The honorable historie of frier Bacon, and frier Bongay As it was plaid by her Maiesties seruants. Made by Robert Greene Master of Arts.

THE HONOVRABLE Historie of Frier Bacon . Enter , Edward the first malcontented with Lacy earle of Lincolne , Iohn Warren earle of Sussex , and Ermsbie gentleman : Raph Simnell the kings foole . Lacie . WHY lookes my lord like to a troubled skie , When heauens bright shine , is shadowed with a fogge : A late we ran the deere and through the Lawndes Stript with our nagges the loftie frolicke bucks , That scudded fore the teisers like the wind , Nere was the Deere of merry Fresingfield , So lustily puld down by iolly mates , Nor sharde the Farmers such fat venison , So franckly dealt this hundred yeares before : Nor haue I seene my lord more frolicke in the chace , And now changde to a melancholie dumpe . Warren . After the Prince got to the keepers lodge And had been iocand in the house a while : Tossing of ale and milke in countrie cannes , Whether it was the countries sweete content : Or els the bonny damsell fild vs drinke That seemd so stately in her stammell red : Or that a qualme did crosse his stomacke then , But straight he fell into his passions . Ermsbie . Sirra Raphe , what say you to your maister , Shall he thus all amort liue malecontent . Raphe .

Heerest thou Ned , nay looke if hee will speake to me .

Edward .

What sayst thou to me foole ?

Raphe .

I pree thee tell me Ned , art thou in loue with the keepers daughter ?

Edward .

How if I be , what then ?

Raphe .

Why then sirha I le teach thee how to deceiue loue .

Edward .

How Raphe .

Raphe .

Marrie sirha Ned , thou shalt put on my cap , and my coat , and my dagger , and I will put on thy clothes , and thy sword , and so thou shalt be my foole .

Edward .

And what of this ?

Raphe .

Why so thou shalt beguile Loue , for Loue is such a proud scab , that he will neuer meddle with fooles nor children , Is not Raphes counsell good Ned.

Edward . Tell me Ned Lacie , didst thou marke the mayd , How liuely in her country weedes she lookt : A bonier wench all Suffolke cannot yeeld , All Suffolke , nay all England holds none such . Raphe .

Sirha , Will Ermsby , Ned is deceiued .

Ermsbie .

Why Raphe ?

Raphe .

He saies all England hath no such , and I say , and I le stand to it , there is one better in Warwickshire .

Warren .

How proouest thou that Raphe ?

Raphe .

Why is not the Abbot a learned man , and hath red many bookes , and thinkest thou he hath not more learning than thou to choose a bonny wench , yes I warrant thee by his whole grammer .

Ermsby .

A good reason Raphe .

Edward . I tell the Lacie , that hersparkling eyes , Doe lighten forth sweet Loues alluring fire : And in her tresses she doth fold the lookes Of such as gaze vpon her golden haire , Her bashfull white mixt with the mornings red , Luna doth boast vpon her louely cheekes , Her front is beauties table where she paints , The glories of her gorgious excellence : Her teeth are shelues of pretious Margarites , Richly enclosed with ruddie curroll cleues . Tush Lacie , she is beauties ouermatch , If thou suruaist her curious imagerie . Lacie . I grant my lord the damsell is as faire , As simple Suffolks homely towns can yeeld : But in the court be quainter dames than she , Whose faces are enricht with honours taint , Whose bewties stand vpon the stage of fame , And vaunt their trophies in the courts of loue . Edw. Ah Ned , but hadst thou watcht her as my self , And seene the secret bewties of the maid , Their courtly coinesse were but foolery . Ermsbie .

Why how watcht you her my lord ?

Edward . When as she swept like Venus through the house , And in her shape fast foulded vp my thoughtes : Into the Milkhouse went I with the maid , And there amongst the cream-boles she did shine , As Pallace , mongst her Princely huswiferie : She turnd her smocke ouer her Lilly armes , And diued them into milke to run her cheese : But whiter than the milke her christall skin , Checked with lines of Azur made her blush , That art or nature durst bring for compare , Ermsbie if thou hadst seene as I did note it well , How bewtie plaid the huswife , how this girle Like Lucrece laid her fingers to the worke , Thou wouldest with Tarquine hazard Roome and all To win the louely mayd of Fresingfield . Raphe .

Sirha Ned , wouldst faine haue her ?

Edward .

I Raphe .

Raphe .

Why Ned I haue laid the plot in my head thou shalt haue her alreadie .

Edward .

I le giue thee a new coat and learne me that .

Raphe .

Why sirra Ned wee l ride to Oxford to Frier Bacon , oh he is a braue scholler sirra , they say he is a braue Nigromancer , that he can make women of deuils , and hee can iuggle cats into Costermongers .

Edward .

And how then Raphe ?

Raphe .

Marry sirha thou shalt go to him , and because thy father Harry shall not misse thee , hee shall turne me into thee ; and I le to the Court , and I le prince it out , and he shall make thee either a silken purse , full of gold , or else a fine wrought sinocke .

Edward .

But how shall I haue the mayd ?

Raphe .

Marry sirha , if thou beest a silken purse full of gold , then on sundaies shee le hang thee by her side , and you must not say a word , Now sir when she comes into a great prease of people , for feare of the cut-purse on a sodaine shee le swap thee into her plackerd , then sirha being there you may plead for your selfe .

Ermsbie .

Excellent pollicie .

Edward .

But how if I be a wrought smocke .

Raphe .

Then shee le put thee into her chest and lay thee into Lauender , and vpon some good day shee le put thee on , and at night when you go to bed , then being turnd from a smocke to a man , you may make vp the match .

Lacie .

Wonderfully wisely counselled Raphe .

Edward .

Raphe shall haue a new coate .

Raph.

God thanke you when I haue it on my backe Ned ,

Edward . Lacie the foole hath laid a perfect plot , For why our countrie Margret is so coy , And standes so much vpon her honest pointes , That marriage or no market with the mayd : Ermsbie , it must be nigromaticke spels , And charmes of art that must inchaine her loue , Or else shall Edward neuer win the girle , Therefore my wags wee le horse vs in the morne ; And post to Oxford to this iolly Frier , Bacon shall by his magicke doe this deed . Warren . Content my lord , and that s a speedy way To weane these head-strong puppies from the teat , Edward . I am vnknowne , not taken for the Prince , They onely deeme vs frolicke Courtiers , That reuell thus among our lieges game : Therefore I haue deuised a pollicie , Lacie , thou knowst next friday is S. Iames , And then the country flockes to Harlston faire , Then will the keepers daughter frolicke there , And ouer-shine the troupe of all the maids , That come to see , and to be seene that day . Haunt thee disguisd among the countrie swaines , Fain th art a farmers sonne , not far from thence , Espie her loues , and who she liketh best : Coat him , and court her to controll the clowne , Say that the Courtier tyred all in greene , That helpt her handsomly to run her cheese , And fild her fathers lodge with venison , Commends him , and sends fairings to herselfe , Buy some thing worthie of her parentage , Not worth her beautie for Lacie then the faire , Affoords no Iewell fitting for the mayd : And when thou talkest of me , note if she blush , Oh then she loues , but if her cheekes waxe pale , Disdaine it is . Lacie send how she fares , And spare no time nor cost to win her loues . Lacie . I will my lord so execute this charge , As if that Lacie were in loue with her . Edward .

Send letters speedily to Oxford of the newes .

Raphe .

And sirha Lacie , buy me a thousand thousand million of fine bels .

Lacie .

What wilt thou doe with them Raphe ?

Raphe .

Mary euery time that Ned sighs for the keepers daughter , I le tie a bell about him , and so within three or foure daies I will send word to his father Harry , that his sonne and my maister Ned is become Loues morris dance .

Edward . Well Lacie , looke with care vnto thy charge , And I will hast to Oxford to the Frier , That he by art , and thou by secret gifts , Maist make me lord of merrie Fresingfield . Lacie .

God send your honour your harts desire .

Exeunt . Enter frier Bacon , with Miles his poore scholer with bookes vnder his arme , with them Burden , Mason , Clement , three doctors . Bacon .

Miles where are you ?

Miles .

Hic sum dos●issime & reuerendissime doctor .

Bacon .

Attuli●●in●s libres meos de Necromantia .

Miles .

Ecce quam bonum & quam iocundum , habitares libres in vnum .

Bacon . Now maisters of our Academicke state , That rule in Oxford Vizroies in your place , Whose heads containe Maps of the liberall arts , Spending your time in deapth of learned skill , Why flocke you thus to Bacons secret Cell , A Frier newly stalde in 〈◊〉 , Say what s your mind , that I may make replie . Burden . Bacon we hear , that long we haue suspect , That thou art read in Magicks mysterie , In Piromancie to diuine by flames , To tell by Hadromaticke , ebbes and tides , By Aeromancie , to discouer doubts , To plaine out questions , as Apollo did . Bacon .

Well maister Burden , what of all this ?

Miles .

Marie sir he doth but fulfill by rehearsing of these names the Fable of the Fox and the grapes , that which is aboue vs , pertains nothing to vs .

Burden . I tell thee Bacon , Oxford makes report , Nay England , and the court of Henrie saies , Th art making of a brazen head by art , Which shall vnfold strange doubts and Aphorismes , And read a lecture in Philosophie , And by the helpe of Diuels and ghastly fiends , Thou meanst ere many yeares or daies be past , To compasse England with a wall of brasse . Bacon .

And what of this ?

Miles .

What of this maister , why he doth speak mystically , for he knowes if your skill faile to make a brazen head , yet mother waters strong ale will fit his turne to make him haue a coppernose .

Clement . Bacon we come not greeuing at thy skill , But ioieng that our Academie yeelds A man supposde the woonder of the world , For if thy cunning worke these myracles , England and Europe shall admire thy fame , And Oxford shall in characters of brasse , And statues , such as were built vp in Rome , Eternize Frier Bacon for his art . Mason .

Then gentle Frier , tell vs thy intent .

Bacon . Seeing you come as friends vnto the frier Resolue you doctors , Bacon can by bookes , Make storming Boreas thunder from his caue , And dimme faire Luna to a darke Eclipse , The great arch-ruler , potentate of hell , Trembles , when Bacon bids him , or his fiends , Bow to the force of his Pentageron . What art can worke , the frolicke frier knowes , And therefore will I turne my Magicke bookes , And straine out Nigromancie to the deepe , I haue contrivd and framde a head of brasse , ( I made Belcephon hammer out the stuffe ) And that by art shall read Philosophie , And I will strengthen England by my skill , That if ten Caesars livd and raignd in Rome , With all the legions Europe doth containe , They should not touch a grasse of English ground , The worke that Ninus reard at Babylon , The brazen walles framde by Semiramis , Carued out like to the portall of the sunne , Shall not be such as rings the English strond : From Douer to the market place of Rie . Burden .

Is this possible ?

Miles .

I le bring ye to or three witnesses .

Burden .

What be those ?

Miles .

Marry sir three or foure as honest diuels , and good companions as any be in hell .

Mason . No doubt but magicke may doe much in this , For he that reades but Mathematicke rules , Shall finde conclusions that auaile to worke , Wonders that passe the common sense of men . Burden . But Bacon roues a bow beyond his reach , And tels of more than magicke can performe : Thinking to get a fame by fooleries , Haue I not past as farre instate of schooles : And red of many secrets , yet to thinke , That heads of Brasse can vtter any voice , Or more , to tell of deepe philosophie , This is a fable Aesop had forgot . Bacon . Burdens thou wrongst me in detracting thus , Bacon loues not to stuffe himselfe with lies : But tell me fore these Doctors if thou dare , Of certaine questions I shall moue to thee . Burden .

I will aske what thou can .

Miles .

Marrie sir hee le straight be on your pickpacke to knowe whether the feminine or the masculin gender be most worthie .

Bacon .

Were you not yesterday maister Burden at Henly vpon the Thembs ?

Burden .

I was , what then ?

Bacon .

What booke studied you there on all night ?

Burden .

I , none at all I red not there a line .

Bacon .

Then doctors , Frier Bacons art knowes nought .

Clement .

What say you to this maister Burden doth hee not touch you ?

Burden .

I passe not of his friuolous speeches .

Miles .

Nay maister Burden , my maister ere hee hath done with you , will turne you from a doctor to a dunce , and shake you so small , that he will leaue no more learning in you than is in Balaams Asse .

Bacon . Maisters , for that learned Burdens skill is deepe , And sore he doubts of Bacons Cabalisme : I le shew you why he haunts to Henly oft , Not doctors for to tast the fragrant aire : But there to spend the night in Alcumie , To multiplie with secret spels of art . Thus priuat steales he learning from vs all , To prooue my sayings true , I le shew you straight , The booke he keepes at Henly for himselfe . Miles .

Nay now my maister goes to coniuration , take heede .

Bacon .

Maisters stand still , feare not , I le shewe you but his booke .

Heere he coniures .

Per omnes deos infernales Belcephon .

Enter a woman with a shoulder of mutton on a spit , and a Deuill . Miles .

Oh maister cease your coniuration , or you spoile all , for heere s a shee diuell come with a shoulder of mutton o●●spit , you haue mard the diuels supper , but no doubt hee thinkes our Colledge fare is slender , and so hath sent you his cooke with a shoulder of mutton to make it exceed .

Hostesse .

Oh where am I , or what s become of me .

Bacon .

What art thou ?

Hostesse .

Hostesse at Henly mistresse of the Bell.

Bacon .

How camest thou heere .

Hostesse . As I was in the kitchen mongst the maydes , Spitting the meate against supper for my guesse : A motion mooued me to looke forth of dore . No sooner had I pried into the yard , But straight a whirlewind hoisted me from thence , And mounted me aloft vnto the cloudes : As in a trance I thought nor feared nought , Nor know I where or whether I was tane : Nor where I am , nor what these persons be . Bacon .

No , know you not maister Burden .

Hostesse . Oh yes good sir , he is my daily guest , What maister Burden , t was but yesternight , That you and I at Henly plaid at cardes . Burden .

I knowe not what we did , a poxe of all coniuring Friers .

Clement .

Now iolly Frier tell vs , is this the booke that Burden is so carefull to looke on ?

Bacon . It is , but Burden tell me now , Thinkest thou that Bacons Nicromanticke skill , Cannot performe his head and wall of Brasse , When he can fetch thine hostesse in such post . Miles .

I le warrant you maister , if maister Burden could coniure as well as you , hee would haue his booke euerie night from Henly to study on at Oxford .

Mason . Burden what are you mated by this frolicke Frier , Looke how he droops , his guiltie conscience Driues him to bash and makes his hostesse blush . Bacon . Well mistres for I wil not haue you mist , You shall to Henly to cheere vp your guests Fore supper ginne , Burden bid her adew , Say farewell to your hostesse sore she goes , Sirha away , and set her safe at home . Hostesse .

Maister Burden , when shall we see you at Henly .

Exeunt Hostesse and the Deuill . Burden .

The deuill take thee and Henly too .

Miles .

Maister shall I make a good motion .

Bacon .

What s that ?

Miles .

Marry sir nowe that my hostesse is gone to prouide supper , coniure vp another spirite , and send doctor Burden flying after .

Bacon . Thus rulers of our Accademicke state , You haue seene the Frier frame his art by proofe : And as the colledge called Brazennose , Is vnder him and he the maister there : So surely shall this head of brasse be framde , And yeeld forth strange and vncoth Aphorismes : And Hell and Heccate shall faile the Frier , But I will circle England round with brasse . Miles .

So be it , & n●ne& semper , Amen .

Exeunt omnes . Enter Margaret the faire mayd of Fresingfield , with Thomas and Ione , and other clownes : Latie disguised in countrie apparell . Thomas .

By my troth Margret heere s a wether is able to make a man call his father whorson , if this wether hold wee shall haue hay good cheape , and butter and cheese at Harlston will beare no price .

Margret . Thomas , maides when they come to see the faire , Count not to make a cope for dearth of hay , When we haue turnd our butter to the salt , And set our cheese safely vpon the rackes . Then let our fathers prise it as they please , We countrie sluts of merry Fresingfield , Come to buy needlesse noughts to make vs fine , And looke that yong-men should be francke this day , And court vs with such fairings as they can . Phabus is blythe and frolicke lookes from heauen , As when he courted louely Semele : Swearing the pedlers shall haue emptie packs , If that faire wether may make chapmen buy . Lacie . But louely Peggie Semele is dead , And therefore Phebus from his pallace pries , And seeing such a sweet and seemly saint , Shewes all his glories for to court your selfe . Margret . This is a fairing gentle sir indeed , To sooth me vp with such smooth flatterie , But learne of me your scoffes to broad before : Well Ione our bewties must abide their iestes , We serue the turne iniolly Fresingfield . Ione . Margret , a farmers daughter for a farmers sonne , I warrant you the meanest of vs both , Shall haue a mate to leade vs from the Church : But Thomas what s the newes ? what in a dumpe . Giue me your hand , we are neere a pedlers shop , Out with your purse we must haue fairings now . Thomas .

Faith Ione and shall , I le bestow a fairing on you , and then we will to the Tauern , and snap off a pint of wine or two .

All this while Lacie whispers Margret in the eare . Margret .

Whence are you sir , of Suffolke , for your 〈◊〉 are finer than the common sort of men ?

Lacie . Faith louely girle , I am of Beckles by , Your neighbour not aboue six miles from hence , A farmers sonne that neuer was so quaint , But that he could do courtesie to such dames : But trust me Margret I am sent in charge , From him that reueld in your fathers house , And fild his Lodge with cheere and venison , Tyred in greene , he sent you this rich purse : His token , that he helpt you run your cheese , And in the milkhouse chatted with your selfe . Margret .

To me , you forget your selfe .

Lacie .

Women are often weake in memorie .

Margret . Oh pardon sir , I call to mind the man , T were little manners to refuse his gift , And yet I hope he sends it not for loue : For we haue little leisure to debate of that . Ione .

What Margret blush not , mayds must haue their loues .

Thomas .

Nay by the masse she lookes pale as if she were angrie .

Richard .

Sirha are you of Beckls ? I pray how dooth goodman Cob , my father bought a horse of him , I le tell you Marget , a were good to be a gentlemans iade , for of all things the foule hilding could not abide a doongcart .

Margret . How different is this farmer from the rest , That earst as yet hath pleasd my wandring sight , His words are wittie , quickened with a smile , His courtesie gentle , smelling of the court , Facill and debonaire in all his deeds , Proportiond as was Paris , when in gray , He courted Aenon in the vale by Troy . Great lords haue come and pleaded for my loue , Who but the keepers laste of Fresingfield , And yet me thinks this Farmers iolly sonne , Passeth the prowdest that hath pleasd mine eye . But Peg disclose not that thou art in loue , And shew as yet no signe of loue to him , Although thou well wouldst wish him for thy loue Keepe that to thee till time doth serue thy turne , To shew the greefe wherein thy heart doth burne . Come Ione and Thomas , shall we to the faire , You Beckls man will not forsake vs now , Lacie .

Not whilst I may haue such quaint girls as you ,

Margret . Well if you chaunce to come by Fresingfield , Make but a step into the keepers lodge , And such poore fare as Woodmen can affoord , Butter and cheese , creame , and fat venison , You shall haue store , and welcome therewithall . Lacie .

Gramarcies Peggie , looke for me care long .

Enter Henry the third , the emperour , the king of Castile , Elinor his daughter , Iaques Vandermast a Germaine . Henrie . Great men of Europe , monarks of the West , Ringd with the wals of old Oceanus , Whose loftie surges like the battelments , That compast high built Babell in with towers , Welcome my lords , welcome braue westeme kings , To Englands shore , whose promontorie cleeues , Shewes Albion is another little world , Welcome sayes English Henrie to you all , Chiefly vnto the louely Eleanour , Who darde for Edwards sake cut through the seas , And venture as Agenors damsell through the deepe , To get the loue of Henries wanton sonne . Castile . Englands rich Monarch braue Plantagenet , The Pyren mounts swelling aboue the clouds , That ward the welthie Castile in with walles , Could not detaine the beautious Eleanour , But hearing of the fame of Edwards youth , She darde to brooke Neptunus haughtie pride , And bide the brunt of froward Eolus , Then may faire England welcome her the more . Elinor . After that English Henrie by his lords , Had sent prince Edwards louely counterfeit , A present to the Castile Elinor , The comly pourtrait of so braue a man , The vertuous fame discoursed of his deeds , Edwards couragious resolution , Done at the holy land fore Damas walles , Led both mine eye and thoughts in equall links , To like so of the English Monarchs sonne , That I attempted perrils for his sake . Emperour .

Where is the Prince , my lord ?

Henrie . He posted down , not long since from the court , To Suffolke side , to merrie Fremingham , To sport himselfe amongst my fallow deere , From thence by packets sent to Hampton house , We heare the Prince is ridden with his lords , To Oxford , in the Academie there , To heare dispute amongst the learned men , But we will send foorth letters for my sonne , To will him come from Oxford to the court . Empe. Nay rather Henrie let vs as we be , Ride for to visite Oxford with our traine , Faine would I see your Vniuersities , And what learned men your Academie yields , From Haspurg haue I brought a learned clarke , To hold dispute with English Orators . This doctor surnamde Iaques Vandermast , A Germaine borne , past into Padua , To Florence , and to faire Bolonia , To Paris , Rheims , and stately Orleans , And talking there with men of art , put downe The chiefest of them all in Aphorismes , In Magicke , and the Mathematicke rules , Now let vs Henrie trie him in your schooles . Henrie . He shal my lord , this motion likes me wel , Wee le progresse straight to Oxford with our trains , And see what men our Academie bringes . And woonder Vandermast welcome to me In Oxford shalt thou find a iollie frier , Cald Frier Bacon , Englands only flower Set him but Non-plus in his magicke spels , And make him yeeld in Mathematicke rules , And for thy glorie I will bind thy browes , Not with a poets garland●made of Baies , But with a coronet of choicest gold , Whilst then we fit to Oxford with our troupes , Let s in and banquet in our English court . Exit . Enter Raphe Simnell in Edwardes apparrell , Edward , Warren , Ermsby disguised . Raphe .

Where be these vacabond knaues that they attend no better on their maister ?

Edward .

If it please your honour we are all ready at an inch .

Raphe . Sirha Ned , I le haue no more post horse to ride on , I le haue another fetch . Ermsbie .

I pray you how is that my Lord ?

Raphe .

Marrie sir , I le send to the Ile of Eely for foure or fiue dozen of Geese , and I le haue them tide six and six together with whipcord , Now vpon their backes will I haue a faire field bed , with a Canapie , and so when it is my pleasure I le flee into what place I please ; this will be easie .

Warren .

Your honour hath said well , but shall we to Brasen-nose Colledge before we pull off our bootes .

Ermsbie . Warren well motioned , wee will to the Frier Before we reuell it within the towne . Raphe see you keepe your countenance like a Prince . Raphe .

Wherefore haue I such a companie of cutting knaues to wait vpon me , but to Keep and defend my countenance against all mine enemies : haue you not good swords and bucklers .

Enter Bacon and Miles . Ermsbie .

Stay who comes heere .

Warren .

Some scholler , and wee le aske him where Frier Bacon is .

Bacon .

Why thou arrant dunce shal I neuer make thee good scholler , doth not all the towne trie out , and say , Frier Bacons subsiser is the greatest blockhead in all Oxford , why thou canst not speake one word of true Latine .

Miles .

No sir , yes what is this els ; Ego sum tuus homo , I am your man , I warrant you sir as good Tullies phrase as any is in Oxford .

Bacon .

Come on sirha , what part of speech is ego .

Miles .

ego , that is I , marrie nomen substantiuo .

Bacon .

How prooue you that ?

Miles .

Why sir let him prooue himselfe and a will , I can be hard felt and vnderstood .

Bacon .

Oh grosse dunce .

Here beate him . Edw.

Come let vs breake off this dispute between these two . Sirha , where is Brazennose Colledge .

Miles .

Not far from Copper-smithes hall .

Edward .

What doest thou mocke me .

Miles .

Not I sir , but what would you at Brazennose ?

Ermsbie .

Marrie we would speake with frier Bacon .

Miles .

Whose men be you .

Ermsbie .

Marrie scholler here s our maister .

Raphe .

Sirha I am the maister of these good fellowes , mayst thou not know me to be a Lord by my reparrell .

Miles .

Then heere s good game for the hawke , for heer s the maister foole , and a couie of Cockscombs , one wise man I thinke would spring you all .

Edward .

Gogs wounds Warren kill him .

Warren .

Why Ned I thinke the deuill be in my sheath , I cannot get out my dagger .

Ermsbie .

Nor I mine , Swones Ned I thinke I am bewitcht .

Miles . A companie of scabbes , the proudest of you all drawe your weapon if he can , See how boldly I speake now my maister is by . Edward . I striue in vaine , but if my sword be shut , And coniured fast by magicke in my sheath , Villaine heere is my fist . Strike him a box on the eare . Miles .

Oh I beseech you coniure his hands too , that he may not lift his armes to his head , for he is light fingered .

Raphe .

Ned strike him , I le warrant thee by mine honour .

Bacon .

What meanes the English prince to wrong my man ,

Edward .

To whom speakest thou .

Bacon.

To thee .

Edward .

Who art thou .

Bacon . Could you not iudge when all your swords grew fast , That frier Bacon was not farre from hence : Edward king Henries sonne and Prince of Wales , Thy foole disguisd cannot conceale thy selfe , I know both Ermsbie and the Suslex Earle , Els Frier Bacon had but little skill . Thou comest in post from merrie Fresingfield , Fast fancied to the keepers bonny lasse , To craue some succour of the iolly Frier , And Lacie Eare of Lincolne hast thou left , To treat faire Margret to allow thy loues : But friends are men , and loue can baffle lords . The Earle both woes and courtes her for himselfe . Warren .

Ned this is strange , the frier knoweth al.

Ermsbie .

Appollo could not vtter more than this .

Edward . I stand amazed to heare this iolly Frier , Tell euen the verie secrets of my thoughts : But learned Bacon since thou knowest the cause , Why I did post so fast from Fresingfield . Helpe Frier at a pinch , that I may haue The loue of louely Margret to my selfe ; And as I am true Prince of Wales , I le giue Liuing and lands to strength thy colledge state . Warren .

Good Frier helpe the Prince in this .

Raphe .

Why seruant Ned , will not the frier doe it . Were not my sword glued to my scabberd by coniuration , I would cut off his head and make him do it by force .

Miles .

In faith my lord , your manhood and your sword all alike , they are so fast coniured that we shall neuer see them .

Ermsbie . Wat doctor in a dumpe , tush helpe the prince , And thou shalt see how liberall he will prooue , Bacon . Craue not such actions , greater dumps than these , I will my lord straine out my magicke spels , For this day comes the earle to Fresingfield , And fore that night shuts in the day with darke , Thei le be betrothed ech to other fast : But come with me , wee le to my studie straight , And in a glasse prospectiue I will shew What s done this day in merry Fresingfield . Edward .

Gramercies Bacon , I will quite thy paine .

Bacon . But send your traine my lord into the towne , My scholler shall go bring them to their Inne : Meane while wee le see the knauerie of the earle . Edward . Warren leaue me and Ermsbie , take the foole , Let him be maister and go reuell it , Till I and Frier Bacon talke a while . Warren .

We will my lord .

Raphe .

Faith Ned and I le lord it out till thou comest , I le be Prince of Wales ouer all the blacke pots in Oxford .

Exeunt . Bacon and Edward goes into the study . Bacon . Now frolick Edward , welcome to my Cell , Heere tempers Frier Bacon many toies : And holds this place his consistorie court , Wherin the diuels pleads homage to his words , Within this glasle prospectiue thou shalt see This day what s done in merry Fresingfield , Twixt louely Peggie and the Lincolne earle . Edward . Frier thou gladst me , nowshall Edward trie , How Lacie meaneth to his soueraigne lord . Bacon .

Stand there and looke directly in the glasse ,

Enter Margret and Frier Bungay . Bacon .

What sees my lord .

Edward . I see the keepers louely lasse appeare , As bright-sunne as the parramour of Mars , Onely attended by a iolly frier . Bacon .

Sit still and keepe the christall in your eye ,

Margret . But tell me frier Bungay is it true , That this faire courtious countrie swaine , Who saies his father is a farmer nie , Can be lord Lacie earle of Lincolnshire . Bungay . Peggie t is true , t is Lacie for my life , Or else mine art and cunning both doth faile : Left by prince Edward to procure his loues , For he in greene that holpe you runne your cheese , Is sonne to Henry and the prince of Wales . Margret . Be what he will his lure is but for lust . But did lord Lacie like poore Margret , Or would he daine to wed a countrie lasse , Frier , I would his humble handmayd be , And for great wealth , quite him with courtesie . Bungay .

Why Margret doest thou loue him .

Margret . His personage like the pride ofvaunting Troy , Might well auouch to shadow Hellens cape : His witis quicke and readie in conceit , As Greece affoorded in her chiefest prime Courteous , ah Frier full of pleasing smiles , Trust me I loue too much to tell thee more , Suffice to me he is Englands parramour . Bungay . Hath not ech eye that viewd thy pleasing face , Surnamed thee faire maid of Fresingfield . Margret . Yes Bungay , and would God the louely Earle Had that in esse , thatso many sought . Bungay . Feare not , the Frier will not be behind , To shew his cunning to entangle loue . Edward . I thinke the Frier courts the bonny wench , Bacon , me thinkes he is a lustie churle . Bacon .

Now looke my lord .

Enter Lacie . Edward .

Gogs wounds Bacon heere comes Lacie .

Bacon .

Sit still my lord and marke the commedie .

Bungay .

Heere s Lacie , Margret step aside awhile .

Lacie . Daphne the damsell , that caught Phaebus fast , And lockt him in the brightnesse of her lookes , Was not so beautious in Appollos eyes , As is faire Margret to the Lincolne earle , Recant thee Lacie thou art put in trust , Edward thy soueraignes sonne hath chosen thee A secret friend to court her for himselfe : And darest thou wrong thy Prince with trecherie . Lacie , loue makes no acception of a friend , Nor deemes it of a Prince , but as a man : Honour bids thee controll him in his lust , His wooing is not for to wed the girle , But to intrap her and beguile the lasse : Lacie thou louest , then brooke not such abuse , But wed her , and abide thy Princes frowne : For better die , then see her liue disgracde . Margret . Come Frier I will shake him from his dumpes , How cheere you sir , a penie for your thought : Your early vp , pray God it be the neere , What come from Beckles in a morne so soone . Lacie . Thus watchfull are such men as liue in loue , Whose eyes brooke broken slumbers for their sleepe , I tell thee Peggie since last Harlston faire , My minde hath felt a heape of passions . Margret . A trustie man that court it for your friend , Woo you still for the courtier all in greene . I maruell that he sues not for himselfe . Lacie . Peggie , I pleaded first to get your grace for him , But when mine eies furuaid your beautious lookes Loue like a wagge , straight diued into my heart , And there did shrine the Idea of your selfe : Pittie me though I be a farmers sonne , And measure not my riches but my loue . Margret . You are verie hastie for to garden well , Seeds must haue time to sprout before they spring , Loue ought to creepe as doth the dials shade , For timely ripe is rotten too too soone . Bungay . Deus hic , roome for a merry Frier , What youth of Beckles , with the keepers lasse , T is well , but tell me heere you any newes . Margret .

No , Frier what newes .

Bungay . Heere you not how the purseuants do post , With proclamations through ech country towne : Lacie .

For what gentle frier tell the newes .

Bungay . Dwelst thou in Beckles & heerst not of these news , Lacie the Earle of Lincolne is late fled From Windsor court disguised like a swaine , And lurkes about the countrie heere vnknowne . Henrie suspects him of some trecherie , And therefore doth proclaime in euery way , That who can take the Lincolne earle , shall haue Paid in the Exchequer twentie thousand crownes . Lacie . The earle of Lincoln , Frier thou art mad , It was some other , thou mistakest the man : The earle of Lincolne , why it cannot be . Margret . Yes verie well my lord , for you are he , The keepers daughter tooke you prisoner , Lord Lacie yeeld , I le be your gailor once . Edward .

How familiar they be Bacon .

Bacon .

Sit still and marke the sequell of their loues .

Lacie . Then am I double prisoner to thy selfe , Peggie , I yeeld , but are these newes iniest , Margret . In iest with you , but earnest vnto me : For why , these wrongs do wring me at the heart , Ah how these earles and noble men of birth , Flatter and faine to forge poore womens ill . Lacie . Beleeue me lasse , I am the Lincolne earle ▪ I not denie , but tyred thus in rags I liued disguisd to winne faire Peggies loue . Margret .

What loue is there where wedding ends not loue ?

Lacie .

I meant faire girle to make thee Lacies wife .

Margret .

I 〈◊〉 thinke that earles wil stoop so low ,

Lacie .

Say , shall I make thee countesse ere I sleep .

Marg. Handmaid vnto the earle so please himselfe A wife in name , but seruant in obedience . Lacie . The Lincolne countesse , for it shal be so , I le plight the bands and seale it with a kisse . Edward .

Gogs wounds Bacon they kisse , I le stab them ,

Bacon .

Oh hold your handes my lord it is the glasse .

Edward . Coller to see the traitors gree so well , Made me thinke the shadowes substances . Bacon . T were a long poinard my lord , to reach betweene Oxford and Fresingfield , but sit still and see more . Bungay . Well lord of Lincolne , if your loues be knit , And that your tongues and thoughts do both agree : To auoid insuing iarres , I le hamper vp the match , I le take my portace forth , and wed you heere , Then go to bed and seale vp your desires . Lacie .

Frier content , Peggie how like you this ?

Margret .

What likes my lord is pleasing vnto me .

Bungay .

Then hand-fast hand , and I wil to my booke ,

Bacon .

What sees my lord now .

Edward . Bacon , I see the louers hand in hand , The Frier readie with his portace there , To wed them both , then am I quite vndone , Bacon helpe now , if ere thy magicke serude , Helpe Bacon , stop the marriage now , If diuels or nigromansie may suffice , And I will giue thee fortie thousand crownes . Bacon . Feare not my lord , I le stop the iolly Frier , For mumbling vp his orisons this day . Lacie .

Why speakst not Bungay , Frier to thy booke .

Bungay is mute , crying Hud hud. Margret . How lookest thou frier , as a man disttaught● To see if he will take this taske in hand . Clement .

Stay what rumor is this , the towne is vp in a mutinie , what hurly burlie is this ?

Enter a Constable , with Raphe , Warren , Ermsbie and Miles . Constable .

Nay maisters if you were nere so good , you shall before the doctors to aunswer your misdemeanour .

Burden .

What s the matter fellow ?

Constable .

Marie sir , here s a companie of rufflers that drinking in the Tauerne haue made a great braule , and almost kilde the vintner .

Miles . Salue doctor Burden , this lubberly lurden , Ill shapte and ill faced , disdaind and disgraced , What he tels vnto vobis , mentitur de nobis . Burden .

Who is the maister and cheefe of this crew ?

Miles . Ecce asinum mundi , fugura rotundi , Neat sheat and fine , as briske as a cup of wine . Burden .

What are you ?

Raphe .

I am father doctor as a man would say , the Belwether of this copany , these are my lords , and I the prince of Wales .

Clement .

Are you Edward the kings sonne ?

Raphe .

Sirra Miles , bring hither the tapster that drue the wine , and I warrant when they see how soundly I haue broke his head , thei le say t was done by no lesse man than a prince .

Mason .

I cannot beleeue that this is the prince of Wales .

Warren .

And why so sir ?

Mason .

For they say the prince is a braue & a wise gentleman .

War. Why and thinkest thou doctor that he is not so ? Darst thou detract and derogat from him , Being so louely and so braue a youth . Ermsbie . Whose face shining with many a sugred smile , Bewraies that he is bred of princely race . Miles . And yet maister doctor , to speake like a proctor , And tell vnto you , what is veriment and true , To cease of this quarrell , looke but on his apparrell , Then marke but my talis , he is great prince of Walis , The cheese of our gregis , and filius regis , Then ware what is done , for he is Henries white sonne . Raphe .

Doctors whose doting nightcaps are not capable of my ingenious dignitie , know that I am Edward Plantagenet , whom if you displease , will make a shippe that shall hold all your colleges , and so carrie away the Niniuersitie with a fayre wind , to the Bankeside in Southwarke , how sayst thou Ned Warraine , shall I not do it ?

Warren .

Yes my good lord , and if it please your lordship , I wil gather vp al your old pantophles , and with the corke , make you a Pinnis of fiue hundred tunne , that shall serue the turne maruellous well , my lord .

Ermsbie .

And I my lord will haue Pioners to vndermine the towne , that the very Gardens and orchards be carried away for your summer walkes .

Miles . And I with scientia , and great diligentia , Will coniure and charme , to keepe you from harme , That vtrum horum mauis , your very great nauis , Like Bartlets ship , from Oxford do skip , With Colleges and schooles , full loaden with fooles , Quid dices ad hoc , worshipfull domine Dawcocke . Clement . Why harebraind courtiers , are you drunke or mad , To taunt vs vp with such scurilitie , Deeme you vs men of base and light esteeme , To bring vs such a fop for Henries sonne , Call out the beadls and conuay them hence , Straight to Bocardo , let the roisters lie Close clapt in bolts , vntill theirwits be tame . Ermsbie .

Why shall we to prison my lord ?

Raphe .

What saist Miles , shall I honour the prison with my presence ?

Miles . No no , out with your blades , and hamper these iades , Haue a flurt and a crash , now play reuell dash , And teach these Sacerdos , that the Bocardos , Like pezzants and elues , are meet for themselues . Mason .

To the prison with them constable .

Warren . Well doctors seeing I haue sported me , With laughing at these mad and merrie wagges , Know that prince Edward is at Brazennose , And this attired like the prince of Wales , Is Raphe , king Henries only loued foole , I , earle of Essex , and this Ermsbie One of the priuie chamber to the king , Who while the prince with Frier Bacon staies , Haue reueld it in Oxford as you see . Mason . My lord pardon vs , we knew not what you were , But courtiers may make greater skapes than these , Wilt please your honour dine with me to day ? Warren .

I will maister doctor , and satisfie the vintner for his hurt , only I must desire you to imagine him all this forenoon the prince of Wales .

Mason .

I will sir .

Raphe .

And vpon that I will lead the way , onely I will haue Miles go before me , because I haue heard Henrie say , that wisedome must go before Maiestie .

Exeunt omnes . Enter prince Edward with his poinard in his hand , Lacie and Margret . Edward . Lacie thou canst not shroud thy traitrous thoughts , Nor couer as did Cassius all his wiles , For Edward hath an eye that lookes as farre , As L●ncaeus from the shores of Grecia , Did not I sit in Oxford by the Frier , And see thee court the mayd of Fresingfield , Seahog thy flattering fancies with a kisse , Did not prowd Bungay draw his portasse foorth , And ioyning hand in hand had married you , If Frier Bacon had not stroke him 〈◊〉 , And mounted him vpon a spirits backe , That we might chat at Oxford with the frier , Traitor what answerst , is not all this true ? Lacie . Truth all my Lord and thus I make replie , At Harlstone faire there courting for your grace , When as mine eye suruaid her curious shape , And drewe the beautious glory of her looks , To diue into the center of my heart . Loue taught me that your honour did but iest , That princes were in fancie but as men , How that the louely maid of Fresingfield , Was fitter to be Lacies wedded wife , Than concubine vnto the prince of Wales . Edward . Iniurious Lacie did I loue thee more Than Alexander his Hephestion ; Did I vnfould the passion of my loue , And locke them in the closset of thy thoughts , Wert thou to Edward second to himselfe , Sole freind , and partner of his secreat loues , And could a glaunce of fading bewtie breake , Theinchained fetters of such priuat freindes , Base coward , false , and too effeminate , To be coriuall with a prince in thoughts , From Oxford haue I posted since I dinde , To quite a traitor fore that Edward sleepe . Marg. T was I my Lord , not Lacie stept awry , For oft he sued and courted for yourselfe , And still woode for the courtier all in greene , But I whome fancy made but ouer fond , Pleaded my selfe with looks as if I lovd , I fed myne eye with gazing on his face , And still bewicht lovd Lacie with my looks , My hart with sighes , myne eyes pleaded with tears , My face held pittie and content at once , And more I could not sipher out by signes But that I lovd Lord Lacie with my heart , Then worthy Edward measure with thy minde , If womens fauours will not force men fall , If bewtie and if darts of 〈◊〉 loue , Is not of force to bury thoughts of friendes . Edward . I tell thee Peggie I will haue thy loues , Edward or none shall conquer Margret , In Frigats bottomd with rich Sethin planks , Topt with the loftie firs of Libanon , Stemd and incast with burnisht luorie And ouerlaid with plates of Persian wealth , Like Thetis shalt thou wanton on the waues And draw the Dolphins to thy louely eyes , To daunce lauoltas in the purple streames , Sirens with harpes and siluer psalteries , Shall waight with musicke at thy frigots stem , And entertaine faire Margret with her laies , England and Englands wealth shall wait on thee , Brittaine shall bend vnto her princes loue , And doe due homage to thine excellence , If thou wilt be but Edwards Margret . Margret . Pardon my lord if Ioues great roialtie , Sent me such presents as to Danae , If Phoebus tied in Latonas webs , Come courting from the beautie of his lodge , The dulcet tunes of frolicke Mercurie , Not all the wealth heauens treasurie affoords , Should make me leaue lord Lacie or his loue . Edw. I haue learnd at Oxford then this point ofschooles , Abbata causa , tollitur effectus , Lacie the cause that Margret cannot loue , Nor fix her liking on the English Prince , Take him away , and then the effects will faile , Villaine prepare thy selfe for I will bathe My poinard in the bosome of an eatle . Lacie . Rather then liue , and misse faire Margrets loue , Prince Edward stop not at the fatall doome , But stabb it home , end both my loues and life . Marg. Braue Prince of Wales , honoured for royall deeds , T were sinne to staine fair Venus courts with blood , Loues conquests ends my Lord in courtesie , Spare Lacie gentle Edward , let me die , For so both you and he doe cease your loues . Edward .

Lacie shall die as traitor to his Lord .

Lacie .

I haue deserued it , Edward act it well .

Margret

What hopes the Prince to gaine by Lacies death ?

Edward .

To end the loues twixt him and Margeret .

Marg. Why , thinks king Henries sonne that Margrets loue , Hangs in the vncertaine ballance of proud time , That death shall make a discord of our thonghts , No , stab the earle , and fore the morning sun Shall vaunt him thrice , ouer the loftie east , Margret will meet her Lacie in the heauens . Lacie . If ought betides to louely Margret , That wrongs or wrings her honour from content , Europes rich wealth nor Englands monarchie , Should not allure Lacie to ouerliue , Then Edward short my life and end her loues . Margret .

Rid me , and keepe a friend worth many loues .

Lacie .

Nay Edward keepe a loue worth many friends .

Margret . And if thy mind be such as fame hath blazde , Then princely Edward let vs both abide The fatall resolution of thy rage , Banish thou fancie , and imbrace reuenge , And in one toombe knit both our carkases , Whose hearts were linked in one perfect loue , Edward . Edward Art thou that famous prince of Wales , Who at Damasco beat the Sarasens , And broughtst home triumphe on thy launces point , And shall thy plumes be puld by Venus downe , Is it princely to disseuer louers leagues , To part such friends as glorie in their loues , Leaue Ned , and make a vertue of this fault , And further Peg and Lacie in their loues , So in subduing fancies passion , Conquering thy selfe thou getst the richest spoile , Lacie rise vp , faire Peggie heere s my hand , The prince of Wales hath conquered all his thoughts And all his loues he yeelds vnto the earle , Lacie enioy the maid of Fresingfield , Make her thy Lincolne countesse at the church , And Ned as he is true Plantagenet , Will giue her to thee franckly for thy wife . Lacie . Humbly I take her of my soueraigne , As if that Edward gaue me Englands right , And richt me with the Albion diadem . Margret . And doth the English Prince mean true , Will he vouchsafe to cease his former loues , And yeeld the title of a countrie maid , Vnto lord Lacie . Edward .

I will faire Peggie as I am true lord .

Marg. Then lordly sir , whose conquest is as great , In conquering loue as Caesars victories , Margret as milde and humble in her thoughts , As was Aspatia vnto Cirus selfe , Yeelds thanks , and next lord Lacie , doth inshrine Edward the second secret in her heart . Edw. Gramercie Peggie , now that vowes are past , And that your loues are not be reuolt : Once Lacie friendes againe , come we will post To Oxford , for this day the king is there , And brings for Edward Castile Ellinor . Peggie I must go see and view my wife , I pray God I like her as I loued thee . Beside , lord Lincolne we shall heare dispute , Twixt frier Bacon , and learned Vandermast , Peggie wee le leaue you for a weeke or two . Margret . As it please lord Lacie , but loues foolish looks , Thinke footsteps Miles , and minutes to be houres . Lacie . I le hasten Peggie to make short returne , But please your houour goe vnto the lodge , We shall haue butter , cheese , and venison . And yesterday I brought for Margret , A lustie bottle of neat clarret wine , Thus can we feast and entertaine your grace . Edward . T is cheere lord Lacie for an Emperour , If he respect the person and the place : Come let vs in , for I will all this night , Ride post vntill I come to Bacons cell . Exeunt . Enter Henrie , Emperour , Castile , Ellinor , Vandermast , Bungay . Emperour . Trust me Plantagenet these Oxford schooles Are richly seated neere the riuer side : The mountaines full of fat and fallow deere , The batling pastures laid with kine and flocks , The towne gorgeous with high built colledges , And schollers seemely in their graue attire . Learned in searching principles of art , What is thy iudgement , Iaquis Vandermast . Vandermast . That lordly are the buildings of the towne , Spatious the romes and full of pleasant walkes : But for the doctors how that they be learned , It may be meanly , for ought I can heere . Bungar . I tell thee Germane , Haspurge holds none such , None red so deepe as Oxenford containes , There are within our accademicke state , Men that may lecture it in Germanie , To all the doctors of your Belgicke schools . Henrie . Stand to him Bungay , charme this Vandermast , And I will vse thee as a royall king . Vandermast .

Wherein darest thou dispute with me .

Bungay .

In what a Doctor and a Frier can .

Vandermast . Before rich Europes worthies put thou forth The doubtfull question vnto Vandermast . Bungay . Let it be this , whether the spirites of piromancie or Geomancie , be most predominant in magick . Vander.

I say of Piromancie .

Bungay .

And I of Geomancie .

Vander. The cabbalists that wright of magicke spels , As Hermes , Melchie , and Pithagoras , Affirme that mongst the quadruplicitie Of elementall essence , Terra is but thought , To be a punctum squared to the rest : And that the compasse of ascending eliments Exceed in bignesse as they doe in height . Iudging the concaue circle of the sonne , To hold the rest in his circomference , If then as Hermes saies the fire be greatst , Purest and onely giueth shapes to spirites : Then must these Demones that haunt that place , Be euery way superiour to the rest . Bungay . I reason not of elementall shapes , Nor tell I of the concaue lattitudes , Noting their essence nor their qualitie , But of the spirites that Piromancie calles , And of the vigourof the Geomanticke fiends , I tell thee Germane magicke haunts the grounds , And those strange necromantick spels That worke such shewes and wondering in the world , Are acted by those Geomanticke spirites , That Hermes calleth Terraefilii . The fierie spirits are but transparant shades , That lightly passe as Heralts to beare newes , But earthly fiends closd in the lowest deepe , Disseuer mountaines if they be but chargd , Being more grose and massie in their power . Vander. Rather these earthly geomantike spirits , Are dull and like the place where they remaine : For when proud Lucipher fell from the heauens , The spirites and angels that did sin with him , Retaind their locall essence as their faults , All subiect vnder Lunas continent , They which offended lesse hang in the fire , And second faults did rest within the aire , But Lucifer and his proud hearted fiends , Were throwne into the center of the earth , Hauing lesse vnderstanding than the rest , As hauing greater sinne , and lesser grace . Therfore such grosse and earthly spirits doe serue , For Iuglers , Witches , and vild sorcerers , Whereas the Piromanticke gemij , Are mightie , swift , and of farre reaching power , But graunt that Geomancie hath most force , Bungay to please these mightie potentates , Prooue by some instance what thy art can doe . Bungay .

I will .

Emper. Now English Harry here begins the game , We shall see sport betweene these learned men . Vandermast .

What wilt thou doe .

Bung. Shew thee the tree leavd with refined gold , Wheron the fearefull dragon held his seate , That watcht the garden cald Hesperides , Subdued and wonne by conquering Hercules . Vandermast .

Well done .

Heere Bungay coniures and the tree appeares with the dragon shooting fire . Henrie . What say you royall lordings to my frier , Hath he not done a point of cunning skill . Vander. Ech scholler in the Nicromanticke spels , Can doe as much as Bungay hath performd , Bur as Alcmenas basterd ras'd this tree , So will I raise him vp as when he liued , And cause him pull the Dragon from his seate , And teare the branches peecemeale from the roote , Hercules Prodeo , Prodi Hercules . Hercules appeares in his Lions skin . Hercules .

Quis me vult .

Vandermast . Ioues bastard sonne thou libian Hercules Pull off the sprigs from off the Hesperian tree , As once thou didst to win the golden fruit . Hercules .

Fiat .

Heere he begins to breake the branches . Vander. Now Bungay if thou canst by magicke charme , The fiend appearing like great Hercules , From pulling downe the branches of the tree , Then art thou worrhy to be counted learned . Bungay .

I cannot .

Vander. Cease Hercules vntill I giue thee charge , Mightie commander of this English I le , Henrie come from the stout Plantagenets , Bungay is learned enough to be a Frier . But to compare with Iaquis Vandermast , Oxford and Cambridge must go seeke their celles , To find a man to match him in his art . I haue giuen non-plus to the Paduans , To them of Sien , Florence , and Belogna , Reimes , Louain and faire Rotherdam , Franckford , Lutrech and Orleance : And now must Henrie if he do me right , Crowne me with lawrell as they all haue done . Enter Bacon . Bacon . All haile to this roiall companie , That sit to heare and see this strange dispute : Bungay , how standst thou as a man amazd , What hath the Germane acted more than thou , Vandermast .

What art thou that questions thus .

Bacon .

Men call me Bacon .

Vander. Lordly thou lookest , as if that thou wert learnd , Thy countenance , as if science held her seate Betweene the circled arches of thy browes . Henrie .

Now Monarcks hath the Germain found his match .

Emperour . Bestirre thee Iaquis take not now the foile , Least thou doest loose what foretime thou didst gaine . Vandermast .

Bacon , wilt thou dispute .

Bacon . Noe , vnlesse he were more learnd than Vandermast . For yet tell me , what hast thou done ? Vandermast . Raisd Hercules to ruinate that tree , That Bongay mounted by his magicke spels . Bacon .

Set Hercules to worke .

Vander. Now Hercules , I charge thee to thy taske , Pull off the golden branches from the roote . Hercules . Idare not , Seest thou not great Bacon heere , Whose frowne doth act more than thy magicke can . Vandermast . By all the thrones and dominations , Vertues , powers and mightie Herarchies , I charge thee to obey to Vandermast . Hercules . Bacon , that bridles headstrong Belcephon , Andrules A●menoth guid erof the North : Bindes me from yeelding vnto Vandermast . Hen.

How now Vandermast , haue you met with your match .

Vandermast . Neuer before wast knowne to Vandermast , That men held deuils in such obedient awe , Bacon doth more than art or els I faile . Emperour . Why Vandermast art thou ouercome , Bacon dispute with him , and trie his skill : Bacon . I come not Monatckes for to hold dispute , With such a nouice as is Vandermast , I come to haue your royalties to dine With Frier Bacon Heere in Brazennose , And for this Germane troubles but the place And holds this audience with a long suspence , I le send him to his Accademie hence , Thou Hercules whom Vandermast did raise , Transport the Germane vnto Haspurge straight , That he may learne by trauaile gainst the springs , More secret doomes and Aphorismes of art , Vanish the tree and thou away with him . Exit the spirit with Vandermast and the Tree . Emperour .

Why Bacon whether doest thou send him ,

Bacon . To Haspurge there your highnesse at returne , Shall finde the Germane in his studie safe . Henrie . Bacon , thou hast honoured England with thy skill , And made faire Oxford famous by thine art , I will be English Henrie to thy selfe , But tell me shall we dine with thee to day . Bacon . With me my Lord , and while I fit my cheere , See where Prince Edward comes to welcome you : Gratious as the morning starre of heauen , Exit . Enter Edward , Lacic , Warren , Ermsbie . Emperour . Is this Prince Edward Henries royall sonne , How martiall is the figure of his face , Yet louely and beset with Amorets . Henrie .

Ned , where hast thou been .

Edward . At Framingham my Lord , to trie your buckes . If they could scape they teisers or the toile : But hearing of these lordly Potentates Landed , and prograst vp to Oxford towne , I posted to giue entertaine to them , Chiefe to the Almaine Monarke , next to him , And ioynt with him , Castile and Saxonie , Are welcome as they may be to the English Court . Thus for the men , but see Venus appeares , Or one that ouermatch eth Venus in her shape , Sweete Ellinor , beauties highswelling pride , Rich natures glorie , and her wealth at once : Faire of all faires , welcome to Albion , Welcome to me , and welcome to thine owne , If that thou dainst the welcome from my selfe . Ellinor . Martiall Plantagenet , Henries high minded sonne , The marke that Ellinor did count her aime , I likte thee fore I saw thee , now I loue , And so as in so short a time I may : Yet so as time shall neuer breake that so , And therefore so accept of Ellinor . Castile . Feare not my Lord , this couple will agree , If loue may creepe into their wanton eyes : And therefore Edward I accept thee heere , Without suspence , as my adopted sonne . Henrie . Let me that ioy in these consorting greets , And glorie in these honors done to Ned , Yeeld thankes for all these fauours to my sonne , And rest a true Plantagenet to all . Enter Miles with a cloth and trenchers and salt . Miles .

Saluete omnes reges , that gouern your Greges , in Saxonie and Spaine , in England and in Almaine : for all this frolicke table must I couer thee table , with trenchers , salt and cloth , and thenlooke for your broth .

Emperour .

What pleasant fellow is this .

Henrie .

T is my lord , doctor Bacons poore scholler .

miles .

My maister hath made me sewer of these great lords , and God knowes I am as seruiceable at a table , as a sow is vnder an apple tree : t is no matter , their cheere shall not be great , and therefore what skils where the salt stand before or behinde .

Castile . Theseschollers knowes more skill in actiomes , How to vse quips and sleights of Sophistrie , Than for to couer courtly for a king . Enter Miles with a messe of pottage and broth , and after him Eacon . Miles .

Spill sir , why doe you thinke I neuer carried twopeny chop before in my life : by your leaue , Nobile decus , for here comes doctor Bacons pecus , being in his full age , to carrie a messe of pottage .

Bacon . Lordings admire not if your cheere be this , For we must keepe our Accademicke fare , No riot where Philosophie doth raine , And therefore Henrie place these Potentates , And bid them fall vnto their frugall cates . Emp. Presumptuous Frier , what scoffst thou at a king , What doest thou taunt vs with thy pesants fare , And giue vs cates fit for countrey swaines , Henrie proceeds this iest of thy consent , To twit vs with such a pittance of such price , Tell me , and Fredericke will not greeue the long . Henrie . By Henries honour and the royall faith The English monarcke beareth to his friend : I knew not of the friers feeble fare , Nor am I pleasd he entertaines you thus . Bacon . Content thee Fredericke for I shewd the cates To let thee see how schollers vse to feede : How little meate refines our English wits , Miles take away , and let it be thy dinner . Miles . Marry sir I wil , this day shal be a festiual day with me , For I shall exceed in the highest degree . Exit Miles . Bacon . I tell thee Monarch , all the Germane Peeres Could not affoord thy entertainmentsuch , So roiall and so full of Maiestie , As Bacon will present to Fredericke , The Basest waiter that attends thy cups , Shall be in honours greater than thy selfe : And for thy cates rich Alexandria drugges , Fetcht by Carueils from Aegypts richest straights : Found in the wealthy strond of Affrica , Shall royallize the table of my king , Wines richer than the Gyptian courtisan , Quaft to Augustus kingly countermatch , Shal be carrowst in English Henries feasts : Candie shall yeeld the richest of her canes , Persia downe her volga by Canows , Send downe the secrets of her spicerie . The Africke Dates mirab les of Spaine , Conserues , and Suckets from Tiberias , Cates from Iudea choiser than the lampe That fiered Rome with sparkes of gluttonie , Shall bewtisie the board for Fredericke , And therfore grudge not at a friers feast . Enter two gentlemen , Lambert , and Serlby with the keeper . Lambert . Come frolicke keeper of our lieges game , Whose table spred hath euer venison , And Iacks of wines to welcome passengers , Know I am in loue with iolly Margret , That ouer-shines our damsels as the moone , Darkneth the brightest sparkles of the night , In Laxfield heere my land and liuing lies , I le make thy daughter ioynter of it all , So thou consent to giue her to my wise , And I can spend fiue hundreth markes a yeare . Serlbie . I am the landlord keeper of thy holds , By coppie all thy liuing lies in me . Laxfield did neuer see me raise my due , I will infeofe faire Margret in all , So she will take her to a lustie squire . Keeper . Now courteous gentls , if the Keepers girle , Hath pleased the liking fancie of you both , And with her beutie hath subdued your thoughts , T is doubtfull to decide the question . It ioyes me that such men of great esteeme , Should lay their liking on this base estate , And that her state should grow so fortunate , To be a wife to meaner men than you . But sith such squires will stoop to keepers fee , I will to auoid displeasure of you both , Call Margret forth , and she shall make her choise , Exit . Lambert . Content Keeper send hervnto vs . Why Serlsby is thy wife so lately dead , Are all thy loues so lightly passed ouer , As thou canst wed before the yeare be out , Serlsby . I liue not Lambert to content the dead , Nor was I wedded but for life to her , The graues ends and begins a maried state . Enter Margret . Lambert . Peggie the louelie flower of all townes , Suffolks faire Hellen , and rich Englands star , Whose beautietempered with her huswifrie , Maks England talke of merry Frisingfield . Serlsby . I cannot tricke it vp with poesies , Nor paint my passions with comparisons , Nor tell a tall of Phebus and his loues , But this beeleue me Laxfield here is mine , Of auncient rent seuen hundred pounds a yeare , And if thou canst but loue acountrie squire , I wil infeoffe thee Margret in all , I can not flatter , trie me if thou please . Mar. Braue neighbouring squires the stay of Suffolks clime , A Keepers daughters is too base in gree To match with men accoumpted of such worth , But might I notdisplease I would reply , Lambert .

Say Peggy nought shall make vs discontent .

Marg. Then gentils note that loue hath little stay , Nor can the flames that Venus sets on fire , Be kindled but by fancies motion , Then pardon gentils , if a maids reply Be doubtful , while I haue debated with my selfe , Who or of whome loue shall constraine me like , Serlsbie . Let it be me and trust me Margret , The meads inuironed with the siluer streames , Whose Batling pastures fatneth all my flockes , Yelding forth fleeces stapled with such woole , As Lempster cannot yelde more finer stuffe And fortie kine with faire and burnisht heads , With strouting duggs that paggle to the ground , Shall serue thy dary if thou wed with me . Lambert . Let passe the countrie wealth as flocks and kine , And lands that waue with Ceres golden sheues filling my barnes with plentie of the fieldes , But peggie if thou wed thy selfe to me , Thou shalt haue garments of Imbrodred silke , Lawnes and rich networks for thy head attyre Costlie shal be thy fare abiliments , If thou wilt be but Lamberts louing wife . Margret Content you gentles you haue profered faire , And more than fits a countrie maids degree , But giue me leaue to counsaile me a time , For fancie bloomes not at the first assault , Giue me but ten dayes respite and I will replye , Which or to whom my selfe affectionats . Serslby . Lambert I tell thee thou art importunate , Such beautie fits not such a base esquire It is for Serlsby to haue Margret . Lamb. Thinkst thou with wealth to ouer reach me Serlsby , I scorne to brooke thy country braues I dare thee Coward to maintaine this wrong , At dint of rapier single in the field . Serlsby I le aunswere Lambert what I haue auoucht Margret farewel , another time shall serue . Exit Serlsby Lambert . I le follow Peggie farewell to thy selfe , Listen how well i le answer for thy loue . Exit Lambert Margeret . How Fortune tempers lucky happes with frowns , And wrongs me with the sweets of my delight , Loue is my blisse , and loue is now my bale , Shall I be Hellen in my forward fates , As I am Hellen in my matchles hue And set rich Suffolke with my face afire , If louely Lacie were but with his Peggy , The cloudie darckenesse of his bitter ●rowne Would check the pride of these aspiring squires , Before the terme of ten dayes be expired , When as they looke for aunswere of their loues , My Lord will come to merry Frisingfield , And end their fancies , and their follies both , Til when Peggie be blith and of good cheere . Enter a post with a letter and a bag of gold . Post . Fair louely damsell which way leads this path , How might I post mevn●o Frisingfield , which footpath leadeth to the keepers lodge ? Margeret Your way is ready and this path is right , My selfe doe dwell hereby in Frisingfield , And if the keeper be the man you seeke , I am his daughter may 〈…〉 the cause ? Post Louely and once beloued of my lord , No meruaile if his eye was lodgd so low , when brighter 〈◊〉 is not in the he heauens , The Lincolne earle hath sent you letters here , And with them , iust an hundred pounds in gold , Sweete bonny wench read them and make reply . Margret . The scrowles that Ioue sent Danae Wrapt in rich closures of fine burnisht gold , Were not more welcome than these lines to me . Tell me whilst that I doe vnrip the seales , Liues Lacie well , how fares my louely Lord ? Post .

Well , if that wealth may make men to liue well .

The letter , and Margre●reads it . Margaret .

THe bloomes of the Almond tree grow in a night , and vanish in a mome , the flies Hamere ( faire Peggie ) take life with the Sun , and die with the dew , fancie that slippeth in with a gase , goeth out with a winke ; and too timely loues , haue euer the shortest length . I write this as thy grefe , and my folly , who at Frisingfield lovd that which time hath taught me to be but meane dainties , eyes are dissen●blers , and fancie is but queasie , therefore know Margret , I haue chosen a Spanish Ladie to be my wife , cheefe waighting woman to the Princesse Ellinour , a Lady saire , and no lesse faire than thy selfe , honorable and wealthy , in that I forsake thee I leaue thee to thine own liking , and for thy dowrie I haue sent thee an hundred pounds , and euer assure thee of my fauour , which shall auaile thee and thine much . Farewell .

Not thine nor his owne , Edward Lacie . Fond Atae doomer of bad boading fates , That wrappes proud Fortune in thy snaky locks , Didst thou inchaunt my byrth-day with such stars , As lightned mischeefe from their infancie , If heauens had vowd , if●tars had made decree , To shew on me their froward influence , If Lacie had but lovd , heauens hell and all , Could not haue wrongd the patience of my minde . Post. It grieues me damsell , but the Earle is forst To loue the Lady , by the Kings commaund . Margret The wealth combinde within the English shelues , Europes commaunder nor the English King , Should not haue moude the loue of Peggie from her Lord . Post .

What answere shall I returne to my Lord ?

Margret . First for thou camst from Lacie whom I lovd , Ah giue me leaue to sigh at euery thought , Take thou my freind the hundred pound he sent , For Margrets resolution craues no dower , The world shal be to her as vanitie , Wealth trash , loue hate , pleasure dispaire , For I will straight to stately Fremingham , And in the abby there be shorne a Nun And yeld my loues and libertie to God , Fellow I giue thee this , not for the newes , For those be hatefull vnto Margret , But for th art Lacies man once Margrets loue . Post . What I haue heard what passions I haue seene I le make report of them vnto the Earle . Exit Pope Margret . Say that she ioyes his fancies be at rest , And praies that his misfortune may be hers . Exit Enter Frier Bacon drawing the courtaines with a white sticke , a booke in his hand , and a lampe lighted by him , and the brasen head and miles , whith weapons by him . Bacon .

Miles where are you ?

Mites .

Here sir .

Bacon .

How chaunce you tarry so long ?

Miles .

Thinke you that the watching of the brazen head craues no furniture ? I warrant you sir I haue so armed my selfe , that if all your deuills come I will not feare them an inch .

Bacon . Miles thou knowest that I haue diued into hell , And sought the darkest pallaces of fiendes , That with my Magick spels great Belcephon , Hath left his lodge and kneeled at my cell , The rafters of the earth rent from the poles , And three-formd Luna hid her filuer looks , Trembling vpon her concaue contenent , When Bacon red vpon his Magick booke , With seuen yeares tossing nigromanticke charmes , Poring vpon darke Hecats principles , I haue framd out a monstrous head of brasse , That by theinchaunting forces of the deuil , Shall tell out strange and vncoth Aphorismes , And girt faire England with a wall of brasse , Bungay and I haue watcht these threescore dayes , And now our vitall spirites craue some rest , If Argos livd and had his hundred eyes , They could not ouerwatch Phobeters night , Now Miles in thee rests Frier Bacons weale , The honour and renowne af all his life , Hangs in the watching of this brazen-head , Therefore I charge thee by the immortall God That holds the soules of men within his fist , This night thou watch , for ere the morning star Sends out his glorious glister on the north , The head will speake , then Miles vpon thy life , Wake me for then by Magick art I le worke , To end my seuen yeares taske with excellence , If that awinke but shut thy watchfull eye , Thenfarewell Bacons glory and his fame , Draw closse the courtaines Miles now for thy life , Be watchfull and Here he falleth asleepe . Miles .

So , I thought you would talke your selfe a sleepe anon , and t is no meruaile , for Bungay on the dayes , and he on the nights , haue watcht Iust these ten and fifty dayes , now this is the night , and t is my taske and no more . Now Iesus blesse me what a goodly head it is , and a nose , you talke of nos autem glorificare , but here s a nose , that I warrant may be cald nos autem p●pelare for the people of the parish , well I am furnished with weapons , , now sit I will set me downe by a post , and make it as good as a watch-man to wake me if I chaunce to slumber .

I thought goodman head , I would call you out of your memento , passion a God I haue almost broke my pate , Vp Miles to your S●t down and knocke your head . taske , take your browne bill in your hand , heere s some of your maisters hobgoblins abroad .

With this a great noise . The Head speakes . Head .

Time is .

Miles.

Time is , Why maister Brazenhead haue you such a capitall nose , and answer you with sillables , Time is : is this all my maisters cunning , to spend seuen yeares studie about Time is : well sir , it may be we shall haue some better orations of it anon , well I le watch you as narrowly as euer you were watcht , and I le play with you as the Nightingale with the Slowworme , I le set a pricke against my brest : now rest there Miles , Lord haue mercy vpon me , I haue almost kild my selse : vp Miles list how they rumble .

Head .

Time was .

Miles .

Well frier Bacon , you spent your seuen years studie well that can make your Head speake but two wordes at once , Time was : yea marie , time was when my maister was a wise man , but that was before he began to make the Brasen-head , you shall lie while your arme ake and your Head speake no better : well I will watch and walke vp and downe , and be a Perepatetian and a Philosopher of Aristotles stampe , what a freshe noise , take thy pistols in hand Miles .

Heere the Head speakes and a lightning flasheth forth , and a hand appeares that breaketh down the Head with a hammer . Head .

Time is past .

Miles .

Maister maister , vp , hels broken loose , your Head speakes , and there s such a thunder and lightning , that I warrant all Oxford is vp in armes , out of your bed and take a browne bill in your hand , the latter day is come .

Bacon . Miles I come , oh passing warily watcht , Bacon will make thee next himselfe in loue , When spake the Heade Miles .

When spake the Head , did not you say that hee should tell strange principles of Philosophie , why sir it speaks but two wordes at a time .

Bacon .

Why villaine hath it spoken oft .

Miles .

Oft , I marie hath it thrice : but in all those three times it hath vttered but seuen wordes .

Bacon .

As how

Miles .

Marrie sir , the first time he said , Time is , as if Fabius cumentator should haue pronounst a sentence , he said Time was , and the third time with thunder and lightning , as in great choller , he said Time is past .

Bacon . T is past indeed , a villaine time is past , My life , my fame , my glorie , all are past : Bacon , the turrets of thy hope are ruind downe , Thy seuen yeares studie lieth in the dust : Thy Brazen-head lies broken through a slaue That watcht , and would not when the Head did will , What said the Head first . Miles .

Euen sir , Time is ,

Bacon . Villaine if thou hadst cald to Bacon then , If thou hadst watcht and wakte the sleepie frier , The Brazen-head had vttered Aphorismes , And England had been circled round with brasse , But proud Astm●roth ruler of the North , And Demegorgon maister of the fates , Grudge that a mortall man should worke so much , Hell trembled at my deepe commanding spels , Fiendes frownd to see a man their ouermatch , Bacon might bost more than a man might boast : But now the braues of Bacon hath an end , Europes conceit of Bacon hath an end : His seuen yeares practise sorteth toill end : And villaine sith my glorie hath an end , I will appoint thee fatall to some end , Villaine auoid getthee from Bacons sight : Vag●●t go rome and range about the world , And perish as a vagabond on earth . Miles .

Why then sir you forbid me your seruice .

Bacon . My seruice villaine with a fatall curse , That direfull plagues and mischiefe fall on thee . Miles .

T is no matter I am against you with the old prouerb , The more the foxis curst the better he fares : God be with you sir , I le take but a booke in my hand , a wide sleeued gowne on my backe , and a crowned cap on my head , and see if I can want promotion .

Bacon . Some fiend or ghost haunt on thy wearie steps , Vntill they doe transport thee quicke to hell , For Bacon shall haue neuer merrie day , To loose the fame and honour of his Head . Exit . Enter Emperour , Castile , Henrie , Ellinor , Edward , Lacie , Raphe . Emper. Now louely Prince the prince of Albions wealth , How fares the ladie Ellinor and you : What haue you courted and found Castile fit , To answer England in equiuolence Wilt be a match twixt bonny Nell and thee . Edw. Should Paris enter in the courts of Greece , And not lie fettered in faire Hellens lookes , Or Phoebus scape those piercing amorits , That Daphne glaunsed at his deitie : Can Edward then sit by a flame and freeze , Whose heat puts Hellen and faire Daphne downe , Now Monarcks aske the ladie if we gree . Hen.

What madam hath my son found grace or no.

Ellinor . Seeing my lord his louely counterfeit , And hearing how his minde and shape agreed , I come not troopt with all this warlike traine , Doubting of loue , but so effectionat As Edward hath in England what he wonne in Spaine . Castile . A match my lord , these wantons needes must loue , Men must haue wiues and women will be wed , Let s hast the day to honour vp the rites . Raphe .

Sirha Harry , shall Ned marry Nell .

Henry .

I Raphe , how then .

Raphe .

Marrie Harrie follow my counsaile , send for frier Bacon to marrie them , for hee le so coniure him and her with his Nigromancie , that they shall loue togither like pigge and lambe whilest they liue .

Castile .

But hearst thou Raphe , art thou content to haue Ellinor to thy ladie .

Raphe .

I so she will promise me two things .

Castile .

What 's that Raphe .

Raphe .

That shee will neuer scold with Ned nor fight with me , Sirha Harry I haue put her downe with a thing vnpossible ,

Henry .

What s that Raphe .

Raphe .

Why Harrie didst thou euer see that a woman could both hold her tongue and her handes , no but when egge-pies growes on apple-trees , then will thy gray mare prooue a bagpiper .

Emperour .

What saies the lord of Castile and the earle of Lincolne , that they are in such earnest and secret talke .

Castile . I stand my lord amazed at his talke How he discourseth of the constancie , Of one surnam'd for beauties excellence , The faire maid of merrie Fresingfield . Henrie . T is true my lord , t is wondrous for to heare , Her beautie passing Marces parramour : Her virgins right as rich as Vestas was , Lacie and Ned hath told me miracles . Castile .

What saies lord Lacie , shall she be his wife .

Lacie . Or els lord Lacie is vnfit to liue , May it please your highnesse giue me leaue to post To Fresingfield Ilefetch the bonny girle , And prooue in true apparance at the court What I haue vouched often with my tongue . Henrie . Lacie , go to the quirie of my stable , And take such coursers as shall fit thy turne , Hie thee to Frefingfield and bring home the lasse , And for her fame flies through the English coast , If it may please the ladie Ellinor , One day shall match your excellence and her , Ellinor . We Castile ladies are not very coy , Your highnesle may command a greater boone , And glad were I to grace the Lincolne earle With being partner of his marriage day . Edward . Gramercie Nell for I do loue the lord , As he that s second to my selfe in loue . Raph.

You loue her , madam Nell , neuer beleeue him you though he sweares he loues you .

Ellinor .

Why Raphe .

Raphe .

Why his loue is like vnto a tapsters glasse that is broken with euery tutch , for he loued the faire maid of Fresingfield once out of all hoe , nay Ned neuer wincke vpon me , I care not I.

Hen. Raphe tels all , you shall haue a good secretarie of him , But Lacie haste thee post to Fresingfield : For ere thou hast fitted all things for her state , The solemne marriage day will be at hand . Lacie .

I go my lord .

Exit Lacie . Emperour .

How shall we passe this day my lord .

Henrie . To horse my lord , the day is passing faire , Wee le flie the partridge or go rouse the deere , Follow my lords , you shall not want for sport . Exeunt . Enter frier Bacon with frier Bungay to his cell . Bungay . What meanes the frier that frolickt it of late , To sit as melancholie in his cell : To sit as melancholie in his cell , As if he had neither lost nor wonne to day . Bacon . Ah Bungay my Brazen-head is spold , My glorie gone , my seuen yeares studie lost : The fame of Bacon bruted through the world , Shall end and perish with this deepe disgrace . Bungay . Bacon hath built foundation on his fame , So surely on the wings of true report , With acting strange and vncoth miracles , As this cannot infringe what he deserues . Bacon . Bungay sit down , for by prospectiue skill , I find this day shall fall out ominous , Some deadly act shall tide me ere I sleep : But what and wherein little can I gesse . Bungay .

My minde is heauy what so ere shall hap .

Enter two schollers , sonnes-to Lambert and Serlby . Knockc . Bacon .

Whos 's that knockes .

Bungay .

Two schollers that desires to speake with you .

Bac.

Bid the come in , Now my youths what would you haue .

1. Sholler . Sir we are Suffolke men and neighbouring friends , Our fathers in their countries lustie squires , Their lands adioyne , in Crackfield mine doth dwell , And his in Laxfield , we are colledge mates , Sworne brothers as our fathers liues as friendes . Bacon.

To what end is ail this .

2. Scholler . Hearing your worship kept within your cell A glasse prospectiue wherin men might see , What so their thoughts or hearts desire could wish , We come to know how that our fathers fare . Bacon . My glasse is free for euery honest man , Sit downe and you shall see ere long , How or in what state your friendly father liues , Meane while tell me your names . Lambert .

Mine Lambert .

2. Scholler .

And mine Serlsbie .

Bacon .

Bungay , I smell there will be a tragedie .

Enter Lambert and Serlsbie , with Rapiers and daggers . Lambert . Serlsby thou hast kept thine houre like a man , Th' art worthie of the title of a squire : That durst for proofe of thy affection , And for thy mistresse fauour prize thy bloud , Thou knowst what words did passe at Fresingfield , Such shamelesse braues as manhood cannot brooke : I for I skorne to beare such piercing taunts , Prepare thee Serlsbie one of vs will die . Serlsbie . Thou seest I single thee the field , And what I spake , I le maintaine with my sword : Stand on thy guard I cannot scold it out . And if thou kill me , thinke I haue a sonne , That liues in Oxford in the Brodgates hall , Who will reuenge his fathers bloud with bloud . Lambert . And Serlsbie I haue there a lusty boy , That dares at weapon buckle with thy sonne , And liues in Broadgates too as well as thine , But draw thy Rapier for wee le haue about . Bacon . Now lustie yonkers looke within the glasse , And tell me if you can discerne your sires . 1. Scol . Serlsbie t is hard , thy father offers wrong , To combat with my father in the field . 2. Schol. Lambert thou liest , my fathers is the abuse , And thou shalt find it , if my father harme . Bungay .

How goes it sirs .

1. Scholler .

Our fathers are in combat hard by Fresingfield .

Bacon .

Sit still my friendes and see the euent .

Lambert . Why standst thou Serlsbie doubtst thou of thy life , A venie man , faire Margret craues so much . Serlbie .

Then this for her .

1. Scholler .

Ah well thrust .

2. Scholler .

But marke the ward .

They fight and kill ech other . Lambert .

Oh I am slaine .

Serlbie .

And I , Lord haue mercie on me .

1. Scholler .

My father slaine , Serlby ward that .

The two schollers stab on another . 2. Scholler .

And so is mine Lambert , I le quite thee well .

Bungay .

O strange strattagem .

Bacon . See Frier where the fathers both lie dead . Baconthy magicke doth effect this massacre : This glasse prospectiue worketh manie woes , And therefore seeing these braue lustie brutes , These friendly youths did perish by thine art , End all thy magicke and thine art at once : The poniard that did end the fatall liues , Shall breake the cause efficiat of their woes , So fade the glasse , and end with it the showes , That Nigromancie did infuse the christall with . He breakes the glasse . Bung.

What means learned Bacon thus to breake his glasse .

Bacon. I tell thee Bungay it repents me sore , That euer Bacon medled in this art , The houres I haue spent in piromanticke spels , The fearefull tossing in the latest night , Of papers full of Nigromanticke charmes , Coniuring and adiuring diuels and fiends , With stole and albe and strange Pentaganon , The wresting of the holy name of God , As Sother , Elaim , and Adonaie , Alpha , Manoth , and Tetragramiton , With praying to the fiue-fould powers of heauen , Are instances that Bacon must be damde , For vsing diuels to counteruaile his God . Yet Bacon cheere thee , drowne not in despaire , Sinnes haue their salues repentance can do much , Thinke mercie sits where Iustice holds her seate , And from those wounds those bloudie Iews did pierce Which by thy magicke oft did bleed a fresh , From thence for thee the dew of mercy drops , To wash the wrath of hie Iehouahs ire , And make thee as a new borne babe from sinne , Bungay I le spend the remnant of my life In pure deuotion praying to my God , That he would saue what Bacon vainly lost . Exit . Enter Margret in Nuns apparrell , Keeper , her father , and their friend . Keep . Margret be not so headstrong in these vows , Oh burie not such beautie in a cell : That England hath held famous for the hue , Thy fathers haire like to the siluer bloomes : That beautifie the shrubs of Affrica Shall fall before the dated time of death , Thus to forgoe his louely Margret . Margret . A father when the hermonie of heauen , soundeth the measures of a liuely faith : The vaine Illusions of this flattering world , Seemes odious to the thoughts of Margret , I loued once , lord Lacie was my loue , And now I hate my selfe for that I lovd , And doated more on him than on my God : For this I scourge my selfe with sharpe repents . But now the touch of such aspiring sinnes Tels me all loue is lust but loue of heauens : That beautie vsde for loue is vanitie , The world containes nought but alluring baites : Pride , flatterie , and inconstant thoughts , To shun the pricks of death I leaue the world , And vow to meditate on heauenly blisse , To liue in Framingham a holy Nunne , Holy and pure in conscience and in deed : And for to wish all maides to learne of me , To seeke heauens ioy before earths vanitie . Friend .

And will you then Margret be shorn a Nunne , and so leaue vs all .

Margret . Now farewell world the engin of all woe , Farewell to friends and father , welcome Christ : Adew to daintie robes , this base attire Better befits an humble minde to God , Than all the shew of rich abilliments , Loue , oh Loue , and with fond Loue farewell , Sweet Lacie whom I loued once so deere , Euer be well , but neuer in my thoughts , Least I offend to thinke on Lacies loue : But euen to that as to the rest farewell . Enter Lacie , Warrain , Ermsbie , booted and spurd . Lacie . Come on my wags weere neere the keepers lodge , Heere haue I oft walkt in the watrie Meades , And chatted with my louely Margret . Warraine .

Sirha Ned , is not this the keeper .

Lacie .

T is the same .

Ermsbie .

The old lecher hath gotton holy mutton to him a Nunne my lord .

Lacie . Keeper how farest thou holla man , what cheere , How doth Peggie thy daughter and my loue . Keeper . Ah good my lord , oh wo is me for Pegge , See where she stands clad in her Nunnes attire , Readie for to be shorne in Framingham : She leaues the world because she left your loue , Oh good my lord perswade her if you can . Lacie . Why how now Margret , what a malecontent , A Nunne , what holy father taught you this , To taske your selfe to such a tedious life , As die a maid , t were iniurie to me . To smother vp such bewtie in a cell . Margret . Lord Lacie thinking of thy former misse , How fond the prime of wanton yeares were spent In loue , Oh fie vppon that fond conceite , Whose hap and essence hangeth in the eye , I leaue both loue and loues content at once , Betaking me to him that is true loue , And leauing all the world for loue of him . Lacie . Whence Peggie comes this Metamorphosis , What shorne a Nun , and I haue from the co urt , Posted with coursers to conuaie thee hence , To Windsore , where our Mariage shal be kept , Thy wedding robes are in the tailors hands , Come Peggy leaue these peremptorie vowes . Margret . Did not my lord resigne his interest , And make diuorce twixt Margret and him ? Lacy. T was but to try sweete Peggies constancie , But will faire Margret leaue her loue and Lord ? Margret . Is not heauens ioy before earths fading blisse , And life aboue sweeter than life in loue , Lacie .

Why then Margret will be shorne a Nun ,

Marg.

Margret hath made a vow which may not be reuokt .

Warraine . We cannot stay my Lord , and if she be so strict , Our leisure graunts vs not to woo a fresh . Ermsby . Choose you faire damsell , yet the choise is yours , Either a solemne Nunnerie , or the court , God , or Lord Lacie , weich contents you best , To be a Nun , or els Lord Lacies wife . Lacie .

A good motion , Peggie your answere must be short .

Margret . The flesh is frayle , my Lord doth know it well , That when he comes with his inchanting face , What so ere betyde I cannot say him nay , Off goes the habite of a maidens heart , And seeing Fortune will , faire Fremingham , And all the shew of holy Nuns farewell , Lacie for me , if he wil be my lord . Lacie . Peggie thy Lord , thy loue , thy husband , Trust me , by truth of knighthood , that the King Staies for to marry matchles Ellinour , Vntil I bring thee richly to the court , That one day may both marry her and thee , How saist thou Keeper art thou glad of this ? Keeper . As if the English King had giuen The parke and decre of Frisingfield to me . Erms.

I pray thee my Lord of Sussex why art thou in a broune study ?

Warraine .

To see the nature of women , that be they neuer so neare God , yet they loue to die in a mans armes .

Lacie .

What haue you fit for breakefast ? we haue hied and posted all this night to Frisingfield .

Margret . Butter and cheese and humbls of a Deere , Such as poore Keepers haue within their lodge . Lacie .

And not a bottle of wine ?

Margret .

Wee le find one for my Lord .

Lacie .

Come Sussex lets in , we shall haue more , for she speaks least , to hold her promise sure .

Exeunt . Enter a denill to seeke Miles . Deuill . How restles are the ghosts of hellish spirites , When euerie charmer with his Magick spels Cals vs from nine-fold trenched Blegiton , To scud and ouer-scoure the earth in post , Vpon the speedie wings of swiftest winds , Now Bacon hath raisd me from the darkest deepe , To search about the world for Miles his man , For Miles , and to torment his lasie bones , For careles watchidg of his Brasen head , See where he comes , Oh he is mine . Enter Miles with a gowne and a corner cap. Miles .

A scholler quoth you , marry sir I would I had bene made a botlemaker when I was made a scholler , for I can get neither to be a Deacon , Reader , nor Schoolemaister , no , not the clarke of a parish , some call me dunce , another saith my head is as full of Latine as an egs full of oatemeale , thus I am tormented that the deuil and Frier Bacon , haunts me , good Lord heer s one of my maisters deuils , I le goe speake to him , what maister Plutus , how chere you ?

Deuill .

Doost thou know me ?

Miles .

Know you sir , why are not you one of my maisters deuils , that were wont to come to my maister Doctor Bacon , at Brazen-nose ?

Deuil .

Yes marry am I.

Miles .

Good Lord M. Plutus I haue seene you a thousand times at my maisters and yet I had neuer the manners to make you drinke , but sir , I am glad to see how conformable you are to the statute , I warrant you heesasyeomanlya man , as you shall see , marke you maisters , heer s a plaine honest man , without welt or garde , but I pray you sir do you come lately from hel ?

Deuil .

I marry how then ,

Miles .

Faith t is a place I haue desired long to see , haue you not good tipling houses there , may not a man haue a lustie fier there , apot of good ale , a paire of cardes , a swinging peece of chalke , and a browne toast that will clap a white wastcoat on a cup of good drinke ? ,

Deuil .

All thisyou may haue there .

Miles .

You are for me freinde , and I am for you , but I pray you , may I not haue an office there ?

Deuil .

Yes a thousand , what wouldst thou be ?

Miles .

By my troth sir in a place where I may profit my selfe , I know hel is a hot place , and men are meruailous drie , and much drinke is spent there , I would be a tapster .

Deuil .

Thou shalt .

Miles ,

There s nothing lets me from going with you , but that t is a long iourney , and I haue neuer a horse .

Deuil .

Thou shalt ride on my backe .

Miles .

Now surely hers acourteous deuil , that for to pleasure his friende wil not stick to make a iade of himselfe , but I pray you goodman friend let me moue a question to you .

Deuil .

What s that ?

Miles .

I pray you whether is your pace a trot or an amble ?

Deuil .

An amble .

Miles . T is well , but take heede it be not a trot , But t is no matter I le preuent it . Deuil .

What doost ?

Miles .

Marry friend I put on my spurs , for if I find your pace either a trot or els vneasie , I le put you to a false gallop , I le make you feele the benefit of my spurs .

Deuil .

Get vp vpon my back .

Miles .

Oh Lord here s euen a goodly meruaile , when a man rides to hell on the Deuils backe .

Exeunt roring . Enter the Emperour with a pointles sword , next the King of Castile , carrying a sword with a point , Lacie carying the globe Ed. Warr●carrying arod of gold with a doue on it , Ermsby with a crowne and Scepter , The queene with the faire maide of Frisingfield on her left hand , Henry , Bacon with other Lords attending . Edward . Great potentates earths miracles for state , Thinke that prince Edward humbles at your feet , And for these fauours on his martiall sword , He vowes perpetuall homage to yourselues , Yeelding these honours vnto Ellinour . Henrie . Gramercies Lordlings , old Plantagenet , That rules and swayes the Albion diademe , With teares discouers these conceaued ioyes , And vowes requitall , if his men at armes , The wealth of England , or due honours done To Ellinour , may quite his fauorites . But all this while what say you to the Dames , That shine like to the cristall lampes of heauen ? Emperour . If but a third were added to these two They did surpasse those gorgeous images , That gloried Ida with rich beauties wealth . Margret . T is I my lords who humbly on my knee , Must yelde her orisons to mightie Ioue , For lifting vp his handmaide to this state , Brought from her homely cottage to the court , And graste with Kings Princes and Emperours , To whom ( next to the noble Lincolne Earle ) I vowe obedience , and such humble loue , As may a handmaid to such mightie men . Ellinour . Thou martiall man that wears the Almaine crowne , And you the westerne Potentates of might , The Albian Princesse , English Edwards wife , Prowde that the louely star of Frisingfield , Faire Margret , Countesse to the Lincolne Earle , Attendes on Ellinour , gramercies Lord for her , T is I giue thanks for Margret to you all , And rest for her due bounden to your selues . Henrie . Seeing the marriage is solemnised , Let s martch in triumph to the royall feast , But why stands Frier Bacon here so mute ? Bacon . Repentant for the follies of my youth , That Magicks secreat misteries misled , And ioyfull that this roiall marriage , Portendes such blisse vnto this matchles realme . Hen. Why Bacon what straunge euent shall happen to this land Or what shall grow from Edward and his Queene . Bacon . I find by deepe praescience of mine art , Which once I tempred in my secreat cell , That here where Brute did build his Troynouant , From forth the royall garden of a King , Shall flowrish out , so rich and faire a bud , Whose brightnesse shall deface proude Phoebus flowre , And ouer-shadow Albion with her leaues . Til then , Mars shall be maister of the field , But then the stormie threats of wars shall cease , The horse shall stampe as careles of the pike , Drums shall be turnd to timbrells of delight , With wealthy fauours , plentie shall enrich , The strond that gladded wandring Brute to see , And peace from heauen shall harbour in these leaues , That gorgeous beautifies this matchles flower , Appollos Hellitropian then shall stoope , And Venus hyacinth shall vaile her top , Iuno shall shut her Gilliflowers vp , And Pallace bay shall bash her brightest greene , Ceres carnation in consort with those , Shall stoope and wonder at Dianas rose . Henrie . This Prophesie is mysticall , But glorious commaunders of Europas loue , That makes faire England like that wealthy I le , Circled with Gihen , and first Euphrates , In royallising Henries Albion , With presence of your princelie mightines , Let s march , the tables all are spread , And viands such as Englands wealth affoords , Are ready set to furnish out the boords , You shall haue welcome mighty potentates , It rests to furnish vp this royall feast , Only your hearts be frolick for the time , Craues that we tast of nought but iouysaunce , Thus glories England ouer all the west . Exeunt omnes . Finis Frier Bacon , made by Robert Greene , Maister of Arts. Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit vtile dulci.