THE CHRONICLE history OF PERKIN WARBECK.  
A Strange Truth.  
Acted (sometimes) by the queen's Majesty's Servants at the Phoenix in drury lane.  
Fide Honour.  
LONDON, Printed by T. P. for Hugh Beeston, and are to be sold at his Shop, near the Castle in Cornhill. 1634.   

The Scene, The Continent of Great Britain.  

The Persons presented.  
Henry the seventh.  
Dawbney.  
Sir William Stanly.  
Oxford.  
Surrey.  
Bishop of Durham.  
Urswick Chaplain to King Henry.  
Sir Robert Clifford.  
Lambert Simnell.  
Hialas a Spanish Agent.  
Constable, Officers, serving-men, and Soldiers.  
james the 4th King of Scotl.  
Earl of Huntley.  
Earl of Crawford.  
Lord Daliell.  
Marchmount a Herald.  
Perkin Warbeck.  
Frion his Secretary.  
Mayor of Cork.  
Heron a Mercer.  
Sketon a tailor.  
Astly— a Scrivener.   

Women.  
Lady Katherine Gourdon,— wife to Perkin.  
Countess of Crawford.  
jane Douglas— Lady Kath. maid.    

TO THE RIGHTLY HONOURABLE, WILLIAM CAVENDISH, Earl of Newcastle, Viscount Mansfield, Lord Boulsover and Ogle.  
MY LORD:  
Out of the darkness of a former Age, (enlightened by a late, both learned, and an honourable pen) I have endeavoured, to personate a great Attempt, and in It, a greater Danger. In other labours, you may read Actions of Antiquity discoursed; In This Abridgement, find the Actors themselves discoursing: in some kind, practised as well What to speak; as speaking Why to do. Your Lop. is a most competent judge, in expressions of such credit; commissioned by your known Ability in examining; and enabled by your knowledge in determining, the monuments of Time. Eminent Titles, may indeed inform, who, their owners are, not often what: To yours, the addition of that information, in BOTH, cannot in any application be observed flattery; the Authority being established by TRUTH. I can only acknowledge, the errors in writing, mine own; the worthiness of the Subject written, being a perfection in the Story, and of It. The custom of your ps. entertainments (even to Strangers) is, rather an Example, than a Fashion: in which consideration, I dare not profess a curiosity; but am only studious, that your Lop will please, amongst such as best honour your Goodness, to admit into your noble construction  
JOHN FORD.   


To my own friend, Master john Ford, on his justifiable Poem of Perkin Warbeck, This Ode.  
THey, who do know me, know, that I  
(Unskilled to flatter)  
Dare speak This Piece, in words, in matter,  
A work: without the danger of the Lie.  
Believe me (friend) the name of This, and Thee,  
Will live, your story:  
Books may want Faith, or merit, glory;  
THIS, neither; without judgement's Lethargy.  
When the Arts dote, then, some sick Poet, may  
Hope, that his pen  
In new-stained-paper, can find men  
To roar, HE is THE WIT'S; His noise doth sway.  
But such an Age cannot be known: for All,  
ere that Time be,  
Must prove such Truth, mortality:  
So (friend) thy honour stands too fixed, to fall.  
George Donne.   

To his worthy friend, Master john Ford, upon his Perkin Warbeck.  
LEt men, who are written Poets, lay a claim  
To the Phoebean Hill, I have no name,  
Nor art in Verse; True, I have heard some tell  
Of Aganippe, but ne'er knew the Well:  
Therefore have no ambition with the Times,  
To be in Print, for making of ill Rhymes;  
But love of Thee, and justice to thy Pen  
Hath drawn me to this Bar, with other men  
To justify, though against double Laws,  
(Waving the subtle business of his cause)  
The GLORIOUS PERKIN, and thy Poet's Art  
Equal with His, in playing the king's PART.  
Ra: E'ure Baronis Primogen:   

To my faithful, no less deserving friend, the Author; This indebted Oblation.  
PERKIN is redivived by thy strong hand,  
And crowned a King of new; the vengeful wand  
Of Greatness is forgot: HIS Execution  
May rest unmentioned; and HIS birth's Collusion  
Lie buried in the story: But HIS fame  
Thou hast eternised; made a Crown HIS Game.  
HIS lofty spirit soars yet. Had HE been  
Base in his enterprise, as was his sin  
Conceived, HIS TITLE, (doubtless) proved unjust,  
Had, but for Thee, been silenced in his dust.  
George Crymes, miles.   

To the Author, his friend, upon his Chronicle History.  
THese are not to express thy wit,  
But to pronounce thy judgement fit;  
In full-filed phrase, those Times to raise,  
When PERKIN ran his wily ways.  
Still, let the method of thy brain,  
From Errors touch, and Envy's stain  
Preserve Thee, free; that e'er, thy quill  
Fair Truth may wet, and Fancy fill.  
Thus Graces are, with Muses met,  
And practic Critics on may fret:  
For here, Thou hast produced, A story,  
Which shall eclipse, Their future Glory.  
john Brograve:.   

To my friend, and kinsman, Master john Ford, the Author.  
dramatic Poets (as the Times go) now  
Can hardly write, what others will allow;  
The Cynic snarls; the Critic howls and barks;  
And Ravens croak, to drown the voice of Larks:  
Scorn those stage-harpies! This I'll boldly say,  
Many may imitate, few match thy Play.  
john Ford: Graiensis.    

prologue.  
studies have, of this Nature, been of late  
So out of fashion, so unfollowed; that  
It is become more justice, to revive  
The antic follies of the Times, then strive  
To countenance wise Industry: no want  
Of Art, doth render wit, or lame, or scant,  
Or slothful, in the purchase of fresh bays;  
But want of Truth in Them, who give the praise  
To their self-love, presuming to outdo  
The Writer, or (for need) the Actor's too.  
But such THIS author's silence best befits,  
Who bids Them, be in love, with their own wits  
From Him, to clearer judgement's, we can say,  
He shows a History, couched in a Play:  
A History of noble mention, known,  
Famous, and true: most noble, 'cause our own:  
Not forged from italy, from France, from Spain,  
But Chronicled at Home; as rich in strain  
Of brave Attempts, as ever, fertile Rage  
In Action, could beget to grace the Stage.  
we cannot limit Scenes, for the whole Land  
itself, appeared too narrow to withstand  
Competitors for Kingdoms: nor is here  
Unnecessary mirth forced, to endear  
A multitude; on these two, rests the Fate  
Of worthy expectation; TRUTH and STATE.   

THE CHRONICLE history OF PERKIN WARBECK.  

Actus primus,  

Scaena prima.  Enter King Henry, Durham, Oxford, Surrey, Sir William Stanly, Lord Chamberlaine, Lord Dawbny. The King supported to his Throne by Stanly and Durham. A Guard. King. 
Still to be haunted; still to be pursued,  
Still to be frighted with false apparitions  
Of pageant Majesty, and new-coined greatness,  
As if we were a mockery King in state;  
Only ordained to lavish sweat and blood  
In scorn and laughter to the ghosts of York,  
Is all below our merits; yet (my Lords,  
My friends and Counsellors) yet we sit fast  
In our own royal birthright; the rent face  
And bleeding wounds of England's slaughtered people,  
Have been by us (as by the best Physician)  
At last both throughly Cured, and set in safety;  
And yet for all this glorious work of peace  
ourself is scarce secure.  Dur. 
The rage of malice  
Conjures fresh spirits with the spells of York;  
For ninety years ten English Kings and Princes,  
Threescore great Dukes and Earls, a thousand Lords  
And valiant Knights, two hundred fifty thousand  
Of English Subjects have in Civil Wars,  
Been sacrificed to an uncivil thirst  
Of discord and ambition: this hot vengeance  
Of the just powers above, to utter ruin  
And Desolation had reigned on, but that  
Mercy did gently sheathe the sword of justice,  
In lending to this blood-shrunk Commonwealth  
A new too, new birth in your Sacred person.  Daw: 
Edward the fourth after a doubtful fortune  
Yielded to nature; leaving to his sons  
Edward and Richard, the inheritance  
Of a most bloody purchase; these young Princes  
Richard the Tyrant their unnatural Uncle  
Forced to a violent grave, so just is Heaven.  
Him hath your Majesty by your own arm  
Divinely strengthened, pulled from his Boars sty  
And struck the black Usurper to a Carcase:  
Nor doth the House of York decay in Honours,  
Though Lancaster doth repossess his right.  
For Edward's daughter is King Henry's Queen.  
A blessed Union, and a lasting blessing  
For this poor panting Island, if some shreds  
Some useless remnant of the House of York  
Grudge not at this Content.  Ox: 
Margaret of Burgundy  
Blows fresh Coals of Division.  Sur: 
Painted fires  
Without to heat or scorch or light to cherish.  Daw: 
York's headless trunk her Father, Edward's fate  
Her brother King, the smothering of her Nephews  
By Tyrant Gloster, brother to her nature;  
Nor Gloucester's own confusion, (all decrees  
Sacred in Heaven) Can move this Woman-Monster,  
But that she still from the unbottomed mine  
Of Devilish policies, doth vent the Ore  
Of troubles and sedition.  Ox: 
In her age  
(Great Sir, observe the Wonder) she grows fruitful,  
Who in her strength of youth was always barren  
Nor are her births as other Mothers are,  
At nine or ten months' end, she has been with child  
Eight or seven years at least; whose twins being borne  
(A prodigy in Nature) even the youngest  
Is fifteen years of age at his first entrance  
As soon as known i'th' world, tall striplings, strong  
And able to give battle unto Kings.  
Idols of Yorkish malice.  Ox: 
And but Idols,  
A steely hammer Crushes 'em to pieces.  K: 
Lambert the eldest (Lords) is in our service,  
Preferred by an officious care of Duty  
From the Scullery to a falconer (strange example!)  
Which shows the difference between noble natures  
And the base borne: but for the upstart Duke,  
The new revived York, Edward's second son,  
Murdered long since i'th' Tower; he lives again  
And vows to be your King.  Stan: 
The throne is filled Sir.  K: 
True stanley, and the lawful heir sits on it;  
A guard of Angels, and the holy prayers  
Of loyal Subjects are a sure defence  
Against all force and Counsel of Intrusion.  
But now (my Lords) put case some of our Nobles,  
Our GREAT ONES, should give Countenance and Courage  
To trim Duke Perkin; you will all confess  
Our bounties have unthriftily been scattered  
Amongst unthankful men.  Daw: 
Unthankful beasts,  
Dogs, villains, traitors.  K: 
Dawbney let the guilty  
Keep silence, I accuse none, though I know,  
Foreign attempts against a State and Kingdom  
Are seldom without some great friends at home.  Stan: 
Sir, if no other abler reasons else  
Of duty or allegiance could divert  
A headstrong resolution, yet the dangers  
So lately passed by men of blood and fortunes  
In Lambert Simnel's party, must Command  
More than a fear, a terror to Conspiracy,  
The high-born Lincoln, son to De la Pole,  
The Earl of Kildare, Lord Geraldine,  
Francis Lord Lovell, and the German Baron,  
Bold Martin Swart, with Broughton and the rest,  
(Most spectacles of ruin, some of mercy;)  
Are precedents sufficient to forewarn  
The present times, or any that live in them,  
What folly, nay, what madness 'twere to lift  
A finger up in all defence but yours,  
Which can be but impostorous in a title.  K. 
stanley we know thou lov'st Us, and thy heart  
Is figured on thy tongue; nor think we less  
Of any's here, how closely we have hunted  
This Cubb (since he unlodged) from hole to hole,  
Your knowledge is our Chronicle: first Ireland  
The common stage of Novelty, presented  
This gewgaw to oppose us, there the Geraldines  
And Butlers once again stood in support  
Of this colossic statue: Charles of France  
Thence called him into his protection;  
Dissembled him the lawful heir of England;  
Yet this was all but French dissimulation,  
Aiming at peace with us, which being granted  
On honourable terms on our part, suddenly  
This smoke of straw was packed from France again,  
T'infect some grosser air; and now we learn  
(Maugre the malice of the bastard Nevill,  
Sir Talor, and a hundred English Rebels)  
they're all retired to Flanders, to the Dam  
That nursed this eager whelp, Margaret of burgundy.  
But we will hunt him there too, we will hunt him,  
Hunt him to death even in the Beldame's Closet,  
Though the Archduke were his Buckler.  Sur: 
She has styled him— The fair white rose of England.  Daw: 
jolly Gentleman, more fit to be a Swabber  
To the Flemish after a drunken surfeit.  Enter Urswick. Vr: 
Gracious Sovereign, please you peruse this paper.  Dur: 
The king's Countenance, gathers a sprightly blood:  Daw: 
Good news believe it.  K: 
Urswick thine ear—  
thoust lodged him?  Vr: 
Strongly, safe Sir.  K: 
Enough, is Barley come to?  Vr: 
No, my Lord.  K: 
No matter— phew, he's but a running weed,  
At pleasure to be plucked up by the roots:  
But more of this anon— I have bethought me.  
(My Lords) for reasons which you shall partake,  
It is our pleasure to remove our Court  
From Westminster to th' Tower: we will lodge  
This very night there, give Lord chamberlain  
A present order for it.  Stan: 
The Tower— I shall sir.  K: 
Come my true, best, fast friends, these clouds will vanish,  
The Sun will shine at full: the Heavens are clearing. Exeunt.  Flourish. Enter Huntley and Daliell. Hun: 
You trifle time Sir.  Dal: 
Oh my noble Lord,  
You construe my griefs to so hard a sense,  
That where the text is argument of pity  
Matter of earnest love, your gloss corrupts it  
With too much ill placed mirth.  Hunt: 
Much mirth Lord Daliell?  
Not so I vow: observe me sprightly gallant:  
I know thou art a noble lad, a handsome,  
Descended from an honourable Ancestry,  
Forward and active, dost resolve to wrestle,  
And ruffle in the world by noble actions  
For a brave mention to posterity:  
I scorn not thy affection to my Daughter,  
Not I by good St. Andrew; but this bugbear,  
This whoreson tale of honour, (honour Daliell)  
So hourly chats, and tattles in mine ear,  
The piece of royalty that is stitched up  
In my Kate's blood, that 'tis as dangerous  
For thee young Lord, to perch so near an Eaglet,  
As foolish for my gravity to admit it.  
I have spoke all at once.  Dal: 
Sir, with this truth  
You mix such Worm wood, that you leave no hope  
For my disordered palate, ere to relish  
A wholesome taste again; alas, I know Sir,  
What an unequal distance lies between  
Great Huntley's daughter's birth, and Daliel's fortunes.  
she's the king's kinswoman, placed near the Crown,  
A Princess of the blood, and I a Subject.  Hunt: 
Right, but a noble Subject, put in that too.  Dal: 
I could add more; and in the rightest line,  
Derive my pedigree from Adam Mure,  
A Scottish Knight; whose daughter, was the mother  
To him who first begot the race of Jameses,  
That sway the Sceptre to this very day  
But kindreds are not ours, when once the date  
Of many years, have swallowed up the memory  
Of their originals: So pasture fields  
Neighbouring too near the Ocean, are souped up  
And known no more: for stood I in my first  
And native greatness, if my Princely Mistress  
vouchsafed me not her servant, 'twere as good  
I were reduced to Clownery; to nothing  
As to a throne of Wonder.  Hunt: 
Now by Saint Andrew  
A spark of mettle, a'has a brave fire in him.  
I would a had my Daughter so I knew't not.  
But must not be so, must not:— well young Lord  
This will not do yet, if the girl be headstrong  
And will not hearken to good Counsel, steal her  
And run away with her, dance galliards, do,  
And frisk about the world to learn the Languages:  
'twill be a thriving trade; you may set up by't.  Dal: 
With pardon (noble Gourdon) this disdain  
Suits not your daughter's virtue, or my constancy.  Hunt: 
You are angry— would 'a would beat me, I deserve it.  
Daliell thy hand, w'are friends; follow thy Courtship  
Take thine own time and speak, if thou bewaylest  
With passion more than I can with my Counsel,  
she's thine, nay, she is thine, 'tis a fair match  
Free and allowed, I'll only use my tongue  
Without a Father's power, use thou thine:  
Self do self have, no more words, win and wear her.  Dal: 
You bless me, I am now too poor in thanks  
To pay the debt I owe you.  Hunt: 
Nay, thouart poor enough— I love his spirit infinitely.  
Look ye, she comes, to her now, to her, to her.  Enter Katherine and jane. Kat: 
The King commands your presence Sir.  Hunt: 
The gallant— this this this Lord, this  
Servant (Kate) of yours, desires to be your Master.  Kat: 
I acknowledge him, a worthy friend of mine.  Dal: 
Your humblest Creature.  Hunt: 
So, so, the games a foot, I'm in cold hunting,  
The hare and hounds are parties.  Dal: 
Princely Lady,— how most unworthy I am to employ  
My services, in honour of your virtues,  
How hopeless my desires are to enjoy  
Your fair opinion, and much more your love;  
Are only matter of despair, unless  
Your goodness give large warrant to my boldness,  
My feeble-winged ambition.  Hunt: 
This is scurvy.  Kat: 
My Lord I interrupt you not.  Hunt: 
Indeed?  
Now on my life she'll Court him— nay, nay, on Sir.  Dal: 
Oft have I tuned the lesson of my sorrows  
To sweeten discord, and enrich your pity;  
But all in vain: here had my Comforts sunk  
And never risen again, to tell a story  
Of the despairing Lover, had not now  
Even now the Earl your Father.  Hunt: 
A means me sure.  Dal: 
After some fit disputes of your Condition,  
Your highness and my lowness, given a licence  
Which did not more embolden, then encourage  
My faulting tongue.  Hunt: 
How how? how's that?  
Embolden? Encourage? I encourage ye? d''ee hear sir?  
A subtle trick, a quaint one,— will you hear (man)  
What did I say to you, come come tooth point.  Kate: 
It shall not need my Lord.  Hunt: 
Then hear me Kate:  
Keep you on that hand of her; I on this—  
Thou standst between a Father and a Suitor,  
Both striving for an interest in thy heart:  
He Courts thee for affection, I for duty;  
He as a servant pleads, but by the privilege  
Of nature, though I might Command, my care  
Shall only Counsel what it shall not force.  
Thou canst but make one choice, the ties of marriage  
Are tenures not at will, but during life.  
Consider who's thou art, and who; a Princess,  
A Princess of the royal blood of Scotland.  
In the full spring of youth, and fresh in beauty.  
The King that sits upon the throne is young  
And yet unmarried, forward in attempts  
On any least occasion, to endanger  
His person; Wherefore Kate as I am confident  
Thou dar'st not wrong thy birth and education  
By yielding to a common servile rage  
Of female wantonness, so I am confident  
Thou wilt proportion all thy thoughts to side  
Thy equals, if not equal thy superiors.  
My Lord of Daliell young in years, is old  
In honours, but nor eminent in titles  
Or in estate, that may support or add to  
The expectation of thy fortunes, settle  
Thy will and reason by a strength of judgement;  
For in a word, I give thee freedom, take it.  
If equal fates have not ordained to pitch  
Thy hopes above my height, let not thy passion  
Lead thee to shrink mine honour in oblivion:  
Thou art thine own, I have done.  Dal: 
Oh! y'are all Oracle,  
The living stock and root of truth and wisdom.  Kat: 
My worthiest Lord and Father, the indulgence  
Of your sweet composition, thus commands  
The lowest of obedience, you have granted  
A liberty so large, that I want skill  
To choose without direction of EXAMPLE:  
From which I daily learn, by how much more  
You take off from the roughness of a Father,  
By so much more I am engaged to tender  
The duty of a Daughter. For respects  
Of birth, degrees of title, and advancement,  
I nor admire, nor slight them; all my studies  
Shall ever aim at this perfection only,  
To live and die so, that you may not blush  
In any course of mine to own me yours.  Hunt: 
Kate, Kate, thou growest upon my heart, like peace,  
Creating every other hour a jubilee.  Kate: 
To you my Lord of Daliell, I address  
Some few remaining words, the general fame  
That speaks your merit even in vulgar tongues,  
Proclaims it clear; but in the best a precedent.  Hunt: 
Good wench, good girl y' faith.  Kat: 
For my part (trust me)  
I value mine own worth at higher rate,  
Cause you are pleased to prize it; if the stream  
Of your protested service (as you term it)  
Run in a constancy, more than a Compliment;  
It shall be my delight, that worthy love  
Leads you to worthy actions; and these guide ye  
Richly to wed an honourable name:  
So every virtuous praise, in after ages,  
Shall be your heir, and I in your brave mention,  
Be Chronicled the MOTHER of that issue,  
That glorious issue.  Hunt: 
Oh that I were young again,  
she'd make me court proud danger, and suck spirit  
From reputation.  Kat: 
To the present motion,  
here's all that I dare answer: when a ripeness  
Of more experience, and some use of time,  
Resolves to treat the freedom of my youth  
Upon exchange of troths, I shall desire  
No surer credit, of a match with virtue,  
Than such as lives in you; mean time, my hopes are  
preserved secure, in having you a friend.  Dal: 
You are a blessed Lady, and instruct  
Ambition not to soar a farther flight,  
Then in the perfumed air of your soft voice.  
My noble Lord of Huntley, you have lent  
A full extent of bounty to this parley;  
And for it, shall command your humblest servant.  Hunt: 
Enough; we are still friends, and will continue  
A hearty love, oh Kate, thou art mine own:—  
No more, my Lord of Crawford.  Enter Crawford. Craw. 
From the King I come my Lord of Huntley,  
Who in Counsel requires your present aid.  Hunt: 
Some weighty business!  Craw: 
A Secretary from a Duke of York,  
The second son to the late English Edward,  
Concealed I know not where these fourteen years,  
Craves audience from our Master, and 'tis said  
The Duke himself is following to the Court.  Hunt: 
Duke upon Duke; 'tis well; 'tis well here's bustling  
For Majesty; my Lord, I will along with ye.  Craw: 
My service noble Lady.  Kat: 
Please ye walk sir?  Dal: 
Time's have their changes, sorrow makes men wise,  
The Sun itself must set as well as rise;  
Then why not I— fair Madam I wait on ye. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Durham, Sir Robert Clifford, and Urswick: Lights. Dur: 
You find (Sir Robert Clifford) how securely  
King Henry our great Master, doth commit  
His person to your loyalty; you taste  
His bounty and his mercy even in this;  
That at a time of night so late, a place  
So private as his Closet, he is pleased  
To admit you to his favour; do not falter  
In your Discovery, but as you covet  
A liberal grace, and pardon for your follies.  
So labour to deserve it, by laying open  
All plots, all persons, that contrive against it.  Vrs: 
Remember not the witchcraft, or the Magic,  
The charms, and incantations, which the Sorceress  
Of burgundy hath cast upon your reason!  
Sir Robert be your own friend now, discharge  
Your conscience freely, all of such as love you,  
Stand sureties for your honesty and truth.  
Take heed you do not dally with the King,  
He is wise as he is gentle.  Cliff: 
I am miserable,  
If Henry be not merciful.  Vrs: 
The King comes.  Enter King Henry. K: H: 
Clifford!  Cliff: 
Let my weak knees rot on the earth,  
If I appear as leprous in my treacheries,  
Before your royal eyes; as to mine own  
I seem a Monster, by my breach of truth.  K: H: 
Clifford stand up, for instance of thy safety  
I offer thee my hand.  Cliff. 
A sovereign Balm  
For my bruised Soul, I kiss it with a greediness.  
Sir you are a just Master, but I—  K: H: 
Tell me, is every circumstance, thou hast set down  
With thine own hand, within this paper true?  
Is it a sure intelligence of all  
The progress of our enemies intents  
Without corruption?  Cliff: 
True, as I wish heaven;  
Or my infected honour white again.  K: H: 
we know all (Clifford) fully, since this meteor  
This airy apparition first discradled  
From Tournay into Portugal; and thence  
Advanced his fiery blaze for adoration  
Tooth superstitious Irish; since the beard  
Of this wild Comet, Conjured into France,  
Sparkled in antic flames in Charles his Court:  
But shrunk again from thence, and hid in darkness,  
Stole into Flanders, flourishing the rags  
Of painted power on the shore of Kent,  
Whence he was beaten back with shame and scorn,  
Contempt, and slaughter of some naked outlaws:  
But tell me, what new course now shapes Duke Perkin!  Cliff: 
For Ireland (mighty henry:) so instructed  
By Stephen Frion, sometimes Secretary  
In the French tongue unto your sacred Excellence,  
But Perkins tutor now.  K: H: 
A subtle villain!  
That Frion, Frion,— you my Lord of Durham  
Knew well the man.  Dur. 
French both in heart and actions!  K: H: 
Some Irish heads work in this mine of treason;  
Speak 'em!  Cliff. 
Not any of the best; your fortune  
Hath dulled their spleens; never had Counterfeit  
Such a confused rabble of lost Bankrupts  
For Counsellors: first Heron a broken Mercer,  
Than john a Water, sometimes Major of Cork,  
Sketon a tailor and a scrivener  
Called Astley: and whate'er these list to treat of,  
Perkin must hearken to; but Frion, cunning  
Above these dull capacities, still prompts him,  
To fly to Scotland to young james the fourth;  
And sue for aid to him; this is the latest  
Of all their resolutions.  K. H. 
Still more Frion.  
Pestilent Adder, he will hiss out poison  
As dangerous as infections— we must match 'em.  
Clifford thou hast spoke home, we give thee life:  
But Clifford, there are people of our own  
Remain behind untold, who are they Clifford?  
Name those and we are friends, and will to rest,  
'tis thy last task.  Cliff. 
Oh Sir, here I must break  
A most unlawful Oath to keep a just one.  K. H. 
Well, well, be brief, be brief.  Cliff. 
The first in rank  
Shall be john Ratcliffe, Lord Fitzwater, then  
Sir Simon Mountford, and Sir Thomas Thwaites,  
With William Dawbegney, Chessoner, Astwood,  
Worsley the dean of Paul's, two other Friars,  
And Robert Ratcliffe.  K. H. 
Churchmen are turned Devils.  
These are the principal.  Cliff. 
One more remains  
Unnamed, whom I could willingly forget.  K.H. 
Ha Clifford, one more?  Cliff. 
Great Sir, do not hear him:  
For when Sir William stanley your Lord chamberlain  
Shall come into the list, as he is chief  
I shall lose credit with ye, yet this Lord,  
Last named, is first against you.  K. H. 
Urswick the light, view well my face Sirs,  
Is there blood left in it?  Dur. 
You alter  
Strangely Sir.  K. H. 
Alter Lord Bishop?  
Why Clifford stabbed me, or I dreamed a' stabbedstabd me.  
Sirrah, it is a custom with the guilty  
To think they set their own stains off, by laying  
Aspersions on some nobler than themselves:  
Lies wait on treasons, as I find it here.  
Thy life again is forfeit, I recall  
My word of mercy, for I know thou dar'st  
Repeat the name no more.  Cliff. 
I dare, and once more  
Upon my knowledge, name Sir William stanley  
Both in his counsel, and his purse, the chief  
Assistant, to the feigned Duke of York.  Dur: 
Most strange!  Vrs: 
Most wicked!  K: H. 
Yet again, once more;  Cliff: 
Sir William stanley is your secret enemy,  
And if time fit, will openly profess it.  K. H. 
Sir William stanley? Who? Sir William stanley  
My Chamberlain, my Counsellor, the love,  
The pleasure of my Court, my bosom friend,  
The Charge, and the Controlment of my person  
The keys and secrets of my treasury;  
The all of all I am: I am unhappy:  
Misery of confidence,— let me turn traitor  
To mine own person, yield my Sceptre up  
To Edward's Sister, and her bastard Duke!  Dur. 
You lose your constant temper.  K. H. 
Sir William stanley!  
Oh do not blame me; he, 'twas only he  
Who having rescued me in Bosworth field  
From Richard's bloody sword, snatched from his head  
The Kingly Crown, and placed it first on mine.  
He never failed me; what have I deserved  
To lose this good man's heart, or he, his own?  Vrs: 
The night doth waste, this passion ill becomes ye;  
Provide against your danger.  K. H. 
Let it be so.  
Urswick command straight Stanly to his chamber.  
'tis well we are i'th' Tower; set a guard on him;  
Clifford to bed; you must lodge here tonight,  
we'll talk with you tomorrow: my sad soul  
Divines strange troubles.  Dawb: 
Ho, the King, the King,  
I must have entrance.  K. H. 
Dawbney's voice; admit him.  
What new combustions huddle next to keep  
Our eyes from rest?— the news?  Enter Dawbney. Daw: 
Ten thousand Cornish grudging to pay your  
Subsidies, have gathered a head, led by a  
Blacksmith, and a Lawyer, they make for London,  
And to them is joined Lord Audlie, as they march,  
Their number daily increases, they are—  K. H. 
Rascals— talk no more;  
Such are not worthy of my thoughts tonight:  
And if I cannot sleep, I'll wake:— to bed.  
When Counsels fail, and there's in man no trust,  
Even then, an arm from heaven, fights for the just. Exeunt.  
Finis Actus primi.    

Actus Secundus:  

Scaena prima.  Enter above: Countess of Crawford, Katherine, jane, with other Ladies. Coun. 
COme Ladies, here's a solemn preparation  
For entertainment of this English Prince;  
The King intends grace more than ordinary,  
'twere pity now, if he'd prove a Counterfeit.  Kat: 
Bless the young man, our Nation would be laughed at  
For honest souls through Christendom: my father  
Hath a weak stomach to the business (Madam)  
But that the King must not be crossed.  Coun: 
A' bringsbrings  
A goodly troop (they say) of gallants with him;  
But very modest people, for they strive not  
To fame their names too much; their godfathers  
May be beholding to them, but their fathers  
Scarce owe them thanks: they are disguised Princes,  
Brought up it seems to honest trades; no matter;  
They will break forth in season.  jane. 
Or break out.  
For most of 'em are broken by report;— The King,  Kat. 
Let us observe 'em and be silent.  Flourish. Enter King james, Huntley, Crawford, and Daliell. K. I. 
The right of Kings (my Lords) extends not only  
To the safe Conservation of their own;  
But also to the aid of such Allies  
As change of time, and state, hath often times  
Hurled down from careful Crowns, to undergo  
An exercise of sufferance in both fortunes:  
So English Richard surnamed Cor-de-lyon,  
So Robert Bruce our royal Ancestor,  
Forced by the trial of the wrongs they felt,  
Both sought, and found supplies, from foreign Kings  
To repossess their own: then grudge not (Lords)  
A much distressed Prince, King Charles of France,  
And Maximilian of Bohemia both,  
Have ratified his Credit by their Letters.  
Shall we then be distrustful? No, Compassion  
Is one rich jewel that shines in our Crown,  
And we will have it shine there.  Hunt. 
Do your will Sir.  K. I. 
The young Duke is at hand, Daliell from us  
First greet him, and conduct him on; then Crawford  
Shall meet him next, and Huntley last of all  
Present him to our arms; sound sprightly Music,  
Whilst Majesty encounters Majesty. Hoboyes.  Daliell goes out, brings in Perkin at the door where Crawford entertains him, and from Crawford, Huntley salutes him, and presents him to the King: they embrace, Perkin in state retires some few paces back: During which Ceremony, the Noblemen slightly salute Fryon, Heron a Mercer, Sketon a tailor, Astley a scrivener, with john a Watering, all Perkins followers. Salutations ended: cease Music. War: 
Most high, most mighty King! that now there stands  
Before your eyes, in presence of your Peers,  
A subject of the rarest kind of pity  
That hath in any age touched noble hearts,  
The vulgar story of a PRINCE's ruin,  
Hath made it too apparent: EUROPE knows,  
And all the Western World what persecution  
Hath raged in malice, against Us, sole heir  
To the great throne, of old Plantaginetts.  
How from our Nursery, we have been hurried  
Unto the Sanctuary, from the Sanctuary  
Forced to the Prison, from the Prison hauled  
By cruel hands, to the tormentors fury;  
Is registered already in the Volume  
Of all men's tongues, whose true relation draws  
Compassion, melted into weeping eyes,  
And bleeding souls: but our misfortunes since,  
Have ranged a larger progress through strange Lands.  
Protected in our Innocence by Heaven.  
Edward the Fift our brother, in his Tragedy  
Quenched their hot thirst of blood, whose hire to murder  
Paid them their wages, of despair and horror;  
The softness of my childhood smiled upon  
The roughness of their task, and robbed them farther  
Of hearts to dare, or hands to execute.  
Great King they spared my life, the butchers spared it;  
Returned the tyrant, my unnatural Uncle,  
A truth of my dispatch; I was conveyed  
With secrecy and speed to Tournay; fostered  
By obscure means, taught to unlearn myself:  
But as I grew in years, I grew in sense  
Of fear, and of disdain; fear, of the tyrant  
Whose power swayed the throne then, when disdain  
Of living so unknown, in such a servile  
And abject lowness, prompted me to thoughts  
Of recollecting who I was; I shook off  
My bondage, and made haste to let my Aunt  
Of burgundy acknowledge me her kinsman;  
Heir to the Crown of England, snatched by Henry  
From Richard's head; a thing scarce known i'th' world.  K. I. 
My Lord, it stands not with your Counsel now  
To fly upon invectives, if you can  
Make this apparent what you have discoursed  
In every Circumstance, we will not study  
An answer, but are ready in your Cause.  War: 
You are a wise, and just King, by the powers  
Above, reserved beyond all other aids  
To plant me in mine own inheritance:  
To marry these two Kingdoms in a love  
Never to be divorced, while time is time.  
As for the manner first of my escape,  
Of my Conveyance, next, of my life since,  
The means, and persons, who were instruments;  
Great Sir, 'tis fit I overpass in silence:  
Reserving the relation, to the secrecy  
Of your own Princely ear, since it concerns  
Some great Ones living yet, and others dead,  
Whose issue might be questioned. For your bounty,  
Royal magnificence to him that seeks it,  
we vow hereafter, to demean ourself,  
As if we were your own, and natural brother:  
Omitting no occasion in our person,  
To express a gratitude, beyond example.  K. I. 
He must be more than subject, who can utter  
The language of a King, and such is thine.  
Take this for answer, be whate'er thou art,  
Thou never shalt repent that thou hast put  
Thy cause, and person, into my protection.  
x of York, thus once more we embrace thee;  
Welcome to james of Scotland, for thy safety,  
Know such as love thee not, shall never wrong thee.  
Come, we will taste a while our Court delights,  
Dream hence afflictions past, and then proceed  
To high attempts of honour, on, lead on;  
Both thou and thine are ours, and we will guard ye.  
Lead on.— Exeunt, Manent Ladies above.  Coun: 
I have not seen a Gentleman  
Of a more brave aspect, or goodlier carriage;  
His fortunes move not him— Madam, youare passionate.  Kat: 
Beshrew me, but his words have touched me home,  
As if his cause concerned me; I should pity him  
If a' should prove another then he seems.  Enter Crawford. Craw. 
Ladies the King commands your presence instantly,  
For entertainment of the Duke.  Kat. 
The Duke  
Must then be entertained, the King obeyed:  
It is our duty.  Coun: 
we will all wait on him. Exeunt.  Flourish. Enter King Henry: Oxford; Durham; Surrey. K: H: 
Have ye condemned my Chamberlain?  Dur. 
His treasons condemned him (Sir,) which were as  
Clear and manifest, as foul and dangerous:  
Besides the guilt of his conspiracy pressed him  
So nearly, that it drew from him free  
Confession without an importunity.  K: H: 
Oh Lord Bishop,  
This argued shame, and sorrow for his folly;  
And must not stand in evidence against  
Our mercy, and the softness of our nature  
The rigor and extremity of Law  
Is sometimes too too bitter, but we carry  
A Chancery of pity in our bosom.  
I hope we may reprieve him from the sentence  
Of death; I hope, we may.  Dur: 
You may, you may;  
And so persuade your Subjects, that the title  
Of York is better, nay, more just, and lawful,  
Then yours of Lancaster; so stanley holds:  
Which if it be not treason in the highest,  
Than we are traitors all; perjured and false,  
Who have took oath to Henry, and the justice  
Of Henry's title; Oxford, Surrey, Dawbney,  
With all your other Peers of State, and Church,  
Forsworn, and stanley true alone to Heaven,  
And England's lawful heir.  Ox: 
By Vere's old honours,  
I'll cut his throat dares speak it.  Sur: 
'tis a quarrel  
to engage a soul in.  K: H: 
What a coil is here,  
To keep my gratitude sincere and perfect?  
stanley was once my friend, and came in time  
To save my life; yet to say truth (my Lords,)  
The man stayed long enough t'endanger it:  
But I could see no more into his heart,  
Then what his outward actions did present;  
And for 'em have rewarded 'em so fully,  
As that there wanted nothing in our gift  
To gratify his merit, as I thought,  
Unless I should divide my Crown with him,  
And give him half; though now I well perceive  
'twould scarce have served his turn, without the whole.  
But I am Charitable (Lords) let justice  
Proceed in execution, whiles I mourn  
The loss of one, whom I esteemed a friend.  Dur: 
Sir, he is coming this way.  K: H: 
If a' speakespeake to me,  
I could deny him nothing; to prevent it,  
I must withdraw, pray (Lords) commend my favours  
To his last peace, which I with him, will pray for:  
That done, it doth concern us, to consult  
Of other following troubles. Exeunt.  Ox: 
I am glad he's gone, upon my life he would  
Have pardoned the Traitor, had a' seenseene him.  Sur: 
'Tis a King composed of gentleness.  Dur: 
Rare, and unheard of;  
But every man is nearest to himself,  
And that the King observes, 'tis fit a' should.  Enter Stanly; Executioner: Urswick and Dawbney. Stan: 
May I not speak with Clifford ere I shake  
This piece of Frailty off?  Dawb: 
You shall, he's sent for.  Stan: 
I must not see the King?  Dur: 
From him Sir William  
These Lords and I am sent, he bade us say  
That he commends his mercy to your thoughts;  
Wishing the Laws of England could remit  
The forfeit of your life, as willingly  
As he would in the sweetness of his nature,  
Forget your trespass; but howe'er your body  
Fall into dust, He vows, the King himself  
Doth vow, to keep a requiem for your soul,  
As for a friend, close treasured in his bosom.  Ox: 
Without remembrance of your errors past,  
I come to take my leave, and wish you Heaven.  Sur: 
And I, good Angels guard ye.  Stan: 
Oh the King  
Next to my soul, shall be the nearest subject  
Of my last prayers; my grave Lord of Durham,  
My Lords of Oxford, Surrey, Dawbney, all,  
Accept from a poor dying man, a farewell.  
I was as you are once, great, and stood hopeful  
Of many flourishing years, but fate, and time  
Have wheeled about, to turn me into nothing.  Enter Clifford. Daw: 
Sir Robert Clifford comes, the man (Sir William)  
You so desire to speak with.  Dur: 
Mark their meeting.  Cliff: 
Sir William stanley, I am glad your Conscience  
Before your end, hath emptied every burden  
Which charged it, as that you can clearly witness,  
How far I have proceeded in a duty  
That both concerned my truth, and the state's safety.  Stan: 
Mercy, how dear is life to such as hug it?  
Come hither— by this token think on me— Makes a Cross on Clifford's face with his finger.  Cliff: 
This token? What? I am abused?  Stan: 
You are not.  
I wetr upon your cheeks a holy Sign,  
The Cross, the Christians' badge, the traitor's infamy:  
Wear Clifford to thy grave this painted Emblem:  
Water shall never wash it off, all eyes  
That gaze upon thy face, shall read there written,  
A state-informer's Character, more ugly  
Stamped on a noble name, then on a base.  
The Heavens forgive thee; pray (my Lords) no change  
Of words: this man and I have use too many.  Cliff: 
Shall I be disgraced without reply?  Dur. 
Give losers'  
Leave to talk; his loss is irrecoverable.  Stan: 
Once more  
To all A long farewell; the best of greatness  
Preserve the King; my next suit is (my Lords)  
To be remembered to my noble Brother,  
Derby my much grieved brother; Oh! persuade him,  
That I shall stand no blemish to his house,  
In Chronicles writ in another age.  
My heart doth bleed for him; and for his sighs,  
Tell him, he must not think, the style of Derby,  
Nor being husband to King Henry's Mother,  
The league with Peers, the smiles of Fortune, can  
Secure his peace, above the state of man:  
I take my leave, to travail to my dust,  
"Subjects deserve their deaths whose Kings are just.  
Come Confessor, on with thy Axe (friend) on. Exeunt.  Cliff: 
Was I called hither by a traitor's breath  
To be upbraided? Lords, the King shall know it.  Enter King Henry with a white staff. K: H: 
The King doth know it Sir; the King hath heard  
What he or you could say; we have given credit  
To every point of Clifford's information,  
The only evidence 'gainst Stanley's head.  
A' dies for't, are you pleased?  Cliff: 
I pleased my Lord!  K: H: 
No echoes: for your service, we dismiss  
Your more attendance on the Court; take ease  
And live at home; but as you love your life,  
Stir not from London without leave from us.  
we'll think on your reward, away.  Cliff: 
I go Sir. Exit Clifford.  K: H: 
Die all our griefs with stanley; take this staff  
Of office Dawbney, henceforth be our Chamberlain.  Dawb: 
I am your humblest servant.  K: H: 
we are followed  
By enemies at home, that will not cease  
To seek their own confusion; 'tis most true,  
The Cornish under Awdley are marched on  
As far as Winchester; but let them come,  
Our forces are in readiness, we'll catch 'em  
In their own toils.  Dawb: 
Your Army, being mustered,  
Consist in all, of horse and foot, at least  
In number six and twenty thousand; men  
Daring, and able, resolute to fight,  
And loyal in their truths.  K. H: 
we know it Dawbney:  
For them, we order thus, Oxford in chief  
Assisted by bold Essex, and the Earl  
Of Suffolk, shall lead on the first Battalia:  
Be that your charge.  Ox: 
I humbly thank your Majesty.  K: H: 
The next Division we assign to Dawbney:  
These must be men of action, for on those  
The fortune of our fortunes, must rely.  
The last and main, ourself commands in person,  
As ready to restore the fight at all times,  
As to consummate an assured victory.  Dawb: 
The King is still oraculous.  K: H: 
But Surrey,  
we have employment of more toil for thee!  
For our intelligence comes swiftly to us,  
That james of Scotland, late hath entertained  
Perkin the counterfeit, with more than common  
Grace and respect; nay courts him with rare favours;  
The Scot is young and forward, we must look for  
A sudden storm to England from the North:  
Which to withstand, Durham shall post to Norham,  
To fortify the Castle, and secure  
The frontiers, against an Invasion there.  
Surrey shall follow soon, with such an Army,  
As may relieve the Bishop, and encounter  
On all occasions, the death-daring Scotts.  
You know your charges all, 'tis now a time  
To execute, not talk, Heaven is our guard still.  
War must breed peace, such is the fate of Kings.  Exeunt. Enter Crawford and Daliell. Crawf: 
'tis more than strange, my reason cannot answer  
Such argument of fine Imposture, couched  
In witchcraft of persuasion, that it fashions  
Impossibilities, as if appearance  
Could cozen truth itself; this dukeling Mushroom  
Hath doubtless charmed the King.  Daliell: 
A' courts the Ladies,  
As if his strength of language, chained attention  
By power of prerogative.  Crawf: 
It madded  
My very soul, to hear our master's motion:  
What surety both of amity, and honour,  
Must of necessity ensue upon  
A match betwixt some noble of our Nation,  
And this brave Prince forsooth.  Dali: 
'twill prove too fatal,  
Wise Huntley fears the threatning. Bless the Lady  
From such a ruin  Cra: 
How the Counsel privy  
Of this young Phaeton, do screw their faces  
Into a gravity, their trades (good people)  
Were never guilty of? the meanest of 'em  
Dreams of at least an office in the State.  Dal: 
Sure not the hangman's, 'tis bespoke already  
For service to their rogueships— silence.  Enter King james and Huntley. K: james, 
Do not—  
Argue against our will; we have descended  
Somewhat (as we may term it) too familiarly  
From justice of our birthright, to examine  
The force of your allegiance:— Sir, we have;  
But find it short of duty!  Hunt: 
Break my heart,  
Do, do, King; have my services, my loyalty,  
(Heaven knows untainted ever) drawn upon me  
Contempt now in mine age? when I but wanted  
A minute of a peace not to be troubled?  
My last, my long one? Let me be a Dotard,  
A Bedlam, a poor sot, or what you please  
To have me, so you will not stain your blood,  
Your own blood (royal Sir) though mixed with mine,  
By marriage of this girl to a straggler!  
Take, take my head Sir, whilst my tongue can wag  
It cannot name him other.  K: Ia: 
Kings are counterfeits  
In your repute (grave Oracle) not presently  
Set on their thrones, with Sceptres in their fists:  
But use your own detraction: 'tis our pleasure  
To give our x York for wife our kinswoman  
The Lady Katherine: Instinct of sovereignty  
Designs the honour, though her peevish Father  
Usurps our Resolution.  Hunt: 
O 'tis well,  
Exceeding well, I never was ambitious  
Of using congees to my Daughter Queen:  
A Queen, perhaps a Queen?— Forgive me Daliell  
Thou honourable Gentleman, none here  
Dare speak one word of Comfort?  Dal: 
Cruel misery!  Craw: 
The Lady gracious Prince, may be hath settled  
Affection on some former choice.  Dal: 
Enforcement, would prove but tyranny.  Hunt. 
I thank 'ee heartily.  
Let any yeoman of our Nation challenge  
An interest in the girl: then the King  
May add a jointure of ascent in titles,  
Worthy a free consent; now a' pulls down  
What old Desert hath builded.  K. Ia. 
Cease persuasions,  
I violate no pawns of faiths, intrude not  
On private loves; that I have played the Orator  
For Kingly York to virtuous Kate, her grant  
Can justify, referring her contents  
To our provision the Welsh harry, henceforth  
Shall therefore know, and tremble to acknowledge,  
That not the painted Idol of his policy,  
Shall fright the lawful owner from a Kingdom.  
we are resolved.  Hunt. 
Some of thy subjects' hearts  
King james will bleed for this!  K. Ia. 
Then shall their bloods  
Be nobly spent; no more disputes, he is not  
Our friend who contradicts us.  Hunt. 
Farewell Daughter!  
My care by one is lessened; thank the King for't, Enter.  
I and my griefs will dance now,— Look Lords look,  
here's hand in hand already?  K. Ia. 
Peace old frenzy.  Enter Warbeck leading Katherine, complementing; Countess of Crawford, jane, Frion, Major of Cork, Astley, Heron and Sketon. 
How like o' King 'a looks? Lords, but observe  
The confidence of his aspect? Dross cannot  
Cleave to so pure a mettle; royal youth!  
Plantagenet undoubted!  Hunt: 
Ho brave Lady!  
But no Plantagenet by'r Lady yet  
By red Rose or by white.  Warb. 
An Union this way,  
Settles possession in a Monarchy  
Established rightly, as is my inheritance:  
Acknowledge me but Sovereign of this Kingdom,  
Your heart (fair Princes) and the hand of providence,  
Shall crown you Queen of me, and my best fortunes.  Kath. 
Where my obedience is (my Lord) a duty,  
Love owes true service.  Warb: 
Shall I?—  K. Ia 
cousin yes,  
Enjoy her; from my hand accept your bride;  
And may they live at enmity with comfort,  
Who grieve at such an equal pledge of troths.  
Y'are the PRINCE's wife now.  Kath: 
By your gift Sir;  Warb: 
Thus I take seizure of mine own.  Kath: 
I miss yet  
A father's blessing: Let me find it;— humbly  
Upon my knees I seek it.  Hunt: 
I am Huntley  
Old Alexander Guerdon, a plain subject,  
Nor more, nor less; and Lady, if you wish for  
A blessing, you must bend your knees to Heaven;  
For Heaven did give me you; alas, alas,  
What would you have me say? may all the happiness  
My prayers ever sued to fall upon you,  
Preserve you in your virtues;— prithee Daliell  
Come with me; for, I feel thy griefs as full  
As mine, let's steal away, and cry together. Exeunt Huntley and Daliell.  Dal: 
My hopes are in their ruins.  K. Ia. 
Good kind Huntley  
Is overjoyed, a fit solemnity,  
Shall perfect these delights: Crawford attend  
Our order for the preparation. Exeunt, manent, Frion, Major, Astley, Heron, & Sketon.  Fri: 
Now worthy Gentlemen, have I not followed  
My undertakings with success? here's entrance  
Into a certainty above a hope.  Heron. 
Hopes are but hopes, I was ever confident, when I traded but in remnants, that my stars had reserved me to the title of a Viscount at least, honour is honour though cut out of any stuffs.  Sket: 
My brother Heron, hath right wisely delivered his opinion: for he that threads his needle with the sharp eyes of industry, shall in time go throughstitch, with the new suit of preferment.  Astley. 
Spoken to the purpose my fine witted brother Sketon, for as no Indenture, but has its counterpane; no Noverint but his Condition, or defeasance; so no right, but may have claim, no claim but may have possession, any act of Parliament to the Contrary notwithstanding.  Frion. 
You are all read in mysteries of State,  
And quick of apprehension, deep in judgement,  
Active in resolution; and 'tis pity  
Such counsel should lie buried in obscurity.  
But why in such a time and cause of triumph,  
Stands the judicious Major of Cork so silent?  
Believe it Sir, as ENGLISH RICHARD prospers,  
You must not miss employment of high nature.  Mayor. 
If men may be credited in their mortality, which I dare not peremptorily aver, but they may, or not be; presumptions by this marriage are then (in sooth) of fruitful expectation. Or else I must not justify other men's belief, more than other should rely on mine.  Frion. 
Pith of experience, those that have borne office,  
Weigh every word before it can drop from them;  
But noble counsellors, since now the present,  
Requires in point of honour (pray mistake not)  
Some service to our Lord; 'tis fit the Scotts  
Should not engross all glory to themselves,  
At this so grand, and eminent solemnity.  Sket: 
The Scotts? the motion is defied: I had rather, for my part, without trial of my Country, suffer persecution under the pressing Iron of reproach: or let my skin be pinched full of eyelet holes, with the Bodkin of Derision.  Ast: 
I will sooner lose both my ears on the Pillory of Forgery.  Heron. 
Let me first live a bankrupt, and die in the lousy hole of hunger, without compounding for six pence in the pound.  Mayor. 
If men fail not in their expectations, there may be spirits also that digest no rude affronts (Master Secretary Frion) or I am cozened: which is possible I grant.  Frion. 
Resolved like men of knowledge; at this feast then  
In honour of the Bride, the Scotts I know,  
Will in some show, some mask, or some device,  
Prefer their duties: now it were uncomely,  
That we be found less forward for our Prince,  
Than they are for their Lady; and by how much  
we outshine them in persons of account,  
By so much more will our endeavours meet with  
A livelier applause. Great Emperors,  
Have for their recreations undertook  
Such kind of pastimes; as for the Conceit,  
Refer it to my study; the performance  
You all shall share a thanks in, 'twill be grateful.  Heron. 
The motion is allowed, I have stole to a dancing School when I was a Prentice.  Astl: 
There have been Irish-Hubbubs, when I have made one too.  Sket: 
For fashioning of shapes, and cutting a cross-caper, turn me off to my trade again.  Mayor. 
Surely, there is, if I be not deceived, a kind of gravity in merriment: as, there is, or perhaps ought to be, respect of persons in the quality of carriage, which is, as it is construed, either so, or so.  Frion. 
Still you come home to me; upon occasion  
I find you relish Courtship with discretion:  
And such are fit for Statesmen of your merits.  
pray wait the Prince, and in his ear acquaint him  
With this Design, I'll follow and direct 'ee.  
O the toil Exeunt, mane Frion.  
Of humouring this abject scum of mankind?  
Muddy-brained peasants? Princes feel a misery  
Beyond impartial sufferance, whose extremes  
Must yield to such abettors; yet our tide  
Runs smoothly without adverse winds; run on  
Flow to a full sea! time alone debates,  
Quarrels forewritten in the Book of fates. Exit.    

Actus Tertius  

Scaena prima.  Enter King henry, his Gorget on, his sword, plume of feathers, leading staff, and Urswick. K: H: 
HOw runs the time of day?  Vrsw: 
Past ten my Lord.  K: H: 
A bloody hour will it prove to some,  
Whose disobedience, like the sons o'th' earth,  
Throw a defiance 'gainst the face of Heaven.  
Oxford, with Essex, and stout De la Pool,  
Have quieted the Londoners (I hope)  
And set them safe from fear!  Vrs: 
They are all silent.  K: H: 
From their own battlements, they may behold,  
Saint George's fields o'erspread with armed men;  
Amongst whom, our own royal Standard threatens  
Confusion to opposers; we must learn  
To practise war again in time of peace,  
Or lay our Crown before our subjects' feet,  
Ha, Urswick, must we not?  Vrsw: 
The powers, who seated  
King Henry on his lawful throne, will ever  
Rise up in his defence.  K: H: 
Rage shall not fright  
The bosom of our confidence; in Kent  
Our Cornish Rebels cozened of their hopes,  
Met brave resistance by that Country's Earl,  
George Aburgenny, Cobham, Poynings, Guilford,  
And other loyal hearts; now if Black heath  
Must be reserved the fatal tomb to swallow  
Such stifneckt Abjects, as with weary Marches,  
Have travailed from their homes, their wives, and children,  
To pay in stead of Subsidies their lives,  
we may continue Sovereign? yet Urswick  
we'll not abate one penny, what in Parliament  
Hath freely been contributed; we must not;  
Money gives soul to action; Our Competitor,  
The Flemish Counterfeit, with james of Scotland,  
Will prove, what courage need, and want, can nourish  
Without the food of fit supplies; but Urswick  
I have a charm in secret, that shall lose  
The Witchcraft, wherewith young King james is bound,  
And free it at my pleasure without bloodshed.  Vrsw: 
Your majesty's a wise King, sent from Heaven  
Protector of the just.  K. H. 
Let dinner cheerfully  
Be served in; this day of the week is ours,  
Our day of providence, for Saturday  
Yet never failed in all my undertakings,  
To yield me rest at night; what means this warning?  
Good Fate, speak peace to Henry. A Flourish.  Enter Dawbney, Oxford, and attendants. Dawb: 
Live the King,  
Triumphant in the ruin of his enemies.  Oxf: 
The head of strong rebellion is cut off,  
The body hewed in pieces:  K: H: 
Dawbney, Oxford,  
Minions to noblest fortunes, how yet stands  
The comfort of your wishes?  Dawb: 
Briefly thus:  
The Cornish under Awdley disappointed  
Of flattered expectation, from the Kentish  
(Your Majesty's right trusty Liegemen) flew,  
Feathered by rage, and heartened by presumption,  
To take the field, even at your Palace gates,  
And face you in your chamber Royal; Arrogance,  
Improved their ignorance; for they supposing,  
(Misled by rumor) that the day of battle  
Should fall on Monday, rather braved your forces  
Then doubted any onset; yet this Morning,  
When in the dawning I by your direction  
Strove to get Dertford Strand bridge, there I found  
Such a resistance, as might show what strength  
Could make; here Arrows hailed in showers upon us  
A full yard long at least; but we prevailed.  
My Lord of Oxford with his fellow Peers,  
Environing the hill, fell fiercely on them  
On the one side, I on the other, till (great Sir)  
(Pardon the oversight) eager of doing  
Some memorable act, I was engaged  
Almost a prisoner, but was freed as soon  
As sensible of danger: now the fight  
Began in heat, which quenched in the blood of  
Two thousand Rebels, and as many more  
Reserved to try your mercy, have returned  
A victory with safety.  K: H: 
Have we lost  
An equal number with them?  Oxf: 
In the total  
Scarcely four hundred: Awdley, Flammock, joseph,  
The Ringleaders of this Commotion,  
Railed in ropes, fit Ornaments for traitors,  
Wait your determinations.  K: H: 
we must pay  
Our thanks where they are only due: Oh, Lords,  
Here is no victory, nor shall our people  
Conceive that we can triumph in their falls.  
Alas, poor souls! Let such as are escaped  
Steal to the Country back without pursuit:  
There's not a drop of blood spilled, but hath drawn  
As much of mine, their swords could have wrought wonders  
On their king's part, who faintly were unsheathed  
Against their Prince, but wounded their own breasts.  
Lords we are debtors to your care, our payment  
Shall be both sure, and fitting your Deserts.  Dawb: 
Sir, will you please to see those Rebels, heads  
Of this wild Monster multitude?  K: H: 
Dear friend,  
My faithful Dawbney, no; on them our justice  
Must frown in terror, I will not vouchsafe  
An eye of pity to them, let false Awdley  
Be drawn upon an hurdle from the Newgate  
To Tower-hill in his own coat of Arms  
Painted on paper, with the Arms reversed,  
Defaced, and torn, there let him lose his head.  
The Lawyer and the Blacksmith shall be hanged,  
Quartered, their quarters into Cornwall sent,  
Examples to the rest, whom we are pleased  
To pardon, and dismiss from further quest.  
My Lord of Oxford see it done.  Oxf: 
I shall Sir.  K: H: 
Urswick.  Vrsw: 
My Lord  K: H: 
To Dinham our high treasurer,  
Say we command Commissions be new granted,  
For the Collection of our Subsidies  
Through all the West, and that speedily.  
Lords we acknowledge our engagements due  
For your most constant services.  Dawb: 
Your Soldiers  
Have manfully and faithfully acquitted  
Their several duties.  K: H: 
For it, we will throw  
A Largesse free amongst them, which shall hearten  
And cherish up their Loyalties, more yet  
Remains of like employment, not a man  
Can be dismissed, till enemies abroad  
More dangerous than these at home, have felt  
The puissance of our Arms, oh happy Kings  
Whose thrones are raised in their subjects' hearts.  Exeunt omnes. Enter Huntley and Daliell. Hunt: 
Now, Sir a modest word with you (sad Gentleman)  
Is not this fine, I trow, to see the gambols,  
To hear the jigs, observe the frisks, b'enchanted  
With the rare discord of bells, pipes and tabors,  
Hotchpotch of Scotch and Irish twingle twangles,  
Like to so many Quiristers of Bedlam,  
Trowling a catch? the feasts, the manly stomachs,  
The healths in Usquabaugh, and bony clabber,  
The Ale in dishes never fetched from China,  
The hundred thousand knacks not to be spoken of,  
And all this for King Oberon, and Queen Mab,  
Should put a soul in't 'ee: look 'ee (good man)  
How youthful I am grown, but by your leave,  
This new Queen Bride, must henceforth be no more  
My Daughter, no by’r lady, 'tis unfit.  
And yet you see how I do bear this change,  
Methinks courageously, then shake off care  
In such a time of jollity.  Dal. 
Alas Sir,  
How can you cast a mist upon your griefs?  
Which howsoe'er you shadow, but present  
To any judging eye, the perfect substance  
Of which mine are but counterfeits.  Hunt: 
Foe Daliell  
Thou interrupts the part I bear in Music  
To this rare bridal feast, let us be merry;  
Whilst flattering calms secure us against storms,  
Tempests when they begin to roar, put out  
The light of peace and cloud the sun's bright eye  
In darkness of despair, yet we are safe.  Dal: 
I wish you could as easily forget  
The justice of your sorrows, as my hopes  
Can yield to destiny.  Hunt: 
Pish then I see  
Thou dost not know the flexible condition  
Of my aped nature, I can laugh, laugh heartily  
When the Gout cramps my joints, let but the stone  
Stop in my bladder, I am streite a singing,  
The Quartane fever shrinking every limb,  
Sets me a capering straight, do but betray me  
And bind me a friend ever. what I trust  
The losing of a Daughter, (though I doted  
On every hair that grew to trim her head)  
Admits not any pain like one of these.  
Come thouart deceived in me, give me a blow,  
A sound blow on the face, I'll thank thee for't,  
I love my wrongs, still thouart deceived in me.  Dal: 
Deceived? Oh noble Huntley, my few years  
Have learned experience of too ripe an age  
To forfeit fit credulity, forgive  
My rudeness, I am bold.  Hunt: 
Forgive me first  
A madness of ambition, by example  
Teach me humility, for patience scorns,  
Lectures which Schoolmen use to read to boys  
Uncapable of injuries; though old  
I could grow tough in fury, and disclaim  
allegiance to my King, could fall at odds  
With all my fellow Peers, that durst not stand  
Defendants 'gainst the rape done on mine honour.  
But Kings are earthly gods, there is no meddling  
With their anointed bodies, for their actions,  
They only are accountable to Heaven.  
Yet in the puzzle of my troubled brain  
One Antidote's reserved against the poison  
Of my distractions, 'tis in thee t'apply it.  Dal: 
Name it, oh name it quickly Sir!  Hunt: 
A pardon  
For my most foolish slighting thy Deserts,  
I have could out this time to beg it, prithee  
Be gentle, had I been so, thou hadst owned  
A happy Bride, but now a cast away,  
And never child of mine more.  Dal: 
Say not so (Sir,) it is not fault in her.  Hunt: 
The world would prate  
How she was handsome; young I know she was,  
Tender, and sweet in her obedience;  
But lost now; what a bankrupt am I made  
Of a full stock of blessings.— must I hope  
a mercy from thy heart?  Dal: 
A love, a service,  
A friendship to posterity.  Hunt: 
Good Angels  
Reward thy charity, I have no more  
But prayers left me now.  Dal: 
I'll lend you mirth (Sir)  
If you will be in Consort.  Hunt: 
Thank ye truly:  
I must, yes, yes, I must; here's yet some ease,  
A partner in affliction, look not angry.  Dal: 
Good noble Sir.  Hunt: 
Oh hark, we may be quiet,  
The King and all the others come: a meeting  
Of gawdy sights; this days the last of Revels;  
Tomorrow sounds of war; then new exchange:  
Fiddles must turn to swords, unhappy marriage!  Flourish. Enter King james, Warbecke leading Katherine, Crawford, Countess, and jane, Huntley, and Daliell fall among them. K: Ia: 
x of York, you and your Princely Bride,  
Have liberally enjoyed such soft delights,  
As a new married couple could forethink:  
Nor has our bounty shortened expectation;  
But after all those pleasures of repose,  
Or amorous safety, we must rouse the ease  
Of dalliance, with achievements of more glory,  
Than sloth and sleep can furnish: yet, for farewell,  
Gladly we entertain a truce with time,  
To grace the joint endeavours of our servants.  Warb: 
My Royal x, in your Princely favour,  
The extent of bounty hath been so unlimited,  
As only an acknowledgement in words,  
Would breed suspicion in our state, and quality:  
When we shall in the fullness of our fate  
(Whose Minister necessity will perfect,)  
Sit on our own throne; than our arms laid open  
To gratitude, in sacred memory  
Of these large benefits, shall twyne them close  
Even to our thoughts, and heart, without distinction.  
Then james, and Richard, being in effect  
One person, shall unite and rule one people.  
Divisible in titles only.  K: Ia: 
Seat ye;  
Are the presenters ready?  Crawf 
All are entering.  Hunt: 
Dainty sport toward Daliell, sit, come sit,  
Sit and be quiet, here are Kingly bugs words.  Enter at one door four Scotch Antics, accordingly habited; Enter at another four wild Irish in Trowses, long haired, and accordingly habited. Music. The Maskers dance. K: Ia: 
To all a general thanks!  Warb: 
In the next Room  
Take your own shapes again, you shall receive  
Particular acknowledgement.  K: Ia: 
Enough  
Of merriments; Crawford, how far's our Army  
Upon the March?  Craw: 
At Hedenhall (great King)  
twelve thousand well prepared.  K: Ia: 
Crawford, tonight  
Post thither we in person with the Prince  
By four o'clock tomorrow after dinner,  
Will be w'ee; speed away!  Craw. 
I fly my Lord.  K: I: 
Our business grows to head now, where's your  
Secretary that he attends 'ee'ee not to serve?  Warb: 
With Marchmount your Herald.  K: Ia: 
Good: the Proclamations ready;  
By that it will appear, how the English stand  
Affected to your title; Huntley comfort  
Your Daughter in her husband's absence; fight  
With prayers at home for us, who for your honours,  
Must toil in fight abroad.  Hunt: 
Prayers are the weapons,  
Which men, so near their graves as I, do use.  
I've little else to do.  K: Ia: 
To rest young beauties!  
we must be early stirring, quickly part,  
"A kingdom's rescue craves both speed and art.  
cousin's good night. Flourish.  Warb: 
Rest to our x King.  Kath: 
Your blessing Sir;  Hunt: 
Fair blessings on your Highness, sure you need 'em.  Exeunt omnes, Manent, Warb & Katherine. Warb: 
jane set the lights down, and from us return  
To those in the next room, this little purse  
Say we'll deserve their loves.  jane. 
It shall be done Sir.  Warb: 
Now dearest; ere sweet sleep shall seal those eyes,  
(love's precious tapers,) give me leave to use  
A parting Ceremony; for to morrow,  
It would be sacrilege to intrude upon  
The temple of thy peace: swift as the morning,  
Must I break from the down of thy embraces,  
To put on steel, and trace the paths which lead  
Through various hazards to a careful throne.  Kath: 
My Lord, I would fain go w'ee, there's small fortune  
In staying here behind.  Warb: 
The churlish brow  
Of war (fair dearest) is a sight of horror  
For lady's entertainment; if thou hear'st  
A truth of my sad ending by the hand  
Of some unnatural subject, thou withal  
Shalt hear, how I died worthy of my right,  
By falling like a KING; and in the close  
Which my last breath shall sound, thy name, thou fairest  
Shall sing a requiem to my soul, unwilling  
Only of greater glory, 'cause divided  
From such a heaven on earth, as life with thee.  
But these are chimes for funerals, my business  
Attends on fortune of a sprightlier triumph;  
for love and Majesty are reconciled,  
And vow to crown thee Empress of the West.  Kath: 
You have a noble language (Sir,) your right  
In me is without question, and however  
Events of time may shorten my deserts,  
In others' pity; yet it shall not stagger,  
Or constancy, or duty in a wife.  
You must be King of me, and my poor heart  
Is all I can call mine.  Warb: 
But we will live;  
Live (beauteous virtue) by the lively test  
Of our own blood, to let the Counterfeit  
Be known the world's contempt.  Kath: 
Pray do not use  
That word, it carries fate in't; the first suit  
I ever made, I trust your love will grant!  Warb: 
Without denial (dearest.)  Kath: 
That hereafter,  
If you return with safety, no adventure  
May sever us in tasting any fortune:  
I ne'er can stay behind again.  Warb: 
Y'are Lady  
Of your desires, and shall command your will:  
Yet 'tis too hard a promise.  Kath: 
What our Destinies  
Have ruled out in their Books, we must not search  
But kneel too.  Warb: 
Then to fear when hope is fruitless,  
Were to be desperately miserable;  
Which poverty, our greatness dares not dream of,  
And much more scorns to stoop to; some few minutes  
Remain yet, let's be thrifty in our hopes. Exeunt.  Enter King henry, Hialas, and Urswick. K: H: 
Your name is Pedro Hialas: a Spaniard?  Hialas. 
Sir a castilian borne.  K: H: 
King Ferdinand  
With wise Queen Isabell his royal consort,  
Write 'ee a man of worthy trust and candor.  
Princes are dear to heaven, who meet with Subjects  
Sincere in their employments; such I find  
Your commendation (Sir,) let me deliver  
How joyful I repute the amity,  
With your most fortunate Master, who almost  
Comes near a miracle, in his success  
Against the moors, who had devoured his Country,  
Entire now to his Sceptre; we, for our part  
Will imitate his providence, in hope  
Of partage in the use o''nt; we repute  
The privacy of his advisement to us  
By you, intended an Ambassador  
To Scotland for a peace between our Kingdoms;  
A policy of love, which well becomes  
His wisdom, and our care.  Hialas. 
Your Majesty  
Doth understand him rightly.  K: H: 
Else, your knowledge can instruct me, wherein (Sir)  
To fall on Ceremony, would seem useless,  
Which shall not need; for I will be as studious  
Of your concealment in our Conference,  
As any Counsel shall advise.  Hialas. 
Then (Sir)  
My chief request is, that on notice given  
At my dispatch in Scotland, you will send  
Some learned man of power and experience  
To join in treaty with me.  K. H. 
I shall do it,  
Being that way well provided by a servant  
Which may attend 'ee ever.  Hialas. 
If King james  
By any indirection should perceive  
My coming near your Court, I doubt the issue  
Of my employment.  K: H: 
Be not your own Herald,  
I learn sometimes without a teacher.  Hialas. 
Good days guard all your Princely thoughts.  K: H: 
Urswick no further  
Than the next open Gallery attend him.  
A hearty love go with you.  Hialas. 
Your vowed Beadsman. Ex: Ursw. and Hialas.  K: H: 
King Ferdinand is not so much a Fox,  
But that a cunning Huntsman may in time  
Fall on the scent; in honourable actions  
Safe imitation best deserves a praise.  Enter Urswick. 
what the castilians passed away?  Vrsw: 
He is,  
And undiscovered; the two hundred marks  
Your Majesty conveyed, a' gently pursed,  
With a right modest gravity.  K: H: 
What waste  
A' muttered in the earnest of his wisdom,  
A' spoke not to be heard? 'twas about—  Vrsw: 
Warbeck;  
How if King Henry were but sure of Subjects,  
Such a wild runagate might soon be caged,  
No great ado withstanding.  K: H: 
Nay, nay, something  
About my son Prince Arthur's match!  Vrsw: 
Right, right, Sir.  
'a hummed it out, how that King Ferdinand  
Swore, that the marriage twixt the Lady Katherine  
His Daughter, and the Prince of Wales your Son,  
Should never be consummated, as long  
As any Earl of Warwick lived in England,  
Except by new Creation.  K: H: 
I remember,  
'Twas so indeed, the King his Master swore it?  Vrsw: 
Directly, as he said.  K: H: 
An Earl of Warwick!  
Provide a Messenger for Letters instantly  
To Bishop Fox. Our news from Scotland creeps,  
It comes so slow; we must have airy spirits:  
Our time requires dispatch,— the Earl of Warwick!  
Let him be son to Clarence, younger brother  
To Edward! Edward's Daughter is I think  
Mother to our Prince Arthur; get a Messenger. Exeunt.  Enter King james, Warbecke, Crawford, Daliell, Heron, Astley, Major, Sketon, and Soldiers. K: Ia: 
we trifle time against these Castle walls,  
The English Prelate will not yield, once more  
Give him a Summons! Parley.  Enter above Durham armed, a Truncheon in his hand, and Soldiers. Warb: 
See, the jolly clerk  
Appears trimmed like a ruffian.  K: Ia: 
Bishop, yet  
Set open the ports, and to your lawful Sovereign  
Richard of York surrender up this Castle,  
And he will take thee to his Grace; else Tweed  
Shall overflow his banks with English blood,  
And wash the sand that cements those hard stones,  
From their foundation.  Dur: 
Warlike King of Scotland,  
Vouchsafe a few words from a man enforced  
To lay his Book aside, and clap on Arms,  
unsuitable to my age, or my profession.  
Courageous Prince, consider on what grounds,  
You rend the face of peace, and break a League  
With a confederate King that courts your amity;  
For whom too? for a vagabond, a straggler,  
Not noted in the world by birth of name,  
An obscure peasant, by the rage of Hell  
Loosed from his chains, to set great Kings at strife.  
What Nobleman? what common man of note?  
What ordinary subject hath come in,  
Since first you footed on our Territories,  
To only feign a welcome? children laugh at  
Your Proclamations, and the wiser pity,  
So great a potentate's abuse, by one  
Who juggles merely with the fawns and youth  
Of an instructed compliment; such spoils,  
Such slaughters as the rapine of your Soldiers  
Already have committed, is enough  
To show your zeal in a conceited Justice.  
Yet (great King) wake not yet my master's vengeance:  
But shake that Viper off which gnaws your entrails  
I, and my fellow Subjects, are resolved  
If you persist, to stand your utmost fury,  
Till our last blood drop from us.  Warb: 
O Sir, lend  
Me ear to this seducer of my honour!  
What shall I call thee, (thou grey bearded Scandal)  
That kickest against the Sovereignty to which  
Thou owest allegiance? Treason is boldfaced,  
And eloquent in mischief; sacred King  
Be deafed to his known malice!  Dur: 
Rather yield  
Unto those holy motions, which inspire  
The sacred heart of an anointed body!  
It is the surest policy in Princes,  
To govern well their own, then seek encroachment  
Upon another's right.  Crawf: 
The King is serious,  
Deepe in his meditation.  Dal: 
Lift them up  
To heaven his better genius!  Warb: 
Can you study, while such a Devil raves? O Sir.  K: Ia. 
Well,— Bishop,  
You'll not be drawn to mercy?  Dur: 
Construe me  
In like case by a Subject of your own!  
My resolutions fixed, King james be counselled.  
A greater fate waits on thee. Exit Durham cum suis.  K: Ia: 
Forage through  
The Country, spare no prey of life, or goods,  Warb: 
O Sir, then give me leave to yield to nature,  
I am most miserable; had I been  
Borne what this Clergy man would by defame  
Baffle belief with, I had never sought  
The truth of mine inheritance with rapes  
Of women, or of infants murdered; Virgins  
Deflowered; old men butchered; dwellings fired;  
My Land depopulated; and my people  
Afflicted with a kingdom's devastation.  
show more remorse great King, or I shall never  
Endure to see such havoc with dry eyes:  
Spare, spare, my dear dear England.  K: Ia: 
You fool your piety  
Ridiculously, careful of an interest  
Another man possesseth! Where's your faction?  
Shrewdly the Bishop guessed of your adherents,  
When not a petty Burgess of some Town,  
No, not a Villager hath yet appeared  
In your assistance, that should make 'ee whine,  
And not your Country's sufferance as you term it.  Dal: 
The King is angry.  Crawf: 
And the passionate Duke,  
Effeminately dolent.  Warb: 
The experience  
In former trials (Sir) both of mine own  
Or other Princes, cast out of their thrones,  
Have so acquainted me, how misery  
Is destitute of friends, or of relief,  
That I can easily submit to taste  
Lowest reproof, without contempt or words  Enter Frion. K: Ia: 
An humble minded man,— now, what intelligence  
Speaks Master Secretary Frion.  Frion. 
henry  
Of England, hath in open field o'erthrown  
The Armies who opposed him, in the right  
Of this young Prince.  K: Ia: 
His Subsidies you mean: more if you have it?  Frion. 
Howard Earl of Surrey,  
Backed by twelve Earls and Barons of the North,  
An hundred Knights and Gentlemen of Name,  
And twenty thousand Soldiers, is at hand  
To raise your siege. Brooke with a goodly Navy  
Is Admiral at Sea: and Dawbney follows  
With an unbroken Army for a second.  Warb: 
'Tis false! they come to side with us.  K: Ia: 
Retreat:  
we shall not find them stones and walls to cope with.  
Yet Duke of York, (for such thou sayest thou art,)  
I'll try thy fortune to the height; to Surrey  
By Marchmount, I will send a brave Defiance  
For single Combat; once a King will venture  
His person to an Earl; with Condition  
Of spilling lesser blood, Surrey is bold  
And james resolved.  Warb: 
O rather (gracious Sir,)  
Create me to this glory; since my cause  
Doth interest this fair quarrel; valued lest  
I am his equal.  K: I: 
I will be the man;  
March softly off, where Victory can reap  
"A harvest crowned with triumph, toil is cheap.  Exeunt omnes.   

Actus Quartus:  

Scaena prima.  Enter Surrey, Durham, Soldiers, with Drums and Colours. Surrey: 
ARe all our braving enemies shrunk back?  
Hid in the fogs of their distempered climate,  
Not daring to behold our Colours wave  
In spite of this infected air? Can they  
Look on the strength of Cundrestine defaced?  
The glory of Heydonhall devasted? that  
Of Edington cast down? the pile of Fulden  
o'erthrown? And this the strongest of their Forts  
Old Ayton Castle yielded, and demolished?  
And yet not peep abroad? the Scots are bold,  
Hardy in battle, but it seems the cause  
They undertake considered, appears  
Unjointed in the frame on't.  Dur: 
Noble Surrey,  
Our Royal Master's wisdom is at all times  
His fortune's Harbinger; for when he draws  
His sword to threaten war, his providence  
Settles on peace, the crowning of an Empire. Trumpet.  Sur: 
Rank all in order, 'tis a Herald's sound,  
Some message from King james, keep a fixed station.  Enter March-mount, and another Herald in their Coats. March: 
From Scotland's awful Majesty, we come  
Unto the English General;  Surrey. 
To me? Say on.  March: 
Thus then; the waste and prodigal  
Effusion of so much guiltless blood,  
As in two potent Armies, of necessity  
Must glut the earth's dry womb, his sweet compassion  
Hath studied to prevent; for which to thee  
Great Earl of Surrey, in a single fight  
He offers his own royal person; fairly  
Proposing these conditions only, that,  
If Victory conclude our Masters right;  
The Earl shall deliver for his ransom  
The town of Berwick to him, with the Fishgarths,  
If Surrey shall prevail; the King will pay  
A thousand pounds down present for his freedom,  
And silence further Arms; so speaks King james.  Surr: 
So speaks King james; so like a King o' speaks.  
Heralds, the English General returns,  
A sensible Devotion from his heart,  
His very soul, to this unfellowed grace.  
For let the King know (gentle heralds) truly  
How his descent from his great throne, to honour  
A stranger subject with so high a title  
As his compeer in Arms, hath conquered more  
Than any sword could do: for which (my loyalty  
Respected) I will serve his virtues ever  
In all humility: but Berwick say  
Is none of mine to part with: In affairs  
Of Princes Subjects cannot traffic rights  
Inherent to the Crown .My life is mine,  
That I dare freely hazard; and (with pardon  
To some unbribed vainglory) if his Majesty  
Shall taste a change of fate, his liberty  
Shall meet no Articles. If I fall, falling  
So bravely, I refer me to his pleasure  
Without condition; and for this dear favour,  
Say (if not countermanded) I will cease  
Hostility, unless provoked.  March: 
This answer  
we shall relate impartially.  Durh: 
With favour,  
Pray have a little patience— Sir, you find  
By these gay-flourishes, how wearied travail  
Inclines to willing rest; here's but a Prologue  
However confidently uttered, meant  
For some ensuing Acts of peace: consider  
The time of year, unseasonableness of weather,  
Charge, barrenness of profit, and occasion  
Presents itself for honourable treaty,  
Which we may make good use of; I will back  
As sent from you, in point of noble gratitude  
Unto King james with these his Heralds; you  
Shall shortly hear from me (my Lord) for order  
Of breathing or proceeding; and King henry  
(Doubt not) will thank the service.  Surr: 
To your wisdom Lord Bishop I refer it.  Durh: 
Be it so then.  Surr: 
Harald's, accept this chain, and these few Crowns  March: 
Our Duty Noble General.  Dur. 
In part  
Of retribution for such Princely love,  
My Lord the General is pleased to show  
The King your Master, his sincerest zeal  
By further treaty, by no common man;  
I will myself return with you.  Sur: 
y'obligeobliege  
My faithfullest affections t'ee (Lord Bishop.)  March: 
All happiness attend your Lordship.  Surr: 
Come friends,  
And fellow-soldiers, we'll doubt shall meet  
No enemies, but woods and hills to fight with:  
Than 'twere as good to feed, and sleep at home,  
we may be free from danger, not secure. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Warbeck and Frion. Warb: 
Frion, o Frion! all my hopes of glory  
Are at a stand! the Scottish King grows dull,  
Frosty and wayward, since this Spanish Agent  
Hath mixed Discourses with him; they are private,  
I am not called to counsel now; confusion  
On all his crafty shrugs; I feel the fabric  
Of my designs are tottering.  Frion. 
Henry's policies  
Stir with too many engines.  Warb: 
Let his mines,  
Shaped in the bowels of the earth, blow up  
Works raised for my defence, yet can they never  
Toss into air the freedom of my birth,  
Or disavow my blood, Plantagenet's!  
I am my Father's son still; but o Frion,  
When I bring into count with my Disasters,  
My wife's copartnership, my Kate's, my lives;  
Then, then, my frailty feels an earthquake; mischief  
damn Henry's plots, I will be England's King,  
Or let my Aunt of burgundy report  
My fall in the attempt, deserved our Ancestors?  Frion. 
You grow too wild in passion, if you will  
Appear a Prince indeed, confine your will  
To moderation  Warb: 
What a saucy rudeness  
Prompts this distrust? If, if I will appear?  
Appear, a Prince? Death throttle such deceits  
Even in their birth of utterance; cursed cozenage  
Of trust? ye make me mad, 'twere best (it seems)  
That I should turn Imposter to myself,  
Be mine own counterfeit, belie the truth  
Of my dear mother's womb, the sacred bed  
Of a Prince murdered, and a living baffled!  Frion. 
Nay, if you have no ears to hear, I have  
No breath to spend in vain.  Warb. 
Sir, sir, take heed  
Gold, and the promise of promotion, rarely  
Fail in temptation.  Frion. 
Why to me this?  Warb. 
Nothing  
Speak what you will; we are not sunk so low  
But your advice, may piece again the heart  
Which many cares have broken: you were wont  
In all extremities to talk of comfort:  
Have ye none left now? I'll not interrupt ye.  
Good, bear with my distractions! if King james  
Deny us dwelling here, next whither must I?  
I prithee be not angry.  Frion. 
Sir, I told ye  
Of Letters come from Ireland, how the Cornish  
Stomach their last defeat, and humbly sue  
That with such forces, as you could partake,  
You would in person land in Cornwall, where  
Thousands will entertain your title gladly.  Warb: 
Let me embrace thee, hug thee! thoust revived  
My comforts, if my x King will fail,  
Our cause will never, welcome my tried friends.  Enter Major, Heron, Astley, Sketon. 
You keep your brains awake in our defence:  
Frion, advise with them of these affairs,  
In which be wondrous secret; I will listen  
What else concerns us here, be quick and wary. Exit. Warbeck.  Astl: 
Ah sweet young Prince? Secretary, my fellow counsellors and I, have consulted, and jump all in one opinion directly, that if this Scotch garboils do not fadge to our minds, we will pell-mell run amongst the Cornish choughs presently, and in a trice.  Sket: 
'Tis but going to Sea, and leaping ashore, cut ten or twelve thousand unnecessary throats, fire seven or eight towns, take half a dozen Cities, get into the Market place, crown him RICHARD THE FOURTH, and the business is finished.  Mayor. 
I grant ye', quoth I, so far forth as men may do, no more than men may do; for it is good to consider, when consideration may be to the purpose, otherwise still you shall pardon me: Little said is soon amended.  Frion. 
Then you conclude the Cornish Action surest?  Heron. 
we do so. And doubt not but to thrive abundantly: Ho (my Masters) had we known of the Commotion when we set sail out of Ireland, the Land had been ours ere this time.  Sket: 
Pish, pish, 'tis but forbearing being an Earl or a Duke a month or two longer; I say, and say it again, if the work go not on apace, let me never see new fashion more, I warrant ye I warrant ye', we will have it so, and so it shall be.  Ast: 
This is but a cold phlegmatic Country, not stirring enough for men of spirit, give me the heart of England for my money.  Ske: 
A man may batten there in a week only with hot loaves and butter, and a lusty cup of Muscadine and Sugar at breakfast, though he make never a meal all the month after.  Mayor. 
Surely, when I bore office, I found by experience, that to be much troublesome, was to be much wise and busy; I have observed, how filching and bragging, has been the best service in these last wars, and therefore conclude peremptorily on the Design in England; If things and things may fall out; as who can tell what or how; but the end will show it.  Frion. 
Resolved like men of judgement, here to linger  
More time, is but to lose it; cheer the Prince,  
And haste him on to this; on this depends,  
Fame in success, or glory in our ends. Exeunt omnes.  Enter King james, Durham, and Hialas on either side. Hialas. 
France, Spain and germany combine a League  
Of amity with England nothing wants  
For settling peace through Christendom, but love  
between the British Monarchs, james, and henry.  Dur: 
The English Merchants (Sir,) have been received  
With general procession into Antwerp;  
The Emperor confirms the Combination.  Hialas. 
The King of Spain, resolves a marriage  
For Katherine his Daughter, with Prince Arthur.  Dur. 
France court's this, holy contract.  Hial. 
What can hinder a quietness in England?  Durh: 
But your suffrage  
To such a silly creature (mighty Sir?)  
As is but in effect an apparition,  
A shadow, a mere trifle?  Hial. 
To this union  
The good of both the Church and Commonwealth  
Invite 'ee—  Dur. 
To this unity, a mystery  
Of providence points out a greater blessing  
For both these Nations, than our humane reason  
Can search into; King henry hath a Daughter  
The Princess Margaret; I need not urge,  
What honour, what felicity can follow  
On such affinity 'twixt two Christian Kings,  
In leagued by ties of blood; but sure I am,  
If you Sir ratify the peace proposed,  
I dare both motion, and effect this marriage.  
For weal of both the Kingdoms.  K: Ia. 
dar'st thou Lord Bishop?  Dur. 
Put it to trial royal james, by sending  
Some noble personage to the English Court  
By way of embassy. Hial, Part of the business,  
Shall suit my mediation.  K. Ia. 
Well; what Heaven  
Hath pointed out to be, must be; you two  
Are Ministers (I hope) of blessed fate.  
But herein only I will stand acquitted,  
No blood of Innocents shall buy my peace.  
For Warbeck as you nick him, came to me  
Commended by the States of Christendom.  
A Prince, though in distress; his fair demeanour,  
Lovely behaviour, unappalled spirit,  
Spoke him not base in blood, however clouded.  
The bruit beasts have both rocks and caves to fly to,  
And men the Altars of the Church; to us  
He came for refuge, Kings come near in nature  
Unto the Gods in being touched with pity.  
Yet (noble friends) his mixture with our blood,  
Even with our own, shall no way interrupt  
A general peace; only I will dismiss him  
From my protection, throughout my Dominions  
In safety, but not ever, to return.  Hialas. 
You are a just King.  Durh. 
Wise, and herein happy.  K. Ia. 
Nor will we dally in affairs of weight:  
Huntley (Lord Bishop) shall with you to England  
Ambassador from us; we will throw down  
Our weapons; peace on all sides now, repair  
Unto our Counsel, we will soon be with you.  Hial. 
Delay shall question no dispatch,  
Heaven crown it. Exeunt Durham and Hialas.  K: Ia: 
A league with Ferdinand? a marriage  
With English Margaret? a free release  
From restitution for the late affronts?  
Cessation from hostility and all  
For Warbeck not delivered, but dismissed?  
we could not wish it better, Daliell—  Dal: 
Here Sir. Enter Daliell  K: Ia: 
Are Huntley and his Daughter sent for?  Dal: 
Sent for, and come (my Lord.)  K: Ia: 
Say to the English Prince,  
we want his company.  Dal: 
He is at hand Sir.  Enter Warbeck, Katherine, jane, Frion, Heron, Sketon, Major, Astley. K. Ia. 
x, our bounty, favours, gentleness,  
Our benefits, the hazard of our person,  
Our people's lives, our Land hath evidenced,  
How much we have engaged on your behalf:  
How trivial, and how dangerous our hopes  
Appear, how fruitless our attempts in war,  
How windy rather smoky your assurance  
Of party shows, we might in vain repeat  
But now obedience to the Mother Church,  
A Father's care upon his Country's weal,  
The dignity of State directs our wisdom,  
To seal an oath of peace through Christendom:  
To which we are sworn already; 'tis you  
Must only seek new fortunes in the world,  
And find an harbour elsewhere: as I promised  
On your arrival, you have met no usage  
Deserves repentance in your being here:  
But yet I must live Master of mine own.  
however, what is necessary for you  
At your departure, I am well content  
You be accommodated with; provided  
Delay prove not my enemy.  Warb. 
It shall not  
(Most glorious Prince.) the fame of my Designs,  
Soars higher, then report of ease and sloth  
Can aim at; I acknowledge all your favours  
Boundless, and singular, am only wretched  
In words as well as means, to thank the grace  
That flowed so liberally. Two Empires firmly  
You're Lord of, Scotland, and Duke Richard's heart  
My claim to mine inheritance shall sooner  
Fail, than my life to serve you, best of Kings.  
And witness Edward's blood in me, I am  
More loath to part, with such a great example  
Of virtue, than all other mere respects.  
But Sir my last suit is, you will not force  
From me what you have given, this chaste Lady,  
Resolved on all extremes.  Kath: 
I am your wife,  
No humane power, can or shall divorce  
My faith from duty.  Warb: 
Such another treasure  
The earth is bankrupt of.  K: Ia: 
I give her (x)  
And must avow the gift: will add withal  
A furniture becoming her high birth  
And unsuspected constancy provide  
For your attendance— we will part good friends.  Exit King and Daliell. Warb: 
The Tudor hath been cunning in his plots:  
His Fox of Durham would not fail at last.  
But what? our cause and courage are our own:  
Be men (my friends) and let our x King,  
See how we follow fate as willingly  
As malice follows us. Y'are all resolved  
For the West parts of England?  

Omnes . Cornwall, Cornwall.  Frion. 
The Inhabitants expect you daily.  Warb: 
Cheerfully  
Draw all our ships out of the harbour (friends)  
Our time of stay doth seem too long, we must  
Prevent Intelligence; about it suddenly.  

Omnes.  A Prince, a Prince, a Prince. Exeunt Counsellors.  Warb: 
Dearest; admit not into thy pure thoughts  
The least of scruples, which may charge their softness  
With burden of distrust. Should I prove wanting  
To noblest courage now, here were the trial:  
But I am perfect (sweet) I fear no change,  
More than thy being partner in my sufferance.  Kath: 
My fortunes (Sir) have armed me to encounter  
What chance soe'er they meet with— jane 'tis fit  
Thou stay behind, for whither wilt thou wander?  jane. 
Never till death, will I forsake my Mistress,  
Nor then, in wishing to die with 'ee gladly.  Kath: 
Alas good soul.  Frion. 
Sir, to your Aunt of burgundy  
I will relate your present undertakings;  
From her expect on all occasions, welcome.  
You cannot find me idle in your services.  Warb. 
Gee, Frion, gee! wisemen know how to soothe  
Adversity, not serve it: thou hast waited  
Too long on expectation; never yet  
Was any Nation read of, so besotted  
In reason, as to adore the setting Sun.  
Fly to the Archduke's Court; say to the Duchess,  
Her Nephew, with fair Katherine, his wife,  
Are on their expectation to begin  
The raising of an Empire. If they fail,  
Yet the report will never: farewell Frion. Exit Frion.  
This man Kate has been true, though now of late,  
I fear too much familiar with the Fox.  Enter Huntley and Daliell. Hunt: 
I come to take my leave you need not doubt  
My interest in this sometime-child of mine.  
she's all yours now (good Sir) oh poor lost creature!  
Heaven guard thee with much patience, is thou canst  
Forget thy title to old Huntley's family;  
As much of peace will settle in thy mind  
As thou canst wish to taste, (but in thy grave,)  
Accept my tears yet, (prithee) they are tokens  
Of charity, as true as of affection.  Kath: 
This is the cruelest farewell!  Hunt: 
Love (young Gentleman)  
This model of my griefs; she calls you husband;  
Then be not jealous of a parting kiss,  
It is a Father's not a lover's offering;  
Take it, may last,— I am too much a child.  
Exchange of passion is to little use,  
So I should grow too foolish,— goodness guide thee. Exit Hunt.  Kath: 
Most miserable Daughter!— have you ought  
To add (Sir) to our sorrows?  Daliell. 
I resolve  
(Fair Lady) with your leave, to wait on all  
Your fortunes in my person, if your Lord  
Vouchsafe me entertainment.  Warb: 
we will be bosom friends, (most noble Daliell)  
For I accept this tender of your love  
Beyond ability of thanks to speak it.  
Clear thy drownd eyes (my fairest) time and industry  
Will show us better days, or end the worst. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Oxford and Dawbney. Oxf: 
No news from Scotland yet (my Lord!)  Daw: 
Not any  
But what King henry knows himself; I thought  
Our Armies should have marched that way, his mind  
It seems, is altered.  Oxf. 
Victory attends  
His Standard everywhere.  Dawb: 
Wise Princes (Oxford)  
Fight not alone with forces. Providence  
Directs and tutor's strength; else Elephants,  
And barbed Horses might as well prevail,  
As the most subtle stratagems of war.  Oxf: 
The Scottish King showed more than common bravery,  
In proffer of a Combat hand to hand  
With Surrey!  Dawb: 
And but showed it; Northern bloods  
Are gallant being fired, but the cold climate  
Without good store of fuel, quickly freezeth  
The glowing flames.  Oxf: 
Surrey upon my life  
Would not have shrunk an hair's breadth.  Dawb: 
May a' forfeit  
The honour of an English name, and nature,  
Who would not have embraced it with a greediness,  
As violent as hunger runs to food.  
'Twas an addition, any worthy Spirit  
Would covet next to immortality,  
Above all joys of life: we all missed shares  
In that great opportunity.  Enter King henry, and Urswick whispering. Oxf: 
The King: see a' comes smiling!  Dawb: 
O the game runs smooth  
On his side then believe it, Cards well shuffled  
And dealt with cunning, bring some gamester thrift,  
But others must rise losers'.  K: H: 
the train takes?  Vrsw: 
Most prosperously.  K. H. 
I knew it should not miss.  
He fondly angles who will hurl his bait  
Into the water, 'cause the Fish at first  
Plays round about the line, and dares not bite.  
Lords, we may reign your King yet, Dawbney, Oxford,  
Urswick, must Perkin wear the Crown?  Dawb: 
A Slave.  Oxf: 
A Vagabond.  Vrsw: 
A glow-worm.  K: H: 
Now if Frion,  
His practisd politician wear a brain  
Of proof, King Perkin will in progress ride  
Through all his large Dominions; let us meet him,  
And tender homage; Ha Sirs? liegemen ought  
To pay their fealty.  Dawb: 
Would the Rascal were  
With all his rabble, within twenty miles  
Of London.  K: H: 
Farther off is near enough  
To lodge him in his home; he wager odds  
Surrey and all his men are either idle,  
Or hasting back, they have not work (I doubt)  
To keep them busy.  Dawb: 
'Tis a strange conceit Sir.  K: H: 
Such voluntary favours as our people  
In duty aid us with, we never scattered  
On Cobweb Parasites, or lavished out  
In riot, or a needless hospitality:  
No undeserving favourite doth boast  
His issues from our treasury; our charge  
Flows through all Europe, proving us but steward  
Of every contribution, which provides  
Against the creeping Canker of Disturbance.  
Is it not rare then, in this toil of State  
Wherein we are embarked, with breach of sleep,  
Cares, and the noise of trouble, that our mercy  
Returns nor thanks, nor comfort? Still the West  
Murmur and threaten innovation,  
Whisper our government tyrannical,  
Deny us what is ours, nay, spurn their lives  
Of which they are but owners by our gift.  
It must not be.  Oxf: 
It must not, should not.  K: H: 
So then. To whom? Enter a Post.  Post. 
This packet to your sacred Majesty.  K: H: 
Sirrah attend without.  Oxf: 
News from the North, upon my life.  Daw. 
Wise Henry  
Divines aforehand of events: with him  
Attempts and execution are one act.  K: H: 
Urswick thine ear; Frion is caught, the man  
Of cunning is outreached: we must be safe:  
Should reverend Morton our Archbishop move  
To a translation higher yet, I tell thee,  
My Durham owns a brain deserves that See.  
he's nimble in his industry, and mounting:  
Thou hear'st me?  Vrsw: 
And conceive your Highness fitly:  K. H. 
Dawbney, and Oxford; since our Army stands  
Entire, it were a weakness to admit  
The rust of laziness to eat amongst them:  
Set forward toward salisbury; the plains  
Are most commodious for their exercise.  
ourself will take a Muster of them there:  
And or disband them with reward, or else  
Dispose as best concerns us.  Dawb: 
salisbury?  
Sir, all is peace at salisbury.  K: H: 
Dear friend—  
The charge must be our own; we would a little  
Partake the pleasure with our subjects' ease.  
Shall I entreat your Loves?  Oxf: 
command our Lives.  K: H: 
Y'are men know how to do not to forethink:  
My Bishop is a jewel tried, and perfect;  
A jewel (Lords) the Post who brought these Letters,  
Must speed another to the Mayor of Exeter  
Urswick dismiss him not.  Vrs: 
He waits your pleasure.  K: H: 
Perkin a King? a King?  Vrs: 
My gracious Lord.  K: H: 
Thoughts, busied in the sphere of Royalty,  
Fix not on creeping worms, without their stings;  
Mere excrements of earth. The use of time  
Is thriving safety, and a wise prevention  
Of ills expected. W'are resolved for salisbury. Exe: omnes.  A general shout within. Enter Warbeck, Daliell, Katherine, and jane. Warb: 
After so many storms as wind and Seas,  
Have threatened to our weather-beaten Ships,  
At last (sweet fairest) we are safe arrived  
On our dear mother earth, ingrateful only  
To heaven and us, in yielding sustenance  
To sly usurpers of our throne and right.  
These general acclamations, are an OMEN  
Of happy process to their welcome Lord:  
They flock in troops, and from all parts with wings  
Of duty fly, to lay their hearts before us,  
unequaled pattern of a matchless wife,  
How fares my dearest yet?  Kath: 
Confirmed in health:  
By which I may the better undergo  
The roughest face of change; but I shall learn  
Patience to hope, since silence courts affliction  
For comforts, to this truly noble Gentleman;  
Rare unexampled pattern of a friend?  
And my beloved jane, the willing follower  
Of all misfortunes.  Dal: 
Lady, I return  
But barren crops, of early protestations,  
Frost-bitten in the spring of fruitless hopes.  jane, 
I wait but as the shadow to the body,  
For Madam without you let me be nothing.  Warb: 
None talk of sadness, we are on the way  
Which leads to Victory: keep cowards thoughts  
With desperate sullenness! the Lion faints not  
Locked in a grate, but lose, disdains all force  
Which bars his prey; and we are lion-hearted,  
Or else no King of beasts. Hark how they shout. Another shout.  
Triumphant in our cause? bold confidence  
Marches on bravely, cannot quake at daunger.  Enter Sketon. Sket. 
Save King Richard the fourth, saue King of hearts? the Cornish blades are men of mettle, have proclaimed through Bodnam and the whole County, my sweet Prince, Monarch of England, four thousand tall yeomen, with bow and sword already vow to live and die at the foot of KING RICHARD.  Enter Astley. Astley. 
The Mayor our fellow counsellor, is servant for an Emperor. Exeter is appointed for the Rend a vous and nothing wants to victory but courage, and resolution. vigellatum & datum decimo Septembris, Anno Regui Regis primo & cetera; confirmatum est. all's cock sure.  Warb: 
To Exeter, to Exeter, march on.  
Commend us to our people; we in person  
Will lend them double spirits, tell them so.  She: & Astl: 
King Richard, King Richard.  Warb: 
A thousand blessings guard our lawful Arms!  
A thousand horrors pierce our enemies' souls!  
Pale fear unedge their weapons sharpest points,  
And when they draw their arrows to the head,  
Numbness shall strike their sinews; such advantage  
Hath Majesty in its pursuit of justice,  
That on the proppers up, of truths old throne,  
It both enlightens counsel, and gives heart  
To execution: whiles the throats of traitors  
Lie bare before our mercy. O Divinity  
Of royal birth? how it strikes dumb the tongues  
Whose prodigality of breath is bribed  
By trains to greatness? Princes are but men,  
Distinguished in the fineness of their frailty.  
Yet not so gross in beauty of the mind,  
For there's a fire more sacred, purifies  
The dross of mixture. Herein stands the odds  
"Subjects are men, on earth Kings men and gods.  Exeunt omnes.   

Actus Quintus:  

Scaena prima.  Enter Katherine, and jane, in riding suits, with one servant. Kath: 
IT is decreed; and we must yield to fate,  
Whose angry justice though it threaten ruin,  
Contempt, and poverty, is all but trial  
Of a weak woman's constancy in suffering.  
Here in a stranger's, and an enemy's Land  
Forsaken, and unfurnished of all hopes,  
(But such as wait on misery,) I range  
To meet affliction wheresoe'er I tread.  
My train, and pomp of servants, is reduced  
To one kind Gentlewoman, and this groom.  
Sweet jane, now whither must we?  jane. 
To your Ships  
Dear Lady: and turn home.  Kath: 
Home! I have none.  
Fly thou to Scotland, thou hast friends will weep  
For joy to bid thee welcome; but o jane  
My jane, my friends are desperate of comfort  
As I must be of them; the common charity,  
Good people psalms, and prayers of the gentle  
Is the revenue must support my state.  
As for my native Country, since it once  
Saw me a Princess in the height of greatness  
My birth allowed me; here I make a vow,  
Scotland shall never see me, being fallen  
Or lessened in my fortunes. Never jane;  
Never to Scotland more will I return.  
Could I be England's Queen (a glory jane  
I never fawned on) yet the King who gave me,  
Hath sent me with my husband from his presence:  
Delivered us suspected to his Nation:  
Rendered us spectacles to time, and pity.  
And is it fit I should return to such  
As only listen after our descent  
From happiness enjoyed, to misery  
Expected, though uncertain? Never, never;  
Alas, why dost thou weep? and that poor creature,  
Wipe his wet cheeks too? let me feel alone  
Extremities, who know to give them harbour:  
Nor thou, nor he, has cause. You may live safely.  jane. 
There is no safety whiles your dangers (Madam)  
Are every way apparent.  Servant. 
Pardon Lady;  
I cannot choose but show my honest heart;  
You were ever my good Lady.  Kath: 
O dear souls!  
Your shares in grief are too too much.  Enter Daliell. Daliell. 
I bring  
(Fair Princess) news of further sadness yet,  
Than your sweet youth, hath been acquainted with.  Kath: 
Not more (my Lord) than I can welcome; speak it;  
The worst, the worst, I look for.  Dal. 
All the Cornish,  
At Exeter, were by the Citizens  
Repulsed, encountered by the Earl of Devonshire  
And other worthy Gentlemen of the Country.  
Your husband marched to Taunton, and was there  
Affronted by King Henry's Chamberlain.  
The King himself in person, with his Army  
Advancing nearer, to renew the fight  
On all occasions. But the night before  
The battles were to join, your husband privately  
Accompanied with some few horse, departed  
From out the camp, and posted none knows whither.  Kath: 
Fled without battle given?  Dal: 
Fled, but followed  
By Dawbney, all his parties left to taste  
King Henry's mercy, for to that they yielded;  
Victorious without bloodshed.  Kath: 
O my sorrows!  
If both our lives had proved the sacrifice  
To Henry's tyranny, we had fallen like Princes,  
And robbed him, of the glory of his pride.  Dal: 
Impute it not to faintness, or to weakness  
Of noble courage Lady, but foresight:  
For by some secret friend he had intelligence  
Of being bought and sold, by his base followers.  
Worse yet remains untold.  Kath: 
No, no, it cannot.  Daliell. 
I fear y'are betrayed. The Earl of Oxford  
Runs hot in your pursuit.  Kath: 
A' shall not need,  
we'll run as hot in resolution, gladly  
To make the Earl our jailor.  jane. 
Madam, Madam, they come, they come!  Enter Oxford, with followers. Daliell. 
Keep back, or he who dares  
Rudely to violate the Law of honour,  
Runs on my sword.  Kath: 
Most noble Sir, forbear!  
What reason draws you hither (Gentlemen!)  
Whom seek 'ee?  Oxf: 
All stand off; with favour Lady  
From Henry, England's King, I would present,  
Unto the beauteous Princess, Katherine Gourdon,  
The tender of a gracious entertainment.  Kath: 
we are that Princess, whom your master King  
Pursues with reaching arms, to draw into  
His power: let him use his tyranny,  
we shall not be his Subjects.  Oxf: 
My Commission, extends no further (excellentest Lady)  
Then to a service; 'tis King Henry's pleasure,  
That you, and all, that have relation t'ee,  
Be guarded as becomes your birth, and greatness.  
For rest assured (sweet Princess) that not aught  
Of what you do call yours, shall find disturbance,  
Or any welcome other, then what suits  
Your high condition.  Kath: 
By what title (Sir)  
May I acknowledge you?  Oxf: 
Your servant (Lady)  
Descended from the Line of Oxford's Earls,  
Inherits what his ancestors before him  
Were owners of.  Kath: 
Your King is herein royal,  
That by a Peer so ancient in desert  
As well as blood, commands Us to his presence.  Oxf: 
Invites 'ee, Princess not commands.  Kath: 
Pray use  
Your own phrase as you list; to your protection  
Both I, and mine submit.  Oxf: 
There's in your number  
A Nobleman, whom fame hath bravely spoken.  
To him the King my Master bade me say  
How willingly he courts his friendship. Far  
From an enforcement, more than what in terms  
Of courtesy, so great a Prince may hope for.  Daliell. 
My name is Daliell.  Oxf: 
'Tis a name, hath won  
Both thanks, and wonder, from report; (my Lord)  
The Court of England emulates your merit,  
And covets to embrace 'ee.  Daliell. 
I must wait on  
The Princess in her fortunes.  Oxf: 
Will you please,  
(Great Lady) to set forward?  Kath: 
Being driven  
By fate, it were in vain to strive with Heaven. Exeunt omnes.  Enter King Henry, Surrey, Urswick, and a guard of Soldiers. K: H: 
The Counterfeit King Perkin is escaped,  
Escape, so let him; he is hedged too fast  
Within the Circuit of our English pale,  
To steal out of our Ports, or leap the walls  
Which guard our Land; the Seas are rough, and wider  
Than his weak arms can tug with; Surrey henceforth  
Your King may reign in quiet: turmoils passed  
Like some unquiet dream, have rather busied  
Our fancy, then affrighted rest of State.  
But Surrey, why in articling a peace  
With james of Scotland, was not restitution  
Of Losses, which our Subjects did sustain  
By the Scotch inroads, questioned?  Sur: 
Both demanded  
And urged (my Lord,) to which the King replied  
In modest merriment, but smiling earnest,  
How that our Master henry was much abler  
To bear the detriments, than he repay them.  K: H: 
The young man I believe spoke honest truth,  
'A studies to be wise betimes. Has Urswick,  
Sir Rice ap Thomas, and Lord Brook our Steward,  
Returned the western Gentlemen full thanks,  
From Us, for their tried Loyalties?  Sur: 
They have:  
Which as if health and life had reigned amongst 'em',  
With open hearts, they joyfully received.  K: H: 
Young Buckingham is a fair natured Prince,  
Lovely in hopes, and worthy of his Father:  
Attended by an hundred Knights and Squires,  
Of special name, he tendered humble service,  
Which we must ne'er forget: and Devonshire's wounds  
Though sleight, shall find sound cure, in our respect.  Enter Dawbney, with Warbeck, Heron, john a Water, Astley, Sketon. Dawb: 
Life to the King, and safety fix his throne:  
I here present you (royal Sir) a shadow  
Of Majesty, but in effect a substance  
Of pity; a young man, in nothing grown  
To ripeness, but th'ambition of your mercy:  
Perkin the Christian worlds strange wonder.  K: H: 
Dawbney, we observe no wonder; I behold ('tis true)  
An ornament of nature, fine, and polished,  
A handsome youth indeed, but not admire him.  
How came he to thy hands?  Dawb: 
From Sanctuary  
At Beweley, near Southampton, registered  
With these few followers, for persons privileged.  K: H: 
I must not thank you Sir! you were too blame  
To infringe the Liberty of houses sacred:  
Dare we be irreligious?  Dawb: 
Gracious Lord,  
They voluntarily resigned themselves,  
Without compulsion.  K: H: 
So? 'twas very well,  
'twas very very well— turn now thine eyes  
(Young man) upon thyself, and thy past actions!  
What revels in combustion through our Kingdom,  
A frenzy of aspiring youth hath danced,  
Till wanting breath, thy feet of pride have slipped  
To break thy neck.  Warb: 
But not my heart; my heart  
Will mount, till every drop of blood be frozen  
By deaths perpetual Winter: If the Sun  
Of Majesty be darkened, let the Sun  
Of Life be hid from me, in an eclipse  
Lasting, and universal. Sir, remember  
There was a shooting in of light, when Richmond  
(Not aiming at a crown) retired, and gladly,  
For comfort, to the Duke of Britain's Court.  
Richard who swayed the Sceptre, was reputed  
A tyrant then; yet then, a dawning glimmered  
To some few wandering remnants, promising day  
When first they ventured, on a frightful shore,  
At Milford Haven.  Dawb: 
Whither speeds his boldness?  
check his rude tongue (great Sir!)  K: H: 
O let him range:  
The player's on the stage still, 'tis his part;  
A' does but act: what followed?  Warb: 
Bosworth field:  
Where at an instant, to the world's amazement,  
A morn to Richmond, and a night to Richard  
Appeared at once: the tale is soon applied:  
Fate which crowned these attempts when least assured,  
Might have befriended others, like resolved.  K: H: 
A pretty gallant! thus, your Aunt of burgundy,  
Your Duchess Aunt informed her Nephew; so  
The lesson prompted, and well conned, was moulded  
Into familiar Dialogue, oft rehearsed,  
Till learned by heart, 'tis now, received for truth.  Warb: 
Truth in her pure simplicity wants art  
To put a feigned blush on: scorn wears only  
Such fashion, as commends to gazers eyes  
Sad ulcerated Novelty; far beneath  
The sphere of Majesty: in such a Court,  
Wisdom, and gravity, are proper robes,  
By which the Sovereign is best distinguished',  
From Zanies to his Greatness.  K: H: 
Sirrah, shift  
Your antic Pageantry, and now appear  
In your own nature, or you'll taste the danger  
Of fooling out of season.  Warb: 
I expect  
No less, then what severity calls justice,  
And Politicians, safety; let such beg,  
As feed on alms: but if there can be mercy  
In a protested enemy, then may it  
Descend to these poor creatures, whose engagements  
To th'bettering of their fortunes, have incurred  
A loss of all; to them, if any charity  
Flow from some noble Orator, in death  
I owe the fee of thankfulness.  K: H: 
So brave!  
What a bold knave is this? which of these Rebels  
Has been the Mayor of Cork?  Dawb: 
This wise formality:  
Kneel to the King 'ee Rascals!  K: H: 
Canst thou hope,  
A Pardon, where thy guilt is so apparent?  Mayor. 
Under your good favours, as men, are men, they may err: for I confess, respectively, in taking great parts, the one side prevailing, the other side must go down: herein the point is clear, if the proverb hold, that hanging goes by destiny, that it is to little purpose to say, this thing, or that, shall be thus, or thus; for as the fates will have it, so it must be, and who can help it.  Dawb: 
O blockhead! thou a privy counsellor?  
Beg life, and cry aloud, Heaven save King henry.  Mayor. 
Every man knows what is best, as it happens: for my own part, I believe it is true, if I be not deceived, that Kings must be Kings, and Subjects, Subjects. But which is which; you shall pardon me for that; whether we speak or hold our peace, all are mortal, no man knows his end.  K: H: 
we trifle time with follies.  Omnes. 
Mercy, mercy.  K: H: 
Urswick, command the Dukeling, and these fellows,  
To Digby, the Lieutenant of the Tower:  
With safety let them be conveyed to London.  
It is our pleasure, no uncivil outrage,  
Taunts, or abuse be suffered to their persons;  
They shall meet fairer Law than they deserve.  
Time may restore their wits, whom vain ambition  
Hath many years distracted.  Warb: 
Noble thoughts  
Meet freedom in captivity; the Tower?  
Our Childhoods dreadful nursery.  K: H. 
No more.  Vrs: 
Come, come, you shall have leisure to bethink 'ee.  Exit Ursw. with Perkin and his. K: H: 
Was ever so much impudence in forgery?  
The custom sure of being styled a King,  
Hath fastened in his thought that HE IS SUCH.  
But we shall teach the lad, another language;  
'Tis good we have him fast.  Dawb: 
The hangman's physic  
Will purge this saucy humour.  K: H: 
Very likely:  
Yet, we could, temper mercy, with extremity,  
Being not too far provoked.  Enter Oxford, Katherine in her richest attire, jane, and attendants. Oxf: 
Great Sir, be pleased  
With your accustomed grace, to entertain  
The Princess Katherine Gourdon.  K. H: 
Oxford, herein  
we must beshrew thy knowledge of our nature.  
A Lady of her birth and virtues, could not  
Have found Us so unfurnished of good manners,  
As not on notice given, to have met her  
Half way in point of Love. Excuse (fair x)  
The oversight! o fie, you may not kneel:  
'Tis most unfitting; first, vouchsafe this welcome;  
A welcome to your own, for you shall find Us  
But guardian to your fortune, and your honours.  Kath: 
My fortunes, and mine honours, are weak champions,  
As both are now befriended (Sir!) however  
Both bow before your clemency.  K: H: 
Our arms  
Shall circle them from malice— 'A sweet Lady?  
Beauty incomparable? Here lives Majesty  
At league with Love.  Kath: 
O Sir, I have a husband.  K: H: 
we'll prove your father, husband, friend, and servant,  
Prove what you wish to grant us, (Lords) be careful  
A Patent presently be drawn, for issuing  
A thousand pounds from our Exchequer yearly,  
During our cousin's life: our Queen shall be  
Your chief companion, our own Court your Home,  
Our Subjects, all your servants.  Kath: 
But my husband?  K: H: 
By all descriptions, you are noble Daliell,  
Whose generous truth hath famed a rare observance!  
we thank 'ee, 'tis a goodness gives addition  
To every title, boasted from your Ancestry,  
In all most worthy.  Daliell. 
Worthier than your praises,  
Right princely Sir, I need not glory in.  K: H: 
Embrace him (Lords,) whoever calls you Mistress  
Is lifted in our charge,— a goodlier beauty  
Mine eyes yet ne'er encountered.  Kath: 
Cruel misery  
Of fate, what rests to hope for?  K: H: 
Forward Lords  
To London: (fair) ere long, I shall present 'ee Exeunt omnes.  
With a glad object, peace, and Hunley's blessing.  Enter Constable, and Officers, Warbeck, Urswick, and Lambert Simnell, like a Falconer. A pair of Stocks. Const 
Make room there, keep off I require 'ee, and none come within twelve foot of his Majesty's new Stocks, upon pain of displeasure. Bring forward the Malefactors. Friend, you must to this gear,— no remedy,— open the hole, and in with his legs, just in the middle hole, there, that hole; keep off, or I'll commit you all. Shall not a man in authority be obeyed? So, so, there, 'tis as it should be: put on the padlock, and give me the key; off I say, keep off.  Vrsw: 
Yet Warbeck clear thy Conscience, thou hast tasted  
King Henry's mercy liberally; the Law  
Has forfeited thy life, an equal jury  
Have doomed thee to the Gallows; twice, most wickedly,  
Most desperately hast thou escaped the Tower:  
inveigling to thy party with thy witchcraft,  
Young Edward, Earl of Warwick, son to Clarence;  
Whose head must pay the price of that attempt;  
Poor Gentleman— unhappy in his fate—  
And ruined by thy cunning! so a Mongrel  
May pluck the true Stag down: yet, yet, confess  
Thy parentage; for yet the King has mercy.  Lamb: 
You would be Dick the fourth, very likely  
Your pedigree is published, you are known  
For Osbeck's son of Turney, a loose runagate,  
A Landloper: your Father was a Jew,  
Turned Christian merely to repair his miseries.  
Where's now your Kingship?  Warb: 
Baited to my death?  
Intolerable cruelty! I laugh at  
The Duke of Richmond's practice on my fortunes.  
Possession of a Crown, ne'er wanted Heralds.  Lamb: 
You will not know who I am!  Vrs: 
Lambert Simnell;  
Your predecessor in a dangerous uproar;  
But on submission, not alone received  
To grace, but by the King, vouchsafed his service.  Lamb: 
I would be Ear of Warwick, toiled and ruffled  
Against my Master, leapt to catch the Moon,  
Vaunted my name, Plantagenet, as you do:  
An Earl forsooth! whenas in truth I was,  
As you are, a mere Rascal: yet, his Majesty,  
(A Prince composed of sweetness! Heaven protect him)  
Forgave me all my villainies, reprieved  
The sentence of a shameful end, admitted  
My surety of obedience to his service;  
And I am now his falconer, live plenteously;  
Eat from the king's purse, and enjoy the sweetness  
Of liberty, and favour, sleep securely:  
And is not this now better, than to buffet  
The hangman's clutches? or to brave the Cordage  
Of a tough halter, which will break your neck?  
So then the Gallant totters; prithee (Perkin)  
Let my example lead thee, be no longer  
A Counterfeit, confess, and hope for pardon!  Warb: 
For pardon? hold my heartstrings, whiles contempt  
Of injuries, in scorn, may bid defiance  
To this base man's foul language: thou poor vermin!  
How dar'st thou creep so near me? thou an Earl?  
Why thou enjoyest as much of happiness,  
As all the swinge of sleight ambition flew at.  
A dunghill was thy Cradle. So a puddle  
By virtue of the sunbeams, breathes a vapour  
To infect the purer air, which drops again  
Into the muddy womb that first exhaled it.  
Bread, and a slavish ease, with some assurance  
From the base Beadle's whip, crowned all thy hopes.  
But (Sirrah) ran there in thy veins, one drop  
Of such a royal blood, as flows in mine;  
Thou wouldst not change condition, to be second  
In England's State without the Crown itself!  
Course creatures are incapable of excellence.  
But let the world, as all, to whom I am  
This day a spectacle, to time, deliver,  
And by tradition fix posterity,  
Without another Chronicle than truth,  
How constantly, my resolution suffered  
A martyrdom of Majesty!  Lamb: 
he's past  
Recovery, a bedlam cannot cure him.  Vrsw: 
Away, inform the King of his behaviour.  Lamb: 
Perkin, beware the rope, the Hangman's coming.  Vrsw: 
If yet thou hast no pity of thy body,  
Pity thy soul! Exit Simnell.  Enter Katherine, jane, Daliell, and Oxford. jane. 
Dear Lady!  Oxf: 
Whither will 'ee  
Without respect of shame?  Kath: 
Forbear me (Sir)  
And trouble not the current of my duty!  
Oh my Loved Lord! Can any scorn be yours,  
In which I have no interest? some kind hand  
Lend me assistance, that I may partake  
Th'infliction of this penance; my life's dearest  
Forgive me, I have stayed too long, from tendering  
Attendance on reproach, yet bid me welcome.  Warb: 
Great miracle of Constancy! my miseries,  
Were never bankrupt of their confidence  
In worst afflictions, till this now, I feel them.  
Report, and thy Deserts, (thou best of creatures)  
Might to eternity, have stood a pattern  
For every Report wife, without this conquest.  
Thou hast outdone belief, yet, may their ruin  
In after marriages, be never pitied,  
To whom thy story, shall appear a fable.  
Why wouldst thou prove so much unkind to greatness,  
To glorify thy vows by such a servitude?  
I cannot weep, but trust me (Dear) my heart  
Is liberal of passion; harry Richmond!  
A woman's faith, hath robbed thy fame of triumph.  Oxf: 
Sirrah, leave off your juggling, and tie up  
The Devil, that ranges in your tongue.  Vrs: 
Thus Witches,  
Possessed, even their death's deluded, say,  
They have been wolves, and dogs, and I sailed in Eggshells  
Over the Sea, and rid on fiery Dragons;  
Past in the air more than a thousand miles,  
All in a night; the enemy of mankind  
Is powerful, but false; and falsehood confident.  Oxf: 
Remember (Lady) who you are; come from  
That impudent Imposter!  Kath: 
You abuse us:  
For when the holy Churchman joined our hands,  
Our Vows were real then; the Ceremony  
Was not in apparition, but in act.  
Be what these people term Thee, I am certain  
Thou art my husband, no Divorce in Heaven  
Has been sued out between us; 'tis injustice  
For any earthly power to divide us.  
Or we will live, or let us die together.  
There is a cruel mercy.  Warb: 
Spite of tyranny  
we reign in our affections, (blessed Woman)  
Read in my destiny, the wrack of honour;  
Point out in my contempt of death, to memory  
Some miserable happiness: since, herein,  
Even when I fell, I stood, enthroned a Monarch  
Of one chaste wife's troth, pure, and uncorrupted.  
Fair Angel of perfection; immortality  
Shall raise thy name up to an adoration;  
Court every rich opinion of true merit;  
And Saint it in the Calendar of virtue,  
When I am turned into the self same dust  
Of which I was first formed.  Oxf: 
The Lord Ambassador,  
Huntley, your Father (Madam) should a' look on  
Your strange subjection, in a gaze so public,  
Would blush on your behalf, and wish his Country  
Unleft, for entertainment to such sorrow.  Kath: 
Why art thou angry Oxford? I must be  
More peremptory in my duty;— (Sir)  
Impute it not unto immodesty,  
That I presume to press you to a Legacy,  
Before we part for ever!  Warb: 
Let it be then  
My heart, the rich remains, of all my fortunes.  Kath: 
Confirm it with a kiss pray!  Warb: 
Oh, with that  
I wish to breathe my last upon thy lips,  
Those equal twins of comeliness, I seal  
The testament of honourable Vows:  
whoever be that man, that shall unkiss  
This sacred print next, may he prove more thrifty  
In this world's just applause, not more desertful.  Kath: 
By this sweet pledge of both our souls, I swear  
To die a faithful widow to thy bed:  
Not to be forced, or won. o, never, never.  Enter Surrey, Dawbney, Huntley, and Crawford. Dawb: 
Free the condemned person, quickly free him.  
What has a yet confessed?  Vrsw: 
Nothing to purpose;  
But still 'a will be King.  Surr: 
Prepare your journey  
To a new Kingdom then, (unhappy Madam)  
Wilfully foolish! See my Lord Ambassador,  
Your Lady Daughter will not leave the Counterfeit  
In this disgrace of fate.  Hunt: 
I never pointed  
Thy marriage (girl) but yet being married,  
Enjoy thy duty to a husband, freely:  
The griefs are mine. I glory in thy constancy;  
And must not say, I wish, that I had missed  
Some partage in these trials of a patience.  Kath: 
You will forgive me noble Sir?  Hunt: 
Yes, yes;  
In every duty of a wife, and daughter,  
I dare not disavow thee,— to your husband  
(For such you are Sir) I impart a farewell  
Of manly pity; what your life has passed through,  
The dangers of your end will make apparent?  
And I can add, for comfort to your sufferance,  
No Cordial, but the wonder of your frailty,  
Which keeps so firm a station.— we are parted.  Warb: 
we are a crown of peace, renew thy age  
Most honourable  Huntley: 
worthy Crawford?  
we may embrace, I never thought thee injury.  Crawf: 
Nor was I ever guilty of neglect  
Which might procure such thought. I take my leave (Sir.)  Warb: 
To you Lord Daliell: what? accept a sigh,  
'Tis hearty, and in earnest.  Daliell. 
I want utterance:  
My silence is my farewell.  Kath: 
Oh— oh,—  Iane: 
Sweet Madam,  
What do you mean!— my Lord, your hand.  Dal: 
Dear Lady,  
Be pleased that I may wait 'ee to your lodging.  Exeunt Daliell, Katherine, jane. Enter Sheriff, and Officers, Sketon, Astley, Heron, and Mayor with halters about their necks. Oxf: 
Look 'ee, behold your followers, appointed  
To wait on 'ee in death.  Warb: 
Why Peers of England,  
we'll lead 'em on courageously. I read  
A triumph over tyranny upon  
Their several foreheads. Faint not in the moment  
Of Victory! our end, and Warwick's head,  
Innocent Warwick's head, (for we are Prologue  
But to his tragedy) conclude the wonder  
Of Henry's fears; and then the glorious race  
Of fourteen Kings PLANTAGINETTS, determines  
In this last issue male, Heaven be obeyed.  
Impoverish time of its amazement (friends)  
And we will prove, as trusty in our payments,  
As prodigal to nature in our debts.  
Death? pish, 'tis but a sound; a name of air;  
A minute's storm; or not so much, to tumble  
From bed to bed, be massacred alive  
By some Physicians, for a month, or two,  
In hope of freedom from a fever's torments,  
Might stagger manhood; here, the pain is past  
Ere sensibly 'tis felt. Be men of spirit!  
Spurn coward passion! so illustrious mention,  
Shall blaze our names, and style us KINGS o'er DEATH.  Daw: 
Away-Impostor beyond precedent: Ex: all Officers and Prisoners.  
No Chronicle records his fellow.  Hunt: 
I have  
Not thoughts left, 'tis sufficient in such cases  
Just Laws ought to proceed.  Enter King Henry, Durham, and Hialas. K: H: 
we are resolved:  
Your business (noble Lords) shall find success,  
Such as your King importunes.  Hunt: 
You are gracious.  K: H: 
Perkin, we are informed, is armed to die:  
In that we'll honour him. Our Lords shall follow  
To see the execution; and from hence  
we gather this fit use: that public States,  
As our particular bodies, taste most good  
In health, when purged of corrupted blood.  Exeunt omnes.   
FINIS.   

 

   

Epilogue.  
HEre has appeared, though in a several fashion,  
The Threats of Majesty; the strength of passion;  
Hopes of an Empire; change of fortunes; All  
What can to Theatres or Greatness fall;  
Proving their weak foundations: who will please  
Amongst such several Sight's, to censure These  
No birth's abortive nor a bastard-brood  
(Shame to a parentage, or fosterhood)  
May warrant by their loves, all just excuses,  
And often find a welcome to the Muses.  
FINIS.