The Interlude of Vice (Orestes)

The Vyce . A Syrra nay soft , what ? let me see , God morrowe to you syr , how do you fare ? Sante a men . I thincke it wyll be . the next day in the morning , before I com thear Well forwarde I wyll , for to prepare , Some weapons & armour , the catiues to quell , I lle teache the hurchetes , agayne to rebell . Rebell ? ye syr , how saye you there to ? What ? you had not beste their partes to take : Houlde the content foole , and do as I do , Or elles me chaunce , your pate for to ake . Ye and that s more , for feare thou shalt quake , Before Horestes , when in good south he , Shall arryue in this lande , reuenged to bée : Well forwarde I wyll , thynges to pouruaye , In good south for the wares , as I shall thincke good . Farre well good man dotterell , and marke what I saye , Or eles it may chaunce you , to seke a new houd : You would eate no more cakbread , I thinke then by the roud , If that , that same poulle from your shoulderes were hent , You would thincke you were yll , if so you were shent . Hear entryth Rustycus , & hodge . Rustycus . I hyll neuer nabore hodge , haue a glade harte , Tyll Egistous the Kynge , hath for his desarte : Receiued dew punnyshment , for this well I knowe , Horrestes to Crete , with Idumeous dyd go . When his father was slayne , by his Mother most yll , And therefore I thincke , that com heather he wyll : And reuenge the iniurey , of his mother most dyare , wastinge our land with zworde , and with vyare . Hodge . Iesu nabor , with vyar and zworde ? zaye you ze ? By gys nabor , I hyll zaue one I tro : For iche haue smaull good , by gise for to lose , And therefore iche care not , how euer it gose . But I hyll not be zlayne , I hyll loue nothinge worsse , I hyll neuer be bournt , for the mony in my pourse . Iche haue small rouddockes , and sodyers I kno , Wyll robbe the riche chorles , and let the poore knaues go . Vyce . A syrre , nowe steye , and pause their a whyle , Be not to hastye , but take all the daye : Be God I am wearey , with comming this myle , And hauing no money , my horse heyare to paye . Who how , I rode on my fete , all the waye , Iesu what ground , since yesterday at none , Haue I gut thorow , with this pare of shoune . Rusticus . Nabor hodge , be goge hatche none I beare , That this lyttell hourchet , the devayaunce doth beare . Come let vs go , and of him in good south ? We woll conquear out , the verey truth . Vyce . Hurchyt , goges oundes gyppe with a wanyon , Ar you so loustey , in fayth good man clound : Oundes , hart , and nayles , this is a franion , I lle teache you to floute me , I hould you a pounde . O that it weare not , in fayth for my gound ? It wyll I be knoc vm , yet for all that . Hodge . Hould good master , you mare my new hat . Fight Vyce . Ha , ha , he , mar his hat quoth he ? thear was all his thought Tout tout , for the blose he set not a pyn : That garment is dyer , that with blose is bought , Well sieres to in treat me , syth you begyn ? I am contentyd , my blade , now shaull in . But tell me syeres tell me no whearefore of me , The cause on this sort , your taullkynge should be . Rusticus . By gis and iche I hyll master , for all my great payne , Of this matter to you to tell the very playne : My naybor hodge and I , in good south , Mot hear in the veldes , I tell you the truth : Now as we wear talkinge , marke what I zaye , You came in straight , and of vs crost the waye . Which thinge for zartyn , when I dyd espye , This fancey vlouncht , in my head by and by : And to hodge I zayde that , by gys I dyd veare , That your masshyp , good master the devyaunce doth beare , And be cause you weare lyttell , and of stature but smaull : Your person a hourchet , in fayth I dyd caull . But by gis be contentyd , vor I hyll neauer more , Ofvend you a gains , but cham zorey thearuore . Vyce . Yf they weare not twayne , I cared not a poynt , But two is to meyney , the prouerbe douth tell : Elles be his oundes , I would iobard this ioynt , And teache them agaynste me , againe to rebell ? O that I wear a bull , the knaues vor to quell , Then would I tryomphe , passinge all measure . Hodge . Zentyll man zentyll man , at your owne pleasure : In fayth we be , and thearfore we praye , What they name , is to vs vor to zaye . Vyce . My name would ye kno , marrey you shaull , Harke frynde , fourst to the I wyll it declare : Master pacience master pacience , many on doth me caull ? But com heather nabor hodge , thou must haue a share . By gys vnto the I wyll not spare , The same for to showe , whearfore my frend , My name is pacience if thou it perpend . Hodge . Past shame ? Godes gée naybor past shame ? By godes de naybor thates a tryccom name . Vyce . Tell a mare a tall , and shye ll gerd out a fart Se bow the as my wordes , douth mystake , Would it not anger a saynt at the hart : To se what a scoffe of my name , he douth make ? O oundes of me , as still as a stake . He standith , nought caring what of him maye betyde , Be his woundes , I wod haue a arme , or a syde . Sought let me se , it is best to be styll , Good slepinge in a hole skynne , ould foulkes do saye , Not withstanding I wis , ill haue myne owne wyll . Naye I wyll be reuenged , by his oundes and I maye , Syrra you good man Rustycus , marke what I saye : Harke in thine eare man , this dyd I see , A hoge of thyne wearyed to be . Rusticus . Godes gée maister pacience , I praye you me tell , What horsen chorles doge , my hogge so dyd quell : Iche zware by gise , and holye zaynt blyue , I hyll bezwinge him , and ich be a lyue , By godes de cham angry , and not well content , Chould ha wear hear , chould make him repent . Ich had rather gyuen , vore stryke of corne , Then to had my hogge on this wyse forlorne : But if I knewe whous dogge chould be , Reuenged well inough iche warrent the . Vyce . Ha , ha , he , by god Rusticus , I maye saye in no game , I knowe the person , whose dogge so did flaye : Thy hogge fye fye man , it was a vearey shame , For thy naybor hodge , to let it by this daye . Well I wyll go to him , and se if I maye , By aney meanes procure him , to make the amendes ; I lle do the best I can , to make you both frendes . Rusticus . I hyll be no frendes , chad rather be hanged , Tyll iche haue that oulde karle , wel and thryfteley banged , And t weare not your masshyppe , dyd me with hould , To swing the ourchet , iche chould be boulde , Vyce . Ha , ha , he , nay , nay , spare not for me , Go to it strayght , if thear to ye gre , Rusticus , Hodge I harde saye , thou illy , hast wrought , For my hogge vnto death , with thi dog thou haste broughgt Iche byd the thy vaute , to me to amend , Or I hyll zwaddell the , iche zweare in my bat end . Hodge . Zwaddell me godes get ? I hyll care not a poynte , Iche haue a good bat , thy bones to anoynte : Thou olde carle I zaye , thy hoge hurtyd me , And therefore I wyll haue , a mendes now of the . My rye and my otes , my beanes and my pease , They haue eaten vp quight , but small for my ease : And therfore iche zaye , all thy hogges kepe vaste , Or iche wyll them wearey , as longe as they laste . By godes get , I can neuer come in my ground , But that zame zwyne , in my pease iche haue founde . Vyce . Tout tout Rusticus , these wordes be but wynd To him man , to him , and swaddell him well : Ye neauer leaue him , as longe as thou can fynd Him whot , but teathe him , a gaine to rebell , What nededest thou to care , though his wordes be so fell , Tout tout th arte vnwyse , and followe my mynde : And I warraunt the in end , some ease thou shalt finde . Rusticus . Godes gée hourson hoge , paye me for my zwine , Or eles larne to kepe , that cockescome of thyne . Vp with thy staf , & be readye to smyte , but hodg smit first , and let the vise thwacke them both and run out . Hodge . Godes de , do thy worst , I care not a poynte , I hyll paye the none , I hyll iobard a ioynte . Vyce . Nay stand I styll some what , I wyll lend , Take this for a reward , now a waye I must wend . Rusticus . O Godes get , c ham zwinged zo zore , Iche thincke chaul neauer lyue one houre more . Hodge . O godes ge I thincke , my bewnes will in zonder , Yf ich get home by gis , it tes a wounder : Farwell Rusticus , for by gis ich chaull , When I mete the againe , bezwinge the vorall . Rusticus . Naye letes be frendes , and I hyll in good part , Of browne ale at my house , giue the a whole whart : What hodge shake hondes , mon be mercy and lauffe , By godes ge iche had not , the best end of the staffe . Hodge . Ch am content naybor Rusticus , shaull be ene so , Come to they house , I praye the let vs go . go out Horestes . To caull to minde the crabyd rage of mothers yll attempt Entrith . Prouokes me now all pyttie quight , from me to be exempt . Yet lo dame nature teles me that , I must with willing mind For giue the faute and to pytie , some what to be inclynd . But lo behould th advlltres dame , on hourdome morder vill Hath heaped vp not contented , her spousaule bed to fyll : With forrayne loue but sought also , my fatal thred to share As erst before my fathers fyll , in sonder she dyd pare . O paterne loue why douste thou so , of pytey me request , Syth thou to me wast quight denyed , my mother being prest : When tender yeres this corps of mine , did hould alas for wo When frend my mother shuld haue bin than was she chefe my foe Oh godes therfore sith you be iust , vnto whose poure & wyll , All thing in heauen , and earth also ? obaye and sarue vntyll . Declare to me your gracious mind , shall I reuenged be , Of good Kynge Agamemnones death , ye godes declare to me Or shall I let the , adulltres dame , styll wallow in her sin , Oh godes of war , gide me a right , when I shall war begyn . Vyce . Warre quoth he . I war in dede , and trye it by the . sworde , God saue you syr , the godes to ye : haue sent this kind of word That in the hast you armour take , your fathers fose to slaye And I as gyde with you shall go , to gyde you on the way . By me thy mind ther wrathful doom , shal be performd in dede Therfore Horestes marke me well , & forward do procede . For to reueng thy fathers death , for this they all haue ment Which thing for to demonstrat lo , to the they haue sent me . Horestes . Ar you good syr , the messenger of godes as you do saye Wil they in reuenging this wrong , I make not long delay . Vyce . What nede you dout , I was in heauen , when al the gods did gre That you of Agamemnons death , for south reuengid should be , Tout tout , put of that childish loue , couldst thou with a good wil Contentyd be ? that one should so , they father seme to kyll ? Why waylst thou man , leaue of I say , plucke corrage vnto the . This lamentation sone shall fade , if thou imbrasydest me . Horestes What is thy name may I inquear ? O sacrid wight I pray Declare to me & with this feare , do not my hart dismaye . Vyce . Amonge the godes celestiall , I Courrage called am , You to assyste in vearey truth , from out the heauens I cam And not without god Marsis his leaue , I durst hear show my face which thou shalt fele if that ther gift thou dost forth with imbrace Horestes . And sith it is thear gratious will , welcom thou art to me , O holy wight for this thear gyft , I thanke them hartelley . My thinkes I fele all feare to fley , all sorrow griefe & payne , My thinkes I fele corrage prouokes , my wil for ward againe For to reuenge my fathers death , and infamey so great , Oh how my hart doth boyle in dede , with firey perching heate . Corrage now welcom by the godes , I find thou art in dede , A messenger of heauenly gostes , come let vs now procede . And take in hand to bringe to pas , reuengyd for to be , Of those which haue my father slaine , but soft now let me se Idumeus that worthy Kinge , doth com into this place , What saye you corrage : shal I now ? declare to him my case ? Vyce . Faull to it then and slacke no time , for tyme once past away , Doth cause repentence , but to late to com old foulks do say . When stede is stolen , to late it is to shyt the stable dore , Take time I say , while time doth giue a leasure good therfore Idumeus . What euer he be that sceptar beares or rules in state full hie Is sonest down through fortunes eyar , & brought to myserey , As of late yeares the worthy kinge Agamemnon by name , whos prass throughout the world is bloum , by golden trump of fame His wel won fame in marshall stoure , doth reache vnto the sky Yet lo through fortunes blind attempt , be lo in earth doth lie He the had past the fate of war , where chaunce was equall set , Through fortunes spight is caught alacke , win olde Meros net And he which somtime did delight , in clothed coat of maylle , Is now constraynd in Carones bote ; ouer the brouke to saylle . That flose vpon the fatall bankes , of Plutose kingdome great And that in shade of silent wodes , and valeys gréene do beate . Where soules of kinges & other wights apoyntid are to be , In quiet state there also is , this worthey reall trée . Of south I ioye for to behold , Horestes actyue cheare , The which in father somtime was , in son doth now apear , But where is he that all this day , I neauer sawe his face , Horestes . Kenll downe . At hand O King thy saruant is , which wissheth to thy grace All hayl with happey fate certayne , with pleasures many fold , But yet my leege a sute I haue , if I might be so bold . To craue the same my soferayn lord , wherby I might aspyer Vnto the thing with very much , O king I do requier . Idumeus . What thing is that if we suppose , it laufull for to be , On prynces faith without delaye , at shall be giuen the . Vyce . Tout let him alone now , we may in good south , I was not so lustey , my pourpose to get : But now of my honestey , I tell you of truth , In reuenging the wronge , his mynd he hath set ? It is not Idumeus that hath poure to let . Horestes fro sekinge his mother to kyll , Tout let hym alone , he le haue his owne wyll . Horestes . Sith that your grace hath willed me , this my desiar to show , Oh gratious king this thing it is , I let your grace to know That long I haue request to vew , my fathers kingley place , And eke for to reuenge the wrong done to my fathers grace , Is myne intent wherefore o king , graunt that without delaye , My earytage and honor eke , atchyue agayne I maye . Idumeus . Stey their a whyle Horestes mine , tyll councell do decrée ? The thing that shall vnto your state , most honorabell bée . My counciler how do you thinke , let vs your councell haue , How think you by this thing that which Horestes now doth craue Councell . As I do thinke my soferayne lord , it should be nothing ill , A Prynce for to reuenged be , on those which so dyd kyll . His fathers : grace but rather shall , it be a feare to those , That to the lyke at anye time , their cruell mindes dispose : And also as I thinke it shall , an honer be to ye , To adiuuate and helpe him with , some men reuenged to be . This do I thinke most fyttest for , your state and his also , Do as you lyst sieth that your grace , my mind herin doth kno . Idumeus . Sith Councell thinkes it fyt in ded , reuenged for to be , That you Horestes in good south , for to reuenge I grée . And also to mayntaine your war , I graunt you with good will , A thousand men of stomake bolde , your enimise to kyll . Take them forth with , & forward go , let slyp no time ne tyd . For chaunce to leasure to be bound , I tell you can not byd Go therfore straight prouide your men & like a manly knight In place of stouer put forth thy selfe , assay with all thy might . To win the fame , for glorey none , it chambering doth rest Marke what I saye to get thy men , I take it for they best . Vyce . Com on Horestes sith thou hast , obtayned thy desier . Tout tout man , seke to dystroye , as doth the flaming fier ? Whose properte thou knoest doth gro , as long as any thing Is left wher by the same may seme , som suckcor for to bring . Horestes . I thanke your grace I shal sequest your gratius mind herin . Vyce . Se se I praye you how he ioyse , that he must war begin . Go out . Idumeus , Go out . My councell now declare to me , how think you by this wight Doth not he seme in south to be , in tyme a manley knight . By all the godes I thinke in south , a man may easeley kno , Whose son he was , so right he doth his fathers steppes follow Councell . Vndoubtedly my soferaynd lorde , he semeth vnto me , Not to sequest his fathers steppes , in feates of cheuallrey : But rather for to imitate , the floure of great 〈◊〉 land , I meane Achilles that same knight , by whose one only hand The Greacians haue obtaind at laingth the conquest of old Troy For which thei did holl x. yeres space , their labor great imploy Idumeus . Syth he is gon for to puruaye , such thinges as shall in dede , Suffise to sarue his tourn in wares , wherof he shal haue nede Let vs depart and when he shall , retourne heather a gayne , To sée the must or of his men , we wyll sure take the payne . Haltersycke . Go out . The Songe . Entrithe & syngeth this song to the tune of haue ouer the water to floride or selengers round . FArre well adew , that courtlycke lyfe , To warre we tend to gowe : It is good sport to se the stryfe , Of sodyers on a rowe . How mereley they forward march , These enemys to slaye : With hey trym and tryxey to , Their banners they dysplaye . Now shaull we haue the Golden cheates , When others want the same : And sodyares haue foull maney feates , Their enemyes to tame . With couckinge heare , and bomynge their , They breake thear fose araye : And loustey Iades amid the feldes , Thear ensines do dysplaye . The droum and flute playe lousteley , The troumpet blose a mayne ? And ventrous knightes corragiousley , Do march before thear trayne : With speare in reste so lyuely drest , In armour bryghte and gaye : With hey trym and tryxey to , Thear banners they dysplaye . Hempstringe . Goges oundes haultersycke , what makes thou heare , Hempstring commeth in & speaketh . Haultersycke . What ? Iacke hempstringe welcom , draw neare ? Hempstringe . By his oundes I haue soughte the some newse the to tell , Haultersycke . Godes bloud what newse , is t the deuell in hell ? Hempstring . In faythe thou art meatey , but this is the matter , Doust thou hear haltersicke ? each man doth clatter : Of warres , ye of warres , for Horestes wyll go , His erytage to wyn , boye the truth is so . Haultersycke . Nay but Iacke Hempstringe sease of this prate , Yf thou cauil me boye , then beware thy pate . Hempstringe . What hould thy peace , as far as I se , We be boyse both thearfore let vs grée . Haultersycke . Boye naye be god , though I be but smaull , Yet Iacke hempstringe , a hart is worth all . And haue not I an hart , that to warres dare go , Yes hempstringe I warrant the , & that thou shouldest know If dycke haltersyckes mynde , thou moue vnto eyar , Colles neauer bourne , tyll they be set one fyare . Hempstringe . Ye but if they bourne , so that they same , Yet water dycke halltersycke , the bourning cane same . But hacke thée my master will venter a ioynt , And me to wayte on him , he all readye doth poynt . But hearste thou , thou knowest my master loues well , Now and then to be snappinge , at some dayntye mossell . But by goges bloud halltersycke , if thou loue me , Take some prytey wenche our laundrar to be , And be goges bloud , I am contentyd to beare , Halfe of her chargis , when that she comes thear . Haultersycke . As fyt for the warre , Iacke hempstringe thou art , In fayth as abe , is to drawe a carte : He is lyke to be manned , that hath such a knight , Vnder his banner , I sweare for to fight . When Horestes in fight , moste busiest shal be , Then with they gynney , we must seke the . Hempstringe . Goges oundes , hart , and nayles , you are a sea man , Come of with a myschiefe , my gentell companion . By your sleue fire haultersicke , I thinke that a be , As good a sodyer as euer was ye , Haultersycke . He hath learned his lesson , but of fouth I feare , He hath quight forgotten , the waye for to sweare . Oundes , hart , and nayles , nalrey he s no la , And he be not hanged , he wyll be starke mad . Hempstringe . Hange me no hanginge , yf ye be so quicke , Roube not to hard , lest hempstringe do kycke . Haultersycke . flort him . Had better be styll , and a sléepe in his head , Yf a kycke me , me chaunce to breake his head , Hempstringe . Goges bloud good man haltersycke , begine you to flout me Haultersycke . No not at all he douth but sout ye . What hempstringe I saye , are you angred at ieste . flort hym on the lipes In fayth goodman lobcocke , your handsomley drest : Hempstringe . Goges bloud so to flout me , thou art muche to blame ? Haultersycke . Why all that I do man , is but in game . Hempstringe . giue him a box on the eare Take thou that for they ieste , and flout me no more ? Haltersicke . For that same on blowe , than shault haue a score : Drawe thy sword vylyne , yf thou be a man , And then do the worst , that euer thou can . Hempstringe . Naye set sword a syde , and at coffetes well trey , Wheather of vs both , shall haue the masterey . Haultersycke . Goges oundes thou art bygger , yet I care not a poynt , Yf to be reuenged , I iobard a ioynt . Fyght at bofites with fystes Hempstring . I haue coylyd the well , but I holde the a grote ? Yf thou meddell with me . I wyll swinge thye cote . Haultersycke . In dede I must saye , I haue cought the worst , But I wyll be reuengyd , or eies I shall bourste . Yf tyme did not call me , from hence to depart I should anger the hempstring , euen at the hart ? Therefore farwell , tyll an other daye , But hearste thou take this , to spend by the waye . Giue him a box on the eare & go out . go out . let the drum playe and Horestes enter with his men & then lette him knele downe & speake . Hempstring . Goges dundes is he gon , naye after I wyll , And of the slaue by his oundes , I wyll haue my fyll . Horestes . Oh godes be prosperous I praye , & eke preserue my band , Show now that ye be gods in ded , stretch out your mighty hand And giue vs hartes & willes also , where by we may preuayll And suffer not you godes I praye , our courragis to fayll . But let our hartes addytyd be , for aye as we pretend , And of that one adulltres dame , oh gods now make an end . My hands do thryst her blod to haue , nought can my mind content Tyll that on her I haue perfourmed , oh gods your iust iudgment Nature . Nay stey my child from mothers bloud with draw thy bloudy hand stand vp . Horestes . No nought at all oh nature can , my purpose now withstand , Shall I for giue my fathers death , my hart can not agre My father slayne in such a sorte , and vnreuengyd to be . Nature . Consider first horestes myne , what payne for the she toke , Horestes . And of my fathers death againe , o Nature do thou louke . Nature . I do confesse a wycked facte , it was this is most playne , Not with standing from mothers bloud , thou must thy hands refrain Canst thou a lacke vnhappey wight , consent reuenged to be , On her whose pappes before this time , hath giuen foud to the In whom I nature for myd the , as best I thought it good , Oh now requight her for her pain , withdraw thy hands from bloud Horestes . Who offendith the loue of god , & eke mans loue with willing hart Must by the loue haue punnishment , as dutey due for his desart For me therfor to punnish hear as law of gods & man doth wil Is not a crime though that I do , as thou dost saie my mother kil Nature . The cruel beasts that raung in feldes whose iause to blod ar whet Do not consent their mothers paunch , in cruell wise to eate The tyger fierse doth not desiare , the ruine of his kinde , And shall dame nature now in the , such tyraney once finde : As not the cruell bestes voutsafe , to do in aney case , Leue now I say Horestes myne , & to my wordes giue place . Lest that of men this facte af thine , may iudged for to be : Ne lawe in south , ne iustys eke , but cruell tyraney . Horestes . Pythagoras doth thincke it lo , no tyraney to be , When that iustyse is mynestryd , as lawe and godes decrée . If that the law doth her condemne , as worthy death to haue , Oh nature woulst thou wil that I , her life should seme to saue ? To saue her lyfe whom law doth slay , is not iustise to do , Therefore I saye I wyll not yeld , they hestes to com vnto . Nature . Yf nature cannot brydell the , remember the decaye , Of those which heretofore in south , their parents sought to slay oedippus fate , caull thou to minde , that slew his father so , And eke remember now what fame , of him a brode doth go . Horestes . what fame doth blowe I forse not I , ne yet what fame I haue For this is true that bloud for bloud , my fathers deth doth craue And lawe of godes , & lawe of man , doth eke request the same . Therefore oh nature sease to praye , I forse not of my name . Nature . For to lament this heauey fate , I cannot other do . A lacke a lacke that once my chyld , should now consent vnto : His mothers death wherefore farewell , I can no longer stey . Go out . Horestes . Farwel dame Nature to my men . I straight wil take my way Go out . Idumeus . Enter . To se this monster let vs go , for I suppose it tyme , Where is Horestes why stease he : the truth to me define : Councell . Let the drum playe . Oh soferayne lord me thinkes I here , him for to be at hand y ft please your grace , he is in sight , euen now with all his band . Idumeus . Com on Horestes we haue stayd , your monster for to se . Let the drum play & enter Horestis with his band marche about the stage . Horestes . And now at hand my men and I , all redy armed be . Lo mighty king this champions here , agre with me to wende Oh gracious king that they shall so , wylt please you condissend Idumeus . I do agrée and now a whyle , giue eare your king vnto , It doth behoufe corragious knightes , on this wyse for to do . That is to stryue for to obtayne , the victorey and prayse , That lasts for aye , when death shal end , that find of these our dais Wherefore be bold , & feare no fate , the gods for you shall fight For they be iust and will not se , that you in case of right . Shall be desstrest wherefore attend , and do your busey payne , The crabyd rage of enymyse , by forse for to restrayne ? And as to me your trusteynes , hath here to fore be knowne , So now to this Horestes here , let eke the same be showne . Be to his heastes obaydient , be stoute to take in hand , Such enterpryse which he shal thinke , most for his state to stand Which if you do the same is youres , the glorey and renoune , That shal arise of this your facts , throughout the world shal sound The which you may I pray the godes , your gydes here in to be And now farwell but not that well , that I haue sayde to ye . Sodyeares . The godes presarue your grace for aye , & you defend from wo . That we haue don as you commaund , ful wel your grace shal kno Idumeus . Now harke Horestes sith thou must , of men the gyder be , And that the wyll of godes it is , thou must now part from me . Take yet my last commaundement , & beare it in thy minde , Let now they men courragiousnes , in the their captayne finde And as thou art courragious , so lyke wyse let their be , For safegard of thy men a brayne , well fraught with pollicye . For ouer rashe in doinge ought , doth often damage bringe , Therfore take councell first before , thou dost anye thinge . For councell as Plaato doth tell , is sure a heauenly thinge . And Socrates a certaynte doth say , councell doth brynge . Of thinges in dout for Lyuy sayes , no man shall him repent , That hath before he worked ought , his tyme in councell spent And be thou lybraull to thy men , and gentell be also , For the way at thy wil thou mayst , haue them through fire to go And he that shall at any tyme , deserue ought well of the , Soffer him not for to depart , tyll well reward he be . Thus haue you hard horestes mine , remembar well the same In doing thus you shall pourchas , to the immortaull fame . The which I hope you wyll assaye , for to atchife in dede , The gods the blis when in the war , thou forward shalt procede . Horestes . I thanke your grace and now of you , my leaue I here do take Idumeus . Imbrase him Farwell my sonne Horestes I , thy partinge yll shall take , Yet eare thou go let me imbrace , the once I the do praye , A lacke alacke that now from me , thou must nedes part away Yet whyell thou art in preasent place , receaue of me this kys , Kys him . Farwell good knight for now I shal , thy swete imbrasings mys Horestes . The sacred godes presarue and saue , thy state oh king I pray , And send the helth and after death , to rayne with him for aye . Come on my men , let vs depart , Sodyers March about and go out . As please your grace with all our hart . Idumeus . Ah , ah , how , greuous is his parting now , my councell vnto me The Godes him bles & send him helth , I pray them hartele . Wo worth the time the day and our , now may Horestes wayle And Clytemnestra may lament , that so she dyd assayle . His father deare for now on bloud , Horestes mind is set , And to reuenge his fathers death , sure nought their is can let . In voyding of a mischefe smal , they haue wrought their decay For now nought elles in Horestes , but sore reueng bears sway Councell . For to causes my soferayne lord , reuengment ought to be , The on least others be infecte , with that , that they shall se . Their princes do , the other is , that those that now be yll . May be reuoked and may be taught , for to subdew their wyll , Plato a wyse phylosopher , dyd thinke it for to be , A Prynceley facte when as a King , shall punnishe seriousley . Such persons as dyd trayne their lyfe , to follow that was naught that which their prince at ani time , shal by mischaunce haue wroght Protegeus an euell kinge , a carrayne lykenes to , Which all the place about the same , to stinke causeth to do . Therefore O king if that her faute , should vnreuengyd be , A thousand euylles would insu , their of your grace should se . Her faute is great and punnyshment , it is worthy for to haue , For by that meane the good in south , from duūgers may be saufe For lo the vnyuersaull scoll , of all the world we knowe , Is once the pallace of a kinge , where vyces chefe do flow . And as to waters from on head , and fountayne oft do spring , So vyce and vertue oft do flo , from pallace of a kinge . Whereby the people seing that , the kinge adycte to be , To prosecute the lyke , they all do labor as we se . Therfore the gods haue wylled thus , Horestes for to take , His iorney and a recompence , for fatheres death to make . Idumeus . Sith gods haue wild the same to be , good lucke the gods him send Com on my councell now from hence , we purpose for to wend Go out . Enter Egistus & Clytemnestra , singinge this songe , to the tune of king Salomon . Egistus . ANd was it not a worthy sight , Of Venus childe kinge Priames sonne : To steale from Grece a Ladye bryght , For whom the wares of Troye begon . Naught fearinge daunger that might faull . Lady ladie . From Grece to Troye , he went with all , My deare Lady . Clytemnestra . When Paris firste ariued there , Where as dame Venus worshyp is : And bloustringe fame abroade dyd beare , His lyueley fame she dyd not mys . To Helena for to repayre , Her for to tell : Of prayse and shape so trym and fayre , That dyd exzell . Egistus . Her beautie caused Paris payne , And bare chiefe sweye with in his mynde : No thinge was abell to restraine , His wyl some waye fourth for to finde . Where by he might haue his despyare , Lady ladye : So great in him was Cupids fyare , My deare ladye . Clytemnestra . And eke as Paris dyd desyear , Fayre Helena for to possesse : Her hart inflamid with lyke fyear , Of Paris loue despiard no lesse , And found occasion him to mete , In Cytheron . Where each of them the other dyd grete , The feast vppon . Egistus . Yf that in Paris Cupides shafte , O Clytemnestra toke such place : That tyme ne waye he neuer left , Tyll he had gotte her comley grace , I thinke my chaunce not ill to be Ladye ladye . That ventryd lyfe to purchase ye , My dere ladye . Clytemnestra . Kynge Priames . sonne loued not so sore , The gretian dame they brothers wyfe : But she his person estemed more , Not for his sake sauinge her lyfe . Which caused her people to be slayne , With him to flye , And he requight her loue a gayne , Most faythfullye . Egystus . And as he recompence agayne , The fayre quene Hellyn for the same : So whyle I lyue I wyll take payne , My wyll alwayes to yours to frame . Syth that you haue voutsafe to be , Ladye ladye . A Queene and ladye vnto me , My deare ladye . Clytemnestra . And as she louyd him best whyle lyfe , Dyd last so tend I you to do : Yf that deuoyd of warr and stryfe , The Godes shall please to graunt vs to , Syeth you voutsafest me for to take , O my good knyght : And me thy ladye for to make , My hartes delyghte . Egistus . As ioyfull as the warlyke god is Venus to behoulde , So is my hart repleate with ioye , much more a thousand fould Oh Lady deare in that I do , posses my hartes delyghte , Let the trumpet blowe with in . What menes this sound for very much , it doth my hart a flight Clytemnestra . Feare nought at all Egistus myne , no hourt it doth pretend , But lo me thinkes a messenger , to vs heather doth wend . enter . Messenger . The Gods presarue your eaquall state & send you of their blys Clytemnestra . Welcom good messenger what newese , I pray the with the is Messenger . Y ft please your grace euen now their is , aryued in this land The mightey knight Horestes with , a mightey pewsaunt band Who purposith for to inuade , this Mycoene Citie stronge , And as he goese he leyse both tower , and castell all alonge . It boutes no man defence to make , for yf he wyll not yeld , By sodyeres rage he straight is slayne , in mydest of the felde . Go out . Clytemnestra . Ah syr is he come in dede , he is wellcom by this daye , Egistus now in south with spede , from hence take you your way . In to our realme and take vp men , our tyghtull to defend , Tyll your retourne this Citie I , to kepe do sure intend . For all his strength he shall not get , to entter once hear in , The walles be strong and for his forse , I sure set not a pyn . Enter a-woman , lyke a beger rounning before they sodier but let the sodier speke first , but let the woman crye first pitifulley . Egistus . Syth you be abell to defend , this Citie as you saye , Farwell in south to get men , I now wyll take my waye . And sone againe I wyll returne , his pamprid pryd to tame , Clytemnestra . Farwell Egistus and in south , I strayght will do the same . Sodyer . Yeld the I saye and that by and by , Or with this sword , in fayth thou shalt dye . Woman . Oh with a good wyll , I yeld me to the , Good master sodier , haue mercye on me . My husband thou hast slayne , in most cruell-wyse , Yet this my prayer , do now not dyspyse . Sodier . Go afore her , & let her fal downe vpon the & al to be beate him . Come on then in hast , my prysoner thou art , Come followe me I saye , we must nedes depart . Woman . A horson slaue I wyll teach the in faye , To handle a woman on , an other waye . To put me in feare , without my dezarte I wyll teache the in faye to playe such a parte . Sodyer . Be contentyd good woman , and thou shalt be , Neauer heare after molysted for me . Woman . Naye vyllyn slaue , a mendes thou shalt make , In that thou before me as prysinor dydest take . Nowe I haue cought the , and my prysoner thou art , By his oundes horson slaue , this gose to they harte . Sodyer . Naye saue my lyfe , for I wyll be , Thy prysoner and lo I yelde me to the take his weapons & let him ryse vp & then go out both . Enter . the Vyce synginge this song to the tune of the Paynter . Woman . Come wend thou with me , and they wepon thou shalt haue , Syth that thou voutsafyste , my lyfe for to saue . Vyce . STand backe ye slepinge iackes at home , And let me go . You lye syr knaue am I a mome , Why saye you so . Tout tout , you dare not come in felde , For feare you shoulde the goste vp yelde . With blose , he gose , the gunne shot flye , It feares , it seares , and their doth lye . A houndreth in a moment be , Disstroyed quight : Syr sause in fayth yf you shoulde se , The gonne shot lyght . To quake for feare you would not stynte , When as by forse of gounshotes dynte : The rankes in raye , are tooke awaye , As pleaseth fortune oft to playe . But in this stower who beares the fame , But onley I : Reuenge , Reuenge , wyll haue the name , Or he wyll dye . I spare no wight , I feare none yll , But with this blade I wyll them kyll For when myne eayre , is set on fyare , I rap them , I snap them , that is my desyare . Farwell a dew to wares I muste In all the hast . My cosen cut pursse wyll I truste , Your pursse well tast , But to it man , and feare for nought , Me saye to the it is well fraught . Wyth ruddockes red be at a becke , Beware the arse , breake not thy necke , Go out . Horestes entrith with his bande & marcheth about the stage . Horestes . Come on my sodyers for at home , aryued their we be , Where as we must haue our desyare , or els dye manfulley . The walles be hye yet I intend , vppon them first to go , And as I hope you sodierrs will , your captayne eke follow Yf I forsake to go before then fley you eke be hynde , And as I am so eke I trust , my sodyers for to finde . Com hether harauld go proclame this mine intent straightway To yonder citite say that I , am come to their decaye . Vnlesse they yeld I will destroye , both man woman & childe , And eke their towers that for the war , so strongly they do bylde Byd them in hast to yeld to me , for nough I do a . But for their aunswear or elles fourth with for them & theres prouid Let the trumpet go towarde the Citie and blowe . Harraulde . Your gratious minde straight shal be don , cum trompet let vs go That I haue don your message wel , your grace ful wel shal kno Horestes . Hye the apase and let me haue , agayne an aunsweare sone , And then a non thou shalt well se , what quickely shal be done . Let the trumpet leaue soundyng & let Harrauld speake & Clitemnestra speake ouer the wal . Harraulld . How whow is their that kepes the gate giue eare my words vnto Clytemnestra , what wouldst thou haue harald declare , what hast thou her to do Harauld . My master bydes the yeld to him , this citie out of hande , Or elles he will not leaue on stone , on other for to stand . And all things elles within this towne he wil haue at his wil As pleaseth him by any meanes , to saue or elles to spyll , What you will now , therfore declare , & aunswere to him send Clytemnestra . This Citie here against him , and his I wyll defende , Harrauld . Then in his name I do defye , both the and all with in , Clytemnestra . By him and his tell him in south , we do not set a pyn . Harrauld . Yf it please your grace this word she sends , she wil not yeld to ye But yf you com vnto your harme , she sayes that it shal be . Let the haraulde go out here . Horestes . Sith that my grace and eke good wil , they on such sort dispise , For to destroye both man and chyld , I surely do deuyse , Com on my men , bend now your forse , this Citie for to wyn , Saue no mans lyfe , that once should make , rysistaunce there within , And when you shall posses the towne , & haue all things at wil , Loke out my mother but to her , do ye no kynde of yll . Let her not die , though that she would , desiar the death to haue For other wyse my fathers death , reuengment doth craue . Sodyer . We shall your hestes obaye with spede , oh captayne we desiar , That we were therefor to reuenge , our hartes are set on fyar . Vyce . Lyke men by God , I sweare well sayd , Horestes let vs gow , Nowe to thy men lyke manley hart , I praye the for to showe . And as thou seiste be firste the man , that shall the Citie wyn , How , how , now for to flye , all ready they begynne . Go & make your liuely battel & let it be longe eare you can win the Citie and when you haue won it let Horestes bringe out his mother by the arme & let the droum sease playing & the trumpet , also when she is taken let her knele downe and speake . Horestes . With lyuely hartes my troumpeters , exault your tubal sound . And now my sodyers in your harts , let courrage eke be found . Com let vs go the godes for vs , shall make an easey waye , Spare none alyue for I am bent , to seke their great decaye . Clytemnestra . A lack what heaps of myschefes great , me selly wight torment . Now is the tyme falune me vpon , which I thought to preuent Yet best I seke my lyfe to saue , perhappes he will me here , A lacke reuengment he dothe craue , for slaying his father dere . Yf aney sparke of mothers bloud , remaynd within thy breste , Oh gratious child let now thine eares , vnto my words be prest Pardon I craue Horestes myne , saue now my corpes from death Let no man saye that thou wast cause , I yeldyd vp my breath , I haue offendyd I do confesse , yet saue my lyfe I praye , And to they mother this request , o knight do not denaye . Horestes . For to repent this facte of thyne , now that it is to late , Can not be thought a recompence , for kylling of thy mate . Go haue her hence therfore with spede , & se her sureley kepte , And for the fact afore thou dydest , thou surley shouldst haue wept go out with on of the sodiares . Vyce . Nay , far you wel , in fayth you haue an aunswer , get you hence . Oundes of me I would not be , in her cote for forty pence . Nay nay , a way far well a dew , now now , it is to late . When stede is stollen for you in south , to shut the stable gate . She should haue wept when first she went , the king about to slay , Let Horestes syth hard . It makes no matter she foull well , dyd brede her owne decaye Ounds of me what meane you man , begyn you now to faynt Iesu god how styll he syttes , I thinke he be a saynt . Ooooo , you care not for me , nay sone I haue don I warrant ye wepe but let Horestes ryse & bid him pease . Horestes . By all the godes my hart dyd fayle , my mother for to se , From hye estate for to be brought , to so great myserey . That all most I had graunted lyfe , to her had not this be , My fathers death whose death in south , chefe causer of was she . Vyce . Euen as you saye but harke at hand , Egistus draweth nye . Who purposieth the chaunce of war , Horestes for to trye . Let Egistus enter & set hys men in a raye & let the drom playe tyll Horestes speaketh Horestes . And by the godes I purpose eke , my honour to defend , Com on my men kepe your araye , for now we do pretend . Eather to be the conqerer , or elles to dye in felde , Lyft vp your hartes and let vs se , how ye your blose can yeld . Egistus . Lyke manley men adresse your selues , to get immortall fame , Yf ye do flye lo what doth rest , behynde but foull defame . Strike vp your drūs let trumpets sound , your baners eke display , And I my selfe as captayne , to you wyll lead the waye . Horestes . Thou traytor to my father dere , what makest the here in feld , Repent the of thy wyckednes , and to me strayght do yeld . Egistus . Thou pryncoks boy & bastard slaue , thinks thou me to subdew ? It lyeth not with in thy powre , thou boye I tell the trew . But yf I take thy corpes , it shal be a fode the byrdes to fede . Stryke vp your droums & forward now , to wars let vs prosede . stryke vp your drum , & fyght a good whil & then let sum of Egistus men flye & then take hym & let Horestes drau him vyolentlye & let the drūs sease . Horestes . Oh vyllayne trayghtor now the gods , ne mortall man shall saue Thy corps from death for blud for blud my fathers deth doth craue Oh tyraunt fyrse couldest thou voutsafe , my father so to slaye ? But now no forse for thou hast wrought , at last thine one decay Egistus . A lacke a lacke yet spare my lyfe , Horestes I the praye . Horestes . Thy lyfe ? naye trayghtor vyle , that chefe I do denaye . For as thou hast deseruyd , so I shall thy facte requit . That once couldst seme to me & mine , for to work such dispight Therfore com forth and for thy facte , receaue dew punnishment Repent I say this former lyfe , for this is my iudgment . That for my fathers death , the which we finde the chefe to be , The causer of thou shalt be hanged , where we thy death may se And as thou for my fathers death , dew punnishment receiue , So shall my mother in lykewise , for that she gaue the leaue . Him for to slaye , and eke to it , with good will condysende , Therfore com of and sone dyspatch , that we had made an end . Egistus . Ah heauey fate & chaunce most yll , wo worth this hap of mine , For giue my faute you sacryd godes , and to my wordes incline Your gracious eare for causer furst , I was this is most plaine , Of Agamemnous death , wherefore I must receaue this paine . Pardon I craue , voutsafe ye godes , the same to graunt it me , Now sodier worke thy wyll in hast , I praye the harteley . fling him of the lader & then let on bringe in his mother Clytemnestra but let her loke wher Egistus hangeth . Clytemnestra . Ah heauey fate would god I had , in tormoyle great byn slayne Syth nothing can Horestes hands , from sheding bloud restraine Vyce . How chaunce you dyd not then lament his father when you slew ? But now when death doth you preuent , to late it es for to rew . Clytemnestra . Yet hope I that he will me graunt , my lyfe that I should haue . Vyce . Euen as much as thou voutsafest , his fathers lyfe to saue , Therfore com of we must not stey , all daye to wayght on the . Lo myghtye prince for whom ye sent , lo preasent here is she . Clytemnestra . Haue mercy sonne & quight remitte , this faute of mine I pray , Be mercyfull Horestes myne , and do not me denaye . Consider that in me thou hadest , they hewmayne shape composid That thou shouldst slay thy mother son , let it not be disclosyd , Spare to perse her harte with sword , call eke vnto thy mynd , Edyppus fate and as Nero , showe not thy selfe vnkynde . Take downe Egistus and bear him out . Horestes . Lyke as a braunche once set a fyare , doth cause the trée to bourne As Socrates supposeth so , a wicked wight doth tourne . Those that be good and cause them eke , his euell to sequest , Wherefore the poete Iuuenal , doth thinke it for the beste : That those that lyue lycentiousley , should brydlyd be with payne And so others that elles would syn , therby they might restrain For thus he sayeth that Cities are , well gouerned in dede , Where punnishment for wycked ones , by lawe is so decrede . And not decrede but exersyesd , in punnyshinge of those , Which law ne pain from waloing still , in vice their mind dispose , And as thou hast byn chiefes cause , of yelding vp they breath , So call to minde thou wast the cause , of Agamemnons death . For which as death is recompence , of death so eke with the , For kyllinge of my father thou , now kylled eke shault be . This thinge to se accomplyshyd , reuenge with the shall go , Now haue her hence sieth that you all , my iudgment here do kno Clytemnestra . A lacke a lack with drawe thy hand , my son from sheding bloud . Vyce . Thou art a foule thus for to prate , this doth Horestes good , Com on a way thou doust no more , but him with words molest A foulyshe foull that thou wart ded , he takes it for the best ? Clytemnestra . Knele downe . Yf euer aney pytie was , of mother plante in the , Let it apeare Horestes myne , and showe it vnto me . Horestes . What pyttie thou on father myne , dydest cursedley bestowe , The same to the at this present , I purpose for to showe . Therfore Reuenge haue her a way , and as I iudgment gaue : So se that she in order lyke , her punishment dew haue . Let Clytemnestra wepe and go out reueng also Vyce . Let me alone , com on a way , that thou weart out of sight , A pestelaunce on the crabyd queane , I thinke thou do delyght , Him to molest , com of in hast , and troubell me no more , Come on com on , it es all in vaine , and get you on afore , Horestes . Now syeth we haue the conquest got , of all our mortall fose , Let vs prouide that occasion , we do not chaunce to lose . Stryke vp your droumes for enter now , we wyll the citie gate For nowe resestaunce none there is , to let vs in thereat . Enter in fame & let all the sodyers folow him in araye . Fame . As eache man bendes him selfe , so I report his fame in dede , Yf yll , then yll , through iarne trump , his fame doth straigh prosede : Yf good , then good , through golden trump , I blo his lyuely fame : through heauens , throgh earth , & surging sease I bere abrod the same perhaps what wind me heather driues , within your mid̄s you muse From Crete I com to you my frends , I bring this kind of newse That Agamemnons brother is ariuyd in this land , And eke with him his ladey fayre , Quene Helen vnderstand . Whom for to se a great frequent , of people their aryue , This newse to shew at this present , me heather now dyd driue . enter the Vyce singing this songe . Vyce . A Newe master , a newe , No lenger I maye : Abyde by this daye Horestes now doth rew . A new master a new , And was it not yll ? His mother to kyll ? I pray you how saye you ? A new master a new , Nowe it es to late ? To shut the gate ? Horestes gines to rew . Fame . Deniquod non paruas animo dati gloria vires : Et foecunda facit pectora laudis amor . As Ouid sayeth I am in dede , the spure to each estate , For by my troumpe I often cause the wicked man to hate , Is fylthey lyfe , and eke I stoure , the good more good to be : So much the hart and will of man , is lynked vnto me . Vyce . A new master a new , naye I wyll go , Tout , tout , Horestes is become a newe man : Now he sorroweth to bad that it is so , Yet I wyll oresse him , by his oundes and I can . Who Saintie amen . God morrowe mystres Nan , By his oundes I am glad to se the so trycke , Nay may I be so bould , at your lyppes to haue a lycke . Iesus how coye , do you make the same , You neauer knew me afore I dare saye : In fayth , in fayth , I was to blame , That I made no courchey to you by the waye . Who berladye Nan , thou art trym and gaye , Woundes of me , she hath winges also , Who whother with a myschefe , doust thou thinke for to go ? To heauen ? or to hell ? to pourgatorye ? or spayne ? To Venys ? to pourtugaull ? or to the eylles Canarey ? Nay stay a whyle for a myle or twayne . I wyll go with the , I sweare by saynt marey , Wylt thou haue a bote Nan , ouer seay the to carey . For yf it chaunce for to rayne , as the weathers not harde , It may chaunce this trym geare of thine , to be marde , Fame . Omnia si perdis , famam seruare memento , Qua semel amissa , postia nullus eris . Aboue eache thinge kepe well thy fame , what euer that thou lose For fame once gone they memory , with fame a way it gose . And it once lost thou shalt in south , accomptyd lyke to be , A drope of rayne that faulyth in , the bosom of the sée , Me fame therfore as Ouid thinkes , no man hath powre to hold , To those with whom I please to dwell , I am more rich than gold What causid som for countris soyle , them selues to perrell cast But that the knew that after death , the fame of thers shall last . Not on , but all , do me desiare , both good and bad lykewyse , As maye apeare yf we perpend , of Nerose enterpryse . Which first did cause his masters death , & eke wheras he laye In mothers wound to se in south , his mother dyd straight slay . With this Horestes eke takes place , whose father being slayn , throgh mothers gile from mothers blod , his hands could not refraīe But lyke as he reuengyd the death , of father in his eyare , So fathers brother in lyke sort , Reuenge hath set on fyare . For he is gon for to request , the ayde of prynces great , So sore his hart is set on fyare , throught raging rigorus heat . What to detarmayne all the kynges , of Grece aryued be , At Nestores towne that Athens highte , their iudgment to decre Vyce . Oundes harte and nayles , naye now I am drest , Is the kinge Menalaus at Athenes aryued ? And I am be hind ? to be packinges the best , Least the matter in south , to sone be contryued . Auxilla humilia firma , consensus facit , this allwayes prouided That consent maketh suckers most sure for to be , Well I wyll be their strayght , wayse you shall se . Go out . Fame . As Publius doth well declare , we ought chefest to se , Vnto our selues that nought be don , after extremite . Abalio expectes , alteri quod feceris . For loke what mesure thou dost meate , the same againe shal be , At other tyme at others hand , repayde againe to the . Therefore I wyshe eache wight to do , to others as he would , That they in lyke occasion , vnto him offer would . Wel forth I must som newse to here , for fame no where can stay But what she hears throughout the world abrod she doth display Go out . Prouicion . Make roume and gyue place , stand backe there afore , For all my speakinge , you presse styll the more . Gyue rome I saye quickeley , and make no dalyaunce , It is not now tyme , to make aney taryaunce : The kinges here do com , therefore giue way , Or elles by the godes , I wyll make you I saye . Lo where my Lord Kynge Nestor doth com , And Horestes with him Agamemnons sonne : Menelaus a kyng lykewyse , of great fame , Make rome I saye , before their with shame . Nestor . Nowe syeth we be here Kynge Menalaij Vnto vs we praye you , your matter to saye . For these prynces here , after they haue perpendyd , If ought be amys , it shall be amendyd , But syrra prouision , go in haste and fet , Good kynge Idumeus , tell him we are set . Go out . Prouision . Pause a while till he be gon out & then speak tretably . As your gracis haue wylled , so tend I to do , I wyll fetche him strayght , and bringe him you to . Horestes . If ought be amys , the same sone shall be , If I haue commytted amendyd of me : But so Idumeus the good kyng of Crete , Is come to this place , vs for to mete . Enter Idumius & prouision comming with his cap in his hand afore him & making waye . Idumeus . The Gods presarue your gracis all , & send you health for aye . Nestor . Well com sier kinge the same to ye , contynewalley we pray . Menalaus . Two things ther is o kings , that moues me thus your ayds to pray : And these be it the which to you , I purpose for to saye . The one is this where with I fynde , my selfe agreuid to be , That on such sort my systers slayne , as all your gracis se . The other is that so her sonne , without all kind of right , Should to his mother in such case , ( I say ) worke such dispight . These two be they , wherfore I craue , your ayds to ioyn with me : To the intent of such great ylles , reuengyd I may be . That thus he dyd be hould the state , of all my brothers land , And se I pray you in what place , the same doth present stand . His crueltie is such in south , as nether tower ne towne , That letted once his passage , but is brought vnto the ground . The fatherles he pyttyed not , where as he euer went , the agyd wight whose yeres before , their youthly poure had spent The mayd whose parentes at the sege , defending of their right Was slaine , the same this tyrant hath opressyd through his might The wido that through forrayne wars , was left now comfortles , He spared not , but them & theres , he cruelly dyd dystres . Wherfore sith that he thus hath wrought , as far as I can sée , From Mycoene land we should prouid , him exylyd to be . Horestes , Syth that you haue accusyd me , I must my aunswere make , And here before these kings of Grece , this for my aunswer take O ounckel that I neuer went , reuengment for to do , On fathers fose tyll by the godes , I was comaund there to . Whose heastes no man dare once refuse , but wyllingly obaye That I haue slayne her wylfully , vntruely you do saye . I dyd but that I could not chuse , it es hard for me to kycke , Syth gods commaund as on would say , in fayth against the prick In that you say , I sparyd none , your grace full well may se , That lyttell mercy they supposyd , in south to show to me . When as they bad me do my worst , requesting them to yeld , It is no iest when sodyares ioyne , to fight within a felde . Thus I suppose sufficiently , I aunswerd haue to end , Your great complaynt , the which you so , mightely did defend . Idumeus . In dede as Hermes doth declare , no man can once estew , The iudgment of god most iust , that for his fautes is dew . And as god is most mercyfull , so is he iust lyke wyse . And wyll correcte most suerley those , that his heastes dispysel Nestor . As you good Kyng Idumeus , haue sayd so lykewise I , Do thinke it trew therefore as nowe , I do him here defye . That one dare say that he hath wrought , the thing that is not right Lo here my gloue to him I giue , in pledge with him to fyght . I promys here to proue there by , Horestes nought dyd do , But that was iust & that the gods , commaundyd him there to , That he is kinge of Mycoene land , who euer do deney . I offer here my gloue with him , therfore to lyue and dye . Yf none there be wyll vnder take , his tyghfull to with saye . Let vs be frendes vnto him nowe , my Lordes I do ye praye . It was the parte of such a knyght , reuengyd for to be , Should Horestes content him selfe , his father slayne to se . No , no , a ryghtuous facte I thinke , the same to be in dede , Syeth that it was accomplysht so , as godes before decrede . Menelaus . In dede I must confesse that I , reuengyd should haue be , If that my father had byn slayne , with such great cruelte . But yet I would for natures sake , haue spard my mothers lyfe O wretched man , o cruell beast , o mortall blade and knyfe . Idumeus . Sease of syr kyng leaue morning lo , nought can it you auaylle Not with standing be rulyd now , we pray by our counsaylle . Consider first your one estate , consider what maye be , A ioyefull mene to end at leyngth , this your calamytie . Horestes he is younge of yeares , and you are somwhat olde , And sorrowe may your grace to sone , within her net in folde , Therefore it es best you do forget , so shall you be at ease , And I am sure Horestes wyll , indeuor you to please , So far as it for him may be , with honor lefe to do , He wyll not shrynke but wyll consent , your gracis bydding to For assuraunce of your good wyll , Horestes here doth craue , your daughter fayre Hermione , in maryage for to haue . Thereby for to contynew styll , true loue and amytie , That ought in sought betwixte to such , indefferent for to be . Menalaus . As for my frendshyp he shall haue , the godes his helper be But for my daughters maryage , I can not graunt to be . She is but yong and much vnfet , such holy ryghtes to take , Therefore syr kyngs at this present , no aunswere I can make . Nestor . She is a dame of comley grace , therefore kyng Menalaye , Graunt this to vs this stryfe to end , o kyng we do the praye . For eache of them agrede be the other for to haue , Good syr graunt this that at thy handes , so iustley we do craue Menalaus . O Nobell king what that it were , I could not you denaye , I must nedes graunt when nought I haue , against you to repley Horestes here before these kinges , my sonne I the do make , Horestes . And the o kynge whyle lyfe doth last , for father I do take . Nestor . Ryght ioyfull is this thinge to vs , and happey for your state , Therfore with spede let vs go hence , the maryage to seleybrate And all the godes I praye presarue , & kepe you both from wo , Com on syr king , shall we from hence , vnto our pallace go . Menalaus . As if shall please your grace in dede , so we consent to do , Idumeus . And we lykewyse oh gratious Prynce , do condisend there to . go out all Vyce entrith with a staffe & a bottell or dyshe and wallet . Reuenge . I woulde I were ded , and layde in my graue , Oundes of me , I am trymley promouted : Ah , ah , oh , well now for my labor , these trynketes I haue ? Whyse you not I praye you , how I am flouted . A bagge and a bottell , thus am I louted ? Eache knaue now a dayes , would make me his man , But I hyll master them , I be his oundes and I can . A begginge , a begging , nay now I must go , Horestes is maryed , god send him much care : And I Reuenge , am dryuen him fro . And then it es no maruayll , though I be thus bare . But peace , who better then beggars doth fare . For all they be beggares , and haue no great port , Who is meryer , then the pooryste sort . What shall I begge ? nay thates to bad , Is their neare a man , that a saruaunt doth lacke : Of myne honestye gentle woman , I would be glad ? You to sarue but for clothes , to put on my backe . A waye with these rages , from me the shall packe . Put of the beggares cote & all thy thynges . What thinke you scorne , me your seruaunt to make , A nother wyll haue me , yf you me forsake . Parhappes you all meruayll , of this sodayne mutation , How sene I was downe , from so hye a degre : To satisfye your myndes , I wyl yuse a perswation . This one thinge you knowe , that on caulyd amyte , Is vnto me reuenge most contrarey . And we twayne to geather , could not abyde , Whych causyd me so sone , from hye state to slyde . Horestes and his ounckell , Kynge Menalaus , Is made such sure frendes , without paraduenture , Through the pollycye , of olde Idumeus ? That as , far as I can se , it is to hard to enter , Ye and thates worsse , when I sought to venture . I was dryuen without comfort , awaye from their gate , I was glad to be packinge , for feare of my pate . Yet befor I went , my fancey to please , The maryage selebratyd , at the church I dyd se , Wyllinge I was , them all to dysease : But I durst not be so bold , for master Amyte . Sot by Menalaus , and bore him companye , On the other syde Dewtey with Horestes boure swaye . So that I could not enter , by no kynde of waye ? Well syeth from them both , I am bannyshyd so , I wyll seke a new master , yf I can him finde : Yet I am in good comfort , for this well I knowe , That the most parte of wemen , to me be full kynde , Yf they saye near a worde , yet I knowe their mynde . Yf they haue not all thinges , when they do desiare , They wyll be reuengyd , or elles lye in the myare . Nay I knowe their quallytes , the lesse is my care , As well as they do knowe , Reuengys operation , Ye faull to it good wyues , and do them not spare . Nay I lle helpe you forward , yf you lacke but perswacion . What man a moste is frée , from inuasion . For as playnely Socrates declareth vnto vs , Wemen for the most part , are borne malitious . Perhappes you wyll saye , maney on that I lye , And other sume I am sure , also wyll take my parte : Not withstandinge what I haue sayde , they wyll veryfye , ye and do it I wys , in spyght of thy hart . Yf therefore thou wyll lyue quyetlye , after their desart ? Reward then so shault , thou brydell their affection , And vnto they wyll , shall haue them in subiection . In Athenes dwellyd Socrates , the phyllosopher dyuine , Who had a wyfe namyd Exantyp , both deuelyshe and yll : Which twayne beenge faulne out , vppon a tyme , Perhappe cause Exantyp , could not haue her wyll . He went out of dores , syttinge there styll . She cround him with a pyspot , and their he Was wet to the skynne , moste pytifull to se . I praye god that such dames , be not in this place , For then I might chaunce neare a mistres to get , Nay yf ye anger them , they wyll laye you on the face , Or elles their nayles in your chekes , they wyll set , Nay lyke a rasor , fome of their nayles are whet . That not for to pare , but to cut to the bone , I count him most happiest , that medelles with none . Well far you well , for I must be packinge , Remembar my wordes , and beare it in mynde ? What suffer the myll , a whyle to be clackinge , Yf that you intend , aney ease for to fynde . Then wyll they be to you , both louinge and kinde . Farwell cosen cutpursse , and be ruled by me , Or elles you may chaunce , to end on a tre . Go out . Enter Horestes & Hermione Nobilytye and Cominyalte truth & Dewty Horestes . Syth that the gods haue geuen vs grace , this realme for to posses Which florysheth aboundauntlye , with gold & great riches . Let vs now se how much the wilds , & minde of all this land , Is vnto vs and of their state , lykewyse to vnderstand . Hermione . I deme of them Horestes myne , that they contentyd be , With humbell hart for to submyte , o kyng them selues to ye , Wherefore my loue inquiare , their state this preasente tyme , And of their hartes good wyll to vs , o king let them deuyne . Horestes . As I do loue the laydye bright , so eke I thynke in dede , That loue for loue as equallye , shal be reward of mede . Hermione . The godes neuer prolonge my lyfe , that day I shall a peare , Let Dewty and Truth take the crowne in their right hands . To breake my fayth to the now plyght , my louing lord so dere . Horestes . Com on my Lordes & commons eke , let me now vnderstand , Of all your mindes for I desiare , to know what case this land Doth now consyst vouchsafe the same , therfore to shew to me , And yf that ought be now amyse , amendyd it shal be . Nobelles . Most regall Prynce we now are voyd , of mortall wars vexation And through your grace we ar ioyned , in loue with euery nation . So that your nobelles may now lyue , in pleasaunt state sartaine , Deuoyd of wars & ciuill stryfes , whyle that your grace doth raine The which you may I pray the god , with happy days and blys And after death to send you there , where ioyse shall neuer mys . Let truth & Dewty Crowne Horestes . As syne of our obedyence , lo Dewty doth the Crownd , And Truth also which doth me bynd , they subiecte to be found . Horestes . My Nobels all I gyue you thankes , for this now showed to me And as you haue so eke wyll I , the lyke show vnto ye . My commons how gose it with you , your state now let me know , Commons . Where as such on as you do raine , there nedes must riches gro We are o king easyd of the yoke , which we haue so desiard . The state of this our common welth , nede not to be inquiard . Peace , welth , ioye , and felycitie , o kinge it is we haue , And what thing is their that which , subiects ought more to craue Horestes . Syeth all thinges is in so good state , my commons as you saye That it may so contynew styll , the sacred godes I praye . And as to me your trusteynes , shall anye wayes be found , So styll to mayntayne your estate , I sureley shal be bound . And for your faythfull harts , the which you graunted haue to me Both you my lordes , and commons eke , I thanke you hartele . Therfore sith time wil haue an end , & now my mind you know Let vs giue place to tyme , and to our pallase let vs go . Nobelles . We both wil waight vpon your grace , y ft please you to depart Commons . Eeuen when you please to waigh you on I shall with all my hart go out all & let truth & Dewtye speake . Truth . A kyngdome kept in Amyte , and voyde of dissention , Ne deuydyd in him selfe , by aney kynde of waye , Neather prouoked by wordes , of reprehention , Must nedes long contynew , as Truth doth saye . For desention and stryfe , is the path to decaye . And continuinge therein , must of nesecttie , Be quight ruinate , and brought vnto myserye . Dewtey . Where I Dewtey am neclected , of aney estate . Their stryfe and dyssention , my place do supplye : Cankred mallyse pryde , and debate , Therefore to rest , all meanes do trye . Then ruin comes after , of their state whereby , They are vtterly extynguyshed , leuinge nought behynde , Whereof so much as their , name we maye fynde . Truth . He that leadeth his lyfe , as his phansey doth lyke , Though for a whyle , the same he may hyde : Yée Truth , the daughter of Tyme , wyll it seke , And so in a tyme , it wyll be discryde . Yet in such tyme as it can not , be denyed ? But receaue dew punnishment , as god shall se , For the faute commytted , most conuenient to be . As this storye here hath , made open vnto ye , Which yf it haue byn marked , much prophet may aryse ? For as Truth sayth , nothinges wryten be , But for our learninge , in anye kynde of wyse . By which we may learne , the yll to dispyse , And the truth to imitate , thus Truth doth saye : The which for to do , I besech God we maye . Dewtey . For your gentle pacience , we geue you thankes hartely , And therefore our dewtey weyed , let vs all praye , For Elyzabeth our Quene , whose gratious maiestie : May rayne ouer vs , in helth for aye , Lyke wyse for her councell , that each of them maye . Haue the spyryte of grace , their doinges to dyrecte , In settinge vp vertue , and vyce to correcte . Truth . For all the Nobylytie , and spiritualtie , let vs praye , For Iudges , and head officers , what euer they be : According to oure boundaunt dewties , espetially I saye , For my Lord Mayre , lyfetennaunt of this noble Cytie . And for all his brytherne , with the cominualtie . That eache of them , doinge their dewties a ryght , May after death posses heauen , to their hartes delyght . Finis . quod . I. P.