¶ A new and pleasant interlude entitled the marriage of Wit and Science. Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet, near unto saint Dunston's church by Thomas Marsh. ¶ The player's names. Nature wit. Will, Study, Diligence, Instruction, Science, Reason, Experience, Recreation, with three other women singers. Shame, idleness, Ignorance Tediousness. Nature, wit and william. grand Lady mother of every mortal thing: Nurse of the world conservative of kind Cause of increase, of life and soul the spring, At whose instinct, the noble Heaven doth wind, To whose award all Creatures are assigned, I come in place, to treat with this my son, For his avail how he the path may find, Whereby his Race in honour he may run: Come tender Child, unripe and green for age, In whom the paret sets her chief delight, Wit is thy name, but far from wisdom sage, Till tract of time shall work and frame aright, This peerless brain, not yet in perfect plight: But when it shallbe wrought me thinks I see As in a glass before hand with my sight A certain perfect piece of work in thee, And now so far as I guess by signs Some great attempt is fixed in thy breast: Speak on my son whereto thy heart inclines And let me deal to set thy heart at rest, He salves the fore that knows the patient best As I do thee my son my chiefest care, In whom my special praise and joy doth rest, To me therefore these thoughts of thine declare Wit. Nature, my sovereign Queen and paret passing deer Whose force I am enforced to know and knowledge every where, This care of mine though it be bread within my breast, Yet it is not so ripe: as yet to breed me great unrest, So run I to and fro, with hap such as I find, Now fast, now loose, now hot, now cold, unconstant as that wind, I feel myself in love yet not inflamed so, But causes move me now and then, to let such fancies go, Which causes prevailing sets each thing else in doubt Much like the nail that last came in, & drives the former out. Wherefore my suit is this, that it would please your grace, To settle this unsettled head in some assured place: To lead me through the thick, to guide me all the way, To point me where I may achieve my most desired pray, For now again of late I kindle in desire And pleasure pricketh fourth my youth to feel a greater fire, What though I be to young to show her sport in bed, Yet are there many in this land that at my years do wed, And though I wed not yet, yet am I old enough To serve my Lady to my power and to begin to woe. Nature. What is that ladies son which thus thy heart doth move Wit. A Lady whom it might be seem high jove himself to love Nature Who taught the her to love, or hast thou seen her face. Wit. Nor this nor that, but I heard men talk of her apace. Nature. What is her name? Wit. Reason is her sire, Experience her dame, The Lady now is in her flowers and Science is her name Lo where she dwells, lo where my heart is all possessed, Lo where my body would abide, lo where my soul doth rest. Her have I borne good will, these many years tofore, But now she lodgeth in my thought a hundred parts the more, And since I do persuade myself that this is she Which aught above all earthly wights to be most dear to me And since I wot not how to compass my desire, And since for shame I can not now nor mind not to retire, Help on I you beseech and bring this thing about Without your hurt to my great ease, and set all out of doubt. Nature. Thou askest more, then is in me to give, Moore than thy cause, more than thy state will bear They are two things to able thee to live, And to live so, that none should be thy pear, The first fromme, proceedeth every where, But this by toil and practice of the mind, Is set full far god wots and bought full dear, By those that seek the fruit thereof to find, To match thee then with Science in degree, To knit that knot, that few may reach unto I tell the plain, it lieth not in me, Why should I challenge that I cannot do But thou must take another way to woe, And beat thy brain and bend thy curious head, Both ride and run and travail too and from If thou intend that famous Dame to wed. Wit. You name yourself the Lady of this world. Nature. It is true. Wit. And can there be within this world, a thing to hard for you. Nature. My power it is not absolute in jurisdiction For I cognise an other Lord above That hath received unto his disposition The soul of man which he of special love To gifts of grace and learning eke doth move. A work so far beyond my reach and call, That in to part of praise with him myself to show Might soon procure my well deserved fall. He makes the frame and receive it so, No jot therein altered for my head, And as I it receive I let it go, Causing therein such sparkles to be bred As he commyttes to me by whom I must be led Who guides me first and in me guides the rest, All which in their due course and kind are sped Of gifts from me such as may serve them best, To thee son wit he willed me to infpire The love of knowledge and certain seeds divine Which ground might be a mean to bring thee heir, If thereunto thyself thou wilt incline The massy gold, the couning hand makes fine: Good grounds are tiled, as well as are the worst The rankest flower will ask a springing time, So is man's wit unperfit at the first. Wit. If cunning be the key and well of worldly bliss My thinketh god might at the first as well endue all with this. Nature. As cunning is the key of bliss, so it is worthy praise The worthiest things are won with pain in tract of time always, Wit. And yet right worthy things there are, you will confess I trow, Which notwithstanding at our birth god doth on us bestow. Nature. There are but such as unto you that have the great to name, I rather that bestow then win thereby immortal fame, Wit. Fain would I learn what harm or detriment ensued, If any man were at his birth with these good gifts endued. Nature. There should be nothing left, wherein men might excel, No blame for sin, no praise to them that had defined well Virtue should loose her price, and learning would abound And as man would admire the thing that echewher might be found, The great estate that have of me and fortune what they will Should have no need to look to those, whose heads are fraght with skill The meaner sort that now excels in virtues of the mind, Should not be once accepted there where now they succour found For great men should be sped of all & would have need of none And he that were not borne to land should lack to live upon These and five thousand causes more which I forbear to tell, The noble virtue of the mind have caused there to devil Where none may have access, but such as can get in Through many double doors, through heat, through cold, through thick and thin. Wit. Suppose I would address myself to seek her out And to refuse no pain that lieth there about Should I be sure to speed? Nature. Trust me and have no doubt, Thou canst not Choose but speed with travel and with time These two are they that must direct thee how to climb Will. With travel and with time, must they neds join in one? Nature. Nor that nor this can do the good, if they be took alone. Witt. Time worketh all with ease, and gives the greatest dint In time soft water drops can hollow hardest flint Again. with labour by itself, great matters compaste be Even at a gird in very little time or none we see Wherefore in my conceit good reason it is Either this with out that to look, or that with out this. Nature. Set case thou didst attempt to climb Pernasus hill Take time five hundredth thousand yers & longer if thou will Trowest thou to touch the top there of by standing still Again, work out thy heart and spend thyself with toil Take time with all or else I dare assure the of the foil Wit. Madame, I trust I have your licence and your leave With your good will & so much help as you to me can give With further aid also, when you shall spy your time, To make a proof to give attempt this famous hill to climb And now I here request your blessing and your prayer For sure before I sleep I will to yonder fort repair Nature. I bless thee here with all such gifts as nature can bestow And for thy sake I would they were as many hundred more Take therewith all this child, to wait upon the stil. A bird of mine some kin to thee, his name is Will. Wit. Welcome to me my will, what service canst thou do, Will. All things forsooth, sir when me list and more to. Wit. But when wilt thou list, when I shall list I trow Will. Trust not to that, peradventure yea, peradventure no, Wit. When I have need of thee thou wilt not serve me so, Will. If ye bid me run, perhaps I will go: Wit. Cock soul this is a boy for the nonse amongst twenty more, Will. I am plain I tell you at a word and a blow, Wit. Then must I prick you child if you be drowned in sloth Nature. Agree you twain for I must leave you both, Farewell my son: farewell mine own good Will, Be ruled by Wit, and be obedient still, Force the I cannot but as far as lies in me, I will help thy master to make a good servant of thee Farewell. Exit Wit. Adieu Lady mother with thanks for all your pain And now let me bethink myself again & eke again To match with Science is the thing that I have took in hand, A matter of more weight I see, than I did understand Will must be won to this, or else it will be hard Will must go break the matter first, or else my gain is marred, Sir boy are you content to take such part for me As god shall send, and help it forth as much as lies in thee. Will. You a Master by his wounds or else cut of his head. Wit. Come then & let us two devise what trace were best to tredde, Nature is on my side and Will my boy is fast, There is no doubt I shall obtain my joys at last. Exeunt Act 2, sena. 1. Wit and Will. Wit. What Will I say Will boy come again foolish elf Will. I cry you mercy sir you are a tall man yourself, Wit. Such a cokbraine as thou art I never saw y like to it Will. Truth in respect of you that are nothing else but Wit Wit. Canst thou tell me thy errand because thou art gone so soon, Will. Can I remember a long tale of a man in the moon, With such a circumstance and such flim-flam I will tell at a word whole servant I am Wherefore I come and what I have to say, And call for her answer, before I come away What should I make a broad tree, of every little shrub, And keep her agreat while with a tale of a tub. Wit. Yet thou must commend me to be rich, lusty pleasant and wise. Will. I can not commend you, but I must make twenty lies Rich quoth you, that appeareth by the port that you keep, Even as rich as a new shorn sheep Of pleasant conceits, ten busshells to the peck, Lusty like a herring, with a bell about his neck, Wile as a woodcock: as brag as a bodylouse, A man of your hands, to match with a mouse: How say you, are not these proper qualities to praise you with. Wit. Leave these mad toys of thine and come to the pythe One part of the errand should have been, To give her this picture of mine to be seen, And to request her the same to accept Safely until my coming to be kept, Which I suspense till thy return and then If it like her Ladyshipppe to appoint me where and when I will wait upon her gladly out of hand. Will. Sir let me alone your mind I understand, I will handle the matter so that you shall own me thanks, But what if she find fault with these spindle thanks Or else with these black spots on your nose. Wit. In faith sir boy this talk deserveth blows. Will. You will not misuse your best servant I suppose For by his nails, and by his finger's toe. I will mar your marriage if you do clitter. Wit. I pray the go thy ways and leave this clatter. Will. First shall I be so bold to break to you a matter. Wit. Tush thou art disposed to spend words in waist, And yet thou knowest this business asketh haste Will. But even two words, and then I am gone. Wit. If it be worth the hearing, say on. Will. I would not have you think that I for my part From my promise or from your service will departed, But yet now and then it goeth to my heart, When I think how this marriage may be to my smart Wit. Why so? Will. I would tell you the cause if I durst for shame. Wit. Speke hardly what thou wilt without any blame. Will. I am not disposed as yet to be tame, And therefore I am loath to be under a Dame, Now you are a Bachelor a man may soon win you Me thinks there is some good fellowship in you, We may laugh and be merry at board and at bed, You are not so testy as those that be wed, Mild in behaviour and loath to fall out, You may run, you may ride & rove round about, With wealth at your will and all thing at ease, Free frank and lusty, esye to please, But when you be clogged and tied by the toe, So fast that you shall not have power to let go, You will tell me another lesson soon after And cry peccavi too except your luck be the better: Then farewell goodfellowshyp then come at a call Then wait at an inch you idle knaves all, Then sparing and pynchinge and nothing of gift, No talk with our master, but all for his thrift, Solemn and sour and angry as a wasp, allthings must be kept under lock and haspe, At that which will make me to far full ill. All your care shallbe to hamper poor will. Wit. I warrant the for that take thou no thought, Thou shalt be made of, whosoever be set at naught As dear to me, as mine own dear brother, Whosoever be one, thou shalt be an other. Will Yea but your wife will play the shrew, pardie it is she that I fear Wit. Thy message will 'cause her some favour to bear, For my sake and thy sake and for her own likewise If thou use thyself discreetly in this enterprise. Will. She hath a father, a testy sour old man, I doubt jest he and I, shall fall out now and than, Wit. give him fair words, forbear him for his age, Thou must consider him to be ancient and sage, Show thyself officious and serviceable still, And then shall Reason make very much of William. Will. If your wife be ever complaining, how then? Wit. My wife will have nothing to do with my men. Will. If she do, believe her not in any wise. And when you once perceive her stomach to arise, Then cut her short at the first and you shall see A marvelous virtue in that medisen to be, Give her not the bridle for a year or twain And you shall see her bridle it without a rain, Break her betimes and bring her under by force Or else the grey Mare, will be the better horse. Wit. If thou have done begun, and spend no time in vain. Will. Where shall I find you, when I come again. Wit. At home. Will. Good enough take your ease let me alone with this Surely a treasure of all treasures it is, To serve such a master, as I hope him to be, And to have such a servant as he hath of me, For I am quick, nimbell, proper and nice, He is full good, gentle, sober and wise, He is full loath to thide or to check, And I am as willing to serve at a beck, He orders me well and speaks me so fair That for his sake no travail I must spare, But now am I come to the gate of this Lady, I will pause a while to frame mine errant fynelye And lo where she cometh yet will I not come nigh her, But among these fellows will I stand to eye her. Act. 2. sena 2. Reason, Experience, Science and Will. Science. My Parents ye know, how many fall in laps That do ascribe to me the cause of their mishaps? How many seek that come to short of their desire? How many do attempt that daily do retire? How many rove about the mark on every side? How many think to hit when they are much to wide? How many run to far how many light to low? How few to good effect, their travail do bestow, And how all these impute their losses unto me. Should I have joy to think of marriage now trow ye What doth the world my love alone say they Is bought so dear that life and goods for it must pay Strong youth must spend itself, and yet when all is done, We here of few or none that have this Lady won. On me they make outcries and charge me with the blood Of those that for my sake adventure life and good This grief doth wound my heart so, the suitors more as yet I see no cause nor reason why I should admit. Reason. Ah daughter say not so there is great cause and skill, For which you should mislike to live unmarried thus alone What comfort can you have remaining thus unknown How shall the common wealth by you advanced be If you abide enclosed here where no man may you see It is not for your state, yourself to take the pain All strangers that resort to you to entertain To suffer free access of all that come and go To be at each man's call to travail too and fro, What then, since god hath placed such treasure in your breast Wherewith so many thousand think by you to be refreshed Needs must you have some one of hid and secret trust By whom these things may be, well ordered and discussed: To him you must disclose the depth of all your thought By him as time shall serve all matters must be wrought To him above you must content yourself to be at call You must be his, he must be yours, he must be all in all. Experience. My Lord your father tells you truth perdie And that in time yourself shall find and try. Science. I could allege more then as yet I have said, But I must yield, and you must be obeyed Fall out as it will there is no help I see, Some one or other in time must marry me, Will. In time nay out of hand, Madam if it please you, In faith I know a younker that will ease you, A lively young gentleman, as fresh as any flower, That will not stick to mary you within this hour. Science. Such haste might hapelye turn to waste to sum, But I pray thee my pretty boy whence art thou come. Will. If it please your good Ladyshype to accept me so, I have a solemn message to tell or I go, Not any thing in secret your honour to stain, But in the presence and hearing of you twain. Reason. Speak. Will. The Lady of this world which Lady Natures height, Hath one a peerless son in whom she taketh delight, On him she chargeth man to be antendant still, Both kind to her, his name is Wit, my name is Will, The noble child doth feel the force of cupydes' flame And sendeth now for ease by counsel of his dame, His mother taught him first to love while he was young Which love with age increaseth sore and waxeth wondrous strong For very fame displays your bounty more and more, And at this pyntch he burneth so as never heretofore Not fanteses force, not vain and Idle toys of love, Not hope of that which commonly doth other suitors move, But fixed fast good will that never shall relent, And virtues force that shines in you bade him give this attempt, He hath no need of wealth, he woos not for your good, His kindred is such he need not to seek to match with noble blood, Such store of friends that where he jest he may command, And none so hardy to presume his pleasure to withstand, yourself it is, your virtue and your grace, your noble gifts your endless prays in every place, You alone I say the mark that he would hit, The hoped joy the dearest prey that can befale to wit, Experience. I have not hard a meyssage more trymlee done, Scince. Nor I, what age art thou of my good son, Will. Between eleven and xii, Madam more or less. Reason. He hath been instructed this errand as I guess. Sciencc, How old is the gentleman thy master canst thou tell? Will. seventeen or there about I wot not very well. Science. What stature of what making what kind of port bears he Will. Such as your Ladyshipe can not mislike trust me. Well grown, well made, a stripling clean and tall, Well favoured, somewhat black and manly therewithal, And that you may conceive his parsonage the better, Lo hear of him the vearye shape and lively picture, This hath he sent to you to view and to behold, I dare avouch no joint therein no jote to be controlled, Science. In good faith I thank thy master with my heart, I perceive that nature in him, hath done her part. Will. Farther, if it please your honour to know: My master would be glad to run ride or go, At your commandment to any place far or near, To have but a sight of your Ladyship there, I beseech you appoint him the place and the hour, You shall see how readily to you he will scour. Reason. Do so. Experience. You in any wise daughter, for here you me, He seemeth a right worthy and trim young man to be. Science. Commend me then to Wit, and let him understand, That I accept with all my heart this present at his hand, And that I would be glad, when he doth see his time, To hear and see him face to face, within this house of mine Then may he break his mind and talk with me his fill, Till then adieu both he and thou mine own sweet little William. Exeunt science, Reason Experience. Act 2. sena 3. Ah flattering Queen, how neatly she can talk How minionly she trips, how sadly she can walk Well wanton yet beware that ye be sound and sure, Fair words are wont often times, fair women to allure, Now must I get me home and make report of this: To him that thinks it long, till my return I wis. Act 3 sena 1. Wit and Will. Wit. Sayest thou me so boy, will she have me in deed Will. Be of good cheer sir I warrant you to speed Wit Did both her parents speak well to her of me. Will. As heart can think go on and you shall see, Wit. How took she the picture, how liketh she my person. Will. She never had done toting and looking thereon. Wit. And must I come to talk with her my fill. Will. When soever you please, and as often as you william. Wit. O my sweat boy, how shall I recompense, Thy faithful heart and painful diligence, My hope, my stay, my wealth, the kaye of all my joy. Will. I pray you sir call me your man, and not your boy, Wit. Thou shalt be what thou wilt all in all. Will. Promise' me faithfully that if your wife brawl Or set her father to check me out of measure, You will not see me abused to their pleasure Wit. Give me thy hand take here my faith and troth, I will maintain thee, how soever the world goeth. Act 3 sena 1. Wit. What shall we do? shall we stand lingering here? Will. If you be a man press in, and go near. Wit. What if there be some other suitor there. Will. And if there be, yet need you not to fear, Until I bring his head to you, upon a spear. I will not look you in the face, nor in your sight appear. Reason. Nay wit, advise yourself and pause a while, Or else this haste of yours will you beguile. Science. No haste but good, take time and learn to fight, Learn to assault, learn to defend a right: Your match is monstrous to behold and full of might, Whom you must vanquish, not by force but by slight: Wit. Madame stand to your promise if I win I am sped, Am I not? Science. Yea truly. Will. Good enough, if we fight not I would we wear dead, No man shall stay us, that béeres a head. Experience. Young man a word or twain, and then adieu. Your years are few your practice green and new, Mark what I say, and ye shall find it true: You are the first that shall this rashness rue, Be ruled here, our counsel do thereafter, Lay good ground, your work shall be the faster: This headlong haste, may sooner miss then hit, Take heed both of Wits will, and wilful wit, We have within a gentleman our retainer and our friend, With servants twain that do on him attend, Instruction, Study, Diligence these three, At your commandment in this attempt shallbe, Here them in stead of us, and as they shall devise, So hardly cast our cards in this enterprise I will sand them to you, and leave you for now. Wit. The more company the merrier, boy what sayst thou? Will. It is a good fault to have more then enough, I care not, so as we may pull the knaves down, I would we were at it, I pass not how soon. Wit. If it shall please you to sand those three hither, We will follow your counsel and go together. Will. I warrant her a shrew whosoever be an other, God make the daughter good, I like not the mother, Reason. Yet would not I for no good to have foregone her. Will. Marry sir in deed she talks and takes on her: Like a Dame, nay like a duchess or a queen: With such a solemnity as I have not seen. Reason. She is a queen I tell thee in her degree, Will. Let her be what she list, with a vengeance for me: I will keep me out of her reach if I can. Reason. If this marriage go forward, thou must be her man. Will. Marriage or marriage not, be shrew me than, I have but one master, and I will serve no more, And if he anger me, I will forsake him to. Reason. She shall not hurt the unless her cause be juster. Will. By the faith of my body sir, I intent not to trust her. Reason. Why. Will. Take me this woman that talks so roundly, That be so wise, that reason so sound: That look so narrow, that speak so shrill: Their words are not so cursed, but their deeds are as ill. Reason. It is but thy fancy, I see no such thing in her. Will. Perhaps you had never occasion to try her. Reason. That were great marvel in so many years. Will. She hath won the mastery of you it appears. Wit. Well quiet yourself thou shalt take no wrong, Me think our three companions tarry very long. Act 3 sena 3. Instruction, Study, Diligence, Reason, Wit, Will. Instruction. Sir we are come to know your pleasure. Reason. You are come in good time, Instruction our treasure, This Gentleman craveth your acquaintance & aid. What you may do for him let him not be denayed, Wit. Welcome good fellows, will ye devil with me. Diligence. If all parts be pleased, content are we. Wit. Welcome Instruction with all my heart. Will. What three new servants, then farewell my part. Instruction. I heartily thank you, and look what I can do, It shallbe always ready to pleasure you. Reason. Consider and talk together with these, And you shall find in your travail great 〈◊〉 Take here of me before I take my leave, This glass of Crystal clear which I you give Accept it and reserve it for my sake most sure, Much good to you in time it may procure, Behold yourself therein, and view and pry, Mark what defects it will discover and descry, And so with judgement ripe, and curious eye, What is a miss endeavour to supply, Farewell. Wit. Farewell to you, right honourable sir: And commend me to my love my hearts desire, Let her think on me when she sees me not and wish me well. Will. Farewell master Reason, think upon us, when you see us not. And in any wise, let not Will be forgot. Wit. Since I must take advise and counsel of you three, I must entreat you all, to devil in house with me, And look what order you shall prescribe as needful, To keep the same you shall find me as heedful: Come, Instruction. Come, Will. Go. Act 4. sena. 1. Wit, Will, Instruction, Study, Diligence. Will. Tush tush Instruction, your talk is of no force, You tell us a tale of a roasted horse, Which by his wounds except we set to it, As fast as we make, this fellows will undo it, Their talk is nothing but soft and fair and tarry, If you follow their counsel you shall never marry. Instruction. To follow our counsel your charge and promise was, Wit I would I had never known you by the mass. Must I look so long and spend my life with toil Nay sure, I will either win it, or take the foil. Study. The surer is your ground, the better you shall bear it. Will. Ground us no ground, let him win it and wear it. Instruction. Good sir be ruled and leave this peevish elf. Wit. I had even as leaf ye bade me hang myself, Leave him: no no I would you all knew, You be but loiterers to him, my Will tells me true, I conld be content with a week, yea a month or twain, But 3. or 4. years, marry that were a pain, So long to keep me, and lie like a hog. Will. A life withal my heart I would not wish a dog. Wit. Will a week serve. Study. No. Wit A month. Study. Neyther● Wit. No. Study. Not so. Instruction. Not nor so many more. Wit. Then farewell all for as I hope to thrive, I will prove him or I sleep, if I be alive, And if ye be mine and good fellows all three, Go thither, out of hand and take your chance with me. Instruction. For my part, I know I can do you no good. Will. You are a proper man of your hands by the Rood, Yet welfare him that never his master forsaketh. Wit. What sayst thou Study. Study. My head acheth. Wit. Out upon the coward: speak Diligence, Against Instructions mind, I am loath to go hence, Yet I will make one, rather than you should lack. Wit. Perhaps we may find them at this time in bed. Will. So much the rather look you to be sped, Care for no more, but once to come within her, And when you have done: then let another win her. Wit. To come within her child, what meanest thou by that. Will. One mass for a penny, you know what is what. Wit. Hard you ever such a counsel of such a jacke sprat. Will. Why sir do ye think to do any good, If ye stand in a corner like Roben hood, Nay you must stout it, and face it out with the best. Set on a good countenance, make the most of the jest, Who soever skip in, look to your part, And while you live beware of a false heart. Wit. Both blame and shame, rash boldness doth breed. Will. You must adventure both, spare to speak, spare to speed, What tell you me of shame, it is shame to steal a horse. Wit. Moore haste then good speed, makes many fare the worse. Will. But he that takes not such time while he may, Shall leap at a whyting when time is a way. Wit. But he that leaps before he look, good son, May leap in the mire, and miss when he hath done. Science. Me think I hear the voice of Will, Wites boy. Wit. I see her come, her sorrow and my joy, My salve, and yet my sore, my comfort, and my care, The causer of my wound, and yet the will of my welfare: O happy wight, that have the saint of your request, O hoples' hope that holdeth me from the which likes me best, Twixte hope and fear I stand, to mar or else to make, This day to be relieved quit, or else my death wound to take. Reason. Here let us rest a while and pause all three: Experience. Daughter sit down, belike this same is he. Will. Be of good cheer sir be ruled by me Women are best pleased, till they be used homely, Look her in the face and tell your tale stoutly. Wit. O pearl of passing prise, sent down from god on high, The sweetest beauty to entice that hath been seen with eye. The well of wealth to all, that no man doth annoy: The kaye of kingdoms & the steal of everlasting joy. The treasure and the store, whom all good things began, The nurse of Lady wysedoms lore, the link of man & man. What words shall me suffice, to utter my desire, What heat of talk shall I devise, for to express my fire I burn and yet I freeze, I flame and cool as fast, In hope to win and for to lose my pensiveness doth last, Why should my dulled sprite, apal my courage so. O salve my sore, or slay me quite, by saying yea, or no, You are the mark at whom, I shot to hit or miss, My life it stays on you alone, to you my suit it is, Amity not much unmeet with you some grief to find, Dame Nature's son, my name is wit the fancieth you by kind, And here I come this day, to wait and to attend In hope to have my hoped prey, or else my life to end. Science. Good cause there is wherefore I should embrace, This loving heart which you have borne to me And glad I am that we be both in place, Each one of us each others looks to see, Your picture and your person doth agreed, Your princelike port and eke your noble face, Wherein so many signs of virtue be: That I must needs be moved in your case: Reason. Friend wit? are you the man in deed which you intent, Can you be well content until your life doth end, To join and knit most sure with this my daughter here, And unto her alone your fixed faith to bear. Wit. As I am bent to this so let my suit be sped, If I do fail ten Thousand plagues & more, light on my head. Experience. There are that promise fair, and mean as well, As any hear can think, or tongue can tell, Which at the first are hot, and kindle in desire, But in one month or twain, quit quenched is the fire. Such is the trade of youth whom famies force doth lead, Whose love is only at the plunge & cannot long proceed. Wit. Credit my words, and ye shall found me true. Experience. Suppose you keep not touch, who should this bargain rue. Wit. I will be sworn here solemnly before you both. Experience. Who breaketh promise, will not stick likewise to break his oath. Wit. I will be bound in all that ever I can make. Experience. What good were that to us if we th'advantage take. Wit. Will neither promise serve: nor oath nor bands, What other assurance will ye ask at my hands. Will. My master is a gentleman. I tell you and his word, I would you knew it shall with his deeds accord. Reason. We know not whom to trust, the world is so ill. Will. In deed sir as you say you may mend when ye will, But in good earnest Madam, speak of or on, Shall we speed at your hand, or shall we begun, I love not this delays, say so if we shall have you, If not, say no, and let another crave you. Wit. Soft and fair sir boy, you talk you wots not what? Will. Can you abide to be driven of with this and that, Can they ask any more than good assurance at your hands. Experience. All is now to little son, as the matter stands, Will. If all be to little both goods and lands, I know not what will please you, except darby's bands I have an enemy, my friend wit a mortal foe to me, And therewithal the greatest plague that can befall to the. Wit. Must I fight with him, Reason. Can you fight if need be. Will. If any such thing fall, count the charge to me, Trouble not yourself. Wit. Hold thy peace elf. Science. Here out my tale, I have a mortal foe: That lurketh in the wood, hereby as you come and go, This monstrous Giant, bears a grudge to me and mine, And will attempt to keep thee back, from this desser of thine. The bane of youth, the root of ruin and destres: Devouring those that sue to me, his name is Tediousness. Not sooner he espies, the noble Wit begin: To stir and pain itself the love of me to win. But forth he steps and with strong hands by might and main: He beats and buffettes down, the force and livelynes of brain. That done in deep despair, he drowns him villainously, Ten thousand suitors in a year, are cast away thereby. Now if your mind be surely fixed so, That for no toil nor cost, my love you will forego. Bethink you well, and of this monster take good heed, Then may you have with me, the greater hope to speed. Herein use good advise, to make you strong and stout, To sand and keep him of a while, until his rage be out. Then when you feel yourself, well able to prevail: Bid you the battle, and that so courageously assail. If you can win the field, present me with his head, I ask no more and I forth with, shall be your own to bed. Wit. Il might I thrive, and lack that likes me best, If I be not a scourge to him, that bredes your unrest. Madam assare yourself, he lives not in the land, With whom I would not in your cause, encounter hand to hand. And as for Tediousness that wretch, your common foe, Let me alone, we twain shall cope before I sleep I trow. Will. Lustily spoken, let me claw thee by the back: How say you now sir, here are three against twain, Study. Go that go list, I will at home remain, I have more need to take a nap in my bed. Will, Do so and here you couch a cods head. Instruction. Well since it will none otherwise frame. Let us twain Study, & return from whence we came. Study, Agreed. Exit. Wit. And let us three bestyre ourselves like men. Unlikely things are brought to pass, by courage now and then. My will be always priest, and ready at an inch. To save thyself to secure me, to help at every pinch. Both twain on either side, assault him if ye can, And you shall see me in the mids, how I will play the man This is the deadly den, as far as I perceive, Approach we near and valiantly let us the unset give. Come forth thou monster fell, in drowsy darkness hid, For here is wit Dame Nature's son, y doth thee battle bid. Act 4 sena 2. Tediousness, Wit, Will, Diligence. Tediousness. What pryncox have we here, that dares me to assail, Alas poor boy, and winest thou, against me to prevail. Full small was he thy friend, whoever sent the hither, For I must drive the back with shame, or slay thee altogether. Wit. Great boast small roast, I warrant thee do thy best, Thy head must serve my turn, this day to set my heart at rest. Will. And I must have a leg of the if I can catch it. Tediousness. Fight, strike at will. First I must quise this brain of thine, if I can reach it. Wit. Well shifted Will, now have at thee sir knave. Tediousness. These friscoles shall not serve your turn for all your haunts so brave Hoh hoh, did I not tell thee thou camest to thy pain. Diligence. Help, help, help, our master is slain. Will. Help, help, help etc. Tediousness. Where are these lusty blood, that make their match with me? Here lies a pattern for them all, to look at and to see. To teach them to conspire against my force and might, To promise' for their woman's love, to vanquish me in fight: Now let them go and crack, how wisely they have sped, Such is the end of those, that seek this curious Dame to wed. Hoh hoh hoh. Act 4. sena 3. Will. Recreation, Wit. Will. Rub and chafe him. For god's love hast, see lo where he doth lie. Recreation. He is not cold, I warrant him, I Singe. Give a leg, give an arm, arise, arise, Hold up thy head, lift us thy eyes, 1 A leg to stand up right, 2 An arm to fight a main, 1 The head to hold thy brains in plight, 2 The eyes to look again. A wake ye drowned powers. You spirits for dull with toil: Resyne to me this care of yours, And from dead sleep recoil. Think not upon your loathsome luck, But arise and dance with us a pluck. Both sing give a leg, as is before. 2 What though thou hast not hit, The top of thy desire, Time is not so far spent as yet To 'cause the to retire, A rise and ease thyself of pain, And make thee strong to fight again, sing both. Let not thy foes rejoice, Let not thy friends lament, Let not thy Ladies rueful voice, In sobs and sighs be spent, Thy fayth is plight forget it not, Twixt her and the to knit the knot. Singe. give a leg etc. This is no deadly wound, It may be cured well. See here what Physic we have found, Thy sorrows to expel. ¶ Wit lifting himself up, sitting on the ground The way is plain, the mark is fair, Lodge not thyself in deep despair. Witte What noise is this that ringeth in my ears, Her noise that grieveth my mishap with tears, Ah my mishap my desperate mishap, In whom ill fortune poureth down, all mishap at a clap, What shall become of me, where shall I hide my head? O what a death is it to live for him that would be dead? But since it chanceth so, what ever wight thou be, That findeth me here, in heavy plight, go tell her this from me. causeless I perish here, and cause to curse I have. The time that erst I lived to love, and now must die her slave, The match was over much for me, she understood, Alas why hath she this delight, to lap in guiltless blood. How did I give her cause to show me this despite, To match me where she witted full well, I should be slain in fight. But go and tell her plain, although to late for me, Accursed be the time and hour, which first I did her see. Accursed be the wight, that wild me first thereto, And cursed be they all at once, that had therewith to do. Now get the hence in haste, and suffer me to die. Whom scornful chance & lawless love, have slain most traitorously Recreation. O noble Wit the miracle of God, and eke of Nature: Why cursest thou thyself, and every other creature. What causeth the thine innocent dear Lady to accuse? Who would lament it more than she, to here this woeful news. Why wilt thou die, whereas thou mayst be sure of health? Whereas thou seeth a plain path way, to worship and to wealth. Not every foil doth make a fall, nor every soil doth slay, Comfort thyself be sure thy luck, will mend from day to day. Will. This gentle news of good Will, are come to make you sound, They know which way to salve your sore, and how to cure your wound Good sir be ruled by her then, and pluck your spirit to you: There is no doubt, but you shall found, your loving lady true. Wit. Ah Will art thou alive, that doth my heart some ease, The sight of the sweet boy, my sorrows doth appease: How hast thou scaped, what fortune the befell? Will. It was no trusting to my hands, my heels did serve me well I ran with open mouth, to cry for help amain, And as good fortune would, I hit upon these twain. Wit. I thank both thee and them, what will ye have me do. Recreation To rise and dance a little space with us two? Wit. What then. Recreation. That done, repair again to Study and Instruction, Take better hold by their advise, your foe to set upon. Wit. Can any recompense recover this my fall? Recreation My life to yours it may be mended all. Wit. Speak Will. Will. I have no doubt sir it shallbe as you would wish. Wit. But yet this repulse of mine, they will lay in my dish. Recreation. No man shall let them know thereof, unless yourself do it. Wit. On that condition a god's name, fall we to it. Will. Nay stand we to it, and let us fall no more. Wit. Will dancing serve, and I will dance until my bones be sore, Pipe us up a Galliard minstrel, to begin, Let will call for dances, one after an other. Will. Come Damsel in good faith and let me have you in. Let him practise in dancing all things to make himself brethles. Recreation. Enough at once, now leave, and let us part. Wit. This exercise hath done me good, even to the very heart. Let us be bold with you more acquaintance to take And dance a round, yet once more for my sake, Enough is enough, farewell, and at your need: Use my acquaintance if it may stand you in steed. Right worthy Damsels both, I know you seek no gains, In recompense of this desert your undeserved pains. But look what other thing my service may devise, To show my thankful heart in any enterprise. Be ye as bold therewith, as I am bold on you, And thus with hearty thanks, I take my leave as now. Recreation. Farewell friend wit, and since you are relieved, Think not upon your foil, whereat you were so grieved. But take your heart to you, and give attempt once more: I warrant you to speed, much better than before. Act 4. sena 4. Wit, Will, Idleness, Ignorance. Wit. One dance for the and me, my boy come on. Will. Dance you sir if you please, and I will look upon. Wit. This gear doth make me sweat, and breathe a pace. Idleness. Sir ease your self a while, hear is a resting place. Wit. Home Will and make my bed, for I will take a nap. Ignorance. Sure and it please your mastership here in my Dame's lap. Idleness singeth. Come come lie down and thou shalt see, Non like to me to entertain, Thy bones and thee oppressed with pain, Come come and ease thee in my lap, And if it please thee take a nap, A nap that shall delight thee so, That fancies all will thee forego, Buy musing still what canst thou find, But wants of will and restless mind, A mind that mars and mangles all, And breedeth jars to work thy fall, Come gentle Wit & thee require, And thou shalt hit thy chief desire, Thy chief desire thy hooped pray, first ease thee here and then away, Wit. (Fall down in to her lap.) My bones are stiff and I am wearied sore, And still methink I faint and feeble moor and moor, Wake me again in time for I have things to do, And as you will me for mine ease, I do assent thereto, Idleness. (Lul him.) Welcome with all my heart: Sir boy hold here this fan, And softly cool his face sleep sowndly gentleman, This chair is chared well now ignorance my son, Thou seest all this how fittlye it is done, But woeste thou why? Ignorance. Nay bumfaye mother not I, Well I wot 'tis again whorchit trick and trime, Choulde rejoice my heart to chance coats with him, Idleness. Dost thou remember how many I have served in the like sort, Ignorance. It doth my heart good to think on this sport Idleness. wilt thou see this proper fellow served so, Ignorance Choulde give tway pence to see it and twain pence more, Idleness. Come of then, let me see thee in thy doublet and thy hose. Ignorance. You shall see a tall fellow mother, I suppose, Idleness. Help of with this sleeve softly, for fear of waking, We shall leave the gentleman, in a pretty taking. Give me thy Coat, hold this in thy hand: This fellow would be married to Science I understand. But or we leave him, tell me an other tale: Now let us make him look, some what stolen. There lay and there be, the proverb is verified, I am neither idle, nor yet well occupied. Ignorance. Mother must I have his Coat, now mother must? Chal be a lively lad, with hay tistye tosty. Idleness. Sleep sound and have no care, to occupy thy head, As near unto thy body now, as if thou hadst been dead. For idleness hath won, and wholly the possessed, And utterly disabled thee from having thy request. Come on with me my son let us go couch again, And let this lusty ruffling Wit, here like a fool remain. Act. 5 sena 1. Wit, Science, Reason. Wit. Up and to go, why sleep I here so sound: How falls it out that I am left upon the naked ground. God grant that all be well, whilst I lie dreaming here: Me thinks all is not as it was, nor as I would it were, And yet I wots not why, but so my fancies gives me, That some one thing or other, is my trier that grieves me. That are but fancies let them go, to Science now will I, My suit and business yet once again, to labour and apply. Science. What is become trow ye, of Wit, our spouse that would be: Reason. Daughter I fear all is not, as it should be. Wit. Yes yes have ye no doubt, all is and shallbe well: Reason. What one art thou? thereof how canst thou tell. Wit. Reason most noble sir, and you my Lady dear: How have you done in all this time, since first I saw you here? Science. The fool is mad I ween, stand back and touch me not. Wit. You speak not as you think, or have you me forgot, Science. I never saw thee in my life, until this time I wot, Thou art some mad brain, or some fool, or some disguised Scot Wit. God's fish hosts and know you not me. Science. I had been well at ease in deed, to be acquainted with thee. Wit, Hope holiday, marry this is pretty cheer, I have lost myself, I can not tell where An old said saw it is, and to true I find, Soon hot, soon cold, out of sight, out of mind. What madam, what meaneth this sudden change, What means this scornful look, this countenance so strange. It is your fashion so to use, your lovers at the furst: Or have all women this delight, to scold and to be cursed. Reason. Good fellow whence art thou, what is thy name? Wit. I ween ye are disposed to make at me some game. I am the son of Lady Nature, my name is wit. Reason. Thou shalt say so long enough, or we believe it. Science. Thou Wit? nay thou art sour mad brain out of thy wit. Wit. Unto yourselves, this trial I remit. Look on me better, and mark my person well, Science. Thy look is like to one, that came out of hell: Reason. If thou be Wit, let see, what tokens thou canst tell. How comest thou first acquainted here? what said we? How did we like thy suit, what entertainment made we? Wit. What tokens? Science. Yea what tokens? speak and let us know? Wit. Tokens good store I can rehearse a row. First as I was advised, by my mother Nature: My lackey Will, presented you with my picture. Science. Stay there? now look how these two faces agree: Wit. This is the very same that you received from me. Science. From thee? why look, they are no more like: Then chalk to cheese, then black to white. Reason. To put thee out of doubt, if thou think we say not true, It wear good for thee, in a glass thy face to view. Wit. Well remembered, and a glass I have in deed, Which glass you gave me, to use at need. Reason. Hast thou the glass, which I to wit did give. Wit. I have it in my purse, and will keep it while I live. Reason. These marks me muse, how should he come thereby: Wit, Sir muse no more for it is even I To whom you gave the glass, and here it is. Reason. We are content thou try thy case by this. Wit. Either my glass is wonderfully spotted, Or else my face is wonderfully blotted. This is not my Coat, why where had I this weed, By the Mass I look like a very fool indeed. O heaps of haps, O rueful chance to me, O Idleness woe worth the time, that I was ruled by thee. Why did I lay my head, within thy lap to rest? Why was I not advised by her, that wished and will me best. O ten times trouble blessed wights, whose corpses in grave do lie: That are not driven to behold, these wretched cares which die. On me your furies all on me, have poured out your spite, Come now and slay me at the last, and rid my sorrows quite. What coast shall me receive, where shall I show my head: The world will say this same is he, that if he list had sped. This same is he that took, an enterprise in hand, This same is he that scarce one blow, his enemy did withstand. This same is he that fought, and fell in open field: This same is he that in the song, of Idleness did yield. This same is he that was in way, to win the game To join himself whereby he should have won immortal fame. And now is wrapped in woe, and buried in despair, O happy case for the if death would rid the quite of care. Act. 5 sena. 2. Shame, Reason, Science, Wit. Reason. Shame. Shame. Who calls for shame? Reason. Here is a merchant Shame, for thee to tame. Shame. A shame come to you all, for I am almost lame, With trudging up and down to them that loose their game, Reason. And here is one whom thou must rightly blame, That hath preferred his folly to his fame. Shame. Who? this good fellow, what call you his name? Reason. wit? that on wooing, to Lady Science came. Shame. Come aloft child let me see, what friscoles you can ●et, Reason. He hath deserved it, let him be well bet. Wit. O spare me with the whip, and slay me with thy knife: Ten thousand times more dear to me, were present death then life Shame. Nay nay my friend, thou shalt not die as yet. Reason. Remember in what case, Dame Nature left thee Wit, And how thou hast abused the same. Thou hast deceived all our hope as all the world may see. Shame. A shame come to it. Reason. Remember what fair words, and promises thou didst make, That for my daughter's love, no pains thou wouldst forsake. Remember in what sort, we had a care of thee: Thou hast deceived all our hope, as all the world may see. Shame. A shame come to it. Reason. Remember how Instruction, should have been followed still, And how thou wouldst be ruled, by none but by Will. How idleness hath crept, and reigneth in thy breast, How Ignorance her son, hath wholly thee possessed. Shame. A shame come to it. Wit. O woeful wretch to whom shall I complain, What salve may serve to salve my sore, or to redress my pain. Nay I can tell the more: remember how, Thou was subdued of Tediousness right now. Remember with what crakes thou went unto his den, Against the good advise, and Counsel of thy men, What Recreation did for thee, in these thy rueful haps, And how the second time, thou fell into the lap. Shame. A shame come to thee. Wit. O let me breathe a while, and hold thy heavy hand, My grievous faults with shame enough I understand. Take ruth and pity on my plaint, or else I am forlorn, Let not the world continued thus, in laughing me to scorn. Madam if I be he, to whom you once were bent, With whom to spend your time, sometime you were content. If any hope be left, if any recompense, Be able to recover this for passed negligence. O help me now poor wretch in this most heavy plight, And furnish me yet once again, with Tediousness to fight. Science. Father be good to these young tender years, See how he doth bewail his folly passed with tears. Reason. Hold slave take thou his coat for thy labour, We are content at her request, to take you to our favour. Come in and devil with us, till time shall serve: And from Instruction rule, look that thou never swerver Within we shall provide, to set you up once more, This scourge hath taught you, what default was in you heretofore Act 5 sena 3. Will. Once in my life I have, an odd half hour to spare: To ease myself of all, my travail and my care. I stood not still so long this xx. days I ween, But ever more sent forth on messages I have been. Such trudging and such toil, by the mass was never seen, My body is worn out, and spent with labour clean. And this it is that makes me look so lean. That lets my growth, and makes me seen a squall, What then although my stature be not tall. Yet I am as proper as you, so neat and clenlye, And have my joints at commandment full of actevitie, What should a servant do, with all this flesh and bones, That makes them run with leaden heels, & stur themself like stones Give me a proper squire much after my pitch And mark how he from place, to place will squitch. Fair or foul, thick or thin, mire or dusty, Clouds or rain, light or dark, clear or misty. Ride or run, to or fro, bad or good, A neat little fellow, on his business will scud. These great labores are neither active nor wise, That feed till they sleep, and sleep out their eyes. So heavy, so dull, so untoward in their doing, That it is a good sight, to see them leave working. But all this while, while I stand prating here, I see not my master, I left him snorting here, Act 5. sena 4. Science, Wit, Will, Instruction Study Diligence Tediousness. Science. Mine one dear Wit, the hope of mine avail, My care, my comfort, my treasure and my trust, Take heart of grace, our enemy to assail, Lay up these things, which you have hard discussed. So doing, undoubtingly you can not fail. To win the field to scape. all these unhappy showers, To glad your friends, to 'cause your foes to wail, To match with us, and then the gain is yours. Here in this Closet ourself, will set and see, Your manly feats, and your success in fight: Strike home courageously, for you and me, Learn where and how to fiend, and how to smite: In any wise, be ruled by these three, They shall direct both you, and Will aright. Farewell and let our loving counsel be At every hand before you in your fight, Wit. Here in my sight good Madam sit and view: That when I lift, I may look up on you. This face this noble face, this lively hue, Shall harden me, shall make our enemy rue. O faithful mates, that have this care of me: How shall I ever recompense, your pains with gold or fee. Come now and as you please, enjoin me how to do it, And you shall see me priest, and servieable to it. Will Why master whither way, what haste am I no body? Instruction. What Will, we may not miss thee, for no money. Wit. Welcome good Will, and do as thou art bid, This day or never, must Tediousness be rid. Will. God speed us well, I will make one at all assays. Instruction. Thou shalt watch to take him at certain bays, Come not in the throng, but save thyself always. You twain on either side, first with your sword and buckler. After the first conflict, fight with your sword and daggers, You sir with a javelin and your target in your hand, See how ye can, his deadly strokes withstand. Keep at the soyne, come not within his reach, until you see, what good advantage you may ketche. Then hardly leave him not, till time you strike him dead, And of all other parts, especially save yonr head. Wit. Is this all, for I would fain have done? Will. I would we wear at it, I care not how soon. Instruction. Now when ye please. I have no more to tell, But heartily to pray for you, and wish you well. Wit. I thank you, go thou and bid the battle Will. Will. Come out thou monster fell, that hast desire to spill, The knot and linked love, of Science and of Wit, Come try the quarrel in the field, and fight with us a fit. Act. 5 sena. 5. Tediousness, Wit, Will, Instruction, Study, Diligence. Tediousness. A doughty dirt these iiii. boys will do, I will eat them by morsels two and two. Thou fyghteste for a wife a rod a rod, Had I witted this, I would have laid on load, And beat thy brain and this my cloobe together, And made thee safe enough for returning hither, Will. A foul horesone what a sturdy thife it is? But we will pelt thee knave until for woe thou piss, Tediousness. Let me come to that elf. Wit. Nay nay thou shalt have work enough to save thyself, Fight. Instruction. Take breath and change your weapons play the men, Some what it was that made thee come again, Thou stickest some what better to thy tackling I see, But what, no force ye are but jack sprot to me. Wit. Have hold hear is a morsel for thee to eat, Study, Instruction. Here is a pelt to make your knaves heart freete, Diligence. There is a blow able to fell a hog, Wit. And here is a foin behind for a mad dog, Let will trip you down. Hold hold hold the lubber is down, Tediousness. O Will. Strike of his head while I houde him by the crown, Wit. Thou monstrous wretch, thou mortal foe to me and mine, Which evermore at my good luck and fortune diddest repine, Take here thy just desert and payment for thy hire. Thy head this day shall me prefer unto my hearts desire, Instruction. O noble Wit, the praise, the game is thine, Study. Hove up his head upon your spear, so here a joyful sign. Diligence. O valiant knight, O conquest full of prays. Will. O blessed of god to see these happy days. Wit. You you, my faithful Squires deserves no less, Whose tried trust, well known to me in my distress. And certain hope of your fixed faith, and fast good will, Made me attempt this famous fact most needful to fulfil, To you I yield great thanks, to me redownds the gain. Now home a pace, and ring it out, that Tediousness is slain. Say all at once, Tediousness is slain. Act. 5 sena. 6. Science, Wit. Science. I hear and see the joyful news, wherein I take delight, That Tediousness our mortal foe, is overcome in fight. I see the sign of victory, the sign of manliness: The heap of happy haps: the joy y tongue cannot express. O welcome fame from day to day for ever shall arise. Wit. Avaunt ye griping cares, and lodge no more in me, For you have lost, and I have won continual joys and see. Now let me freely touch, and freely you embrace, And let my friends with open mouth proclaim my blissful case. Science. The world shall know doubt not, and shall blow out your fame, Then true report shall sand abroad, your everlasting name. Now let our parents dear, be certified of this, So that our marriage may forth with proceed as meet it is. Come after me all five, and I will lead you in. Wit. My pain is paste, wy gladness to begin, My task is done, my heart is set at rest, My foe subdued, my Ladies love possessed. I thank my friends, whose help I have at need, And thus you see, how Wit and Science are agreed, We twain hence forth one soul, in bodies twain must dwell Rejoice I pray you all with me, my friends and far ye well. FINIS.