downe
   T<o> redr<esse a>ll owtrages in cite <2and>2 in Towne
   she hathe powre from godde all practise to repeale
   which might bring Annoyaunce to ladie comonweale.
   To hir office belongeth the prowde toverthrowe/

|p 
   <2and>2 suche to restore as iniurie hath browght lowe.
   tys hir powre to forbidde <2and>2 punishe in all eastates
   all presumptuous immoderate attemptates.
   hir cognisaunce therefore is a whele <2and>2 wings to flye,
   in token hir rewle extendeth ferre <2and>2 nie.
   A rudder eke she bearethe in hyr other hande,
   as directrie of all thinges in everye Lande.
   than pranketh she hir elbowse owte vnder hir side,
   to keape backe the headie <2and>2 to temper theire pride.
   To hir therefore dere sisters we muste nowe resorte,
   that she maie geve sentence vppon this nawghtie sorte
   She Knowith what is fyttest for theire correction
   Nemesis muste therefore herin geve direction.
<2Iustic.>2 Than people while we ladie Nemesis doo fett
   all these offendours in thie custodie wee sett,
   theim to aprehende <2and>2 kepe tyll wee come againe.
<2People.>2 An ye geve me toritee chill kepe om that is plaine.
<2Ins. oppr.>2 Shall people kepe vs, of whom we have been lordes ?
<2People.>2 Stande still, or by Iisse [chil] bynde youe vaste wit
     chordes.
   Naie, sirs iche ha youe nowe in my custoditee.
<2Avar.>2 Masse, I wilbe gone for myne owne Comoditie.
<2people.>2 zoft   whether  wilte  thow?  nilt  thowe  not  bee
     roylled?
   stande styll skitbraind theaff or thy bones shall be coilled.
   yond bee thei comyng nowe che warte that will tame ye.
   A zee, arte thowe gon too? come backe <2and>2 evill a pee.


                <1Actus quinti scena>1 decima.

   <2Nemesis.  Respub.  Mia.  veritas.  Iustic.  pax.  peple.>2
                <2Insol.   oppr.  Adulac.  Avar.>2

<2Nemesis.>2 Corne foorth Respublica <2our>2 derling mooste dere.
<2Respub.>2 At youre woorde mooste gracious Ladie I am here.

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<2Nemesis.>2 Are these your trustie men that had youe in gover-
     mente?
<2people.>2 The skitb[r]aines nold not bee roilled ner sens ye wente.
<2Nemesis.>2 People whie aret thow bashefull <2and>2 standest soo farre?
   bee of goode chere nowe, <2and>2 I warraunte thee come ner.
<2people.>2 I nill come no nere cha not bee haled vp with states
   but Iscannot bee fichaunte enoughe emongst <m>y <mates.>
<2Nemesis.>2 Come nere whan I bydde thee.  <2peop.>2 Marye but I
     ninnat
   I nam not worthye to perke with yowe no I nam not.
<2Nemesis.>2 well, Respublica are these youre Late governoures,
   whom ye tooke for faithfull/ <2and>2 trustie counsailours?
<2Respub.>2 yea, forsouth madame.  <2Avar.>2 These three<sI>s bee, but I
     am none,
   for I was discharged nigh haulfe an howre agone.
<2Nemesis.>2 Come firste standc foorth here, thow Adulacion.
<2Adul.>2 Speake agoode woorde for me Ladie Compassion.
<2people.>2 Naie, she shall not nede, I chill speake for the miselfe.
   Madame take goode hede for this is a naughtie elfe.
<2Adul.>2 Naie, madame the cause of all this was Avarice.
   he forged vs newe names/ and dyd vs all entice.
<2Oppr.>2 wee neither dyd nor coulde weorke, but by his aduise.
<2Adul.>2 Because I gotte no more he chidde me ones or twise.
<2Insol.>2 Madame onlye Avarice made vs all to fall.
<2Avar.>2 yea? Falle to peaching?<s2>s naie, then will I tell all.
   Madame ere I had taught these merchauntes enie while
   Thei were conynger then I all men to bee guile.
   And veritee sawe myne were small purses <2and>2 baggs
   tottering looce abought me like windshaken rags.
   but he that shoulde have bagged that Insolence dyd winne,
   Muste have made a poke to putt five or six shiers in
   he muste have made wyde sackes for Castells, townes, <2and>2
     woodes,

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   the canvesse to make them of, were woorth ten tymes my
     goodes.
   Than oppression here, to feather well his neaste,
   Cared not of theire Livelood whom he disposseste.
   Bisshops, deanes, provestes, ye poore folke from the spittle,
   Landes with churche <2and>2 chapple, all was for him to litle.
   poore I did not soo, I scraped but lytle crummes
   and here and there with odde endes, patchid vp my summes.
   Flatterye gotte his thrifte, by counterfaicte honestie
   yet by these tenne bones, I bydde hym vse modestie
   Therefore spare not hym he will ner come to goode passe
   But I maie welbe mended by the marie masse.
<2Mia.>2 Ladie Nemesis now have yee Occasion,
   And matier to shewe youre commiseracion.
   <It> is m<uche m>ore glorie <2and>2 standith with more skyll,
   Lo<st>e shepe to recover, then the scabye to spill.
<2Iustice.>2 But howe shall this redresse bee well prosecuted,
   if Iustice with mercye shalbee executed?
   Streight Iustice muste suche greate enormiteis redresse,
   Severitee muste putt nnen in feare to transgresse;
   Iustice muste geve eche manne that he dothe deserve.
<2Mia.>2 If offendours were not, wherefore might mercye serve?
<2Avarice.>2 Stike harde to it goode shwete Ladie Compassion
   we are els vndoone/ by cockes bytter passion.
<2Mia.>2 Veritee how saie youe? have I not spoken well?
<2veritee.>2 mercie in one place with Iustice somety me maie dwell,
   <2and>2 right well agree togither.  howe saie youe peace?
<2pax.>2 where althing is well emended I doo encreace/
<2Nemesis.>2 Ladies we have harde all your descrete aduises/
   <2and>2 eche one shall have some parte of youre devises/
   neither all nor none, shall taste of severitee/
   But as theye are nowe knowen throughe ladie veritee/
   so shall theye receyve oure mercic or our Ire,
   As the wealthe of Respublica shall best require.

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  Now Adulacion what saieth youe in this case?
<2Adutac.>2 Nought in myne excuse, but submitte me to your grace.
  onelie this I promise if I maie mercye fynde,
  vtterlie for ever to chaunge my wicked mynde.
  I nere sought afore myne owne private gayne so muche,
  But I will ferther Commonweales tenne tymesso muche.
<2Nemesis.>2 well thowe maiest become a worthie subiecte yt ys
     plaine.
<2Adul.>2 Els ye knowe at all tymes howe to reache me againe.
<2Nemesis.>2 Thowe mightest swerve of frailtee, thow mightst doo
     too please,
  Thow mightst doo for feare/ thow mightst doo too lyve in ease.
  well vppon thie promyse for ons wee pardon thee;
  Goo, <2and>2 see that from hensfoorthe thow bee perfeicte honestee.
<2Adulac.>2 So long as shall please god to geve me life and heale
  I shall mooste duelie serve god <2and>2 the Commonweale.
<2Avar.>2 Nowe to thee Avarice have att thye petticote.
<2Nemesis.>2 Now the plague of Comonweales as all men doo note,
  Come foorth Avarice: to spare thee wilbe no boote,
  thow muste bee plucked vpp een bye the veraie roote
  because thowe scrapedst vp what ever thow mightst geate.
<2Avar.>2 In dede I thanke god there is no man in my <debte.>
<2Nemesis.>2 And because thowe caughtst yt, by wrong contribu-
     cion
  thowe shalte firste <2and>2 formooste make restitucion.
<2Avar.>2 Leat me than with pardon goe hens abowte yt lightlye.
<2Nemesis.>2 No ye shall have helpe to see it doon vprightlie.
  people take this felowe--  <2Avar.>2 godde save me from this
     plounge.
<2Nemesis.>2 That he maie bee pressed, as men doo presse a spounge
  that he maie droppe ought teverye man hys lotte,
  to the vtmooste ferthing that he hath falslie gotte.
<2peopl.>2 An ye bydde mee chill squease hym as drie as A kyxe.
<2Avar.>2 Naye the pashe of godde I shall then die of the flixe.
<2Nemesis.>2 Naie, thowe shalte deliver hym to the hedd Officer
  which hathe Authoritee Iustice to mynister.

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<2people,>2 Chil lyver hym to the Counstable <2and>2 come againe.
<2Nemesis,>2 Now Iustice for these twoo <2that>2 doe here remaine
   because the faulte of Insolence is hainous <2and>2 greate
   Lucifers owne faulte taspire to the highest seate
   And beecause Oppression hath wronged men so sore
   That he spoiled innocentes of all thei bad and more,
   People shall deliver them vnto safe costodie
   where thei maie no farther anoye anie bodie
   whan the tyme maie serve/ texamine <2and>2 trie their cause,
   Call them bothe before youe. <2and>2 Iudge them by the lawse.
<2people.>2 And shalche carrie awaie these same twoo men also?
<2Nemesis.>2 yea goe deliver them to an officer goe.
  Now dearling Respublica ye are in tholde goode eastate
<2and>2 they taken awaie that spoiled youe of Late.
  Nowe cleve to these Ladies from heaven to youe directe
  they from all corruption will youe safe protecte.
  well I muste goe hens to an other count[r]eye nowe
  that hathe of redresse the like case <2that>2 was in youe.
  I leave youe for thys tyme immortall thankes to geve
  to godde and your Soveraigne which doo youe thus relieve/
<2Resp.>2 Thankes be to thee O lorde which haste this worl
     wrowght,
<2and>2 hast me too this state from vtter Ruine brought.
<2Pax.>2 Now leat vs all togither bothe with harte <2and>2 voice,
  In god and in Quene Marie mooste ioyfullie reioyce.
<2veritee.>2 Praying that hir Reigne mooste graciouslye begonne
  <Maie long> yeares endure as hithertoo yt hath doone.
<2Mia.>2 Praie wee forre hir Counsaile to have long life <2a>2
     healthe.
<2Iustice.>2 Theire soveraigne to serve.  <2pax.>2 And to mainteine
     Cornonwealthe.
<2omnes.>2                    Amen.
                    <2Cantent/ et exeant.>2

                          Finis.