THE HONORABLE HISTORIE of frier Bacon and frier Bongay As it was plaid by her Maiesties seruants Made by Robert Greene Maister of Arts. LONDON Printed for Edward White and are to be sold at his shop at the little North dore of Poules at the signe of the Gun 1594. THE HONOVRABLE Historie of Frier Bacon Enter Edward the first malcontented with Lacy earle of Lincolne Iohn Warren earle of Sussex and Ermsbie gentleman Raph Simnell the kings foole Lacie WHY lookes my lord like to a troubled skie When heauens bright shine is shadowed with a fogge A late we ran the deere and through the Lawndes Stript with our nagges the loftie frolicke bucks That scudded fore the teisers like the wind Nere was the Deere of merry Fresingfield So lustily puld down by iolly mates Nor sharde the Farmers such fat venison So franckly dealt this hundred yeares before Nor haue I seene my lord more frolicke in the chace And now changde to a melancholie dumpe Warren After the Prince got to the keepers lodge And had been iocand in the house a while Tossing of ale and milke in countrie cannes Whether it was the countries sweete content Or els the bonny damsell fild vs drinke That seemd so stately in her stammell red Or that a qualme did crosse his stomacke then But straight he fell into his passions Ermsbie Sirra Raphe what say you to your maister Shall he thus all amort liue malecontent Raphe Heerest thou Ned nay looke if hee will speake to me Edward What sayst thou to me foole Raphe I pree thee tell me Ned art thou in loue with the keepers daughter Eâ—wâ—rd How if I be what then Raphe Why then sirha I le teach thee how to deceiue loue Edward How Raphe Raphe Marrie sirha Ned thou shalt put on my cap and my coat and my dagger and I will put on thy clothes and thy sword and so thou shalt be my foole Edward And what of this Raphe Why so thou shalt beguile Loue for Loue is such a proud scab that he will neuer meddle with fooles nor children Is not Raphes counsell good Ned. Edward Tell me Ned Lacie didst thou marke the mayd How liuely in her country weedes she lookt A bonier wench all Suffolke cannot yeeld All Suffolke nay all England holds none such Rapâ—e Sirha Will Ermsby Ned is deceiued Ermsbiâ— Why Raphe Raphe He saies all England hath no such and I say and I le stand to it there is one better in Warwickshire VVarren How proouest thou that Raphe Raphe Why is not the Abbot a learned man and hath red many bookes and thinkest thou he hath not more learning than thou to choose a bonny wench yes I warrant thee by his whole grammer Ermâ—by A good reason Raphe Edward I tell the Lacie that hersparkling eyes Doe lighten forth sweet Loues alluring fire And in her tresses she doth fold the lookes Of such as gaze vpon her golden haire Her bâ—shfull white mixt with the mornings red Luna doth boast vpon her louely cheekes Her front is beauties table where she paints The gloâ—â—es of her gorgious excellence Her teeth are shelues of pretious Margarites Richly enclosed with ruddâ—e curroll cleues Tush Lacie she is beauties ouermatch If thou suruaist her curious imagerie Lacie I grant my lord the damsell is as faire As simple Suffolks homely towns can yeeld But in the court be quainter dames than she Whose faces are enricht with honours taint Whose bewties stand vpon the stage of fame And vaunt their trophies in the courts of loue Edâ— Ah Ned but hadst thou watcht her as my self And seene the secret bewties of the maid Their courtly coinesse were but foolery Ermâ—bie Why how watcht you her my lord Edâ—ard When as she swept like Venus through the house And in her shape fast foulded vp my thoughtes Into the Milkhouse went I with the maid And there amongst the cream-boles she did shine As Pallace mongst her Princely huswiferie She turnd her smocke ouer her Lilly armes And diued them into milke to run her cheese But whiter than the milke her christall skin Checked with lines of Azur made her blush That art or nature durst bring for compare Ermsbie if thou hadst seene as I did note it well How bewtie plaid the huswife how this girle Like Lucrece laid her fingers to the worke Thou wouldest with Tâ—rquine hazard Roome and all To win the louely mayd of Fresingfield Raphe Sirha Nâ—d wouldst faine haue her Edward I Raphe Raphe Why Ned I haue laid the plot in my head thou shalt haue her alreadie Edward I le giue thee a new coat and learne me that Raâ—he Why sirra Ned wee l ride to Oxford to Frier â—acon oh he is a braue scholler sirra they say he is a braue Nâ—gromancer that he can mâ—ke women of deuils and hee can iuggle cats into Costermongers Edward And how then Raphe Raphe Marry sirha thou shalt go to him and because thy father Harry shall not misse thee hee shall turne me into thee and I le to the Court and I le prince it out and he shall make thee either a silken purse full of gold or else a fine wrought sinocke Edward But how shall I haue the mayd Raphe Marry sirha if thou beest a silken purse full of gold then on sundaies shee le hang thee by her side and you must not say a word Now sir when she comes into a great prease of people for feare of the cut-purse on a sodaine shee le swap thee into her plackerd then sirha being there you may plead for your selfe Ermsbie Excellent pollicie Edward But how if I be a wrought smoâ—ke Raphe Then shee le put thee into her chest and lay thâ—â— into Lauender and vpon some good day shee le put thee on and at night when you go to bed then being turnd from a smocke to a man you may make vp the match Lâ—cie Wonderfully wisely counselled Raphe Edward Raphe shall haue a new coate Raph. God thanke you when I haue it on my backe Ned Edward Lacie the foole hath laid a perfect plot For why our countrie Margret is so coy And standes so much vpon her honest pointes That marriage or no market with the mayd Ermsbie it must be nigromaticke spels And charmes of art that must inchaine her loue Or else shall Edward neuer win the girle Therefore my wags wee le horse vs in the morne And post to Oxford to this iolly Frier Bacon shall by his magicke doe this deed Warren Content my lord and that 's a speedy way To weane these head-strong puppies from the teat Edward I am vnknowne not taken for the Prince They onely deeme vs frolicke Courtiers That reuell thus among our lieges game Therefore I haue dâ—uised a pollicie Lâ—cie thou knowst next friday is S. Iames And then the country flockes to Harlston faire Then will the keepers daughter frolicke there And ouer-shine the troupe of all the maids That come to see and to be seene that day Haunt thee
may haue The loue of louely Margret to my selfe And as I am true Prince of Wales I le giue Liuing and lands to strength thy colledge state VVarren Good Frier helpe the Prince in this Raphe Why seruant Ned will not the frier doe it Were not my sword glued to my scabberd by coniuration I would cut off his head and make him do it by force Miles In faith my lord your manhood and your sword all alike they are so fast coniured that we shall neuer see them Ermsbie Wat doctor in a dumpe tush helpe the prince And thou shalt see how liberall he will prooue Bacon Craue not such actions greater dumps than these I will my lord straine out my magicke spels For this day comes the earle to Fresingfield And fore that night shuts in the day with darke Thei le be betâ—othed ech to other fast But come with me wâ—e le to my studie straight And in a glasse proâ—pectiue I will shew What 's done this day in mâ—rry Fresingfield Edward Gramercies Bacon I will quite thy paine Bacon But send your traine my lord into the towne My scholler shall go bring them to their Inne Meane while wee le see the knauerie of the earle Edâ—aâ—d Warren leaue me and Ermsbie take the foole Let him be maister and go reuell it Till I and Frier Bacon taâ—ke a while VVarrâ—n We will my lord Raphe Faith Ned and I le lord it out till thou comest I le be Prince of Wales ouer all the blacke pots in Oxford Exeunt Bacon and Edward goes into the study Bacon Now frolick â—dâ—ard welcome to my Cell Heere tempers Frier Bacon many toies And holds this place his consistorie court Wherin the diuels pleads homage to his words Within this glasle prâ—â—pectiue thou shalt see This day what 's done in merry Fresingfield Twixt louely Peggie and the Lincolne earle Edward Frier thou gladst me nowshall Edward trie How Lacie meaneth to his soueraigne lord Bacon Stand there and looke directly in the glasse Enter Margret and Frier Bungayâ— Bacon What sees my lord Edward I see the keepers louely lasse appeare As bright-sunne as the parramour of Mars Onely attended by a iolly frier Bacon Sit still and keepe the christall in your eye Margret But tell me frier Bungay is it true That this faire courtious countrie swaine Who saies his father is a farmer nie Can be lord Lacie earle of Lincolnshire Bungaâ— Peggie t is true t is Lacie for my life Or else mine art and cunning both doth faile Left by prince Edward to procure his loues For he in greene that holpe you runne your cheese Is sonne to Henry and the prince of Wales Margret Be what he will his lure is but for lust But did lord Lacie like poore Margret Or would he daine to wed a countrie lasse Frier I would his humble handmayd be And for great wealth quite him with courtesie Bungay Why Margret doest thou loue him Margret His personage like the pride ofvaunting Troy Might well auouch to shadow Hellens cape His witis quicke and readie in conceit As Greece affoorded in her chiefest prime Courteous ah Frier full of pleasing smiles Trust me I loue too much to tell thee more Suffice to me he is Englands parramour Bungay Hath not ech eye that viewd thy pleasing face Surnamed thee faire maid of Fresingfield Margret Yes Bungay and would God the loâ—ely Earle Had that in esse thatso many sought â—ungay Feare not the Frier will not be behind To shew his cunning to entangle loue Edward I thinke the Frier courts the bonny wench Bacon me thinkes he is a lustie churle Bacon Now looke my lord â—nter Lacie Edward Gogs wounds Bacon heere comes Lacie Bacon Sit still my lord and marke the commedie Bungay Heere 's Lacie Margret step aside awhile Lacie Daphne the damsell that caught Phaebus fast And lockt him in the brightnesse of her lookes Was not so beautious in Appollos eyes As is fâ—â—re Margret to the Lincolne earle Recant thee Lacie thou art put in trust Edward thy soueraignes sonne hath chosen thee A secret friend to court her for himselfe And darest thou wrong thy Prince with trecherie Lacie loue makes no acception of a friend Nor deemes it of a Prince but as a man Honour bids thee controll him in his lust His wooing is not for to wed the girle But to intrap her and beguile the lasse Lacie thou louest then brooke not such abuse But wed her and abide thy Princes frowne For better die then see her liue disgracde Margret Come Frier I will shake him from his dumpes How cheere you sir a penie for your thought Your early vp pray God it be the neere What come from Beckles in a morne so soone Lacie Thus watchfull are such men as liue in loue Whose eyes brooke broken slumbers for their sleepe I tell thee Peggie since last Harlston faire My mindâ— hath felt a heape of passions Margret A trustie man that court it for your friend Woo you still for the courtier all in greene I maruell that he sues not for himselfe Lacie Peggie I pleaded first to get your grace for him But when mine â—iâ—s furuaid your beautious lookes Loue like a wagge straight diued into my heart And there did shrine the Idea of your selfe Pittie me though I be a farmers sonne And measure not my riches but my loue Margret You are verâ—e hastie for to garden well Seeds must haue time to sprout before they spring Loue ought to creepe as doth the dials shade For timely ripe is rotten too too soone Bungay Deus hic roome for a merry Frier What youth of Beckles with the keepers lasse T is well but tell me heere you any newes Margret No Frier what newes Bungay Heere you not how the purseuants do post With proclamations through ech country towne Lacie For what gentle frier tell the newes Bungay Dwelst thou in Beckles heerst not of these news Lacie the Earle of Lincolne is late fled From Windsor court disguised like a swaine And lurkes about the countrie heere vnknowne Henrie suspects him of some trecherie And therefore doth proclaime in euery way That who can take the Lincolne earle shall haue Paid in the Exchequer twentie thousand crownes Lacie The earle of Lincoln Frier thou art mad It was some other thou mistakest the man The earle of Lincolne why it cannot be Margret Yes verie well my lord for you are he The keepers daughter tooke you prisoner Lord Lacie yeeld I le be your gailor once Edward How familiar they be Bacon Bacon Sit still and marke the sequell of their loues Lacie Then am I double prisoner to thy selfe Peggie I yeeld but are these newes iniest Margret In â—â—st with you but earnest vnto me For why these wrongs do wring me at the heart Ah how these earles and noble men of birth Flatter and faine to forge poore womens ill Lacie Beleeue me lasse I am the Lincolne earle I not denie but tyred thus in rags I
liued disguisd to winne faire Peggies loue Margret What loue is there where wedding ends not loue Lacie I meant faire girle to make thee Lacies wife Margret I 〈◊〉 thinke that earles wil stoop so low Lacie Say shalâ— I make thee countesse ere I sleep Marg. Handmaid vnto the earle so please himselfe A wife in name but seruant in obedience Lacie The Lincolne countesse for it shal be so I le plight the bands and seale it with a kisse Edward Gogs wounds Bacon they kisse I le stab them Bacon Oh hold your handes my lord it is the glasse Edward Coller to see the traitors gree so well Made me thinke the shadowes substances Bacon T were a long poinard my lord to reach betweene Oxford and Fresingfield but â—it still and see more Bungay Well lord of Lincolne if your loues be knit And thaâ— your tongues and thoughts do both agree To auoid insuing iarres I le hamper vp the match I le take my portace forth and wed you heere Then go to bed and seale vp your desires Lacie Frier content Peggie how like you this Margret What likes my lord is pleasing vnto me Bungay Then hand-fast hand and I wil to my booke Bacon What sees my lord now Edward Bacon I see the louers hand in hand The Frier readie with his portace there To wed them both then am I quite vndone Bacon helpe now if ere thy magicke serude Helpe Bacon stop the marriage now If diuels or nigromansie may suffice And I will giue thee fortie thousand crownes Bacon Feare not my lord I le stop the iolly Frier For mumbling vp his orisons this day Lacie VVhy speakst not Bungay Frier to thy booke Bungay is mute crying Hud hud. Margret How lookest thou frier as a man disttaughtâ— To see if he will take this taske in hand Clement Stay what rumor is this the towne is vp in a mutinie what hurly burlie is this Enter a Constable with Raphe Warren Ermsbie and Miles Constable Nay maisters if you were nere so good you shall before the doctors to aunswer your misdemeanour Burden What 's the matter fellow Constable Marie sir here 's a companie of rufflers that drinking in the Tauerne haue made a great braule and almost kilde the vintner Milâ—s Salue doctor Burden this lubberly lurden Ill shapte and ill faced disdaind and disgraced What he tels vnto vâ—bis mentitur de nobis Burden Who is the maister and cheeâ—e of this crew Miles Ecce asinum mundi fugura rotundi Neat sheat and fine as briske as a cup of wine Burden What are you Raphe I am father doctor as a man would say the Belwether of this copany these are my lords and I the prince of Wales Clement Are you Edward the kings sonne Raphe Sirra Miles bring hither the tapster that drue the wine and I warrant when they see how soundly I haue broke his head thei le say t was done by no lesse man than a prince Mason I cannot beleeue that this is the prince of Wales Warren And why so sir Mason For they say the prince is a braue a wise gentleman VVar. Why and thinkest thou doctor that he is not so Darst thou detract and derogat from him Being so louely and so braue a youth Ermsbie Whose face shining with many a sugred smile Bewraies that he is bred of princely race Miles And yet maister doctor to speake like a proctor And tell vnto you what is veriment and true To cease of this quarrell looke but on his apparrell Then marke but my talis he is great prince of Walis The cheese of our gregis and filiâ—â— regis Then ware what is done for he is Henries white sonne Raphe Doctors whose doting nightcaps are not capable of my ingenious dignitie know that I am Edward Plantagenet whom if you displease will make a shippe that shall hold all your colleges and so carrie away the Niniuersitie with a fayre wind to the Bankeside in Southwarke how sayst thou Ned Warraine shall I not do it VVarren Yes my good lord and if it please your lordship I wil gather vp al your old pantophles and with the corke make you a Pinnis of fiue hundred tunne that shall serue the turne maruellous well my lord Ermsbie And I my lord will haue Pioners to vndermine the towne that the very Gardens and orchards be carried away for your summer walkes Miles And I with scientia and great diligentia Will coniure and charme to keepe you from harme That vtrum horum mauis your very great nauis Like Bartlets ship from Oxford do skip With Colleges and schooles full loaden with fooles Quid dices ad hoc worshipfull domine Dawcocke Clement Why harebraind courtiers are you drunke or mad To taunt vs vp with such scurilitie Deeme you vs men of base and light esteeme To bring vs such a fop for Henries sonne Call out the beadls and conuay them hence Straight to Bocardo let the roisters lie Close clapt in bolts vntill theirwits be tame Eâ—msbie Why shall we to prison my lord Raphe What saist Miles shall I honour the prison with my presence Miles No no out with your blades and hamper these iades Haue a flurt and a crash now play reuell dash And teach these Sacerdos that the Bocardos Like pezzants and elues are meet for themselues Mâ—sâ—n To the prison with them constable Warren Well doctors seeing I haue sported me With laughing at these mad and merrie wagges Know that prince Edward is at Brazennose And this attired like the prince of Wales Is Raphe king Henries only loued foole I earle of Essex and this Ermsbie Oâ—e of the priuie chamber to the king Who while the prince with Frier Bacon staies Haue reueld it in Oxford as you see Mason My lord pardon vs we knew not what you werâ— But courtiers may make greater skapes than these Wilt please your honour dine with me to day VVarren I will maister doctor and satisfie the vintner for hâ—â— hurt only I must desire you to imagine him all this forenoon the prince of Wales Mason I will sir Raphe And vpon that I will lead the way onely I will haue Miles go before me because I haue heard Henrie say that wisedome must go before Maiestie Exeunt â—mnes Enter prince Edward with his poinard in his hand Lacie and Margret Edward Lacie thou canst not shroud thy traitrous thoughts Nor couer as did Cassius all his wiles For Edward hath an eye that lookes as farre As Lâ—ncaeus from the shores of Grecia Did not I sit in Oxford by the Frier And see theâ— court the mayd of Fresingfield Seahog thy flattering fancies with a kisse Did not prowd Bâ—ngay draw his portasse foorth And ioyning hand in hand had married you If Frier Bâ—con had not stroke him 〈◊〉 And mounted him vpon a spirits backe That we might chat at Oxford with the frier Traitor what answerst is not all this true Lacie Truth all my Lord and thus I make replie At Harlstone faire there
Miles in thee rests Frier Bacons weale The honour and renowne af all his life Hangs in the watching of this brazen-head Therefore I charge thee by the immortall God That holds the soules of men within his fist This night thou watch for ere the morning star Sends out his glorious glister on the north The head will speake then Miles vpon thy life Wake me for then by Magick art I le worke To end my seuen yeares taske with excellence If that awinke but shut thy watchfull eye Thenfarewell Bacons glory and his fame Draw closse the courtaines Miles now for thy life Be watchfull and Here he falleth asleepe Miles So I thought you would talke your selfe a sleepe anon and t is no meruaile for Bungay on the dayes and he on the nights haue watcht Iust these ten and fifty dayes now this is the night and t is my taske and no more Now Iesus blesse me what a goodly head it is and a nose you talke of nâ—s autem glâ—râ—ficarâ— but here 's a nose that I warrant may be cald nos autem pâ—pelare for the people of the parish well I am furnished with weapons now sit I will set me downe by a post and makâ— it as good as a watch-man to wake me if I chaunce to slumber I thought goodman head I would call you out of your memento passion a God I haue almost broke my pate Vp Miles to your taske take your browne bill in your hand heere 's some of your maisters hobgoblins abroad With this a great noise The Head speakes Head Time is Milâ—s Time is Why maister Brazenhead haue you such a capitall nose and answer you with sillables Time is is this all my maisters cunning to spend seuen yeares studie about Time is well sir it may be we shall haue some better orations of it anon well I le watch you as narrowly as euer you were watcht and I le play with you as the Nightingale with the Slowworme I le set a pricke against my brest now rest there Miles Lord haue mercy vpon me I haue almost kild my selse vp Miles list how they rumble Head Time was Miles Well frier Bacon you spent your seuen years studie well that can make your Head speake but two wordes at once Time was yea marie time was when my maister was a wise man but that was before he began to make the Brasen-head you shall lie while your arâ—e ake and your Head speake no better well I will watch and walke vp and downe and be a Perepatetian and a Philosopher of Aristotles stampe what a freshe noise take thy pistols in hand Miles Heere the Head speakes and a lightning flasheth forth and a hand appeares that breaketh down the Head with a hammer Head Time is past Miles Maister maister vp hels broken loose your Head speakes and there 's such a thunder and lightning that I warrant all Oxford is vp in armes out of your bed and take a browne bill in your hand the latter day is come Bacon Miles I come oh passing warily watcht Bacon will make thee next himselfe in loue When spake the Headâ— Miles When spake the Head did not you say that hee should tell strange principles of Philosophie why sir it speaks but two wordes at a time Bacon Why villaine hath it spoken oft Miles Oft I marie hath it thrice but in all those three times it hath vttered but seuen wordes Bacon As how Miles Marâ—ie sir the first time he said Time is as if Fabius cumentator should haue pronoâ—nst a sentence he said Time was and the third time with thunder and lightning as in great choller he said Time is past Bacon T is past indeed a villaine time is past My life my fame my glorie all are past Bacon the turrets of thy hope are ruind downe Thy seuen yeares studie lieth in the dust Thy Brazen-head lies broken through a slaue That watcht and would not when the Head did will What said the Head first Miles Euen sir Time is Bacon Villaine if thou hadst cald to Bacon then If thou hadst watcht and wakte the sleepie frier The Brazen-head had vttered Aphorismes And England had been circled round with brasse But proud Astmâ—roth ruler of the North And Demegorgon maister of the fates Grudge that a mortall man should worke so much Hell trembled at my deepe commanding spels Fiendes frownd to see a man their ouermatch Bacon might bost more than a man might boast But now the braues of Bacon hath an end Europes conceit of Bacon hath an end His seuen yeares practise sorteth toill end And villaine sith my glorie hath an end I will appoint thee fatall to some end Villaine auoid getthee from Bacons sight Vagâ—â—t go â—ome and range about the world And periâ—â— as a vagabond on earth Miles Why then sir you forbid me your seruice Bacon My seruice villaine with a fatall curse That direfull plagues and mischiefe fall on thee Miles T is no matter I am against you with the old prouerb The more the foxis curst the better he fares God be with you sir I le take but a booke in my hand a wide sleeued gowne on my backe and a crowned cap on my head and see if I can want promotion Bacon Some fiend or ghost haunt on thy wearie steps Vntill they doe transport thee quicke to hell For Bacon shall haue neuer merrie day To loose the fame and honour of his Head Exit Enter Emperour Castile Henrie Ellinor Edward Lacie Raphe Emper. Now louely Prince the prince of Albions wealth How fares the ladie Ellinor and you What haue you courted and found Castile fit To answer England in equiuoâ—ence Wilt be a match twixt bonny Nell and thee Edâ— Should Paris enter in the courts of Greece And not lie fettered in faire Hellens lookes Or Phoâ—bus scape those piercing amorits That Daphne glaunsed at his dâ—itie Can Edward then â—it by a flame and freeze Whose heat puts Hellen and faire Daphne downe Now Monarcks aske the ladie if we gree Hen. What madam hath my son found grace or no. Ellinor Seeing my lord his louely counterfeit And hearing how his minde and shape agreed I come not troopt with all this warlike traine Doubting of loue but so effectionat As Edward hath in England what he wonne in Spaine Castâ—le A match my lord these wantons needes must loue Men must haue wiues and women will be wed Le ts hast the day to honour vp the rites Raphe Sirha Harry shall Ned marry Nell Henry I Raphe how then Raphe Marrie Harrie follow my counsaile send for frier Bacon to marrie them for hee le so coniure him and her with his Nigromancie that they shall loue togither like pigge and lambâ— whilest they liue Castâ—le But hearst thou Raphe art thou content to haue â—llinor to thy ladie Raphâ— I so she will promise me two things Castâ—le What 's that Raphe Raphe That shee will neuer scold with Ned nor fight with me Sirha Harry I haue put
her downe with a thing vnpossible Henry What 's that Raphe Raphe Why Harrie didst thou euer see that a woman could both hold her tongue and her handes no but when egge-pies growes on apple-trees then will thy gray mare prooue a bagpiper Emperour What saies the lord of Castile and the earle of Lincolne that they are in such earnest and secret talke Castile I stand my lord amazed at his talke How he discourseth of the constancie Of one surnam'd fot beauties excellence The faire maid of merrie Fresingfield Henrie T is true my lord t is wondrous for to heare Her beautie passing Marces parramour Her virgins right as rich as Vestas was Lacie and Ned hath told me miracles Castile What saies lord Lacie shall she be his wife Lâ—ciâ— Or els lord Lacie is vnfit to liue May it please your highnesse giue me leaue to post To Fresingfield Ilefetch the bonny girle And prooue in true apparance at the court What I haue vouched often with my tongue Henrie Lacie go to the quirie of my stable And take such coursers as shall fit thy turne Hie thee to Frefingfield and bring home the lasse And for her fame flies through the English coast If it may please the ladie Ellinor One day shall match your excellence and her Ellinor We Castile ladies are not very coy Your highnesle may command a greater boone And glad were I to grace the Lincolne earle With being partner of his marriage day Edâ—ard Gramercie Nell for I do loue the lord As he that 's second to my selfe in loue Raph. You loue her madam Nell neuer beleeue him you though he sweares he loues you Ellinor Why Raphe Râ—pâ—e Why his loue is like vnto a tapsters glasse that is broken with euery tutch for he loued the faire maid of Fresingfield once out of all hoe nay Ned neuer wincke vpon me I care not I. Hen. Raphe tels all you shall haue a good secretarie of him But Lacie haste thee post to Fresingfield For ere thou hast fitted all things for her state The solemne marriage day will be at hand Lacie I go my lord Exit Lacie Emperour How shall we passe this day my lord Henrie To horse my lord the day is passing faire Wee le flie the partridge or go rouse the deere Follow my lords you shall not want for sport Exeunt Enter frier Bacon with friâ—r Bâ—ngaâ— to his cell Bungay What meanes the frier that frolickt it of late To sit as melancholie in his cell To sit as melancholie in his cell As if he had neither lost nor wonne to day Bacon Ah Bungay my Brazen-head is spold My glorie gone my seuen yeares studie lost The fame of Bacon bruted through the world Shall end and perish with this deepe disgrace Bungay Bacon hath built foundation on his fame So surely on the wings of true report With acting strange and vncoth miracles As this cannot infringe what he deserues Bacon Bungay sit down for by prospectiue skill I find this day shall fall out ominous Some deadly act shall tide me ere I sleep But what and wherein little can I gesse Bungay My minde is heauy what so ere shall hap Enter two schollers sonnes-to Lambert and Serlby Knockc Bacon Whos 's that knockes Bungay Two schollers that desires to speake with you Bac. Bid the come in Now my youths what would you â—aue 1. Sholler Sir we are Suffolke men and neighbouring friends Our fathers in their countries lustie squires Their lands adioyne in Crackfield mine doth dwell And his in Laxfield we are colledge mates Sworne brothers as our fathers liues as friendes Bâ—con To what end is ail this 2. Scholler Hearing your worship kept within your cell A glasse prospectiue wherin men might see What so their thoughts or hearts desire could wish We come to know how that our fathers fare Bacon My glasse is free for euery honest man Sit downe and you shall see ere long How or in what state your friendly father liues Meane while tell me your names Lâ—mbert Mine Lambert 2. Scholler And mine Serlsbie Bacon Bungay I smell there will be a tragedie Enter Lambert and Serlsbie with Rapiers and daggâ—rs Lâ—mbert Serlsby thou hast kept thine houre like a man Th' art worthie of the title of a squire That durst for proofe of thy affection And for thy mistresse fauour prize thy bloud Thou knowst what words did passe at Fresingfield Such shamelesse braues as manhood cannot brooke I for I skorne to beare such piercing taunts Prepare thee Serlsbie one of vs will die Serlâ—bie Thou seest I single thee the field And what I spake I le maintaine with my sword Stand on thy guard I cannot scold it out And if thou kill me thinke I haue a sonne That liues in Oxford in the Brodgates hall Who will reuenge his fathers bloud with bloud Lambert And Serlsbie I haue there a lusty boy That dares at weapon buckle with thy sonne And liues in Broadgates too as well as thine But draw thy Rapier for wee le haue about Bacon Noâ— lustie yonkers looke within the glasse And tell me if you can discerne your â—ires 1. Scol Serlsbie t is hard thy father offers wrong To combat with my father in the field 2. Schol. Lambert thou liest my fathers is the abuse And thou shalt find it if my father harme Bungay How goes it sirs 1. Scholler Our fathers are in combat hard by Fresingfield Bacon Sit still my friendes and see the euent Lambert Why standst thou Serlsbie doubtst thou of thy life A venie man faire Margret craues so much Serlbie Then this for her 1. Scholler Ah well thrust 2. Scholler But marke the ward They fight and kill ech other Lambert Oh I am slaine Serlbie And I Lord haue mercie on me 1. Scholler My father slaine Serlby ward that The two schollers stab on another 2. Scholler And so is mine Lambert I le quite thee well Bungay O strange strattagem Bacon See Frier where the fathers both lie dead Baconthy magicke doth effect this massacre This glasse prospectiue worketh manie woes And therefore seeing these braue lustie brutes These friendly youths did perish by thine art End all thy magicke and thine art at once The poniard that did end the fatall liues Shall breake the cause efficiat of their woes So fade the glasse and end with it the showes That Nigromancie did infuse the christall with He breakes the glasse Bâ—ng What means learned Bacon thus to breake his glasse Bâ—con I tell thee Bungay it repents me sore That euer Bacon medled in this art The houres I haue spent in piromanticke spels The fearefull tossing in the latest night Of papers full of Nigromanticke charmes Coniuring and adiuring diuels and fiends With stole and albe and strange Pentaganon The wresting of the holy name of God As Sother Elaim and Adonaie Alpha Mâ—noth and Tetragramiton With praying to the fiue-fould powers of heaueâ— Are instances that Bacon must be damde For vsing diuels to counteruaile his God Yet Bacon
cheere thee drowne not in despaire Sinnes haue their salues repentance can do much Thinke mercie sits where Iustice holds her seate And from those wounds those bloudie Iews did pierce Which by thy magicke oft did bleed a fresh From thence for thee the dew of mercy drops To wash the wrath of hie Iehouahs ire And make thee as a new borne babe from sinne Bungay I le spend the remnant of my life In pure deuotion praying to my God That he would saue what Bacon vainly lost Exit Enter Marâ—ret in Nuns apparrell Keeper her father and their friend Keep Margret be not so headstrong in these vows Oh burie not such beautie in a cell That England hath held famous for the hue Thy fathers haire like to the siluer bloomes That beautifie the shrubs of Affrica Shall fall before the dated time of death Thus to forgoe his louely Margret Margret A father when the hermonie of heauen soundeth the measures of a liuely faith The vaine Illusions of this flâ—ttering world Seemes odious to the thoughts of Margret I loued once lord Lacie was my loue And now I hate my selfe for that I lovd And doated more on him than on my God For this I scourge my selfe with sharpe repentâ—â— But now the touch of such aspiring sinnes Tels me all loue is lust but loue of heauens That beautie vsde for loue is vanitie The world containes nought but alluring baites Pride flatterie and inconstant thoughts To shun the pricks of death I leaue the world And vow to meditate on heauenly blisse To liue in Framingham a holy Nunne Holy and pure in conscience and in deed And for to wish all maides to learne of me To seeke heauens ioy before earths vanitie Friend And will you then Margret be shorâ— a Nunne and so leaue vs all Margret Now farewell world the engin of all woe Farewell to friends and father welcome Christ Adew to daintie robes this base attire Better befits an humble minde to God Than all the shew of rich abilliments Loue oh Loue and with fond Loue farewell Sweet Lacie whom I loued once so deere Euer be well but neuer in my thoughts Least I offend to thinke on Lacies loue But euen to that as to the rest farewell Enter Lacie Warrain Ermsbie booted and spurd Lacie Come on my wags weere neere the keepers lodge Heere haue I oft walkt in the watrie Meades And chatted with my louely Margret VVarraine Sirha Ned is not this the keeper Lacie T is the same Eâ—msbie The old lecher hath gotton holy mutton to him a Nunne my lord Lâ—cie Keeper how farest thou holla man what cheere How doth Peggie thy daughter and my loue Keâ—per Ah good my lord oh wo is me for Pegge See where she stands clad in her Nunnes attire Readie for to be shorne in Framingham She leaues the world because she left your loue Oh good my lord perswade her if you can Lacie Why how now Margret what a malecontent A Nunne what holy father taught you this To taske your selfe to such a tedious life As die a maid t were iniurie to me To smother vp such bewtie in a cell Mâ—rgret Lord Lacie thinking of thy former missâ— How fond the prime of wanton yeares were spent In loue Oh fie vppon that fond conceite Whose hap and essence hangeth in the eye I leaue both loue and loues content at once Betaking me to him that is true loue And leâ—uing all the world for loue of him Lacie Whence Peggie comes this Metamorphosis What shorne a Nun and I haue from the co urt Posted with coursers to conuaie thee hence To Windsore where our Mariage shal be kept Thy wedding robes are in the tailors hands Come Peggy leaue these peremptorie vowes Margret Did not my lord resigne his interest And make diuorce twixt Margret and himâ— Lacy. T was but to try sweete Peggies constancie But will faire Margret leaue her loue and Lord Margret Is not heauens ioy before earths fading blisse And life aboue sweeter than life in loue Lacie Why then Margret will be shorne a Nun Marg. Margret hath made a vow which may not be reuokt Warraine We cannot stay my Lord and if she be so strict Our leisure graunts vs not to woo a fresh Ermsby Choose you faire damsell yet the choise is yours Either a solemne Nunnerie or the court God or Lord Lacie weich contents you best To be a Nun or els Lord Lacies wife Lacie A good motion Peggie your answere must be short Maâ—gret The flesh is frayle my Lord doth know it well That when he comes with his inchanting face What so erâ— betyde I cannot say him nay Off goes the habite of a maidens heart And seeing Fortune will faire Fremingham And all the shew of holy Nuns farewell Lacie for mâ— if he wil be my lord Lacie Peggie thy Lord thy loue thy husband Trust me by truth of knighthood that the King Staies for to marry matchles Ellinour Vntil I bring thee richly to the court That one day may both marry her and thee How saist thou Keeper art thou glad of this Keeper As if the English King had giuen The parke and decre of Frisingfield to me Erms. I pray thee my Lord of Sussex why art thou in a broune study Warraine To see the nature of women that be they neuer so neare God yet they loue to die in a mans armes Lacie What haue you fit for breakefast we haue hied and posted all this night to Frisingfield Margret Butter and cheese and humbls of a Deere Such as poore Keepers haue within their lodge Lacie And not a bottle of wine Margret Wee le find one for my Lord. Lacie Come Sussex lets in we shall haue more for she speaks least to hold her promise sure Exeunt Enter a denill to seeke Miles Deuill How restles are the ghosts of hellish spirites When euerie charmer with his Magick spels Cals vs from nine-fold trenched Blegiton To scud and ouer-scoure the earth in post Vpon the speedie wings of swiftest winds Now Bacon hath raisd mâ— from the darkest deepe To search about the world for Miles his man For Miles and to torment his lasie bones For careles watchidg of his Brasen head See where he comes Oh he is mine Enter Miles with a gownâ— and a corner cap. Miles A scholler quoth you marry sir I would I had bene made a botlemaker when I was made a scholler for I can get neither to be a Deacon Reader nor Schoolemaister no not the clarke of a parish some call me dunce another saith my head is as full of Latine as an egs full of oatemeale thus I am tormented that the deuil and Frier Bacon haunts me good Lord heer 's one of my maisters deuils I le goe speake to him what maister Plutus how chere you Deuill Doost thou know me Miles Know you sir why are not you one of my maisters deuils that were wont to come to my maister Doctor Bacon at Brazen-nose Deuil Yes marry am I.
Miles Good Lord M. Plutus I haue seene you a thousand times at my maisters and yet I had neuer the manners to make you drinke but sir I am glad to see how conformable you are to the statute I warrant you heesasyeomanlya man as you shall see marke you maisters heer 's a plaine honest man without welt or garde but I pray you sir do you come lately from hel Deuil I marry how then Miles Faith t is a place I haue desired long to see haue you not good tipling houses there may not a man haue a lustie fier there apot of good ale a paire of cardes a swinging peece of chalke and a browne toast that will clap a white wastcoat on a cup of good drinke Deuil All thisyou may haue there Miles You are for me freinde and I am for you but I pray you may I not haue an office there Deuil Yes a thousand what wouldst thou be Miles By my troth sir in a place where I may profit my selfe I know hel is a hot place and men are meruailous drie and much drinke is spent there I would be a tapster Deuil Thou shalt Miles There 's nothing lets me from going with you but that t is a long iourney and I haue neuer a horse Deuil Thou shalt ride on my backe Miles Now surely hers acourteous deuil that for to pleasure his friende wil not stick to make a iade of himselfe but I pray you goodman fâ—iend let me moue a question to you Deuil What 's that Miles I pray you whether is your pace a trot or an amble Deuil An amble Miles T is well but take heede it be not a trot But t is no matter I le preuent it Deuil What doost Miles Marry friend I put on my spurs for if I find your pace either a trot or els vneasie I le put you to a false gallop I le make you feele the benefit of my spurs Deuil Get vp vpon my back Miles Oh Lord here 's euen a goodly meruaile when a man rides to hell on the Deuils backe Exeunt roring Enter the Emperour with a pointles sword next the King of Castile carrying a sword with a point Lacie carying the globe Ed. Warrâ—carrying arod of gold with a doue on it Ermsby with a crowne and Scepter The queene with the faire maide of Frisingfield on her left hand Henry â—acon with other Lords attending Edward Great potentates earths miracles for state Thinke that prince Edward humbles at your feet And for these fauours on his martiall sword He vowes perpetuall homage to yourselues Yeelding these honours vnto Ellinour Henrie Gramercies Lordlings old Plantagenet That rules and swayes the Albion diademe With teares discouers these conceaued ioyes And vowes requitall if his men at armes The wealth of England or due honours done To Ellinour may quite his fauorites But all this while what say you to the Dames That shine like to the cristall lampes of heauen Emperour If but a third were added to these two They did surpasse those gorgeous images That gloried Ida with rich beauties wealth Margret T is I my lords who humbly on my knee Must yelde her orisons to mightiâ— Ioue For lifting vp his handmaide to this state Brought from her homely cottage to the court And graste with Kings Princes and Emperours To whom next to the noble Lincolne Earle I vowe obedience and such humble loue As may a handmaid to such mightie men Ellinour Thou mâ—rtiall man that wears the Almaine crowne And you the westerne Potentates of might The Albian Princesse English Edwards wife Prowde that the louely star of Frisingfield Faire Margret Countesse to the Lincolne Earle Attendes on Ellinour gramercies Lord for her T is I giue thanks for Margret to you all And rest for her due bounden to your selues Henrie Seeing the marriage is solemnised Le ts martch in triumph to the royall feast But why stands Frier Bacon here so mute Bacon Repentant for the follies of my youth That Magicks secreat misteries misled And ioyfull that this roiall marriage Portendes such blisse vnto this matchles realme Hen. Why Bacon what straunge eueÌ„t shall happeÌ„ to this land Or what shall grow from Edward and his Queene Bacon I find by deepe praescience of mine art Which once I tempred in my secreat cell That here where Brute did build his Troynouant From forth the royall garden of a King Sâ—all flowrish out so rich and faire a bud Whose brightnesse shall deface proude Phoebus flowrâ— And ouer-shadow Albion with her leaues Til then Mars shalâ— be maister of the field But then the stormie threats of wars shall cease The horse shall stampe as careles of the pike Dâ—ums shall be turnd to timbrells of delight With wealthy fauours plentie shall enrich The strond that gladded wandring Brute to see And peace from heauen shall harbour in these leaues That gorgeous beautifies this matchles flower Appollos Hellitropian then shall stoope And Venus hyacinth shall vaile her top Iuno shall shut her Gilliflowers vp And Pallace bay shall bash her brightest greeneâ— Ceres carnation in consort with those Shall stoope and wonder at Dianas rose Henrie This Prophesie is mysticall But glorious commaunders of Europas loue That makes faire England like that wealthy I le Circled with Gihen and first Euphrates In royallising Henries Albion With presence of your princelie mightines Le ts march the tables all are spread And viands such as Englands wealth affoords Are ready set to furnish out the boords You shall haue welcome mighty potentates It rests to furnish vp this royall feast Only your hearts be frolick for the time Craues that we tast of nought but iouysaunce Thus glories England ouer all the west Exeunt omnes Finis Frier Bacon made by Robert Greene Maister of Arts. Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit vtilâ— dulci. Sâ—t down and knocke your head