Appius and Virginia

Enter Virginius . BEfore the time that fortunes lot , dyd shew ech fate his dome , Or Byrde , or Beast , or fish , or Foule , or Earth had taken rome The Gods they did decree to frame , the thing is ended now , The Heauens , and the Planets eke , and moyst from ayre to bow . Then framed they the man of mould & clay , & gaue him time to raign , As séemed best their sacred minds , to runne and turne againe : They framed also after this , out of his tender side , A péece of much formositie , with him for to abide : From infansie to lusty you , and so to raigne a while , And well to liue , tyl Etas he vnwares , do him begyle . And sith to see these giftes of them , no grounded caue to vew , Not daintyly to deck them vp , which after they may rew : Wherfore I thank the Gods aboue , that yéeld to mee such fate , To lincke to mee so iust a spouse , and eke so louing mate . By her I haue a virgin pure , an ympe of heauenly race , Both sober , meeke , and modest too , and vertuous in lyke rase : To Temple will I wend therfore , to yéeld the Gods their praise , For that they haue thus luckely , anexed with my daies . But stay , behold the peerelesse sparks wherof my tongue dyd talke , Approch in presence of my sight , to church I déeme they walk , But stay I wyll , and shroud me secretly a while . To see what witte or counsell graue , proceedeth from their stile . ¶ Heere entreth Mater and Virginia . The perte and pricking prime of youth , ought chastisment to haue , But thou deare daughter needest not , thy self doth shew thee graue : To se who Phoebus with his beames , hath youth so much infected , It doth me woe to see them craue the thing should be detected . I draw to graue , and naught can leaue of thee to be desired , As much as duty to thy deare , as reason hath required : Thy sufferent Lord and frindly feare , Virginius father thine , To nourse as doth become childe , when boanes are burried mine . Virginius , Refel your minde of mournig plaints , deare mother rest your minde For though that duty dainty were , dame nature will me binde , So much to do , and further force , of Gods that rule the Skies , The Glope and eke the Clement , they would me els dispiese . Mater . Then if the Gods haue graunted thée , such grace to loue thy syer , When time shall choose thée out a make be constant I requier : Loue , liue , and lyke him well , before you graunt him grace or faith , So shall your loue continue long , experience thus he saith . Virginia . I graunt deare Dame I doo agree , When time shall so prouide : But tender youth and infansie , Doth rather wish me bide , What should I lose Dianas gifte , And eke the spring to shun : By which Acteon fateally , His finall race did run : Should I as abiect be estéemed , Throughout Pernassus hill , Or should my Virgins name be filde , It were to great a skyll : But yet it is vnspotted loe , Right well I doo conceaue , When wedlocke doth require the same , With parents loue and leaue : Yet obstinate I wyll not be , But willing will me yeeld : When you commaund and not before Then duety shall me sheeld . Virginius . Ah Gods that rule and raine , in heauens , in seas , in flods and lands , Two couple such I surely déeme , you neuer made with hands , A Gods why doo ye not compel eche Dame the lyke to showe ? And euery Impe of her againe , her duty thus to know , I cannot stay my tounge from talke , I needes must call my deare , Oh spouse wel met & Daughter to , what newes how do you cheare ? Mater O deare Virginius Ioy to me , oh pearelesse spouse and mate , In health I praise the Gods I am and ioifull for thy state , Virginius . Virginia my daughter deare How standeth all with thée ? Virginia . Like happie state as mother tolde , Like ioyfull sight to mee . Virginius . By the Gods wife I ioy me , that haue such a treasure , Such Gemme and such Iuell , surmounting all measure : Such a happy spouse , such a fortunate dame , That no blot or staine , can impayre her fame , Against such an Impe , and graffe of my tree , As cleare doth surmount all others that bee . Mater . Nay rather deare spouse how much is my case , To be now aduaunced by such happy grace : Doth dayly distill , my husband so louing , Graunting and geuing to all thing behouing , Ioying in me , and in the fruicte of my wombe . Who would not requit it , the Gods yeelde their dome And if it be I , the Gods doo destroy mée , Rather then sinne , so sore should annoy me . Virginius . Oh wife refell thy wishing for woe , My selfe thy faute right well do know : And rather I wish my selfe to be slaine , Then thou or thy daughter ought wo should sustaine . Virginia . Oh Father my comfort , oh Mother my ioy , Oh Deare , and O sufferaigne , do cease to employ Such dolorus talking , where dangers are none , Where Ioyes are attendant , what néedeth this mone , You matron , you spouse , you Nurse , and you wife , You comfort , you only the some of his lyfe : You housband , you harte , you ioye , and you pleasure , You King , and you Keyser , to her only treasure , You Father , you Mother , my lyfe doth sustaine , I babe and I blisse , your health am againe , Forbeare then your dolor , let mirth be frequented Let sorow departe , and be not attempted . Virginius . Oh wife , oh spouse , I am contente . Mater . Oh Husband . Virginia . Oh Father wee doo consent .

Sing heere . ¶ All singe this . The trustiest treasure in earth earth as wée sée , Is man , wife and children in one to agrée , Then friendly , and kindly , let measure be mixed With reason , in season , where friendship is fixed . Virginius . When nature nursed first of all , yong Alexander learned , Of whom the Poets mention make , in iudgement so deserned , Oh what did want that loue procured his vital end well neare , This is the hope where parents loue , their children do not feare , All sing this . The trustiest treasure in earth as wée sée , Is man wife and children &c. Mater . When time King Nisus would not let , his daughter to be taught , Of any one correcting hand to nurtue to be brought : She void of duty cut his lockes , and golden tresses cleare , Whereby his realme was ouerrun , and she was payd her hier , All sing this . The trustiest treasure in earth as we see , Is man wife and children . &c. Virginia . When Dedalus from Creete did flie , With Icaru , his ioy : He naught regarding fathers words , Did seeke his owne anoy : He mounted vp into the skies , Wherat the Gods did frowne , And Phoebus sore his winges did frie , And hedlonge flins him downe . All singe this . The trustiest treasure in earth as we see . Is man wife and children &c. Virginius . Then sith that persualitie , doth partly discorde mone , And hatred often times doth creepe where ouermuch wee loue : And if we loue no whit at all , the faming trump will sound , Come wife , come spouse , come daughter deare , let measure beare the ground . All singe this . The trustiest treasure in earth as we see Is man wife and children in one to agree , Then friendly , and kindly , let measure be mixed , Exit . With reason , in season , where frindship is fixed .

¶ Here entreth Haphazard the Vice . VEry well sir , very well sir , it shal be doone , As fast as euer I can prepare , Who dippes with the Diuel , he had neede haue a long spoone . Or els full smale wil be his fare : Yet a proper Gentileman I am of truthe Yea that may yee see by my long side gowne . Yea but what am I , a Scholer , or a scholemaister , or els some youth . A Lawier , a studient or els a countrie cloune A Brumman , a Baskit maker , or a Baker of Pies , A flesh or a Fishmonger , or a sower of lies : A Louse or a louser , a Leeke or a Larke : A Dreamer a Drommell , a fire or a sparke ; A Caitife , a Cutthrote , a creper in corners , A herbraine , a hangman , or a grafter of horners : By the Gods , I know not how best to deuise , My name or my property , well to disguise : A Marchaunte , a May poole , a man or a mackrell : A Crab or a Creuise , a Crane or a cockerell : Most of all these my nature doth inioy , Somtime I aduaunce them , somtime I destroy , A mayde or a Mussell Bote , a wife or a wilde ducke , As bolde as blinde bayerd , as wise as a wood cocke . As fine as phippence , as proude as a Pecocke , As stout as a Stockefish , as méeke as a mecocke , As bigge as a begger , as fat as a foole , As true as a Tinker , as riche as an Owle , With hey tricke , how trowle , trey trip , and trey trace , Trowle hazard in a vengeance I beshrew his knaues face For tro , and trowle hazard , kéepe such a range That poore haphazard , was neuer so strange , But yet Haphazard , be of good chéere , Goe play and repast thée man , be mery to yéere : Though vittaile be dainty and hard for to get . Yet perhaps a number will die of the swet , Though it be in hazard , yet happely I may , Though mony be lacking , yet one day go gay . ¶ Enter Mansipulus . When Maud , with a pestelence , what makest thou no hast ? Of Baybery insence belike thou wouldest tast , By the Gods I haue stayed a full great while , My lorde he is neare hand by this at the Church stile , and al for Maud mumble turde , that mampodding madge By the Gods if she hie not , i le geue her my badge . Mansipula . What drake nosed driuell , begin you to floute . I le frie you in a fagot sticke , by cocke goodman loute You boaster you bragger , you brawling knaue : Zle pay thee thy fortypence , thou brawling slaue : My Ladies great busines belike is at ende , When you goodman dawcocke , lust for to wend , You , codshed you crackerope , you chattering pye , Haue with ye , haue at ye , your manhode to try . Haphazard . What holde your hands masters , what ? fie for shame fie , What culling ? What lulling ? What stur haue wee here ? What tugging ? What lugging ? What pugging by the eare , What part and be freinds , and ende all this strife , Mansipulus . Nay rather I Wishe hir , the end of my knife : Mansipula . Drawe it , geue mée it , I will it receaue , So that for the place it , I might haue good leaue , By the Gods : but for losing my land , lyfe , and liuing , It should be so placed , he should haue ill thriuinge : Mansipilus . By the Gods how vngraciously the vicksen she chatteth , Mansipula . And he euen as knauishly , my answer he patteth , Haphazard . Here is naught els , but railing of words out of reason , Now tugging , now tatling , now musling in season , For shame be contented and leaue of this brawling , Mansipulus . Content , for I shall repent it , for this my tonge wralling : Mansipula . Thou knaue , but for thee , ere this time of day , My Ladies faire Pue , had been strawed full gay : With Primroses , Couslips , and Violets sweete : With Mints , and with Marigolds , and Margerum meete , Which now lyeth vncleanly and all long of thée , That a shame recompence thee , for hindring mee , Mansipulus . Ah pretie pranck parnel , the Coushen and Booke , Whereon he shoulde reade and kneele , are present here looke : My Lorde when he seeth mee , he will cast such an eye , As pinch wyll my hart neare ready to die : And thus wise , and thus wise , his hand wyll be walking With thou precious knaue , away get thee packing ¶ Here let hym fight . Haphazard . Nay then by the masse , its time to be knacking , No words at all but to me he is poynting : Nay haue at you againe , you shall haue your annoynting , Mansipula . Body of me , hold yf ye can , What will you kill such a proper man ? Haphazard . Nay sure I haue done when women do speake , Why would the knaue my pacience so breake ? Mansipulus . Well I must begon , there is no remedy For feare my tayle makes buttons , by mine honesty . Haphazard . For reuerence on your face , your nose and your chin : By the Gods haue ye hard such an vnmannerly villin . Mansipula . I neuer heard one so rancke of rudnesse , Mansipulus . In faith it is but for sacke of lewdnesse : But here I burne day light , while thus I am talking A way come Mansipula , let vs be walking , Mansipula Contented Mansipulus , haue with thee with speede , Haphazard . Nay stay yet my freendes I am not agreede . Mansipula . Wee dare not tary , by God wee sweare . Haphazard . Nay tarry take comfort with you for to beare , It is but in hazard and yf you be mist , And so it may happen you feele not his first : Perhaps he is stayde by talke with some friend It is but in hazarde , then sing or you wend Let hope be your helper , your care to defend . Mansipulus . By hap or by hazard , we singe or we crie , Then singe let vs say so , let sorow go by . Mansipula . We can be but beaten that is the worst , ¶ enter Subseruus . What how Mansipulus , thou knaue art thou curst My lorde standeth talking and I gape for thée , Come away with a wannion , runne hast and hie , Mansipulus . Nay herken Supseruus , stay I pray thée , Let us haue a song and then haue with thée : Subseruus . Content if thou hie thee .

¶ Sing héere all . Hope so , and hap so , in hazard of threfninge , The worst that can hap le , in end is but beating . Mansipulus . What if my Lordinge , doo chaunce for to misse me , The worst that can happen , is Cudgell will kisse mee , In such kinde of sweetnes , I sweare by Gods mother , It will please me better , it were on some other , With thwicke thwack , with thump thump , With bobbing and bum , Our syde saddle shoulders shal sheilde that doth come ? Hope so , and hay so , in hazarde &c. Mansipula . ¶ If case that my Lady , do threaten my case , No cause to contrary , but beare hir a space , Untill she draw home lo , where so she will vse me , As Docters doth doubt it , how I should excuse me , With thwicke thwack , with thump thump , With bobbing and bum , Our side saddle shoulders shal sheilde that doth come . Hope so , and hap so , in hazard &c. Subseruus . ¶ What if your company cause me haue woo , I minde not companyons so soone to forgo : Let hope holde the Helmet , till brunt it be past , For bloes are but buffits and words but a blast , With thwicke thwack , with thump thump , with bobbing and bum , Our side saddle shoulders shal sheild that doth come , Hope so , and hap so , in hazard &c. Haphazard . ¶ Then let vs be mery , it is but by hap , A hazardly chance may harbor a clap , Bestur ye , be mery , be glad and be ioying , For bloes are but buffits and smale time annoying , With thwicke thwack , with thump thump , with bobbing and bum , Our side sadle shoulders shal sheild that doth come . Hope so , and hap so , in hazard &c. ¶ The end of the song .

All speaketh this . Haphazard farewell , the Gods do thanke thee . Exiunt Haphazard . Farwell my friends , farwell gee pracke yée : By the Gods Haphazard , These men haue tried thee , Who sayd thou wast no man , sure he belied thée , By loue master Marchant by sea or by land , Would get but smale argent , if I did not stand , His very good master , I may say to you , When he hazards in hope , what hap will insue : In court I am no man , by cocke sir ye lie , A Plowman perhaps or ere that he die , May hap be a Gentleman , a Courtier or Captaine , And hap may so hazard , he may goe a begging : Perhap that a Gentleman , heyre to great land , Which selleth his liuing , for mony in hand , In hazard it is the bying of more , Perhaps he may ride when spent is the store : Hap may so hazard the Moone may so chaunge . That men may be masters , and wiues will not raunge : But in hazard it is in many a grange , Lest wiues were the Codpeece , and maydens coy strange : As Pecockes sit perking , by chaunce in the plomtrée , So maides would be masters , by the guise of this countrey Haphazard eche state full well that he markes , If hap the skie fall , we hap may haue Larkes : Well , fare ye well now , for better or worse , Put hands to your pockets , haue minde to your purse . ¶ Enter Iudge Apius . THe sorowed face of Fortunes force , my pinching paine doth moue I setled ruler of my realme inforced am to loue : Iudge Apius I the princelest Iudge , that raigneth vnder sonne , And haue bene so estaeemed long , but now my force is done : I rule no more , but ruled am , I do not Iudge , but am Iudged , By beuty of Virginia , my wisdome all is trudged , Oh perelesse Dame , Oh passing peece , oh face of such a fature , That neuer erst with bewty such , matched was by nature : Oh fond Apelles pratling foole , why boastest thou so much ? The famost peece thou madst in Greece , whose liments were such Or why didst thou deceued man , for beuty of thy worke ? In such a sort with fond desire , where no kinde lyfe dyd lurke , With raging fits thou foole ran mad , oh fond Pigmalion , Yet sure if that thou sawest my deare , the like thou couldst make none , Then what may I , oh Gods aboue , bend downe to heare my crie , As once he did to Salmasis , in Pond hard Lyzia by : Oh that Virginia were in case as somtime Salmasis , And in Hermafroditus steede , my selfe might séeke my blisse , Ah Gods , would I vnfolde her armes , complecting of my necke ? Or would I hurt her nimble hand , or yéelde her such a checke ? Would I gainsay hir tender skinne , to baath where I do washe ? Or els refuse hir soft sweete lippes , to touch my naked fleshe ? Nay , oh the Gods do know my minde , I rather would requier , To sue , to serue , to crouch , to kneele , to craue for my desier . But out ye Gods , ye bende your browes , and frowne to sée me fare , Ye do not force my fickle fate , ye do not way my care , Unrighteous , and vnequall Gods , vniust , and eke vnsure , Woe worth the time ye made me liue , to sée this haplesse houre : Dyd Iphis hang himselfe for loue , of Lady not so faire ? Or els did Ioue the cloudie mistes , bend downe from lightsome ayre : Or as the Poets mencion make , of Inachs daughter meeke , For loue dyd he to make a Cowe , whom Inach long dyd séeke : Is loue so great , to cause the quicke , to enter into Hell , As stout Orpheus did attempt , as histories do tell ? Then what is it that loue cannot ? Why loue dyd pearce the skies : Why Pheb. and famous Marcury , with loue had blinded eies ? But I a Iudge of grounded yeeres , shall reape to me such name , As shall resounde dishonour great , with Trump of carelesse fame : Oh that my yeeres were youthfull yet , or that I were vnweded . ¶ Here entreth Haphazard . WHy cease sir Knight , for why perhaps , of you she shal be bedded : For folow my counsell , so may you me please , That of carefull resurging , your hart shall haue ease . Apius . Oh thundring Gods that threaten yre , and Plague for eche offence : Your selues I déeme would counsell craue , in this so fit pretence : And eke your nimble stretched armes , with great rewards would she , To purchase farie Virginia , so deare a wight to me : And friend , I sweare by Iubiter , and eke by Iunos seate : And eke by all the misteries , where on thou canst intreate : Thou shalt possesse and haue , I will thée graunt and geue , The greatest part of all my Realme , for aye thee to releeue . Haphazard . Well then , this is my counsell , thus standard the case , Perhaps such a fetch , as may please your grace : There is no more wayes , but hap or hap not , Either hap , or els haplesse , to knit vp the knot : And if you will hazard , to venter what falles , Perhaps , that Haphazard , will end al your thralles . Apius . I meane so . I will so , if thou do perswade me , To hap or to hazard , what thing shall enuade me : I King and I Keyser , I rule and ouerwhealme : I do what it please me , with in this my realme : Wherfore in thy indgement , see that thou do enter , Hap life or hap death , I surely will venter . Haphazard . Then this , and in this sorte , standeth the matter , What neede many wordes , vnlesse I should flatter , Full many there be , will hazard their life , Happely to case your grace of all your strife , Of this kinde of conspirasie now let vs common , Some man , Virginius , before you must summon , And say that Virginia is none of his Daughter . But that Virginius by night away caught her : Then charge you the father his Daughter to bringe , Then do you detayne hir , till proued be the thing : Which well you may win hir , she present in house , It is but Haphazarde , a man or a mouse Apius . I finde it , I minde it , I sweare that I will , Though shame , or defame , do happen no skill , Here let him make at thogh he went out and let Consince and lustice come out of him , and let Consiéce hold in his hande a Lamp burning and let Iustice haue a sworde and hold it before Apius But out I am wounded , how am I deuided ? Two states of my life , from me are now glided , For Consience he pricketh me contempned , And Iustice saith , Iudgement wold haue me condemned : Consience saith crueltye sure will detest me : And Iustice saith , death in th ende will molest me , And both in one sodden me thinkes they do crie , That fier eternall , my soule shall destroy . Haphazard . Why these are but thoughts man ? why fie for shame fie For Consience was carelesse , and sayling by seas , Was browned in a basket and had a disease , Sore mooued for pitye , when he would graunt none , For beyng hard harted , was turned to a stone : And sayling by Sandwitche he sunke for his sin , Then care not for consience , the worth of a pin : And Iudgement iudge Iustice to haue a reward , For iudging still iustly , but all is now marde , For giftes they are geuen , wher Iudgement is none , Thus Iudgement and Iustice a wronge way hath gone : Then care not for Consience the worth of a fable , Iustice is no man , nor nought to do able . Apius . And saiest thou so my sured fréende , then hap as hap shall hit , Let Constence grope , & iudgement craue , I wil not shrink one whit I well perseuer in my thought , I will deflower hir youth , I will not sure reuerted be , my hart shall haue no ruth , Come on proceede and wayte on me , I will hap woe or wealth , Hap blunt , hap sharp , hap life , hap death , though Haphazard be of health Haphazard . At hand ( quoth picke purse ) here redy am I , See well to the Cut Purse , be ruled by me . Exit . Go out here . Conscience O cleare vnspotted giftes of Loue , How haps thou art refused ? Oh Consience cleare , what cruell minde Thy truth hath thus misused ? I spotted am by wilfull will , By lawles loue and luste By dreadfull daunger of the life . By faith that is vniust . Iustice . Ah gift of Ioue , ah Fortunes face , Ah state of steddy life : I Iustice am and Prime of péeres , The end of Lawes and strife : A guider of the common weale , A gwerdon to the poore : And yet hath filthy lust supprest , My vertues in one houre , Well well this is the most to trust , In ende we shall espire : To see the end of these our foes With sword and eke with fire . Conscience . Oh help ye Gods , we members require . Exit . ¶ Enter Haphazard . When gayne is no gransier , And gaudes naught set by : Nor Puddings , nor Pie meate , Poore knaues will come nie : Then hap and Haphazard , Shall haue a new cote : And so it may happen . To cut couetousnesse throte : Yea then shall Iudge Apius . Virginia obtayne : And Geese shall cracke Mussels , Perhaps in the rayne : Lerkes shal be Leuerets , And skip to and fro : And chourles shal be codsheads , Perhaps and also : But peace for mans body , Haphazard be mum , Fie pratlyng noddy , Iudge Apius is come . ¶ Here entreth Iudge Apius and Claudius . THe furies fell of Lymbo Lake . my Princely daies doo shorte : All drownde in deadly woes I liue , that once dyd ioy in sport , I liue and languish in my lyfe , as doth the wounded Deare : I thirst , I craue , I call and crie , and yet am naught the meare : And yet I haue that me so match , But Tantalus amids my care , I hunger sterue and pine : As Sissifus I roule the stone , in vaine to top of Hill : That euermore vncertainly , reuoluing slideth still : Oh , as if to her it were to me , what labours would I flie ? What raging seas would I not plow , to her commoditie ? But out alas I doubt it sore , lest drousy Morpheus : His slumbry kingdomes graunted hath , with Dewes and bewtious : Oh Gods aboue that rule the Skies , ye Babes that bragge in blisse : Ye Goddesses , ye Graces you , what burning brunt is this ? Bend downe your Ire , destroy me quicke : or els to graunt me grace , No more but that my burning breste , Virginia may imbrace : If case your eares be dead and deafe , the Feende and sprites beloe : You carelesse carls of Limbo Lake , your forced mightes doo shoe . Thou Caitife Kinge of darksome den , thou Pluto plaged knaue : Send forth thy sacred vengeaunce straight , consume them to the graue : That will not aide my case , Claudius . Content and if it like your grace , I will attempt the deede : I sommon will Virginius , before your seat with spéede , Haphazard . Do so , my Lorde be you not afrayde , And so you may happen to Hazard the mayde : It is but in Hazard , and may come by hap , Win her , or lose her , trie you the trap . Apius . By the Gods , I consent to thee Claudius now Prepare the in haste Virginius vnto , Charge him , commaund him , vpon his alegeance With all kinde of spéede , to yéelde his obeysance , Before my seate in my consistary Subpene of lande , life and treasurie . Here let Claudius go out with Haphazard . No let , no stay , nor ought perturbraunce , Shall cause me to omit the furtheraunce , Of this my waighty charge : Exit . Apius , Well now I range at large my will for to expresse , For looke how Torquin , Lucres faire , by force did once oppresse , Euen so will I Virginia vse : Here let Consience speake within . Iudge Apius prince , oh stay refuse , Be ruled by thy friende : What bloudy death with open shame , Did Torquin gaine in ende ? Apius . Whence doth this pinching sounde defende ? Conscience . From contrit Conscience pricked on , By member of thy lyfe , Enforced for to cry and call , And all to end our strife . Apius . What art thou then declare be bréefe ? Consience . Not flesh nor filthy lust I am : But secret consience I , Compeld to crie with trimbling soule , At point nere hand to die . Apius . Why no disease dath me aproche , no griefe doth make me grudge , But want of faire Virginia , whose beauty is my Iudge : By hir I liue , by hir I die , for hir I wy or woe , For hir my soule doth sinke or swimme , for hir I swere I goe . Conscience . Ah Gods , what wittes doth rame , and yet to you vnknowen ? I die the death , and soule doth sinke , this filthy flesh hath sowen . Apius . I force it not , I wyll attempt , I stay for Claudius heare , Yet wyll I goe to meete with him , to know what newes and cheare . ¶ Here entreth Haphazard . Hast for a hangman , in hazard of hempe Runne for a ridducke , there is no such impe : Claudius is knocking , with hammer and stone , At Virginius gate , as hard as he can lay one : By the Gods my maisters , Haphazard is hardy , For he will run rashly , be they neuer so many , Yea he wyll singe sowsnowt , and sknap with the best , But peace , who comes yonder , what Iely good gest ?

¶ Here enter in with a songe . WHen men will seeme misdoubtfully , Without an why , to call and cry , And fearing with temerety , its ieopardy , of libertie , Wee wish him take to chere his hart , Haphazard , Boulde blinde bayarde , A Fygge for his vncourtesie , That seekes to shun good company . Mansipulus . What if case that cruelty , should bussell me , and iussell mée , And Holywand should tirkle me , for keeping of good companye : I le folow by my honestie , hap Haphazard , bould blinde bayard , A figge for his uncourtesie , that seekes to shun good companie . All singe this . When men wyll seeme misdoubtfully , Without an why , to call and crie . &c. Mansipula . Neuer was that misteris , so furious nor curious , Nor yet hir bloes so boisterous , nor rosterous , nor dolorous , But sure I would venterous , hap Haphazard , boulde blinde bayard A figge for his vncourtesie , that seekes to shun good companie . All singe this . When men wyll seeme misdoubtfully , Without an why , to call and crue . &c. Haphazard . Then wend ye on and folow me , Mansipula , mansipula . Let cropyng cares be cast away , come folow me , come folow me , Subseruus is a ioyly loute , brace Haphazard bould blinde bayarde , A figge for his vncourtesie , that seekes to shun good company . All sing this . When men will seeme misdoubtfully , Without an why , to call and cry . &c. The end of the song .

Heere Haphazard speaketh . I by the Gods my maysters , I tould you plaine , Who companyes with me , will desire me agayne : But how dyd ye spaede I pray ye shew me , Was all well agreed did no body blow ye . Mansipulus . Masse syr , hap dyd so happen , that my Lorde and maister , Staied in behelding and viewing the Pasture . Which when I perceiued , what excuse did I make ? I came in the crosse way , on the nerside the Forlake , Hard by Hodges halfe aker , at gaffers Millers stile . The next way round about , by the space of a mile , And at Symkins side ridge , my Lord stoode talking , And angerly to me ( quoth he ) wher hast thou ben walking Without any staggeryng , I had ready my lye , Out at Bridgenredow , and at Benols lease ( quoth I ) Your fatlings are feding well Sir , the Gods be praised , A goodly loume of beef on them is all redy raised , The outsteps on Frauncis Fabulator that was neuer my friende , How past you Carters hay rocke , at long medow ende There might one ( quoth he ) within this few dayes , With a cast net had geuen , mi knaues great assayes : Under the Hedge with a payre of new Cardes both rip and firdge , Is it true quoth my Lorde , will this geare neuer be lefte , This causes swearing , and staring , proling and thefte : Well ( quoth my Lorde ) take hede least I finde it , And so past his way , and did no more minde it . Haphazard . By the Gods that was sport , ye and sport alone , Mansipula . Yea , but I was in worse case by Saint Jhon , My Lady in Church was set full douout , And hearing my comming she tourned aboute : But as soone as I heard hir snappishly sounde , In this sorte I crouched me downe to the grounde , And mannerly maude , as though I were sad , As soone as the Pue then strawed I had , She gaue me a wincke , and frowardly frowne , Wherby I do iudge , she woulde cougell my gowne : Then I dyd deuise , a prety fine pranke , A meane whereby to picke me a thanke : Of Margery Mildon the maide of the Milke house , And stainer the stutter the guid of the store house , Then was my Ladies anger well gone , And wil be so still , and the truthe be not knowne . Haphazard . Her lady , barefoote this bakes trimly , Subseruus . Nay but I escaped more finely , For I vnder this hedge one while dyd stay , Then in this bushe , then in that way : Then slipt I behind them among all the rest , And séemed to common to , of things with the best , But so it did happen , that all things were well , But hazard it is , least time will truth tell . Haphazard . Tut , tut , that was but by hap , and if it be so , Well sith it was in hazard then let it goo . Subseruus . Content by my honestie , then farewell all wo . Mansipulus . Come out doggé , ye speake happely of truth if it be so , ¶ All speake . Now master Haphazard , fare you well for a season , Haphazard , Let my councell at no time with you be geason . ¶ All speaketh . No by the Gods , be sure not so . Haphazard . Well sith here is no company haue with ye to Jerico . Exit . Enter Virginius . What so the Gods they haue decreed to worke and do by me ? I meruaile why Iudge Apius he , such gretings lets me see : I serued haue his seate , and state , I haue maintaind his weale , I haue supprest the rebels stoute , I beare to him such zeale , And now he sends to me such charge , vpon my life and lands , Without demur , or further pause , or ere ought things be scand , That I in hast , with posting speede , to Court I do repaire , To aunswer that aleaged is , before his Iudgement Chaire , Some Histories they do expresse , when such mishaps do fall , They should haue tokens many a one , I haue not one but all : My Iuels somtime precious , do vade and beare no hewe , My sences they do shun there course , my lights do burne as blewe : My willing wights are wared slow , that once were swifte in speede My hart it throbs in wonderous sort , my nose doth often bleede : My dreadfull dreames do draw my woe and hatefull hazard hale , These tokens be of euell hap , this is the old wiues tale : But yet O thou Virginius , whose hoary heares are olde , Didst treason neuer yet commit , of this thou maist be bould : In Mars his games , in marshall frates , thou wast his only aide , The huge Carrebd his hazards thou , for him was ofte assaide : Was Sillas force by thee oft shunde , or yet Adrice lande , Laceface childe that Minnotaur , did cause thee euer stande : To pleasure him , to serue thy leach , to keepe all things vpright , Thou God aboue , then what is it , that yéeldeth me this spight ? Sith nothing néede misdoubted be , where grounded cause is none , I enter will Iudge Apius gate , reiecting care and mone : But stay Virginius , loe , thy Prince doth enter into place , Oh sufferant Lord , and rightfull Iudge , the Gods do saue thy grace , ¶ Here entreth Iudge Apius and Claudius . With tender hart Virginius , thou welcome art to me , I sory am to vtter out , the things I here of thée : For Claudius a subiecte here , a man of mickle fame , Appealeth thee before my Courte , in deede of open shame : And though in deede I loue thee so , as thy deserts desirer , Yet not so but I must Iudgement geue , as Iustice doth require . Virginius . My Lord and reason good it is , your seruaunt doth request , No parciall hand to aide his cause , no parciall minde or brest : If ought I haue offended you , your Courte , or eke your Crowne , From lofty top of Turret hie , persupetat me downe : If treason none by me be done , or any fault committed , Let my accusers beare the blame , and let me be remitted . Apius . Good reason to Virginius , come Claudius shew thy minde , Let Iustice here , if Iudgment may , Virginus gilty finde Claudius . Thou sufferant Lord , and rightfull Iudge , this standeth now the case , In tender youth not long agone , nere sixtene yeares of space , Virginius a thrall of mine , a childe and infant yonge , From me did take by subtell meane , and keepes by arme full strong And here before your grace I craue , that Iustice be exstended , That I may haue my thrall agayne , and faultes may be amended Virginius . Ah Gods that guide the globe aboue what forged tales I here , Oh Iudge Apius , bend your eares , while this my crime I cleare : She is my child , and of my wife her tender corpes did springe , Let all the countrey where I dwell , beare witnesse of the thing . Apius and Claudius go forth , but Apius speaketh this . Nay by the Gods not so my friend , I do not so decrée , I charge thee here in paiine of death , thou bring the maide to mée : In chamber close , in prison sound , she secret shall abide , And no kinde of wight shall talke with her , vntill the truth be tride : This doo I charge , this I commaund , in paine of death let see , Without any let , that she be brought , as prisoner vnto me : Exit . Here let Virginius go about the scaffold Ah fickle faule , vnhappy dome , oh most vncertaine rate , That euer chaunce so churlishly , that neuer staide in state : What Iudge is this : What cruell wretch ? What faith doth Claudius The Gods do recompence with shame , his false and faithles minde : Well home I must , no remedy , where shall my soking teares , Augment my woes , decrease my ioyes , while death do rid my feares ¶ Here entreth Rumour . Come ventus come , blow forth thy blast , Prince Eol listen well , The filthiest fackte that euer was , I Rumor now shall tell : You gods bend downe to here my crie , reuengemente duly showe , Thy Rumor craues did Claudius lay , and bring Iudge Apius loe ? That wicked man , that fleshly Iudge , hath hiered Claudius , To claime a childe , the only heyre , of olde Virginius . A virgin pure , a Quéene in life , whose state may be deplored , For why the Queene of chaste life , is like to be defloured : By false Iudge Apius cruell wretche , who straightly hath commaunded , That she to keping his be brought , Prince Pluto this demaunded : To skies I flie to blase abrode , the trompe of depe defame , Reuenge you Gods this Rumor craues , this bloud and bloddy shame : Haue through the ayre , geue place you ayres . this is my dutye done , The Gods confound such lecherers , loe Rumor this I run . Virginius . O man , O mould , oh mucke , O clay , O Hell , O hellish hounde , O faulle Iudge Apius wrablinge wretch , is this thy treason found : Woe worth the man that gaue the seede , wherby the first didst spring Woe worth the wombe that bare the babe , to meane this bluddy thing : Woe worth the paps that gaue ye sucke , woe worth the Fosters eke Woe worth all such as euer did , thy health or liking seeke : Oh that the graued yeares of mine , were couered in the clay ¶ Here entreth Virginia . Let pacience deare father mine , your rigor something stay , Why do you waile in such a sorte ? why do you weepe and mone ? Virginius Oh doughter deare and only heyre , my life is neare forgone , And all for loue of thee Virginia . A Gods how may this be ? Deare father do withdraw your dread , and let me know the cause , My selfe wyll ayde with lyfe or death , without demur or pause : Then tender your childe , that craueth this bound . Virginius Oh harken deare daughter attend thou my sounde : Iudge Apius prickt forth with filthy desire : Thy person as Lemmon , doth greatly require : And no kinde of intreatie , no feare nor no shame , Will he heare aledge , defending the same : And straight without staying in paine of my death , I must bring thee thither , wherfore stop my breath , O Sisters , I search , I seeke , and I craue , No more at your handes , but death for to haue , Rather then see my Daughter deflourde , Or els in ill sorte , so vildely deuourde . Virginia . Oh father oh friendship , oh fatherly fauour , Whose dulset words , so sweetly do sauour , On knees I beseeche thee to graunt my request , In all things according , as lyketh thée best : Thou knowest , O my father , if I be once spotted , My name and my kindred , then forth wil be blotted : And if thou my father , should die for my cause , The world would accompt me as gilty in cause : Then rather deare father , if it be thy pleasure , Graunt me the death , then keepe I my treasure ? My Lampe , my light , my life vndefiled , And so may Iudge Apius , of flesh be begiled : This vpon my knees with humble beheste , Graunt me O father my instant requeste . Virginus Then ryse vp my daughter , my aunswere doo note , From mouth of thy father , whose eyes do now flote : O daughter , oh deare , O darling , oh dame , Dispatch me I pray thee , regarde not my name : But yet , as thou satest sith remedy none , But Lemmon thou must be , if I were gone , And better it is to dye with good fame , Then longer to liue to reape vs but shame : But if thou do dye , no doubt is at all , But presently after my selfe folow shall , Then end without shame so let vs perseuer , With trompe of good same so dye shall we neuer . Virginia here kneeleth . Then tender armes complect the neck , doo dry thy fathers teares , You nimble handes for wo whereof , my louing hart it weares : Oh father mine , refraine no whit , your sharped knife to take , From giltles sheath , my shame to ende , and body dead to make : Let not the shameles blouddy iudge , defile my virgins life , Doe take my head and send it him , vpon your bloudy knife : Bid him imbrue his bloudy handes , in giltles bloud of mee : I virgin dye , he leacher liues , he was my ende you see : No more delayes , so kisse me first , then stretch your strongest arme , Do ryd my woe , increase my ioy , do ease your childe of harme . Virginius . O weary wittes of wo , or wealth , oh feble aged man , How can thy arme geue such a blow , thy death I wishe thee than : But sith that shame with endles trempe , wil sounde if case thou ioy , By meanes of false iudge Apius he , myselfe will thee destroy : Forgeue me babe this bloudy deede , a no meekely take thy ende , Here let him profer a blowe , The Gode forgeue thee father deare , farewell , thy blow do bend : Yet stay a whyle , o father deare , for fleash to death is fraile , Let first my wimple bind my eyes , and then thy blow assaile . Now father worke thy will on me , that life I may inioy . ¶ Here tye a handcarcher aboute hir eyes , and then strike of hir heade . Now stretch thy hand Virginius , that loth would flesh distroy . O cruell handes , or blouddy knife , o man what hast thou done , Thy daughter deare , and onely heyre , hir vitall ende hath wone : Come fatall blade make lyke dispatche , come Atropos , come ende , Strike home thou careles arme with speede , of death be not afrayde . Here entreth Comfort . Oh noble knight Virginius , do stay , he not dismayde . I curing Comfort present am , your doller to ayde : Virginius . Sith ioy is gone , sith life is deade : What comfort can there be ? No more there is but deepe despaire Heere entreth Haphazard . I came from Caleed euen the same houre , And Hap was hyred to hackney in hempstrid , In hazard he was of riding on beamestrid , Then crow crop on thee top hoist vp the sayle , Then groned their neckes , by the weight of their tayle , Then dyd Carmtex , put these three together , Pays them their pasporte for clustring thither . Apius . Why how now Haphazard , of what doest thou speake ? Me thinks in mad sort thy talke thou deest breake , Those three words chopt all in one .