The Pedlar's Prophecy

The Pedlers Prophecie .

The Prologue . FOr as much as we must talke of Prophecie , We intend with pardon and supportation , As learned men doth well define and testifie , Thereof to make a true and pure declaration : To prophecie of things is a diuine inspiration , Telling things to come with vnmoueable veritie : A gift onely proceeding from Gods high maiestie . A diuine inspiration he calleth prophecie , That which doth all other Prophecies exclude : Which are no prophecies , but things of mens fantacies , Inuented to deceiue the ignorant and rude : But Sathan is readie vnbeleeuers to delude , Though his members who are proued to be lyers , Yet they shame not to call themselues true propheciers . The falshood and vanities of these prestigiators , Saint Augustine in nine or ten bookes de ciuitate dei , Confuteth and proueth them no true Relators ; But blasphemers and verie Athaists , And therefore by the iudgement of God murthers : Not worthie to liue , by the sentence of Gods mouth , For into Lies and Fables they haue turned the truth . Saint Hierom vpon Micha do testifie , That the terme or vocable diuination , Which the diuels mancyples calleth prophecie , Is often taken in an euill consideration , As in the same place he maketh a plaine relation : That the true Prophets , in scripture Prophets are named , Diuinators , are reproued , condemned , and blamed . To that pernicious science Diuination , Are added a number of dyabiluall vanities , Whereof I am not able to make recitation , Neither do I esteeme such wicked faculties , I wish them extinct in all communalties , For where they were they were permitted : There was the prince & the people sore punished And although I shall not rehearse them in order , The first of all , he nameth Negromansie , Phytonia some say , is of as high degree , Peromansie , Heromansie , Hydromansie , Geomansie , Phystonomy , Metapostopy , Spatulmansie , Gheromansie , Then haue you Homen , Agurium , Postyguum , Aspicium , Magyam , Venesissimum , Sortilogullum , There be a great many moe then I can recite , Whereof euerie one hath his right : That is to say , euery one hath his diuilish superstition , Contrary to Gods word , and Christs erudition , Confounded be those children of perdicion . Moses confounded them , so did Iobe and Esay , With all the Apostles , Prophets , and Doctors , vtterly . Of Gods Prophets , thus doth Lactantius write , They did not onely of things to come prophecie , But they spake of one truth in one sprite , Which was fulfilled in their times openly . These were sent of God by precept verelie , To be messengers of his diuine maiestie , And to be correctors of mens iniquitie . To deride these , our Author hath a Plaie compiled , Which he calleth the Pedlers Prophecie . Out of the which , all such lewdnesse shall be exiled , And other things spoken of very merely : We shall vse the maner of a comely Comedie . The propertie thereof , is honest mirth to make , The which to do at this time , I do vndertake . And whereas we shal speake of certaine trauellers , We desire all honest persons not to be offended , For we meane none but bankerouts and vsurers , Which to vndo , other hath intended : Their abuse I wish heartily to be amended . For the past shame bankrout , borroweth beyond his estate , Then he fleeth , keepeth his house , or taketh Ludgate . Vnlesse our Preface should too farre it selfe extend : And engender tediousnesse vnto our audience , With a fewe words more I will make an end : Beseeching you to heare the rest with patience . So doing , of our mirth you shall haue intelligence . I take my leaue of you , for yonder commeth the Pedler , Which will take vpon him to be a great medler . Pedler . O this packe , this packe , this heauy packe , It is so heauie , it hath almost broke my backe . Weary , nay I was neuer so weary , Since I passed Carowse Ferry : Time it is to set it downe , Would to God I were neare some good Towne : A peny for a pot of drinke , I shall die for thirst , truly I thinke . A great way haue I gone since I dranke , Fourteene myle beyond the Scottish banke . Fewe Pedlers take such paine : I am faine to buy all my ware in Spaine . And because I would haue all my ware good , Sometimes I passe vnto Iasons wood . Vnder the poole Antarticke there I was , Whereas I spake with the mightie Atlas . Of whom for mony I had a pasport , That through Celum Imperium , I might resort . From thence vnto Primum Mobily , There bought I a stone called Idake Toy , In the which there is a spirit inclosed , Whom truly when I am disposed , I can tell what is said or done ; From vnder the Constellation of the Moone : Vnto the centor of the earth indeed , Whither I purpose to go with all speed . To Celum aquinum , I came from thence , And there bestowed I the most of my pence : Yet to tell you the truth of the matter , I was almost perished with water ; Time it was to call for a boat , Three dayes in the water , I stood vp to the throat ; Yet as hard as the world went there , To fill vp my packe I bought more geare . There bought I a stone called Calbrates , Oh happie is he that hath such a stone : I tell you that thousands cannot get one . For this stone giueth wisedome , honor and grace , And defendeth from perils in euery place . If that with Dyostarydes you could speake , Your mind vnto him you might breake . Then came I to the firmament , And to passe thence I had commandement . Saturne was angry and verie fearse , The causes why , I will not now rehearse : Iupiter could not pacifie the cause , Then Mars eased them with stafford lawes . Soll engendred such a sort of flyes : So that they had almost bitten out mine eyes . Then passed I by Venus , Mercury , & the Moone , From whence I came since yesterday at noone : Yet as hard as the world was there , To fill vp my packe I bought more geare . A stone I bought which Tenya they call , This stone hath the best propertie of all : For it will make him to speake that is dumbe , And be able to tell of things to come . This stone I beare vnder my tongue alway , So that I can tell what they do or say . Well vp with my packe and get me hence , There is no remedie I must trudge for smal pence . Conyskins maydes , Conyskins mayde , Yonder commeth one , I am well apayde . Here the mayd enters . Mayd . Welcome Pedler , hast thou any fine needles here ? Or any stiffe pinnes sharpe at the poynt I pray you . Ped. I haue indeed , but they be some what deare : Such as will breake before they will bow , Not like vnto maydens the truth for to speake , Which before they will breake they will bend . Ma. Wisely spoken Iohn Hoddy-peake , Your thrift and your wit , at the good ale you do spend : If thou hast any , at once bring them forth : I may not stand pratling all day with thee . Ped. I tell you my needles and pinnes be more worth , Than you are worthie for your faire lookes to see : You will not buy , I know so much of your minde , Therefore at this time you shall not haue your lust : For if my needles or pinnes should take any winde , They would canker by and by , and take rust . Ma. Wilt thou haue me buy the pig in the poake ? I may see for loue , and buy for mony . Ped. Where fire is , a man may perceiue by the smoake , Thinke not but that I know a Cat from a Cony : I am acquainted well inough with hopes lay , Learned I haue to know chaffe from corne : Before ought you haue of me you shall pay , You shall not beguile , and then laugh me to scorne . Ma. By God , and I know chalke from cheese , I can discerne an honest man from a knaue , If naught I gaine by thee , naught , naught , will I leese . None of thy wares , none of my mony thou shalt haue . Better then any thou hast I can buy , But to perceiue what thou art I do begin : If thou hast either needles or pinnes there let me die , You compasse the country , some cheat by craft to win : I neuer knew honest man of this occupation , But either he was a dyser , a drunkard , or a maker of shift , A picker , a cutpurse , a raiser of simulation , Or such a one as runne away with another mans wife . Ped. Mayd I pray you , let me haue a word or two in your eare , By the same token there standeth a fat . Ma. God for his passion , when were you there ? I beshrew his heart , that told you that . I thought you had not bene a Pedler long : You were one of those that stood on the pillerie , That you were not all hangd you had wrong , For by the diuell you wrought some sorcerie . Ped. So sure as you are a mayd and virgin pure , So sure I stood on the pillarie . And as sure as you are gentle and demure , I neuer vsed inchantment or sorcerie , But mayd a word or two in your eare againe , If it may be it shall be as you saide : The same day there fell a great tempest of raine ; Staie a while , as hitherto you haue staide . Ma. You are inspired with the holy Ghost newly , But the diuell is within you so God me saue . Ped. This was said and done , the eighth day of Iuly , You shall haue that you had not , and lose that you haue . Did you neuer heare of a maid called Pleias ? She had sixe sisters , and herselfe made vp the seuenth , These were the daughters of the mightie Atlas , Who by his owne power holdeth vp the heauen . But marke what I say , when Hely shall stop her light , Then maids of England , weepe , waile , and sorrow : For they that go maydens to bed ouer night , I will not say I , what they shall do on the morrow . Ma. I will keep counsell , I know not what ye meane , You are too wise for me goodman Pedler . Ped. I wish you to keep your raised worke cleane , But in needle-worke I will be no medler . Mother . Whope , where with sorrow art thou so long ? Hast thou not bought thy needles yet ? You will haue your scoperlets alway among , Get you home with sorrow I say , and laie to the spit : When your father shall come to supper anon , Then the meate to the fire shall scarely be laide , What , you looke that I should do all thing alone . Ma. Mother , of this Pedler take heed and beware , For he can tell all things that I haue said and done . Moth. He may see what a good huswife ye are , Your idlenesse I warrant , he may perceiue soone . Ped. By my troth mother you say the truth , By the frutes a man may soone know the tree , There was neuer seene such idlenesse in youth , And that in high and low of euery degree . For yoong men to be idle it is intollerable , But maydens to be idle and of any state : Is a thing most pernicious and detestable . For idlenesse vnto all mischiefe is an open gate . I could rehearse a sort of damsels by name , Which through idlenesse , learned things not to be spoken , But what was their end they came all to shame : As she did which daunce for Iohn Baptists head , by the same token . Ma. As a lame man hath no profit by his faire legs , So out of the mouth of him that is not honest , A good sentence is not worth a couple of egs , But is as profitable as is snow in haruest , Who may speake worse against an euill life , Then Pedlers whose whole trade is idlenesse : Dycers , drunkards , makers of strife , Very sincks and sentences of all wickednesse . Moth. Hold thy peace with sorrow , by S. Iemy I say , Get thee forth , and go about thy businesse , It is a pretie hearing for a mayd to scold alway , He may sweare that thou art full of idlenesse , But I pray you tell me , haue you any good pepper ? I would haue an ounce and if it be good . Ped. Without doubt you neuer spent better , As fine Ienuper as any is in Fangringosse wood , But I pray you let me answere your daughter , Of her I tell you , you may haue very great ioy , She is yours , and you haue dearly bought her , But yet you must bid her beware of one euil toy . Well mayd I pray you let me see your hand , I will keep counsell , I sweare by mine honestie . Ma. Say what thou wilt , thou shalt not see my hand , For in thee is neither maners nor modestie . Mo. He may see your hand perde so he may , I cry you mercy , as angry as a thing of nought : Ma. He shall see no hand of mine here to day , I am as I am , and as you haue me vp brought . Ped. I can tell as much by your face and looke , As I can tell by looking the lines of your hand : Now surely of late I red in a booke , That fewe maidens shal be left in the land . But to my words I would haue you be attendant , The sin of maidens God hath already so punished , That a man cannot get an honest maid seruant , Dead they are I weene , and cleane extinguished : But when the dog holdeth the bull with the golden hornes , Then thus it shall come to passe , I dare laie my head : That for mony we shall get no new Ale in cornes , For all English maids that yeare shall be dead . Ma. When the Rambe pusheth against the Serpent , Then perish all Pedlers and peaking Proctors : The day will come that the Lion will be feruent , Then take heed all dreamers , and doating Doctors . Ped. Passion of God , now am I put to my trumpe , Mother , I perceiue your daughter hath gone to schoole : Marry there she paid me home againe iumpe . But mother , I pray you let me aske you one thing , Can your daughter worke at times voyd ? Mo. Yea forsooth , she worketh from morning to euening , With the needle , and very well she can inbrayd . Ped. Well , to huswiferie let her applie her minde : For within a while shall be one Eclipse of the Sun , As by good learning , surely I do finde , That then shall be finished that now is begun . Proud lookes , stretched out neckes , and wanton eies , Their frolike cheare , their fine walkes , and tripping : With all their pleasures which they now do deuise , Their feasting , disguising , their kissing and clipping , Rich showes , strange funerals , precious abilliments , Golden collers , spangs , bracelets , bonets , and hoods , Painted and laid out haire , filides , and nether ornaments . Their chains , & sumptuous apparrell , that cost great goods , Earing iewels , iemmes , to set out their faces , Chaunge of garments , cassocks , vales , launes fine , Needles , glasses , partlets , fillets , and bungraces , With cullours curious to make the face shine . After this your needle worke will be naught worth , Therefore some other occupation you must learne : You that intend to set your children forth , Must teach them to labour , their liuings to earne . Hic intra Pater . Father . A couple of good huswifes , the mother and the daughter , To stand prating here all the day long : What time of night shall we go to supper ? Euerie day I must be feine to sing one song . Mo. By my troth husband you are like to haue no roast-meat to night , For I haue had other busines to day in hand : Here is come such another wight , As the like was neuer heard of in this land . Daugh. By by troth father , he is but a pratling Pedler , And to say the truth hath nothing to sell : But in soothsaying he would appeare to be a medler . But beleeue you nothing that he doth tell . Fa. A Pedler , marry the more naughtie pack thou , Hast thou nothing else to do but with a Pedler to prate : Get thee home , thou ill fauoured Sow , It were well done to beate thee about the pate . D. I beshrew thy knaues hart , thou hast angred my father , If thou hast no needles , thou mightest tell me so than . Ped. And it had pleased you , you might haue gone away rather , But heare you , declare what good you can : Father why suffer you not your daughter to marry : She is old inough to haue an husband . Mo. Nay alasse poore wench , a while she may tarry , For in faith she hath neither house nor land . Fa. Friend , whereas you spake of my daughters mariage , I am not of that mind that many an other man is , Chastitie with Gods helpe is a light carriage , And therefore in this , I thinke I do not greatly amisse ; To marry my daughter I am halfe in doubt , I will tell you other nations are so scattered about : That marriages , that I do not greatly allow . I and mine auncestors were English men borne , And though I be but a simple man , To marry my daughter to an Alian I thinke soorne , And therefore I keepe her from it , so long as I can . Mo. Yea either they be Alians , or Aliant sonnes indeed , Who through marriage of English women of late , Hath altered the true English blood and seed , And therewithall English plaine maners and good state . All the naughtie fashions in the world at this day , Are by some meanes brought into England . If by some meanes they be not commanded away , Within a while they will vs all withstand . For here they do not only deuoure and spend ; As they be most deuourers truly : But our commodities away they do send , Rob and steale from English men daily . Ped. Mother , there is a storie of King Vertyger , Whether it be true of say or no , I am not able : Eugustus plaid the part of a murtherer ; But some men taketh it but for a fable . But this is true , out of the South East , Caine commeth before , and shall come againe , A straunge , horrible , and monsterous beast , By whom all old women shal be deuoured plaine . Daugh. Now mother , so God helpe me , They that will beleeue him , is worse then mad . Ped. The womanhead of your daughter here I do see . I say no more , of mine honestie it is too bad . Ma. By your honestie , a man may you assoone beleeue , As I will do a dog when he sweareth by his christendome . Ped. A stopping morsell anon to you I will giue , I will be euen with you , I sweare by my holy dome . Mo. Is there such a beast as you speake off ? And will he deuoure none , but women that be old ? Ped. I promise you mother , I do not scoffe , Dreadfull he is , and horrible to be hold . An huge beast , and of a maruellous strength , From Douer to Wayd , head , taile , and mouth : We esteeme him to be larger in length , And in bredth , from Donwish to Porchmouth , He hath deuoured all the old women in Affricke , And now he hasteth into Droppe with all speed : Marchant men can tell you , that vse there to trafficke , To talke any more of the matter , what shall it need . Fa. A Pedler going about to sell lies : I thinke of them you haue more plenty , than you haue ware , Such fellowes do nothing else but deuise Tales and Fables , and such Lemers as these are . Ped. Father be these lies that I speake , He shall snatch vp the husband with the wife : And because the old man Gods lawes do breake , In a straunge nation he shall end his life . But when this shall come to passe , As it shall come to passe be sure of that , Then fathers and mothers shall crie alasse , For their own children shal be throwne down flat . Mo. By Saint Anne , but those words make me afraide , The man knoweth more then we perchance : Ma. Now surely mother as I am true maide , He knoweth no more then the Faukener of France . Ped. True maid , fie for shame , why do ye sweare ? I know more then the priest spake of on Sunday : Remember you not what I said euen now to you in your eare ? The matter was broken the six day of May . But when angrie Saturne shall haue the regiment , And rule againe as he did first : Then faire maides shall die through famishment , And yoong springals shall perish for thirst . Fa. I loue none of this bibblebable I , by this light , Pedler hast thou anie pure spectacles to sell ? I would haue a paire that were of an old sight , For I am aboue threescore and ten , to you I may tell . Ma. He hath as manie spectacles , needles , and pinnes , He goeth about the countrie vnder that pretence . Mo. Much mony for wares you may take in Innes , And besides the same , your charges and expence . Ped. Father I haue a paire of spectacles in my packe , That will cause you to see as well behind as before : For in your house is plaid manie a knacke , Which of my mind you shall know more . Though my spectacles you intend to buy , You shall perceiue your owne negligence , You suffer your children to sweare and lye , And you laugh thereat and haue patience , Fathers and mothers , kinsfolkes and friends , So inordinately do their children loue : That they are parents of bodies , but poysoners of mindes , As my saying right well here shall proue . But when Phaebus shall enter into the Lyon : There shall be such a great burning heate : That shall burne vp your children euery one . And they that be left on liue , strange gotches shall eate . Parents and maisters in this most mirth truly , Shall be cant vp with a sodaine rauishment : Looke for this in the moneth of Iuly , Ramnasia will not delaie her punishment . Mo. Marry good Lord haue mercy on vs all , Husband , I pray you bid him home to our house . Fa. He shall be welcome , but our cheare is but small , But yet he shall be sure of bacon and a peece of sowse . Ma. The house is the worse where such Pedlers bee , Good Lord father , do ye beleeue ought that he doth say ? I maruell what goodnes in him you do see , He shal not come in our house truly if I may . Ped. I thanke you surely with all my heart , I will go home with you with a good will : Of all that is in my packe you shall haue part , For of phisicke I tell you , I can good skill . Mo. By God yongman , come and welcome heartily , And care not greatly what my daughter saith : For though she speake to you somewhat angerly , Yet I warrant you she meaneth no very good faith . Ma. No by my troth , I cannot beare anger long , Mine anger is soone come , and soone gone : Ped. Then I pray you let vs haue a song , In token that we be friends , and all as one . Fa. Now by troth , because you speak of a song , wan I was yong , I past the Larke , and pleasant Nightingale : Like an Angell I would haue sung , And specially when my throat had bin wel washt with good Ale , Ped. Then a song of the Pedler now let vs haue , You know your rests , and when you shall come in . Ma. Then let vs sing the Pedler is a knaue , When you will Pedler , you may begin . Hic , Content . Fa. Woman , woman , get you home at once , And see that we haue good cheare to night . Mo. You shall be sure to haue good Ale , for that haue no bones , Without any chewing , it will go downe right . Ma. That do all Pedlers loue as their liues , And specially when one meeteth with another . Fa. Then may you be one of their wiues : Get ye home and helpe your mother . Exeunt Mater & Filia . Goodman Pedler , if I wist you would not be angry , To aske you a question I would be bold . Ped. I can tell what is done at Alexaadry , Say what you will , you shall finde me cold . Fa. I pray you tell me , are you a Pedler by your occupation , I iudge you rather to be a man of science . Ped. There needeth no further declaration , For here your selfe haue obsolued your owne sentence . What man thinke not I am altogither a foole , I know what a man is by his fisnomie , At litle Wytham seuen yeares I went to schoole : And there learned I the science of Morosophie . Wherein by your nose , by the red streamer , Another is , you keepe fast your faculties . Fa. By my troth , there thou hitst the naile on the head . Dreame do you say ? Lord how I dreame euerie night : Sometime I dreame that I am dead , And sometime that I am yong , lustie , and light . Ped. Father , many times you are in a straunge taking , And namely when you should be in quiet : You dreame sometimes being broad waking : For the bright sunlight , is not for old mens diet . But do you dreame father , do you say ? Lord , Lord , that is a true prophecie : As touching that there is one doth inuay , And saith that a boy of an hundred yeare old shall die . Fa. A boy of an hundred yeare , marry sir , here is a toy : By God Pedler , all that thou saist is not true : How can one of an hundreth yeare old be a boy , That is all like as an old garment could be a new . Ped. The eldest that be , were sometimes boyes , Wherein they followed their owne sensuall will : If men of great age vse the same toyes , What are they else but verie boyes still . Fa. Age is right honourable , the Preacher doth say , By God Pedler , you had not need to dispraise age : There was neuer lesse reuerence then is at this day , For very children now presume against the sage . Ped. Children borne of wicked parents saith he , Shall be witnesse of their parents wickednesse : For how could the children so mischieuous be , Except their parents suffered their vnhappinesse , But there is much euill seed sowne and vpsprong , For lacke of moysture and pleasant dewes , They shall wither away while they be yong , A while they shall tarry here for pleasant shewes . But age you do say is right honourable , Which age consisteth in many yeares and long time , A mans wisedome is his age commendable , And his age is a pure life without crime . Fa. I maruell where you had all this geare , You haue a great deale of this other men lacke . Ped. About the Country with me I do it beare , Store of such geare I tell you I haue in my packe . Fa. I will see some of your ware anon , by your leaue , Come , come , I pray you let vs go hence . Ped. Behold how my packe to the ground doth cleaue , I would it were on my shoulder , as leefe as fortie pence . Exeunt . Enter a Marriner . Mar. I am a Marriner by Science and Art , And haue vsed the seas a long space : Whereas I haue had troubles inough for my part , Yet haue I scaped all dangers , I thanke God of his grace . Fewe men aliue I suppose at this day , That haue trauelled further then I haue done , Therefore somewhat of my minde anon I will say , As shall be declared more plainly soone . Of two things in the meane season I will complaine , First is of the scarcitie of good mariners , And that those fewe , to learne do disdaine , Of such as are both cunning and good Artificers , Whereupon some taketh vpon them to be maisters , Whereas yet they were neuer learners diligent , Such of many men , are the way casters , For will is their wisdom , and their knowledge is ire impatient If that in any science it is needfull to be expert , In this requireth great intelligence : For some may on both liues and goods subuert , Which guideth without wit and experience , Too much proofe of this we haue had of late , Therfore with whom men doth venture , let them take heed For though the Swallow be able much to prate , Yet her notes are most vnpleasant indeed . Enters the Traueller . Tra. God send me better lucke in this voyage , Then I haue had this sixe or seuen yeeres , For if I haue no better fortune in this passage , I may go learne to botch with a paire of sheeres , I am glad to see you maister Marriner , I would litle haue thought to haue found you heere . Mar. I am glad to see you also maister Traueller , Tell me how do you now a dayes , I pray you what cheare . Tra. I thanke God I haue my health reasonably , But we are so nipt in our customes these dayes , That it pincheth a great sort vnreasonably , And causeth many one to finde other delayes . Mar. Maisters we know what belongeth vnto marchandise But it behooueth vs your counsels to keepe , You are wise inough to practise your enterprise , You must wake , when other men doth sleepe . Is not twentie shillings well giuen to saue twentie pound , And if it be ten pound , I trow you will not greatly sticke , To saue and get meanes , a new way may be found , Before you be rubbed , see you do not kicke . Tra. By the masse it is not as you do thinke , For Officers so diligently do waite : That neither for loue nor mony they will winke , Narrowly they looke , and alway laie baite . Mar. Before the harm of the wound , see you do not complaine , For marchants were neuer so rich as now they be , Th' whole substance of the Realme do conteme , How they flow in possessions euery man see . Tra. You speake of such as are marchants indeed , Which in all places haue their Factors , If this country helpe not , another doth speed , Doubtlesse such men are rich , and notable actors . But as for such as I am , yoong men Trauellers , Which are compelled to trauell for their gaine , We are in worse case then any other Artificers , But that I say , able to proue I can : There was not so many bankrouts this 100 . yeare , In times past , the sea hath inriched many a man , But what causes of late it doth appeare . Mar. In times past men were content with mediocritie , They would no more borrow , then they thought to paie , For they that will presume aboue their abilitie , Must by diuers meanes fall into decaie : But it is a common practise vsed now in this land , Many one doth themselues bankrouts make : When they haue gotten other mens goods into their hand , Then their houses they keep , or else Ludgate they take . Enter Artificer . Arti. God speed you both maisters heartily forsooth , My comming hither is to talke with a Pedler , He promised me here , this day to keep a booth , For in many things he maketh himselfe a great medler . Mar. I am no Pedler , but a poore Marriner I am , Neither one nor other was here since I came , Therefore of any Pedler I can nothing say . Arti. I was at my neighbors house the last night , And there was a Pedler selling many things , Somewhat he had whereof we might haue no sight : But good store he had of poynts , pinnes , and rings . I thinke surely that he is some Coniurer , For I neuer laught better in all my life , My neighbors saith plainly that he is a sorcerer , But Lord how he angred the old wife . At the first she made him much of her counsell , And shewed him certaine Images which she did keepe , I wisse quoth she , I loue these better then the new Gospell , And for pure loue vnto them , she began to weepe : The false knaue stood still and naught did say , A paire of beades vnder her Apearne she had : On these quoth she , I say our Ladies Salter euery day , And at them the Pedler railed as he had bene mad . Mar. Why Pedlers were wont to haue beades to sell , I maruell that they will rebuke superstition . Arti. What he hath I cannot tell , But thus he plaide on such condition . Tra. Many Pedlers in my time haue I knowne , But one honest man of them I neuer knew , They sell many times more than is their owne , And vtter old baggage for that should be new . Arti. I thinke he hath not bene a Pedler long , But he will go neare to tell what you haue done : For any thing I can see , he will do no man wrong , But he make good shift where he become . Tra. What any man hath done , what doth he know , I will gage with him an hundreth pound : That any thing done secretly he shall not show , Neither he nor any that liueth on the ground . Enter Pedler . Ped. Who told me that you were a Traueller ? And whom all the world could not satisfie ? In the diuels name you are a marchant venturer , Of your spoyles the Barbarians can testifie . Conyskins maydes , conyskins for old pastes , What lacke you ? what buy you ? any good pinnes , Knit caps for children , biggens and wastes ? Come let vs bargaine , bring forth your Conyskins . Tra. Is this the Pedler that you spake off ? I iudge him to be lunaticke and out of his minde . Arti. I would aduise not ouer much with him to scoffe , For tame inough you are like him to finde . Tra. What care I for a thousand varlets , By God I aduise him not me to abuse . Ped. What will you giue for a pack of good scarlets , Other will be glad of them ye refuse , In faith I mocke not , why looke you big ? What man , I come hither to be mery , In your life time you haue not knowne a liuelier twig , I will say nothing that shall make you angrie . Mar. You are welcome hither friend , I dare vndertake , You spake of a packe of scarlets euen now , I tell you here are they that are able mony to make , Are you able to performe them , how say you ? Ped. I spake it , but I promised it not yet , What will you giue for a trusse of cloth of Tissue ? Mar. This fellow doth appeare to be out of his wit , A runnagate in whom is little vertue . Arti. Friend , dispraise no further then you may dispraise , For what he doth man , neither you nor I do know . Tra. There be too many such runnagates at these dayes , All the whole world with such idle persons doth flow . Ped. By my troth you say very truth , The truth with your owne mouth is verified , The most of your sort are idle from their youth , Yea , so I say , because they are neuer well occupied , As touching that in a booke of latin of late I did finde , Which doth the maner of Trauellers publish , The quicke Marriner saith , that trauellers in the East part of Iude , Through seas and flouds they worke all theeuish . Worse and all this another Poet doth say , That marchants , God and his Saints doth forsweare , So that aduantage obteine thereby they may , Worthie to be drowned in hell and to burne there . Arti. He can rehearse all this in latin , & a great deal more , And will do it , if you do it of him gently require . Ped. Thinke not but that I haue such geare in store , I will speake it in latin at your desire . Pariuratta suo post ponet mittunt lucre mircatur , Stigijs non nisi olignis aquis . Besides this , there is written in the same booke , The shamefullest slaunders that euer I did see : When you wil maister Traueller , theron you may looke , The diuel on the lie , and yet great slaunders they bee . Tra. It is pitie that he is no better examined , He goeth about the country vnder this pretence : To worke some mischiefe he is determined , We shall heare more I dare laie fortie pence . Mar. By my troth , if I should speake indifferently , His talke is according to most mens report . Ped. That vnhappie writer , writeth unreuerently , All that I said , I spake but in sport . Arti. Although perchance some hath offended , Yet ye ought not the whole company to defame : He runneth far that cannot be amended , For one mans faults , you may not all men blame . Tra. Who would any sentence regard , Spoken of such a runnagate as this is , But if such licencious things may be heard , We shall say that all is amisse : But as for the worshipfull state of marchandise , Is knowne to the publike wealth to be necessary : Therefore he that speake against that exercise , To the Common-wealth is an vtter aduersary . Ped. He is indeed sir , you wil not say the contrary , But he that writ the booke somewhat hath seene , He praieth God , that some of you may soone miscarry , For the whole decaie of that you haue bene , If English pure Coyne in other countries , Be but worth an halfe peny in a shilling more then it is here , You will finde meanes to deceiue all degrees , And conuey the most part ouer in a yeare . Mar. Much wind thou doest waste I tell thee in vaine , But if things be amisse as thou doest expresse : As they are not , as to all men doth appeare plaine , Yet are not we able any thing to redresse . Ped. Who should hold with the shoe but the sole ? The Mariner and the Traueller are all one : In the realme alreadie you haue a fowle hole , Whereof you shall know more of my mind anon . Arti. I supposed that our fortunes thou couldst haue told , Such talke as this who would regard ? Ped. You are not like to liue till you be old , Your fortune is to die vpward . Tra. Surely thou wilt neuer die in thy bed , For Sursumcorda belong to such idle Pedlers : Ere it be long I will cause you to be sped , And also with you , such slaunderous medlers . Ped. Your state will continue but a while , When Iuno shall be desorsed from Iupiter , Then for pride , couetousnesse , excesse , and guile , Shall perish euery ventring Traueller , There shall not be left one marchant saith he , And no man shall buy your marchandise any more , That time will come that thus it shall be , Therefore euill gotten goods do you againe restore . Tra. Thou speakest to vs of Iupiter and Iuno , But let vs know what thou meanest thereby : Thou shalt declare thy sayings before thou go , Or else thy words againe recant and deny . Mar. Iupiter ouer a farre country , Creta was a King , Iuno the daughter of Saturnus was his wife : Vnchaste was he , and wrought many an euil thing , Therefore betweene them two , there was an euill life . Arti. I loue none of these lying Poets indeed , I maruell what fauour to them , men can haue : For they do nothing els , but mens minds with vanities feed , And hinder our faith , which should our soules saue . Ped. Looke what I haue said , I wil say , and say againe , That for pride , couetousnesse , and excesse : All the trauellers from Armenia , or the highest mountaine , In one houre shall lose their substance and riches . Sephyrus with horrible blasts shall blow , The hart of the sea shall eare vp your treasure , The huge waues shall all ships ouerthrow : They shall be drowned and all their pleasures . I will tell you also when that shall come to passe , When the daughter of Pluto shall raigne ouer all : Also when the daughter of Alkeron shal guide Mydas , Then by and by shall marchants haue a great fall . Mar. Such fellowes going abroad the country , Make many simple folkes them to beleeue : Tra. Yea and with a fewe lyes bond and free , He deceiueth , and are glad mony to giue : Arti. By such shifts he vttereth much ware : I haue heard him say now , more then euer I heard him say . Tra. Let him say what he will , I do not care , I suppose here is none , that doth his saying greatly way . Ped. Words wey not , but are light , and flie in the winde , But marke when words shall be turned into fire : Then words full heauie you are like to finde , For that shall fall vpon you that did vpon Tyre . Mar. If such hard chances happen vnto Trauellers , To lose their liues and goods as thou doest prophecie , What shall happen to vs that be Marriners ? We are like to be consumed , and all our ships vtterly . Ped. When Bacchus was disposed to saile vnto Naxion , The Marriners promised to bring him thither , But they returned toward another nation , Purposing of him to make a spoyle togither . They thought to haue sold Bacchus for mony , But he being a God , prophecied their trechery , Turned into gall , that they had made bony , And anon iustly recompenced their iniury . Their Taklings and Cables , they turned into Serpents , Their other Balassing into Tygars , and other beasts else , He reued the Marriners , of their mischieuous intents , Threw them into the seas , and turned them into Makerels , Therefore the sonne of man , ioyneth you togither . A garment they say , shall perish with the sleeues , At such a time as you do not consider . Mar. This man with the holy Ghost is inspired , But the diuel within him is no doubt : I trust to see such cold prophets fired , Before your false and pratling prophecies , be brought about . Arti. If things amisse were by penance amended , The plagues of God deuised , he would wihhold : The Pedler in my iudgement hath not offended , In that of plagues to come he hath vs told . Mar. Hang him knaue , hang him , Who made him priuie of Gods counsell ? Why you horeson villaine , What haue we brought into the land ? Ped Fortie thousand enemies to the Crowne , The deadly poyson of hell , Marke what I haue said , and hereto will I stand , I leaue to speake of that which a way you do carry , I meane coyne , and by fraud , craft , and guile , I will not speake of all , feare least I do vary , But God will recompence it within a while . Iewes , Ruffians , Moores , Turkes , and Tartarians . With these you haue mixed the virgins people , Anabaptists , Lybertines , Epicurians and Arians , Infinit of these , your country to infeeble , The maydens , men , may go learne to picke a sallet : Houses for mony they can none get , meate nor drinke : Poore Crafts men are compelled to take bag and wallet , But for your great sinnes , Tyre shall shortly sinke . Arti. The diuill of lye that is , such a number of Alians , And that of all nations are come higher to dwell , As he said , euen Iewes and Barbarians , So that the Realme is like to be made another hell . Ped. I speake not of this Realme , you take me amisse , All my talke is of the noble Citie of Tyre , There shall not be left a man against the wall to pisse , And those that plagues consume not , shal be destroyed with fire , I confesse one God the blessed Trinitie , God the father , God the sonne , and God the holy Ghost , This God intendeth shortly to make a triplicitie , Whereby shal be consumed , from the least to the most , But this I say to you maister Mariner , You are skilled well you say in Astronomy , Of the state of Charles Waine , you are not to learne , When Artopholos hideth his fisnomy , Then of the foresaid geare , God doth you warne , When Arthur shall become a Beareward , And go before the great terrible Beare , Then out of hand commeth all this geare forward , Which shortly will come to passe truly I feare . Tra. Lo here are bugs to make children afraid , I thinke the franticke Pedler be out of his wit , But what great things of him will be said , If any things according to his pratling doth hit . Mar. Then where was such a Prophet as our Pedler was ? To know of things neuer to be done : I warrant you this geare will come to passe , When our Ladie hath a new sonne . Arti. Surely I am afrayd with the prophecie , Which in holy scripture I haue learned : The threats of God , by Esay and Ieremy , Hath all the whole world sufficiently warned , But I maruell of one thing brother Pedler , That in all your talke you alleage no scripture , For he that in prophecies will be a medler , By the word of God must his matters assure . Ped. The dayes are come to passe spoken of before , That such as can see , are yet still blind : And they that of knowledge haue great store , Yet are they without vnderstanding of the mind . Artificer , artificer , you are an artificer , That is , one liuing by an occupation , God graunt you be better than the Traueller , And better then the conueyer of abhomination . Arti. I would gladly get my liuing by mine Art , But Aliants chop vp houses so in the Citie , That we poore crafts men must needs depart , And beg if they will , the more is the pittie . Ped. What say the most pestilent Leasemongers ? If that all the houses in London I were able to let , I would let them all to Alians and straungers , Before in any of them an Englishman I would set : For why a stranger will giue me what I will require , And at his day he will keep touch and pay : An English man in London cannot an house hyre , Except he be vndone for euer and a day . Three parts in London are alreadie Alians , Other mongrels , Alians children , mischieuously mixed , And that with the most detestable Barbarians , Which here for euer hath their dwellings fixed : Still you Mariners bring them in daily , So you may haue pence , You make your selues rich and go gaily , I would you were as readie to carry them hence . You would bring in the diuell for pence and groates : Ye shall see them one day play their parts gaily , When we thinke least , they shall cut our throates . Mar. They that wil talke at their pleasure what they will , Shall heare againe , that shall them displease , But what frantike fooles say , it doth not greatly skill , For your talke doth neither profit nor disprofit a peace : But whereas thou laiest to the charge of Mariners , That we haue filled the land full of Alians , Thou beliest vs , we bring in none but Gospellers , And such as we know to be very good Christians . Ped. Oh holy Ghospell , ô tydings of health most pure , Thou art made a cloake to all abhomination , Vengeance hangeth ouer your head be you sure , For misusing the word of mans saluation , What mischiefe and outrage hath bene wrought , And that vnder the pretence of the Gospell , There is no heresie , no impietie , no sacriledge on sought , And all painted out , with the cullour of the Gospell . Arti. Of the Gospell we do boast , and do it professe , But more honest fidelitie is among Turkes , O the boasting , the pride , and the fleshly excesse , Among vs is neither true faith , nor yet good workes . Tra. Speake of your selfe friend , and of no man else , You know no mans conscience but your owne , We are men of flesh and blood , and no Angels , What euery man is , to God it is knowne . Ped.

Will you haue one word for all ?

All . What is that ? Ye are naught all : And so naught , that ye are past amendment , Therefore the vengeance of God on you must fall , And now approacheth the time of aduengement , Tyre with all her Trauellers proud and gay , With all her cunning Artificers in their Arts , Shall be consumed in one day , And this shall happen for the hardnesse of your hearts . But as for Ilion , the tormentor of the slaine , Shall be ploughed vp like a corne field : After he that came , do come againe , In Ilion shall be found neither woman nor child . Tra. Looke that thou studie for the true interpretation , Of your fond and fantasticall prophecie , I will cause you to be had in examination , And that within these fewe dayes , I promise you verily . Ped. O that all bankrouts , pyrats , and vsurers , Ingroses , filthie farmers , and sacrilegers , Burglaries , lease mongers , promoters , false Mariners , Might be examined , with counterfeit Artificers . Arti. All things spoken here , I wish for my part That they were troden vnder the Table : For he hath vttered nothing but the fancies of his hart , Who can let a man merily to fable . Mar. Fable quoth he , by S. Mary sir , his fables touch the quicke , He mingleth his fable with vnhappy sentences : By the faith of my bodie , he doth not my conscience a little picke : He shall answere them , that hath more astriences . Ped. Conyskins maydes , Conyskins for old pastes , What lacke you , what buy you , any good pinnes , Knit caps for children , biggens , and wastes , Come let vs bargaine , bring forth your Conyskins , I pray you rid my packe you three , I promise you , I will sell you very good cheape , If vpon the price we can agree , Of wares for each of you , I haue a very great heape . Tra. Then open thy pack , let me see what thou hast here , If thou hast any ware for me , some mony thou shalt take , For marchant Trauelles I haue such geare , As no man in the world is able to make , I haue a stone in my packe whereon is a name , Which stone if you please , here next your heart , Shall defend you from perill and shame , And keep you from paine , when you hence depart , But I haue a thing perchance you loue better , Although it be not so comely to behold . A thing wherewith you may make a water . Wherewith all things that you touch shal be turned to gold . Mar. This wildbraine doth but only mock and scoffe , You shall be tyed a litle shorter one day . Tra. If thou hast such geare as thou speakest off , Let me know the price , and for it I will pay , And thou wilt meet me anon at the signe of the Doe , Thou and I will reason more of the matter . Ped. And it will please you to help to sing a ballet before you go , I wil teach you cunningly to make the water . Arti. I know the Pedler can sing pleasantly , Both vpon the booke , and also without . Tra. I will sing , seeing he desireth me so instantly , But to sing by heart , to agree I stand in doubt . Ped. Behold I haue ballet bookes here , Truly pricked , with your rests , and where you shal come in . Mar. Then we soure wil make an honest quere , I will follow , if the Pedler will begin . Hic Cant. Tra. I haue businesse , I must needs go hence , Farwell Pedler , thou knowst my mind . Ped. Against my comming , prouide a purse of pence , For I can sell you a prosperous and a good wind . I haue in my pack also another stone , Vsed with another thing that I do know , Will cause a rough wind soone to be calme anon , And in what quarter you will the wind to blow . Mar. All thy words here are enigmata , that are speeches darke , Which I would haue thee declare what they do meane : For I had as leeue heare a band-dog barke , As to heare thee talke , and all is not worth a beane . Ped. Maister Mariner for you I haue an Adamant , I suppose there is no better in this world wide : Although it be rough and vnpleasant , Yet you had neuer the like , your needle to guide . Also for the maister of a ship I haue a Card , Compiled by Atlas , the first Astronomer , If to the value thereof , you will giue me reward , You shall haue it before another maister Mariner . Mar. Then no more ado , but I pray thee go with me abord , Thou shalt be sure to haue poore Mariners cheare : Harme shalt thou haue none , I promise thee at a word , Thou shalt be sure to haue bread , beefe , and beare . Exit . Ped. I will promise you to come the next tyde , If for mony I can get a whery boat : If not , I will take my nag and ryde , I passe not a little for wetting of my coat . Arti. You shall disappoint them both at this season , You shall go home with me and take such as I haue . Ped. To breake my promise it were against all reason , Yet a thing for true Artificers I do saue , I haue in my pack onely one toole , Which will serue for all kind of occupations : Euclides . the first of Geometrisians schoole , Inuented it through maruellous inspirations . Thereon you may make a Sythe the grasse for to mowe , Also a Drappell to ioyne ships togither : A Coulter or Share , to plough before they do sowe , The rest of the Tales you may now consider . Arti. You haue a maruellous meaning by the toole I am sure , I would you should shew me there of the signification . Ped. Such a toole it is , I as will endure , Euen vnto the worlds consumation , After I haue performed my promise truly , With the Mariner and also the Traueller , I will returne againe this way duly , And then you shall see my toole , maister Artificer . Exit . Arti. This Pedler maketh me maruellously to muse , I thinke God hath reuealed to him things to come , To the ignorant , they appeare maruellous newes , But of auncient sayings they appeare to be a some . Well I will tarry here till his returne againe , I will heare how with the Mariner and the traueller he hath sped , Although his counsels they do disdaine , Yet it is good by wisedome alwaies to be led . Enters Landlord . Land . A sirra , I haue bene at your house twise or thrise to day , You know whereof you and I did reason , Let me heare what to it you will say ? Libertie I graunted you till this season , I tell you I may haue three pound for my good will , And double as much rent as you do giue , You shall know the partie , and see his bill , And that within these few daies , if you wil not me beleeue . Arti. I beseech you landlord to shew me some fauour , You know that of the house I haue bestowed cost , All this time you haue knowne my behauiour , Therefore I pray you let not all my labour be lost : I and mine ancestors in the house long time haue dwelt , And I trust I haue alwaies payd my rent : Both sweet and sower , ioy and paine , there we haue felt , And alwaies to deale honestly was our intent . Land . Will you not haue me to do as all men do ? Shall I not make that I can of mine owne ? You know my mind if you will not agree thereto , What I wil do within these few daies with it , shal be knowne Arti. You know that I haue good euidence to shewe , If any pittie be in you , I pray you heare my boone : If you put me out of my house , my dayes will be fewe , And both I and my family quite vndone ; Therefore I pray you tell me what you will require ? And I shall be contented my lease to renew . Land . No more then other will giue I do desire , And daily for the same to me they do sue . Arti. Oh what a wretched world is this for poore men , Oh vnreasonable couetousnesse of Landlords at this day , Of the house whereof I haue yeares threescore and ten , I must out , except beyond all reason I will pay . O what wretches are at these dayes aliue , To their vtter vndoing other mens houses to take : I am sure he shall neuer be able to thriue , I know what he is able thereof to make . Land . All Landlords deale not so honestly as I deale , I would you should haue it before another : You know what to you I did reueale , I can do no more , if you were my brother . Enters Pedler . Ped. Conyskins maides , conyskins for pinnes and laces , Wot ye what sirra , I haue bene at both places ; I can tell thee such newes as thou neuer heardst off , Earnest matter , I will neither fable nor scoffe , The Mariner hath promised the Traueller To carry him as farre as the Riuer Awroer , In the which he shall finde the stones whereof I told , Wherewith all thing that they touch , shal be turned to gold . They are like thereby to haue little aduantage , For they are like to perish at the same voyage . To passe through Marybosse Ferry they haue chosen , In the which sea , vnto death they shal be frozen . The Mariners shal be turned into Makerels , And the Trauellers into Pickerels . Pykes they say in the sault water will not liue , Pittie it were that Pykes in the water should thriue , For all yoong Frye in the sea they would eate , So that vpon fasting dayes we should get no meate . Therefore on the sea they shal be turned into Seales , And their wiues into Barganders and Teales , Yet among the goddes , for their wiues was great dissention , But I trust they will soone end their contention . Some made reasons , & would haue the women to be Woodcocks , Nay quoth the other , it were meeter they shuld be Pecocks . To conclude , because they are so tender and nesh , They are like to be made neither good fish nor good flesh . Arti. You haue broken promise , you said you would not fable , But now I perceiue you are verie vnstable . Land . Vnstable , mary sir that is most sure : He is so far out of his wits , that he is past cure . Ped. You are a Landlord and haue many Tenants , A great mischance is happened among your seruants . Land .

My seruants were well inough within this houre .

Ped. Now one of them doth another deuoure . Sir it is a strange thing to see your house , This yeare there is like to be good store of sowse : Your wife by the stroke of God is turned to a Cowe , And your yongest daughter , she is turned to a Sowe . The rest of your children , a sort of prittie twigges , Now are they altered , and turned to pigges . Land . You are a knaue , I dare laie my life , I will teach you to raile , on an honest mans wife . Ped. To me you may say your pleasure and minde , But as I haue said , you are like it to finde . Your Oxen and cattell , are turned to Hedgehogs , And your great multitude of sheepe , are turned into Frogs . The greatest wonder it is yet behinde , All your Tenants haue left their humane kinde . Some are turned into Spaniels , and some into Greyhounds , These make not a litle ado vpon your grounds . That you are a Landlord I do vnderstand , Now to looke to this geare , it stands you in hand . Land . Betweene game and earnest , I desire thee , Tell me the troth , if any such things there be . Arti. There is no such thing be your sure , For all that he speaketh is vnder a figure . Ped.

Did you neuer heare of one called Acteon ?

Land .

Yes indeed , I heard of such a one .

Ped. You are like to plaie Acteons part , For you shall be turned to a wilde hart . And the dogs which to keep you were wont , With most cruell death shall you hunt . What will your raised rents helpe ? When you shall be torne of euery whelpe . Your vnsatiable couetousnesse , your shamefull simony , Your sacriledge accursed , by Gods owne testimony . These and such other plagues on you shall light , When Tyton like the Sun , shall shine at midnight . Watch , for within these fewe it will bee , They are aliue that these plagues shall see . Arti. Hearest thou Pedler ? come away I pray thee hartily , For things are wrought against thee secretly . A heinous complaint of thee , my Landlord haue made , And with other things they purpose thee to lade . They say that with Nigromansie thou art a medler , Wherfore by my counsell thou shalt be no longer a Pedler . Ped.

Why then how shall I sell my ware ?

Arti.

Tush , tush , for that take thou no care .

Ped.

Of points in my packe I haue an whole grosse .

Art .

A straw for points , by them thou canst haue no losse .

Ped.

But I suppose you cannot tell what points they bee :

Arti.

When thou commest home to my house , then I wil see .

Ped. I wil come anon , but I am past care , Sing and be mery , hab or nab , away the mare . It beginneth , it springeth , it flourisheth , Woe be vnto them that such plants nourisheth . I dare laie as much as I am worth , That straunge monsters they shall bring forth . Did you neuer heare of an Iland called Thewle ? Neare to the Orcardes compassed with the sea , Neare the same place there is a pleasant land , Wherein is great wonders as I vnderstand . This land was sometime full of men , Such , as one of them were as good as ten : Now are they altered into beasts and fowles , As into Lyons , Beares , Kytes , Swine , and Owles . God is able to take from them their beastly heart , And into the shape of men againe them conuert . Seuen yeares to declare his pompe , He punished the mightie king Nabuchodonozor , If all men had seene these men , as I haue seene , And see them at these dayes , it would make them weepe I weene . Exit . Here enters the Interpreter . Inter. Saint Clement saith , written vnto saint Iames , That he is a right interpreter of holy writ : Which standeth not vpon words , Countries , and names , But such one as expoundeth the meaning of the spirit . An Interpretor thereof , I am called by name : For of the tongues I am able to make translation , My practise hath bene long time in the same . And of Mysteries I am able to make declaration : It greeueth me at the heart , God I take to record , To see the varietie , and chiefly in religion , That it may be soone amended , I beseech Christ our Lord , Or else let vs looke shortly for a greeuous destruction . My comming hither truly at this season , Is chiefly to heare the talke of a Pedler : I will be glad by learning with him to reason , For I heare say , that in high matters he is a medler . Here enters the Iustice . Iust. Where is this Pedler ? where is this runnagate ? What sirra is he one of your schollers ? Interp. It is your pleasure all things well to interpret , But they are not the best Iudges , that were golden collers , I heard of such a fellow indeed as you haue done , And hither am I come with him to dispute : And if he were here you should perceiue soone , That by good learning I would his folly confute . Iust. Dispute , nay I would not stand to dispute I trow , But I wot , through the libertie of your preaching , Much mischiefe among men beginneth to grow , I tell you , many men like not your teaching . Inter. Truth , indeed none that be of your condition , To withstand Gods word you haue set your face : So drowned ye are in rustie superstition , That Gods word in your heart , can the no place . You are called in the Common-wealth to be a Iustice , Therefore all your words and acts ought to be right : You haue taken an oath iustly to do your office , And to defend the truth with all your might . But truly the veritie you do not defend , But you persecute it with all your power : The vpright and fatherlesse you do reprehend , The malefactors you let passe , both day and houre . Iust. Talke your pleasure , here are but we two , Boast not too much of your innocencie , What , we know well inough what ye do , All the world speaketh of your insolencie : You may preach , teach , crie out and yell , The hearing thereof , many men do giue , But whether you speake of heauen or hell , Not one among a thousand do you belieue . I will laie twentie pound , I wil do more with one word Then you shall do with twentie Sermons truly : For the people thinke you speake but in boord , Because you lead your liues so vnruly . Ped.

No man will heare the Painter , but a popish priest .

Inter. Truth , for so saith God by the Prophet Esay , All mischiefe shall happen vpon thee in one day . For the multitude of thy Inchanters verely , And for the hardnesse of hearts that will not obey . Iust. And if you can tell vs where any such be , Whether it be Nigromansor or sorcerer , We shall do vnto them , as it apperteineth ye shall see , And they shal be handled like a theefe or a murtherer . In. And it please you sir , I am none of those that loue to be a medler , But I speak a few words and only for this cause : It was my chance of late to talke with a Pedler , Whose words me thought , agreed not with Gods lawes . He taketh vpon him fondly to prophecie , And saith that a dead man shall kill many aliue , And the one vnborne as yet in his mothers belly , They that be dead , to life againe shall reuiue : I wot not what he meant by this geare , But he telleth many such things : Such a fellow I suppose you did neuer heare , He telleth wonders of Emperours and Kings . Iust. You are an Interpreter of darke sentences , What say you to the Pedlers high prophecie : Inter. He that is ignorant of all honest science , Vnto knowledge and vertue , is an vtter enemy . O most vnhappie Hamlet , country shire , Where such vniust Iustice haue the gouernance : Neither for sinne nor discord you do enquire , But vnto God and his word , you are an hindrance . An Interpreter I am called indeed , But of Gods word and the tongues auncient , Pedlers dreames are good , old Papists to seed , And such as despise the word of God omnipotent . Iust. Talke your pleasure , you are not like to talke long , Your time of pratling is almost at a poynt : I trust shortly to heare you sing a new song , Or else you are like to lose your best joynt . Ped. By my faith and troth , so do the Pedler prophecie , The dayes are come saith he , that Bishops and Priests all , Because they are the beginners of all controuersie , In one day they shall be consumed both great and small . Inter. I trust brother that you are instructed so , That to a prating Pedlers words you will giue no credit , Iust. Whether it be prating I cannot say or no , But he hath giuen a most seemly verdite . Ped. Right reuerent Interpreter , learned and wise : I suppose that you are of that iudgement , That he that vttereth another mans vice , Is not therefore partaker of his lewde document : I say no more , but God amend all that is amisse , I thought here more to haue said : My words they be not , but they be his , Which to vtter truly , I am afraid . Let the Pedler be going out . Iust. Tarry Priest , tarry , I pray thee heartily , To take them for thy words , no man is so vnwise , For speaking of them I promise thee verely , No man shall hurt thee , as I am true Iustice . Ped. Nay sir , he hath not so much of the Clergie spoken , But much more he railed vpon Iustices : For Gods sake apprehend him , and cause him to open The things he hath spoken of men in their offices . Inter. The worshipfull Iustice , will take none aduantage Of any thing rehearsed of another mans saying : And as for me , I intend to bring you into no bondage , For a lewde foolish fellowes pratling bewraying . P. Go to then , the Pedler saith that all preachers & priests Shal be turned into Swallowes the next yeare , And the new vnlearned Ministers , into Robin Redbrests , They shall keep the wood , and sing no more in the quere . He telleth the cause why are neuer at a stay , For looke as in garments they do varry , So do they in ministration day by day , Therefore in the Church they are not like to tarry . But like as the Swallow hath a new pleasant voyce , Yet the sommer is neare she doth signifie , So at their words certaine men do reioyce , For a truth to come they do testifie : But when that commeth that indeed shall come , That more for loue then for lucre men shall teach , The Swallowes in holes , shall sleep as things dombe , For Ennock and Ely in sackcloth shall preach . These and other things he doth prophecie , And namely against them that leaue their vocation , Intruding themselues as he saith , most vnworthie , Into that office of preaching and ministration . Iust. If the Pedler hath no worse talke then this , His words in my iudgement are tollerable : For all in the Church methinkes is amisse , Nothing can I see much commendable . Thinke you it doth not grieue vs at the harts ? To haue a Tinker or a Cobler to minister to vs : Yea , and the lewdest fellowes in all our parts , Taketh vpon him matters of grauitie to discus . Inter. I will answere you perticularly to your reason , First , whereas you say his words be tollerable , I will proue them fables , and cleane out of season , And against Gods words , blasphemy most damnable . First both Christs Preachers , and his erudition , Which erudition is the blessed word of veritie , Thy falling , Pedler , hath brought into suspition , Prophesying of a doctrine of more sinceritie . Secondly , whereas you say that all is amisse , You meane because we haue remoued Idolatry , Superstition , and hypocrisie , wherein your trust is : And hath placed there Gods word , only necessary . Thirdly , whereas you say it doth your hearts greeue , That Tinkers and Coblers should vse ministration , If Christ should come from heauen and preach , I beleeue That you would despise both him and his predication , Were not the Apostles Fishers for the most part all ? And into the whole world passed their sound , Not one Iustice to that office he did call , Hard it is among you one faithfull to be found . But I beseech God once to open your eyes , For of Gods word you let the true passage : God hath giuen you ouer , to beleeue lyes , Rather then the Gospell , the heauenly fathers message . Ped. By my troth , euen so did the Pedler speake , Too bad he railed against Iustices , It makes the heart in my bodie to breake , To heare his Inuectiues against all Officers . Iust. I pray thee tell me what he said ? A prating knaues words , can no honest man offend . Ped. To vtter such lewde talke I am halfe afraid , Would to God you would go about , him to apprehend . Iust. I pray thee tell me as much as thou art able , We will apprehend him well inough , no doubt . Ped. Of Gentlemen he rehearsed a fond fable , I wot not how the diuell he brought it about : Gentlemen quoth he , that be no Gentlemen borne , But such as come vp by spirituall spoyle : Shall be turned into horses , to eate haie and corne , And among other beasts compelled to toyle . Inter. Thinke you that these words are meet abroad to be blowne , It appeareth that he raileth thus on euery state : Ped. Time it is that such as he were knowne , For else he and they will cause much hate . The Iustices quoth he , to hell quicke shall sinke , For that they are not hinderers of the veritie : But because at other mens matters they do winke , Liuing themselues like epicures , in all carnallitie . Therfore the most of them saith he , shal be turned into moles , Because they are couetous , and in heart blinde : Yet som of them shal be turned into black birds , called coles , Them he meane , that be euer gentle and kinde . Iust. What maner of man is he , and of what nature ? I iudge him to be lunaticke or starke mad . Ped. A litle man sir , euen of my stature , And as touching age , in faith but a lad . Inter. I would it might please you and other Magistrates , Earnestly to looke vpon such makers of disturbance : Iust. I would it might please you to remoue these runnagates , And to ease our minds of such incombrance . For as long as such be in place , You shall neuer be had in reputation : Yet I will not say but diuerse men haue grace , But they be out of the peoples estimation . Inter. As long as they be blamelesse in conuersation , And in doctrine sincere and sound approued : They need not passe of the peoples estimation , For both of God and the world , they cannot be loued . Here enters the Iudge . Iudge . God speed you my maisters , forsooth all three , And you worshipfull maister Iustice my friend : It doth me good to see you so well agree , Trusting in God that you be all of one minde . Interp. You are as welcome hither , right honorable Iudge , God forbid among wise men , there should be discord : For whereas there is diuision and grudge , There followeth desolation , as saith Christ our Lord . Iust . Truly , your honour is welcome hither , This reuerent father and I , were commoning hard : Of the prophecie of a runnagate Pedler , Whose saying in my iudgement , no man will regard . Ped. Yet sir , sauing your aduise , Men ought to raile vpon authoritie , For Th' Apostle Paul both godly and wise , Reuoked his words spoken with seueritie : Iud. Indeed I heard of such a one , And there goeth a great brute of his prophecie . Ped. All his talke is not worth a hering bone , For of many of them I am able to testifie , Seruing-men quoth he , that weare breeches like faggots , Which in fleshly idlenesse consume their liues , Shall be first conuerted into maggots , And afterward turned to drones , and liue in hiues . Iud. He meaneth vnhappily by this fable , I would I had him in my keeping a while . Ped. A fellow he is most vnconstant and vnstable , And such a one as will you right soone beguile : And told a tale of the Prophcie of Ieremy : When God bad hide by the Riuer Euphrates , I wot not what he ment by that Prophecie , For anon he was in hand with Socrates . Iust. Doth the prophecie speake of any such matter ? Such things to be red , methinkes are base : Inter. In no wise I wold haue you to take it as vain clatter , For a great mysterie is meant in that place : The very Text maketh the meaning plaine , Which I will read and expound if you will : Iud. No , no , we will not put you to that paine , But we will heare the Pedlers prophecie still . I pray you tell me , talketh he not of the state of this region ? Of the Queenes Maiestie , and of the Councell : What saith he concerning religion ? How liketh he by the Preachers of the Gospell ? Ped. Not one word talketh he of this religion , Neither of Queen , Councell , Lord , Knight , nor Squire : All his talke is of a land called Ilion , And of a Citie farre of , called Tyre . Mary thus he saith , though Princes themselues be good , Yet are they like at Gods hand to be punished : For at their hands , God will require their subiects blood , Which through their sufferance into sin hath perished . Iud. Whereat is the Pedler so sore offended ? What is it that he misliketh most ? Ped. He saith the world is so ill it cannot be amended . And that we sin daily against the holy Gost , Marry one thing commeth now to my remembrance , He crieth out vpon suppressed lands : The abuse of them crieth to God for vengeance , For most of them are come into wicked mens hands . When the Pedler told this tale , truly he wept : Alas , alas , quoth he , how are the poore Tenants handled ? They which through their labors good houses kept , Now are they throwne out , their goods wasted & mangled . Of them to me he told a great proces , Wold to God quoth he , they had bin reserued to the crown , They would haue mainteined the Princes with riches , And haue kept wealthy Tenants , in euery Towne . Iud. As I haue learned here by my brothers report , He entermedleth with matters of religion : With men of all states and of mightie sort , Which will be an occasion , to moue strife and sedition . Iust. He medleth with Princes causes me thinke , These words are not tollerable in a subiect , We had not need at such matters to winke , It is more then time him to correct . Iud. I pray thee amongst all his communication , What would he of Iudges say ? Ped. Now truly my Lord , I neuer liked his conuersation , Yet to know his mind , I held him vp with yea and nay : Nay my Lord , if I should speake all that he haue said , I might chance to get my selfe displeasure : Your honour knoweth that words are not weyed , Where the tongue vseth no reasonable measure . Iud. I pray you tell me as much as you can , What he hath talked of any state ? And I promise you , as I am true man , Of vs you shall haue neither displeasure nor hate . Ped. All Iudges quoth he , loue rewards , and follow gifts , They peruert iustice , and equall iudgement : To saue malefactors , they make fowle shifts , And some receiue mony to condemne the innocent . He cryeth out of strangers and free Denisons , Which are deuourers of this Realme : Not onely deuoure they like monstrous Camelions , But also steale , and send ouer by the streame . He saith that for mony they are made free , And one of these panch-bellied Alians , Deuoure more , then ten men of our country , Worse then Dogs , Epicures , and Arrians . Inter. Though certaine of his words be true indeed , Yet there is a meane in time to speake , Iust. For his truth telling he shall haue his meed , We will prouide an haulter his necke to breake . Ped. Of all his talke thus he did conclude , Since men vpon the earth was first create , Of Inchanters and Coniurers , there was neuer such a multitude , Both of yoong and old , of euery estate : So many saith he , be in the said Ilion , That all of whom we haue spoken of here , Shall be altered and changed by euill spirits delusion , Into beasts , fowles , and fishes , within a yeare : So that Ilion , and the populous Citie Tyre , Shall be filled with monsters , fierce and hugious : Insomuch that from heauen God shall send fire , To destroy those wicked and religious . Inter. By my coniecture , thus meaneth the Pedler , He saith men giuen to licentious life : And that each one , of anothers state is a medler , Which will be an occasion of much strife . He saith so much vntruth and mutuall hate , And no man contented with his vocation : He saith men degenerate from humane state , Therefore from kinde , he feineth an alteration . I confesse many things to be out of frame , Yet that to redresse , we referre to authoritie : The enterprise of base medlers , we do greatly blame , Wishing them to be rebuked with all seueritie . Iud. As for pratling of Pedlers we do not passe , But for all things amisse , I wish amendment , If ought be no worse then euer it was , God giue vs grace to obey his commandment . Iust. For all things amisse , there would soone be redresse , If euery state would iustly execute their office : And if all men would their faultes confesse , We should be the more meet to do God seruice . Ped. I haue businesse to do and must needs depart , But because I haue the Pedlers words here recited : I aske pardon , with most lowly and penitent heart , Beseeching your honors , that nothing be required . Inter. Of necessitie we must depart all , And therefore it is meet that we go togither : But first vpon our heauenly father let vs all call , That mercifully he will all states consider . Iud. First let vs pray for the Queens Maiesty on this part , Almightie God prosper and defend her Royall Maiestie , Amen say all those , that haue a true English heart , We haue all cause to pray for her Graces prosperitie . Iust. Also her honorable Councell God prosper & saue , And that honorable T. N. &c. of N. chiefly : Whom as our good Lord and maister , found we haue , Good Lord we beseech thee , to be his guide daily . Inter. O heauenly father , send workmen into thy haruest , And preserue them that are alreadie sent : Suffer no wolues them to molest , Let them accomplish that whereto they are bent . Iud. Lord saue thy people , and blesse thine heritage , Thy mercy good Lord , vpon this Communaltie extend . Iust.

Thy Name be praised euermore from age to age ,

Inter.

As it is now and euer shall be , world without end .

Amen . Ped. You shall know more of my minde anon , Whist , peace a while , till they be gone . Here they sing an heauenly song . And after they be out , the Pedler speaketh as followeth . Ped. A sirra , was not this a pretie cast of a Pedler ? I had none other way but this , my matters to open : Henceforth I intend to be no medler , But let them marke well what I haue spoken . See and foresee , looke within , and looke without : Though it be farre off , yet it will come : See the third time and looke about , Not without , but within , see ye , see some . And when you haue seene that you shall see , You will thinke vpon the Pedler I weene : He will be a Drone that now is a Bee , I say no more , but God saue our Queene . Be readie at midday , and also at midnight , Go forward apace , and also looke backe : An heauie purse maketh a mans heart light , There is no remedie , I must againe to my packe . Exit .

FINIS .