The Old Wives Tale

The old Wiues Tale . Enter Anticke , Frolicke and Fantasticke . Anticke .

HOw nowe fellowe Franticke , what all a mort ? Doth this sadnes become thy madnes ? What though wee haue lost our way in the woodes , yet neuer hang the head , as though thou hadst no hope to liue till to morrow : for Fantasticke and I will warrant thy life to night for twenty in the hundred .

Frolicke :

Anticke and Fantasticke , as I am frollicke franion , neuer in all my life was I so dead slaine . What ? to loose our way in the woode , without either fire or candle so vncomfortable ? O coelum ! O terra ! O maria ! O Neptune !

Fantas.

Why makes thou it so strange , seeing Cupid hath led our yong master to the faire Lady and she is the only Saint that he hath sworne to serue .

Frollicke .

What resteth then but wee commit him to his wench , and each of vs take his stand vp in a Tree , and sing out our ill fortune to the tune of O man in desperation .

Ant.

Desperately spoken fellow Frollicke in the darke : but seeing it falles out thus , let vs rehearse the old prouerb .

Three merrie men , and three merrie men , And three merrie men be wee . I in the wood , and thou on the ground , And Iacke sleepes in the tree . Fan.

Hush a dogge in the wood , or a wooden dogge , O comfortable hearing ! I had euen as liue the Chamberlaine of the white Horse had called me vp to bed .

Frol.

Eyther hath this trotting Cur gone out of his cyrcuit , or els are we nere some village , Enter a Smith with a Lanthorne & Candle . which should not be farre off , for I perceiue the glymring of a Gloworme , a Candle , or a Cats eye , my life for a halfe pennie . In the name of my own father , be thou Oxe or Asse that appearest , tell vs what thou art .

Smith .

What am I ? Why I am Clunch the Smith , what are you , what make you in my territories at this time of the night ?

Ant.

What doe we make dost thou aske ? why we make faces for feare : such as if thy mortall eyes could behold , would make thee water the long seames of thy side slops , Smith .

Frol.

And in faith Sir vnlesse your hospitalitie doe releeue vs , wee are like to wander with a sorrowfull hey ho , among the owlets , & Hobgoblins of the Forrest : good Vulcan , for Cupids sake that hath cousned vs all : befriend vs as thou maiest , and commaund vs howsoeuer , wheresoeuer , whensoeuer , in whatsoeuer , for euer and euer .

Smith .

Well Masters it seemes to mee you haue lost your waie in the wood : in consideration whereof , if you will goe with Clunch to his Cottage , you shall haue house roome , and a good fire to sit by , althogh we haue no bedding to put you in .

All .

O blessed Smith , O bountifull Clunch .

Smith .

For your further intertainment , it shall be as it may be , so and so .

Heare a Dogge barke ..

Hearke this is Ball my Dogge that bids you all welcome in his own language , come take heed for stumbling on the threshold , open dore Madge take in guests . Enter old woman .

Ol.

Welcome Clunch & good fellowes al that come with my good man for my good mans sake come on sit downe here is a peece of cheese & a pudding of my owne making .

Anticke :

Thanks Gammer a good example for the wiues of our towne .

Frolicke :

Gammer thou and thy good man sit louingly together , we come to chat and not to eate .

Smith :

Well Masters if you will eate nothing take away : Come , what doo we to passe away the time ? Lay a crab in the fire to rost for Lambes-wooll ; what shall wee haue a game at Trumpe or Ruffe to driue away the time , how say you ?

Fantasticke :

This Smith leades a life as merrie as a King with Madge his wife ; Syrrha Frolicke , I am sure thou art not without some round or other , no doubt but Clunch can beare his part .

Frolicke :

Els thinke you mee ill brought vp , so set to it when you will . they sing .

Song . WHen as the Rie reach to the chin , And chopcherrie chopcherrie ripe within , Strawberries swimming in the creame , And schoole boyes playing in the streame : Then O , then O , then O my true loue said , Till that time come againe , Shee could not liue a maid . Ant:

This sport dooes well : but me thinkes Gammer , a merry winters tale would driue away the time trimly , come I am sure you are not without a score .

Fantast :

I faith Gammer a tale of an howre long were as good as an howres sleepe .

Frol:

Looke you Gammer , of the Gyant and the Kings Daughter , and I know not what , I haue seene the day when I was a litle one , you might haue drawne mee a mile after you with such a discourse .

Old woman :

Well , since you be so importunate , my good man shall fill the pot and get him to bed , they that ply their worke must keepe good howres , one of you goe lye with him , he is a cleane skind man I tell you , without either spauin or windgall , so I am content to driue away the time with an old wiues winters tale .

Fantast :

No better hay in Deuonshire , a my word Gammer , I le be one of of your audience .

Frolicke :

And I another that s flat .

Anticke :

Then must I to bed with the good man , Bonanox Gammer , God night Frolicke .

Smith :

Come on my Lad , thou shalt take thy vnnaturall rest with me .

Exeunt Anticke and the Smith . Frollicke :

Yet this vantage shall we haue of them in the morning , to bee ready at the sight thereof extempore .

Old wom:

Nowe this bargaine my Masters must I make with you , that you will say hum & ha to my tale , so shall I know you are awake .

Both :

Content Gammer that will we doo .

Old wom:

Once vppon a time there was a King or a Lord , or a Duke that had a faire daughter , the fairest that euer was ; as white as snowe , and as redd as bloud : and once vppon a time his daughter was stollen away , and hee sent all his men to seeke out his daughter , and hee sent so long , that he sent all his men out of his Land .

Frol:

Who drest his dinner then ?

Old woman :

Nay either heare my tale , or kisse my taile .

Fan :

Well sed , on with your tale Gammer .

Old woman :

O Lord I quite forgot , there was a Coniurer , and this Coniurer could doo anything , and hee turned himselfe into a great Dragon , and carried the Kinges Daughter away in his mouth to a Castle that hee made of stone , and there he kept hir I know not how long , till at last all the Kinges men went out so long , that hir two Brothers went to seeke hir . O I forget : she ( he I would say ) turned a proper yong man to a Beare in the night , and a man in the day , and keeps by a crosse that parts three seuerall waies , & he made his Lady run mad : gods me bones who comes here ? Enter the two Brothers .

Frol:

Soft Gammer , here some come to tell your tale for you .

Fant :

Let them alone , let vs heare what they will say .

1. Brother : Vpon these chalkie Cliffs of Albion We are ariued now with tedious toile , And compassing the wide world round about To seeke our sister , to seeke faire Delya forth , Yet cannot we so much as heare of hir . 2. Brother : O fortune cruell , cruell & vnkind , Vnkind in that we cannot find our sister ; Our sister haples in hir cruell chance : Soft who haue we here . Enter Senex at the Crosse stooping to gather . 1. Brother :

Now father God be your speed , What doo you gather there ?

Old man :

Hips and Hawes , and stickes and strawes , and thinges that I gather on the ground my sonne .

1. Brother :

Hips and Hawes , and stickes and strawes , why is that all your foode father ?

Old man :

Yea sonne .

2. Brother :

Father , here is an Almes pennie for mee , and if I speede in that I goe for , I will giue thee as good a Gowne of gray as euer thou diddest weare .

1. Brother :

And Father here is another almes pennie for me , and if I speede in my iourney , I will giue thee a Palmers staffe of yuorie , and a scallop shell of beaten gold .

Old man :

Was shee fayre ?

2. Brother :

I the fairest for white , and the purest for redd , as the blood of the Deare , or the driuen snow :

Old m: Then harke well and marke well , my old spell : Be not afraid of euery stranger , Start not aside at euery danger : Things that seeme are not the same , Blow a blast at euery flame : For when one flame of fire goes out , Then comes your wishes well about : If any aske who told you this good , Say the white Beare of Englands wood . 1. Brother : Brother heard you not what the old man said : Be not afraid of euery stranger , Start not aside for euery danger : Things that seeme are not the same , Blow a blast at euery flame : If any aske who told you this good , Say the white Beare of Englands wood . 2. Brother : Well if this doo vs any good , Welfare the white Bear of Englands wood . ex . Old ma: Now sit thee here & tel a heauy tale . Sad in thy moode , and sober in thy cheere , Here sit thee now and to thy selfe relate , The hard mishap of thy most wretched state . In Thessalie I liu'd in sweete content , Vntill that Fortune wrought my ouerthrow ; For there I wedded was vnto a dame , That liu'd in honor , vertue , loue , and fame : But Sacrapant that cursed sorcerer , Being besotted with my beauteous loue : My deerest loue , my true betrothed wife , Did seeke the meanes to rid me of my life . But worse than this , he with his chanting spels , Did turne me straight vnto an vgly Beare ; And when the sunne doth settle in the west , Then I begin to don my vgly hide : And all the day I sit , as now you see , And speake in riddles all inspirde with rage , Seeming an olde and miserable man : And yet I am in Aprill of my age . Enter Venelia his Lady mad ; and goes in againe . See where Venelya my betrothed loue , Runs madding all inrag'd about the woods ; All by his curssed and inchanting spels . Enter Lampriscus with a pot of Honny . But here comes Lampriscus my discontented neighbour . How now neighbour , you looke towarde the ground aswell as I , you muse on something . Lamp:

Neighbour on nothing , but on the matter I so often mooued to you : if you do any thing for charity , helpe me ; if for neighborhood or brotherhood , helpe me : neuer was one so combered as is poore Lampryscus : and to begin , I pray receiue this potte of Honny to mend your fare .

Old man : Thankes neighbor , set it downe , Honny is alwaies welcome to the Beare . And now neighbour let me heere the cause of your comming . Lampriscus :

I am ( as you knowe neighbour ) a man vnmaried , and liued so vnquietly with my two wiues , that I keepe euery yeare holy the day wherein I buried them both ; the first was on saint Andrewes day ; the other on saint Lukes .

Old man :

And now neighbour , you of this country say , your custome is out : but on with your tale neighbour .

Lamp:

By my first wife , whose tongue wearied me aliue , and sounded in my eares like the clapper of a great Bell , whose talke was a continuall torment to all that dwelt by her , or liued nigh her , you haue heard me say I had a handsome daughter .

Old man :

True neighbour .

Lampr:

Shee it is that afflictes me with her continuall clamoures , and hangs on me like a Burre : poore shee is , and proude shee is , as poore as a sheepe new shorne , and as proude of her hopes , as a Peacock of her taile well growne .

Old man :

Well said Lampryscus , you speake it like an Englishman .

Lampr:

As curst as a waspe , and as frowarde as a childe new taken from the mothers teate , shee is to my age , as smoake to the eyes , or as vinegar to the teeth .

Old man :

Holily praised neighbour , as much for the next .

Lampr:

By my other wife I had a daughter , so hard fauoured , so foule and ill faced , that I thinke a groue full of golden trees ; and the leaues of Rubies and Dyamonds , would not bee a dowrie aunswerable to her deformitie .

Old man :

Well neighbour , nowe you haue spoke , heere me speake ; send them to the Well for the water of life : there shall they finde their fortunes vnlooked for ; Neighbour farewell .

Exit . Lampr:

Farewell and a thousand , and now goeth poore Lampryscus to put in execution this excellent counsell . Exeunt .

Frol:

Why this goes rounde without a fidling stick ; but doo you heare Gammer , was this the man that was a Beare in the night , and a man in the day ?

Old woman :

I this is hee ; and this man that came to him was a beggar , and dwelt vppon a greene . But soft , who comes here ? O these are the haruest men ; ten to one they sing a song of mowing .

Enter the haruest men a singing , with this Song double repeated . All yee that louely louers be , pray you for me , Loe here we come a sowing , a sowing , And sowe sweete fruites of loue : In your sweete hearts well may it prooue . Exeunt . Enter Huanebango with his two hand sword , and Booby the Clowne . Fant :

Gammer , what is he ?

Old woman :

O this is one that is going to the coniurer , let him alone , here what he sayes .

Huan:

Now by Mars and Mercury , Iupiter and Ianus , Sol and Saturnus , Venus and Vesta , Pallas and Proserpina , and by the honor of my house Polimackeroeplacydus , it is a wonder to see what this loue will make silly fellowes aduenture , euen in the wane of their wits , and infansie of their discretion . Alas my friend what fortune calles thee foorth to seeke thy fortune among brasen gates , inchanted towers , fire and Brimstone , thunder and lightning . Beautie I tell thee is peerelesse , and she precious whom thou affectest : do off these desires good countriman , good friend runne away from thy selfe , and so soone as thou canst , forget her ; whom none must inherit but he that can monsters tame , laboures atchiue , riddles absolue , loose inchantments , murther magicke , and kill coniuring : and that is the great and mighty Huanebango .

Booby :

Harke you sir , harke you ; First know I haue here the flurting feather , and haue giuen the Parish the start for the long stocke : Nowe sir if it bee no more but running through a little lightning and thunder , and riddle me riddle me what s this , I le haue the wench from the Coniurer if he were ten Coniurers .

Huan:

I haue abandoned the Court and honourable company , to doo my deuoyre against this sore Sorcerer and mighty Magitian : if this Ladie be so faire as she is said to bee , she is mine , she is mine , Meus , mea , meum , in contemptum omnium Grammaticorum .

Booby :

O falsum Latinum ! the faire maide is minum , cum apurtinantibus gibletes and all .

Huan:

If shee bee mine , as I assure my selfe the heauens will doo somewhat to reward my worthines ; shee shall bee allied to none of the meanest gods ; but bee inuested in the most famous stocke of Huanebango Polimackeroeplacidus , my Grandfather : my father Pergopolyneo : my mother , Dyonora de Sardynya : famouslie descended .

Booby :

Doo you heare sir ; had not you a Cosen , that was called Gustecerydis ?

Huan:

Indeede I had a Cosen , that somtime followed the Court infortunately , and his name Bustegustecerydis .

Booby :

O Lord I know him well : hee is the knight of the neates feete .

Huan:

O he lou'd no Capon better , he hath oftentimes deceiued his boy of his dinner , that was his fault good Bustegustecerydis .

Booby :

Come shall we goe along ? Soft , here is an olde man at the Crosse , let vs aske him the way thither . Ho , you Gaffer , I pray you tell where the wise man the Coniurer dwells ?

Huan:

Where that earthly Goddesse keepeth hir abode ; the commander of my thoughts , and faire Mistres of my heart .

Old man :

Faire inough , and farre inough from thy fingering sonne .

Huan:

I will followe my Fortune after mine owne fancie , and doo according to mine owne discretion .

Old man :

Yet giue some thing to an old man before you goe .

Huau:

Father mee thinkes a peece of this Cake might serue your turne .

Old man :

Yea sonne .

Huan:

Huanabango giueth no Cakes for Almes , aske of them that giue giftes for poore Beggars . Faire Lady , if thou wert once shrined in this bosome , I would buckler thee haratantara . Exit .

Booby :

Father doo you see this man , you litle thinke hee le run a mile or two for such a Cake , or passe for a pudding , I tell you father hee has kept such a begging of mee for a peece of this Cake , whoo he comes vppon me with a superfantiall substance , and the foyson of the earth , that I know not what he meanes : If hee came to me thus , and said , my friend Booby or so , why I could spare him a peece with all my heart ; but when he tells me how God hath enriched mee aboue other fellowes with a Cake : why hee makes me blinde and deafe at once : Yet father heere is a peece of Cake for you as harde as the world goes .

Old man : Thanks sonne , but list to mee , He shall be deafe when thou shalt not see ; Farewell my sonne things may so hit , Thou maist haue wealth to mend thy wit . Booby :

Farewell father , farewell ; for I must make hast after my two hand sword that is gone before . Exeunt omnes .

Enter Sacrapant in his studie . Sacrapant : The day is cleare , the Welkin bright and gray , The Larke is merrie , and records hir notes ; Each thing reioyseth vnderneath the Skie , But onely I whom heauen hath in hate : Wretched and miserable Sacrapant , In Thessalie was I borne and brought vp , My mother Meroe hight a famous Witch , And by hir cunning I of hir did learne , To change and alter shapes of mortall men . There did I turne my selfe into a Dragon , And stole away the Daughter to the King ; Faire Delya , the Mistres of my heart : And brought hir hither to reuiue the man , That seemeth yong and pleasant to behold , And yet is aged , crooked , weake and numbe . Thus by inchaunting spells I doo deceiue , Those that behold and looke vpon my face ; But well may I bid youthfull yeares adue : Enter Delya with a pot in hir hand . See where she coms from whence my sorrows grow , How now faire Delya where haue you bin ? Delya :

At the foote of the Rocke for running water , and gathering rootes for your dinner sir .

Sacr:

Ah Delya , fairer art thou than the running water , yet harder farre than steele or Adamant .

Delya :

Will it please you to sit downe sir .

Sacr:

I Delya , sit & aske me what thou wilt , thou shalt haue it brought into thy lappe .

Delya :

Then I pray you sir let mee haue the best meate from the king of Englands table , and the best wine in all France , brought in by the veriest knaue in all Spaine .

Sacr:

Delya I am glad to see you so pleasant , well sit thee downe .

Sacr: Spred table spred ; meat , drinke & bred Euer may I haue , what I euer craue : When I am spred , for meate for my black cock , And meate for my red . Enter a Frier with a chine of Beefe and a pot of wine . Sacr: Heere Delya , will yee fall to . Del: Is this the best meate in England ? Sacr: Yea . Del: What is it ? Sacr: A chine of English beefe , meate for a king And a kings followers . Del: Is this the best wine in France ? Sacr: Yea . Del: What Wine is it ? Sacr: A cup of neate wine of Orleance , That neuer came neer the brewers in England . Del: Is this the veriest knaue in all Spaine ? Sacr: Yea . Del: What is he a Fryer ? Sacr: Yea a Frier indefinit , & a knaue infinit . Del:

Then I pray ye sir Frier tell me before you goe , which is the most greediest Englishman ?

Fryer :

The miserable and most couetous Vsurer .

Sacr: Holde thee there Friar , Exit Friar . But soft who haue we heere , Delia away begon . Enter the two Brothers . Delya away , for beset are we , But heauen or hell shall rescue her for me . 1. Br. Brother , was not that Delya did appeare ? Or was it but her shadow that was here ? 2. Bro: Sister , where art thou ? Delya come again He calles , that of thy absence doth complaine . Call out Calypha that she may heare , And crie aloud , for Delya is neere . Eccho : Neere . 1. Br: Neere , O where , hast thou any tidings ? Eccho : Tidings . 2. Br: Which way is Delya then , or that , or this ? Eccho : This . 1. Br: And may we safely come where Delia is Eccho : Yes . 2. Bro: Brother remember you the white Beare of Englands wood : Start not a side for euery danger , Be not afeard of euery stranger ; Things that seeme , are not the same . 1. Br: Brother , why do we not than coragiously enter . 2. Br: Then brother draw thy sword & follow me . Enter the Coniurer ; it lightens & thunders , the 2. Brother falles downe . 1. Br: What brother doost thou fall ? Sacr: I , and thou to Calypha . Fall 1. Brother . Enter two furies . Adestes Daemones : away with them , Go cary them straight to Sacrapantos cell , There in despaire and torture for to dwell ; These are Thenores sonnes of Thessaly , That come to seeke Delya their sister forth : But with a potion , I to her haue giuen , My arts hath made her to forget her selfe . He remooues a turfe , and shewes a light in a glasse . See heere the thing which doth prolong my life With this inchantment I do any thing . And till this fade , my skill shall still endure , And neuer none shall breake this little glasse , But she that 's neither wife , widow , nor maide . Then cheere thy selfe , this is thy destinie , Neuer to die , but by a dead mans hand . Exeunt . Enter Eumenides the wandring Knight , and the old man at the crosse . Eum: Tell me Time , tell me iust Time , When shall I Delia see ? When shall I see the loadstar of my life ? When shall my wandring course end with her sight ? Or I but view my hope , my hearts delight . Father God speede , if you tell fortunes , I pray good father tell me mine . Old man : Sonne I do see in thy face , Thy blessed fortune worke apace ; I do perceiue that thou hast wit , Beg of thy fate to gouerne it , For wisdome gouern'd by aduise , Makes many fortunate and wise . Bestowe thy almes , giue more than all , Till dead mens bones come at thy call : Farewell my sonne , dreame of no rest , Til thou repent that thou didst best . Exit Old m. Eum. This man hath left me in a Laborinth , He biddeth me giue more than all , Till dead mens bones come at thy call : He biddeth me dreame of no rest , Till I repent that I do best . Enter Wiggen , Corobus , Churchwarden and Sexten . Wiggen :

You may be ashamed , you whorson scald Sexton and Churchwarden , if you had any shame in those shamelesse faces of yours , to let a poore man lie so long aboue ground vnburied . A rot on you all , that haue no more compassion of a good fellow when he is gone .

Simon :

What would you haue vs to burie him , and to aunswere it our selues to the parrishe ?

Sexton :

Parish me no parishes , pay me my fees , and let the rest runne on in the quarters accounts , and put it downe for one of your good deedes a Gods name , for I am not one that curiously stands vpon merits .

Corobus :

You whoreson sodden headed sheepes-face , shall a good fellow do lesse seruice and more honestie to the parish , & will you not when he is dead let him haue Christmas buriall .

Wiggen :

Peace Corebus , assure as Iack was Iack , the frollickst frannion amongst you , and I Wiggen his sweete sworne brother , Iack shall haue his funerals , or some of them shall lie on Gods deare earth for it , that s once .

Churchwa:

Wiggen I hope thou wilt do no more then thou darst aunswer .

Wig:

Sir , sir , dare or dare not , more or lesse , aunswer or not aunswer , do this , or haue this .

Sex:

Helpe , helpe , helpe , Wiggen sets vpon the parish with a Pike staffe .

Eumenides awakes and comes to them . Eum:

Hould thy hands good fellow .

Core:

Can you blame him sir , if he take Iacks part against this shake rotten parish that will not burie Iack .

Eum:

Why what was that Iack ?

Coreb:

Who Iack sir , who our Iack sir ? as good a fellow as euer troade vppon Neats leather .

Wiggen :

Looke you sir , he gaue foure score and nineteene mourning gownes to the parish when he died , and because he would not make them vp a full hundred , they would not bury him ; was not this good dealing ?

Churchwar:

Oh Lord sir how he lies , he was not worth a halfe penny , and drunke out euery penny : and nowe his fellowes , his drunken companions , would haue vs to burie him at the charge of the parish , and we make many such matches , we may pull downe the steeple , sell the Belles , and thatche the chauncell : he shall lie aboue ground till he daunce a galliard about the churchyard for Steeuen Loache .

Wiggen :

Sic argumentaris domine Loache ; and we make many such matches , we may pull downe the steeple , sell the Belles , and thatche the chauncell : in good time sir , and hang your selues in the Bell ropes when you haue done , Domine oponens praepono tibi hanc questionem , whether will you haue the ground broken , or your pates broken : first , for one of them shall be done presently , and to begin mine , i le seale it vpon your cockescome .

Eum:

Hould thy hands , I pray thee good fellow be not too hastie .

Coreb:

You Capons face , we shall haue you turnd out of the parish one of these dayes , with neuer a tatter to your arse , then you are in worse taking then Iack .

Eumen

Faith and he is bad enough : this fellow does but the part of a friend , to seeke to burie his friend ; how much will burie him ?

Wiggen :

Faith , about some fifteene or sixteene shillings will bestow him honestly .

Sexton :

I euen there abouts sir .

Eumen :

Heere hould it then , and I haue left me but one poore three halfe pence ; now do I remember the wordes the old man spake at the crosse ; bestowe all thou hast , and this is all , till dead mens bones comes at thy call , heare holde it , and so farewell .

Wig:

God , and all good , bee with you sir ; naie you cormorants , i le bestowe one peale of Iack at mine owne proper costs and charges .

Coreb:

You may thanke God the long staffe and the bilbowe blade , crost not your cockes-combe ; well wee le to the church stile , and haue a pot , and so tryll lyll .

Both :

Come let s go . Exeunt .

Fant :

But harke you gammer , me thinkes this Iack bore a great sway in the parish .

Old woman :

O this Iack was a maruelous fellow , he was but a poore man , but very well beloued : you shall see anon what this Iack will come to .

Enter the haruest men singing , with women in their hands . Frol:

Soft , who haue wee heere ? our amorous haruest starres .

Fant :

I , I , let vs sit still and let them alone .

Heere they begin to sing , the song doubled . Loe heere we come a reaping , a reaping , To reape our haruest fruite , And thus we passe the yeare so long , And neuer be we mute . Exit the haruest men . Enter Huanebango , and Corebus the clowne . Frol:

Soft , who haue we here ?

Old w:

O this is a cholerick gentleman , all you that loue your liues , keepe out of the smell of his two hand sworde : nowe goes he to the coniurer .

Fant :

Me thinkes the Coniurer should put the foole into a Iugling boxe .

Huan: Fee , fa , fum , here is the Englishman , Conquer him that can , came for his lady bright , To prooue himselfe a knight , And win her loue in fight . Cor:

Who hawe maister Bango are you here ? heare you , you had best sit downe heere , and beg an almes with me .

Huan:

Hence base cullion , heere is he that commaundeth ingresse and egresse with his weapon , and will enter at his voluntary whosoeuer saith no .

A voice and flame of fire : Huanebango falleth downe . Voice :

No .

Old w:

So with that they kist , and spoiled the edge of as good a two hand sword , as euer God put life in ; now goes Corebus in , spight of the coniurer .

Enter the Coniurer , & strike Corebus blinde . Sacr: Away with him into the open fields , To be a rauening pray to Crowes and Kites : And for this villain let him wander vp & downe In nought but darkenes and eternall night . Cor: Heer hast thou slain Huan a slashing knight And robbed poore Corebus of his sight . Exit . Sacr: Hence villaine hence . Now I haue vnto Delya giuen a potion of forgetfulnes , That when shee comes shee shall not know hir Brothers : Lo where they labour like to Country slaues , With spade and mattocke on this inchaunted ground . Now will I call hir by another name , For neuer shall she know hir selfe againe , Vntill that Sacrapant hath breathd his last . See where she comes . Enter Delya . Come hither Delya take this gode , Here hard at hand two slaues do worke and dig for gold , Gore them with this & thou shalt haue inough . He giues hir a gode . Del: Good sir I know not what you meane . Sacra: She hath forgotten to be Delya , But not forgot the same she should forget : But I will change hir name . Faire Berecynthia so this Country calls you , Goe ply these strangers wench they dig for gold Exit Sacrapant . Delya : O heauens ! how am I beholding to this faire yong man . But I must ply these strangers to their worke . See where they come . Enter the two Brothers in their shirts with spades digging . 1. Brother : O Brother see where Delya is . 2. Brother : O Delya happy are we to see thee here . Delya : What tell you mee of Delya prating swaines ? I know no Delya nor know I what you meane , Ply you your work or else you are like to smart . 1. Brother : Why Delya knowst thou not thy Brothers here ? We come from Thessalie to seeke thee forth , And thou deceiuest thy selfe for thou art Delya . Delya : Yet more of Delya , then take this and smart : What faine you shifts for to defer your labor ? Worke villaines worke , it is for gold you digg . 2. Br: Peace brother peace , this vild inchanter Hath rauisht Delya of hir sences cleane , And she forgets that she is Delya . 1. Br: Leaue cruell thou to hurt the miserable ; Digg brother digg , for she is hard as steele . Here they dig & descry the light vnder a litle hill . 2. Br: Stay brother what hast thou descride ? Del:

Away & touch it not , it is some thing , that my Lord hath hidden there . she couers it agen .

Enter Sacrapant . Sacr: Well sed , thou plyest these Pyoners well , goe get you in you labouring slaues . Come Berecynthia , let vs in likewise , And heare the Nightingale record hir notes . Exeunt omnes . Enter Zantyppa the curst Daughter to the well , with a pot in hir hand . Zant:

Now for a husband , house and home , God send a good one or none I pray God : My father hath sent me to the well for the water of life , and tells mee if I giue faire wordes I shall haue a husband . Enter the fowle wench to the well for water with a pot in hir hand . But heere comes Celanta my sweete sister , I le stand by and heare what she saies .

Celant:

My father hath sent mee to the well for water , and he tells me if I speake faire , I shall haue a husband and none of the worst : Well though I am blacke I am sure all the world will not forsake mee , and as the olde prouerbe is though I am blacke , I am not the diuell .

Zant:

Marrie gup with a murren , I knowe wherefore thou speakest that , but goe thy waies home as wise as thou camst , or I le set thee home with a wanion .

Here she strikes hir Pitcher against hir sisters , and breakes them both and goes hir way . Clant :

I thinke this be the curstest queane in the world , you see what she is , a little faire , but as prowd as the diuell , and the veriest vixen that liues vpon Gods earth . Well I le let hir alone , and goe home and get another Pitcher , and for all this get me to the well for water . Exit .

Enter two Furies out of the Coniurers Cell and laies Huanebango by the well of life . Enter Zantippa with a Pitcher to the Well . Zant:

Once againe for a husband , & in faith Celanta I haue got the start of you ; Belike husbands growe by the Well side ; now my father sayes I must rule my tongue : why alas what am I then ? a woman without a tongue , is as a souldier without his weapon ; but i le haue my water and be gon .

Heere she offers to dip her Pitcher in , and a head speakes in the Well . Head : Gently dip , but not too deepe , For feare you make the golden birde to weepe , Faire maiden white and red , Stroke me smoothe , and combe my head , And thou shalt haue some cockell bread . Zant: What is this , faire maiden white & red , Combe me smooth , and stroke my head : And thou shalt haue some cockell bread . Cockell callest thou it boy , faith i le giue you cockell bread . Shee breakes hir Pitcher vppon his heade , then it thunders and lightens , and Huanebango rises vp : Huanebango is deafe and cannot heare . Huan: Phylyda phylerydos , Pamphylyda floryda flortos , Dub dud a dub , bounce quoth the guns , with a sulpherous huffe snuffe : Wakte with a wench , pretty peat , pretty loue , and my sweet prettie pigsnie ; Iust by thy side shall sit surnamed great Huanebango Safe in my armes will I keepe thee , threat Mars or thunder Olympus . Zant:

Foe , what greasie groome haue wee here ? Hee looks as though hee crept out of the backeside of the well ; and speakes like a Drum perisht at the West end .

Huan: O that I might but I may not , wo to my destenie therefore ; Kisse that I claspe but I cannot , tell mee my destenie wherefore ? Zant:

Whoope nowe I haue my dreame , did you neuer heare so great a wonder as this ? Three blue beanes in a blue bladder , rattle bladder rattle .

Huan:

I le nowe set my countenance and to hir in prose , it may be this rim ram ruffe , is too rude an incounter .

Let me faire Ladie if you be at leisure , reuell with your sweetnes , and raile vppon that cowardly Coniurer , that hath cast me or congealed mee rather into an vnkinde sleepe and polluted my Carcasse .

Zantyppa :

Laugh , laugh Zantyppa , thou hast thy fortune , a foole and a husbande vnder one .

Huan:

Truely sweete heart as I seeme , about some twenty yeares , the very Aprill of mine age .

Zantyppa :

Why what a prating Asse is this ?

Huanebango : Hir Corall lippes , hir crimson chinne , Hir siluer teeth so white within : Hir golden locks hir rowling eye , Hir pretty parts let them goe by : Hey ho hath wounded me , That I must die this day to see . Za:

By gogs bones thou art a flouting knaue , Hir Corall lippes , hir crimson chinne : ka wilshaw .

Huan:

True my owne and my owne because mine , & mine because mine ha ha : Aboue a thousand pounds in possibilitie , and things fitting thy desire in possession .

Zan:

The Sott thinkes I aske of his landes , Lobb be your comfort , and Cuckold bee your destenie : Heare you sir ; and if you will haue vs , you had best say so betime .

Huan:

True sweete heart and will royallize thy progeny with my petigree . Exeunt omnes .

Enter Eumenides the wandring Knight . Eu: Wretched Eumenides , still vnfortunate , Enuied by fortune , and forlorne by Fate ; Here pine and die wretched Eumenides . Die in the spring , the Aprill of my age ? Here sit thee down , repent what thou hast don I would to God that it were nere begon . Enter Iacke . Iacke :

You are well ouertaken sir .

Eum:

Who 's that ?

Iacke :

You are heartily well met sir .

Eum:

Forbeare I say , who is that which pincheth mee ?

Iacke :

Trusting in God good Master Eumenides , that you are in so good health as all your friendes were at the making hereof : God giue you God morrowe sir , lacke you not a neate handsome and cleanly yong Lad , about the age of fifteene or sixteene yeares , that can runne by your horse , and for a neede make your Mastershippes shooes as blacke as incke , howe say you sir .

Eum:

Alasse pretty Lad , I know not how to keepe my selfe , and much lesse a seruant , my pretty boy , my state is so bad .

Iacke :

Content your selfe , you shall not bee so ill a Master but i le bee as bad a seruant : Tut sir I know you though you know not me ; Are not you the man sir , denie it if you can sir , that came from a strange place in the land of Catita , where Iacke a napes flies with his taile in his mouth , to seeke out a Ladie as white as snowe , and as redd as blood ; ha , ha , haue I toucht you now .

Eum: I thinke this boy be a spirit , How knowst thou all this ? Iacke :

Tut are not you the man sir , denie it if you can sir , that gaue all the money you had to the burying of a poore man , and but one three-halfe-pence left in your pursse : Content you sir , I le serue you that is flat .

Eum:

Well my Lad since thou art so importunate , I am content to entertaine thee , not as a seruant ; but a copartner in my iourney . But whither shall we goe for I haue not any money more than one bare three halfe-pence .

Iacke :

Well Master content your selfe , for if my diuination bee not out , that shall bee spent at the next Inne or alehouse we come too : for maister I knowe you are passing hungrie ; therefore i le go before and prouide dinner vntill that you come , no doubt but you le come faire and softly after .

Eum:

I , go before , i le follow thee .

Iack :

But doo you heare maister , doo you know my name ?

Eum:

No I promise thee not yet .

Iack :

Why I am Iack . Exeunt Iack .

Eum:

Iack , why be it so then .

Enter the Hostes and Iack , setting meate on the table , and Fidlers came to play , Eumenides walketh vp and downe , and will eate no meate . Host:

How say you sir , doo you please to sit downe ?

Eum:

Hostes I thanke you , I haue no great stomack .

Host:

Pray sir , what is the reason your maister is so strange , doth not this meate please him .

Iack :

Yes Hostes , but it is my maisters fashion to pay before hee eates , therefore a reckoning good hostesse .

Host:

Marry shall you sir presently . Exit .

Eum:

Why Iack what doost thou meane , thou knowest I haue not any money : therefore sweete Iack tell me what shall I doo .

Iack :

Well maister looke in your pursse .

Eum:

Why faith it is a follie , for I haue no money .

Iack :

Why looke you maister , doo so much for me .

Eum:

Alas Iack my pursse is full of money .

Iack :

Alas , maister , does that worde belong to this accident ? why me thinkes I should haue seene you cast away your cloake , and in a brauado daunced a galliard round about the chamber ; why maister , your man can teach you more wit than this , come hostis , cheere vp my maister .

Hostis:

You are heartily welcome : and if it please you to eate of a fat Capon , a fairer birde , a finer birde , a sweeter birde , a crisper birde , a neater birde , your worship neuer eate off .

Eum:

Thankes my fine eloquent hostesse .

Iack :

But heare you maister , one worde by the way , are you content I shall be halfes in all you get in your iourney ?

Eum:

I am Iack , here is my hand .

Iack :

Enough maister , I aske no more .

Eum:

Come Hostesse receiue your money , and I thanke you for my good entertainment .

Host:

You are heartily welcome sir .

Eum:

Come Iack whether go we now ?

Iack :

Mary maister to the coniurers presently .

Eu:

Content Iack : Hostis farewell . Exe. om .

Enter Corebus and Zelanto the foule wench , to the well for water . Coreb:

Come my ducke come : I haue now got a wife , thou art faire , art thou not ?

Zelan:

My Corebus the fairest aliue , make no doubt of that .

Cor:

Come wench , are we almost at the wel .

Zela.

I Corebus we are almost at the Well now , i le go fetch some water : sit downe while I dip my pitcher in .

Voyce : Gently dip : but not too deepe ; For feare you make the goulden beard to weepe . A head comes vp with eares of Corne , and she combes them in her lap . Faire maiden white and red , Combe me smoothe , and stroke my head : And thou shalt haue some cockell bread . Gently dippe , but not too deepe , For feare thou make the goulden beard to weep . Faire maide , white , and redde , Combe me smooth , and stroke my head ; And euery haire , a sheaue shall be , And euery sheaue a goulden tree . A head comes vp full of golde , she combes it into her lap . Zelan:

Oh see Corebus I haue combd a great deale of golde into may lap , and a great deale of corne .

Coreb.

Well said wench , now we shall haue iust enough , God send vs coiners to coine our golde : but come shall we go home sweet heart ?

Zelan: Nay come Corebus I will lead you . Coreb: So Corebus things haue well hit , Thou hast gotten wealth to mend thy wit . Exit . Enter Iack and the wandring knight . Iack : Come away maister come , Eum:

Go along Iack , i le follow thee , Iack , they say it is good to go crosse legged , and say his prayers backward : how saiest thou ?

Iack :

Tut neuer feare maister , let me alone , heere sit you still , speake not a word . And because you shall not be intised with his inchanting speeches ; with this same wooll i le stop your eares : and so maister sit still , for I must to the Coniurer . Exit Iack .

Enter the Coniurer to the wandring knight . Sa: How now , what man art thou that sits so sad Why dost thou gaze vpon these stately trees , Without the leaue and will of Sacrapant ? What not a word but mum , Then Sacrapant thou art betraide . Enter Iack inuisible , and taketh off Sacrapants wreath from his head , and his sword out of his hand . Sac: What hand inuades the head of Sacrapant ? What hatefull fury doth enuy my happy state ? Then Sacrapant these are thy latest dayes , Alas my vaines are numd , my sinews shrinke , My bloud is pearst , my breath fleeting away , And now my timelesse date is come to end : He in whose life his actions hath beene so soule , Now in his death to hell defends his soule . He dyeth . Iack :

Oh Sir are you gon : now I hope we shall haue some other coile . Now maister how like you this ; the Coniurer hee is dead , and vowes neuer to trouble vs more . Now get you to your faire Lady , and see what you can doo with her : Alas he heareth me not all this while ; but I will helpe that .

He pulles the Wooll out of his eares . Eum:

How now Iack , what news ?

Iack :

Heere maister , take this sword and dig with it , at the foote of this hill .

He digs and spies a light . Eum:

How now Iack , what is this ?

Iack :

Maister , without this the Coniurer could do nothing , and so long as this light lasts , so long doth his arte indure , and this being out , then doth his arte decay .

Eum:

Why then Iack I will soone put out this light .

Iack :

I maister , how ?

Eum:

Why with a stone i le breake the glasse , and then blowe it out .

Iack :

No maister you may as soone breake the Smiths Anfill , as this little vyoll ; nor the biggest blast that euer Boreas blew , cannot blowe out this little light ; but she that is neither maide , wife , nor widowe . Maister , winde this horne ; and see what will happen .

He windes the horne . Heere enters Venelia and breakes the glasse , and blowes out the light , and goeth in againe . Iack :

So maister , how like you this ; this is she that ranne madding in the woods , his betrothed loue that keepes the crosse , and nowe this light being out , all are restored to their former libertie . And now maister to the Lady that you haue so long looked for .

He draweth a curten , and there Delia sitteth a sleepe . Eum: God speed faire maide sitting alone there is once . God speed faire maide ; there is twise : God speed faire maide , that is thrise . Delia : Not so good sir , for you are by . Iack :

Enough maister , she hath spoke , now I will leaue her with you .

Eum: Thou fairest flower of these westerne parts : Whose beautie so reflecteth in my sight , As doth a Christall mirror in the sonne : For thy sweet sake I haue crost the frosen Rhine , Leauing faire Po , I saild vp Danuby , As farre as Saba whose inhansing streames , Cuts twixt the Tartars and the Russians , These haue I crost for thee faire Delia : Then grant me that which I haue sude for long . Del: Thou gentle knight , whose fortune is so good : To finde me out , and set my brothers free , My faith , my heart , my hand , I giue to thee . Eum:

Thankes gentle Madame : but heere comes Iack , thanke him , for he is the best friend that we haue .

Enter Iack with a head in his hand . Eum:

How now Iack , what hast thou there ?

Iack :

Mary maister , the head of the coniurer .

Eum:

Why Iack that is impossible , he was a young man .

Iack :

Ah maister , so he deceiued them that beheld him : but hee was a miserable , old , and crooked man ; though to each mans eye he seemed young and fresh , for maister ; this Coniurer tooke the shape of the olde man that kept the crosse : and that olde man was in the likenesse of the Coniurer . But nowe maister winde your horne . He windes his horne .

Enter Venelia , the two brothers , and he that was at the crosse . Eu: Welcome Erestus , welcome faire Venelia , Welcome Thelea , and Kalepha both , Now haue I her that I so long haue sought , So saith faire Delia , if we haue your consent . 1. Bro: Valiant Eumenides thou well deseruest To haue our fauours : so let vs reioyce , That by thy meanes we are at libertie . Heere may we ioy each in others sight , And this faire Lady haue her wandring knight . Iack :

So maister , nowe yee thinke you haue done : but I must haue a saying to you ; you know you and I were partners , I to haue halfe in all you got .

Eum:

Why so thou shalt Iack .

Iack :

Why then maister draw your sworde , part your Lady , let mee haue halfe of her presently .

Eumenid:

Why I hope Iack thou doost but iest , I promist thee halfe I got , but not halfe my Lady .

Iack :

But what else maister , haue you not gotten her , therefore deuide her straight , for I will haue halfe there is no remedie .

Eumen :

Well ere I will falsifie my worde vnto my friend , take her all , heere Iack i le giue her thee .

Iacke :

Nay neither more nor lesse Maister , but euen iust halfe .

Eum:

Before I will falsifie my faith vnto my friend , I will diuide hir , Iacke thou shalt haue halfe .

1. Brother :

Bee not so cruell vnto our sister gentle Knight .

2. Brother :

O spare faire Delia shee deserues no death .

Eum:

Content your selues , my word is past to him , therefore prepare thy selfe Delya for thou must die .

Delya :

Then farewell worlde , adew Eumenides .

He offers to strike and Iacke staies him . Iacke :

Stay Master , it is sufficient I haue tride your constancie : Do you now remember since you paid for the burying of a poore fellow .

Eum:

I very well Iacke .

Iacke :

Then Master thanke that good deed , for this good turne , and so God be with you all .

Iacke leapes downe in the ground . Eum: Iacke what art thou gone ? Then farewell Iacke . Come brothers and my beauteous Delya , Erestus and thy deare Venelia : We will to Thessalie with ioyfull hearts . All : Agreed , we follow thee and Delya . Exeunt omnes . Fant : What Gammer , a sleepe ? Old wom:

By the Mas sonne t is almost day , and my windowes shuts at the Cocks crow .

Frol:

Doo you heare Gammer , mee thinkes this Iacke bore a great sway amongst them .

Old wom:

O man , this was the ghost of the poore man , that they kept such a coyle to burie , & that makes him to help the wandring knight so much : But come let vs in , we will haue a cup of ale and a tost this morning and so depart .

Fant :

Then you haue made an end of your tale Gammer ?

Old wom:

Yes faith : When this was done I tooke a peece of bread and cheese , and came my way , and so shall you haue too before you goe , to your breakefast .

FINIS .