Chapter X: SHAKESPEARE AS A COMIC DRAMATIST. Edward Dowden (9)

[316] To Collier has been given the credit of first ("soon after 1820") connecting Udall's name with _Roister Doister_, the unique copy of which had been published by the finder, the Revᵈ. Thoˢ. Briggs, in 1818. But, in the first place, Collier could not have identified the "ambiguous" letter in "Wilson's _Art of Logic_, printed by Richard Grafton, 1551," as he says he did, since "The rule of Reason, contei || nyng the Arte of || Logique, set forth || in Englishe, || by Thomas || Vuilson. || _An._ M. D. LI. _does not contain the quotation from Roister Doister_ (copy in the Bodleian kindly examined for me by Professor Gayley), _neither does the edition of 1552_ (cf. Arber). On folio 66 of the _third_ edition (1553) appears for the first time: "An example of soche doubtful writing whiche by reason of poincting maie haue double sense, and contrarie meaning, taken out of an entrelude made by Nicolas Vdal." And, in the second place, Collier had been anticipated, in part, for as early as 1748 reference had been made to the passage from Wilson by Tanner, who writes (_Bibliotheca_, 8. n.): In Thos. Wilson's _Logica_, p. 69 [it is _leaf_ 67 of edition 1567 in my possession] _sunt quidem versus ambigui sensus ex Comœdia quadam huius Nic. Udalli desumpti_.

[317] With this opinion, and that of p. 90, _n._ 4, contrast Fleay's argument, _Hist. Stage_, pp. 59, 60. _Gen. Ed._

[318] Ward in _Dict. Nat. Biog._ 26, 332. Ward says that in Heywood's Plays the "bridge had been built" to English Comedy. I think rather that this bridge was a temporary structure, waiting to be replaced by the more solidly planned work of a higher architect.

[319] These traits as well as the practical jokes would, of course, be especially enjoyed by the Eton players and their youthful audience.

[320] Ward, _Hist. Dram. Lit._, 1, 157 (Lond.: 1899).

[321] Cf. the splendid essay on the Roman _Colax_ and Parasite in O. Ribbeck's _Hist. of Roman Lit._ (_Stuttgart_, 1887), 1, 83 _sqq._

[322] "These lies are like their father--gross as a mountain, open, palpable."--Shak., _1 Hen. IV._ 2, 4.

[323] Ward, _l.c._, calls Roister "a vain-glorious, cowardly blockhead, of whom the Pyrgopolinices of Plautus is the precise prototype." That his character has some fine points, modelled after the Terentian Thraso, is shown in the notes (cf. especially the last scene). Roister's character, indeed, is the least original of the play, but he is not Udall's favourite figure. Udall did not spend as much labour on him as on Merygreeke.

[324] This possible complication, which would have yielded a fine scene, seems not to have occurred to Udall.

[325] In this respect even _Jack Juggler_ deserves credit. I find no trace of Plautus and Terence in Heywood's plays.

ROISTER DOISTER

BY

NICHOLAS UDALL

[The Persons of the Play

RALPH ROYSTER DOYSTER, "_Miles_."[326]
MATHEWE MERYGREEKE, _his friend_.
GAWIN GOODLUCKE, _London Merchant, affianced to Custance_.
TRISTRAM TRUSTY, _his friend_.
DOBINET DOUGHTIE, _servant to Royster_.
TOM TRUPENIE, _servant to Custance_.
SYM SURESBY, _servant to Goodluck_.
HARPAX _and other Musicians in Royster's service_.
SCRIVENER.
DAME CHRISTIAN CUSTANCE, _a wealthy widow_.
MAGE MUMBLE CRUST, _her old nurse_.
TIBET TALK APACE }
ANNOT ALYFACE } _maids of Custance_.

_THE SCENE_

LONDON[327]]

FOOTNOTES:

[326] Cf. stage-direction, III, iii, 83, and Appendix _B_.

[327] St. Paul's is mentioned, II, iv, 40; Sym Suresby seems to come directly from the landing place; the house of Custance might, therefore, safely be located in the _City_ proper.

Roister Doister

The Prologue.

What Creature is in health, eyther yong or olde, A ii
But som mirth with modestie wil be glad to use
As we in thys Enterlude shall now unfolde,
Wherin all scurilitie we utterly refuse,
Avoiding such mirth wherin is abuse:
Knowing nothing more comendable for a mans recreation
Than Mirth which is used in an honest fashion: 7

For Myrth prolongeth lyfe, and causeth health.
Mirth recreates our spirites and voydeth pensivenesse,
Mirth increaseth amitie, not hindring our wealth,
Mirth is to be used both of more and lesse,
Being mixed with vertue in decent comlynesse.
As we trust no good nature can gainsay the same:
Which mirth we intende to use, avoidyng all blame. 14

The wyse Poets long time heretofore,
Under merrie Comedies secretes did declare,
Wherein was contained very vertuous lore,
With mysteries and forewarnings very rare.
Suche to write neither _Plautus_[328] nor _Terence_ dyd spare,
Whiche among the learned[329] at this day beares[330] the bell:[331]
These with such other therein dyd excell. 21

Our Comedie or Enterlude which we intende to play.
Is named Royster Doyster in deede.
Which against the vayne glorious doth invey,
Whose humour the roysting sort continually doth feede.
Thus by your pacience we intende to proceede
In this our Enterlude by Gods leave and grace,
And here I take my leave for a certaine space. 28

FINIS.

Actus. i. Scæna. i.

MATHEWE MERYGREEKE. _He entreth singing._ A ii _b_

As long lyveth the mery man (they say)[332]
As doth the sory man, and longer by a day.
Yet the Grassehopper for all his Sommer pipyng,
Sterveth in Winter wyth hungrie gripyng,
Therefore an other sayd sawe doth men advise, 5
That they be together both mery and wise.
Thys Lesson must I practise, or else ere long,
Wyth mee Mathew Merygreeke[333] it will be wrong.
In deede men so call me, for by him that us bought,
What ever chaunce betide, I can take no thought, 10
Yet wisedome woulde that I did my selfe bethinke
Where to be provided this day of meate and drinke:
For knowe[334] ye that for all this merie note of mine,
He might appose[335] me now that should aske where I dine.
My lyving lieth heere and there, of Gods grace, 15
Sometime wyth this good man, sometyme in that place,
Sometime Lewis Loytrer[336] biddeth me come neere,
Somewhyles Watkin Waster maketh us good cheere,
Sometime Davy Diceplayer[337] when he hath well cast
Keepeth revell route as long as it will last. 20
Sometime Tom Titivile[338] maketh us a feast,
Sometime with sir Hugh Pye I am a bidden gueast,
Sometime at Nichol Neverthrives I get a soppe,
Sometime I am feasted with Bryan Blinkinsoppe,[339]
Sometime I hang on Hankyn[340] Hoddydodies sleeve, 25
But thys day on Ralph Royster Doysters by hys leeve.
For truely of all men he is my chiefe banker
Both for meate and money, and my chiefe shootanker.[341]
For, sooth Roister Doister in that he doth say,[342]
And require what ye will ye shall have no nay. 30
But now of Roister Doister somewhat to expresse, A iii
That ye may esteeme him after hys worthinesse,
In these twentie townes and seke them throughout,
Is not the like stocke, whereon to graffe a loute.
All the day long is he facing[343] and craking[344] 35
Of his great actes in fighting and fraymaking:
But when Roister Doister is put to his proofe,
To keepe the Queenes[345] peace is more for his behoofe.
If any woman smyle or cast on hym an eye,
Up is he to the harde eares in love by and by, 40
And in all the hotte haste must she be hys wife,
Else farewell hys good days, and farewell his life,
Maister Raufe Royster Doyster is but dead and gon
Excepte she on hym take some compassion,
Then chiefe of counsell, must be Mathew Merygreeke, 45
What if I for mariage to suche an one seeke?
Then must I sooth it, what ever it is:
For what he sayth or doth can not be amisse,
Holde up his yea and nay, be his nowne[346] white[347] sonne,
Prayse and rouse him well, and ye have his heart wonne, 50
For so well liketh he his owne fonde fashions
That he taketh pride of false commendations.
But such sporte have I with him as I would not leese,
Though I should be bounde to lyve with bread and cheese.
For exalt hym, and have hym as ye lust in deede: 55
Yea to hold his finger in a hole for a neede.
I can with a worde make him fayne or loth,
I can with as much make him pleased or wroth,
I can when I will make him mery and glad,
I can when me lust make him sory and sad, 60
I can set him in hope and eke in dispaire,
I can make him speake rough, and make him speake faire.
But I marvell I see hym not all thys same day,
I wyll seeke him out: But loe he commeth thys way,
I have yond espied hym sadly comming, A iii _b_ 65
And in love for twentie pounde, by hys glommyng.

Actus. i. Scæna. ii.

RAFE ROISTER DOISTER. MATHEW MERYGREEKE.

_R. Royster._ Come death when thou wilt, I am weary of my life.

_M. Mery._ I tolde you I, we should wowe another wife.

_R. Royster._ Why did God make me suche a goodly person?

_M. Mery._ He is in[348] by the weke, we shall have sport anon.

_R. Royster._ And where is my trustie friende Mathew Merygreeke? 5

_M. Mery._ I wyll make as I sawe him not, he doth me seeke.

_R. Roister._ I have hym espyed me thinketh, yond is hee,
Hough Mathew Merygreeke my friend, a worde with thee.[349]

_M. Mery._ I wyll not heare him, but make as I had haste,
Farewell all my good friendes, the tyme away dothe waste, 10
And the tide they say, tarieth for no man.

_R. Roister._ Thou must with thy good counsell helpe me if thou can.

_M. Mery._ God keepe thee worshypfull Maister Roister Doister,
And fare well the lustie Maister Roister Doister.

_R. Royster._ I muste needes speake with thee a worde or twaine. 15

_M. Mery._ Within a month or two I will be here againe,
Negligence in greate affaires ye knowe may marre all.

_R. Roister._ Attende upon me now, and well rewarde thee I shall.

_M. Mery._ I have take my leave, and the tide is well spent.

_R. Roister._ I die except thou helpe, I pray thee be content, 20
Doe thy parte wel nowe, and aske what thou wilt,
For without thy aide my matter is all spilt.

_M. Mery._ Then to serve your turne I will some paines take,
And let all myne owne affaires alone for your sake.

_R. Royster._ My whole hope and trust resteth onely in thee. 25

_M. Mery._ Then can ye not doe amisse what ever it bee.

_R. Royster._ Gramercies Merygreeke, most bounde to thee I am. A iv

_M. Mery._ But up with that heart, and speake out like a ramme,
Ye speake like a Capon that had the cough now:
Bee of good cheere, anon ye shall doe well ynow. 30

_R. Royster._ Upon thy comforte, I will all things well handle.

_M. Mery._ So loe, that is a breast to blowe out a candle.
But what is this great matter I woulde faine knowe,
We shall fynde remedie therefore I trowe.
Doe ye lacke money? ye knowe myne olde offers, 35
Ye have always a key to my purse and coffers.

_R. Royster._ I thanke thee: had ever man suche a frende?

_M. Mery._ Ye gyve unto me: I must needes to you lende

_R. Royster._ Nay I have money plentie all things to discharge.[350]

_M. Mery_ [_aside_]. That knewe I ryght well when I made offer so
large. 40

_R. Royster._ But it is no suche matter.[351]

_M. Mery._ What is it than?
Are ye in daunger of debte to any man?
If ye be, take no thought nor be not afraide,
Let them hardly[352] take thought how they shall be paide.

_R. Royster._ Tut I owe nought. 45

_M. Mery._ What then? fear ye imprisonment?

_R. Royster._ No.

_M. Mery._ No I wist ye offende not so,[353] to be shent.
But if [y]e[354] had, the Toure coulde not you so holde,
But to breake out at all times ye would be bolde.
What is it? hath any man threatned you to beate?

_R. Royster._ What is he that durst have put me in that heate? 50
He that beateth me, by his armes,[355] shall well fynde,
That I will not be farre from him nor runne behinde.

_M. Mery._ That thing knowe all men ever since ye overthrewe,
The fellow of the Lion which _Hercules_ slewe.[356]
But what is it than? 55

_R. Royster._ Of love I make my mone.

_M. Mery._ Ah this foolishe a[357] love, wilt neare let us alone?
But bicause ye were refused the last day,
Ye said ye woulde nere more be intangled that way:
"I would medle no more, since I fynde all so unkinde,"[358]

_R. Royster._ Yea, but I can not so put love out of my minde. 60

_Math. Mer._ But is your love tell me first, in any wise, A iv _b_
In the way of Mariage, or of Merchandise?
If it may otherwise than lawfull be founde,
Ye get none of my helpe for an hundred pounde.

_R. Royster._ No by my trouth I would have hir to my Wife. 65

_M. Mery._ Then are ye a good man, and God save your life,
And what or who is she, with whome ye are in love?

_R. Royster._ A woman whome I knowe not by what meanes to move.

_M. Mery._ Who is it?

_R. Royster._ A woman yond.

_M. Mery._ What is hir name?

_R. Royster._ Hir yonder. 70

_M. Mery._ Who[359][?]

_R. Royster._ Mistresse ah--

_M. Mery._ Fy fy for shame[!]
Love ye, and know not whome? but hir yonde, a Woman,
We shall then get you a Wyfe, I can not tell whan.

_R. Royster._ The faire Woman, that supped wyth us yesternyght--
And I hearde hir name twice or thrice, and had it ryght.

_M. Mery._ Yea, ye may see ye nere[360] take me to good cheere with
you, 75
If ye had, I coulde have tolde you hir name now.

_R. Royster._ I was to blame in deede, but the nexte tyme perchaunce:
And she dwelleth in this house.

_M. Mery._ What Christian Custance.

_R. Royster._ Except I have hir to my Wife, I shall runne madde.

_M. Mery._ Nay unwise perhaps, but I warrant you for madde. 80

_R. Royster._ I am utterly dead unlesse I have my desire.

_M. Mery._ Where be the bellowes that blewe this sodeine fire?

_R. Royster._ I heare she is worthe a thousande pounde and more.

_M. Mery._ Yea, but learne this one lesson of me afore,
An hundred pounde of Marriage money doubtlesse, 85
Is ever thirtie pounde sterlyng, or somewhat lesse,
So that hir Thousande pounde yf she be thriftie,
Is muche neere[361] about two hundred and fiftie,
Howebeit wowers and Widowes are never poore.

_R. Royster._ Is she a Widowe?[362] I love hir better therefore. 90

_M. Mery._ But I heare she hath made promise to another.

_R. Royster._ He shall goe without hir, and[363] he were my brother.

_M. Mery._ I have hearde say, I am right well advised,
That she hath to Gawyn Goodlucke promised.

_R. Royster._ What is that Gawyn Goodlucke? B i 95

_M. Mery._ a Merchant man.

_R. Royster._ Shall he speede afore me? nay sir by sweete Sainct Anne.
Ah sir, Backare quod Mortimer to his sowe,[364]
I wyll have hir myne owne selfe I make God a vow.
For I tell thee, she is worthe a thousande pounde.

_M. Mery._ Yet a fitter wife for your maship[365] might be founde: 100
Suche a goodly man as you, might get one wyth lande,[366]
Besides poundes of golde a thousande and a thousande,
And a thousande, and a thousande, and a thousande,
And so to the summe of twentie hundred thousande,
Your most goodly personage is worthie of no lesse.[367] 105

_R. Royster._ I am sorie God made me so comely doubtlesse,[368]
For that maketh me eche where so highly favoured,
And all women on me so enamoured.[369]

_M. Mery._ Enamoured quod you? have ye spied out that?
Ah sir, mary nowe I see you know what is what. 110
Enamoured ka?[370] mary sir say that againe,
But I thought not ye had marked it so plaine.

_R. Royster._ Yes, eche where they gaze all upon me and stare.

_M. Mery._ Yea malkyn, I warrant you as muche as they dare.
And ye will not beleve what they say in the streete, 115
When your mashyp passeth by all such as I meete,
That sometimes I can scarce finde what aunswere to make.
Who is this (sayth one) sir _Launcelot du lake_?[371]
Who is this, greate _Guy_[372] of Warwike, sayth an other?
No (say I) it is the thirtenth _Hercules_ brother. 120
Who is this? noble _Hector_ of _Troy_, sayth the thirde?
No, but of the same nest (say I) it is a birde.
Who is this? greate _Goliah_, _Sampson_, or _Colbrande_?[373]
No (say I) but it is a brute[374] of the Alie[375] lande.
Who is this? greate _Alexander_?[376] or _Charle le Maigne_? 125
No, it is the tenth Worthie, say I to them agayne:
I knowe not if I sayd well.

_R. Royster._ Yes for so I am.

_M. Mery._ Yea, for there were but nine worthies before ye
came. B i _b_
To some others, the third _Cato_[377] I doe you call.
And so as well as I can I aunswere them all. 130
Sir I pray you, what lorde or great gentleman is this?
Maister Ralph Roister Doister dame say I, ywis.
O Lorde (sayth she than) what a goodly man it is,
Woulde Christ I had such a husbande as he is.
O Lorde (say some) that the sight of his face we lacke:[378] 135
It is inough for you (say I) to see his backe.
His face is for ladies of high and noble parages.[379]
With whome he hardly scapeth great mariages.
With muche more than this, and much otherwise.

_R. Royster._ I can thee thanke that thou canst suche answeres
devise: 140
But I perceyve thou doste me throughly knowe.

_M. Mery._ I marke your maners for myne owne learnyng I trowe,
But suche is your beautie, and suche are your actes,
Suche is your personage, and suche are your factes,[380]
That all women faire and fowle, more and less, 145
They[381] eye you, they lubbe[382] you, they talke of you
doubtlesse,
Your p[l]easant looke maketh them all merie,
Ye passe not by, but they laugh till they be werie,
Yea and money coulde I have[,] the truthe to tell,
Of many, to bryng you that way where they dwell. 150

_R. Royster._ Merygreeke for this thy reporting well of mee:

_M. Mery._ What shoulde I else sir, it is my duetie pardee:

_R. Royster._ I promise thou shalt not lacke, while I have a grote.

_M. Mery._ Faith sir, and I nere had more nede of a newe cote.

_R. Royster._ Thou shalte have one to morowe, and golde for to
spende. 155

_M. Mery._ Then I trust to bring the day to a good ende.
For as for mine owne parte having money inowe,
I could lyve onely with the remembrance of you.
But nowe to your Widowe whome you love so hotte.

_R. Royster._ By cocke thou sayest truthe, I had almost forgotte. 160

_M. Mery._ What if Christian Custance will not have you what?

_R. Royster._ Have me? yes I warrant you,[383] never doubt of that,
I knowe she loveth me, but she dare not speake. B ii

_M. Mery._ In deede meete it were some body should it breake.

_R. Royster._ She looked on me twentie tymes yesternight, 165
And laughed so.

_M. Mery._ That she coulde not sitte upright,

_R. Royster._ No faith coulde she not.

_M. Mery._ No even such a thing I cast.[384]

_R. Royster._ But for wowyng thou knowest women are shamefast.
But and she knewe my minde, I knowe she would be glad,
And thinke it the best chaunce that ever she had. 170

_M. Mery._ Too[385] hir then like a man, and be bolde forth to starte,
Wowers never speede well, that have a false harte.

_R. Royster._ What may I best doe?

_M. Mery._ Sir remaine ye a while [here[386]]?
Ere long one or other of hir house will appere.
Ye knowe my minde. 175

_R. Royster._ Yea now hardly[387] lette me alone.

_M. Mery._ In the meane time sir, if you please, I wyll home,
And call your Musitians,[388] for in this your case
It would sette you forth, and all your wowyng grace,
Ye may not lacke your instrumentes to play and sing.

_R. Royster._ Thou knowest I can doe that. 180

_M. Mery._ As well as any thing.
Shall I go call your folkes, that ye may shewe a cast?[389]

_R. Royster._ Yea runne I beseeche thee in all possible haste.

_M. Mery._ I goe. _Exeat._

_R. Royster._ Yea for I love singyng out of measure,
It comforteth my spirites and doth me great pleasure. 185
But who commeth forth yond from my swete hearte Custance?
My matter frameth well, thys is a luckie chaunce.

Actus. i. Scæna iii.

MAGE MUMBLE CRUST,[390] _spinning on the distaffe_. TIBET TALK APACE,
_sowyng_. ANNOT ALYFACE, _knittyng_. R. ROISTER.

_M. Mumbl._ If thys distaffe were spoonne[,] Margerie Mumblecrust[--]

_Tib. Talk._[391] Where good stale ale is will drinke no water I
trust.

_M. Mumbl._ Dame Custance hath promised us good ale and white
bread.[392]

_Tib. Talk._ If she kepe not promise, I will beshrewe hir head:
B ii _b_
But it will be starke nyght before I shall have done. 5

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. I will stande here a while, and talke with
them anon,
I heare them speake of Custance, which doth my heart good,
To heare hir name spoken doth even comfort my blood.

_M. Mumbl._ Sit downe to your worke Tibet like a good girle.

_Tib. Talk._ Nourse medle you with your spyndle and your whirle, 10
No haste but good, Madge Mumblecrust, for whip and whurre[393]
The olde proverbe doth say, never made good furre.

_M. Mumbl._ Well, ye wyll sitte downe to your worke anon, I trust.

_Tib. Talk._ Soft fire maketh sweete malte,[394] good Madge
Mumblecrust.

_M. Mumbl._ And sweete malte maketh joly good ale for the nones. 15

_Tib. Talk._ Whiche will slide downe the lane without any bones.
_Cantet._[395]
Olde browne bread crustes must have much good mumblyng,
But good ale downe your throte hath good easie tumbling.

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. The jolyest wench that ere I hearde, little
mouse,--
May I not rejoice that she shall dwell in my house? 20

_Tib. Talk._ So sirrha, nowe this geare beginneth for to frame.

_M. Mumbl._ Thanks to God, though your work stand stil, your tong
is not lame

_Tib. Talk._ And though your teeth be gone, both so sharpe and so fine
Yet your tongue can renne on patins[396] as well as mine.

_M. Mumbl._ Ye were not for nought named Tyb Talke apace. 25

_Tib. Talk._ Doth my talke grieve you? Alack, God save your grace.

_M. Mumbl._ I holde[397] a grote ye will drinke anon for this geare.

_Tib. Talk._ And I wyll pray you the stripes for me to beare.

_M. Mumbl._ I holde a penny, ye will drink without a cup.

_Tib. Talk._ Wherein so ere ye drinke, I wote ye drinke all up. 30

_An. Alyface._[398] By Cock and well sowed, my good Tibet Talke apace.

_Tib. Talk._ And een as well knitte my nowne Annot Alyface.

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. See what a sort she kepeth that must be my
wife[!]
Shall not I when I have hir, leade a merrie life?

_Tib. Talk._ Welcome my good wenche, and sitte here by me just. 35

_An. Alyface._ And howe doth our old beldame here, Mage Mumblecrust?

_Tib. Talk._ Chyde, and finde faultes, and threaten to complaine.

_An. Alyface._ To make us poore girles shent to hir is small gaine.
B iii

_M. Mumbl._ I dyd neyther chyde, nor complaine, nor threaten.

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. It woulde grieve my heart to see one of them
beaten. 40

_M. Mumbl._ I dyd nothyng but byd hir worke and holde hir peace.

_Tib. Talk._ So would I, if you coulde your clattering ceasse:
But the devill can not make olde trotte[399] holde hir tong.

_An. Alyface._ Let all these matters passe, and we three sing a song,
So shall we pleasantly bothe the tyme beguile now, 45
And eke dispatche all our workes ere we can tell how.

_Tib. Talk._ I shrew them that say nay, and that shall not be I.

_M. Mumbl._ And I am well content.

_Tib. Talk._ Sing on then by and by.

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. And I will not away, but listen to their song,
Yet Merygreeke and my folkes tary very long. 50

TIB, AN, _and_ MARGERIE, _doe singe here_.

Pipe mery Annot.[400] etc.
Trilla, Trilla. Trillarie.
Worke Tibet, worke Annot, worke Margerie.
Sewe Tibet, knitte Annot, spinne Margerie.
Let us see who shall winne the victorie. 55

_Tib. Talk._ This sleve is not willyng to be sewed I trowe,
A small thing might make me all in the grounde to throwe.

_Then they sing agayne._

Pipe merrie Annot. etc.
Trilla. Trilla. Trillarie.
What Tibet, what Annot, what Margerie. 60
Ye sleepe, but we doe not, that shall we trie.
Your fingers be nombde, our worke will not lie.

_Tib. Talk._ If ye doe so againe, well I would advise you nay.
In good sooth one stoppe[401] more, and I make holy day.

_They singe the thirde tyme._

Pipe Mery Annot. etc. 65
Trilla. Trilla. Trillarie.
Nowe Tibbet, now Annot, nowe Margerie. B iii _b_
Nowe whippet[402] apace for the maystrie,
But it will not be, our mouth is so drie.

_Tib. Talk._ Ah, eche finger is a thombe to day me thinke, 70
I care not to let all alone, choose it swimme or sinke.

_They sing the fourth tyme._

Pipe Mery Annot. etc.
Trilla. Trilla. Trillarie.
When Tibet, when Annot, when Margerie.
I will not, I can not, no more can I. 75
Then give we all over, and there let it lye.
_Lette hir caste downe hir worke._

_Tib. Talk._ There it lieth, the worste is but a curried cote[!][403]
Tut I am used therto, I care not a grote.

_An. Alyface._ Have we done singyng since? then will I in againe,
Here I founde you, and here I leave both twaine. _Exeat._

_M. Mumbl._ And I will not be long after: Tib Talke apace.

_Tib. Talk._ What is yᵉ matter?

_M. Mumbl._ [_looking at R._]. Yond stode a man al this space
And hath hearde all that ever we spake togyther.

_Tib. Talk._ Mary the more loute he for his comming hither.
And the lesse good he can to listen maidens talke. 85
I care not and I go byd him hence for to walke:
It were well done to knowe what he maketh here away.[404]

_R. Royster_ [_aside_]. Nowe myght I speake to them, if I wist what
to say.

_M. Mumbl._ Nay we will go both off, and see what he is.

_R. Royster._ One that hath hearde all your talke and singyng ywis. 90

_Tib. Talk._ The more to blame you, a good thriftie husbande[405]
Woulde elsewhere have had some better matters in hande.

_R. Royster._ I dyd it for no harme, but for good love I beare,
To your dame mistresse Custance, I did your talke heare.
And Mistresse nource I will kisse you for acquaintance. 95

_M. Mumbl._ I come anon sir.

_Tib. Talk._ Faith I would our dame Custance
Sawe this geare.

_M. Mumbl._ I must first wipe al cleane, yea I must.

_Tib. Talk._ Ill chieue[406] it dotyng foole, but it must be cust.

[ROYSTER _kisses_ MUMBLECRUST.]

_M. Mumbl._ God yelde[407] you sir, chad[408] not so much ichotte[408]
not whan,
Nere since chwas bore chwine, of such a gay gentleman. 100

_R. Royster._ I will kisse you too[,] mayden[,] for the good will I
beare you. B iv

_Tib Talk._ No forsoth, by your leave ye shall not kisse me.

_R. Royster._ Yes be not afearde, I doe not disdayne you a whit.

_Tib. Talk._ Why shoulde I feare you? I have not so little wit,
Ye are but a man I knowe very well. 105

_R. Royster._ Why then?

_Tib. Talk._ Forsooth for I wyll not, I use not to kisse men.

_R. Royster._ I would faine kisse you too good maiden, if I myght.

_Tib. Talk._ What shold that neede?

_R. Royster._ But to honor you by this light.
I use to kisse all them that I love[,] to God I vowe.

_Tib. Talk._ Yea sir? I pray you when dyd ye last kisse your
cowe.[409] 110

_R. Royster._ Ye might be proude to kisse me, if ye were wise.

_Tib. Talk._ What promotion were therein?

_R. Royster._ Nourse is not so nice.[410]

_Tib. Talk._ Well I have not bene taught to kissing and licking.

_R. Royster._ Yet I thanke you mistresse Nourse, ye made no sticking.

_M. Mumbl._ I will not sticke for a kosse with such a man as you. 115

_Tib. Talk._ They that lust: I will againe to my sewyng now.

_An. Alyfac_[_e_, _re-entering_]. Tidings hough, tidings, dame
Custance greeteth you well.

_R. Royster._ Whome me?

_An. Alyface._ You sir? no sir? I do no suche tale tell.

_R. Royster._ But and she knewe me here.

_An. Alyface._ Tybet Talke apace,
Your mistresse Custance and mine, must speake with your grace.

_Tib. Talk._ With me?

_An. Alyface._ Ye muste come in to hir out of all doutes.

_Tib. Talk._ And my work not half done? A mischief on all loutes.
_Ex_[_eant_] _am_[_bae_.]

_R. Royster._ Ah good sweet nourse[!]

_M. Mumb._ A good sweete gentleman[!]

_R. Royster._ What?

_M. Mumbl._ Nay I can not tel sir, but what thing would you?

_R. Royster._ Howe dothe sweete Custance, my heart of gold, tell
me[,] how? 125

_M. Mumbl._ She dothe very well sir, and commaunde me to you.

_R. Royster._ To me?

_M. Mumbl._ Yea to you sir.

_R. Royster._ To me? nurse tel me plain
To me?

_M. Mumb._ Ye.

_R. Royster._ That word maketh me alive again.

_M. Mumbl._ She commaunde me to one last day who ere it was.

_R. Royster._ That was een to me and none other by the Masse. 130

_M. Mumbl._ I can not tell you surely, but one it was.

_R. Royster._ It was I and none other: this commeth to good passe.
I promise thee nourse I favour hir.

_M. Mumb._ Een so sir.

_R. Royster._ Bid hir sue to me for mariage.

_M. Mumbl._ Een so sir. B iv _b_

_R. Royster._ And surely for thy sake she shall speede. 135

_M. Mumb._ Een so sir.

_R. Royster._ I shall be contented to take hir.

_M. Mumb._ Een so sir.

_R. Royster._ But at thy request and for thy sake.

_M. Mumb._ Een so sir.

_R. Royster._ And come hearke in thine eare what to say.

_M. Mumb._ Een so sir.

_Here lette him tell hir a great long tale in hir eare._[411]

Actus. i. Scæna. iiii.

MATHEW MERYGREEKE. DOBINET DOUGHTIE. HARPAX [_and Musitians
entering_]. RALPH ROYSTER. MARGERIE MUMBLECRUST [_still on the
scene, whispering_].

_M. Mery._ Come on sirs apace, and quite your selves like men,
Your pains shalbe rewarded.

_D. Dou._ But I wot not when.

_M. Mery._ Do your maister worship as ye have done in time past.

_D. Dough._ Speake to them: of mine office he shall have a cast.

_M. Mery._ _Harpax_,[412] looke that thou doe well too, and thy
fellow. 5

_Harpax._ I warrant, if he will myne example folowe.

_M. Mery._ Curtsie whooresons, douke you and crouche at every
worde,

_D. Dough._ Yes whether our maister speake earnest or borde.

_M. Mery._ For this lieth upon his preferment in deede.

_D. Dough._ Oft is hee a wower, but never doth he speede. 10

_M. Mery._ But with whome is he nowe so sadly roundyng yond?

_D. Dough._ With Nobs nicebecetur miserere[413] fonde.

[_M._] _Mery_ [_approaching R. R._]. God be at your wedding, be ye
spedde alredie?
I did not suppose that your love was so greedie,
I perceive nowe ye have chose[414] of devotion, 15
And joy have ye ladie of your promotion.

_R. Royster._ Tushe foole, thou art deceived, this is not she.

_M. Mery._ Well mocke[415] muche of hir, and keepe hir well I
vise[416] ye.
I will take no charge of such a faire piece keeping.

_M. Mumbl._ What ayleth thys fellowe? he driveth me to weeping. 20

_M. Mery._ What weepe on the weddyng day? be merrie woman,
Though I say it, ye have chose a good gentleman.

_R. Royster._ Kocks nownes[417] what meanest thou man[?] tut a
whistle[418][!]

[_M. Mery._][419] Ah sir, be good to hir, she is but a
gristle,[420] C i
Ah sweete lambe and coney. 25

_R. Royster._ Tut thou art deceived.

_M. Mery._ Weepe no more lady, ye shall be well received.
Up wyth some mery noyse sirs, to bring home the bride.[421]

_R. Royster._ Gogs armes knave, art thou madde? I tel thee thou
art wide.[422]

_M. Mery._ Then ye entende by nyght to have hir home brought.

_R. Royster._ I tel thee no. 30

_M. Mery._ How then?

_R. Royster._ Tis neither ment ne thought.

_M. Mery._ What shall we then doe with hir?

_R. Royster._ Ah foolish harebraine,
This is not she.

_M. Mery._ No is?[423] why then unsayde againe,
And what yong girle is this with your mashyp so bolde?

_R. Royster._ A girle?

_M. Mery._ Yea. I dare say, scarce yet three score yere old. 34

_R. Royster._ This same is the faire widowes nourse of whome ye wotte.

_M. Mery._ Is she but a nourse of a house? hence home olde trotte,
Hence at once.

_R. Royster._ No, no.

_M. Mery._ What an please your maship
A nourse talke so homely[424] with one of your worship?

_R. Royster._ I will have it so: it is my pleasure and will. 39

_M. Mery._ Then I am content. Nourse come againe, tarry still.

_R. Royster._ What, she will helpe forward this my sute for hir part.

_M. Mery._ Then ist mine owne pygs nie,[425] and blessing on my hart.

_R. Royster._ This is our best friend[,] man[!]

_M. Mery._ Then teach hir what to say[!]

_M. Mumbl._ I am taught alreadie.

_M. Mery._ Then go, make no delay.

_R. Royster._ Yet hark one word in thine eare. 45

_M. Mery_ [_Dobinet, etc., press on Royster, who pushes them back_].
Back sirs from his taile.

_R. Royster._ Backe vilaynes, will ye be privie of my counsaile?

_M. Mery._ Backe sirs, so: I tolde you afore ye woulde be shent.

_R. Royster._ She shall have the first day a whole pecke of argent.

_M. Mumbl._ A pecke? _Nomine patris_ [_crossing herself_], have ye
so much spare?[426]

_R. Royster._ Yea and a carte lode therto, or else were it bare, 50
Besides other movables, housholde stuffe and lande.

_M. Mumbl._ Have ye lands too.

_R. Royster._ An hundred marks.

_M. Mery._ Yea a thousand.

_M. Mumbl._ And have ye cattell too? and sheepe too?

_R. Royster._ Yea a fewe.

_M. Mery._ He is ashamed the numbre of them to shewe.
Een rounde about him, as many thousande sheepe goes, 55
As he and thou and I too, have fingers and toes.

_M. Mumbl._ And how many yeares olde be you?

_R. Royster._ Fortie at lest.

_M. Mery._ Yea and thrice fortie to them. C i _b_

_R. Royster._ Nay now thou dost jest.
I am not so olde, thou misreckonest my yeares. 59

_M. Mery._ I know that: but my minde was on bullockes and steeres.

_M. Mumbl._ And what shall I shewe hir your masterships name is?

_R. Royster._ Nay she shall make sute ere she know that ywis.

_M. Mumbl._ Yet let me somewhat knowe.

_M. Mery._ This is hee[,] understand,
That killed the blewe Spider[427] in Blanchepouder[428] lande.

_M. Mumbl._ Yea _Jesus_[!] William[!] zee law[!] dyd he zo[?]
law[!] 65

_M. Mery._ Yea and the last Elephant[429] that ever he sawe,
As the beast passed by, he start out of a buske,[430]
And een with pure strength of armes pluckt out his great tuske.

_M. Mumbl._ _Jesus, nomine patris_ [_crossing herself_], what a thing
was that?

_R. Roister._ Yea but Merygreke one thing thou hast forgot. 70

_M. Mery._ What?

_R. Royster._ Of thother Elephant.

_M. Mery._ Oh hym that fledde away.

_R. Royster._ Yea.

_M. Mery._ Yea he knew that his match was in place that day
Tut, he bet the king of Crickets[431] on Christmasse day,
That he crept in a hole, and not a worde to say.

_M. Mumbl._ A sore man by zembletee.[432] 75

_M. Mery._ Why, he wrong a club
Once in a fray out of the hande of Belzebub.

_R. Royster._ And how when Mumfision?

_M. Mery._ Oh your coustrelyng[433]
Bore the lanterne a fielde so before the gozelyng.
Nay that is to long a matter now to be tolde:
Never aske his name Nurse, I warrant thee, be bolde, 80
He conquered in one day from _Rome_, to _Naples_,
And woonne Townes[,] nourse[,] as fast as thou canst make Apples.

_M. Mumbl._ O Lorde, my heart quaketh for feare: he is to sore.

_R. Royster._ Thou makest hir to much afearde, Merygreeke no more.
This tale woulde feare my sweete heart Custance right evill.

_M. Mery._ Nay let hir take him Nurse, and feare not the devill. 86
But thus is our song dasht. [_To the musicians_] Sirs ye may
home againe.

_R. Royster._ No shall they not. I charge you all here to remaine:
The villaine slaves[!] a whole day ere they can be founde.

_M. Mery._ Couche on your marybones whooresons, down to the
ground[!][434] 90
Was it meete he should tarie so long in one place
Without harmonie of Musike, or some solace? C ii
Who so hath suche bees as your maister in hys head,
Had neede to have his spirites with Musike to be fed.
By your maisterships licence [_picking something from his coat_].

_R. Royster._ What is that? a moate? 96

_M. Mery._ No it was a fooles feather[435] had light on your coate.

_R. Roister._ I was nigh no feathers since I came from my bed.

_M. Mery._ No sir, it was a haire that was fall from your hed.

_R. Roister._ My men com when it plese them.

_M. Mery._ By your leve.

_R. Roister._ What is that?

_M. Mery._ Your gown was foule spotted with the foot of a gnat. 100

_R. Roister._ Their maister to offende they are nothing afearde.
What now?

_M. Mery._ A lousy haire from your masterships beard.
_Omnes famul_[_i_].[436] And sir for Nurses sake pardon this one
offence.
We shall not after this shew the like negligence. 104

_R. Royster._ I pardon you this once, and come sing nere the wurse.

_M. Mery._ How like you the goodnesse of this gentleman[,] nurse?

_M. Mumbl._ God save his maistership that so can his men forgeve,
And I wyll heare them sing ere I go, by his leave.

_R. Royster._ Mary and thou shalt wenche, come we two will daunce.

_M. Mumbl._ Nay I will by myne owne selfe foote the song perchaunce.

_R. Royster._ Go to it sirs lustily. 111

_M. Mumbl._ Pipe up a mery note,
Let me heare it playde, I will foote it for a grote.

_Cantent._[437]

_R. Royster._ Now nurse take thys same letter here to thy mistresse.
And as my trust is in thee plie my businesse.

_M. Mumbl._ It shalbe done[!][438] 115

_M. Mery._ Who made it?

_R. Royster._ I wrote it ech whit.

_M. Mery._ Then nedes it no mending.

_R. Royster._ No, no.

_M. Mery._ No I know your wit.
I warrant it wel.

_M. Mumb._ It shal be delivered.
But if ye speede, shall I be considered?

_M. Mery._ Whough, dost thou doubt of that?

_Madge._ What shal I have? 119

_M. Mery._ An hundred times more than thou canst devise to crave.

_M. Mumbl._ Shall I have some newe geare? for my olde is all spent.

_M. Mery._ The worst kitchen wench shall goe in ladies rayment.

_M. Mumbl._ Yea?

_M. Mery._ And the worst drudge in the house shal go better
Than your mistresse doth now.

_Mar._ Then I trudge with your letter. [_Exit._]

_R. Royster._ Now may I repose me: Custance is mine owne. C ii _b_
Let us sing and play homeward that it may be knowne. 126

_M. Mery._ But are you sure, that your letter is well enough?

_R. Royster._ I wrote it my selfe.

_M. Mery._ Then sing we to dinner.

_Here they sing, and go out singing._

Actus. i. Scæna. v.

CHRISTIAN CUSTANCE. MARGERIE MUMBLECRUST.

_C. Custance._ Who tooke[439] thee thys letter Margerie Mumblecrust?

_M. Mumbl._ A lustie gay bacheler tooke it me of trust,
And if ye seeke to him he will lowe[440] your doing.

_C. Custance._ Yea, but where learned he that manner of wowing?

_M. Mumbl._ If to sue to hym, you will any paines take, 5
He will have you to his wife (he sayth) for my sake.

_C. Custance._ Some wise gentlemen belike. I am bespoken:[441]
And I thought verily thys had bene some token
From my dere spouse[442] Gawin Goodluck, whom when him please
God luckily sende home to both our heartes ease. 10

_M. Mumbl._ A joyly[443] man it is I wote well by report,
And would have you to him for marriage resort:
Best open the writing, and see what it doth speake.

_C. Custance._ At thys time nourse I will neither reade ne breake.

_M. Mumbl._ He promised to give you a whole pecke of golde. 15

_C. Custance._ Perchaunce lacke of a pynte when it shall be all tolde.

_M. Mumbl._ I would take a gay riche husbande, and I were you.

_C. Custance._ In good sooth Madge, een so would I, if I were
thou.[444]
But no more of this fond talke now, let us go in,
And see thou no more move me folly to begin. 20
Nor bring mee no mo letters for no mans pleasure,
But thou know from whom.

_M. Mumbl._ I warrant ye shall be sure.

Actus. ii. Scæna i.[445] C [iii]

DOBINET DOUGHTIE.

_D. Dough._ Where is the house I goe to, before or behinde?
I know not where nor when nor how I shal it finde.
If I had ten mens bodies and legs and strength,
This trotting that I have must needs lame me at length.
And nowe that my maister is new set on wowyng, 5
I trust there shall none of us finde lacke of doyng:
Two paire of shoes a day will nowe be too litle
To serve me, I must trotte to and fro so mickle.
Go beare me thys token, carrie me this letter,
Nowe this is the best way, nowe that way is better. 10
Up before day sirs, I charge you, an houre or twaine,
Trudge, do me thys message, and bring worde quicke againe,
If one misse but a minute, then [H]is armes and woundes[446]
I woulde not have slacked for ten thousand poundes.
Nay see I beseeche you, if my most trustie page, 15
Goe not nowe aboute to hinder my mariage,
So fervent hotte wowyng, and so farre from wiving,
I trowe never was any creature livyng,
With every woman is he in some loves pang,
Then up to our lute at midnight, twangledome twang,[447] 20
Then twang with our sonets, and twang with our dumps,[448]
And heyhough from our heart, as heavie as lead lumpes:
Then to our recorder[449] with toodleloodle poope
As the howlet out of an yvie bushe should hoope.
Anon to our gitterne, thrumpledum, thrumpledum thrum, 25
Thrumpledum, thrumpledum, thrumpledum, thrumpledum thrum.
Of Songs and Balades also is he a maker,
And that can he as finely doe as Iacke Raker,[450] C iii _b_
Yea and _extempore_ will he dities compose,
Foolishe _Marsias_ nere made the like I suppose, 30
Yet must we sing them, as good stuffe I undertake,
As for such a pen man is well fittyng to make.
Ah for these long nights, heyhow, when will it be day?
I feare ere I come she will be wowed away.
Then when aunswere is made that it may not bee, 35
O death why commest thou not? by and by[452] (sayth he)[;]
But then, from his heart to put away sorowe,
He is as farre in with some newe love next morowe.
But in the meane season we trudge and we trot,
From dayspring to midnyght, I sit not, nor rest not. 40
And now am I sent to dame Christian Custance:
But I feare it will ende with a mocke for pastance.[451]
I bring hir a ring, with a token in a cloute,
And by all gesse, this same is hir house out of doute.
I knowe it nowe perfect, I am in my right way. 45
And loe yond the olde nourse that was wyth us last day.

Actus ii. Scæna ii.

MAGE MUMBLECRUST. DOBINET DOUGHTIE.

_M. Mumbl_. I was nere so shoke[453] up afore since I was borne,
That our mistresse coulde not have chid[453] I wold have sworne:
And I pray God I die if I ment any harme,
But for my life time this shall be to me a charme.

_D. Dough._ God you save and see nurse, and howe is it with you? 5

_M. Mumbl._ Mary a great deale the worse it is for suche as thou.

_D. Dough._ For me? Why so?

_M. Mumb._ Why wer not thou one of them, say,
That song and playde here with the gentleman last day?

_D. Dough._ Yes, and he would know if you have for him spoken.
And prayes you to deliver this ring and token. 10

_M. Mumbl._ Nowe by the token that God tokened[,] brother,
I will deliver no token one nor other.
I have once ben so shent for your maisters pleasure, C iv
As I will not be agayne for all hys treasure.

_D. Dough._ He will thank you woman. 15

_M. Mumbl._ I will none of his thanke. _Ex._

_D. Dough._ I weene I am a prophete, this geare will prove blanke:[454]
But what should I home againe without answere go?
It were better go to _Rome_[455] on my head than so.
I will tary here this moneth, but some of the house 20
Shall take it of me, and then I care not a louse.
But yonder commeth forth a wenche or a ladde,
If he have not one Lumbardes touche,[456] my lucke is bad.

Actus. ii. Scæna. iii.

TRUEPENIE. D. DOUGH. TIBET T. ANOT AL.

_Trupeny._ I am cleane lost for lacke of mery companie,
We gree not halfe well within, our wenches and I,
They will commaunde like mistresses, they will forbyd,
If they be not served, Trupeny must be chyd.
Let them be as mery nowe as ye can desire, 5
With turnyng of a hande, our mirth lieth in the mire,
I can not skill of such chaungeable mettle,
There is nothing with them but in docke out nettle.[457]

_D. Dough._ Whether is it better that I speake to him furst,
Or he first to me, it is good to cast the wurst. 10
If I beginne first, he will smell all my purpose,
Otherwise I shall not neede any thing to disclose.

_Trupeny._ What boy have we yonder? I will see what he is.

_D. Dough._ He commeth to me. It is hereabout ywis.

_Trupeny._ Wouldest thou ought friende, that thou lookest so about?

_D. Dough._ Yea, but whether ye can helpe me or no, I dout. 16
I seeke to one mistresse Custance house here dwellyng.

_Trupenie._ It is my mistresse ye seeke too by your telling.

_D. Dough._ Is there any of that name heere but shee?

_Trupenie._ Not one in all the whole towne that I knowe
pardee. C iv _b_ 20

_D. Dough._ A Widowe she is I trow.

_Trupenie._ And what and she be?

_D. Dough._ But ensured to an husbande.

_Trupenie._ Yea, so thinke we.

_D. Dough._ And I dwell with hir husbande that trusteth to be.

_Trupenie._ In faith then must thou needes be welcome to me,
Let us for acquaintance shake handes togither, 25
And what ere thou be, heartily welcome hither.

_Tib. Talk._ Well Trupenie never but flinging.[458]
[entering with AN.]

_An. Alyface._ And frisking?

_Trupenie._ Well Tibet and Annot, still swingyng and whiskyng?

_Tib. Talk._ But ye roile abroade.

_An. Alyface._ In the streete evere where.

_Trupenie._ Where are ye twaine, in chambers when ye mete me there? 30
But come hither fooles, I have one nowe by the hande,
Servant to hym that must be our mistresse husbande,
Byd him welcome.

_An. Alyface._ To me truly is he welcome.

_Tib. Talk._ Forsooth and as I may say, heartily welcome.

_D. Dough._ I thank you mistresse maides. 35

_An. Alyface._ I hope we shal better know.

_Tib. Talk._ And when wil our new master come.

_D. Dough._ Shortly I trow.

_Tib. Talk._ I would it were to morow: for till he resorte
Our mistresse being a Widow hath small comforte,
And I hearde our nourse speake of an husbande to day
Ready for our mistresse, a riche man and a gay, 40
And we shall go in our frenche hoodes[459] every day,
In our silke cassocks (I warrant you) freshe and gay,
In our tricke[460] ferdegews and billiments of golde,[461]
Brave[462] in our sutes of chaunge seven double folde,
Then shall ye see Tibet sirs, treade the mosse so trimme, 45
Nay, why sayd I treade? ye shall see hir glide and swimme,
Not lumperdee clumperdee like our spaniell Rig.

_Trupeny._ Mary then prickmedaintie[463] come toste me a fig.[464]
Who shall then know our Tib Talke apace trow ye?

_An. Alyface._ And why not Annot Alyface as fyne as she? 50

_Trupeny._ And what had Tom Trupeny, a father or none?

_An. Alyface._ Then our prety newe come man will looke to be one.

_Trupeny._ We foure I trust shall be a joily mery knot.
Shall we sing a fitte to welcome our friende, Annot? D i

_An. Alyface._ Perchaunce he can not sing. 55

_D. Dough._ I am at all assayes.[465]

_Tib. Talk._ By cocke and the better welcome to us alwayes.

_Here they sing._

A thing very fitte
For them that have witte,
And are felowes knitte
Servants in one house to bee, 60
Is fast fast for to sitte,
And not oft to flitte,
Nor varie a whitte,
But lovingly to agree.
No man complainyng, 65
Nor other disdayning,
For losse or for gainyng,
But felowes or friends to bee.
No grudge remainyng,
No worke refrainyng, 70
Nor helpe restrainyng,
But lovingly to agree.

No man for despite,
By worde or by write
His felowe to twite, 75
But further in honestie,
No good turnes entwite,[466]
Nor olde sores recite,
But let all goe quite,
And lovingly to agree. 80
After drudgerie,
When they be werie,
Then to be merie,
To laugh and sing they be free
With chip and cherie 85
Heigh derie derie,
Trill on the berie,[467]
And lovingly to agree.

_Finis._

_Tib. Talk._ Wyll you now in with us unto our mistresse go?

_D. Dough._ I have first for my maister an errand or two. 90
But I have here from him a token and a ring,
They shall have moste thanke of hir that first doth it bring.

_Tib. Talk._ Mary that will I.

_Trupeny._ See and Tibet snatch not now.

_Tib. Talk._ And why may not I sir, get thanks as well as you?
_Exeat._

_An. Alyface._ Yet get ye not all, we will go with you both. 95
And have part of your thanks be ye never so loth.
[_Exeant omnes._]
_D. Dough._ So my handes are ridde of it: I care for no more.
I may now return home: so durst I not afore. _Exeat._

Actus. ii. Scæna. iiii. D i _b_