Etext of Sir Thomas More
Anonymous Editor W. W. Greg 
Malone Society Reprints 
Oxford
1911 
 
Sir Thomas More
 
folio 6
 

Moore
 Now will I speake like Moore in melancholy 
For if greefes power could wth her sharpest darts 
pierce my firme bosome; heres sufficient cause 
to take my farewell of mirths hurtles lawes. 
Poore humbled Lady, thou that wert of late 
placde wth the noblest women of the land 
Invited to their angell companies 
seeming a bright Starre in the Courtly Sphere 
why shouldst thou like a widow sit thus low 
and all thy faire consorts moove from the clowds 
that ouerdreep thy beautie and thy worth 
Ile tell thee the true cause, the Court like heauen 
examines not the anger of the Prince 
and being more fraile composde of guilded earth 
shines vpon them on whom the king doth shine 
smiles if he smile, declines if he decline 
Yet seeing both are mortall Court and king 
shed not one teare for any earthly thing 
For so God p(ar)don me in my saddest hower 
thou hast no more occasion to lament 
nor these, nor those, my exile from the court 
no nor this bodyes tortur wert imposde 
as commonly disgra(c)es of great men 
are the forewarnings of a hastie death 
than to behold me after many a toyle 
honord wth endlesse rest. Perchance the king 
seeing the Court is full of vanitie 
has pittie least our soules shuld be misled 
and sends vs to a life contemplatiue. 
O happy banishment from worldly pride 
when soules by priuate life are sanctifide 

wife:
 O but I feare some plot against your life 

Moore:
 why then tis thus; the king of his high grace 
seeing my faithfull seruice to his state 
intends to send me to the king of heauen 
for a rich present: where my soule shall proue 
a true remembrer of his majestie. 
Come pre thee mourne not: the worst chance is death 
and that brings endlesse joy for fickle breath. 

wife:
 Ah but your children. 

Moore:
Tush let them alone, say they be stript from this poore painted
cl 
this outside of the earth; left houselesse, bare 
they haue mindes instructed how to gather more 
there's no man thats ingenuous can be poore. 
And therefore doo not weep my little ones 
though you loose all the earth; keep your soules eeuen 
and you shall finde inheritance in heauen. 
But for my seruants theres my cheefest care 
Come hether faithfull Steward be not greeude 
that in thy p(er)son I discharge both thee 
and all thy other Fellow Officers 
For my great Master hath discharged mee. 
So for the rest, my Gentlemen and y 
If thou by seruing me hast sufferd losse 
then benefit thy selfe by leauing mee. 
I hope thou hast not: for such times as theese 
bring gaine to Officers who euer leese 
Great Lords haue onely name; but in the fall 
Lord Spend-alls Stuart's master gathers all 
But I suspect not thee admit thou hast 
Its good the seruants saue when Masters wast. 
But you poore Gentlemen that had no place 
t'inrich your selues but by loathd briberie 
wch I abhord, and neuer found you loude 
thinke when an oake fals vnderwood shrinkes downe 
and yet may liue though brusd, I pray ye striue 
to shun my ruin for the ax is set 
euen at my root to fell me to the ground. 
the best I can doo to prefer you all 
wth my meane store expect, for heauen can tell 
that Moore loues all his followers more than well. 
folio 7

clo
come come wele tickle ther turnips wele bu   boxes 
shall strangers Rule the Roste but wele baste the roste 
come come a flawnt a flaunte 
 
gorge
brother giue place and heare Iohn lincolne speake 
 
clo
I lincolne my leder and doll my true breder wth the rest of 
our crue shall Ran tan tarra ran. doo all they what they can 
shall we be bobd braude no shall we be hellde vnder no. we ar fre 
borne and doo take skorne to be vsde soe 
 
doll
pease theare I saye heare captaine lincolne speake. 
kepe silens till we know his minde at large. 
 
clo
 then largelye dilliuer speake bullie and he that presumes to 
 interrupte the in thie orratione this for him 
 
 lincol
then gallant bloods yow whoes fre sowles doo skorne 
to beare the inforsed wrongs of alians 
ad rage to Ressolutione fier the howses 
 of theis audatious strangers: This is St martins 
and yonder dwells mutas a welthy piccardye 
at the greene gate 
de barde peter van hollocke adrian Martine 
 wth many more outlandishe fugetiues 
shall theis enioy more priueledge then wee 
 in our owne cuntry. lets become ther slaiues 
since Iustis kepes not them in greater awe 
 wele be our Selues Roughe ministers at lawe. 
 
clo
vse more swords nor no more words but fier the howses 
 braue captaine curragious fier me ther howses 
 
doll
I for we maye as well make bonefiers on maye daye as 
at midsom(m)er wele alter the daye in the callinder and sett 
itt downe in flaming letters 
 
sher
staye no that wold much indanger the hole cittie 
 wher too I wold not the leaste preiudice. 
 
doll
no nor I nether so maie mine owne howse be burnd for companye 
 ile tell ye what wele drag the strangers into more feldes & 
 theare bumbaste them till they stinke a gaine 
 
clo
and thats soone doone for they smell for feare all redye. 
 
Geor
 let some of vs enter the strangers houses 
and if we finde them theare then bringe them forthe 
 
doll
but if ye bringe them forthe eare ye finde them Ile neare 
 alowe of that 
t 
 
clo
now marsse for thie honner dutch or frenshe so yt be a wenshe 
ile vppon 
 hir 
 
 Linco
 now lads howe shall we labor in or saftie 
I heare the maire hath gatherd men in armes 
 and that shreue more an hower a goe Risseude 
 some of the privye cownsell in at ludgate 
 forse now must make our pease or eles we fall 
twill soone be knowne we ar the principall 
 
doll
and what of that if thow beest a fraide husband go home a 
gaine and hide thy hed for by the lord Ile haue a lyttill sporte 
 now we ar att 
 ytt 
 
Geor
lets stand vppon or swords and if they come 
 Resseaue them as they weare our eninemyes 
 
clo
a purchase a purchase we haue fownd we ha fownde 
 
doll
 what 
 
clo
nothinge nott a frenshe fleminge nor a fleming frenshe 
 to be fownde but all fled in plaine inglishe 
 
 Linco
how now haue you fownd any 
 
Sher
no not one theyre all fled 
 
 Lincol
then fier the houses that the maior beinge busye 
aboute the quenshinge of them we maye skape 
burne downe ther kennells let vs straite awaye 
 leaste this daye proue to vs an ill maye daye 
 
clo
 fier fier ile be the firste 
 if hanginge come tis welcome thats the worste 
folio 16
 
 
Man
 wher be theis players 
 
all
heare Sir 
 
Man
my lord is sent for to the courte. 
 and all the guests doo after supper parte 
and for he will not troble yow againe 
by Me for your Reward a sends 8 angills 
 wth many thanks: but supp before you goe, 
 yt is his will yow should be farely entreatid 
 follow I pray ye 
 
witt
this luggins is your neclegens 
wanting witts beard brought things into dislike 
for other wies the playe had bin all seene 
wher now some curius cittisin disgraste itt 
and discom(m)endinge ytt. all is dismiste, 
 
vice
fore god a sayes true. but heare ye Sirs 8 angells ha 
 my lord wold neuer giues 8. angells more or les for 12d 
ether yt shold be 3li. 5li or tenn li ther 20s wantinge suer 
 
witt
twenty to one tis soe: I haue a tricke my lord comes 
 stand a side 
lord maier and ladies and the Rest: be patiente 
 the state hathe sent and I must nedes be gone 
 lead on theare:: what seekst thow fellow. 
 your lordship sent vs 8 angills by your man and I haue 
 loste one heare amongst the rishes 
8 angills hoo dilliuerd yt I sent them ten. 
 I my lord dilliuerd yt. anon they shall haue too more. 
thats more then we hard before my lord. 
 am I a man of equetie 
equallie to deuide true Righte his owne 
and shall I haue disseauers in my house 
 goe pull the cote ouer the varlets eares. 
ther ar too many suche: 
giue them ther dewe. lead one awaye, 
come fellowes goe wth me 
 
Lord
 In haist to cownsell whats the busnes now 
that all so late his highnes sends for me. 
what sekst thow fellow 
 
witt
nay nothinge. your lordship sent 8 angills by your man 
 and I haue lost too of them in the Rishes 
 
Lord
wytt looke to thatt. 8 angells I did send them tenn 
 ho gaiue yt them 
 
Man
I my lord I had no more aboute me 
 but buy and buy they shall Risseaue the rest 
 
Lord
well witt twas wieslye donne thow plaist witt well endede 
not to be thus disseauid of thy Righte. 
 am I a man by offis truely ordaind 
equally to deuide true Righte his owne 
and shall I haue disseauers in my house 
 then what availes my bowntie. when such seruants 
disseaue the pore of what the mr giues 
 goe one and pull his cote ouer his eares 
 ther ar too manye such: giue them ther Righte 
 witt let thie fellowes thanke the twas well dunn 
thow now disserueste to match wth ladye wisdome 
 
Vice
 god a mersye wytt: sir you had a maister Sir thomas more more
but now we 
shall haue more 
 
lugg
god blesse him I wold ther weare more of his minde a loues 
 our qualletie and yit hees a larnid man and knows what 
 the world is 
 
clo.
well a kinde man and more loving then 
 many other, but I thinke we ha mett wth the first 
 
luggins
first sarud his man that had or angills and he maye 
 chaunce dine wth duke homphrye to morrow beinge turnde 
a waye to daye, come lets goe 
 
clo
and many such Rewards wold make vs all ride and 
horsse vs wth the best nags in smith felde 
my honnorable lord the maier of london 
accompanid wth his ladye and hir traine 
ar comynge and ar hard at hannde 
 to feaste wth yow. a sargins come before 
 to tell your lordship 
 of ther neare aproche
 
Clo.
 
I FOR I CRY LAG SIR 
 WOLD I WEARE SO FARRE ON MY IURNEY 
THE FIRST STRETCHE IS THE WORSTE ME THINKS 
SIR AND I HAUE A SUITE TO YOU TOO 
WHAT IS YTT 
 THAT AS YOU HAUE 
HANGD LINCOLNE FIRST Z 
WILL HANGE HIR NEXTE SO YOU WILL NOTT 
HANGE ME AT ALL 
 NAYE YOU SET OPE THE COUNTER GATES AND YO[U] 
 MUST HANGE THE FOLYE 
WELL THEN SO MUCH FOR Y 
[ Enter moore]
 
 
It is in heaven that I am thus and thus 
And that wch we prophanlie terme or fortuns 
 Is the provision of the power aboue 
 fitted and shapte Iust to that strength of nature 
 wch we are borne good god good god 
 that I from such an humble bench of birth 
 should stepp as twere vp to my Countries head 
 And give the law out ther I in my fathers lif 
to take prerogative and tyth of knees 
from elder kinsmen and him bynd by my place 
to give the smooth and dexte way to me 
that owe it him by nature, sure thes things 
 not phisickt by respecte might turne or bloud 
 to much Coruption. but moore. the more thou hast 
 ether of honor office wealth and calling 
wch might accite thee to embrace and hugg them 
 the more doe thou in serpents natures thinke them 
 feare ther gay skinns wth thought of ther sharpe state 
 And lett this be thy maxime, to be greate 
Is when the thred of hazard is once Spun(n) 
 A bottom great woond vpp greatly vndonn. 
 [ MANETT CLOWNE]
 
 
[Enter At on dore Sr Thomas moore and Lord maire: Att an
other doore Sr Iohn Munday Hurt]
 
 
 
L.Maior.
what Sr Iohn mu(n)day are you hurt 
 
 Sr
 
 Iohn.
A little knock my lord ther was even now 
a sort of prentises playing at Cudgells 
I did Comaund them to ther mrs howses 
but one of them Backt by the other crew 
 woonded me in the forhead wth his Cudgill 
 and now I feare me they are gon to Ioine 
wth Lincolne Sherwine and ther dangerous traine 
 
 Moore.
the Captaines of this Insurection 
have tane them selves to armes. and cam but now 
to both the counters wher they have releast 
sundrie Indetted prisoners. and from thence 
 I heere yt they are gonn Into St martins 
 wher they Intend to offer violence 
to the amazed Lombards therfore my lord 
If we expect the saftie of the Cittie 
tis time that force or parley doe encownter 
wth thes displeased men. 
 [ Enter A messenger]
 
 
 
L.maior
 how now what newes 
 
 Mess.
 my Lord the rebells have broake open newegate 
from whence they have deliverd manie prisoners 
both fellons and notorious murderers 
 that desperatlie cleave to ther Lawles traine 
 
 L
 
 maior.
vpp wth the draw bridge gathr som forces 
to Cornhill and cheapside. And gentle men. 
If dilligence be vsde one every side 
A quiet Ebb will follow this rough tide 
 Enter Shrowsberie Surrie Palmer. Cholmley 
 
 Shro.
 Lord maior his ma( )tie receaving notice. 
 of this most dangerous Insurection. 
hath sent my lord of Surry and my self 
Sr Thomas palmer and or followers 
to add vnto or forces or best meanes 
for pacifying of this mutinie 
In gods name then sett one wth happie speed 
the king laments If one true Subiect bleede 
 
 Surr.
 I heere they meane to fier the Lumbards howses 
 oh power what art thou in a madmans eies 
thou makst the plodding Iddiott Bloudy wise 
 
 Moore.
my Lords I dowt not but we shall appease 
 wth a calm breath this flux of discontent 
 
 Palme.
 to call them to a parley questionles 
 may fall out good. tis well said mr moore 
 
 Moor.
letts to thes simple men for many sweat 
vnder this act that knowes not the lawes debtt 
wch hangs vppon ther lives. for sillie men. 
 plodd on they know not how. 
 that ending showes not any sentence writt 
linckt but to common reason or sleightest witt 
 thes follow for no harme but yett Incurr 
 self penaltie wth those that raisd this stirr 
A gods name one to calme or privat foes 
wth breath of gravitie not dangerous blowes 
 [ exeunt]
 
 
 [ Enter Lincoln. Doll. Clown. Georg betts williamson others
And A sergaunt at armes]
 
 
folio 12
 
 [ Enter Sr Thomas moore and his man Atired like him]
 
 
 
 Moore.
Com on sir are you redy 
 
Randall.
yes my Lord I stand but one a few points. I shall have donn
pr(e)sen 
tlie. before godI have practised yor Lordshipps shift so well.
 that I thinke I s 
hall grow prowd 
 my Lord 
 
 Moore.
tis fitt thou shouldst wax prowd. or ells thoult nere 
 be neere allied to greatnes. observe me Sirra 
the Learned Clarke Erasmus is arived 
wthin or english court. Last night I heere 
he feasted wth or honord English poet 
 the Earle of Surrey. and I learnd to day 
the famous clarke of Rotherdam will visett 
Sr Thomas moore, therfore sir take my seate 
 you are Lord Chauncelor. dress yor behaviour 
 according to my carriage but beware 
 you talke not over much for twill betray thee 
 who prates not much seemes wise his witt few scan 
while the tongue Blabs tales of the Imperfitt man. 
Ile see If greate Erasmus can distinguishe 
 meritt and outward Cerimony 
 
 Rand.
 If I doe not deserve a share for playing of yor Lo.(rd) well.
lett me be 
 yeomanvsher to yor Sumpter and be banisht from wearing of a gold
chaine for eve 
r
 Moore
well sir Ile hide or motion act my part 
wth a firme Boldnes and thou winst my hart 
how now whats the matter. 
 
 Faulk.
Tugg me not Ime noe beare. sbloud If all the 
doggs in paris garden. hung at my tale. Ide shake em of wth this.
that Ile 
appeere. before noe king Cirstned but my good Lord Chauncelor 
 
 Shre.
weele cristen you sirra. bring him forward. 
 
 Moore
how now what tumults make you 
 
 Fall.
 the azurd heavens protect my noble Lord chauncelor 
 
 Moore.
what fellowes this. 
 
 Shre.
A Ruffian my Lord that hath sett half the Cittie in an vpprore 
 
 Falk.
 
my Lord. 
 
 Shre.
ther was a fray in paternoster row. and because they would not
be p(ar)t 
ed. thestreet was choakt vpp wth carts. 
 
 fauk.
my noble Lord paniar Allies throat was open. 
 
 Moore
 S(ir)ra hold yor peace 
 
fauk
Ile prove the street was not choakt. but is as well as ever it
was since 
 It was 
A streete 
 
 Shreu.
this fellow was a principall broacher of the broile 
 
 fawk.
Sbloud I brocht none. It was broacht and half ronn out before I
 had 
a 
lick at it 
 
 Shre.
and would be brought before noe Iustice but yor honor 
 
 Fauk.
I am haild my noble Lord 
 
 Moore.
 no eare to choose for every triviall noice 
but mine. and in so full a time. away 
you wronge me mr shreve. dispose of him 
at yor owne plesure. send the knave to newgate 
 
 Fauk.
 to newgate sbloud Sr Thomas moore. I appeale I appeale? from 
newgate to any of the two worshippfull counters 
 
 Moore.
 fellow whose man are you that are thus lustie 
 
 Fauk.
my names Iack fawkner. I serve next vnder god and my prince mr
morris se 
 critary 
to my Lord of winchester 
 
 Moore.
 A fellow of yor haire is very fitt. to be a secretaries follower 
 
 Fauk.
 I hope so my Lord. the fray was betweene the Bishopps men of
Eelie and 
 winchester. and I could not in honor but p(ar)te them. I thought
it stood not wt 
 hmy reputation and degree. to com to my Questions and aunswers.
 befor A 
 a Citty Iustice. I knew I should to the pott 
 
 Moore.
 thou hast byn ther It seemes to late all redie 
 
Fauk
I know yor honor is wise. and so forth. and I desire to be only
cattachiz 
dor examind by you my noble Lord chauncelor 
 
 Moore
Sirra. sirra you are a busie dangerous ruffian. 
 
 Fauk.
 Ruffian. 
 
 Moore.
how long have you worne this haire 
 
Fauk
 I have worne this haire ever since I was borne 
 
 Moore
 you know thats not my Question. but how long hath this shagg
fleece hun 
(n)g 
 dangling on thy head 
 
 Fauke.
 how long my Lord. why sometimes thus Long somtimes Lowere as the
fates 
& 
humors please. 
 
 Moore.
So Quick sir wth me. ha? I see good fellow. thou lovest plaine
dealing. 
sirratell me now when were you last at Barbars. how longe time
have you 
vppon yor head woorne this shagg haire 
 
 Fauke.
My Lord Iack faukner tells noe Esops fabls. troth I was not at
 Barbars 
 this three yeires. I have not byn Cutt nor will not be cutt.
 vppon a 
foolish vow. wch as the destanies shall derect I am sworne to
keepe 
 
 Moore.
when comes that vow out 
 
 Fauk.
 why when the humors are purgd not this three years 
 
 Moore
 vowes are recorded in the court of heaven 
for they are holly acts. yong man I charge thee 
 and doe advize thee start not from yt vow 
 and for I will be sure thou shalt not shreve 
besids because It is an odious sight 
 to see a man thus hairie. thou shalt lie 
In Newgate till thy vow and thy three years 
be full expired. Away wth him 
 
 Fauke
 my Lord 
 
 Moor.
Cut of this fleece and lie ther but a moneth 
 
 Fauke.
Ile not loosse a haire to be Lord Chauncelor of Europe 
 
 Moore
to newgate then. Sirra great sinns are Brede 
 in all that Body wher thers a foule head. away wth him. exeunt 
Enter Surry Erasmus and Attendaunts. 
 
 Surry.
now great Erasmus you approch the pr(e)sence 
 of a most worthy Learned gentleman. 
 this Little Ile holds not a trewer frend 
 vnto the arts. nor doth his greatnes add 
A fained florish to his worthie p(ar)ts 
 hees great in studie thats the statists grace 
that gaines more Reverence then the outward place. 
 
Erasmus.
 Report my Lord hath Crost the narrow seas 
and to the severall p(ar)ts of Christendom 
hath borne the same of yor Lord chauncelor 
I long to see him whom wth loving thoughts 
 I in my studie oft have visited 
Is that Sr Thomas moore 
 
 Surry.
 It is Erasmus 
now shall you vew the honorablest scholler 
 the most religious pollititian. 
 the worthiest Counsailor that tends or state 
that study is the generall watch of England 
In it the princes saftie and the peace 
that shines vppon or Comon wealth are forgd 
by Loiall Industrie 
 
Erasmus.
 I dowt him not 
to be neere the lif of Excellence 
as you proclaime him when his meanest servaunts 
 are of some waight you saw my lord his porter 
give entertainment to vs at the gate 
in Latten. good phrase. whats the mr then. 
 when such good p(ar)ts shine in his meanest men. 
 
 Surry.
 his Lo hath som waightie Busines 
folio 13
 
 for see as yett he takes noe notice of vs 
 
Erasmus.
 I thinke twere best I did my dutie to him 
 in a short Latin speech. Qui in Celiberima patria natus est ett 
 Gloriosa plus habet negotij et in Lucem veniat quam qui 
 
 Rand.
I pry thee good Erasmus be Covered. I have for sworne speaking
of lattin 
as I am true Counsailor Ide tickle you wth a speech. nay Sitt
 Erasmus. sitt 
 good my Lord of Surry. Ile make my Lady Com to you annon If she
will 
 and give you entertainment 
 
Erasmus.
Is this Sr Thomas Moore 
 
 Surry.
oh good Erasmus you must Conceave his vaine hees ever furnisht
 wth the 
s 
conceits 
 
 Rand.
 yes faith my learned poet doth not lie for that matter. I am
nether more 
 +Enter sr Thomas 
 moore. 
nor less then mery Sr Thomas allwaies. wilt supp wth me. by god I
love 
a parlous wise fellow that smells of a pollititian. better then a
 long progress 
 
 Surry.
 we are deluded. this is not his Lordshipp 
 
 Rand.
I pray you Erasmus how longe will the holland cheese in yor
Countrie 
k 
 eepe wthout maggetts. 
 
 Moore.
foole painted Barbarisme retire thy self 
Into thy first creation thus you see 
 my loving learned frends how far respecte 
waites often on the Cerimonious traine 
of bace Illiterat welth whilst men of schooles 
shrowded in povertie are cownted fooles 
p(ar)don thou reverent germaine I have mixt 
so slight a Iest to the faire Entertainment 
 of thy most worthy self. for know Erasmus 
 mirth wrinckls vpp my face and I still Crave 
 When that forsaks me I may hugg my grave 
 
Erasmus.
yor honors mery humor is best phisick et tu Erasmus an 
Diabolus 
 vnto yor able Boddy. for we learne 
wher mellancholly choaks the passages 
 of bloud and breth the errected spirit still 
 lengthens or dayes wth sportfull exercise 
 studie should be the saddest time of lif 
the rest a sport exempt from thought of strife 
 
 Moore.
Erasmus preacheth gospell against phisicke. 
 my noble poet 
 
 Surry.
 oh my Lord you tax me 
in that word poet of much Idlenes 
It is a studie that maks poore or fate 
 poets were ever thought vnfitt for state 
 
 Moore.
o give not vp faire poisie sweet Lord 
to such Contempt. that I may speake my hart 
 It is the sweetest heraldrie of art 
that setts a difference tweene the tough sharpe holly 
and tender Bay tree 
 
 Surry
 yett my lord. It is become the very Lagg in number 
to all mechanick sc 
 iences 
 
 Moore.
why Ile show the reason 
this is noe age for poets they should sing 
 to the lowd Canon Heroica facta 
 qui faciunt reges heroica Carmina lawdant 
and as great subiects of ther pen decay 
even so vnphisickt they doe melt away Enter mr Morris 
Com will yor Lordshipp in? my deere Erasmus 
 Ile heere you mr moris presentlie. 
my Lord I make you mr of my howse 
 weele Banquett heere wth fresh and staid delights 
 the muses musick heer shall cheere or sprites 
 the cates must be but meane wher scollers sitt. for thar de all
wth courses 
 
(neate witt 
 
 Moor.
 how now mr morris 
 
moriss.
I am a suter to yor Lordshipp in behalf of a servaunt of mine. 
 
 moore.
the fellow wth Long haire good mr moris 
Com to me three years hence and then Ile heere you 
 
 moris
I vnderstand yor honor but the foolish knave has submitted him
self to t 
 hemercy of a Barber. and is wthout redy to make a new vow befor
your 
 Lordshipp. heerafter to live Civell 
 
 moore.
 nay then letts talke wth him pray call him in Enter Faukner. and 
offi 
 cers
 Fauk.
bless yor honor a new man my lord 
 
 Moore.
why sure this not he 
 
 Fauk.
 and yor Lordshipp will the Barber shall give you a sample of 
my head I am he Infaith my Lord, 
 
 Moore.
why now thy face is like an honest mans 
 thou hast plaid well at this new cutt and won(n) 
 
 Fauk.
 no my lord Lost all that ever god sent me 
 
 Moore
god sent thee Into the world as thou art now wth a short haire.
how quic 
 klyare three years ron(n) out in Newgate 
 
 Fauk.
 I think so my lord. for ther was but a haires length betweene my
going 
thether. and so long time 
 
Moor
Because I see som grace in thee goe free 
 Discharge him fellowes farewell mr moris 
thy head is for thy shoulders now more fitt 
 thou hast less haire vppon it but more witt exit 
 
 Moris.
 Did not I tell thee allwaies of thes Locks 
 
 Fauk.
 And the locks were on againe all the goldsmiths in cheapside
should not 
 pick them open. shart. if my haire stand not an end when I looke
 for 
my face in a glass. I am a polecatt. heers. a lowsie Iest. but if
I 
 notch not that rogue tom barbar that makes me looke thus like a 
Brownist. hange me. Ile be worss to the nitticall knave. then ten 
tooth drawings heers a head wth a pox 
 [ Enter A Messenger to moore]
 
 
my honorable lord the maior of london 
accompaned wth his lady and her traine 
are coming hether. and are hard at hand 
 to feast wth you A seriaunts come before 
 to tell yor Lordshipp of ther neer 
 aproch 
 
 Moore
why this is cheerfull &c' 
why this is cheerfull newes frends goe and Come 
Reverend Erasmus whose delitious words 
express the very soule and lif of witt 
newlie toke sad leave of me wth teares 
trubled the sillver channell of the Themes 
 wch glad of such a burden prowdlie sweld 
 And one her bosom bore him toward the sea 
hees gon to roterdam(m). peace goe wth him 
 he left me heavy when he went from hence 
 But this recomforts me? The kind Lo(rd) maior 
his Britheren Aldermen wth ther faire wives 
 will feast this night wth vs. why soet should be 
moores mery hart lives by good Companie 
 good gentlemen be carefull give great charge 
 or diet be made daynty for the tast 
 for of all people that the earth affords 
 the Londoners fare richest at ther bourds 
Com my good fellowes &c' 
[ENTER LINCOLNE BETTS WILLIAMSON ] DOLL ENTER CROFTS WAITES PLAY
 HERE.]
 [ENTER TO THE PLAYERS WTH A REWARD 
WILLIA(M)
 GEO BETT
BETTS CLOW
WILLIAN
CLOWN. BETTS
 ENTER
 MAIOR
WILLIAMSON
GE
LINCOLN
 MOOR
TELL ME BUT THIS
 LINCO
 ENTER A SERVINGMAN
ENTER MOORE 
 WTH ATTENDAUNTS ] WT PURSS & MACE]
 
 
 Morr:
what ailst thou? art thou mad now. 
 
 Faulk.
 mad now? nayles yf losse of hayre Cannot mad a man 
what Can? I am desposde: my Crowne is taken from mee 
 Moore had bin better a Scowrd More ditch, than a notcht 
 mee thus, does hee begin sheepe sharing wth Iack Faulkner? 
 
 Morr:
 nay & you feede this veyne Sr, fare you well. 
 
 Falk:
why fare well Frost. Ile goe hang my Selfe out for the 
poll head, make a Sarcen of Iack? 
 
 Morr:
thou desperate knave, for that I See the divell, 
wholy gett(e)s hold of thee. 
 
 Falk:
the divell(e)s a dambd rascall 
 
 Morr:
I charge thee wayte on mee no more: no more, 
 call mee thy mr. 
 
 Falk:
why then a word mr Morris. 
 
 Morr.
Ile heare no wordes, Sr, fare you well. 
 
 Falk:
Sbloud farewell: 
 
 Morr:
why doest thou follow mee: 
 
 Falk:
because Ime an Asse, doe you sett yor shavets vpon mee, & then 
cast mee off? must I condole? haue the fates playd the fooles 
weepes. am I theire Cutt? Now the poore Sconce is taken, must
Iack 
march wth bag & baggage? 
 
 Morr:
you Coxcomb. 
 
 Falk:
 nay you ha poacht mee, you ha given mee a hayre, it(e)s here 
here. 
 
 Morr:
 Away you kynd Asse, come Sr, dry yor eyes, 
keepe yor old place & mend theis fooleryes. 
 
 Falk:
I care not to bee tournd off, and twere a ladder, so it be in 
 my humor, or the fates becon to mee; nay pray Sr, yf the
destinyes 
Spin mee a fyne thred, Falkner flyes another pitch: & to 
avoyd the headach, herafter before Ile bee a hayremonger Ile 
 bee a whoremonger. [ Exeu]
 
folio 3
 
 [ Enter at [one end Iohn Lincolne with] together, at the other
end enters Fraunces [de] a lustie woman, he haling her by the
[arme] ]
 
 
 Doll.
whether wilt thou hale me? 
 
 Bard.
 whether I please, thou art my prize and Iple[ade purchase] of
thee 
 
Doll
Purchase of me? away ye Rascall, I am an honest plaine
 Carpenters [wife] 
 and thoughe I haue no beautie to like a husband yet what soeuer
is [mine scor] 
 nesto stoupe to a straunger: hand off then when I bid thee 
 
 Bard.
 Goe with me quietly, or Ile compell thee. 
 
 Doll.
Compell me ye dogges face? thou thinkst thou hast the
 Goldsmithes [wife in] 
hand, whom thou enticedst from her husband with all his plate,
and [when] 
thou turndst her home to him againe, madste him (like an Asse)
 pay for [his] 
 wifes boorde. 
 
 Bard.
 So will I make thy husband too, if pleaseme
Enter Caueler with a paire of dooues, Williamson the Carpenter
 and 
Sherwin following him. 
 
 Doll.
Heere he comes him selfe, tell him so if thou darste. 
 
 Caue.
Followe me no further, I say thou shalt not haue them. 
 
Wil.
I bought them in Cheapeside, and paide my monie for them. 
 
 Sher.
He did Sir indeed, and you offer him wrong, bothe to take them
from him, 
and not restore him his monie neither. 
 
 Caue.
If he paid for them, let it suffise that I possesse them, Beefe
and brew 
 esmay serue such hindes, are Piggions meate for a coorse
Carpenter? 
 
Lin.
It is hard when Englishmens pacience must be thus ietted on by
straungers 
 and they not dare reuendge their owne wrongs. 
 
Geo.
Lincolne, lets beate them downe, and beare no more of these
 abuses. 
 
Lin.
 we may not Betts, be pacient and hearemore.
 
Doll
 How now husband? what, one straunger take thy food from thee,
and another 
thy wife? bir Lady flesh and blood I thinke can hardly brooke
that. 
 
Lin.
 will this geere neuer be otherwise? must these wrongs be thus
endured? 
 
Geo.
 let vs step in, and help to reuendge theiriniurie.
 
 Bard.
what art thou that talkest of reuendge? my Lord Ambassadour
shall once more 
make your Maior haue a check, if he punishe thee not for this
saucie presumpt ion [x] 
 
Wil.
 Indeed my Lord Maior, on the Ambassadours complainte, sent me to
 Newgate [one] 
 day, because (against my will) I tooke the wall of a straunger.
 you may doo a[ny] 
thing, the Goldsmi[th's] [wife] , and mine now must [b] e at your
co(m)maundment. 
 
Geo.
 The more pacient fooles are ye bothe to suffer it. 
 
 Bard.
 
 Suffer it? mend it thou or he if ye can or dare, I tell thee
fellowe, and she were [x] 
the Maior of Londons wife, had I her once in my possession, I
would keep her in sp[ite] 
 of him that durst say nay. 
 
Geo.
 
I tell thee Lombard, these wordes should cost thy best cappe,
were I not cur[bd] 
 by dutie and obedience. The Maior of Londons wife? Oh God, shall
it be thus? 
 
 Doll.
 
why Bettes, am not I as deare to my husband, as my Lord Maiors
wife to him, a[nd] 
 wilt thou so neglectly suffer thine owne shame? Hands off proude
 stranger [or] 
him that bought me, if mens milkie harts [d] are not strike a
straunger , yet [wo]-men 
will beate them downe, ere they beare these abuses. 
 
 Bard.
Mistresse, I say you shall along withme.
 
 Doll.
 
Touche not Doll Williamson, least she lay thee al[ong] on Gods
deare earthe. An[d] 
 [to Caueler]
 
 you Sir, that allow such coorse cates to Carpenters, whilste
 Pidgions which th[ey] 
 pay for, must serue your daintie appetite: deliuer them back to
my husband aga[in] 
 or Ile call so many women to myne assistance, as weele not leaue
one inche vn-torne 
 of thee. If our husbands must be brideled by lawe, and forced to
beare your 
 wrongs, their wiues will be a little lawelesse, and so undly
beate ye. 
 
Caue
Come away de Bard, and let vs goe complaine to my Lord
Ambassadour
 [ ex. Ambo] ]
 
 
 Doll.
 
I, goe, and send him among vs, and weele giue him his welcome
too. I am as[hamed] 
 that free borne Englishmen, hauing beatten straungers within
their owne boun[ds] 
should thus be brau'de and abusde by them at home. 
 
 Sher.
 
It is not our lack of courage in the cause, but the strict
obedience that we a[re] 
bound too: I am the Goldsmith whose wrongs you talkte of, but how
 to redr[esse] 
yours or mine owne, is a matter beyond all our abilities. 
 
Lin.
 
 Not so, not so my good freends, I, though a meane man, a Broaker
by pr[ofe] ssion [and] 
 namd Iohn Lincolne, haue long time winckt at these vilde
 ennormitees [with] [mighty] 
impacience, and, as these two bretheren heere (Betses by name)
can witnesse [with] 
losse of mine owne liffe would gladly remedie them 
 
Geo.
And he is in a good forwardnesse I tell ye, if all hit right. 
 
 Doll.
 As how, I pre thee? tell it to Doll Willia[m] son. 
 
Lin.
you knowe the Spittle Sermons begin the next weeke, I haue
drawne [a] 
 of our wrongs, and the stra[un] gers insolencies. 
 
Geo.
 
 which he meanes the [pre] achers shall there openly p[u] blishe
 in the Pulpit [x] 
 
Wil.
 Oh but that they would, [y] faith it would tickle [our] [straun]
gers [thorowly] 
 
 Doll.
 I, and if you men durst [not] [vndertake] [it] [before] [God]
 [we] [women] 
an honest woman fro[m] [her] [husband] [why] [it] [is]
[intollerable] 
 
 Sher.
But how finde [ye] [the] [preachers] [affected] [to] 
 
Lin.
Mr [milestone type="folio" n="3v"] 
[x] [forme] 
[it] [and] [doubts] [not] [but] [happie] [successe] [will] [ensu]
[x] [our] [wrongs] 
 [x] [you] [shall] 
perceiue ther's no hurt in the Bill, heer's a copie of it, I pray
 ye, heare it. 
 
 [All] 
 [with] [all] our harts, for Gods sake read it 
 
 [Lin] 
 reads] [to] [you] 
 all the worshipfull Lords and maisters of this Cittie, that will
 tak[e] [com]-passion 
ouer the poore people your neighbours, and also of the greate
 importa[bl] e 
h[ur] ts, losses and hinderaunces, wherof proceedeth extreame
pouertie to all the 
 K[in] gs subiects, that inhabite within this Cittie and subburbs
 of the same. For 
so [it] is that Aliens and straungers eate the bread from the
 fatherlesse children, 
 and take the liuing from all the Artificers, and the entercourse
 from all Merchan[ts] 
wherby pouertie is so much encreased, that euery man bewayleth
the miserie [x] 
of other, for crafts men be brought to beggerie, and Merchants to
needines. 
 wherfore, the premisses considered, the redresse must be of the
co(m)mons, knit and 
vnited to one parte. And as the hurt and damage greeueth all men,
 so must 
all men see to their willing power for remedie, and not suffer
the sayde 
Aliens in their wealth, and the naturall borne men of this region
 to come 
 to confusion. 
 
 Doll.
 Before God, tis excellent, and Ile maintaine the suite to be
 honest. 
 
 Sher.
 well, say tis read, what is your further meaning in the matter? 
 
Geo.
 what? marie list to me. No doubt but this will store vs with
 freends enow, 
 whose names we will [clos] ely keepe in writing, and on May day
next in the 
 morning weele goe foorth a Maying, but make it the wurst May day
 for 
the straungers that euer they sawe: how say ye? doo ye subscribe,
or are ye 
 faintharted reuolters 
 
 Doll.
 Holde thee George Bettes, ther's my hand and my hart, by the
 Lord Ile make 
a Captaine among ye, and doo somewhat to be talke of for euer
 after. 
 
Wil.
 My maisters, ere we parte, lets freendly goe and drink together,
and sweare 
 true secrecie vppon our liues. 
 
Geo.
There spake an Angell, come, lets vs alongthen. 
[ exeunt]
 
[ An Arras is drawne, and behinde it (as in Sessions) sit the
L.(ord) Maior, Iustice Suresbie, and other Iustices, Sheriffe
 Moore and the other Sherife sitting by, Smart is the Plaintife,
Lifter the prisoner at the barre]
 
 
 L.Mai.
Hauing dispachte our weightierbusinesses,
we may giue eare to pettie fellonies, 
 Mr. Sheriffe Moore, what is this fellowe? 
 
 Moore.
My Lord, he stands indyted for apursse,
 he hath bin tryed, the Iurie is together. 
 
 L.Mai.
who sent him in? 
 
 Sure.
That did I my Lord, 
 Had he had right, he had bin hangd ere this, 
 the only captayne of the cutpursse crewe. 
 
 L.Mai.
 what is his name? 
 
 Sure.
As his profession is, Lifter my Lord, 
one th[at] c[an] lift a pursse right c[unn] ingly. 
 
 L.Mai.
An[d] [is] [that] he accuses him? 
 
Sure
 Th[e] [s] ame my Lord, whom, by your honors leaue, 
 I [mu] st say somewhat too, because I finde, 
 in some respectes he is well woorthie blame. 
 
 L.Mai.
 Good Mr. Iustice Suresbie speake yourminde,
 we are well pleasde to giue you audience. 
 
 Sure.
 Heare me Smart, thou art a foolishfellowe,
 If Lifter be conuicted by the lawe, 
As, I see not how the Iurie can acquit him: 
Ile stand too't, thou art guiltie of his death. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord, thats woorthe the hearing. 
 
 L.Mai.
 Listen then good Maister Moore. 
 
 Sure.
 I tell thee plaine, it is a shame forthee,
with such a sum to tempte necessitie. 
No lesse then ten poundes Sir, will serue your turne, 
 to [c] arie in your pursse about with ye, 
 to crake and brag in Tauernes of your monie. 
I promise ye, a man that goes a broade, 
with an intent of trueth, meeting such a bootie 
 may be prouokte to that he neuer meante. 
 what makes so many pilferers and fellons, 
 but such fond baites that foolish people lay: 
to tempt the needie miserable wretche. 
 [ten] poundes, odd monie, this is a prettie sum, 
to [bea] re about, whic[h] [were] more safe at home, 
[fore] [God] [twere] [well] [to] [fine] [y] e as much more [
Lord Maior and Moo[re ] 
whisper]
 [x] [to] [the] [releefe] [of] [the] [poore] [pri]soners, 
[x] [to] [teache] [ye] [be] [x] [yor] [ow] ne. 
[x] [rightlie] seru'de [milestone type="folio" n="4"] 
 
 Moore.
Good my Lord, soothe a [x] [for] [once] 
only to trye conclusions in this case 
 
L.Maior
Content good Mr. Moore. weele riseawhile,
And till the Iurie can returne their verdict 
walke in the garden: howe saye ye Iustices? 
 
All.
 we like it well my Lord, weele followe ye. ex. L.(ord) Maior and
Iust[ice] 
 s] 
 Moore.
 Nay Plaintife, goe you too, And Officers, ex.Smart.
stand you aside, and leaue the prisoner 
 to me awhile: Lifter, come hether. 
 
 Lift.
 what is your woorships pleasure? 
 
 Moore.
Sirra, you knowe that you are knowne tome
 And I haue often sau'de ye from this place 
 since first I came in Office: Thou seest beside, 
that Iustice Suresbie is thy heauie freend, 
 for all the blame that he pretends to Smarte: 
 for tempting thee with such a summe of monie. 
 I tell thee what, deuise me but a meanes, 
 to pick or cutt his pursse, and on my credit 
and as I am a christian and a man 
 I will procure thy pardon for that Ieast. 
 
 Lift.
Good Mr. Shreeue, seeke not myouerthrowe,
 you knowe Sir, I haue manie heauie freends 
and more endictments like to come vppon me. 
you are too deepe for me to deale withall, 
 you are knowne to be one of the wisest men that is in England. 
I pray ye Mr. Sheriffe, goe not aboute 
to vndermine my [life] 
 
 Moore.
Lifter, I am tru[e] [subiect] [to] my King, 
 thou much mist[akste] me and for thou shalt not thinke, 
 I meane by this to hurt thy life at all: 
 I will maintaine the act when thou hast doone it. 
 Thou knowest there are such matters in my hands, 
as if I pleasde to giue them to the Iurie: 
I should not need this way to circumuent thee. 
All that I aime at, is a merrie iest: 
performe it Lifter, and expect my best. 
 
 Lift.
 I thanke your woorship, God preserue yourlife.
 But Mr. Iustice Suresbie is gon in, 
 I knowe not how to c[om] e neere where he is. 
 
 Moore.
Let me alone for that, Ile be thysetter,
Ile send him hether to thee presently, 
 vnder the couller of thine owne request, 
 of priuate matters to acquainte him with. 
 
 Lift.
 If ye doo so Sir, then let me alone 
 Fortie to one but then his pursse is gon. 
 
 Moore.
well said, but see that thou diminishnot
one penie of the monie, but giue it me, 
 It is the cunning act, that credits thee. 
 
 Lift.
I will, good Mr. Sheriffe, I assure ye. [ ex. Moore]
 
 I see the purpose of this Gentleman 
 is but to check the fol[lie] of the Iustice, 
for blaming oth[er] s in a desperate case, 
wherin hims[elfe] may fall as soone as any 
 To saue my life it is a [goo] d aduenter: 
Silence there hoe: now [d] ooth the Iustice enter. [ Ent.
 Iust.(ice) Suresbie]
 
 
 Sure.
Now Sirra, now what is your will withme?
wilt thou discha[rge] [thy] [co] nscience like an honest man? 
what sayst to [me] [sirr] a be breefe be breef. 
 
 Lift.
As breefe Sir as [I] [can] 
 If ye stand f[ay] re, I will be bre[ef] e annon. [ aside]
 
 
 Sure.
Speake out and mumbl[e] [n] ot, wh[a] t saist thou Sirra? 
 
 Lift.
Sir, I am chargde as God shall be mycomforte
 with more then's true 
 
 Sure.
Sir Sir, ye are indeed, with more then'strue,
 for you are flatly chargde with fellonie. 
 you'r chargde with more then trueth and that is theft, 
more then a true man should be chargde withall 
 Thou art a varlet, that's no more then true, 
Trifle not with me, doo not, doo not Sirra, 
confesse but what thou knowest, I aske no more. 
 
 Lift.
 There be Sir, there be, ift shall please your woorship, 
 
 Sure.
There be varlet what be there, tell me what there be? 
Come off or on, there be, what be there, knaue? 
 
 Lift.
There be Sir diuers very cunningfellowes,
that while you stand and looke them in the face: 
will haue your pursse. 
 
 Sure.
Th'art an honest knaue. 
tell me what are they? where they may be ca[ug] ht 
 I, those are they I looke for. 
 
 Lift.
you talke of me Sir 
Alas I am [a] punie: t[her] 's one indeed, 
goes by [my] [name] [he] [puts] [downe] [all] [for] [pursses]
 [milestone type="folio" n="4v"] 
[x] [as] [familiare] [as] [thou] [wilt] [my] [knaue] 
 [x] [tis] this I long to [k] nowe. 
 
[Lift] 
 [And] you shall haue your longing ere ye goe. [ aside]
 
 This fellowe Sir, perhaps will meete ye thus, 
 Or thus, or thus, and in kinde complement, action 
pretend acquaintaunce, somewhat doubtfully, 
And these embraces serue. 
 
 Sure.
I marie Lifter, wherfore serue they? shrugging gladly. 
 
Lift
 Only to feele 
whether you goe full vnder saile or no, 
 Or that your lading be aboord your Barke. 
 
 Sure.
 In playner English Lifter, if my pursse be storde or no? 
 
Lift
ye haue it Sir. 
 
 Sure.
 Excellent, excellent. 
 
 Lift.
Then Sir, you cannot but for mannerssake,
 walke on with him, for he will walke your way: 
Alleadging either you haue much forgot him, 
or he mistakes you. 
 
 Sure.
But in this time has he my pursse orno?
 
 Lift.
 Not yet Sir, fye: No nor I haue not yours. [ Ent. Lord Maior
 &c]
 
But now we must forbeare, my Lords returne. 
 
 Sure.
A murren on't: Lifter, weele moreannon.
I, thou sayst true, there are shrewde knaues indeed [ he sits
 downe]
 
But let them gull me, widgen me, rooke me, foppe me, 
 yfaith yfaith, they are too sh[ort] [for] me. 
knaues and fooles meete w[hen] [pursse] s goe, 
wise men looke to their pursses w[ell] enough. 
 
 Moore.
Lifter, is it doone? 
 
 Lift.
doone Mr. Shreeue, and there it is.aside.
 
 Moore.
 Then builde vppon my woord, Ile saue thy life. 
 
 Recor.
 Lifter, stand to the barre, 
the Iurie haue returnd thee guiltie, thou must dye, 
 according to the custome, looke to it Mr Shreeue. 
 
L.Maior.
Then Gentlemen, as you are wunt todoo,
 because as yet we haue no [buri]all place, 
what charitie your meaning['s] to bestowe, 
 toward buriall of the prisoners now condemnde 
let it be giuen, there is first for me. 
 
 Recor.
 And thers for me. 
 
Shather.
 And me. 
 
 Sure.
Bodie of me my pursse is gon. 
 
 Moore.
Gon Sir? what heere? how can that be? 
 
L.Maior.
Against all reason, sitting on thebenche?
 
 Sure.
Lifter, I talkte with you, you haue not lifted me? ha? 
 
 Lift.
 Suspect ye me Sir? Oh what a world isthis?
 
 Moore.
But heare ye Mr. Suresbie, are ye sure
ye had a pursse about ye? 
 
 Sure.
 Sure Mr. Shreeue, as sure as you a[r] e there, 
 and in it seauen poundes odd mo[nie] on my faith. 
 
 Moore.
Seauen poundes odd monie? [w] hat were you so madd, 
beeing a wiseman, and a Ma[gis] trate 
to trust your pursse with suc[h] [a] liberall sum. 
Seauen poundes, odd monie [f] ore G[od] [it] is a shame: 
 with such a summe to tempt [necessi]tie, 
 I promise ye, a man that go[es] [abroade] 
 with an intent of tr[u] eth, meeting [suc] h a bootie, 
may be prouokte to t[h] at he neuer tho[u] ght. 
what makes so man[y] pilferers and fellons, 
 but these fond baite[s] that foolish people lay: 
 to tempte the needie misera[ble] wretche 
 Should be be taken now that has your pursse, 
Ide stand too't, you are guiltie of his death, 
 for questionlesse, he would be cast by lawe. 
 Twere a good deed to fine ye as much more 
to the releefe of the poore prisoners, 
to teache ye lock your monie [vp] at home. 
 
 Sure.
well Mr. Moore y[ou] [a] re a merie man, 
I finde ye Sir, I finde ye well enough. 
 
 Moore.
 Nay, ye shall see Sir, trusting thus yourmonie,
and Lifter here in triall for like case, 
But that the poore man is a prisoner, 
 it would be now suspected that he had it. 
Thus may ye see what mischeefe often comes: 
 by the fond cariage of such needlesse summes. 
 
L.Maior.
 Bele[e] ue me Mr. Suresbie, this is straunge, 
 you beeing a man so setled in assuraunce, 
will fall in that which you condemnd in other. 
 
 Moore.
w[el] l Mr. S[uresbie] the[re] s [your] pursse aga[y] ne, 
 [and] [all] [your] [monie] [feare] [nothing] [of] M[oor] e 
[x] [wisedome] [still] [x] [the] [doore] . [milestone
type="folio" n="5"] 
[ Enter the Earles of Shrewes[burie] [and] [Surrie] [Sir]
 [Thomas] [Palmer] 
and Sir Roger Cholmeley]
 
 
 Shrew.
My Lord of Surrey, and Sir Thomas Palmer,
might I with pacience tempte your graue aduise. 
I tell ye true, that in these daungerous times, 
I doo not like this frowning vulgare brow. 
My searching eye did neuer entertaine, 
 a more distracted countenaunce of greefe 
 then I haue late obseru'de 
in the displeased co(m)mons of the Cittie. 
 
Sur.
 Tis straunge, that from his princelyclemencie,
So well a tempred mercie and a grace, 
to all the Aliens in this fruitefull land, 
 that this highe|creasted insolence should spring, 
from them that breathe from his maiestick bountie, 
 that fatned with the trafficque of our countrey: 
alreadie leape into his subiects face. 
 
Pal.
yet Sherwin hindred to commence hissuite
 against de Bard, by the Ambassadour 
 by supplication made vnto the King. 
 who hauing first entic'de away his wife, 
and gott his plate, neere woorth foure hundred pound, 
 to greeue some wronged Cittizens, that found, 
 this vile disgrace oft cast into their teeth: 
of late sues Sherwin, and arrested him 
for monie for the boording of his wife. 
 
Sur.
The more Knaue Bard, that vsing Sherwins goods, 
dooth aske him interest for the occupation: 
 I like not that my Lord of Shrewesburie. 
 Hees ill bested, that lends a well pac'de horsse, 
 vnto a man that will not finde him meate. 
 
Cholme.
My Lord of Surrey will be pleasantstill.
 
Pal.
I beeing then imployed by your honors 
 to stay the broyle that fell about the same, 
wher by perswasion I enforc'de the wrongs, 
and vrgde the greefe of the displeased cittie: 
He answerd me and with a sollemne oathe 
 that if he had the Maior of Londons wife, 
he would keepe her in despight of any Englishe 
 
Sur.
Tis good Sir Thomas then for you and me,
 your wife is dead, and I a Batcheler 
If no man can possesse his wife alone, 
 I am glad Sir Thomas Palmer I haue none. 
 
Cholme.
 If a take my wife, a shall finde hermeate.
 
Sur.
And reason good (Sir Roger Cholmeley)too.
 If these hott Frenchemen needsly will haue sporte, 
 they should in kindnesse yet deffraye the charge. 
Tis hard when men possesse our wiues in quiet: 
 and yet leaue vs in to discharge their diett. 
 
 Shrew.
My Lord, our Catours shall not vse the markett, 
for our prouision, but some straunger now: 
 will take the vittailes from him he hath bought. 
A Carpenter, as I was late enformde, 
who hauing bought a paire of dooues in Cheape, 
 immediatly a Frencheman tooke them from him, 
 and beat the poore man for resisting him. 
 And when t[h] e fellowe did complaine his wrongs: 
 he was seuerely punis[h'd] e for his labour. 
 
Sur.
But if the Englishe blood be once butvp,
 as I perceiue theire harts alreadie fu[ll] 
I feare me much, before their spleenes [be] coolde, 
 some of these saucie Aliens for their pride, 
 will pay for't soundly, wheresoere it lights. 
this tyde of rage, that with the Eddie striues: 
 I feare me much will drowne too manie liues. 
 
Cholme.
 Now afore God, your honors, pardonme,
men of your place and greatnesse, are to blame, 
 I tell ye true my Lords, in that his Maiestie 
 is not informed of this base abuse, 
 and dayly wrongs are offered to his subiects 
For if he were, I knowe his gracious wisedome, Enter a Messenger 
would soone redresse it. 
 
 Shrew.
 Sirra, what newes? 
 
Cholme.
 None good I feare 
 
 Mess.
My Lord, ill newes, and wursse I feare will followe 
 if speedily it be not lookte vnto. 
 The Cittie [i]s in an vproare and the Maior, 
is threatned if he [come] [ou] t of his [house] 
 [a] number poo[re] [artificers] [milestone type="folio" n="5v"] 
[x] [fearde] [what] [this] would come vnto. 
[x] [this] followes on the doctours publishing 
[x] the bill of wrongs in publique at the Spittle. 
[Shrew] . that doctor Beale may chaunce beshrewe himselfe 
for reading of the bill 
 
Pal.
Let vs goe gather forces to the Maior, 
 for quick suppressing this rebellious route. 
 
Sur.
Now I bethinke my selfe of MaisterMoore,
one of the Sheriffes, a wise and learned Gentleman, 
 and in especiall fauour with the people. 
 He backt with other graue and sober men, 
 may by his gentle and perswasiue speeche 
 perhaps preuaile more then we can with power. 
 
 Shrew.
Beleeue me, but your honor welladuises.
 Let vs make haste, or I doo greatly feare: 
some to their graues this mornings woorke will beare. exeunt. 
Enter Lincolne, Betses, Williamson, Sherwin and other armed, doll
in a shirt [x] 
of Maile, a head piece, sword and Buckler, a crewe attending. 
 
 Doll.
 Peace there I say, heare Captaine Lincolne speake, 
 Keepe silence, till we knowe his minde at large. 
 
All.
Agreed, agreed, speake then braue Captaine Lincolne. 
 
Lin.
Come gallant bloods, you, whose free soules doo scorne 
to beare th'enforced wrongs of Aliens. 
Add rage to resolution, fire the houses 
of these audacious straungers. This is St. Martins 
and yonder dwells Mewtas a wealthie Piccarde, at the greene gate, 
 De Barde, Peter van Hollock, Adrian Martine, 
with many more outlandish fugitiues. 
 Shall these enioy more priueledge then we 
in our owne countrie? lets then become their slaues. 
Since iustice keeps not them in greater awe 
 weele be our selues rough ministers at lawe. 
 
All.
Fire the houses, fire the houses. 
 
 Doll.
 I, for we may as well make bonfires on May day, as at Midsommer,
weele 
alter the day in the Calender, and set it downe in flaming
letters. 
 
 Sher.
Stay, that would much endaunger the whole Cittie 
wherto I would not the least preiudice 
 
 Doll.
No nor I neither, so may mine owne house be burnd for companie,
Ile tell 
 ye what, weele drag the straungers out in to Moore feildes, and
 there bumbast [x] 
them till they stinck againe. 
 
Geo.
 Let some of vs enter the straungershouses,
 and if we finde them there, then bringe them foorth. ex. some
and Sher. 
 
 Doll.
If ye bringe them foorth before ye finde them, Ile neuer allowe
of that. 
 
Will
Now Lads, how shall we labour in oursafetie?
I heare the Maior hath gathered men in Armes 
and that Sheriffe Moore an houre agoe receiu'de 
some of the priuie Councell in at Ludgate, 
 Force now must make our peace or else we fall 
twill soone be knowne we are the principall 
 
 Doll.
 And what of that? if thou bee'st afrayd husband, goe home againe
and hide 
thy head, for by the Lord Ile haue a little sporte now I am atit.
 
Geo.
Lets stand vppon our Guarde, and if theycome
 receiue them as they were our enemies. [ En: Sher. & the rest]
 
 
Lin.
 How now? haue ye found anie? 
 
 Sher.
 Not one, th'are fled. 
 
Lin.
 Then fire the houses, that the Maior beeing busie, 
about the quenching of them, we may scape. 
 Burne downe their kennelles let vs s[x] away, 
 least that this prooue to vs an ill May day. [ exeunt]
 
 [ Enter [t] hree or foure Prentises of trades, with a paire of
Cudgelles.]
 
 
 Harry.
 Come, lay downe the Cudgelles. Hoh Robin, you met vs well at
Bunhill, t 
ohaue you with vs a Mayng this morning? 
 
 Robin.
Faith Harrie, the head drawer at the Miter by the great
Conduite, calld 
me vp,and we went to breakefast into St Annes lane. But come, who
beginnes? 
 In good faith I am cleane out of practise: when wast at Garrets
schoole Harrie? 
 
Har.
 
 Not this great while, neuer since I brake his vshers head, when
 he plaid his s[cho] l-lers 
prize at the Starre in Bread streete, I vse all to George
Philpots at D[ow] gate, 
 hees the best back sworde man in England. 
 
Kit.
Bate me an Ace of that, quoth Bolton. 
 
Har.
 Ile not bate ye a pinne on't Sir, for, by this cudgell tis true. 
 
Kit.
 I will cudgell that oppinion out of ye: did you breake an vshers
head Sir? 
 
Har.
 I marie did I Sir. 
 
Kit.
I am very glad on't, you shall breake mine too and ye can. 
 
Har.
 Sirra, I pre thee what art thou? 
 
Kit.
 w[hy] , I am a Prentise as thou art, seest thou now: Ile play
 with thee at 
blunt [x] [x] [heere] in Che[ape] side, and wh[en] t[hou] hast
doone, if thou bee 
 st angrie, Ile fight [x] [x] [with] [thee] [at] [x] [in] [Moore]
[feildes] 
 I ha[ue] a swoord to serue my turne in a fa[uor] [x] com[e]
Iulie, [to] seru[e] 
(STM:S:10:) To persist in it, is present [deat] h. bu[t] [if] you
 yee[ld] 
[yourselues] , no doubt, what [punish] 
 mentyou (in simplicitie haue incurred, his highn 
esse in mercie will moste [graciously] 
 pardon. 
 
All.
 we yeeld, and desire his highnesse mercie. they lay by their
weapo[ns] 
 
 Moore.
No doubt his maiestie will graunt ityou
 But you must yeeld to goe to seuerall prisons, 
till that his highnesse will be further knowne. 
 
All.
Moste willingly, whether you will hauevs.
 
 Shrew.
 Lord Maior, let them be sent to seuerall prisons, 
 and there in any case, be well intreated. 
 My Lord of Surrie, please you to take horsse, 
 and ride to Cheape side, where the Aldermen, 
are with their seuerall companies in Armes. 
 will them to goe vnto their seuerall wardes, 
bothe for the stay of further mutinie, 
 and for the apprehending of such persons: 
 as shall contend. 
 
Sur.
I goe my noble Lord. ex. Sur. 
 
 Shrew.
weele straite goe tell his highnesse these good newes. 
 withall (Shreeue Moore) Ile tell him, how your breath: 
hath ransomde many a subiect from sad death. ||| ex. Shrew. z
Cholm[x] 
 
L.Maior.
 Lincolne and Sherwine, you shall bothe to Newgate, 
 the rest vnto the Counters. 
 
Pal.
Goe, guarde them hence, a little breath well spent, 
 cheates expectation in his fairst euent. 
 
 Doll.
 well Sheriffe Moore, thou hast doone more with thy good woordes,
 then al 
 l theycould with their weapons: giue me thy hand, keepe thy
promise now for the 
Kings par| 
don,or by the Lord Ile call thee a plaine Conie catcher. 
 
Lin.
Farewell Shreeue Moore, and as we yeeld by thee 
so make our peace, then thou dealst honestly. ||| they are led
away. 
 
L.Maior.
Maister Shreeue Moore, you haue preseru'de the Cittie, 
from a moste daungerous fierce co(m)motion. 
For if this limbe of riot heere in St Martins, 
 had ioynd with other braunches of the cittie, 
that did begin to kindle, twould haue bred, 
great rage, that rage, much murder would haue fed. 
 
Pal.
 not Steele but eloquence hath wrought thisgood.
 
Sh.
you haue redeemde vs from much threatned blood. 
 
 Moore.
My Lord, and bretheren, what I heere haue spoke, 
my countries looue, and next, the Citties care: 
enioynde me to, which since it thus preuailes, 
 thinke, God hath made weake Moore his instrument, 
 to thwart seditions violent intent. 
I think twere best my Lord, some two houres hence, 
 we meete at the Guilde hall, and there determine, 
that thorow euery warde, the watch be clad 
in Armour, but especially prouide 
that at the Cittie gates, selected men, 
substantiall Cittizens doo warde to night, 
 for feare of further mischeife. 
 
L.Maior.
 It shall be so. Ent. Shrew. 
but yond me thinks my Lord of Shrewesburie. 
 
 Shrew.
 My Lord, his maiestie sends loouingthankes,
 to you, your bretheren, and his faithfull subiects 
your carefull Cittizens. But Mr. Moore, to you, 
a rougher, yet as kinde a salutation, 
 your name is yet too short, nay, you must kneele, 
a Knights creation is thys Knightly steele. 
Rise vp Sr. Thomas Moore. 
 
 Moore.
 I thanke his highnesse for thus honoringme.
 
 Shrew.
This is but first taste of his princelyfauor,
for it hath pleased his high maiestie, 
 (noating your wisedome and deseruing meritt,) 
 to put this staffe of honor in your hand, 
 for he hath chose you of his priuie Councell. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord, for to denye my Soueraignes bountie, 
 were to drop precious stones into the heapes 
whence first they came, from whence they'd nere returne, 
to vrdge my imperfections in excuse, 
 were all as stale as custome. No my Lord, 
 my seruice is my Kings, good reason why: 
 since life or death hangs on our Soueraignes eye. 
 
L.Maior.
His maiestie hath honord much thecittie
 in this his princely choise. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord and bretheren, 
 though I [departe] [for] [x] [m] y looue [sha] ll rest 
 (STM:S:10v:) [I] [now] [must] sleepe [in] [courte] , sounde
 sleepes forbeare, 
the Chamberlain to state is publique care. 
yet in this rising of my priuate blood: 
 my studious thoughts shall tend the citties good. Ent. Croftes 
 
 Shrew.
 How now Croftes? what newes? 
 
Croftes.
My Lord, his highnesse sends expresse commaunde, 
that a record be entred of this riott, 
And that the cheefe and capitall offendours 
be theron straite arraignde, for him selfe intends 
to sit in person on the rest to morrowe 
at westminster. 
 
 Shrew.
Lord Maior, you heare your charge. 
Come good Sir Thomas Moore, to Court let's hye 
you are th'appeaser of this mutinie. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord farewell, new dayes begets newtides
 Life whirles bout fate, then to a graue it slydes. ||| exeunt
seuerally. 
Enter Mr. Sheriffe, and meete a Messenger. 
 
Sheriff.
 Messenger, what newes? 
 
 Mess.
 Is execution yet performde? 
 
Sheriff.
 Not yet, the Cartes stand readie at thestayres,
 and they shall presently away to Tibourne. 
 
 Messe.
Stay Mr. Shreeue, it is the Councelles pleasure, 
 for more example in so bad a case, 
a Iibbit be erected in Cheapside, 
 hard by the Standerd, whether you must bring 
Lincolne, and those that were the cheefe with him, Ent. Officers 
to suffer death, and that immediatly. ex. Mess. 
 
Sheriff.
It shalbe doone Sir. Officers, bespeedie
call for a Iibbit, see it be erected, 
 others make haste to Newgate, bid them bring, 
the prisoners hether, for they heere must dye, 
Away I say, and see no time be slackt. 
 
Off.
we goe Sir. 
 
Sheriff.
 Thats well said fellowes, now you doo your dutie ||| ex. some
 seuera 
lly, others 
 set vp the IibbitGod for his pittie help these troublous times 
The streetes stopte vp with gazing multitudes, 
commaund our armed Officers with Halberds, 
 make way for entraunce of the prisoners. 
Let proclamation once againe be made, 
 that euery housholder, on paine of deathe 
keep in his Prentises, and euery man, 
 stand with a weapon readie at his doore, 
 as he will answere to the contrary. 
 
Off.
Ile see it doone Sir. ||| exit. enter another Officer. 
 
Sheriffe.
Bring them away to execution, 
the writt is come abooue two houres since, 
the Cittie will be fynde for this neglect. 
 
Off.
Thers such a preasse and multitude atNewgate,
 they cannot bring the Cartes vnto the stayres 
to take the prisoners in. 
 
Sheriff.
 Then let them come on foote, 
 we may not dally time with great co(m)maund. 
 
Off.
Some of the Benche Sir, thinke it veryfit
 that stay be made, and giue it out abroade 
the execution is deferd till morning, 
And when the streetes shall be a little cleerd, 
to chaine them vp, and suddenly dispatch it. The Prisoners are
 brought 
 in well 
 guarded.
Sheriff.
Stay, in meane time me thinkes they come along. 
 See, they are comming, so, tis very well. 
 Bring Lincolne there the first vnto the tree. 
 
Lin.
I knewe the first Sir, did belong to me.
This the olde prouerbe now compleate dooth make, 
that Lincolne should be hangd for Londons sake. 
A Gods name, lets to woorke: Fellowe, dispatche, he goes vp. 
 I was the formoste man in this rebellion 
 and I the formoste that must dye for it. 
 
 Doll.
Brauely Iohn Lincolne, let thy deathexpresse,
 that as thou liu'dst a man, thou dyedst no lesse. 
 
Lin.
Doll williamson, thine eyes shall witnesseit.
Then to all you that come to viewe mine end, 
I must confesse, I had no ill intent, 
 but against such as wrongd vs ouer much. 
And now I can perceiue, it was not fit, 
 that priuate men should carue out their redresse, 
 which way they list, no, learne it now by me 
obedience is the best in eche degree. 
And asking mercie meekely of my King, 
 I paciently submit me to the lawe. 
But God forgiue them that were the cause of it. 
 and as a Christian, truely from my hart: 
I likewise craue [they] wo[uld] [forgiue] [me] too. 
(STM:S:11:) that others by example [of] [the] [same] 
hencefoorth be warned [to] attempt the like 
 gainst any alien that repaireth heth[er] 
 fare ye well all, the next time that we meete 
 I trust in heauen we shall eche other greete. he leapes off 
 
 Doll.
Farewell Iohn Lincolne, say all what theycan:
thou liu'dst a good fellowe, and dyedst an honest man. 
 
Sheriff.
 Bring williamson there forwarde. 
 
 Doll.
Good Mr. Shreeue, I haue an earnestsuite,
 and as you are a man deny't me not. 
 
Sheriff.
 woman, what is it? be it in mypower,
 thou shalt obtayne it. 
 
 Doll.
Let me dye next Sir, that is all Icraue,
 you knowe not what a comforte you shall bring 
to my poore hart to dye before my husband. 
 
Sheriff.
Bring her to death, she shall haue herdesire.
 
 Doll.
Sir, your free bountie much contents myminde,
 Commend me to that good Shreeue Mr. Moore, 
and tell him had't not bin for his perswasion, 
 Iohn Lincolne had not hung heere as he does. 
 we would first haue lockt vp in Leaden hall, 
 and there bin burnt to ashes with the roofe. 
 
Sheriff.
woman, what Mr. Moore did, was a subiects dutie, 
and hath so pleasde our gracious Lord the King, 
that he is hence remoou'de to higher place, 
and made of Councell to his Maiestie. 
 
 Doll.
well is he woorthie of it by my troth, 
an honest, wise, well spoken Gentleman, 
yet would I praise his honestie much more, 
if he had kept his woord, and sau'de our liues, 
 but let that passe, men are but men, and so, 
woords are but wordes, and payes not what men owe. 
 Now husband, since perhaps the world may say, 
that through my meanes thou comste thus to thy end: 
 heere I beginne this cuppe of death to thee, 
because thou shalt be sure to taste no wursse, 
 then I haue taken, that must goe before thee. 
what though I be a woman, thats no matter, 
I doo owe God a death, and I must pay him. 
Husband, giue me thy hand, be not dismayed, 
this charre beeing charde, then all our debt is payd. 
Only two little babes we leaue behinde vs, 
and all I can bequeathe them at this time, 
 is but the looue of some good honest freend: 
to bring them vp in charitable sorte. 
 what maisters, he goes vpright that neuer haltes, 
 and they may liue to mend their parents faultes. 
 
 Will.
 why well sayd wife, yfaith thou cheerst myhart,
 giue me thy hand, lets kisse, and so lets part. he kisses her on
the ladder. 
 
 Doll.
 The next kisse williamson, shalbe inheauen.
 Now cheerely Lads, George Bets, a hand with thee, 
and thine too Rafe, and thine good honest Sherwin. 
 Now let me tell the women of this towne, 
 No straunger yet brought doll to lying downe. 
 So long as I an Englishman can see, 
Nor Frenche nor dutche shall get a kisse of me. 
 And when that I am dead, for me yet say, 
 I dyed in scorne to be a straungers preye. a great shout and
 noise. 
within. Pardon, Pardon, pardon, pardon Enter Surrey. 
Roome for the Ea(r)le of Surrey, roome there roome. 
 
Sur.
Saue the mans life, if it be possible. 
 
Sheriff.
 It is too late my Lord, hees deadalreadie.
 
Sur.
I tell ye Mr. Sheriffe, you are tooforwarde,
 to make such haste with men vnto their death, 
I thinke your paines will merit little thankes 
 since that his Highnesse is so mercifull, 
 as not to spill the blood of any subiect. 
 
Sheriff.
My noble Lord, would we so much had knowen, 
the Councelles warrant hastened our dispatche, 
it had not else bin doone so suddenly: 
 
Sur.
Sir Thomas Moore humbly vppon his knee, 
did begge the liues of all, since on his woord 
they did so gently yeeld. The King hath graunted it, 
and made him Lord high Chauncellour of England, 
 according as he woorthily deserues. 
Since Lincolnes life cannot be had againe, 
then for the rest, from my dread Soueraignes lippes, 
I heere pronounce free pardon for them all. 
 
All.
 God saue the King, God saue the King, flinging [vp] [cappes] 
my good Lord Chauncellour and the Earle of Surrey. 
 
 Doll.
And doll desires it from her very hart,
Moores name may liue for this right noble part. 
 And w[hen] soere we talke of ill May day: 
 [praise] [Moore] 
 (STM:S:11v:) 
Sur.
 I[n] [ho] pe his highnesse clemencie [and] mercie, 
w[h] ich in the armes of milde and meeke compassion 
 would rather clip you, as the loouing Nursse 
 oft dooth the waywarde Infant, then to leaue you, 
 to the sharp rodd of Iustice so to drawe you, 
to shun such lewde assemblies, as beget 
 vnlawfull riots and such trayterous acts, 
 that striking with the hand of priuate hate, 
 maime your deare countrie with a publique wounde. 
Oh God, that mercie, whose maiestick browe, 
 should be vnwrinckled, and that awefull iustice, 
 which looketh through a vaile of sufferaunce 
 vppon the frailtie of the multitude 
should with the clamours of outragious wrongs, 
 be stird and wakened thus to punishment. 
 But your deserued death he dooth forgiue, 
 who giues you life, pray all he long may liue 
 
All.
God saue the King, God saue the King, 
 my good Lord Chauncellour and the Earle of Surrey. ||| exeunt. 
 A table beeing couered with a greene Carpet, a state Cushion on
 it, 
and the Pursse and Mace lying thereon Enter Sir Thomas Moore and 
his man Randall with him, attyred like him. 
 
 Moore.
 Come on Sir, are you readie? 
 
Ran.
yes my Lord, I stand but vppon a fewe pointes, I shall haue
 doone present 
ly,Is it your honors pleasure that I should growe proude now? 
 
 Moore.
I, I must haue thee proude, or else thou'lt nere 
be neere allyed to greatnesse: obserue me Sir. 
The learned Clarke Erasmus is arriu'de 
 within our Englishe Courte, this day I heare, 
he feasteth with an Englishe honourd Poett 
the Earle of Surrey, and I knowe this night 
the famous Clarke of Roterdame will visite 
 Sir Thomas Moore, therfore Sir, act my parte, 
there, take my place furnishte with pursse and Mace. 
 Ile see if great Erasmus can distinguishe 
merit and outward ceremonie: obserue me Sirra, 
Ile be thy glasse, dresse thy behauiour 
 according to my cariage, but beware 
thou talke not ouermuch, for twill betray thee. 
who prates not oft, seemes wise, his witt fewe scan, 
whilste the tounge blabs tales of th'imperfect man. 
 
Ran.
I conceiue your Lordship, and haue learnde your shift so well,
that I mus 
 t needesbe apprehensiue. The waites playes within 
 
 Moore.
This Musique telles vs, that the Earle iscome
with learnde Erasmus. Now my Lord Chauncellour, 
Act like a formall Player our graue parte. 
 
Ran
 I pray ye my Lord, let me co(m)maund ye to leaue me, if I doo it
not in ke 
 w, letyour Lordship bannishe me from the wearing of a golde
 chaine for euer. 
 
 Moore.
 They come now, set thy countenaunce, act thy parte 
 with a firme boldnesse, and thou winnest my hart. ||| exit 
Musique, enter Surrey, Erasmus and attendants. 
 
Sur.
Now great Erasmus, you approche thepresence,
of a moste learned woorthie Gentleman. 
 This little Ile holdes not a truer freend 
 vnto the Artes: nor dooth his greatnesse add 
a feigned florishe to his woorthie meritt. 
Hees great in studie, thats the statists grace, 
that gaines more reuerence then the outward place. 
 
 Eras.
 Reporte my Lord hath crost the narrowSeas,
 and to the seuerall partes of Christendome 
hath borne the fame of your Lord Chauncellour. 
I longd to see him, whom with loouing thoughts 
I in my studie oft haue visited. 
Is yond Sir Thomas? 
 
Sur.
 It is Erasmus. 
Now doo you viewe the honorablest Scholler, 
 the moste religious Politician, 
 the woorthiest Councellour that tends our state. 
That Studie is the generall watche of England, 
In it, the Princes safetie, and the peace, 
 that shines vppon our co(m)mon weale, are forgde. 
vppon the golden Anuile of his braine. 
who cures the Realme, such care attends the great, 
that minde and bodie must together sweate. 
 
 Eras.
His Lordship hath some weightie businessure,
 for see, as yet he takes no notice of vs. 
 I thinke twere best I doo my dutie to him 
 in a short Latine speeche. 
 
Sur.
 It will doo well, 
hees the best linguist that we haue in England. 
[x] Cum tua virtus, (amplissim[x] doctissime que vir) [x] 
(STM:S:14:) Methinkes this straunge and Ruffinlike disguise, 
fits not the follower of a secretarie. 
 
 Faulk.
My Lord, I weare my haire vppon a vow.
 
 Shrew.
 But for no penaunce of your sinnes Ifeare.
 
Sur.
No, hees no haire|cloth man, though he weare haire. 
 
 Moore.
 Faulkener, how long ist since you cutt your locks? 
 
 Faulk.
 Three ye 
 ares my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
How long wilt be before your vowexpire?
 
 Faulk.
As many yeares as since my haire wascut.
 
 Moore.
 Sure, vowes are holy things, if they bemade
to good intent, and Sir, you shall not say, 
 you were compelde by me to breake your vowe. 
But till the expiration of the same, 
because I will not haue ye walke the streetes, 
for euery man to stand and wunder at, 
I will co(m)mitt ye prisoner vnto Newgate. 
Except meane time, your conscience giue you leaue, 
 to dispense with the long vow that you haue made 
Away with him. 
 
Sur.
A Cell moste meete for such a votarie. 
 
 Faulk.
well Sir, and I may perhaps be bailde er't be long, and yet
weare my h 
aire [x] 
 Moore.
And Mr. Sheriff of London, ||| they lead himout:
heere in his highnesse name we giue you charge, 
 continuall watche be kept through out the cittie, 
for the suppressing of these mutinies. 
And if heerafter any that belong, 
 either to my Lord of winchester or Elie, 
 doo come into your Cittie with a weapon, 
or abooue two of either faction, 
shall be seene walking in the streetes together 
or meete in Tauerne or in Ordinarie, 
 they be co(m)mitted presently to prison. 
 
Sur.
 And cause to be proclaimd about theCittie,
that no man whatsoeuer, that belongs, 
 either to my Lord of winchester or Elie, 
doo walke without the liuerie of his Lord, 
either in cloke or any other garment, 
 that notice may be taken of th'offenders. Enter Mr. Morris. 
 
 Moris.
God saue your honor my Lord Chauncellour. z. ex. Sherif and the
rest. 
 
 Moor.
welcome Mr Morris, what newes Sir? 
 
 Moris.
 I come moste humbly to entreate yourhonor,
in the behalfe of a poore man of mine. 
 
 Moore.
 what, the votarie, that will not cut hishaire,
vntill the expiration of his vow? 
 
 Moris.
My lord, beeing sorie for his rudebehauiour,
he hath cut his haire, and dooth conforme him selfe 
in his attire. 
 
 Moore.
 where is the fellow? I am glad to heareit.
 
 Moris.
heere my good Lord. Faukener isbrought
 
 Moore.
you mock me surely, this is not theman.
 
 Faulk.
 yes indeed my Lord I am he. 
 
 Moore.
 Thou art not sure. 
the other was an vglie filthie knaue, 
thou, a good featurde and well fauourd man. 
 why see what monsters you will make your selues, 
 by cherishing a lothsome excrement, 
 t'abuse the goodly ymage of a man, 
whom God did frame so excellent a creature. 
well, be a peaceable and ciuill man, 
I doo dischardge thee. 
 
 Faulk.
 I humbly thanke your honor. 
 
 Moris.
And my selfe 
 thankfull for this gracious fauour. 
 
 Moore.
 wilt please your honors now to keepe your way: 
 I feare the Lordes are hindered by our stay. ||| exeunt Lordes. 
 
 Moris.
See Sir what your Ruffian tricks cometoo,
 you thinke the eye of wisedome doo's not see, 
into the brainsick follies of vaine heades, 
but with your swaggering, you can bear't away. 
 
 Faulk.
 Sir, I confesse I haue bin muchmisgouernde,
 and led by ydle spleenes, which now I see, 
 are like them selues, meere sottishe vanitie. 
 when [x] the Iayle I better [x] llde to minde 
 the graue rebukes of my Lord Chauncell[x] 
 and lookte into my selfe with more res[x] 
 then my rashe heate before would let m[x] 
 I caused a Barber presently be sent f[x] 
and moou'de your woorship then [x] for me. 
but when I fall into [x] 
casheere me [x] 
 (STM:S:14v:) Enter Sr. Thomas Moore, Mr. Roper, and Seruing men
 setting [stooles] 
 
 Moore.
 Come my good fellowes, stirre, bedilligent,
Sloth is an ydle fellowe, leaue him now, 
the time requires your expeditious seruice. 
 Place me heere stooles, to set the Ladyes on. 
Sonne Roper, you haue giuen order for the banquet. 
 
Ro.
I haue my Lord, and euery thing is readie. Enter his Lady. 
 
 Moore.
 Oh welcome wife, giue you direction, 
how women should be plac'de, you knowe it best. 
For my Lord Maior, his bretheren, and the rest, 
Let me alone, men best can order men 
 
La.
I warrant ye my Lord, all shalbe well 
 Ther's one without that stayes to speake with ye, 
And bad me tell ye that he is a Player. 
 
 Moore.
 A Player wife? one of ye bid him come in, ex. one. 
 Nay stirre there fellowes, fye, ye are to slowe. 
See that your lights be in a readines, 
 the Banquet shalbe heere. Gods me Madame, 
leaue my Lady Maioresse? bothe of vs from the boord? 
and my Sonne Roper too? what may our guests thinke? 
 
La.
My Lord, they are risen, and sitting by thefire.
 
 Moore.
why yet goe you and keepe themcompanie,
 It is not meete we should be absent bothe, ex. La. ent. Player. 
welcome good freend, what is your will with me? 
 
Player.
My Lord, my fellowes and my selfe, 
are come to tender ye our willing seruice, 
so please you to commaund vs. 
 
 Moore.
 what, for a play, you meane? 
whom doo ye serue? 
 
Player.
My Lord Cardinalles grace. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord Cardinalls players? now trust me, welcome. 
 you happen hether in a luckie time, 
 to pleasure me, and benefit your selues. 
The Maior of London, and some Aldermen, 
his Lady, and their wiues, are my kinde guests 
this night at supper. Now, to haue a play, 
before the banquet, will be excellent, 
 how thinke you Sonne Roper? 
 
Ro.
Twill doo well my Lord, 
 and be right pleasing pastime to your guests. 
 
 Moore.
I pre thee tell me, what playes haueye?
 
Player.
diuers my Lord: the Cradle ofSecuritie,
hit nayle o'th head, impacient pouertie, 
the play of foure Pees: diues and Lazarus, 
 Lustie Iuuentus, and the mariage of witt and wisedome. 
 
 Moore.
The mariage of witt and wisedome? that my Lads, 
Ile none but that, the theame is very good, 
and may maintaine a liberall argument. 
 To marie wit to wisedome, asks some cunning, 
 Many haue witt, that may come short of wisedome. 
weele see how Mr. Poet playes his part, 
 and whether witt or wisedome grace his arte. 
Goe, make him drinke, and all his fellowes too, 
 how manie are ye? 
 
Player.
Foure men and a boy Sir. 
 
 Moore.
But one boy? then I see, 
 ther's but fewe women in the play. 
 
Player.
Three my Lord: dame Science, Ladyvanitie,
and wisedome she her selfe 
 
 Moore.
And one boy play them all? bir Lady, hees loden. 
 well my good fellowe get ye straite together, 
and make ye readie with what haste ye may. 
Prouide their supper gainste the play be doone, 
else shall we stay our guests heere ouer long. 
 Make haste I pray ye. 
 
Player.
we will my Lord. ||| ex. Ser. z.player.
 
 Moore.
where are the waytes? goe, bid themplay,
to spend the time awhile. How now Madame+ En. Lady. 
 
La.
 My Lord th'are co(m)ming hether. 
 
 Moore.
 Th'are welcome: wife, Ile tell ye onething,
Our sporte is somewhat mended, we shall haue 
a play to night: the mariage of witt and wisedome, 
And acted by my good Lord Cardinalles players. 
how like ye that wife? 
 
La.
My Lord, I like it well. 
See, they are comming. 
 The waytes playes, Enters Lord Maior, so many Aldermen as may, 
 the Lady Maioresse in Scarlet, with other Ladyes and Sir Thomas 
 Moores daughters, Seruants carying lighted Torches by them. 
 
 Moore.
Once agayne welcome, welcome my good Lord Maior, 
And bretheren all for once I was your brother, 
 and so am still in hart. It is not state, 
 that can our looue from London seperate. 
(STM:S:15:) [x] naught but pride. 
 But they that cast an eye still whence they came, 
 knowe how they rose, and how to vse the same. 
 
L.Maior.
My Lord, you set a glosse on Londonsfame,
and make it happie euer by your name. 
Needs must we say, when we remember Moore, 
 Twas he that droue rebellion from our doore. 
with graue discretions milde and gentle breath, 
sheelding a many subiects liues from death. 
Oh how our Cittie is by you renownde, 
 And with your vertues our endeuours crownde. 
 
 Moore.
 No more my good Lord Maior: but thanks to all, 
that on so short a summons, you would come 
to visite him that holdes your kindnesse deere. 
 Madame, you are not merie with my Lady Maioresse, 
And these fayre Ladyes, pray ye seate them all, 
 And heere my Lord, let me appoint your place 
the rest to seate them selues: Nay, Ile wearie ye, 
 you will not long in haste to visite me. 
 
La.
Good Madame sit, in sooth you shall sitheere.
 
La.Mai.
 Good Madame pardon me, it may not be.
 
La.
In troth Ile haue it so, Ile sit heere byyee,
Good Ladyes sit, more stooles heere hoe. 
 
La.Mai.
It is your fauour Madame makes methus,
presume abooue my merit. 
 
La.
when we come to you, 
 then shall you rule vs, as we rule you heere. 
Now must I tell ye Madame, we haue a play, 
to welcome ye withall: how good so ere, 
that knowe not I, my Lord will haue it so. 
 
 Moore.
wife, hope the best, I am sure theyle doo their best, 
they that would better, comes not at their feaste. 
 My good Lord Cardinalles players, I thanke them for it, 
 play vs a play, to lengthen out your welcome, 
 my good Lord Maior, and all my other freends. 
They say it is the mariage of wit and wisedome, 
 A theame of some importe, how ere it prooue: 
 but if Arte faile, weele inche it out with looue. 
what, are they readie? 
 
Ser.
My Lord, one of the Players craues to speake with you. 
 
 Moore.
with me? where is he? Enter Inclination the vise, readie. 
 
 Incli.
 Heere my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
 How now? what's the matter? 
 
 Incli.
we would desire your honor but to stay a little, one of my
fellowes is 
 but runto Oagles, for a long beard for young witt, and heele be
 heere presently. 
 
 Moore.
 A long beard for young witt? why man, he may be with out a beard
 till h 
 e cometo mariage, for witt goes not all by the hayre: when comes
witt in? 
 
 Incli.
 In the second Scene, next to the Prologue my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
why play on till that Sceane come, and by that time witts beard
 will be 
 growne, or else the fellowe returned with it. And what part
 plaist thou? 
 
 Incli.
Inclination the vice my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
 Gramercies, now I may take the vice if I list: and wherfore hast
thou 
that bridle in thy hand? 
 
 Incli.
 I must be bridled annon my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
And thou beest not sadled too, it makes no matter, for then
witts incl 
ina| 
 tionmay gallop so fast, that he will outstrip wisedome, and fall
to follie. 
 
 Incli.
Indeed so he does to Lady vanitie: but we haue no follie in our
play. 
 
 Moore.
Then ther's no witt in't, Ile be sworne: Follie waites on witt,
as th 
e shaddow[e] on the bodie, and where witt is ripest, there follie
still is readie
st. But beginneI pre thee, weele rather allowe a beardlesse
witt, then witt all 
bearde to haue 
no braine. 
 
 Incli.
Nay, he has his apparell on too my Lord, and therfore he is the
 readier 
to enter.
 Moore.
Then good Inclination beginne at a venter. ||| exit. 
 My Lord Maior: witt lacks a beard, or else they would beginne, 
 Ide lend him mine, but that it is too thinne. 
Silence, they come. 
 The Trompet soundes, enter the Prologue. 
 
Pro.
Now for as much as in these latterdayes,
 throughout the whole world in euery land; 
vice dooth encrease and vertue decayes, 
Iniquitie hauing the vpper hand. 
 we therfore intend good gentle Audience, 
a prettie short Enterlude to play at this present, 
desiring your leaue and quiet silence, 
 to shewe the same as is meete and expedient. 
It is called the mariage of witt and wisedome, 
 A matter right pithie and pleasing to heare, 
[x] [wherof] [in] [breefe] [we] will [shewe] the [whole] [summe] 
(STM:S:15v:) But I must begon, for [witt] [dooth] appeare. |||
exit 
Enter Witt ruffling, and Inclination the vice. 
 
 Witt.
In an arbour greene, a sleepe where as Ilay,
 The birdes sang sweetely in the midst of the day, 
 I dreamed fast of mirthe and play, 
 In youth is pleasure, in youthe is pleasure. 
Me thought I walked still to and fro, 
And from her companie I could not goe, 
But when I waked, it was not so, 
In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure. 
 Therfore my hart is surely plight, 
Of her alone to haue a sight, 
 which is my ioy and harts delight, 
In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure. 
 
 Moore.
 Marke ye my Lord, this is witt without a bearde, what will he
be, by th 
attime he comes to the commoditie of a bearde? 
 
 Incli.
 Oh Sir, the ground is the better on which she dooth goe. 
 For she will make better cheere with a little she can get: 
 then many a one can with a great banquet of meat. 
 
 Witt.
And is her name wisedome? 
 
 Incli.
I Sir, a wife moste fitt, 
for you my good maister, my daintie sweet Witt. 
 
 Witt.
To be in her companie, my hart it isset.
 therfore I pre thee to let vs begon: 
 for vnto wisedome Witt hath Inclination. 
 
 Incli
 Oh Sir, she will come her selfe euenannon.
For I tolde her before where we would stand 
And then she sayd she would beck vs with her hand. 
Back with those boyes, and saucie great knaues, florishing his
 dagger. 
 what, stand ye heere so bigge in your braues? 
 my dagger about your coxecombes shall walke, 
if I may but so much as heare ye chat or talke. 
 
 Witt.
 But will she take paines to come for vshether?
 
 Incli.
I warrant ye, therfore you must be familiare with her. 
 when she commeth in place, 
 you must her embrace, somewhat hansomely, 
Least she thinke it daunger, 
 because you are a straunger, to come in your companie. 
 
 Witt.
 I warrant thee Inclination, I will bebusie,
 Oh how witt longs to be in wisedomes companie. 
 Enter Lady Vanitie singing. and beckning with her hand. 
 
Van.
 Come hether, come hether, come hethercome:
Such cheere as I haue, thou shalt haue some. 
 
 Moore.
This is Lady Vanitie Ile holde mylife:
beware good witt, you take not her to wife. 
 
 Incli.
what, vnknowne honestie, a woord in youreare,
 you shall not be gon as yet I sweare. she offers to depart. 
Heer's none but your freends, you need not to fray, 
 this young Gentleman looues ye, therfore you must stay. 
 
 Witt.
I trust in me she will thinke nodaunger,
 for I looue well the companie of fayre women: 
 And though to you I am a straunger, 
yet Witt may pleasure you now and then. 
 
Van.
who you? nay you are such a holy man, 
 that to touche one you dare not be bolde: 
I thinke you would not kisse a young woman, 
 if one would giue ye twentie pound in golde. 
 
 Witt.
yes in good sadnesse Lady, that Iwould,
I could finde in my hart to kisse you in your smock. 
 
Van.
 My back is broade enough to beare thatmock.
For it hath bin tolde me many a time: 
that you would be seene in no such companie as mine. 
 
 Witt.
Not Witt in the companie of LadyWisedome?
 Oh Ioue for what doo I hether come? 
 
 Incli.
Sir, she did this nothing else but toprooue,
whether a little thing would you mooue, 
to be angrie and frett: 
what and if one sayd so, 
 let such trifling matters goe, 
 and with a kinde kisse come out of her debt. 
 Is Luggins come yet with the beard? Enter an other player. 
 
Player.
 No faith, he is not come, alas, what shall we doo? 
 
 Incli.
Forsooth we can goe no further, till our fellowe Luggins come,
for he p 
laysgood Councell, and now he should enter, to admonishe Witt,
that this is Lad[y] 
 Vanitie, and not Lady Wisedome. 
 
 Moore.
 Nay, and it be no more but so, ye shall not tarie at a stand for
that, 
weele n[ot] haue our play marde for lack of a little good
Councell: till your fe 
llowe co[me] Ile geue him the best councell that I can, pardon me
my Lord Maior, 
I lo[ue] 
 to [be] merie 
(STM:S:17:) 
 Moore.
 [oh] [x] [witt,] th[ou] [art] [nowe] [on] the bowe hand, 
 And blindely in thine owne oppinion doost stand. 
 I tell thee, this naughtie lewde Inclination, 
 Does lead thee amisse in a very straunge fashion. 
This is not Wisedome, but Lady Vanitie, 
therfore list to good councell, and be ruled by me. 
 
 Incli.
In troth my Lord, it is as right to Lugginses part, as can be,
speake W 
 itt.
 Moore.
Nay, we will not haue our audience disappointed, if I can help
 it. 
 
 Witt.
 Art thou good Councell, and wilt tell meso?
 wouldst thou haue Witt from Lady Wisedome to goe? 
Thou art some deceiuer, I tell thee verily, 
In saying that this is Lady Vanitie. 
 
 Moore.
Witt, iudge not things by the outwardeshowe,
the eye oft mistakes, right well you doo knowe. 
Good councell assures thee vppon his honestie, 
 that this is not Wisedome, but Lady Vanitie. 
 Enter Luggins with the bearde. 
 
 Incli.
 Oh my Lord, he is come, now we shall goe forwarde. 
 
 Moore.
 Art thou come? well fellowe, I haue holpe to saue thine honestie
 a litt 
 le,Now, if thou canst giue witt any better councell then I haue
doone, spare no[t] there I leaue him to thy mercie. 
 But by this time, I am sure our banquet's readie, 
My Lord, and Ladyes, we will taste that first, 
And then they shall begin the play againe, 
which through the fellowes absence, and by me, 
in sted of helping, hath bin hindered. 
 Prepare against we come: Lights there I say, 
thus fooles oft times doo help to marre the play. ||| exeunt.
ma.(nent) players. 
 
 Witt.
Fye fellowe Luggins, you serue vs hansomely, doo ye not thinke
 ye. 
 
Lug.
why, Oagle was not with in, and his wife would not let me haue
the beard, 
an[d] by my troth I ran so fast that I sweat againe. 
 
 Incli.
 doo ye heare fellowes? would not my Lord make a rare player? Oh,
 he wou 
 ldvpholde a companie beyond all hoe, better then Mason among the
Kings play| 
 ers 
 did ye marke how extemprically he fell to the matter, and spake
 Luggin| 
 ses 
parte, almoste as it is in the very booke set downe. 
 
 Witt.
 Peace, doo ye knowe what ye say? my Lord a player? let vs not
meddle wit 
hany such matters: yet I may be a little proude, that my Lord
 hath answerd m[e] 
in my parte, but come, let vs goe and be readie to begin the play
 againe. 
 
Lug.
 I, that's the best, for now we lack nothing. ||| exeunt. 
Enter the Earles of Shrewesburie, Surrey, Bishop of Rochester and
other 
Lordes, seuerally, dooing curtesie to eche other, Clark of the
Councell 
 waitin 
 g bareheaded. 
 
Sur.
Good morrowe to my Lord of Shrewesburie.
 
 Shrew
The like vnto the honourd Earle ofSurrey.
 yond comes my Lord of Rochester. 
 
Rochest.
 Good morrowe my good Lordes 
 
Sur.
Clarke of the Councell, what time ist ofday?
 
Clarke.
 Past eight of clock my Lord. 
 
 Shrew.
I wunder that my good LordChauncellour,
 dooth stay so long, considering ther's matters 
of high importaunce to be scand vppon. 
 
Sur.
Clarke of the Councell, certefie hisLordship
 the Lordes expect him heere. 
 
Rochest.
 It shall not need. 
yond comes his Lordship. 
 Enter Sr. Thomas Moore, with Pursse and Mace borne before him. 
 
 Moore.
Good morrowe to this faire assemblye. 
 Come my good Lords let's sit. Oh serious square, they sit. 
vppon this little borde is dayly scande 
 the health and preseruation of the land. 
 we the Phisitians that effect this good, 
now, by choise diett, annon, by letting blood. 
 Our toyle and carefull watching, brings the King 
in league with slumbers, to which, peace dooth sing. 
Auoyde the roome there. 
 what busines Lords to day? 
 
 Shrew.
 This my good Lord. 
 About the entertainement of the Emperour, 
gainst the perfidious Frenche into our pay. 
 
Sur.
 My Lords, as tis the custome in thisplace,
the youngest should speake first, so, if I chaunce, 
in this case to speake youngly, pardon me. 
 I will agree, Fraunce now hath her full strength 
as hauing newe recouered the pale blood 
which warre sluic'de foorth, and I consent to this, 
that the coniunction of our Englishe forces 
 with armes of Germanie, may sooner bring 
this prize of conquest in. But then my Lordes, 
 As in the morrall hunting [twixt] [the] Lyon, 
 and other be[astes] [force] [ioynd] 
 (STM:S:17v:) frighted the weaker sharers from their partes. 
 So if the Empires Soueraigne chaunce to put, 
his plea of partnership into warres Courte, 
 Swoordes should discide the difference, and our blood: 
 in priuate teares lament his entertainement. 
 
 Shrew.
 To doubt the wurst is still the wise mans sheeld, 
that armes him safely, but the worlde knowes this, 
the Emperour is a man of royall faith. 
 His looue vnto our Soueraigne, brings him downe, 
from his emperiall seate, to marche in pay 
vnder our English Flagge, and weare the crosse, 
 like some high order on his manly breast. 
 Thus seruing, hees not Maister of him selfe, 
but like a Collonell, co(m)maunding other, 
is by the Generall ouer|awed him selfe. 
 
Rochest.
 yet my good Lord. 
 
 Shrew.
 Let me conclude my speeche. 
 As subiects share no portion in the conquest 
 of their true Soueraigne other then the merritt, 
that from the Soueraigne guerdons the true subiect: 
 So the good Emperour in a freendly league 
of amitie with England, will not soyle 
 his honor with the theft of Englishe spoyle. 
 
 Moore
There is no question, but thisentertainement:
will be moste honorable, most co(m)modious. 
 I haue oft heard good Captaines wish to haue 
riche Soldiours to attend them, such as would fight 
bothe for their liues and liuings. Such a one, 
is the good Emperour: I would to God, 
we had ten thousand of such able men, 
hah, then there would appeare, no Courte, no Cittie 
 but where the warres were: they would pay them selues. 
Then to preuent in Frenche warres, Englands losse: 
let Germaine flagges waue with our Englishe crosse. 
Enter Sir Thomas Palmer. 
 
Pal.
My Lordes, his Maiestie hath sent by me 
 these Articles enclosde, first to be viewde, 
 and then to be subscribed to: I tender them, 
in that due reuerence which befitts this place. with great
reuerenc[e] 
 
 Moore.
Subscribe these Articles? stay, let vspause,
 our conscience first shall parley with our lawes. 
My Lord of Rochester, viewe you the paper. 
 
Rochest.
 Suscribe to these? now good Sir Thomas Palmer, 
 beseeche the King that he will pardon me. 
My hart will check my hand whilste I doo write, 
subscribing so, I were an hipocrite. 
 
Pal.
 doo you refuse it then my Lord? 
 
Rochest.
 I doo Sir Thomas. 
 
Pal.
Then heere I summon you foorth witht'appeare,
before his maiestie, to answere there 
this capitall contempt. 
 
Rochest.
 I rise, and parte, 
 in liew of this, to tender him my hart. he riset 
 h. 
 
Pal.
 wilt please your honor to subscribe myLord?
 
 Moore.
 Sir, tell his highnesse, I entreate 
some time for to bethinke me of this taske. 
In the meane while, I doo resigne mine office, 
 into my Soueraignes hands. 
 
Pal.
 Then my Lord, 
heare the prepared order from the King. 
On your refusall, you shall straite departe 
vnto your house at Chelsey, till you knowe 
our Soueraignes further pleasure. 
 
 Moore.
Moste willingly, I goe. 
 My Lordes, if you will visite me at Chelsey, 
 weele goe a fishing, and with a cunning nett, 
 not like weake filme, weele catche none but the great. 
 Farewell my noble Lordes: why this is right, 
 good morrowe to the Sunne, to state good night. ||| ex. Moore. 
 
Pal.
will you subscribe my Lordes? 
 
Sur.
Instantly good Sir Thomas, 
weele bring the writing vnto our Soueraigne. they write. 
 
Pal.
 My Lord of Rochester, 
you must with me, to answere this contempt. 
 
Roches.
 This is the wurst, 
who's fre pt. ||| ex. Ro. z Pal. 
 
Sur.
 [now] [let] [vs] [x] [to] [our] [Soueraign] e. 
 (STM:S:18:) [x] [tis] [straunge] that my [lord] Chauncellour
 should refuse 
 the dutie that the lawe of God bequeathes 
vnto the King. 
 
 Shrew.
Come, let vs in, no doubt, 
his minde will alter, and the Bishops too, 
 Errour in learned heads hath much to doo. 
Enter the Lady Moore, her two daughters, and Mr. Roper, as
walking [x] 
 
Ro.
 Madame, what ayles yee for to looke sosad.
 
 Lady.
Troth Sonne, I knowe not what, I am notsick,
and yet I am not well: I would be merie 
but somewhat lyes so heauie on my hart: 
 I cannot chuse but sigh. You are a Scholler, 
I pray ye tell me, may one credit dreames? 
 
Ro.
 why ask you that, deare Madame? 
 
 Lady.
Because to night, I had the straungestdreame,
 that ere my sleep was troubled with. 
Me thought twas night, 
 And that the King and Queene went on the Themes, 
in Bardges to heare musique: My Lord and I 
were in a little boate me thought, Lord, Lord, 
what straunge things liue in slumbers? And beeing neere, 
 we grapled to the Bardge that bare the King. 
But after many pleasing voyces spent, 
 in that still moouing musique house: me thought, 
 the violence of the streame did seuer vs 
 quite from the golden fleet, and hurried vs, 
vnto the bridge, which with vnused horror, 
we entred at full tide, thence some flight shoote, 
 beeing caried by the waues: our boate stood still 
 iust opposite the Tower, and there it turnde, 
and turnde about, as when a whirle|poole sucks 
the circkled waters: me thought that we bothe cryed, 
till that we sunck, where arme in arme we dyed. 
 
Ro.
Giue no respect, deare Madame to fonddreames,
they are but slight illusions of the blood. 
 
 Lady.
Tell me not all are so, for oftendreames,
 are true diuiners, either of good or ill. 
I cannot be in quiet, till I heare , 
how my Lord fares. 
 
Ro.
aside. Nor I. Come hether wife 
I will not fright thy mother, to interprete 
 the nature of a dreame: but trust me sweete, 
this night I haue bin troubled with thy father: 
beyond all thought. 
 
Ro.wife.
 Truely and so haue I. 
Me thought I sawe him heere in Chelsey Churche, 
standing vppon the Rood loft, now defac'de. 
 And whilste he kneeld and prayd before the ymage, 
it fell with him into the vpper quier, 
where my poore father lay all stainde in blood. 
 
Ro.
Our dreames all meet in one conclusion 
 Fatall, I feare. 
 
 Lady.
what's that you talke? I pray ye let meknowe it.
 
Ro.wife.
Nothing good mother. 
 
 Lady.
This is your fashion still, I must knowenothing.
 Call Maister Catesbie, he shall straite to Courte, 
and see how my Lord does: I shall not rest, 
vntill my hart leaue panting on his breast. 
Enter Sr. Thomas Moore merily, Seruants attending. 
 
 Daugh.
See where my father comes, ioyfull andmerie.
 
 Moore.
As Sea men, hauing past a troubledstorme,
daunce on the pleasant shoare: So I, Oh I could speake 
now like a Poett. Now afore God, I am passing light, 
wife, giue me kinde welcome, thou wast wunt to blame 
my kissing, when my beard, was in the stubble, 
But, I haue bin trimde of late, I haue had, 
a smoothe Courte shauing, in good faith I haue, daughters kneele. 
God blesse ye: Sonne Roper, giue me your hand. 
 
Ro.
your Honor's welcome home. 
 
 Moore.
Honor? ha ha: And how doost wife? 
 
Ro.
He beares him selfe moste straungely. 
 
 Lady.
 will your Lordship in? 
 
 Moore.
Lordship? no wife, that's gon, 
the ground was slight that we did leane vppon. 
 
 Lady.
 Lord that your Honor nere will leaue these Iests, 
In faith it ill becomes yee. 
 
 Moore.
Oh go[od] wife. 
(STM:S:18v:) Honor and Iests are bothe together fled, 
The meriest Councellour of England's dead. 
 
 Lady.
whose that my Lord? 
 
 Moore.
Still Lord? the Lord Chauncellourwife.
 
 Lady.
Thats you. 
 
 Moore.
Certaine, but I haue chaungde my life.
Am I not leaner then I was before, 
the fatt is gon: my title's only Moore. 
Contented with one stile, Ile liue at rest, 
they that haue many names, are not still best. 
I haue resignde mine office: count'st me not wise? 
 
 Lady.
 Oh God. 
 
 Moore.
Come, breed not female children in youreyes.
the King will haue it so. 
 
 Lady.
what's the offence? 
 
 Moore.
 Tush let that passe, weele talke of thatannon.
The King seemes a Phisitian to my fate, 
His princely minde, would traine me back to state. 
 
Ro.
 Then be his patient my moste honordfather.
 
 Moore.
Oh Sonne Roper. 
Vbi turpis est medicina, sangari piget. 
No wife, be merie, and be merie all, 
you smilde at rising, weepe not at my fall. 
 Let's in, and heere ioy like to priuate freends, 
 since dayes of pleasure haue repentant ends. 
The light of greatnesse is with triumph borne: 
It sets at midday oft, with publique scorne. exeunt. 
 Enter the Bishop of Rochester, Surrey, Shrewsburie, Lieutenant 
of the Tower, and warders with weapons. 
 
Rochest.
Your kinde perswasions, honorableLords,
 I can but thanke ye for, but in this brest 
 there liues a soule, that aimes at higher things, 
then temporarie pleasing earthly Kings. 
 God blesse his Highnesse, euen with all my hart, 
 we shall meete one day, though that now we part. 
 
Sur.
 we not misdoubt your wisedome candiscerne,
 what best befits: it: yet in looue and zeale; 
 we could entreate, it might be otherwise. 
 
 Shrew.
 No doubt your fatherhood will by yourselfe,
 consider better of the present case, 
and growe as great in fauour as before. 
 
Rochest.
 For that, as pleaseth God, in myrestrainte
from worldly causes, I shall better see 
into my selfe, then at proude libertie. 
 The Tower and I will priuately conferre, 
of things, wherin at freedome, I may erre. 
But I am troublesome vnto your Honors; 
and holde ye longer then becomes my dutie. 
Mr. Lieutenant, I am now your charge 
And though you keep my bodie, yet my looue, 
waites on my King and you, while Fisher liues. 
 
Sur.
Farewell my Lord of Rochester, weelepray
 for your release, and labour't as we may. 
 
 Shrew.
Therof assure your selfe, so doo we leaueyee,
 And to your happie priuate thoughts bequeath yee. ||| ex. Lords. 
 
Rochest.
Now Mr. Lieutenant, on, a Gods namegoe,
And with as glad a minde goe I with you: 
As euer trewant bad the schoole adiewe. ||| exeunt. 
Enter Sr. Thomas Moore, his Lady, daughters, Mr. Roper, Gentlemen
 [x] 
and Seruaunts, as in his house at Chelsey. 
 
 Moore.
 God morrowe good sonne Roper, sit good Madame, lowe stooles 
vppon an humble seate, the time so craues, 
rest your good hart on earth, the roofe of graues. 
you see the floore of greatnesse is vneuen, 
 the Cricket and high throane alike neere heauen. 
 Now daughters, you that like to braunches spred, 
and giue best shaddowe to a priuate house: 
Be comforted my Girles, your hopes stand faire, 
 vertue breedes gentrie, she makes the best heire. 
 
both
 
 daugh.
God morrow to your honor. 
 
 Moore.
Nay, good night rather, 
your honor's creast|falne with your happie father. 
 
Ro.
 Oh what formalitie, what squareobseruaunce:
 liues in a little roome, heere, publique care, 
gagges not the eyes of slumber: heere, fierce riott, 
 ruffles not proudely in a coate of trust, 
whilste like a Pawne at Chesse, he keepes in ranck 
with Kings and mightie fellowes, yet indeed 
 those men [tha] t stand on tip toe, smile to see 
 [x] [him] [pawne] [his] [fortunes] 
(STM:S:19:) 
 Moore.
 [True] [sonne] 
Nor does the wanton tongue heere skrewe it 
selfe 
into the eare, that like a vise, drinkes vp 
 the yron instrument. 
 
 Lady.
 we are heere at peace. 
 
 Moore.
 Then peace good wife. 
 
 Lady.
 For keeping still in compasse, (a straunge poynte 
 in times newe nauigation,) we haue sailde 
beyond our course. 
 
 Moore.
haue doone. 
 
 Lady.
we are exilde the Courte. 
 
 Moore.
 Still thou harpste on that, 
 Tis sinne for to deserue that banishment, 
but he that nere knewe Courte courtes sweete content. 
 
 Lady.
 Oh but deare husband. 
 
 Moore.
 I will not heare thee wife, 
 The winding laborinth of thy straunge discourse, 
 will nere haue end. Sit still, and, my good wife, 
entreate thy tongue be still: or credit me, 
thou shalt not vnderstand a woord we speake 
weele talke in Latine. 
Humida vallis raros patitur fulminis ictus. 
More rest enioyes the subiect meanely bred, 
 then he that beares the Kingdome in his head. 
Great men are still Musitians, else the world lyes, 
they learne lowe straines after the noates that rise. 
 
Ro.
 Good Sir, be still your selfe, and butremember,
How in this generall Courte of short liu'de pleasure 
 the worlde, creation is the ample foode, 
that is digested in the mawe of tyme. 
If man him selfe be subiect to such ruine, 
 How shall his garment then, or the loose pointes, 
 that tye respect vnto his awefull place: 
 auoyde distruction? Moste honord father in lawe, 
the blood you haue bequeath'de these seuerall hartes 
 to nourishe your posteritie, stands firme 
As as with ioy you led vs first to rise 
So with like harts weele lock preferments eyes. 
 
 Moore.
 Close them not then with teares, for that ostent, 
 giues a wett signall of your discontent. 
 If you will share my fortunes, comfort then. 
an hundred smiles for one sighe: what, we are men. 
Resigne wett passion to these weaker eyes, 
 which prooues their sexe, but grauntes nere more wise. 
Lets now suruaye our state: Heere sits my wife, 
and deare esteemed issue, yonder stand 
my loouing Seruants, now the difference 
twixt those and these. Now you shall heare me speake, 
like Moore in melanchollie. I conceiue, that Nature 
hath sundrie mettalles, out of which she frames 
 vs mortalles, eche in valuation 
 out prizing other. Of the finest stuffe, 
 the finest features come, the rest of earth, 
receiue base fortune euen before their birthe. 
Hence slaues haue their creation and I thinke, 
Nature prouides content for the base minde, 
 vnder the whip, the burden and the toyle, 
 their lowe wrought bodies drudge in pacience. 
 As for the Prince, in all his sweet gorgde mawe, 
and his ranck fleshe that sinfully renewes 
the noones excesse in the nights daungerous surfeits, 
what meanes or miserie from our birth dooth flowe, 
 Nature entitles to vs, that we owe. 
But we beeing subiect to the rack of hate, 
 falling from happie life to bondage state 
 hauing seene better dayes, now know the lack 
of glorie, that once rearde eche high fed back. 
But that in your age did nere viewe better, 
challendge not Fortune for your thriftlesse debter. 
 
Catesbie.
 Sir, we haue seene farre better dayes, then these. 
 
 Moore.
 I was the patrone of those dayes, andknowe,
 those were but painted dayes, only for showe, 
then greeue not you to fall with him that gaue them. 
Pro haeris generosis seruis gloriosum mori. 
 deare Gough, thou art my learned Secretarie, 
you Mr. Catesbie Steward of my house, 
 the rest (like you) haue had fayre time to growe 
 in Sun|shine of my fortunes. But I must tell ye, 
Corruption is fled hence with eche mans office. 
Bribes that make open traffick twixt the soule, 
and netherland of Hell, deliu 
er vp 
their guiltie homage to their second Lordes 
then liu[in] g thus vntainted, you [are] [well] 
Trueth [is] no Pilot for the lan[d] [of] [hell] 
(STM:S:19v:) [x] [Enter] [a] [seruant] 
 [x] [my] Lord, there are new lighted at the gate, 
the Earles of Surrie of Shrewesburie, 
 and they expect you in the inner Courte. 
 
 Moore.
 Entreate their Lordships come into thehall.
 
 Lady.
Oh God, what newes with them? 
 
 Moore.
 why how now wife? 
They are but come to visite their olde freend. 
 
 Lady.
Oh God, I feare, I feare. 
 
 Moore.
 what shouldst thou feare fond woman? 
 Iustum si fractus illabatur orbis inpauidum ferient ruinae. 
Heere let me liue estraungde from great mens lookes, 
 they are like golden Flyes on leaden hookes. 
 Enter the Earles, Downes with his Mace, and attendants. 
 
 Shrew.
Good morrowe good Sr. Thomas. 
 
Sur.
Good day good Madame. kinde salutations.
 
 Moore
welcome my good Lordes. 
 what ayles your Lordships looke so melanchollie? 
Oh I knowe you liue in Courte, and the Courte diett, 
is only freend to phisick 
. 
 
Sur.
 Oh Sir Thomas, 
Our woordes are now the Kings, and our sad lookes, 
the interest of your looue. we are sent to you, 
 from our milde Soueraigne, once more to demaund, 
If youle subscribe vnto those Articles, 
 he sent ye th'other day, be well aduisde, 
For on mine honor Lord, graue doctor Fisher 
Bishop of Rochester, at the selfe same instant, 
attachte with you, is sent vnto the Tower, 
for the like obstinacie, his Maiestie, 
hath only sent you prisoner to your house. 
But if you now refuse for to subscribe, 
 a stricter course will followe. 
 
 Lady.
 Oh deare husband. 
 
both
 
 daugh.
 deare father. kneeling and weeping. 
 
 Moore.
 See my Lordes, 
this partner, and these subiects to my fleshe: 
prooue rebelles to my conscience: But my good Lordes 
 if I refuse, must I vnto the Tower? 
 
 Shrew.
you must my Lord, heere is an officer,
 readie for to arrest you of high treason. 
 
Lady
z 
 daugh.
Oh God, oh God. 
 
 Ro
Be pacient good Madame. 
 
 Moore.
I Downes, ist thou? I once did saue thylife,
when else by cruell riottous assaulte 
thou hadst bin torne in pieces: thou art reseru'de, 
to be my Sumner to yond spirituall Courte. 
Giue me thy hand good fellowe, smooth thy face, 
 the diet that thou drinkst, is spic'de with mace, 
 and I could nere abide it, twill not disgest, 
 twill lye too heauie man, on my weake brest. 
 
 Shrew.
Be breefe my Lord, for we are limitted
 vnto an houre. 
 
 Moore.
vnto an houre? tis well, 
the bell (earths thunder) soone shall toale my knell. 
 
 Lady.
Deare loouing husband, if you respect notme,
 yet thinke vppon your daughters. kneeling. 
 
 Moore.
 wife, stand vp, I haue bethought me, 
and Ile now satisfye the Kings good pleasure pondering to him
 selfe. 
 
both
 
 daugh.
 Oh happie alteration. 
 
 Shrew.
Come then, subscribe my Lord. 
 
Sur.
 I am right glad of this your fayreconuerssion.
 
 Moore.
 Oh pardon me, 
I will subscribe to goe vnto the Tower, 
with all submissiue willingnes, and therto add 
my bones to strengthen the foundation 
of Iulius Caesars pallace. Now my Lord, 
Ile satisfye the King, euen with my blood, 
Nor will I wrong your pacience: freend, doo thine office. 
 
Dow.
 Sir Thomas Moore, Lord Chauncellour of England, I arrest you in 
 the Kings name of high treason. 
 
 Moore.
Gramercies, freend, 
To a great prison, to discharge the strife, 
 commenc'de twixte conscience and my frailer life 
Moore now must marche. Chelsey, adiewe, adiewe, 
 straunge farewell, thou shalt nere more see Moore true, 
for I shall nere see thee more: Servauntes farewell, 
wife mar[re] no[t] thyne indifferent face, be [wi]se, 
M[oores] [widd] [hus]band, he must make thee rise. 
[ aughters] ]
 
 [x] [wha]t's heere [what's] heere? 
 (STM:S:20:) Mine eye had almost [parted] with a [teare] 
deare Sonne, possesse my vertue, that I nere gaue, 
 graue Moore thus lightly walkes to a quick graue. 
 
Ro.
Curae leues loquuntur ingentes stupent. 
 
 Moore.
 you that way in minde you my course in prayer: 
by water I to prison, to heauen through ayre. ||| exeunt. 
 Enter the warders of the Tower with Halbards. 
 
1.ward.
Hoe, make a guarde there. 
 
 2.
 Mr. Lieutenant giues a straite co(m)maund,
the people be auoyded from the bridge. 
 
 3.
 From whence is he co(m)mitted, who cantell?
 
 1.
From durham house I heare. 
 
 2.
The Guarde were waitting there an houreagoe.
 
 3.
If he stay long, heele not get neere thewharffe,
ther's such a croude of Boates vppon the Themes. 
 
 1.
 well, be it spoken with out offence toany,
 A wiser, or more vertuous Gentleman 
 was neuer bred in England. 
 
 2.
 I thinke the poore will burie him inteares.
I neuer heard a man since I was borne, 
so generally bewailde of euery one. Enter a poore woman. 
 
 3.
 what meanes this woman? whether doost thou presse? 
 
 1.
This woman will be trod to death annon. 
 
 2.
what makest thou heere? 
 
wo.
 To speake with that good man Sir Thomas Moore. 
 
 1.
 To speake with him? hees not LordChauncellour.
 
wo.
The more's the pittie Sir, if it pleasdeGod.
 
 1.
 Therfore if thou hast a petition todeliuer,
thou mayst keepe it now, for any thing I knowe. 
 
wo.
 I am a poore woman, and haue had (God knowes,) 
 a suite this two yeare in the Chauncerie, 
And he hath all the euidence I haue, 
which should I loose, I am vtterly vndoone. 
 
 1.
 Faith, and I feare thoult hardly come by amnow,
 I am sorie for thee euen with all my hart. 
 Enter the Lords with Sir Thomas Moore, and attendants, 
and enter Lieutenant and Gentleman Porter. 
 
 2.
woman stand back, you must auoyde thisplace,
 the Lords must passe this way into the Tower. 
 
 Moore.
I thanke your Lordships for your paines thus farre, 
 to my strong hous 
 e. 
 
wo.
Now good Sir Thomas Moore, for Christes deare sake, 
 deliuer me my writings back againe, 
 that doo concerne my title. 
 
 Moore.
what, my olde client, are thou got hethertoo?
 Poore sillie wretche, I must confesse indeed, 
I had such writings as concerne thee neere, 
But the King has tane the matter into his owne hand, 
 he has all I had, then woman sue to him, 
 I cannot help thee, thou must beare with me. 
 
wo.
Ah gentle hart, my soule for thee is sad,
 farewell the best freend that the poore ere had. ||| exit woman. 
 
 Gent.
 
Por.
Before you enter through the Tower gate, 
your vpper garment Sir belongs to me. 
 
 Moore.
Sir you shall haue it, there it is. he giues him his cap. 
 
 Gent.
 
Por.
 The vpmoste on your back Sir, you mistake me. 
 
 Moore.
Sir, now I vnderstand ye very well 
 but that you name my back, 
 Sure else my Cap had bin the vppermoste. 
 
 Shrew.
Farewell kinde Lord, God send vs merie meeting. 
 
 Moore.
 Amen my Lord. 
 
Sur.
 Farewell deare freend, I hope your safereturne.
 
 Moore.
My Lord, and my deare fellowe in theMuses
Farewell, farewell moste noble Poett. 
 
 Lieu.
Adewe moste honord Lords. ||| ex. Lords
 
 Moore.
Fayre prison, welcome, yet me thinkes,
 for thy fayre building, tis too foule a name. 
Many a guiltie soule, and many an innocent, 
haue breathde their farewell to thy hollowe roomes. 
I oft haue entred into thee this way, 
yet I thanke God, nere with a clearer concience 
then at this houre. 
 This is my comforte yet, how hard so ere 
my lodging prooue, the crye of the poore suter, 
fatherlesse Orphane or distressed widdowe, 
shall not distu(r)be me in my quiet sleepe. 
 On then a Gods name to our cloa[s] e aboade: 
God is as s[trong] [heere] [as] [he] [is] [abroade] [exeu] nt 
(STM:S:20v:) Enter Butler, [Brewer] , Porter, and horssekeper,
[seuerall] [wayes] 
 
But.
Robin Brewer, how now man? what cheere, what cheere? 
 
 Brew.
Faith Ned Butler, sick of thy disease, and these our other
 fellowes heer 
 e [x] Rafe Horssekeeper and Gyles Porter, sad, sad, they say my
 Lord goes to his 
triall to day. 
 
 Horss.
 To it man? why he is now at it, God send him well to speed. 
 
Por.
 Amen, euen as I wishe to mine owne soule, so speed it with my
honorable 
 Lord and Maister Sir Thomas Moore. 
 
But.
 I cannot tell, I haue no thing to doo with matters abooue my
capacitie, 
 but as God iudge me, if I might speake my minde, I thinke there
liues not 
a more harmelesse Gentleman in the vniuersall worlde. 
 
 Brew.
 Nor a wiser, nor a merier, nor an honester, goe too, Ile put
that in vp 
 pon 
 mine owne knowledge. 
 
Por.
Nay, and ye bate him his due of his housekeeping, hang ye all,
ye haue m 
an[y] Lord Chauncellours comes in debt at the yeares end, and for
very house| 
 kee 
ping? 
 
horsse.
well, he was too good a Lord for vs, and therfore (I feare) God
 him se 
lfe wil take him: but Ile be hangd if euer I haue such an
 otherseruice.
 
 Brew.
Soft man, we are not dischargde yet, my Lord may come home
againe, [x] 
 and all will be well. 
 
But.
I much mistrust it, when they goe to rayning once, ther's euer
foule wea 
 ther [x] Ent. Gough z Catesbie 
 with a paper. for a great while after. But soft, 
heere comes Mr. Gough and MaisterCatesbie, now we shall heare
more. 
 
 horss.
 Before God they are very sad, I doubt my Lord is condemnde. 
 
Por.
God blesse his soule, and a figge then for all worldly
 condemnation. 
 
 Gough.
well sayd Gyles Porter, I commend thee forit,
twas spoken like a well affected Seruaunte, 
of him that was a kinde Lord to vs all. 
 
 Cate.
 which now no more he shall be, for deare fellowes, 
 now we are maisterlesse, though he may liue, 
so long as please the King: but lawe hath made him, 
a dead man to the world, and giuen the Axe his head, 
but his sweete soule to liue among the Saintes. 
 
 Gough.
Let vs entreate ye, to goe calltogether,
the rest of your sad fellowes: by the Roule, 
y'are iust seauen score, and tell them what ye heare 
a vertuous honorable Lord hath doone, 
euen for the meanest follower that he had. 
 This writing found my Ladie in his studie 
 this instant morning, wherin is set downe 
 eche seruaunts name, according to his place, 
and office in the house. On euery man, 
 he franckly hath bestowne twentie Nobles 
the best and wurst together, all alike, 
 which Mr. Catesbie heere foorth will pay ye. 
 
 Cate.
 Take it, as it is meante, a kinderemembraunce,
of a farre kinder Lord, with whose sad fall, 
he giues vp house, and farewell to vs all. 
Thus the fayre spreading Oake falles not alone, 
 but all the neighbour plants and vnder trees: 
are crusht downe with his weight. No more of this, 
 Come and receiue your due, and after goe, 
Fellow|like hence, copartners of one woe. ||| exeunt. 
Enter Sir Thomas Moore, the Lieutenant, and seruant attending 
 as in his chamber in the Tower. 
 
 Moore.
 Mr. Lieutenant, is the warrant come, 
If it be so, a Gods name, let vs knowe it. 
 
 Lieu.
My Lord, it is. 
 
 Moore.
Tis welcome Sir to me, with all myhart,
his blessed will be doone. 
 
 Lieu.
Your wisedome Sir, hath bin so well approou'de, 
 And your fayre pacience in imprisonment, 
hath euer shewne such constancie of minde, 
 and christian resolution in all troubles: 
As warrants vs, you are not vnpreparde. 
 
 Moore.
 No Mr. Lieutenant, I thanke my God, 
I haue peace of conscience, though the world and I, 
are at a little oddes: But weele be euen now I hope, 
 ere long: when is the execution of your warrant? 
 
 Lieu.
To morrowe morning. 
 
 Moore.
So Sir, I thanke ye, 
 I haue not liu'de so ill, I feare to dye. 
Mr. Lieutenant, I haue had a sore fitt of the stone to night, 
But, the King hath sent me such a rare receipte 
 I thank him, as I shall not to feare it much. 
 
 Lieu.
 In life and death, still merie Sr. ThomasMoore.
 
 Moore.
 Sirra fellowe, [reache] [me] [the] [vrina] ll, hee giues it him. 
 ha, let me see, [x] [grauell] [in] [the] [water] 
(STM:S:21:) [x] 
 [x] T[he] man were likely to liue long enough [x] 
 So pleasde the King: heere fellowe, take it. 
 
Ser.
Shall I goe with it to the doctor Sir? 
 
 Moore.
No, saue thy labour, weele cossen him of a fee, 
Thou shalt see me take a dramme to morrowe morning, 
 shall cure the stone I warrant, doubt it not. 
Mr. Lieutenant, what newes of my Lord of Rochester? 
 
 Lieu.
yesterday morning was he put to death. 
 
 Moore.
 The peace of soule sleepe with him, 
 he was a learned and a reuerend Prelate, 
 and a riche man beleeue me. 
 
 Lieu.
 If he were riche, what is Sr. ThomasMoore,
that all this while hath bin Lord Chauncellour? 
 
 Moore.
 Say ye so Mr. Lieutenant? what doo you thinke, 
a man that with my time had held my place: 
might purchase? 
 
 Lieu.
 Perhaps my Lord, two thousand pound ayeare.
 
 Moore.
Mr. Lieutenant, I protest to you, 
I neuer had the meanes in all my life 
 to purchase one poore hundred pound a yeare. 
I thinke I am the poorest Chauncellour 
that euer was in England, though I could wishe, 
for credit of the place, that my estate were better. 
 
 Lieu.
 Its very straunge. 
 
 Moore.
It will be found as true. 
 I thinke Sir, that with moste parte of my coyne, 
I haue purchased as straunge co(m)modities, 
as euer you heard tell of in your life. 
 
 Lieu.
Commodities my Lord? 
might I (with out offence) enquire of them? 
 
 Moore.
 Croutches (Mr. Lieutenant) and barecloakes.
 For halting Soldiours, and poore needie Schollers, 
haue had my gettings in the Chauncerie. 
 To thinke but what acheate the crowne shall haue, 
by my attaindour. I pre thee, if thou beest a Gentleman, 
get but a copie of my Inuentorie. 
That parte of Poett that was giuen me, 
made me a very vnthrift. 
For this is the disease attends vs all, 
 Poets were neuer thriftie, neuer shall. Enter Lady Moore mour| 
 ning, daughters, 
 Mr. Roper [x] 
 Lieu.
Oh noble Moore. 
 My Lord, your wife, your sonne in lawe, and daughters. 
 
 Moore.
 Sonne Roper, welcome, welcome wife and Girles. 
why doo you weepe? because I liue at ease? 
 did you not see, when I was Chauncellour, 
 I was so cloyde with suters euery houre, 
 I could not sleepe, nor dine, nor suppe in quiet. 
Heer's none of this, heere I can sit and talke, 
with my honest Keeper halfe a day together 
laugh and be merie, why then should you weepe? 
 
Ro.
These teares my Lord for this your longrestraint
hope had dried vp, with comfort that we yet, 
 although imprisond, might haue had your life. 
 
 Moore.
To liue in prison, what a life werethat?
The King (I thanke him) looues me more then so, 
 To morrowe I shall be at libertie, 
 to goe euen whether I can, 
 after I haue dispachte my busines. 
 
 Lady.
 Ah husband, husband, yet submit yourselfe,
 haue care of your poore wife and children 
 
 Moore.
wife, so I haue, and I doo leaue youall,
 to his protection, hath the power to keepe 
you, safer then I can, 
the father of the widdowe and the Orphane. 
 
Ro.
 The world (my Lord) hath euer held youwise,
 And't shall be no distaste vnto your wisedome: 
to yeeld to the oppinion of the state. 
 
 Moore.
 I haue deceiu'de my selfe, I must acknowledge; 
 and as you say Sonne Roper, to confesse the same: 
 it will be no disparagement at all. 
 
 Lady.
His Highnesse shall be certefyed therof, immediatly. offring to
depar[t] 
 
 Moore.
 Nay heare me wife, first let me tell yehow,
I thought to haue had a Barber for my beard, 
now I remember, that were labour lost, 
 the headsman now shall cut off head and all. 
 
Ro.
 
 wife.
Father, [h] is Maiestie vppon your meeke submission, 
will yet (they say) receiue [you] [to] [his] grace: 
[x] in as gre[at] [credit] [as] [you] [were] [before] [x] 
 (STM:S:21v:) 
 Moore
[x] g, 
 has appoynted me to doo a little busines. 
If that were past, my Girle thou then shouldst see, 
what I would say to him about that matter. 
But I shall be so busie vntill then: 
 I shall not tend it. 
 
 daugh.
Ah my deare father. 
 
 Lady.
deare Lord and husband. 
 
 Moore.
Be comforted good wife, to liue and looue my children, 
for with thee leaue I all my care of them. 
 Sonne Roper, for my sake, that haue loou'de thee well, 
 And for her vertues sake, cherishe my childe. 
 Girle, be not proude, but of thy husbands looue, 
 Euer retaine thy vertuous modestie. 
That modestie is such a comely garment, 
 as it is neuer out of fashis: sits as faire, 
 vppon the meaner woman, as the Empresse. 
 No stuffe that golde can buye, is halfe so riche, 
Nor ornament that so becomes a woman. 
 Liue all, and looue together, and therby, 
you giue your father a riche Obsequye. 
 
both
 
 daugh.
 your blessing deare father. 
 
 Moore.
 I must be gon, (God blesse you,) 
to talke with God, who now dooth call. 
 
 Lady.
A my deare husband, 
 
 Moore.
 Sweet wife, good night, good night, 
God send vs all his euerlasting light. 
 
Ro.
 I thinke before this houre, 
 More heauie harts nere parted in the Tower. ||| exeunt. 
Enter the Sheriffes of London and their Officers at one doore,
 the 
 warders with their Halbards at an other. 
 
 1.
 
 Sher.
 Officers, what time of day ist? 
 
 Offi.
 Almoste eight a clock 
 
 2.
 
 Sher.
 we must make then, least we stay to long. 
 
 1.
 
 Ward.
Good morrowe Mr. Shreeues of London, Mr. Lieutenant, 
 willes ye repaire to the limits of the Tower 
 there to receiue your prisoner. 
 
 1.
 
 Sher.
Goe back, and tell your woorship, we are readie. 
 
 2.
 
 Sher.
 Goe bid the Officers make cleare the way, 
there may be passage for the prisoner. 
Enter Lieutenant and his Guarde with Moore. 
 
 Moore.
yet God be thanked heer's a faire daytoward,
to take our iourney in: Mr. Lieutenant, 
It were faire walking on the Tower leades. 
 
 Lieu.
And so it might haue likte my SoueraigneLord,
 I would to God you might haue walkte there still. he weepes 
 
 Moore.
Sir, we are walking to a better place.
Oh Sir, your kinde and loouing teares, 
are like sweete odours to embalme your freend. 
Thanke your good Lady, since I was your guest, 
 She has made me a very wanton in good sooth. 
 
 Lieu.
Oh I had hopte we should not yet haueparted.
 
 Moore.
But I must leaue ye for a littlewhyle,
 within an houre or two, you may looke for me. 
 But there will be so many come to see me, 
 that I shall be so proude, I will not speake. 
And sure my memorie is growne so ill, 
I feare I shall forget my head behinde me. 
 
 Lieu.
God and his blessed Angelles be aboutye,
 heere Mr. Shreeues, receiue your prisoner. 
 
 Moore
Good morrowe Mr. Shreeues of London to ye bothe, 
 I thanke ye that ye will vouch safe to meete me, 
 I see by this you haue not quite forgot, 
 that I was in times past as you are now: 
 a Sheriffe of London. 
 
 1.
 
 Sher.
Sir, then you knowe our dutie dooth require it. 
 
 Moore.
 I knowe it well Sir, else, I would haue bin glad, 
 you might haue sau'de a labour at this time. 
 Ah Mr. Sheriffe, you and I haue bin of olde acquaintaunce, 
 you were a pacient Auditor of mine, 
when I read the diuinitie lecture at St. Lauraunces. 
 
 2.
 
 Sher.
Sr. Thomas Moore, I haue heard you oft, as many other did, 
to our great comforte. 
 
 Moore.
Pray God you may so now, with all myhart.
And as I call to minde, 
when I studyed the lawe in Lincolnes Inne, 
 I was of Councell [w] ith ye in a cause. 
 [x] 
 Sher.
I [was] [abou] t t[o] [say] [so] [good] [sir] [thomas] 
(STM:S:22:) [x] 
 
 Moore.
Oh, is th[is] the place? 
I promise ye it is a goodly Scaffolde. 
 In sooth, I am come about a headlesse arrand, 
For I haue not much to say, now I am heere. 
 well, let's ascend a Gods name 
In troth me thinkes your stayre is somewhat weake, 
I pre thee honest freend, lend me thy hand, 
to help me vp: As for my comming downe, 
 let me alone, Ile looke to that my selfe. 
 As he is going vp the stayres, enters the Earles of Surrye z
 Shre[wsburie] 
 
 Moore.
My Lords of Surrey and of Shrewesburie, giue me your hands yet
before w 
[e] ye see, though it pleaseth the King to raise me thus high,
 yet I am not p[x] 
for the higher I mounte, the better I can see my freends about
me. I am no[w] [x] farre voyage, and this straunge woodden horsse
must beare me thether: yet I [per] | 
ceiue by your lookes you like my bargaine so ill, that ther's not
 one of 
ye all d[are] walking. venter with me. Truely heers a moste sweet
Gallerie, I li 
ke the ayre of it bett[er] then my Garden at Chelsey. By your
pacience good peopl 
 e, that haue prest th[us] into my bed chamber: if youle not
 trouble me, Ile take 
 a sound sleepe heere.
 Shrew.
 My Lord, twere good you'ld publishe to the worlde, 
your great offence vnto his maiestie. 
 
 Moore.
 My Lord, Ile bequeath this legacie to the hangman, and doo it
instantly 
. I con| 
fessegiues him ] his gowne. his maiestie hath bin euer good to
 me, and 
my offence to his highnesse, make[s] me of a state pleader, a
stage player, (thou 
 gh I am olde, and haue a bad voyce) t[o] act this last Sceane of
 my tragedie. Ile 
send him (for my trespasse) a reueren[d] head, somewhat balde,
 for it is not req 
 uisite any head should stand couerd to sohigh maiestie. If that
 content him not, 
 because I thinke my bodie will then do[o] me small pleasure, let
him but burie i 
t, and take it.
Sur.
My Lord, my Lord, holde conference with your soule, 
you see my Lord, the time of life is short. 
 
 Moore.
 I see it my good Lord: I dispatchte that busines the last night,
 I come 
 hether onlyby the hangman. to be let blood, my doctor heere
telles me it is goo 
d for the head ache.
 Hang.
I beseeche ye my Lord forgiue me. 
 
 Moore.
Forgiue thee honest fellowe? why? 
 
 Hang.
For your death my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
O, my death? I had rather it were thy power to forgiue me, for
thou has 
t thesharpest action against me, the lawe (my honest freend) lyes
in thy hands n 
 ow.his pursse. Heers thy fee, and my good fellowe, let my suite
be dispatchte p 
 resently: for tisall one payne to dye a lingering death, and to
 liue in the cont 
 inuall mill of [x] a lawe|suite. But I can tell thee, my neck is
so short, that 
if thou shoulds[t] behead an hundred noble men like my selfe,
thou wouldst nere g 
 et credit by it.Therefore (looke ye Sir) doo it hansomely, or of
my woord thou s 
 halt neuerdeale with me heerafter. 
 
 Hang.
 Ile take an order for that my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
 One thing more, take heed thou cutst not off my beard: Oh, I
forgot, ex 
 ecution [x] past vppon that last night, and the bodie of it lies
 buried in the To 
wer.Come, let's to the block. 
 
 Hang.
My Lord, I pray ye put off yourdoublet.
 
 Moore.
 No my good freend, I haue a great colde alreadie, and I would be
lothe 
 to takemore, point me meete the block, for I was nere heere
 before 
 
 Hang.
To the Easte side my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
 Then to the Easte, 
 we goe to sighe, that ore, to sleep in rest. 
 No eye salute my trunck with a sad teare, 
Our birth to heauen should be thus: voyde of feare. ||| exit. 
 Stay, ist not possible to make a scape from all this strong
 guarde? it is 
There is a thing within me, that will raise 
and eleuate my better parte boue sight 
 of these same weaker eyes. And Mr. Shreeues, 
for all this troupe of steele that tends my death, 
I shall breake from you, and flye vp to heauen, 
 Lets seeke the meanes for this. 
 
 Hang.
My Lord, I pray ye put off yourdoublet.
 
 Moore.
 Speake not so coldely to me, I am hoarse alreadie, 
I would be lothe good fellowe to take more, 
 Point me the block, I nere was heere before. 
 
 Hang.
To the Easte side my Lord. 
 
 Moore.
 Then to the Easte, 
 we goe to sigh, that ore, to sleepe in rest. 
 Heere Moore forsakes all mirthe, good reason why, 
the foole of fleshe must with her fraile life dye. 
 No eye salute my trunck with a sad teare, 
 Our birthe to heauen should be thus: voide of feare. ||| exit. 
 
Sur.
A very learned woorthie Gentleman 
Seales errour with his blood. Come, weele to the Courte. 
Lets sadly hence to perfect vnknowne fat