Sir John Oldcastle

The true and honorable Historie , of the life of Sir Iohn Oldcastle , the good Lord Cobham . In the fight , enter the Sheriffe and two of his men . Sheriffe . MY Lords , I charge ye in his Highnesse name , To keepe the peace , you , and your followers . Herb.

Good M. Sheriffe , look vnto your self .

Pow.

Do so , for we haue other businesse .

Proffer to fight againe Sher. Will ye disturbe the Iudges , and the Assise ? Heare the Kings proclamation ye were best . Pow.

Hold then , let s heare it .

Herb.

But be briefe , ye were best .

Bayl.

O yes .

Dauy

Cossone , make shorter O , or shall marre your Yes .

Bay .

O yes .

Owen

What , has her nothing to say but O yes ?

Bay .

O yes .

Da. O nay , pye Cosse plut downe with her , down with her , A Pawesse a Pawesse . Gough

A Herbert a Herbert , and downe with Powesse .

Helter skelter againe . Sher.

Hold , in the Kings name , hold .

Owen

Downe e tha ka naues name , downe .

In this fight , the Bailiffe is knocked downe , and the Sheriffe and the other runne away . Herb.

Powesse , I thinke thy Welsh and thou do smart .

Pow.

Herbert , I thinke my sword came neere thy heart .

Herb.

Thy hearts best bloud shall pay the losse of mine .

Gough

A Herbert a Herbert .

Dauy

A Pawesse a Pawesse .

As they are lifting their weapons , enter the Maior of Hereford , and his Officers and Townes men with clubbes . Maior My Lords , as you are liege men to the Crowne , True noblemen , and subiects to the King , Attend his Highnesse proclamation , Commaunded by the Iudges of Assise , For keeping peace at this assemblie . Herb.

Good M. Maior of Hereford be briefe .

Mai. Serieant , without the ceremonie of O yes . Pronounce alowd the proclamation . Ser.

The Kings Iustices , perceiuing what publique mischiefe may ensue this priuate quarrel in his maiesties name do straightly charge and commaund all persons , of what degree soeuer , to depart this cittie of Hereford , except such as are bound to giue attendance at this Assise , and that no man presume to weare any weapon , especially welsh-hookes , forrest billes .

Owen

Haw , no pill nor wells hoog ? ha ?

Ma.

Peace , and heare the proclamation .

Ser.

And that the Lord Powesse do presently disperse and discharge his retinue , and depart the cittie in the Kings peace , he and his followers , on paine of imprisonment .

Dauy Haw ? pud her Lord Pawesse in prison , A Pawes A Pawesse , cossone liue and tie with her Lord . Gough

A Herbert a Herbert .

In this fight the Lord Herbert is wounded , and fals to the ground , the Maior and his company goe away crying clubbes , Powesse runnes away , Gough and other of Herberts faction busie themselues about Herbert : enters the two Iudges in their roabes , the Sheriffe and his Baileffes afore them , &c. 1. Iud.

Where 's the Lord Herbert ? is he hurt or slaine ?

Sher.

Hee 's here my Lord .

2. Iud.

How fares hid Lordshippe , friends ?

Gough

Mortally wounded , speechlesse , he cannot liue .

1. Iud Conuay him hence , let not his wounds take ayre , And get him dress'd with expedition , Ex. Herb. & Gough M. Maior of Hereford M Shriue o' th shire , Commit Lord Powesse to safe custodie , To answer the disturbance of the peace , Lord Herberts perill , and his high contempt Of vs , and you the Kings commissioners , See it be done with care and diligence . Sher. Please it your Lordship , my Lord Powesse is gone , Past all recouery . 2. Iud. Yet let search be made , To apprehend his followers that are left . Sher.

There are some of them , sirs , lay hold on them ,

Owen

Of vs , and why ? what has her done I pray you ?

Sher.

Disarme them Bailiffes .

Ma.

Officers assist .

Dauy

Heare you Lor shudge , what resson is for this ?

Owen

Cosson pe puse for fighting for our Lord ?

1. Iudge

Away with them .

Dauy

Harg you my Lord .

Owen

Gough my Lorde Herberts man 's a shitten knaue , Both at once al this

Dauy

I se liue and tie in good quarrell .

Owen

Pray you do shustice , let awl be preson .

Dauy Prison no , Lord shudge I wooll giue you pale , good suerty . 2. Iudge

What Bale ? what suerties ?

Dauy

Her coozin ap Ries , ap Euan , ap Morrice , ap Morgan , ap Lluellyn , ap Madoc , ap Meredith , ap Griffen , ap Dauy , ap Owen ap Shinken Shones .

2 Iudge .

Two of the most , sufficient are ynow ,

Sher.

And 't please your Lordship these are al but one .

1. Iudge To Iayle with them , and the Lord Herberts men , Wee le talke with them , when the Assise is done , Exeunt . Riotous , audacious , and vnruly Groomes , Must we be forced to come from the Bench , To quiet brawles , which euery Constable In other ciuill places can suppresse ? 2. Iudge

What was the quarrel that causde all this stirre ?

Sher. About religion ( as I heard ) my Lord . Lord Powesse detracted from the power of Rome , Affirming Wickliffes doctrine to be true , And Romes erroneous : hot reply was made By the lord Herbert , they were traytors all That would maintaine it : Powesse answered , They were as true , as noble , and as wise As he , that would defend it with their liues , He namde for instance sir Iohn Old-castle The Lord Cobham : Herbert replide againe , He , thou , and all are traitors that so hold . The he was giuen , the seuerall factions drawne , And so enragde , that we could not appease it . 1. Iudge This case concernes the Kings prerogatiue , And 's dangerous to the State and common wealth . Gentlemen , Iustices , master Maior , and master Shrieue , It doth behoue vs all , and each of vs In generall and particular , to haue care For the suppressing of all mutinies , And all assemblies , except souldiers musters For the Kings preparation into France . We heare of secret conuenticles made , And there is doubt of some conspiracies , Which may breake out into rebellious armes When the King 's gone , perchance before he go : Note as an instance , this one perillous fray , What factions might haue growne on either part , To the destruction of the King and Realme , Yet , in my conscience , sir Iohn Old-castle Innocent of it , onely his name was vsde . We therefore from his Highnesse giue this charge . You maister Maior , looke to your citizens , You maister Sherife vnto your shire , and you As Iustices in euery ones precinct There be no meetings . When the vulgar sort Sit on their Ale-bench , with their cups and kannes , Matters of state be not their common talke , Nor pure religion by their lips prophande . Let vs returne vnto the Bench againe , And there examine further of this fray . Enter a Baily and a Serieant Sher.

Sirs , haue ye taken the lord Powesse yet ?

Ba.

No , nor heard of him .

Ser.

No , hee 's gone farre enough .

2. Iu.

They that are left behind , shall answer all . Exeunt .

Enter Suffolke , Bishop of Rochester , Butler , parson of Wrotham . Suffolke Now my lord Bishop , take free liberty To speake your minde : what is your sute to vs ? Bishop My noble Lord , no more than what you know , And haue bin oftentimes inuested with : Grieuous complaints haue past betweene the lippes Of enuious persons to vpbraide the Cleargy , Some carping at the liuings which we haue , And others spurning at the ceremonies That are of auncient custome in the church . Amongst the which , Lord Cobham is a chiefe : What inconuenience may proceede hereof , Both to the King and to the common wealth , May easily be discernd , when like a frensie This innouation shall possesse their mindes . These vpstarts will haue followers to vphold Their damnd opinion , more than Harry shall To vndergoe his quarrell gainst the French . Suffolke What proofe is there against them to be had , That what you say the law may iustifie ? Bishop They giue themselues the name of Protestants , And meete in fields and solitary groues . sir Ihon Was euer heard ( my Lord ) the like til now ? That theeues and rebells , sbloud heretikes , Playne heretikes , I le stand too te to their teeth , Should haue to colour , their vile practises , A title of such worth , as Protestant ? enter one wyth a letter . Suf. O but you must not sweare , it ill becomes One of your coate , to rappe out bloudy oathes . Bish. Pardon him good my Lord , it is his zeale , An honest country prelate , who laments To see such foule disorder in the church . Sir Iohn There s one they call him Sir Iohn Old-castle , He has not his name for naught : for like a castle Doth he encompasse them within his walls , But till that castle be subuerted quite , We ne're shall be at quiet in the realme . Bish. That is our sute , my Lord , that he be tane , And brought in question for his heresie , Beside , two letters brought me out of Wales , Wherin my Lord Herford writes to me , What tumult and sedition was begun , About the Lord Cobham , at the Sises there , For they had much ado to calme the rage , And that the valiant Herbert is there slaine . Suf. A fire that must be quencht ; wel , say no more , The King anon goes to the counsell chamber , There to debate of matters touching France : As he doth passe by , I le informe his grace Concerning your petition : Master Butler , If I forget , do you remember me , But.

I will my Lord . Offer him a purse .

Bish. Not for a recompence , But as a token of our loue to you , By me my Lords of the cleargie do present This purse , and in it full a thousand Angells , Praying your Lordship to accept their gift . Suf. I thanke them , my Lord Bishop , for their loue , But will not take their mony , if you please To giue it to this gentleman , you may . Bish.

Sir , then we craue your furtherance herein .

But.

The best I can my Lord of Rochester .

Bish.

Nay , pray ye take it , trust me but you shal ,

sir Iohn Were ye all three vpon New Market heath , You should not neede straine curtsie who should ha' te , Sir Iohn would quickely rid ye of that care . Suf The King is comming , feare ye not my Lord , The very first thing I will breake with him , Shal be about your matter . Enter K. Harry and Huntington in talke . Har. My Lord of Suffolke , Was it not saide the Cleargy did refuse To lend vs mony toward our warres in France ? Suf.

It was my Lord , but very wrongfully .

Har. I know it was , for Huntington here tells me , They haue bin very bountifull of late . Suf. And still they vow my gracious Lord to be so , Hoping your maiestie will thinke of them , As of your louing subiects , and suppresse All such malitious errors as begin To spot their calling , and disturb the church . Har. God else forbid : why Suffolke , is there Any new rupture to disquiet them ? Suf. No new my Lord , the old is great enough , And so increasing as if not cut downe , Will breede a scandale to your royall state , And set your Kingdome quickely in an vproare , The Kentish knight Lord Cobham , in despight Of any law , or spirituall discipline , Maintaines this vpstart new religion still , And diuers great assemblies by his meanes And priuate quarrells , are commenst abroad , As by this letter more at large my liege , Is made apparant . Har. We do find it here , There was in Wales a certaine fray of late , Betweene two noblemen , but what of this ? Followes it straight Lord Cobham must be he Did cause the same ? I dare be sworne ( good knight ) He neuer dreampt of any such contention . Bish. But in his name the quarrell did begin , About the opinion which he held ( my hege . ) Har. How if it did ? was either he in place , To take part with them , or abette them in it ? If brabling fellowes , whose in kindled bloud , Seethes in their fiery vaines , will needes go fight , Making their quarrells of some words that passt , Either of you , or you , amongst their cuppes , Is the fault yours , or are they guiltie of it ? Suffolke With pardon of your Highnesse ( my dread lord ) Such little sparkes neglected , may in time Grow to a mighty flame : but that s not all , He doth beside maintaine a strange religion , And will not be compelld to come to masse . Bish. We do beseech you therefore gracious prince , Without offence vnto your maiesty We may be bold to vse authoritie . Harry

As how ?

Bishop To summon him vnto the Arches , Where such offences haue their punishment . Harry

To answere personally , is that your meaning ?

Bishop

It is , my lord .

Harry

How if he appeale ?

Bishop

He cannot ( my Lord ) in such a case as this .

Suffolke

Not where Religion is the plea , my lord .

Harry I tooke it alwayes , that our selfe stoode out , As a sufficient refuge , vnto whome Not any but might lawfully appeale . But wee le not argue now vpon that poynt : For sir Iohn Old-castle whom you accuse , Let me intreate you to dispence awhile With your high title of preheminence . in scorne . Report did neuer yet condemne him so , But he hath alwayes beene reputed loyall : And in my knowledge I can say thus much , That he is vertuous , wise , and honourable : If any way his conscience be seduc'de , To wauer in his faith : I le send for him , And schoole him priuately , if that serue not , Then afterward you may proceede against him . Butler , be you the messenger for vs , And will him presently repaire to court . exeunt . sir Iohn How now my lord , why stand you discontent ? In sooth , me thinkes the King hath well decreed . Bishop Yea , yea , sir Iohn , if he would keepe his word , But I perceiue he fauours him so much , As this will be to small effect , I feare . sir Iohn Why then I le tell you what y' are best to do : If you suspect the King will be but cold In reprehending him , send you a processe too To serue vpon him : so you may be sure To make him answer 't , howsoere it fall . Bishop And well remembred , I will haue it so , A Sumner shall be sent about it strait Exit . sir Iohn Yea , doe so , in the meane space this remaines For kinde sir Iohn of Wrotham honest Iacke . Me thinkes the purse of gold the Bishop gaue , Made a good shew , it had a tempting looke , Beshrew me , but my fingers ends do itch To be vpon those rudduks : well , t is thus : I am not as the worlde does take me for : If euer woolfe were cloathed in sheepes coate , Then I am he , olde huddle and twang , yfaith , A priest in shew , but in plaine termes , a theefe , Yet let me tell you too , an honest theefe . One that will take it where it may besp . And spend it freely in good fellowship . I haue as many shapes as Proteus had , That still when any villany is done , There may be none suspect it was sir Iohn . Besides , to comfort me , for what s this life , Except the crabbed bitternes thereof Be sweetened now and then with lechery ? I haue my Doll , my concubine as t' were , To frollicke with , a lusty bounsing gerle . But whilst I loyter here the gold , may scape , And that must not be so , it is mine owne , Therefore I le meete him on his way to court , And shriue him of it : there will be the sport . Exit . Enter three or foure poore people , some souldiers , some old men . 1 God help , God help , there 's law for punishing , But there s no law for our necessity : There be more stockes to set poore soldiers in , Than there be houses to releeue them at . Old man Faith , housekeeping decayes in euery place , Euen as Saint Peter writ , still worse and worse 4

Maister maior of Rochester has giuen commaundement , that none shall goe abroade out of the parish , and they haue set an order downe forsooth , what euery poore housholder must giue towards our reliefe : where there be some ceased I may say to you , had almost as much neede to beg as we .

It is a hard world the while .

Old man

If a poore man come to a doore to aske for Gods sake , they aske him for a licence , or a certificate from a Iustice .

Faith we haue none , but what we beare vppon our bodies , our maimed limbs , God help vs .

And yet , as lame as I am , I le with the king into France , if I can crawle but a ship-boorde , I hadde rather be slaine in France , than starue in England .

Olde man .

Ha , were I but as lusty as I was at the battell of Shrewsbury , I would not doe as I do : but we are now come to the good lord Cobhams , to the best man to the poore that is in all Kent .

God blesse him , there be but few such .

Enter Lord Cobham with Harpoole . Cob.

Thou peeuish froward man , what wouldst thou haue ?

Harp . This pride , this pride , brings all to beggarie , I seru'de your father , and your grandfather , Shew me such two men now : no , no , Your backes , your backes , the diuell and pride , Has cut the throate of all good housekeeping , They were the best Yeomens masters , that Euer were in England . Cob. Yea , except thou haue a crue of seely knaues , And sturdy rogues , still feeding at my gate , There is no hospitalitie with thee . Harp .

They may sit at the gate well enough , but the diuell of any thing you giue them , except they will eate stones .

Cob. T is long then of such hungry knaues as you , pointing to the beggars Yea sir , here s your retinue , your guests be come , They know their howers I warrant you . Old .

God blesse your honour , God saue the good Lord Cobham , and all his house ,

Soul . Good your honour , bestow your blessed almes , Vpon poore men . Cob. Now sir , here be your Almes knights . Now are you as safe as the Emperour . Harp . My Almes knights : nay , th' are yours , It is a shame for you , and I le stand too 't , Your foolish almes maintaines more vagabonds , Then all the noblemen in Kent beside . Out you rogues , you knaues , worke for your liuings , Alas poore men , O Lord , they may beg their hearts out , There s no more charitie amongst men , Then amongst so many mastiffe dogges , What make you here , you needy knaues ? Away , away , you villaines . 2. soul.

I beseech you sit , be good to vs .

Cobham

Nay , nay , they know thee well enough , I thinke that all the beggars in this land are thy acquaintance , goe bestowe your almes , none will controule you sir .

Harp .

What should I giue them ? you are growne so beggarly , you haue scarce a bitte of breade to giue at your doore : you talke of your religion so long , that you haue banished charitie from amongst you , a man may make a flaxe shop in your kitchin chimnies , for any fire there is stirring .

Cobham

If thou wilt giue them nothing , send them hence , let them not stand here staruing in the colde .

Harp .

Who I driue them hence ? if I driue poore men from your doore , I le be hangd , I know not what I may come to my selfe : yea , God help you poore knaues , ye see the world yfaith , well , you had a mother : well , God be with thee good Lady , thy soule 's at rest : she gaue more in shirts and smocks to poore children , then you spend in your house , & yet you liue a beggar too .

Cobham

Euen the worst deede that ere my mother did , was in releeuing such a foole as thou .

Harpoole

Yea , yea , I am a foole still , with all your wit you will die a beggar , go too .

Cobham

Go you olde foole , giue the poore people something , go in poore men into the inner court , and take such alms as there is to be had .

Souldier

God blesse your honor .

Harpoole

Hang you roags , hang you , there s nothing but misery amongst you , you feare no law you . Exit .

Olde man

God blesse you good maister Rafe , God saue your life , you are good to the poore still .

Enter the Lord Powes disguised , and shrowde himselfe . Cobham What fellow 's yonder comes along the groue ? Few passengers there be that know this way : Me thinkes he stops as though he stayd for me , And meant to shrowd himselfe amongst the bushes . I know the Cleargie hate me to the death , And my religion gets me many foes : And this may be some desperate rogue , Subornd to worke me mischiefe : As it Pleaseth God , if he come toward me , sure I le stay his comming , be he but one man , What soere he be : The Lord Powis comes on . I haue beene well acquainted with that face . Powis

Well met my honorable lord and friend .

Cobham You are welcome sir , what ere you be , But of this sodaine sir , I do not know you . Powis I am one that wisheth well vnto your honor , My name is Powes , an olde friend of yours . Cobham My honorable lord , and worthy friend , What makes your lordship thus alone in Kent , And thus disguised in this strange attire ? Powis My Lord , an vnexpected accident , Hath at this time inforc'de me to these parts : And thus it hapt , not yet ful fiue dayes since , Now at the last Assise at Hereford , It chanst that the lord Herbert and my selfe , Mongst other things , discoursing at the table , To fall in speech about some certaine points Of Wickcliffes doctrine , gainst the papacie , And the religion catholique , maintaind Through the most part of Europe at this day . This wilfull teasty lord stucke not to say , That Wickcliffe was a knaue , a schismatike , His doctrine diuelish and hereticall , And what soere he was maintaind the same , was traitor both to God and to his country . Being moued at his peremptory speech , I told him , some maintained those opinions , Men , and truer subiects then lord Herbert was : And he replying in comparisons : Your name was vrgde , my lord , gainst his chalenge , To be a perfect fauourer of the trueth . And to be short , from words we fell to blowes , Our seruants , and our tenants taking parts , Many on both sides hurt : and for an houre The broyle by no meanes could be pacified , Vntill the Iudges rising from the bench , Were in their persons forc'de to part the fray . Cobham

I hope no man was violently slaine .

Powis Faith none I trust , but the lord Herberts selfe , Who is in truth so dangerously hurt , As it is doubted he can hardly scape . Cobham

I am sory , my good lord , of these ill newes .

Powis This is the cause that driues me into Kent , To shrowd my selfe with you so good a friend , Vntill I heare how things do speed at home . Cobham Your lordship is most welcome vnto Cobham , But I am very sory , my good lord , My name was brought in question in this matter , Considering I haue many enemies , That threaten malice , and do lie in waite To take aduantange of the smallest thing . But you are welcome , and repose your lordship , And keepe your selfe here secret in my house , Vntill we heare how the lord Herbert speedes : Here comes my man . Enter Harpoole . Sirra , what newes ? Harpoole

Yonder s one maister Butler of the priuie chamber , is sent vnto you from the King .

Powis

I pray God the lord Herbert be not dead , and the King hearing whither I am gone , hath sent for me .

Cob.

Comfort your selfe my lord , I warrant you .

Harpoole

Fellow , what ailes thee ? doost thou quake ? dost thou shake ? dost thou tremble ? ha ?

Cob.

Peace you old foole , sirra , conuey this gentleman in the backe way , and bring the other into the walke .

Harpoole

Come sir . you are welcome , if you loue my lorde .

Powis

God haue mercy gentle friend . exeunt .

Cob.

I thought as much , that it would not be long before I heard of something from the King , about this matter .

Enter Harpoole with Maister Butler . Harpoole Sir , yonder my lord walkes , you see him , I le haue your men into the Celler the while . Cobh.

welcome good maister Butler .

Butler

Thankes , my good lord : his Maiestie dooth commend his loue vnto your lordship , and wils you to repaire vnto the court .

Cobh.

God blesse his Highnesse , and confound his ennemies , I hope his Maiestie is well .

Butler

In health , my lord .

Cobh.

God long continue it : mee thinkes you looke as though you were not well , what ailes you sir ?

Butler

Faith I haue had a foolish odde mischance , that angers mee : comming ouer Shooters hill , there came a fellow to me like a Sailer , and asked me money , and whilst I staide my horse to draw my purse , he takes th' aduantage of a little banck and leapes behind me , whippes my purse away , and with a sodaine ierke I know not how , threw me at least three yards out of my saddle . I neuer was so robbed in all my life .

Cobh.

I am very sorie sir for your mischance , wee will send our warrant foorth , to stay such suspitious persons as shal be found , then maister Butler , we wil attend you .

Butler

I humbly thanke your lordship , I will attend you .

Enter the Sumner . Sum.

I haue the law to warrant what I do , and though the Lord Cobham be a noble man , that dispenses not with law , I dare serue processe were a fiue noble men , though we Sumners make sometimes a mad slip in a corner with a prettie wench , a Sumner must not goe alwayes by seeing , a manne may be content to hide his eies , where he may feele his profit : well , this is my Lord Cobhams house , if I can deuise to speake with him , if not , I le clap my citation vpon 's doore , so my lord of Rochester bid me , but me thinkes here comes one of his men . Enter Harpoole .

Harp .

Welcome good fellow , welcome , who wouldst thou speake with ?

Sum.

With my lord Cobham , I would speake , if thou be one of his men .

Harp .

Yes I am one of his men , but thou canst not speake with my lord .

Sum.

May I send to him them ?

Harp .

I le tel thee that , when I know thy errand .

Sum.

I will not tel my errand to thee .

Harp .

Then keepe it to thy selfe , and walke like a knaue as thou camest .

Sum.

I tell thee my lord keepes no knaues , sirra .

Harp .

Then thou seruest him not , I beleeue , what lord is thy master ?

Sum.

My lord of Rochester .

Harp .

In good time , and what wouldst thou haue with my lord Cobham ?

Sum.

I come by vertue of a processe , to ascite him to appeare before my lord , in the court at Rochester .

Harp aside .

Wel , God grant me patience , I could eate this conger . My lord is not at home , therefore it were good Sumner you caried your processe backe .

Sum.

Why , if he will not be spoken withall , then will I leaue it here , and see you that he take knowledge of it .

Harp .

Swounds you slaue , do you set vp your bills here , go to , take it downe againe , doest thou know what thou dost , dost thee know on whom thou seruest processe ?

Sum.

Yes marry doe I , Sir Iohn Old-castle Lord Cobham .

Harp .

I am glad thou knowest him yet , and sirra dost not thou know , that the lord Cobham is a braue lord , that keepes good beefe and beere in his house , and euery day feedes a hundred poore people at 's gate , and keepes a hundred tall fellowes ?

Sum.

What s that to my processe ?

Harp .

Mary this sir , is this processe parchment ?

Sum.

Yes mary .

Harp .

And this seale waxe ?

Sum.

It is so .

Harp .

If this be parchment , & this wax , eate you this parchment , and this waxe , or I will make parchment of your skinne , and beate your braines into waxe : Sirra Sumner dispatch , deuoure , sirra deuoure .

Sum.

I am my lord of Rochesters Sumner , I came to do my office , and thou shalt answere it .

Harp .

Sirra , no railing , but betake you to your teeth , thou shalt eate no worse then thou bringst with thee , thou bringst it for my lord , and wilt thou bring my lord worse then thou wilt eate thy selfe ?

Sum.

Sir , I brought it not my lord to eate .

Harp .

O do you sir me now , all 's one for that , but i le make you eate it , for bringing it .

Sum.

I cannot eate it .

Harp .

Can you not ? sbould i le beate you vntil you haue a stomacke . he beates him .

Sum.

O hold , hold , good master seruing-man , I will eate it .

Harp .

Be champping , be chawing sir , or I le chaw you , you rogue , the purest of the hony .

Sum.

Tough waxe , is the purest of the hony .

Harp . O Lord sir , oh oh , he eates . Feed , feed , wholsome rogue , wholsome .

Cannot you like an honest Sumner walke with the diuell your brother , to fetch in your Bailiffes rents , but you must come to a noble mans house with processe ? Sbloud if thy seale were as broad as the lead that couers Rochester church , thou shouldst eate it .

Sum.

O I am almost choaked , I am almost choaked .

Harp .

Who 's within there ? wil you shame my Lord , is there no beere in the house ? Butler I say .

But.

Heere , here . Enter Butler .

Harp . Giue him Beere . he drinkes . There , tough old sheepskins , bare drie meate . Sum.

O sir , let me go no further , I le eate my word .

Harp .

Yea mary sir , so I meane you shall eate more then your own word , for i le make you eate all the words in the processe . Why you drab monger , cannot the secrets of al the wenches in a sheire serue your turne , but you must come hither with a citation with a poxe ? I le cite you . he has then done . A cup of sacke for the Sumner .

But.

Here sir here .

Harp .

Here slaue I drinke to thee .

Sum.

I thanke you sir .

Harp .

Now if thou findst thy stomacke well , because thou shalt see my Lord keep 's meate in 's house , if thou wilt go in thou shalt haue a peece of beefe to thy break fast .

Sum.

No I am very well good M. seruing-man , I thanke you , very well sir .

Harp .

I am glad on 't , then be walking towards Rochester to keepe your stomack warme : and Sumner , if I may know you disturb a good wench within this Diocesse , if I do not make thee eate her peticote , if there were four yards of Kentish cloth in 't , I am a villaine .

Sum.

God be with you M. seruingmaan .

Harp .

Farewell Sumner . Enter Constable .

Con.

God saue you M. Harpoole .

Harp .

Welcome Constable , welcom Constable , what news with thee ?

Con.

And 't please you M. Harpoole , I am to make hue to crie , for a fellow with one eie that has rob'd two Clothiers , and am to craue your hindrance , for to search all suspected places , and they say there was a woman in the company .

Harp .

Hast thou bin at the Alehouse , hast thou sought there ?

Con.

I durst not search sir , in my Lord Cobhams libertie , except I had some of his seruants , which are for my warrant .

Harp .

An honest Constable , an honest Constable , cal forth him that keepes the Alehouse there .

Con.

Ho , who 's within there ?

Ale man

Who calls there , come neere a Gods name , oh is 't you M. Constable and M. Harpoole , you are welcome with all my heart , what make you here so earely this morning ?

Harp .

Sirra , what strangers do you lodge , there is a robbery done this morning , and we are to search for all suspected persons .

Aleman .

Gods bones , I am sory for 't , yfaith sir I lodge no body but a good honest mery priest , they call him sir Iohn a Wrootham , and a handsome woman that is his neece , that he saies he has some sute in law for , and as they go vp & down to London , sometimes they lie at my house .

Harp .

What , is he here in thy house now ?

Con.

She is sir , I promise you sir he is a quiet man , and because he will not trouble too many roomes , he makes the woman lie euery night at his beds feete .

Harp .

Bring her forth Constable , bring her forth , let 's see her , let 's see her .

Con.

Dorothy , you must come downe to M. Constable .

Dol.

A non forsooth . she enters .

Harp .

Welcome sweete lasse , welcome .

Dol.

I thank you good M. seruing-man , and master Constable also .

Harp .

A plump girle by the mas , a plump girle , ha Dol ha , wilt thou forsake the priest , and go with me .

Con.

A well said M. Harpoole , you are a merrie old man yfaith , yfaith you wil neuer be old : now by the macke , a prettie wench indeed .

Harp .

Ye old mad mery Constable , art thou aduis'de of that ha , well said Dol , fill some ale here .

Dol aside

Oh if I wist this old priest would not sticke to me , by Ioue I would ingle this old seruing-man .

Harp .

Oh you old mad colt , yfaith I le seak you : fil all the pots in the house there .

Con.

Oh wel said M. Harpoole , you are heart of oake when all 's done .

Harp .

Ha Dol , thou hast a sweete paire of lippes by the masse .

Doll

Truely you are a most sweet olde man , as euer I sawe , by my troth , you haue a face , able to make any woman in loue with you .

Harp .

Fill sweete Doll , I le drinke to thee .

Doll

I pledge you sir , and thanke you therefore , and I pray you let it come .

Harp .

imbracing her Doll , canst thou loue me ? a mad merry lasse , would to God I had neuer seene thee .

Doll

I warrant you you will not out of my thoughts this tweluemonth , truely you are as full of fauour , as a man may be . Ah these sweete grey lockes , by my troth , they are most louely .

Constable

Gods boores maister Harpoole , I will haue one busse too .

Harp .

No licking for you Constable , hand off , hand off .

Constable

Bur lady I loue kissing as wel as you .

Doll

Oh you are an od boie , you haue a wanton eie of your owne : ah you sweet sugar lipt wanton , you will winne as many womens hearts as come in your company . Enter Priest .

Wroth.

Doll , come hither .

Harp .

Priest , she shal not .

Doll

I le come anone , sweete loue .

Wroth.

Hand off , old fornicator .

Harp .

Vicar , I le sit here in spight of thee , is this fitte stuffe for a priest to carry vp and downe with him ?

Wrotham

Ah sirra , dost thou not know , that a good fellow parson may haue a chappel of ease , where his parish Church is farre off ?

Harp .

You whooreson ston'd Vicar .

Wroth.

You olde stale ruffin , you lion of Cotswold .

Harp .

Swounds Vicar , I le geld you . flies vpon him .

Constable

Keepe the Kings peace .

Doll

Murder , murder , murder .

Ale man

Holde , as you are men , holde , for Gods sake be quiet : put vp your weapons , you drawe not in my house .

Harp .

You whooreson bawdy priest .

Wroth.

You old mutton monger .

Constable

Hold sir Iohn , hold .

Doll to the Priest

I pray thee sweet heart be quiet , I was but sitting to drinke a pot of ale with him , euen as kinde a man as euer I met with .

Harp .

Thou art a theefe I warrant thee .

Wroth.

Then I am but as thou hast beene in thy dayes , let s not be ashamed of our trade , the King has beene a theefe himselfe .

Doll

Come , be quiet , hast thou sped ?

Wroth.

I haue wench , here be crownes ifaith .

Doll

Come , let s be all friends then .

Constable

Well said mistris Dorothy ifaith .

Harp .

Thou art the madst priest that euer I met with .

Wroth.

Giue me thy hand , thou art as good a fellow , I am a singer , a drinker , a bencher , a wencher , I can say a masse , and kisse a lasse : faith I haue a parsonage , and bicause I would not be at too much charges , this wench serues me for a sexton .

Harp .

Well said mad priest , wee le in and be friends , exeunt .

Enter sir Roger Acton , master Bourne , master Beuerley , and William Murley the brewer of Dunstable . Acton Now maister Murley , I am well assurde You know our arrant , and do like the cause , Being a man affected as we are ? Mu.

Mary God dild ye daintie my deere , no master , good Sr Roger Acton Knight , maister Bourne , and maister Beuerley esquires , gentlemen , and iustices of the peace , no maister I , but plaine William Murly the brewer of Dunstable your honest neighbour , and your friend , if ye be men of my profession .

Beuerley

Professed friends to Wickliffe , foes to Rome .

Murl.

Hold by me lad , leane vpon that staffe good maister Beuerley , all of a house , say your mind , say your mind .

Acton You know our faction now is growne so great , Throughout the realme ; that it beginnes to smoake Into the Cleargies eies , and the Kings eares , High time it is that we were drawne to head , Our generall and officers appoynted . And warres ye wot will aske great store of coine . Able to strength our action with your purse , You are elected for a colonell Ouer a regiment of fifteene bands . Murley

Fue paltrie paltrie , in and out , to and fro , be it more or lesse , vppon occasion , Lorde haue mercie vppon vs , what a world is this ? Sir Roger Acton , I am but a Dunstable man , a plaine brewer , ye know : will lusty Caualiering captaines gentlemen come at my calling , goe at my bidding ? Daintie my deere , thei le doe a dogge of waxe , a horse of cheese , a pricke and a pudding , no , no , ye must appoint some lord or knight at least to that place .

Bourne Why master Murley , you shall be a Knight : Were you not in election to be shrieue ? Haue ye not past all offices but that ? Haue ye not wealth to make your wife a lady ? I warrant you , my lord , our Generall Bestowes that honor on you at first sight . Murley Mary God dild ye daintie my deare : But tell me , who shal be our Generall ? Where s the lord Cobham , sir Iohn Old-castle , That noble almes-giuer , housekeeper , vertuous , Religious gentleman ? Come to me there boies , Come to me there . Acton

Why who but he shall be our Generall ?

Murley

And shall he knight me , and make me colonell ?

Acton

My word for that , sir William Murley knight .

Murley

Fellow sir Roger Acton knight , all fellowes , I meane in armes , how strong are we ? how many partners ? our enemies beside the King are mightie , be it more or lesse vpon occasion , reckon our force .

Acton There are of vs , our friends , and followers , Three thousand and three hundred at the least , Of northerne lads foure thousand , beside horse , From Kent there comes with sir Iohn Old-castle Seauen thousand , then from London issue out , Of maisters , seruants , strangers , prentices Fortie odde thousands into Ficket field , Where we appoynt our speciall randeuous . Murley

Fue paltry paltry , in and out to and fro , Lord haue mercie vpon vs , what a world is this , where s that Ficket fielde , sir Roger ?

Acton

Behinde saint Giles in the field neere Holborne .

Murley

Newgate , vp Holborne , S. Giles in the field , and to Tiborne , an old saw : for the day , for the day ?

Acton

On friday next the foureteenth day of Ianuary .

Murley

Tyllie vallie , trust me neuer if I haue any liking of that day : fue paltry paltry , friday quoth a , dismall day , Childermasse day this yeare was friday .

Beuerley Nay maister Murley , if you obserue such daies , We make some question of your constancie , All daies are like to men resolu'de in right . Murley

Say Amen , and say no more , but say , and hold master Beuerley , friday next , and Ficket field , and William Murley , and his merry men shal be al one , I haue halfe a score iades that draw my beere cartes , and euery iade shall beare a knaue , and euery knaue shall weare a iacke , and euery iacke shal haue a scull , and euery scull shal shew a speare , and euery speare shal kill a foe at Ficket field , at Ficket field , Iohn and Tom , and Dicke and Hodge , and Rafe and Robin , William & George , and all my knaues shall fight like men , at Ficket field on friday next .

Bourne

What summe of money meane you to disburse ?

Murley

It may be modestly , decently , soberly , and handsomely I may bring fiue hundreth pound .

Acton Fiue hundreth man ? fiue thousand 's not enough , A hundreth thousand will not pay our men Two months together , either come preparde Like a braue Knight , and martiall Colonell , In glittering golde , and gallant furniture , Bringing in coyne , a cart loade at the least , And all your followers mounted on good horse , Or neuer come disgracefull to vs all . Beuerley Perchance you may be chosen Treasurer , Tenne thousand pounds the least that you can bring . Murley

Paltry paltry , in and out and fro , vpon I haue ten thousand pound to spend , and tenne too . And rather than the Bishop shall haue his will of mee for my conscience , it shall out all . Flame and flaxe , flame and flaxe , it was gotte with water and mault , and it shal flie with fire and gunne powder . Sir Roger , a cart loade of mony til the axetree cracke , my selfe and my men in Ficket field on friday next : remember my Knighthoode , and my place : there 's my hand I le bee there . Exit .

Acton See what Ambition may perswade men to , In hope of honor he will spend himselfe . Bourne

I neuer thought a Brewer halfe so rich .

Beuerley Was neuer bankerout Brewer yet but one , With vsing too much mault , too little water . Acton That s no fault in Brewers now-adayes : Come , away about our businesse . exeunt . Enter K. Harry , Suffolke , Butler , and Old-castle kneeling to the King . Harry T is not enough Lord Cobham to submit . You must forsake your grosse opinion , The Bishops find themselues much iniured , And though for some good seruice you haue done , We for our part are pleasde to pardon you , Yet they will not so soone be satisfied , Cobham My gracious Lord vnto your Maiestie , Next vnto my God , I owe my life , And what is mine , either by natures gift , Or fortunes bountie , al is at your seruice , But for obedience to the Pope of Rome , I owe him none , nor shall his shaueling priests That are in England , alter my beliefe . If out of holy Scripture they can proue , That I am in an errour , I will yeeld , And gladly take instruction at their hands , But otherwise , I do beseech your grace , My conscience may not be incroacht vpon . Har. We would be loath to presse our subiects bodies , Much lesse their soules , the deere redeemed part , Of him that is the ruler of vs all , Yet let me counsell ye , that might command , Do not presume to tempt them with ill words , Nor suffer any meetings to be had Within your house , but to the vttermost , Disperse the flockes of this new gathering sect . Cobham My liege , if any breathe , that dares come forth , And say , my life in any of these points Deserues th' attaindor of ignoble thoughts Here stand I , crauing no remorce at all , But euen the vtmost rigor may be showne . Har. Let it suffice we know your loyaltie , What haue you there ? Cob. A deed of clemencie , Your Highnesse pardon for Lord Powesse life , Which I did beg , and you my noble Lord , Of gracious fauour did vouchsafe to grant . Har.

But yet it is not signed with our hand .

Cob.

Not yet my Liege . one ready with pen and incke .

Har. The fact , you say , was done , Not of prepensed malice , but by chance . Cob.

Vpon mine honor so , no otherwise .

Har. There is his pardon , bid him make amends , writes . And cleanse his soule to God for his offence , What we remit , is but the bodies scourge , Enter Bishop . How now Lord Bishop ? Bishop Iustice dread Soueraigne . As thou art King , so graunt I may haue iustice . Har.

What meanes this exclamation , let vs know ?

Bish. Ah my good Lord , the state 's abusde , And our decrees most shamefully prophande . Har.

How , or by whom ?

Bish. Euen by this heretike , This Iew , this Traitor to your maiestie . Cob. Prelate , thou liest , euen in thy greasie maw , Or whosoeuer twits me with the name , Of either traitor , or of heretike . Har. Forbeare I say , and Bishop , shew the cause From whence this late abuse hath bin deriu'de , Bish. Thus mightie King , by generall consent , A messenger was sent to cite this Lord , To make appearance in the consistorie , And comming to his house , a ruffian slaue , One of his daily followers , met the man , Who knowing him to be a parator , Assaults him first , and after in contempt Of vs , and our proceedings , makes him eate The written processe , parchment , seale and all : Whereby his maister neither was brought forth , Nor we but scornd , for our authoritie . Har.

When was this done ?

Bish.

At sixe a clocke this morning .

Har.

And when came you to court ?

Cob.

Last night my Lord .

Har. By this it seemes , he is not guilty of it , And you haue done him wrong t' accuse him so . Bish. But it was done my lord by his appointment , Or else his man durst ne're haue bin so bold . Har. Or else you durst be bold , to interrupt , And fill our eares with friuolous complaints , Is this the duetie you do beare to vs ? Was 't not sufficient we did passe our word To send for him , but you misdoubting it , Or which is worse , intending to forestall Our regall power , must likewise summon him ? This sauours of Ambition , not of zeale , And rather proues , you malice his estate , Than any way that he offends the law . Go to , we like it not , and he your officer , That was imployde so much amisse herein , Had his desert for being insolent : Enter Huntington So Cobham when you please you may depart . Cob.

I humbly bid farewell vnto my liege . Exit

Har.

Farewell , what 's the newes by Huntington ?

Hunt . Sir Roger Acton , and a crue , my Lord , Of bold seditious rebels , are in Armes , Intending reformation of Religion . And with their Army they intend to pitch , In Ficket field , vnlesse they be repulst . Har. So nere our presence ? dare they be so bold ? And will prowd warre , and eager thirst of bloud , Whom we had thought to entertaine farre off , Presse forth vpon vs in our natiue boundes ? Must wee be forc't to hansell our sharp blades In England here , which we prepar'd for France ? Well , a Gods name be it , what 's their number ? say , Or who 's the chiefe commander of this rowt ? Hunt . Their number is not knowne , as yet ( my Lord ) But t is reported Sir Iohn Old-castle Is the chiefe man , on whom they do depend . Har.

How , the Lord Cobham ?

Hunt .

Yes my gracious Lord .

Bish. I could haue told your maiestie as much Before he went , but that I saw your Grace Was too much blinded by his flaterie . Suf.

Send poast my Lord to fetch him backe againe .

But. Traitor vnto his country , how he smooth'de , And seemde as innocent as Truth it selfe ? Har. I cannot thinke it yet , he would be false , But if he be , no matter let him go , Wee le meet both him and them vnto their wo . Bish. This falls out well , and at the last I hope Exeunt To see this heretike die in a rope . Enter Earle of Cambridge , Lord Scroope , Gray , and Chartres the French factor . Scroop . Once more my Lord of Cambridge make rehersal , How you do stand intiteled to the Crowne , The deeper shall we print it in our mindes , And euery man the better be resolu'de , When he perceiues his quarrell to be iust . Cam. Then thus Lord Scroope , sir Thomas Gray , & you Mounsieur de Chartres , agent for the French , This Lionell Duke of Clarence , as I said , Third sonne of Edward ( Englands King ) the third Had issue Phillip his sole daughter and heyre , Which Phillip afterward was giuen in marriage , To Edmund Mortimer the Earle of March , And by him had a son cald Roger Mortimer , Which Roger likewise had of his discent , Edmund , Roger , Anne , and Elianor , Two daughters and two sonnes , but those three Dide without issue , Anne that did suruiue , And now was left her fathers onely heyre , My fortune was to marry , being too By my grandfather of King Edwardes line , So of his sirname , I am calde you know , Richard Plantagenet , my father was , Edward the Duke of Yorke , and son and heyre To Edmund Langley , Edward the third's first sonne . Scroop So that it seemes your claime comes by your wife , As lawfull heyre to Roger Mortimer , The son of Edmund , which did marry Phillip Daughter and heyre to Lyonell Duke of Clarence . Cam. True , for this Harry , and his father both Harry the first , as plainely doth appeare , Are false intruders , and vsurp the Crowne . For when yong Richard was at Pomfret slaine , In him the title of prince Edward dide , That was the eldest of king Edwards sonnes : William of Hatfield , and their second brother , Death in his nonage had before bereft : So that my wife deriu'd from Lionell , Third sonne vnto king Edward , ought proceede , And take possession of the Diademe Before this Harry , or his father king , Who fetcht their title but from Lancaster , Forth of that royall line . And being thus , What reason is t but she should haue her right ? Scroope

I am resolu'de our enterprise is iust .

Gray

Harry shall die , or else resigne his crowne .

Chart. Performe but that , and Charles the king of France Shall ayde you lordes , not onely with his men , But send you money to maintaine your warres , Fiue hundred thousand crownes he bade me proffer , If you can stop but Harries voyage for France . Scrope We neuer had a fitter time than now The realme in such diuision as it is . Camb. Besides , you must perswade ye there is due , Vengeance for Richards murder , which although It be defende , yet will it fall at last , And now as likely as another time . Sinne hath had many yeeres to ripen in , And now the haruest cannot be farre off , Wherein the weedes of vsurpation , Are to be cropt , and cast into the fire . Scroope No more earle Cambridge , here I plight my faith , To set vp thee , and thy renowned wife . Gray

Gray will performe the same , as he is knight .

Chart. And to assist ye , as I said before , Charters doth gage the honor of his king . Scroope We lacke but now Lord Cobhams fellowship , And then our plot were absolute indeede . Camb. Doubt not of him , my lord , his life 's pursu'de By th' incensed Cleargy , and of late , Brought in displeasure with the king , assures He may be quickly wonne vnto our faction . Who hath the articles were drawne at large Of our whole purpose ? Gray

That haue I my Lord .

Camb. We should not now be farre off from his house , Our serious conference hath beguild the way , See where his castle stands , giue me the writing . When we are come vnto the speech of him , Because we will not stand to make recount , Of that which hath beene saide , here he shall reade enter Cob . Our mindes at large , and what we craue of him . Scroope A ready way : here comes the man himselfe Booted and spurrd , it seemes he hath beene riding . Camb.

Well met lord Cobham .

Cobh. My lord of Cambridge ? Your honor is most welcome into Kent , And all the rest of this faire company . I am new come from London , gentle Lordes : But will ye not take Cowling for your host , And see what entertainement it affordes ? Camb. We were intended to haue beene your guests : But now this lucky meeting shall suffise To end our businesse , and deferre that kindnesse . Cobh. Businesse my lord ? what businesse should you haue But to be mery ? we haue no delicates , But this I le promise you , a peece of venison , A cup of wine , and so forth : hunters fare : And if you please , wee le strike the stagge our selues Shall fill our dishes with his wel-fed flesh . Scroope

That is indeede the thing we all desire .

Cobh.

My lordes , and you shall haue your choice with me .

Camb. Nay but the stagge which we desire to strike , Liues not in Cowling : if you will consent , And goe with vs , wee le bring you to a forrest , Where runnes a lusty hierd : amongst the which There is a stagge superior to the rest , A stately beast , that when his fellows runne , He leades the race , and beates the sullen earth , As though he scornd it with his trampling hoofes , Aloft he beares his head , and with his breast , Like a huge bulwarke counter-checkes the wind : And when he standeth still , he stretcheth forth His prowd ambitious necke , as if he meant To wound the firmament with forked hornes . Cobh.

T is pitty such a goodly beast should die .

Camb. Not so , sir Iohn , for he is tyrannous , And gores the other deere , and will not keep Within the limites are appointed him . Of late hee s broke into a seueral , Which doth belong to me , and there he spoiles Both corne and pasture , two of his wilde race Alike for stealth , and couetous incroatching , Already are remou'd , if he were dead , I should not onely be secure from hurt , But with his body make a royall feast . Scroope

How say you then , will you first hunt with vs ?

Cobh.

Faith Lords , I like the pastime , where s the place ?

Camb. Peruse this writing , it will shew you all , And what occasion we haue for the sport . he reades Cobh. Call ye this hunting , my lords ? Is this the stag You faine would chase , Harry our dread king ? So we may make a banquet for the diuell , And in the steede of wholsome meate , prepare A dish of poison to confound our selues . Camb. Why so lord Cobham ? see you not our claime ? And how imperiously he holdes the crowne ? Scroope besides , you know your selfe is in disgrace , Held as a recreant , and pursude to death . This will defend you from your enemies , And stablish your religion through the land . Cobh. Notorious treason ! yet I will conceale aside My secret thoughts , to sound the depth of it . My lord of Cambridge , I doe see your claime , And what good may redound vnto the land , By prosecuting of this enterprise . But where are men ? where 's power and furniture To order such an action ? we are weake , Harry , you know's a mighty potentate . Camb. Tut , we are strong enough , you are belou'de , And many will be glad to follow you , We are the light , and some will follow vs : Besides , there is hope from France : here s an embassador That promiseth both men and money too . The commons likewise ( as we heare ) pretend A sodaine tumult , we wil ioyne with them . Cobh. Some likelihoode , I must confesse , to speede : But how shall I beleeue this is plaine truth ? You are ( my lords ) such men as liue in Court , And highly haue beene fauour'd of the king , Especially lord Scroope , whome oftentimes He maketh choice of for his bedfellow . And you lord Gray are of his priuy councell : Is not this a traine to intrappe my life ? Camb.

Then perish may my soule : what thinke you so ?

Scroope

Wee le sweare to you .

Gray

Or take the sacrament .

Cobh. Nay you are noble men , and I imagine , As you are honorable by birth and bloud , So you will be in heart , in thought , in word . I craue no other testimony but this . That you would all subscribe , and set your hands Vnto this writing which you gaue to me . Camb.

With all our hearts : who hath any pen and inke ?

Scroope

My pocket should haue one : yea , heere it is .

Camb.

Giue it me lord Scroope : there is my name .

Scroope

And there is my name .

Gray

And mine .

Cobh. Sir , let me craue , That you would likewise write your name with theirs , For confirmation of your maisters word , The king of Fraunce . Char.

That will I noble Lord .

Cobh. So now this action is well knit together , And I am for you : where 's our meeting , lords ? Camb.

Here if you please , the tenth of Iuly next .

Cobh. In Kent ? agreed : now let vs in to supper , I hope your honors will not away to night . Camb. Yes presently , for I haue farre to ride , About solliciting of other friends . Scroope And we would not be absent from the court , Lest thereby grow suspition in the king . Cobh.

Yet taste a cup of wine before ye go .

Camb.

Not now my lord , we thanke you : so farewell .

Cob. Farewell my noble lordes : my noble lords ? My noble villaines , base conspirators , How can they looke his Highnesse in the face , Whome they so closly study to betray ? But i le not sleepe vntill I make it knowne . This head shall not be burdned with such thoughts , Nor in this heart will I conceale a deede Of such impietie against my king . Madam , how now ? Enter Harpoole and the rest . Lady cobh. You are welcome home , my Lord , Why seeme ye so disquiet in your lookes ? What hath befalne you that disquiets your minde ? Lady Po.

Bad newes I am afraide touching my husband .

Cobh. Madam , not so : there is your husbands pardon , Long may ye liue , each ioy vnto the other . Powesse

So great a kindnesse as I knowe not howe to make reply , my sense is quite confounded .

Cobh. Let that alone : and madam stay me not , For I must backe vnto the court againe With all the speede I can : Harpoole , my horse . Lady Cob.

So soone my Lord ? what will you ride all night ?

Cobham All night or day it must be so , sweete wife , Vrge me not why or what my businesse is , But get you in : Lord Powesse , beare with me , And madam , thinke your welcome nere the worse : My house is at your vse . Harpoole , away . Harp .

Shall I attend your lordship to the court ?

Cobh.

Yea sir , your gelding , mount you presently exe .

Lady Cobh. I prythee Harpoole , looke vnto thy Lord , I do not like this sodaine posting backe . Powes Some earnest businesse is a foote belike , What e're it be , pray God be his good guide . Lady Po.

Amen that hath so highly vs bested .

Lady Co. Come madam , and my lord , wee le hope the best , You shall not into Wales till he returne . Powesse

Though great occasion be we should departe , yet madam will we stay to be resolude , of this vnlookt for doubtful accident . Exeunt .

Enter Murley and his men , prepared in some filthy order for warre . Murly .

Come my hearts of flint , modestly , decently , soberly , and handsomly , no man afore his Leader , follow your master , your Captaine , your Knight that shal be , for the honor of Meale-men , Millers , and Mault-men dunne is the mowse , Dicke and Tom for the credite of Dunstable , ding downe the enemie to morrow , ye shall not come into the field like beggars , where be Leonard and Laurence my two loaders , Lord haue mercie vpon vs , what a world is this ? I would giue a couple of shillings for a dozen of good fethers for ye , and forty pence for as many skarffes to set ye out withall , frost and snow , a man has no heart to fight till he be braue .

Dicke

Master I hope we be no babes , for our manhood , our bucklers , and our towne foote-balls can beare witnesse : and this lite parrell we haue shall off , and wee 'l fight naked afore we runne away .

Tom.

Nay , I am of Laurence mind for that , for he meanes to leaue his life behind him , he and Leonard your two loaders are making their wills because they haue wiues , now we Bachellers bid our friends scramble for our goods if we die : but master , pray ye let me ride vpon Cutte .

Murly

Meale and salt , wheat and mault , fire and tow , frost and snow , why Tom thou shalt : let me see , here are you , William and George are with my cart , and Robin and Hodge holding my owne two horses , proper men , handsom men , tall men , true men .

Dicke

But master , master , me thinkes you are a mad man , to hazard your owne person and a cart load of money too .

Tom.

Yea , and maister there s a worse matter in 't , if it be as I heard say , we go to fight against all the learned Bishops , that should giue vs their blessing , and if they curse vs , we shall speede nere the better .

Dicke

Nay bi r lady , some say the King takes their part , and master , dare you fight against the King ?

Murly

Fie paltry , paltry in and out , to and fro vpon occasion , if the King be so vnwise to come there , wee le fight with him too .

Tom.

What if we should kill the King ?

Mur.

Then wee le make another .

Dicke

Is that all , do ye not speake treason ?

Mur.

If we do , who dare trippe vs ? we come to fight for our conscience , and for honor , little know you what is in my bosome , looke here madde knaues , a paire of guilt spurres .

Tom.

A paire of golden spurres ? why do you not put them on your heeles ? your bosome 's no place for spurres .

Mur.

Bee 't more or lesse vpon occasion , Lord haue mercy vs , Tom th' art a foole , and thou speakest treason to knighthood , dare any weare golden or siluer spurs til he be a knight ? no , I shall be knighted to morrow , and then they shall on : sirs , was it euer read in the church booke of Dunstable , that euer mault man was made knight ?

Tom.

No but you are more , you are meal-man , maultman , miller , corne-master and all .

Dicke

Yea , and halfe a brewer too , and the diuell and all for wealth , you bring more money with you , than all the rest .

Mur.

The more 's my honor , I shal be a knight to morow , let me spose my men , Tom vpon cutte , Dicke vpon hobbe , Hodge vpon Ball , Raph vpon Sorell , and Robin vpon the forehorse .

Enter Acton , Bourne , and Beuerley . Tom.

Stand , who comes there ?

Act.

Al friends , good fellow .

Murl.

Friends and fellowes indeede sir Roger .

Act. Why thus you shew your selfe a Gentleman , To keepe your day , and come so well preparde , Your cart stands yonder , guarded by your men , Who tell me it is loaden well with come , What summe is there ? Mur.

Ten thousand pound sir Roger , and modestly , decently , soberly , and handsomely , see what I haue here against I be knighted .

Act.

Gilt spurs ? t is well .

Mur.

But where 's our armie sir ?

Act. Disperst in sundry villages about , Some here with vs in Hygate , some at Finchley , Totnam , Enfield , Edmunton , Newington , Islington , Hogsdon , Pancredge , Kenzington , Some neerer Thames , Ratcliffe , Blackwall and Bow , But our chiefe strength must be the Londoners , Which ere the Sunne to morrow shine , Will be nere fiftie thousand in the field . Mur.

Mary God dild ye daintie my deere , but vpon occasion sir Roger Acton , doth not the King know of it , and gather his power against vs .

Act.

No , hee 's secure at Eltham .

Mur.

What do the Cleargie ?

Act.

Feare extreamly , yet prepare no force .

Mur.

In and out , to and fro , Bullie my boikin , we shall shall the world afore vs , I vow by my worshippe , when I am knighted , wee le take the King napping , if he stand on their part .

Act. This night we few in Higate will repose , With the first cocke wee le rise and arme our selues , To be in Ficket fielde by breake of day , And there expect our Generall . Mur.

Sir Iohn Old-castle , what if he come not ?

Bourne Yet our action stands , Sir Roger Acton may supply his place . Mur.

True M. Bourne but who shall make me knight ?

Beuer.

He that hath power to be our Generall .

Act. Talke not of trifles , come let s away , Our friends of London long till it be day . exeunt . Enter sir Iohn of Wrootham and Doll . Doll .

By my troth , thou art as ielous a man as liues .

Priest

Canst thou blame me Doll , thou art my lands , my goods , my iewels , my wealth , my purse , none walks within xl. miles of London , but a plies thee as truely , as the parish does the poore mans boxe .

Doll

I am as true to thee , as the stone is in the wal , and thou knowest well enough sir Iohn , I was in as good doing , when I came to thee , as any wench neede to be : and therefore thou hast tried me , that thou hast : by Gods body , I wil not be kept as I haue bin , that I will not .

Priest

Doll , if this blade holde , there s not a pedler walkes with a pack , but thou shalt as boldly chuse of his wares , as with thy ready mony in a Marchants shop , wee le haue as good siluer as the King coynes any .

Doll

What is al the gold spent you tooke the last day from the Courtier ?

Priest

T is gone Doll , t is flown , merely come , merely gon , he comes a horse backe that must pay for all , wee le haue as good meate , as mony can get , and as good gownes , as can be bought for gold , be mery wench , the mault-man comes on munday .

Doll

You might haue left me at Cobham , vntil you had bin better prouided for .

Priest .

No sweet Dol , no , I do not like that , yond old ruffian is not for the priest , I do not like a new cleark should come in the old bel-frie .

Doll

Ah thou art a mad priest yfaith .

Priest

Come Doll , I le see thee safe at some alehouse here at Cray , and the next sheepe that comes shall leaue his fleece . exeunt .

Enter the King , Suffolke and Butler . King in great hast . My lord of Suffolk , poste away for life , And let our forces of such horse and foote , As can be gathered vp by any meanes , Make speedy randeuow in Tuttle fields , It must be done this euening my Lord , This night the rebells meane to draw to head Neere Islington , which if your speede preuent not , If once they should vnite their seuerall forces , Their power is almost thought inuincible , Away my Lord I will be with you soone . Suf.

I go my Soueraigne with all happie speede . exit

King Make haste my lord of Suffolke as you loue vs , Butler , poste you to London with all speede . Commaund the Maior , and shrieues , on their alegiance , The cittie gates be presently shut vp , And guarded with a strong sufficient watch , And not a man be suffered to passe , Without a speciall warrant from our selfe . Command the Posterne by the Tower be kept , And proclamation on the paine of death , That not a citizen stirre from his doores , Except such as the Maior and Shrieues shall chuse , For their owne guarde , and safety of their persons , Butler away , haue care vnto my charge . But.

I goe my Soueraigne .

King

Butler .

But.

My Lord .

King Goe downe by Greenewich , and command a boate , At the Friers bridge attend my comming downe . But.

I will my Lord . exit

King It 's time I thinke to looke vnto rebellion , When Acton doth expect vnto his ayd , No lesse then fiftie thousand Londoners , Well , I le to Westminster in this disguise , To heare what newes is stirring in these brawles . Enter sir Iohn . Sir Iohn

Stand true-man saies a thiefe ?

King

Stand thiefe , saies a true man , how if a thiefe ?

Sir Iohn

Stand thiefe too .

King

Then thiefe or true-man I see I must stand , I see how soeuer the world wagges , the trade of theeuing yet will neuer downe , what art thou ?

sir Iohn

A good fellow .

King

So am I too , I see thou dost know me .

sir Iohn .

If thou be a good fellow , play the good fellowes part , deliuer thy purse without more adoe .

King

I haue no mony .

sir Iohn

I must make you find some before we part , if you haue no mony you shal haue ware , as many sound drie blows as your skin can carrie .

King

Is that the plaine truth ?

sir Iohn

Sirra no more adoe , come , come , giue me the mony you haue , dispatch , I cannot stand all day .

King

Wel , if thou wilt needs haue it , there t is : iust the prouerb , one thiefe robs another , where the diuel are all my old theeues , that were wont to keepe this walke ? Falstaffe the villaine is so fat , he cannot get on 's horse , but me thinkes Poines and Peto should be stirring here abouts .

sir Iohn

How much is there on 't of thy word ?

King A hundred pound in Angels , on my word , The time has beene I would haue done as much For thee , if thou hadst past this way , as I haue now . sir. Iohn

Sirra , what art thou , thou seem'st a gentleman ?

King

I am no lesse , yet a poore one now , for thou hast all my mony .

sir Iohn

From whence cam'st thou ?

King

From the court at Eltham .

sir Iohn

Art thou one of the Kings seruants ?

King

Yes that I am and one of his chamber .

sir Iohn

I am glad thou art no worse , thou maist the better spare thy mony , & thinkst thou thou mightst get a poor thiefe his pardon if he should haue neede .

King .

Yes that I can .

sir Iohn

Wilt thou do so much for me , when I shall haue occasion ?

King

Yes faith will I , so it be for no murther .

sir Iohn

Nay , I am a pittifull thiefe , all the hurt I do a man , I take but his purse , I le kill no man .

King

Then of my word I le do it .

sir Iohn

Giue me thy hand of the same .

King

There t is .

sir Iohn

Me thinks the King should be good to theeues because he has bin a thiefe himselfe , though I thinke now he be turned true-man .

King

Faith I haue heard indeed he has had an il name that way in his youth , but how canst thou tell he has beene a thiefe ?

sir Iohn

How ? because he once robde me before I fell to the trade my selfe , when that foule villainous guts , that led him to all that rogery , was in 's company there , that Falstaffe .

King aside .

Well if he did rob thee then , thou art but euen with him now I le be sworne : thou knowest not the king now , I thinke , if thou sawest him ?

sir Iohn

Not I yfaith .

King aside .

So it should seeme .

sir Iohn

Well , if old King Henry had liu'de , this King that is now , had made theeuing the best trade in England .

King

Why so ?

sir Iohn

Because he was the chiefe warden of our company , it 's pittie that ere he should haue bin a King , he was so braue a thiefe , but sirra , wilt remember my pardon if neede be ?

King

Yes faith will I .

sir Iohn

Wilt thou ? well then because thou shalt go safe , for thou mayest hap ( being so earely ) be met with againe , before thou come to Southwarke , if any man when he should bid thee good morrow , bid thee stand , say thou but sir Iohn , and he will let thee passe .

King

Is that the word ? well then let me alone .

sir Iohn

Nay sirra , because I thinke indeede I shall haue some occasion to vse thee , & as thou comst oft this way , I may light on thee another time not knowing thee , here , i le breake this Angell , take thou halfe of it , this is a token betwixt thee and me .

King .

God haue mercy , farewell . exit

sir Iohn

O my fine golden slaues , here s for thee wench yfaith , now Dol , we wil reuel in our beuer , this is a tyth pigge of my vicaridge , God haue mercy neigbour Shooters hill , you paid your tyth honestly . Wel I heare there is a company of rebelles vp against the King , got together in Ficket field neere Holborne , and as it is thought here in Kent , the King will be there to night in 's owne person , well i le to the Kings camp , and it shall go hard , but if there be any doings , I le make some good boote amongst them . exit .

Enter King Henry , Suffolke , Huntington , and two with lights . K. Hen. My Lords of Suffolke and of Huntington , Who skouts it now ? or who stands Sentinells ? What men of worth ? what Lords do walke the round ? Suff.

May it please your Highnesse .

K. Hen. Peace , no more of that , The King 's asleepe , wake not his maiestie , With termes nor titles , hee 's at rest in bed , Kings do not vse to watch themselues , they sleepe , And let rebellion and conspiracie , Reuel and hauocke in the common wealth , Is London lookt vnto ? Hunt . It is my Lord , Your noble Vncle Exceter is there , Your brother Gloucester and my Lord of Warwicke , Who with the maior and the Aldermen , Do guard the gates , and keepe good rule within , The Earle of Cambridge , and sir Thomas Gray , Do walke the Round , Lord Scroope and Butler skout , So though it please your maiestie to iest , Were you in bed , well might you take your rest , K. Hen. I thank ye Lords , but you do know of old , That I haue bin a perfect night-walker , London you say is safely lookt vnto , Alas poore rebels , there your ayd must faile , And the Lord Cobham sir Iohn Old-castle , Hee 's quiet in Kent , Acton ye are deceiu'd , Reckon againe , you count without your host , To morrow you shall giue account to vs , Til when my friends , this long cold winters night , How can we spend ? King Harry is a sleepe , And al his Lords , these garments tel vs so , Al friends at footebal , fellowes all in field , Harry , and Dicke , and George , bring vs a drumme , Giue vs square dice , wee le keepe this court of guard , For al good fellowes companies that come . Where s that mad priest ye told me was in Armes , To fight , as wel as pray , if neede required ? Suff. Hee s in the Camp , and if he knew of this , I vndertake he would not be long hence . Har.

Trippe Dicke , Trippe George . they trippe .

Hunt . I must haue the dice , What do we play at ? the play at dice . Suff.

Passage if ye please .

Hunt .

Set round then , so , at all .

Har. George , you are out . Giue me the dice , I passe for twentie pound , Here s to our luckie passage into France . Hunt .

Harry you passe indeede for you sweepe all .

Suff.

A signe king Harry shal sweep al in France . ent. sir Iohn

sir Iohn

Edge ye good fellowes , take a fresh gamster in .

Har.

Master Parson ? we play nothing but gold ?

sir Iohn .

And fellow , I tel thee that the priest hath gold , gold ? sbloud ye are but beggerly souldiers to me , I thinke I haue more gold than all you three .

Hunt .

It may be so , but we beleeue it not .

Har.

Set priest set , I passe for all that gold .

sir Iohn

Ye passe indeede .

Harry

Priest , hast thou any more ?

sir Iohn Zounds what a question 's that ? I tell thee I haue more then all you three , At these ten Angells . Harry . I wonder how thou comst by all this gold , How many benefices hast thou priest ? sir Iohn

Yfaith but one , dost wonder how I come by gold ? I wonder rather how poore souldiers should haue gold , for I le tell thee good fellow , we haue euery day tythes , offerings , christnings , weddings , burialls : and you poore snakes come seldome to a bootie . I le speake a prowd word , I haue but one parsonage , Wrootham , t is better than the Bishopprick of Rochester , there s nere a hill , heath , nor downe in all Kent , but t is in my parish , Barrham downe , Chobham downe , Gads hill , Wrootham hill , Blacke heath , Cockes heath , Birchen wood , all pay me tythe , gold quoth a ? ye passe not for that .

Suff.

Harry ye are out , now parson shake the dice .

sir Iohn .

Set , set I le couer ye at al : A plague on 't I am out , the diuell , and dice , and a wench , who will trust them ?

Suff.

Saist thou so priest ? set faire , at all for once .

Har.

Out sir , pay all .

sir Iohn Sbloud pay me angel gold , I le none of your crackt French crownes nor pistolets , Pay me faire angel gold , as I pay you . Har.

No crackt french crownes ? I hope to see more crackt french crownes ere long .

sir Iohn

Thou meanest of French mens crownes , when the King is in France .

Hunt .

Set round , at all .

sir Ihon

Pay all : this is some lucke .

Har. Giue me the dice , t is I must shread the priest : At all sir Iohn . sir Iohn

The diuell and all is yours : at that : sdeath , what wasting is this ?

Suff.

Well throwne Harry yfaith .

Har.

I le cast better yet .

sir Iohn

Then I le be hangd . Sirra , hast thou not giuen thy soule to the diuell for casting ?

Har.

I passe for all .

sir Iohn Thou passest all that ere I playde withall : Sirra , dost thou not cogge , nor foist , nor slurre ? Har. Set parson , set , the dice die in my hand : When parson , when ? what can ye finde no more ? Alreadie drie ? wa st you bragd of your store ? sir Iohn

All s gone but that .

Hunt .

What , halfe a broken angell ?

sir Iohn

Why sir , t is gold .

Har.

Yea , and I le couer it .

sir Iohn

The diuell do ye good on 't , I am blinde , yee haue blowne me vp .

Har. Nay tarry priest , ye shall not leaue vs yet , Do not these peeces fit each other well ? sir Ihon

What if they do ?

Har. Thereby beginnes a tale : There was a thiefe , in face much like sir Iohn , But t' was not hee , that thiefe was all in greene , Met me last day on Blacke Heath , neere the parke , With him a woman , I was al alone , And weaponlesse , my boy had al my tooles , And was before prouiding me a boate : Short tale to make , sir Iohn , the thiefe I meane , Tooke a iust hundreth pound in gold from me . I storm'd at it , and swore to be reueng'de If ere we met , he like a lusty , Brake with his teeth this Angel iust in two , To be a token at our meeting next , Prouided , I should charge no Officer To apprehend him , but at weapons point Recouer that , and what he had beside . Well met sir Iohn , betake ye to your tooles By torch light , for master parson you are he That had my gold . sir Iohn

Zounds I won't in play , in faire square play of the keeper of Eltham parke , and that I will maintaine with this poore whinyard , be you two honest men to stand and looke vpon 's , and let 's alone , and take neither part .

Har.

Agreede , I charge ye do not boudge a foot , Sir Iohn haue at ye .

sir Iohn

Souldier ware your skonce .

Here as they are ready to strike , enter Butler and drawes his weapon and steps betwixt them . But. Hold villaines hold , my Lords , what do ye meane , To see a traitor draw against the King ? sir Iohn

The King ! Gods wil , I am in a proper pickle .

Har.

Butler what newes ? why dost thou trouble vs ?

But. Please it your Highnesse , it is breake of day , And as I skouted neere to Islington , The gray ey'd morning gaue me glimmering , Of armed men comming downe Hygate hill , Who by their course are coasting hitherward . Har. Let vs withdraw , my Lords , prepare our troopes , To charge the rebels , if there be such cause , For this lawd priest this diuellish hypocrite , That is a thiefe , a gamster , and what not , Let him be hang'd vp for example sake . sir Iohn

Not so my gracious soueraigne , I confesse I am a frayle man , flesh and bloud as other are : but set my imperfections aside , by this light ye haue not a taller man , nor a truer subiect to the Crowne and State , than Sir Iohn of Wrootham .

Har.

Wil a true subiect robbe his King ?

sir Iohn

Alas t was ignorance and want , my gracious liege .

Har. T was want of grace : why , you should be as salt To season others with good document , Your liues as lampes to giue the people light , As shepheards , not as wolues to spoile the flock , Go hang hm Butler . But.

Didst thou not rob me ?

sir Iohn

I must confesse I saw some of your gold , but my dread Lord , I am in no humor for death , therfore saue my life , God will that sinners liue ; do not you cause me die , once in their liues the best may goe astray , and if the world say true , your selfe ( my liege ) haue bin a thiefe .

Har. I confesse I haue , But I repent and haue reclaimd my selfe . sir Iohn

So will I do if you will giue me time .

Har.

Wilt thou ? my lords , will you be his suerties ?

Hunt .

That when he robs againe , he shall be hang'd .

sir Iohn

I aske no more .

Har. And we will grant thee that , Liue and repent , and proue an honest man , Which when I heare , and safe returne from France , I le giue thee liuing , till when take thy gold , But spend it better then at cards or wine , For better vertues fit that coate of thine . sir Iohn

Viuat Rex & currat lex , my liege , if ye haue cause of battell , ye shal see sir Iohn of Wrootham bestirre himselfe in your quarrel . exeunt .

After an alarum enter Harry , Suffolk , Huntington , sir Iohn , bringing forth Acton , Beuerly , and Murley prisoners . Har. Bring in those traitors , whose aspiring minds , Thought to haue triumpht in our ouerthrow , But now ye see , base villaines , what successe Attends ill actions wrongfully attempted . Sir Roger Acton , thou retainst the name Of knight , and shouldst be more discreetly temperd , Than ioyne with peasants , gentry is diuine , But thou hast made it more then popular . Act.

Pardon my Lord , my conscience vrg'd me to it ,

Har. Thy conscience ? then thy conscience is corrupt , For in thy conscience thou art bound to vs , And in thy conscience thou shouldst loue thy country , Else what 's the difference twixt a Christian , And the vnciuil manners of the Turke ? Beuer. We meant no hurt vnto your maiesty , But reformation of Religion . Har. Reforme Religion ? was it that ye sought ? I pray who gaue you that authority ? Belike then we do hold the scepter vp , And sit within the throne but for a cipher , Time was , good subiects would make knowne their griefe , And pray amendment , not inforce the same , Vnlesse their King were tyrant , which I hope You cannot iustly say that Harry is , What is that other ? Suff. A mault-man my Lord , And dwelling in Dunstable as he saies . Har. Sirra what made you leaue your barly broth , To come in armour thus against your King ? Mur.

Fie paltry , paltry to and fro , in and out vpon occasion , what a worlde 's this ? knight-hood ( my liege ) t was knighthood brought me hither , they told me I had wealth enough to make my wife a lady .

Har. And so you brought those horses which we saw , Trapt all in costly furniture , and meant To weare these spurs when you were knighted once . Mur.

In and out vpon occasion I did .

Har.

In and out vppon occasion , therefore you shall be hang'd , and in the sted of wearing these spurres vpon your heeles , about your necke they shall bewray your folly to the world .

sir Iohn

In and out vpon ocasion , that goes hard .

Mur

Fic paltry paltry , to and fro , good my liege a pardon , I am sory for my fault .

Har. That comes too late : but tell me , went there none Beside sir Roger Acton , vpon whom You did depend to be your gouernour ? Mar.

None none my Lord , but sir Iohn Old-castle .

Har.

Beares he part in this conspiracie . enter Bishop

Act.

We lookt my Lord that he would meet vs here .

Har.

But did he promise you that he would come .

Act.

Such letters we receiued forth of Kent .

Bish. Where is my Lord the King ? health to your grace , Examining my Lord some of these caitiue rebels , It is a generall voyce amongst them all , That they had neuer come vnto this place , But to haue met their valiant general , The good Lord Cobham as they title him , Whereby , my Lord , your grace may now perceiue , His treason is apparant , which before He sought to colour by his flattery . Har. Now by my roialtie I would haue sworne , But for his conscience , which I beare withall , There had not liude a more true hearted subiect . Bish. It is but counterfeit , my gracious lords , And therefore may it please your maiestie , To set your hand vnto this precept here , By which wee l cause him forthwith to appeare , And answer this by order of the law . Har. Bishop , not only that , but take commission , To search , attach , imprison , and condemne , This most notorious traitor as you please . Bish. It shall be done , my Lord , without delay : So now I hold Lord Cobham in my hand , That which shall finish thy disdained life . Har. I thinke the yron age begins but now , ( Which learned poets haue so often taught ) Wherein there is no credit to be giuen , To either wordes , or lookes , or solemne oathes , For if there were , how often hath he sworne , How gently tun'de the musicke of his tongue , And with what amiable face beheld he me , When all , God knowes , was but hypocrisie . enter Cobham . Cob. Long life and prosperous raigne vnto my Lord . Har. Ah villaine , canst thou wish prosperitie , Whose heart includeth naught but treacherie ? I do arrest thee here my selfe , false knight , Of treason capitall against the state . Cob. Of treason mightie prince , your grace mistakes , I hope it is but in the way of mirth . Har. Thy necke shall feele it is in earnest shortly , Darst thou intrude into our presence , knowing How haynously thou hast offended vs ? But this is thy accustomed deceit , Now thou perceiust thy purpose is in vaine , With some excuse or other thou wilt come , To cleere thy selfe of this rebellion . Cob.

Rebellion good my Lord , I know of none .

Har. If you deny it , here is euidence , See you these men , you neuer councelled , Nor offerd them assistance in their warres Cob. Speake sirs , not one but all , I craue no fauour , Haue euer I beene conuersant with you , Or written letters to incourage you , Or kindled but the least or smallest part , Of this your late vnnaturall rebellion ? Speake for I dare the vttermost you can . Mur,

In and out vpon occasion I know you not .

Har. No , didst not say that sir Iohn Old-castle , Was one with whom you purposde to haue met ? Mur. True , I did say so , but in what respect ? Because I heard it was reported so . Har.

Was there no other argument but that ?

Act. To cleere my conscience ere I die my lord , I must confesse , we haue no other ground But only Rumor , to accuse this lord , Which now I see was merely fabulous . Har. The more pernitious you to taint him then , Whome you knew not was faulty yea or no . Cobh. Let this my Lord , which I present your grace Speake for my loyalty , reade these articles , And then giue sentence of my life or death . Har. Earle Cambridge , Scroope , and Gray corrupted With bribes from Charles of France , either to winne My Crowne from me , or secretly contriue My death by treason ? Is this possible ? Cobh. There is the platforme , and their hands , my lord , Each seuerally subscribed to the same . Har. Oh neuer heard of base ingratitude ! Euen those I hugge within my bosome most , Are readiest euermore to sting my heart . Pardon me Cobham , I haue done thee wrong , Heereafter I will liue to make amends . Is then their time of meeting so neere hand ? Wee le meete with them , but little for their ease , If God permit : goe take these rebells hence , Let them haue martiall law : but as for thee , Friend to thy king and country , still be free . Exeunt . Murl. Be it more or lesse , what a world is this ? Would I had continued still of the order of knaues , And neuer sought knighthood , since it costes So deere : sir Roger , I may thanke you for all . Acton Now t is too late to haue it remedied , I prithee Murley doe not vrge me with it . Hunt .

Will you away , and make no more to do ?

Murl. Fy paltry paltry , to and fro , as occasion serues , If you be so hasty take my place . Hunt . No good sir knight , you shall begin in your hand . Murl.

I could be glad to giue my betters place . Exeunt .

Enter Bishop , lord Warden , Croamer the Shrieue , Lady Cob and attendants . Bishop I tell ye Lady , it s not possible But you should know where he conueies himselfe , And you haue hid him in some secret place . Lady My Lord , beleeue me , as I haue a soule , I know not where my lord my husband is . Bishop Go to , go to ye are an heretike , And will be forc'de by torture to confesse , If faire meanes will not serue to make ye tell . Lady My husband is a noble gentleman , And neede not hide himselfe for anie fact That ere I heard of , therefore wrong him not . Bishop Your husband is a dangerous schismaticke , Traitor to God , the King , and common wealth , And therefore master Croamer shrieue of Kent , I charge you take her to your custodie , And ceaze the goods of Sir John Old-castle To the Kings vse , let her go in no more , To fetch so much as her apparell out , There is your warrant from his maiestie . L. War. Good my Lord Bishop pacifie your wrath Against the Lady . Bish. Then let her confesse Where Old-castle her husband is conceald . L. War. I dare engage mine honor and my life , Poore gentlewoman , she is ignorant , And innocent of all his practises , If any euill by him be practised . Bish. If my Lord Warden ? nay then I charge you , That all the cinque Ports whereof you are chiefe Be laid forthwith , that he escape vs not , Shew him his highnesse warrant M. Shrieue . L. War.

I am sorie for the noble gentleman , Enter Old-castle & Harp .

Bish.

Peace , he comes here , now do your office .

Old-castle Harpoole what businesse haue we here in hand ? What makes the Bishop and the Sheriffe here , I feare my comming home is dangerous , I would I had not made such haste to Cobham . Harp .

Be of good cheere my Lord , if they be foes wee le scramble shrewdly with them , if they be friends they are welcome : one of them ( my Lord , Warden ) is your friend , but me thinkes my ladie weepes , I like not that .

Croo.

Sir Iohn Old-castle Lord Cobham , in the Kings maiesties name , I arrest ye of high treason .

Oldca.

Treason M. Croomes ?

Harp .

Treason M. Shrieue , sbloud what treason ?

Oldca. Harpoole I charge thee stirre not , but be quiet still , Do ye arrest me M. Shrieue for treason ? Bish.

Yea of high treason , traitor , heretike .

Oldca. Defiance in his face that calls me so , I am as true a loyall gentleman Vnto his highnesse , as my prowdest enemie , The King shall witnesse my late faithfull seruice , For safety of his sacred maiestie . Bish. What thou art , the kings hand shall testifie , She wt him Lord Warden . Old . Iesu defend me , Is 't possible your cunning could so temper The princely disposition of his mind , To signe the damage of a royall subiect ? Well , the best is , it beares an ancedate , Procured by my absence , and your malice , But I , since that , haue shewd my selfe as true , As any churchman that dare challenge me , Let me be brought before his maiestie , If he acquite me not , then do your worst . Bish. We are not bound to do kind offices For any traitor , schismatike , nor heretike , The kings hand is our warrant for our worke , Who is departed on his way for France , And at Southhampton doth repose this night . Harp

O that it were the blessed will of God , that thou and I were within twenty mile of it , on Salisbury plaine ! I would lose my head if euer thou broughtst thy head hither againe . aside .

Oldca.

My Lord Warden o' th cinque Ports , & my Lord of Rochester , ye are ioynt Commissioners , fauor me so much , On my expence to bring me to the king .

Bish.

What , to Southhampton ?

Oldca. Thither my god Lord , And if he do not cleere me of al guilt , And all suspition of conspiracie , Pawning his princely warrant for my truth : I aske no fauour , but extreamest torture . Bring me , or send me to him , good my Lord , Good my Lord Warden , M Shrieue , entreate . Here the Lord Warden , and Cromer vncouer to the Bishop , and secretly whispers with him . Come hither lady , nay , sweet wife forbeare , To heape one sorrow on anothers necke , T is griefe enough falsly to be accusde , And not permitted to acquite my selfe , Do not thou with thy kind respectiue teares , Torment thy husbands heart that bleedes for thee , But be of comfort , God hath help in store , For those that put assured trust in him . Deere wife , if they commit me to the Tower , Come vp to London to your sisters house : That being neere me , you may comfort me . One solace find I setled in my soule , That I am free from treasons very thought , Only my conscience for the Gospels sake , Is cause of all the troubles I sustaine . Lady . O my deere Lord , what shall betide of vs ? You to the Tower , and I turnd out of doores , Our substance ceaz'd vnto his highnesse vse , Euen to the garments longing to our backes . Harp . Patience good madame , things at worst will mend , And if they doe not , yet our liues may end . Bish. Vrge it no more , for if an Angell spake , I sweare by sweet saint Peters blessed keyes , First goes he to the Tower , then to the stake . Crom. But by your leaue , this warrant doth not stretch To imprison her . Bishop No , turne her out of doores , L. Warden and Oldcastle whisper . Euen as she is , and leade him to the Tower , With guard enough for feare of rescuing . Lady

O God requite thee thou bloud-thirsty man .

Oldca. May it not be my Lord of Rochester ? Wherein haue I incurd your hate so farre , That my appeale vnto the King 's denide ? Bish. No hate of mine , but power of holy church , Forbids all fauor to false heretikes . Oldca. Your priuate malice more than publike power , Strikes most at me , but with my life it ends . Harp . O that I had the Bishop in that feare , aside That once I had his Sumner by our selues . Crom. My Lord yet graunt one sute vnto vs all , That this same auncient seruing man may waite Vpon my lord his master in the Tower . Bish. This old iniquitie , this heretike ? That in contempt of our church discipline , Compeld my Sumner to deuoure his processet Old Ruffian past-grace , vp start schismatike , Had not the King prayd vs to pardon ye , Ye had fryed for it , ye grizild heretike . Harp .

Sbloud my lord Bishop , ye do me wrong , I am neither heretike nor puritane , but of the old church , i le sweare , drinke ale , kisse a wench , go to masse , eate fish all Lent , and fast fridaies with cakes and wine , fruite and spicerie , shriue me of my old sinnes afore Easter , and beginne new afore whitsontide .

Crom.

A merie mad conceited knaue my lord .

Harp .

That knaue was simply put vpon the Bishop .

Bish. Wel , God forgiue him and I pardon him . Let him attend his master in the Tower , For I in charity wish his soule no hurt . Oldca

God blesse my soule from such cold charitie ,

Bish. Tooth Tower with him , and when my leisure serues , I will examine him of Articles , Looke my lord Warden as you haue in charge , The Shriue performe his office . L. Ward .

Yes my lord . Enter the Sumner with bookes .

Bish.

What bringst thou there ? what ? bookes of heresie .

Som. Yea my lord , here s not a latine booke , No not so much as our ladies Psalter , Here s the Bible , the testament the Psalmes in meter , The sickemans salue , the treasure of gladnesse , And al in English , not so much but the Almanack's English . Bish. Away with them , to 'th fire with them Clun , Now fie vpon these vpstart heretikes , Al English , burne them , burne them quickly Clun . Harp .

But doe not Sumner as voule answere it , for I haue there English bookes my lord , that i le not part with for your Bishoppricke , Beuis of Hampton , Owleglasse , the Frier and the Boy , Ellen of Rumming , Robin hood , and other such godly stories which if ye burne , by this flesh i le make ye drink their ashes in S. Margets ale . exeunt .

Enter the Bishop of Rochester with his men , in liuerie coates . 1. Ser. Is it your honors pleasure we shal stay , Or come backe in the afternoone to fetch you . Bish. Now you haue brought me heere into the Tower , You may go backe vnto the Porters Lodge , And send for drinke or such things as you want , Where if I haue occasion to imploy you , I le send some officer to cal you to me . Into the cittie go not , I commaund you , Perhaps I may haue present neede to vse you . 2

We will attend your worship here without .

Bish.

Do so I pray you .

Come , we may haue a quart of wine at the Rose at Barking , I warrant you , and come backe an hower before he be ready to go .

We must hie vs then .

Let 's away . exeunt .

Bish.

Ho , M. Lieftenant .

Lieften.

Who calls there ?

Bish.

A friend of yours .

Lieften.

My lord of Rochester , your honor 's welcome .

Bish. Sir here s my warrant from the Counsell , For conference with sir Iohn Old-castle , Vpon some matter of great consequence . Lieften.

Ho , sir Iohn .

Harp .

Who calls there ?

Lieften.

Harpoole , tel Sir Iohn , that my lord of Rochester comes from the counsell to conferre with him .

Harp .

I will sir .

Lief. I thinke you may as safe without suspition , As any man in England as I heare , For it was you most labor'd his commitment . Bish. I did sir , and nothing repent it I assure you . Enter sir Iohn Old-castle . M. Lieftenant I pray you giue vs leaue , I must conferre here with sir Iohn a little . Lief.

With all my heart my lord .

Harp aside .

My lord be rulde by me , take this occasion while t is offered , and on my life your lordship shal escape .

Old-ca.

No more I say , peace lest he should suspect it .

Bish.

Sir Iohn I am come vnto you from the lords of his highnesse most honorable counsell , to know if yet you do recant your errors , conforming you vnto the holy church .

Old-ca. My lord of Rochester on good aduise , I see my error , but yet vnderstand me , I meane not error in the faith I hold , But error in submitting to your pleasure , Therefore your lordship without more to do . Must be a meanes to help me to escape . Bish. What meanes ? thou heretike ? Darst thou but lift thy hand against my calling ? sir Iohn

No not to hurt yon for a thousand pound ,

Harp .

Nothing but to borrow your vpper garments a little ; not a word more , for if you do , you die : peace , for waking the children , there , put them on , dispatch , my lord , the window that goes out into the leads , is sure enough , I told you that before , there , make you ready , i le conuay him after , and bind him surely in the inner roome .

Old-ca. This is wel begun , God send vs happie speed , Hard shift you see men make in time of need : Harpoole . Harp .

Heere my Lord , come come away .

Enter seruing men againe . 1

I maruell that my lord should stay so long .

He hath sent to seeke vs , I dare lay my life .

We come in good time , see where he is comming .

Harp .

I beseech you good my lord of Rochester , be fauorable to my lord and maister .

Old-ca. The inner roomes be very hot and close , I do not like this ayre here in the Tower . Harp

His case is hard my lord , you shall safely get out of the Tower , but I will downe vpon them , in which time get you away .

Old-ca.

Fellow thou troublest me .

Harp .

Heare me my Lord , hard vnder Islington wait you my comming , I will bring my Lady ready , with horses to conuay you hence .

Old-ca.

Fellow , go back againe vnto thy Lord and counsell him .

Harp .

Nay my good lord of Rochester , i le bring you to S. Albons through the woods , I warrant you .

Old-ca.

Villaine away .

Harp .

Nay since I am past the Towers libertie , thou part'st not so . be drawes .

Bish.

Clubbes clubs , clubs .

Murther , murther murther .

Downe with him . they fight .

A villaine traitor .

Harp .

You cowardly rogues . sir Iohn escapes .

Enter Lieftenant and his men . Lieft. Who is so bold as dare to draw a sword , So neare vnto the entrance of the Tower ? 1

This ruffian seruant to sir Iohn Old-castle was like to haue slaine my Lord .

Lieft.

Lay hold on him .

Harp .

Stand off if you loue your puddings .

Rochester calls within . Rock within .

Help help , help , M. Lieftenant help .

Lief.

Who 's that within ? some treason in the Tower vpon my life , looke in , who 's that which calls ? enter Roch. bound .

Lief.

Without your cloke my lord of Rochester ?

Harp .

There , now it workes , then let me speed , for now is the fittest time for me to scape away . exit

Lief.

Why do you looke so ghastly and affrighted ?

Roch. Old-castle that traitor and his man , When you had left me to conferre with him , Tooke , bound , and stript me , as you see , And left me lying in his inner chamber , And so departed , and I Lief. And you ! ne're say that the Lord Cobhams man Did here set vpon you like to murther you . 1

And so he did .

Roch. It was vpon his master then he did , That in the brawle the traitor might escape . Lief.

Where is this Harpoole ?

Here he was euen now .

Lief. Where can you tell ? they are both escap'd , Since it so happens that he is escap'de , I am glad you are a witnesse of the same , It might haue else beene laid vnto my charge , That I had beene consenting to the fact . Roch.

Come , search shal be made for him with expedition , the hauens laid that he shall not escape , and hue and crie continue thorough England , to find this damned dangerous heretike . exeunt .

Enter Cambridge , Scroope , and Gray , as in a chamber , and set downe at a table , consulting about their treason : King Harry and Suffolke listning at the doore . Camb. In mine opinion , Scroope hath well aduisde , Poison will be the only aptest meane , And fittest for our purpose to dispatch him . Gray But yet there may be doubt in their deliuery , Harry is wise , therefore Earle of Cambridge , I Iudge that way not so conuenient . Scroop What thinke ye then of this ? I am his bedfellow , And vnsuspected nightly sleepe with him . What if I venture in those silent houres , When sleepe hath sealed vp all mortall eies , To murder him in bed ? how like ye that ? Camb. Herein consistes no safetie for your selfe , And you disclosde , what shall become of vs ? But this day ( as ye know ) he will aboord , The wind so faire , and set away for France , If as he goes , or entring in the ship , It might be done , then it were excellent , Gray Why any of these , or if you will , I le cause a present sitting of the Councell , Wherein I will pretend some matter of such weight , As needes must haue his royall company , And to dispatch him in the Councell chamber . Camb. Tush , yet I heare not any thing to purpose , I wonder that lord Cobham staies so long , His counsell in this case would much auaile vs . They rise from the table , and the King steps in to them with his Lordes . Scroop

What shal we rise thus , and determine nothing ?

Har. That were a shame indeede , no , sit againe , And you shall haue my counsell in this case , If you can find no way to kill this King , Then you shall see how I can further ye , Scroopes way by poison was indifferent , But yet being bed-fellow vnto the King , And vnsuspected sleeping in his bosome , In mine opinion , that 's the likelier way , For such false friends are able to do much , And silent night is Treason's fittest friend , Now , Cambridge in his setting hence for France , Or by the way , or as he goes aboord , To do the deed , that was indifferent too , Yet somewhat doubtful ; might I speake my mind , For many reasons needelesse now to vrge . Mary Lord Gray came something neare the point , To haue the King at councell , and there murder him , As Caesar was amongst his dearest friends : None like to that , if all were of his mind . Tell me oh tel me you bright honors staines , For which of all my kindnesses to you , Are ye become thus traitors to your king ? And France must haue the spoile of Harries life ? All .

Oh pardon vs dread lord . all kneeling .

Har. How pardon ye ? that were a sinne indeed , Drag them to death , which iustly they deserue , they leade them away . And France shall dearely buy this villany , So soone as we set footing on her breast , God haue the praise for our deliuerance , And next , our thankes ( Lord Cobham ) is to thee , True perfect mirror of nobilitie . exeunt . Enter the hoste , sir Iohn Old-castle , and Harpoole . Hoste

Sir , you are welcome to this house , to such as heere is with all my heart , but by the masse I feare your lodging wil be the woorst , l haue but two beds , and they are both in a chamber , and the carier and his daughter lies in the one , and you and your wife must lie in the other .

L. Cobh. In faith sir , for my selfe I doe not greatly passe , My wife is weary , and would be at rest , For we haue traueld very far to day , We must be content with such as you haue . Hoste

But I cannot tell how to doe with your man .

Harpoole

What , hast thou neuer an empty roome in thy house for me ?

Hoste

Not a bedde by my troth : there came a poore Irish man , and I lodgde him in the barne , where he has faire straw , though he haue nothing else .

Harp .

Well mine hoste , I pray thee helpe mee to a payre of faire sheetes , and I le go lodge with him .

Hoste

By the masse that thou shalt , a good payre of hempen sheetes , were neuer laine in : Come . exeunt .

Enter Constable , Maior , and Watch . Maior

What haue you searcht the towne ?

Const.

All the towne sir , we haue not left a house vnsearcht that vses to lodge .

Maior Surely my lord of Rochester was then deceiude , Or ill informde of sir Iohn Old-castle , Or if he came this way , hee s past the towne , He could not else haue scapt you in the search . Const. The priuy watch hath beene abroad all night , And not a stranger lodgeth in the towne But he is knowne , onely a lusty priest We found in bed with a pretty wench , That sayes she is his wife , yonder at the sheeres : But we haue chargde the hoste with his forth comming To morow morning . Maior

What thinke you best to do ?

Const.

Faith maister maior , heere s a few stragling houses beyond the bridge , and a little Inne where cariers vse to lodge , though I thinke surely he would nere lodge there : but wee le go search , & the rather , because there came notice to the towne the last night of an Irish man , that had done a murder , whome we are to make search for .

Maior

Come I pray you , and be circumspect . exeunt

Const.

First beset the house , before you begin the search .

Officer Content , euery man take a seuerall place . heere is heard a great noyse within . Keepe , keepe , strike him downe there , downe with him . Enter Constable with the Irish man in Harpooles apparell . Con.

Come you villainous heretique , confesse where your maister is .

Irish man

Vat mester ?

Maior

Vat mester , you counterfeit rebell , this shall not serue your turne .

Irish man

Be sent Patrike I ha no mester .

Con.

Where s the lord Cobham sir Iohn Old-castle that lately is escaped out of the Tower .

Irish man

Vat lort Cobham ?

Maior

You counterfeit , this shal not serue you , wee le torture you , wee le make you to confesse where that arch-heretique Lord Cobham is : come binde him fast .

Irish man

Ahone , ahone , ahone , a Cree .

Con.

Ahone , you crafty rascall ? exeunt .

Lord Cobham comes out in his gowne stealing . Cobh.

Harpoole , Harpoole , I heare a maruelous noyse about the house , God warant vs , I feare wee are pursued : what Harpoole .

Harp . within .

Who calles there ?

Cobh.

T is I , dost thou not heare a noyse about the house ?

Harp .

Yes mary doe I , zwounds , I can not finde my hose , this Irish rascall that was lodgde with me all night , hath stolne my apparell , and has left me nothing but a lowsie mantle , and a paire of broags . Get vp , get vp , and if the carier and his wench be asleep , change you with them as he hath done with me , and see if we can escape .

A noyse againe heard about the house , a pretty while , then enter the Constable meeting Harpoole in the Irish mans apparrell . Con.

Stand close , heere comes the Irish man that didde the murther , by all tokens , this is he .

Maior

And perceiuing the house beset , would get away : stand sirra .

Harp .

What art thou that bidst me stand ?

Con.

I am the Officer , and am come to search for an Irish man , such a villaine as thy selfe , that hast murthered a man this last night by the hie way .

Harp .

Sbloud Constable , art thou madde ? am I an Irish man ?

Maior

Sirra , wee le finde you an Irish man before we part : lay hold vpon him .

Con.

Make him fast : O thou bloudy rogue !

Enter Lord Cobham and his lady in the carrier and wenches apparrell . Cobham What will these Ostlers sleepe all day ? Good morow , good morow , Come wench , come , Saddle , saddle , now afore God too foord-dayes , ha ? Con.

Who comes there ?

Maior

Oh t is Lankashire carier , let him passe .

Cobham What , will no body open the gates here ? Come , let s in t stable to looke to our capons . The carrier calling . Club calling

Hoste , why ostler , zwookes , here s such abomination company of boies : a pox of this pigstie at the house end , it filles all the house full of fleas , ostler , ostler .

Ostler

Who calles there , what would you haue ?

Club

Zwookes , do you robbe your ghests ? doe you lodge rogues and slaues , and scoundrels , ha ? they ha stolne our doths here : why ostler ?

Ostler

A murrein choake you , what a bawling you keepe .

Hoste

How now , what woulde the carrier haue ? looke vp there .

Ostler

They say that the man and woman that lay by them haue stolne their clothes .

Hoste

What , are the strange folkes vp yet that came in yester night ?

Const.

What mine hoste , vp so early ?

Hoste

What , maister Maior , and maister Constable !

Maior

We are come to seeke for some suspected persons , and such as heere we found , haue apprehended .

Enter the Carrier and Kate in lord Cobham and ladies apparell . Con.

Who comes heere ?

Club

Who comes here ? a plague found ome , you bawle quoth a , ods hat , I le forzweare your house , you lodgde a fellow and his wife by vs that ha runne away with our parrel , and left vs such gew-gawes here , come Kate , come to mee , thowse dizeard yfaith .

Maior

Mine hoste , know you this man ?

Hoste

Yes maister Maior , I le giue my word for him , why neibor Club , how comes this geare about ?

Kate

Now a fowle on t , I can not make this gew-gaw stand on my head , now the lads and the lasses won flowt me too too

Const.

How came this man and woman thus attired ?

Hoste

Here came a man and woman hither this last night , which I did take for substantiall people , and lodgde all in one chamber by these folkes : mee thinkes , haue beene so bolde to change apparell , and gone away this morning ere they rose .

Maior

That was that villaine traitour Old-castle , that thus escaped vs : make out huy and cry yet after him , keepe fast that traiterous rebell his seruant there : farewell mine hoste .

Carier

Come Kate Owdham , thou and I se trimly dizard .

Kate

I faith neame Club , I se wot nere what to do , I se be so flowted and so showted at : but by th messe I se cry . exeunt .

Enter Priest and Doll . sir Iohn Come Dol , come , be mery wench , Farewell Kent , we are not for thee , Be lusty my lasse , come for Lancashire , We must nip the Boung for these crownes . Doll

Why is all the gold spent already that you had the other day ?

sir Iohn

Gone Doll , gone , flowne , spent , vanished , the diuel , drinke and the dice , has deuoured all .

Doll

You might haue left me in Kent , that you might , vntil you had bin better prouided , I could haue staied at Cobham .

sir Iohn

No Dol , no , i le none of that , Kent 's too hot Doll , Kent 's too hot : the weathercocke of Wrotham will crow no longer , we haue pluckt him , he has lost his feathers , I haue prunde him bare , left him thrice , is moulted , is moulted , wench .

Doll

Faith sir Iohn , I might haue gone to seruice againe , old maister Harpoole told me he would prouide me a mistris .

sir Iohn

Peace Doll , peace , come mad wench , I le make thee an honest woman , wee le into Lancashire to our friends , the troth is , I le marry thee , we want but a little mony to buy vs a horse , and to spend by the way , the next sheep that comes shal loose his fleece , wee le haue these crownes wench I warrant thee : stay , who comes here ? some Irish villaine me thinkes that enter the Irish man with his master slaine . has slaine a man , and drawes him out of the way to rifle him : stand close Doll , wee le see the end . The Irish man falls to rifle his master . Alas poe mester , S. Rishard Lee , be saint Patricke is rob and cut thy trote , for dee shame , and dy money , and d ee gold ring , be me truly is loue thee wel , but now dow be kil thee , bee shitten kanaue .

sir Iohn .

Stand sirra , what art thou ?

Irishman .

Be saint Patricke mester is pore Irisman , is a leufter .

sir Iohn

Sirra , sirra , you are a damned rogue , you haue killed a man here , and rifled him of all that he has , sbloud you rogue deliuer , or i le not leaue you so much as an Irish haire aboue your shoulders , you whorson Irish dogge , sirra vntrusse presently , come off and dispatch , or by this crosse i le fetch your head off as cleane as a barke .

Irishman .

Wees me saint Patricke , I se kill me mester for chaine and his ring , and nows be rob of all , mees vndoo .

Priest robs him . sir Iohn

Auant you rascal , go sirra , be walking , come Doll the diuel laughes , when one theefe robs another , come madde wench , wee le to saint Albons , and reuel in our bower , hey my braue girle .

Doll

O thou art old sir Iohn , when all 's done yfaith .

Enter the hoste of the Bell with the Irish man . Irishman

Be me tro mester is pore Irisman , is want iudging , is haue no mony , is starue and cold , good mester giue her some meate , is famise and tie .

Host

Yfaith my fellow I haue no lodging , but what I keep for my guesse , that I may not disapoint , as for meate thou shalt haue such as there is , & if thou wilt lie in the barne , there s faire straw , and roome enough .

Irishman

Is thanke my mester hartily , de straw is good bed for me .

Host

Ho Robin ?

Robin

Who calls ?

Host

Shew this poore Irishman into the barne , go sirra . exeunt .

Enter carrier and Kate . Club.

Ho , who 's within here , who lookes to the horses ? Gods hatte here s fine worke , the hens in the manger , and the hogs in the litter , a bots found you all , here s a house well lookt too yvaith .

Kate

Mas goffe Club , I se very cawd .

Club.

Get in Kate , get in to fier and warme thee .

Club

Ho Iohn Hostler .

Hostler What gaffer Club , welcome to saint Albons , How does all our friends in Lancashire ? Club

Well God haue mercie Iohn , how does Tom , where s he ?

Hostler

O Tom is gone from hence , hee s at the three horse-loues at Stony-stratford , how does old Dick Dunne ?

Club

Gods hatte old Dunne has bin moyerd in a slough in Brickhil-lane , a plague found it , yonder is such abhomination weather as neuer was seene .

Hostler .

Gods hat thiefe , haue one half pecke of pease and oates more for that , as I am Iohn Ostler , hee has been euer as good a iade as euer traueld .

Club

Faith well said old Iacke , thou art the old lad stil .

Hostler

Come Gaffer Club , vnlode , vnlode , and get to supper , and I le rub dunne the while . Come . exeunt .

Enter sir Iohn Old-castle , and his Lady disguisde . Oldca. Come Madam , happily escapt , here let vs sit , This place is farre remote from any path , And here awhile our weary limbs may rest , To take refreshing , free from the pursuite Of enuious Winchester . Lady But where ( my Lord , ) Shall we find rest for our disquiet minds ? There dwell vntamed thoughts that hardly stoupe , To such abasement of disdained rags , We were not wont to trauell thus by night , Especially on foote . Oldca. No matter loue , Extremities admit no better choice , And were it not for thee , say froward time , Imposde a greater taske , I would esteeme it As lightly as the wind that blowes vpon vs , But in thy sufferance I am doubly taskt , Thou wast not wont to haue the earth thy stoole , Nor the moist dewy grasse thy pillow , nor Thy chamber to be the wide horrison , Lady How can it seeme a trouble , hauing you A partner with me , in the worst I feele ? No gentle Lord , your presence would giue ease To death it selfe , should he now seaze vpon me , Behold what my foresight hath vndertane heres bread and cheese & a bottle . For feare we faint , they are but homely cates . Yet saucde with hunger , they may seeme as sweete , As greater dainties we were wont to taste . Oldca. Praise be to him whose plentie sends both this , And all things else our mortall bodies need , Nor scorne we this poore feeding , nor the state We now are in , for what is it on earth , Nay vnder heauen , continues at a stay ? Ebbes not the sea , when it hath ouerflowne ? Flowes not darknes when the day is gone ? And see we not sometime the eie of heauen , Dimmd with ouerflying clowdes : there 's not that worke Of carefull nature , or of cunning art , ( How strong , how beauteous , or how rich it be ) But falls in time to ruine : here gentle Madame , In this one draught I wash my sorrow downe . drinkes . Lady And I incoragde with your cheerefull speech , Wil do the like . Oldca. Pray God poore Harpoole come , If he should fall into the Bishops hands , Or not remember where we bade him meete vs , It were the thing of all things else , that now Could breede reuolt in this new peace of mind . Lady Feare not my Lord , hee s witty to deuise , And strong to execute a present shift . Oldca. That power be stil his guide hath guided vs , My drowsie eies waxe heauy , earely rising , Together with the trauell we haue had , Make me that I could gladly take a nap , Were I perswaded we might be secure . Lady Let that depend on me , whilst you do sleepe , I le watch that no misfortune happen vs , Lay then your head vpon my lap sweete Lord , And boldly take your rest . Oldca. I shal deare wife , Be too much trouble to thee . Lady Vrge not that , My duty binds me , and your loue commands . I would I had the skil with tuned voyce , To draw on sleep with some sweet melodie , But imperfection and vnaptnesse too , Are both repugnant , feare inserts the one , The other nature hath denied me vse . But what talke I of meanes to purchase that , Is freely hapned ? sleepe with gentle hand , Hath shut his eie-liddes , oh victorious labour , How soone thy power can charme the bodies sense ? And now thou likewise climbst vnto my braine , Making my heauy temples stoupe to thee , Great God of heauen from danger keepe vs free . both sleepes . Enter sir Richard Lee , and his men Lee. A murder closely done and in my ground ? Search carefully , if any where it were , This obscure thicket is the likeliest place . seruant . Sir I haue found the body stiffe with cold , And mangled cruelly with many wounds . Lee Looke if thou knowest him , turne his body vp , A lacke it is my son , my sonne and heire , Whom two yeares since , I sent to Ireland , To practise there the discipline of warre , And comming home ( for so he wrote to me ) Some sauage hart , some bloudy diuellish hand , Either in hate , or thirsting for his coyne , Hath here slucde out his bloud , vnhappy houre , Accursed place , but most inconstant fate , That hadst reserude him from the bullets fire , And suffered him to scape the wood-karnes fury , Didst here ordaine the treasure of his life , ( Euen here within the armes of tender peace , And where security gate greatest hope ) To be consumde by treasons wastefull hand ? And what is most afflicting to my soule , That this his death and murther should be wrought , Without the knowledge by whose meanes t was done , 2 seru. Not so sir , I haue found the authors of it , See where they sit , and in their bloudy fistes , The fatall instruments of death and sinne . Lee Iust iudgement of that power , whose gracious eie , Loathing the sight of such a hainous fact , Dazeled their senses with benumming-sleepe , Till their vnhallowed treachery were knowne : Awake ye monsters , murderers awake , Tremble for horror , blush you cannot chuse , Beholding this inhumane deed of yours . Old . What meane you sir to trouble weary soules , And interrupt vs of our quiet sleepe ? Lee Oh diuellish ! can you boast vnto your selues Of quiet sleepe , hauing within your hearts The guilt of murder waking , that with cries Deafes the lowd thunder , and sollicites heauen , With more than Mandrakes shreekes for your offence ? Lady Old .

What murder ? you vpbraid vs wrongfully .

Lee Can you deny the fact ? see you not heere , The body of my sonne by you mis-done ? Looke on his wounds , looke on his purple hew : Do we not finde you where the deede was done ? Were not your kniues fast closed in your hands ? Is not this cloth an argument beside , Thus staind and spotted with his innocent blood ? These speaking characters , were nothing else To pleade against ye , would conuict you both . Bring them away , bereauers of my ioy , At Hartford where the Sises now are kept , Their liues shall answere for my sonnes lost life . Old castle

As we are innocent , so may we speede .

Lee

As I am wrongd , so may the law proceede . exeunt .

Enter bishop of Rochester , constable of S. Albons , with sir Iohn of Wrotham , Doll his wench , and the Irishman in Harpooles apparell . Bishop What intricate confusion haue we heere ? Not two houres since we apprehended one , In habite Irish , but in speech , not so : And now you bring another , that in speech Is altogether Irish , but in habite Seemes to be English : yea and more than so , The seruant of that heretike Lord Cobham . Irishman Fait me be no seruant of the lord Cobhams , Me be Mack Chane of Vlster . Bishop Otherwise calld Harpoole of Kent , go to sit , You cannot blinde vs with your broken Irish . sir Iohn Trust me , my Lord Bishop , whether Irish , Or English , Harpoole or not Harpoole , that I leaue to be decided by the triall : But sure I am this man by face and speech Is he that murdred yong sir Richard Lee : I met him presently vpon the fact , And that he slew his maister for that gold , Those iewells , and that chaine I tooke from him . Bishop Well , our affaires doe call vs backe to London , So that we cannot prosecute the cause As we desire to do , therefore we leaue The charge with you , to see they be conuaide To Hartford Sise : both this counterfaite And you sir Iohn of Wrotham , and your wench , For you are culpable as well as they , Though not for murder , yet for felony . But since you are the meanes to bring to light This gracelesse murder , you shall beare with you , Our letters to the Iudges of the bench , To be your friendes in what they lawfull may . sir Iohn

I thanke your Lordship .

Bish.

So , away with them . exeunt .

Enter Gaoler and his man , bringing forth Old castle . Gaoler Bring forth the prisoners , see the court preparde , The Iustices are comming to the bench . So , let him stand , away , and fetch the rest . exeunt . Old . Oh giue me patience to indure this scourge , Thou that art fountaine of that vertuous streame , And though contempt , false witnes , and reproch Hang on these yron gyues , to presse my life As low as earth , yet strengthen me with faith , That I may mount in spirite aboue the cloudes . Enter Gaoler bringing in Lady Old-castle , and Harpoole . Here comes my lady , sorow t is for her , Thy wound is greeuous , else I scoffe at thee . What and poore Harpoole ! art thou i th bryars too ? Harp .

I faith my Lord , I am in , get out how I can .

Lady Say ( gentle Lord ) for now we are alone , And may conferre , shall we confesse in briefe , Of whence , and what we are , and so preuent The accusation is commencde against vs ? Old . What will that helpe vs ? being knowne , sweete loue , We shall for heresie be put to death , For so they tearme the religion we professe . No , if it be ordained we must die , And at this instant , this our comfort be , That of the guilt imposde , our soules are free . Harp . Yea , yea my lord , Harpoole is so resolude , I wreake of death the lesse , in that I die Not by the sentence of that enuious priest The Bishop of Rochester , oh were it he , Or by his meanes that I should suffer here , It would be double torment to my soule . Lady

Well , be it then according as heauen please .

Enter lord Iudge , two Iustices , Maior of Saint Albons , lord Powesse and his lady , and old sir Richard Lee : the Iudge and Iustices take their places . Iudge Now M. Maior , what gentleman is that , You bring with you , before vs and the bench ? Maior The Lord Powes if it like your honor , And this his Lady , trauelling toward Wales , Who for they lodgde last night within my house , And my Lord Bishop did lay search for such , Were very willing to come on with me , Lest for their sakes , suspition we might wrong . Iudge We crie your honor mercy good my Lord , Wil t please ye take your place , madame your ladyship , May here or where you will repose your selfe , Vntill this businesse now in hand be past . Lady Po. I will withdraw into some other roome , So that your Lordship , and the rest be pleasde . Iudge

With all our hearts : attend the Lady there .

Lord Po. Wife , I haue eyde yond prisoners all this while , And my conceit doth tel me , t is our friend , The noble Cobham , and his vertuous Lady . Lady Po. I thinke no lesse , are they suspected trow ye For doing of this murder ? Lord Po. What it meanes , I cannot tell , but we shall know anon , Meane space as you passe by them , ask the question , But do it secretly , you be not seene , And make some signe that I may know your mind . Lady Po.

My Lord Cobham , madam ? as she passeth ouer the stage by them .

Old . No Cobham now , nor madam as you loue vs , But Iohn of Lancashire , and Ione his wife . Lady Po. Oh tel , what is it that our loue can do , To pleasure you , for we are bound to you . Oldca. Nothing but this , that you conceale our names , So gentle lady passe for being spied . Lady Po.

My heart I leaue , to beare part of your griefe . exit ,

Iudge Call the prisoners to the barre : sir Richard Lee , What euidence can you bring against these people , To proue them guiltie of the murder done ? Lee. This bloudy towell , and these naked kniues , Beside we found them sitting by the place , Where the dead body lay within a bush . Iudge What answer you why law should not proceed , According to this euidence giuen in , To taxe ye with the penalty of death ? Old . That we are free from murders very thought , And know not how the gentleman was slaine . 1 Iust.

How came this linnen cloth so boudy then ?

Lady Cob. My husband hot with trauelling my lord , His nose gusht out a bleeding , that was it . 2 Iust.

But wherefore were your sharpe edgde kniues vnsheathde ?

Lady Cob.

To cut such simple victuall as we had .

Iudge Say we admit this answer to those articles , What made ye in so priuate a darke nooke , So far remote from any common path , As was the thicke where the dead corpes was throwne ? Old . Iournying my lord from London from the terme , Downe into Lancashire where we do dwell , And what with age and trauell being faint , We gladly sought a place where we might rest , Free from resort of other passengers , And so we strayed into that secret corner . Iudge These are but ambages to driue of time , And linger Iustice from her purposde end . But who are these ? Enter the Constable , bringing in the Irishman , sir Iohn of Wrotham , and Doll Const. Stay Iudgement , and release those innocents , For here is hee , whose hand hath done the deed , For which they stand indited at the barre , This sauage villaine , this rude Irish slaue , His tongue already hath confest the fact , And here is witnes to confirme as much . sir Iohn Yes my good Lords , no sooner had he slaine His louing master for the wealth he had , But I vpon the instant met with him , And what he purchacde with the losse of bloud , With strokes I presently bereau'de him of , Some of the which is spent , the rest remaining , I willingly surrender to the hands Of old sir Richard Lee , as being his , Beside my Lord Iudge , I greet your honor , With letters from my Lord of Winchester . deliuers a letter . Lee Is this the wolfe whose thirsty throate did drinke My deare sonnes bloud ? art thou the snake He cherisht , yet with enuious piercing sting , Assaildst him mortally ? foule stigmatike , Thou venome of the country where thou liuedst , And pestilence of this : were it not that law Stands ready to reuenge thy crueltie , Traitor to God , thy master , and to me , These hands should be thy executioner . Iudge Patience sir Richard Lee , you shall haue iustice , And he the guerdon of his base desert , The fact is odious , therefore take him hence , And being hangde vntil the wretch be dead , His body after shall be hangd in chaines , Neare to the place , where he did act the murder . Irish.

Prethee Lord shudge let me haue mine own clothes , my strouces there , and let me be hangd in a with after my cuntry , the Irish fashion . exit .

Iudge Go to , away with him , and now sir Iohn , Although by you , this murther came to light , And therein you haue well deseru'd , yet vpright law , So will not haue you be excusde and quit , For you did rob the Irishman , by which You stand attained here of felony , Beside , you haue bin lewd , and many yeares Led a lasciuious vnbeseeming life . sir Iohn

Oh but my Lord , he repents , sir Iohn repents he will mend .

Iudge In hope thereof , together with the fauour , My Lord of Winchester intreates for you , We are content you shall be proued . sir Iohn

I thanke your good Lordship .

Iudge These other falsly here , accusde , and brought In perill wrongfully , we in like sort Do set at liberty , paying their fees . Lord Po. That office if it please ye I will do , For countries sake , because I know them well , They are my neighbours , therefore of my cost , Their charges shall be paide . Lee. And for amends , Touching the wrong vnwittingly I haue done , There are a few crownes more for them to drinke . giues them a purse . Iudge . Your kindnes merites praise sir Richard Lee , So let vs hence . exeunt all but Lord Powesse and Oldcastle . Lord Po. But Powesse still must stay , There yet remaines a part of that true loue , He owes his noble friend vnsatisfide , And vnperformd which first of all doth bind me , To gratulate your lordships safe deliuery , And then intreat , that since vnlookt for thus , We here are met , your honor would vouchsafe , To ride with me to Wales , where though my power , ( Though not to quittance those great benefites , I haue receiud of you ) yet both my house , My purse my seruants , and what else I haue , Are all at your command , deny me not , I know the Bishops hate pursues ye so , As there s no safety in abiding here . Old .

T is true my Lord , and God forgiue him for it .

Lord Po. Then let vs hence , you shall be straight prouided Of lusty geldings , and once entred Wales , Well may the Bishop hunt , but spight his face , He neuer more shall haue the game in chace . exeunt . FINIS .