¶ THE RIGHT EXCELlent and famous History, of Promos and Cassandra: Divided into two Comical Discourses.  
In the first part is shown, 

the unsufferable abuse, of a lewd Magistrate:  
The virtuous behaviours of a chaste Lady:  
The uncontrowled leawdenes of a favoured Courtesan.  
And the undeserved estimation of a pernicious Parasite.    
In the second part is discoursed, the perfect magnanimity of a noble King, in checking Vice and favouring Virtue:  
Wherein is shown, the Ruin and overthrow, of dishonest practices: with the advancement of upright dealing.  
The work of George Whetstone's Gent.  Formae nulla fides.  

❧ TO HIS WORSHIPFUL friend, and Kinsman, William Fleetewoode Esquire, Recorder of London.  
Sir, (desirous, to acquit your tried friendships▪ with some token of good will:) of late I perused divers of my unperfect works, fully minded to bestow on you, the travel of some of my forepast time. But (resolved to accompany, the adventurous Captain, Sir Humphrey Gylbert, in his honourable voiadge,) I found my leisure too little; to correct the errors in my said works. So that (enforced) I left them dispersed, among my learned friends, at their leisure, to polish, if I failed to return: spoiling (by this means) my study of his necessary furniture. Among other unregarded papers, I found this Discourse of Promos and Cassandra: which, for the rareness, (& the needful knowledge) of the necessary matter contained therein (to make the actions appear more lively,) I divided the whole history into two Comedies: for that, Decorum used, it would not be conveyed in one. The effects of both, are good and bad: virtue intermyxt with vice, unlawful desires (if it were possible) queancht with chaste denials: all needful actions (I think) for public view. For by the reward of the good, the good are encouraged in well doing: and with the scowrge of the lewd, the lewd are feared from evil attempts: mainetayning this my opinion with Plato's authority. Nawghtinesse, comes of the corruption of nature, and not by reading or hearing the lives of the good or lewd (for such publication is necessary,) but goodness (saith he) is beawtifyed by either action. And to these ends: Menander, plautus, and Terence, themselves many years since entombed, (by their Comedies) in honour, live at this day. The ancient Romans, healed these shows of such prize, that they not only allowed the public exercise of them, but the grave Senators themselves countenanced the Actors with their presence: who from these trifles won morallytye, as the Bee sucks honey from weeds. But the advised devices of ancient Poets, discedited, with the trifles of young, unadvised, and rash witted writers, hath brought this commendable exercise in mislike. For at this day, the Italian is so lascivious in his comedies, that honest hearers are grieved at his actions: the Frenchman and Spaniarde follows the Italians humour: the german is too holy: for he presents on every common Stage, what Preachers should pronounce in Pulpits. The Englishman in this quality, is most vain, indiscreet, and out of order: he first grounds his work, on impossibilities: then in three hours runs he throw the world: marries, gets Children, makes Children men, men to conquer kingdoms, murder Monsters, and bringeth Gods from Heaven, and fetcheth Devils from Hel. And (that which is worst) their ground is not so unperfect, as their working indiscreet: not weighing, so the people laugh, though they laugh them (for their follies) to scorn: Many times (to make mirth) they make a Clown companion with a King: in their grave Counsels, they allow the advise of fools: yea they use one order of speech for all persons: a gross Indecorum, for a Crow, will ill counterfeit the Nightingales sweet voice: even so, affected speech doth misbecome a Clown. For to work a Comedy kindly, grave old men, should instruct: young men, should show the imperfections of youth: Strumpets should be lascivious: Boys unhappy: and Clowns, should speak disorderly: entermingling all these actions, in such sort, as the grave matter, may instruct: and the pleasant, delight: for without this change, the attention, would be small: and the liking, less.  
But leave I this rehearsal, of the use, and abuse of Comedies: lest that, I check that in others, which I cannot amend in myself. But this I am assured, what actions so ever passeth in this History, either merry, or mournful: grave, or lascivious: the conclusion shows, the confusion of Vice, and the cherising of Virtue. And sith the end tends to this good, although the work (because of evil handling) be unworthy your learned Censure, allow (I beseech you) of my good will, until leisure serves me, to perfect, some labour of more worth.  
No more, but that, almighty God be your protector, and preserve me from danger, in this voiadge, the xxix. of july. 1578. Your Kinsman to use, George Whetstone   

¶ The Printer to the Reader.  
GEntle Reader, this labour of Master Whetstons, came into my hands, in his first copy, whose leisure was so little (being then ready to departed his country) that he had no time to work it a new, nor to give apt instructions, to print so difficult a work, being full of variety, both matter, speech, and verse: for that every sundry Actor, hath in all these a sundry grace: so that, if I commit an error, without blaming the Auctor, amend my amiss: and if by chauner, thou light of some speech that seemeth dark, consider of it with judgement, before thou condemn the work: for in many places he is driven, both to praise, and blame, with one breath, which in reading will seem hard, & in action, appear plain. Using this courtesy, I hold my pains well satisfied, and Master Whetston uniniured: and for my own part, I will not fail to procure such books, as may profit thee with delight.  
Thy friend. R. I   

❧ The Argument of the whole History.  
IN the City of julia (sometimes under the dominion of corvinus King of Hungary, and Boemia) there was a law, that what man so ever committed Adultery, should loose his head, & the woman offender, should wear some disguised apparel, during her life, to make her infamously noted. This severe law, by the favour of some merciful magistrate become little regarded, until the time of Lord Promos authority: who convicting, a young Gentleman named Andrugio of incontinency, condemned both him, and his minion to the execution of this statute. Andrugio had a very virtuous, and beautiful Gentlewoman to his Sister, named Cassandra: Cassandra to enlarge her brother's life, submitted an humble petition to the Lord Promos: Promos regarding her good behaviours, and fantasing her great beauty, was much delighted with the sweet order of her talk: and doing good, that evil might come thereof: for a time, he reprieved her brother: but wicked man, coming his liking unto unlawful lust, he set down the spoil of her honour, ransom for her Brother's life: Chaste Cassandra, abhorring both him and his suit, by no persuasion would yield to this ransom. But in fine, won with the importunity of her brother (pleading for life:) upon these conditions, she agreed to Promos. First that he should pardon her brother, and after marry her. Promos as fearless in promiss, as careless in performance, with solemn vow, signed her conditions: but worse than any infidel, his will satisfied, he performed neither the one nor the other: for to keep his authority, unspotted with favour, and to prevent Cassandra's clamours, he commanded the Jailor secretly, to present Cassandra with her brother's head. The Jailor, with the outcries of Andrugio, (abhorring Promos lewdness, by the providence of God, provided thus for his safety. He presented Cassandra with a Felons head newly executed, who (being mangled, knew it not from her brothers, by the Jailor, who was set at liberty) was so aggrieved at this treachery, that at the point to kill herself, she spared that stroke, to be avenged of Promos. And devising a way, she concluded, to make her fortunes known unto the king. She (executing this resolution) was so highly favoured of the King, that forth with he hasted to do justice on Promos: whose judgement was, to marry Cassandra, to repair her crazed Honour: which done, for his heinous offence he should loose his head. This marry age solemnized, Cassandra tied in the greatest bonds of affection to her husband, become an earnest suitor for his life: the King (tendringe the general benefit of the common weal, before her special ease, although he favoured her much) would not grant her suit. Andrugio (disguised among the company) … ing the grief of his sister, bewrayed his safety, and craved 〈◊〉. The King, to renown the virtues of Cassandra, pardoned both him, and Promos. The circumstances of this rare History, in action lively followeth. (⸫)   

❧ The History, of Promos and Cassandra.  


Actus. 1.  

Scena. 1.  ¶ Promos, Mayor, Sheriff, Sword bearer: One with a bunch of keys: Phallax, Promos man. 
YOu Officers which now in julio stay,  
Know you our leadge, the King of Hungary:  
Scent me Promos, to join with you in sway:  
That still we may to justice have an eye.  
And now to show, my rule & power at large,  
attentively, his Letters Patents hear:  
Phallax, read out my sovereign's charged.  Phal. 
As you command, I will: give heedful ear.  ¶ Phallax readeth the kings Letters Patents, which must be fair written in parchment, with some great counterfeit zeal. PRo. 

Lo, here you see what is our Sovereign's will,  
Lo, bear his wish, that right, not might, bear sway:  
Lo, hear his care, to weed from good the ill,  
To scoorge the wights, good Laws that disobey.  
Such zeal he bears, unto the Common weal,  
(How so he bids, the ignorant to save)  
As he commands, the lewd do rigour feel.  
Such is his wish, such is my will to have:  
And such a judge, here Promos vows to be.  
Not wilful wrong, sharp punishment shall miss,  
The simple thrall, shallbe judged with mercy,  
Each shall be doombde, even as his merit is:  
Love shall not stay, 
love hate and gain, the causes of Injustice.  nor hate revenge procure,  
Ne yet shall Coin, corrupt or fester wrong:  
I do protest, whilst that my charge endure,  
For friend nor foe, to sing a partial song.   

Thus have you heard, how my Commission goes,  
He absent, I present our Sovereign still:  
It answers then, each one his duty shows,  
To me, as him, what I command and will.   Ma. 
Worthy Deputy, at thy charged we joy,  
We do submit ourselves, to work thy hest:  
receive the sword of justice to destroy,  
The wicked imps, and to defend the rest.  Shri. 
Our City keys, take wished Liftenaunt hear,  
We do commit our safety to thy head:  
Thy wise foresight, will keep us void of fear,  
Yet will we be assistant still at need.  Pro. 
Both Sword and Keys, unto my Prince's use,  
I do receive and gladly take my charged.  
It resteth now, for to reform abuse,  
We point a time, of Council more at large,  
To treat of which, a while we will departed.  All speak, 
To work your will, we yield a willing heart.  Exeunt.  

Actus. 1. Scena. 2.  Lamia, a Curtizane, entereth singing. 

The Song.  

ALL a flaunt now vaunt it, brave wench cast away care,  
With Lays of Love chant it, for no cost see thou spare:   

❧ Sigh Nature hath made thee, with beauty most brave,  
Sigh Fortune doth lad thee, with what thou wouldst have.  
Ere Pleasure doth vade thee, thyself set to sale:  
All wantoness will trade thee, and stoop to thy stale.  

All a flaunt, ut Supra.    

❧ Young Ruflers maintains thee, defends thee and thine,  
Old Dotterels retains thee, thy Beauties so shine:  
Though many disdains thee, yet none may thee touch:  
Thus Envy refrains thee, thy countenance is such.  

All a flaunt, ut Supra:     she speaketh. 
Triumph fair Lamia now, thy wanton flag advance,  
Set forth thyself to bravest show, boast thou of happy chance:  
Girl, account thou thyself the chief, of Lady Pleasure's train,  
Thy face is fair, thy form content, thy Fortunes both doth strain.  
Even as thou wouldst, thy house doth stand, thy furniture is gay,  
Thy weeds are brave, thy face is fine, & who for this doth pay?  
Thou thyself no, the rushing Youths, the bathe in wanton bliss,  
Yea, old and dooting fools sometimes, do help to pay for this.  
Free cost between them both I have, all this for my behove,  
I am the stern, that gides their thoughts, look what I like, they love  
Few of them stir, that I bid stay, if I bid go, they fly:  
If I on foe pursue revenge, Alarm a hundred cry.  
The bravest I their hearts, their hands, their purses hold at will,  
joined with the credit of the best, to bowlster me in ill.  
But see where as my trusty man, doth run, what news brings he?   

Actus. 1. Scena. 3.  Rosko (Lamia's man) Lamia. ROs. 
Good people, did none of you, my mistress Lamia see?  La. 
Rosko, what news, that in such haste you come blowing?  Ros. 
Mistress, you must shut up your shops, & leave your occupying.  La. 
What so they be, foolish knave, tell me true?  Ros. 
O ill, for thirty? besides you.  La. 
For me good fellow, I pray thee why so?  Ros. 
Be patiented Mistress, and you shall know,  La. 
Go too, say on:  Ros, 
Marry, right now at the Sessions I was,  
And thirty must to Trussum cord go.  
Among the which (I weep to show) alas:  La. 
Why, what's the matter man?  Ros. 
O Andrugio,  
For loving too kindly, must lose his head,  
And his sweet heart, must we are the shameful weeds:  
Ordained for Dames, that fall through fleshly deeds.  La. 
Is this offence, in question come again?  
Tell, tell, no more, ' 'tis time this tale were done:  
See, see, how soon, my triumph turns to pain.  Ros. 
Mistress, you promised to be quiet,  
For God's sake, for your own sake, be so  La. 
Alas poor Rosko, our dainty diet,  
Our bravery and all we must forego.  Ros. 
I am sorry.  La. 
Yea, but out alas, sorrow will not serve:  Rosko, 
thou must needs provide thee else where,  
My gains are past, yea, I myself might starve:  
Save that, I did provide for a dear year.  Ros. 
They reward fair (their harvest in the stack,)  
When winter comes, that bid their servants pack.  
Alas Mistress, if you turn me off now,  
Better than a Rogue, none will me allow.  La. 
Thou shalt have a Passport,  Ros. 
Yea, but after what sort?  La. 
Why, that thou wart my man.  Ros. 
O the judge, sylde shows the favour,  
To let one thief, bail another:  
Tush I know, ere long you so will slip away,  
As you, for yourself, must seek some testimony  
Of your good life.  La. 
Never fear: honestly  
Lamia now means to live, even till she die.  Ros. 
As jump as Apes, in view of Nuts to dance,  
kit will to kind, of custom, or by chance:  
Well, how so you stand upon this holy point,  
For the thing you know, you will jeopard a joint.  La. 
Admit I would, my hazard were in vain.  Ros. 
Perhaps I know, to turn the same to gain.  La. 
Thou comforts me, good Rosko, tell me how?  Ros. 
You will be honest, 'tis syn to hinder you.  La. 
I did but jest, good sweet servant tell me.  Ros. 
Sweet servant now, and late, pack sir, Good bye ye.  La. 
Tush, to try thy unwillingness. I did but jest.  Ros. 
And I do but try, how long you would be honest.  La. 
I thought thy talk was too sweet to be true.  Ros. 
Yea, but meant yond, to bid honesty adieu?  La. 
Not, I did so long since, but enforced by need,  
To bid him welcome home again, I was decreed.  Ros. 
Very good, Mistress, I know your mind,  
And for your ease, this remedy I find:  
Prying abroad, for play fellows and such,  
For you Mistress, I heard of one Phallax,  
A man esteemed, of Promos very much:  
Of whose Nature, I was so bold to axe.  
And I smealt, he loved lace mutton well.  La. 
And what of this?  Ros. 
Mary of this, if you the way can tell  
To toll him home, he of you will be fain:  
Whose countenance, will so excuse your faults.  
As none for life, dare of your life complain.  La. 
A good device, God grant us good success:  
But I pray thee, what trade doth he profess?  Ros. 
He is a paltry pettifogger.  La. 
All the better, suspicion will be the less.  
Well, go thy ways, and if thou him espy,  
Tell him from me, that I a cause or two.  
Would put to him, at leisure willingly.  Ros. 
Her case is so common, that small pleading will serve,  
I go (nay run) your commandment to observe. 
The scourge of law (and not zeal) keepeth the lewd in awe.   La. 
Ay me alas, less Phallax help, poor wench undone I am:  
My foes now in the wind, will lie to work my open shame:  
Now envious eyes will pry abroad, offenders to entrap,  
Of force now Lamia, must be chaste, to shun a more mishap.  
And wanton girl, how wilt thou shifted, for garments fine and gay?  
For dainty fare, can crusts content? who shall thy houserent pay?  
And that delights thee most of all, thou must thy dalliance leave?  
And can then the force of law, or death, thy mind of love bereave?  
In good faith, no: the wight that once, hath taste the fruits of love,  
Until her dying day will long, Sir Chaucer's jests to prove.   

Actus. 1. Sce. 4.  Lamia's maid, Lamia. MAy. 
Forsooth Mistress your thrall stays for you at home,  La. 
Were you borne in a mill, curtole? you prate so high:  May. 
The gentleman, that came the last day with Captain Prie:  La. 
What young Hippolito?  May. 
Even he.  La. 
Lest he be gone, home high:  
And will Dalia pop him in the neither room,  
And keep the falling door close till I come  
And tell my thrall his fortune will not stay?  Exet. May. 
Will you aught else?  La. 
Prating vixen away.  
Gallant adieu. I venture must Hippolito to see.  
He is both young and wealthy yet, the better spoil for me.  
My hazard for his sake I true, 
Note  shall make him pray and pay:  
He: he: shall prank me in my plumes, and deck me brave and gay,  
Of Courtesy, I pray you yet, if Phallax come this way,  
Report to put a case with him, hear Lamia long did stay.  Exet.   

Actus. 2.  

Scena. 1.  Cassandra, a Maid. CAss. 
Ay me, unhappy wench that I must live the day,  
To see Andrugio tymeles die, my brother and my stay.  
The only mean, God wots. that should our house advance,  
Who in the hope of his good hap, must die through wanton chance:  
O blind affects in love, whose torments none can tell,  
Yet wantous will hide fire, and frost, yea hazard death, nay hell:  
To taste thy sour sweet fruits, 
The force of love.  digested still with care,  
Fowl fall thee love, thy lightning joys, hath blasted my welfare  
Thou fyerst affection first, within my brother's breast.  
Thou mad'st Polina grant him (erst) even what he would request:  
Thou mad'st him crave and have, a proof of Venus' meed,  
For which foul act he is adjudged, ere long to loose his head.  
The law is so severe, in scourging fleshly sin,  
As marriage to work after mends doth seldom favour win.  
A law first made of zeal, but wrested much amiss  
Faults should be measured by desert, 
A good law ill executed,  but all is one in this,  
The lecher fired with lust, is punished no more,  
Then he which fell through force of love, whose marriage salves his sore:  
So that poor I despair, of my Audrugios' life,  
O would my days might end with his, for to appease my strife.   

Actus. 2. Scena. 2.  Andrugio in prison, Cassandra. AN. 
My good Sister Cassandra?  Cass. 
Who calleth Cassandra?  An. 
Thy woeful brother Andrugio.  Cas. 
Andrugio, O dismal day, what griefs, do me assail?  
Condemned wretch to see thee here, fast fettered now in jail,  
Now haps thy wits were witched so, the knowing death was meed  
Thou wouldst commit (to stay us both) this vile lascivious deed.  An. 
O good Cassandra, leave to check, and chide me thrall therefore  
If late repentance, wrought me help I would do so no more.  
But out alas, I wretch, too late, do sorrow my amiss.  
Unless Lord Promos grant me grace: in vain is hady witted,  
Wherefore sweet sister, whilst in hope, my dampened life yet were,  
Assault his heart, in my behalf, with battering tire of tears.  
If thou by suit dost save my life, it both our joys will be,  
If not it may suffice thou soughst, to set thy brother free:  
Wherefore speed to prorogue my days, to morrow else I die.  Cas. 
I will not fail to plead and pray, to purchase the mercy,  
Farewell a while, God grant me well to speed.  An. 
Sister adieu, till thy return, I live, tween, hope, and breed.  Cas. 
O happy time, see where Lord Promos comes?  
Now tongue address thyself, my mind to wray.  
And yet least haste work waste, I hold it best,  
In covert, for some advantage, to stay.   

Actus. 2. Scena. 3.  ¶ Promos with the Sheriff and their Officers. PRo. 
'tis strange to think, what swarms of unthrifts live,  
Within this town, by rapine spoil and theft:  
That were it not, that justice oft them grieve,  
The just man's goods, by Ruflers should be reft.  
At this our Size, are thirty judged to die,  
Whose falls I see, their fellows smally fear:  
So that the way, is by severity  
Such wicked weeds, even by the roots to tear:  
Wherefore Sheriff, execute with speedy pace,  
The dampened wights, to cut of hope of Grace.  Sheriff, 
It shallbe done.  Cas. Cassandra to herself, 

O cruel words they make my heart to bleed,  
Now, now, I must, this doom seek to revoke,  
Lest grace come short, when starved is the steed:   She kneeling speaks to Promos. 

Most mighty Lord, & worthy judge, thy judgement sharp abate,  
vail thou thine ears, to hear the plaint, that wretched I relate,  
Behold the woeful Sister here, of poor Andrugio,  
Whom though that law awardeth death, yet mercy do him show:  
Way his young years, the force of love, which forced his s,  
Way, way, that Marriage, works amendss, for what committed is,  
He hath defiled no nuptial bed, nor forced rape hath moved,  
He fell through love, who never meant, but wive the wight he loved.  
And wantoness sure, to keep in awe, these statutes first were made,  
Or none but lust full lechers, should, with rygrous law be paid.  
And yet to add intent thereto, is far from my pretence,  
I sue with tears, to win him grace, that sorrows his offence.  
Wherefore herein, renowned Lord, justice with pity poise:  
Which two in equal balance weighed, to heaven your fame will raise.   Pro. 
Cassandra, leave of thy bootless suit, by law he hath been tried,  
Law found his fault, Law judged him death:  Cas. 
Yet this may be replied,  
That law a mischief often permits, to keep due form of law,  
That law small faults, with greatest dooms, to keep men still in axe:  
Yet Kings, or such as execute, regal authority:  
If mends be made, may over rule, the force of law with mercy.  
Here is no wilful murder wrought, which asketh blood again,  
Andrugio's fault may valued be, Marriage wipes out his stain.  Pro. 
Fair Dame, I see the natural zeal, thou bearest to Andrugio,  
And for thy sake (not his desert) this favour will I show:  
I will reprieve him yet a while, and on the matter pause,  
To morrow you shall licence have, a fresh to plead his cause:  
Sheriff execute my charged, but stay Andrugio,  
Until that you in this behalf, more of my pleasure know.  Shri. 
I will perform your will:  Cas. 
O most worthy Magistrate, myself thy thrall I find.  
Even for this little lightning hope, which at thy hands I find.  
Now will I go and comfort him, which hangs twixt death & life.  Exit. Pro. 
Happy is the man, that enjoys the love of such a wife,  
I do protest, her modest words, hath wrought in me a maze.  
Though she be far, she is not deackt, with garish shows for gaze,  
Her beauty lures, her looks cut off, fond suits with chaste disdain.  
O God I feel a sudden change, that doth my freedom chain.  
What didst thou say? fie Promos fie: of her avoid the thought,  
And so I will, my other cares will cure what love hath wrought,  
Come away.  Exeunt.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 4.  Phallax, Promos office, Gripax, and Rapax Promoters. PHal. 
My trusty friends about your business strait,  
With simple shows, your subtle meanings bait:  
Promote all faults, up into my office,  
Then turn me loose, the offenders to fleece.  Gri. 
Tush, to find law breakers let me alone,  
I have eyes, will look into a millstone.  Phal. 
God a mercy Gripax.  Ra. 
And I am so subtle sighted I trow,  
As I the very thoughts of men do know:  Gri. 
I faith Rapax, what thought thy wife when she,  
To lie with the priest, by night stole from thee?  Ra. 
Mary she knew, you and I were at square,  
And lest we fell to blows, she did prepare.  
To arm my head, to match thy horned brow.  Gri. 
Go and a knave with thee.  Ra. 
I stay for you:  Phal. 
No harm is done, here is but blow for blue,  
Birds of a feather, best fly together,  
Then like partners, about your market go,  
Marrows adieu, God sent you fair wether.  Gri. 
Far you well, for us take no care,  
With us this broad speech seldom breedeth square.  Exeunt. Phal. 
Mary sir, welfare an office, what some ever it be,  
The very countenance, is great, though slender be the see,  
I thank my good Lord Promos now, I am an officer made,  
In sooth more by hap then desert, in secret be it said:  
Not force for that, each shift for one, for Phallax will do so,  
Well far a head can take his time nay watch for time I trow.  
I smile to think of my fell▪ wes; how some brave it, some weight,  
And think reward, there service just, with offered shifts will bayght  
When they (poor souls) in troth do fall a mile upon account,  
For flattery and fervent plesing, are means to make men mount:  
I speak on proof, Lord Promos, I have pleased many a day,  
Yet am I neither learned, true, nor honest any way.  
What skills for that, by wit or wile, I have an office got,  
By force whereof every licence, warrant, patent, passport,  
Leace, fine, fee, et cetera, pas and repas, through Phallax hands,  
Disorored persons bribe me well, to escape from justice bands,  
And wealthy churls for to promote, I now have set a work,  
Such hungry lads, as soon will smell, where statute breakers lurk,  
And if they come, within our Gripe, we mean to stripe them so,  
As (if they scape from open shame) their bags with us shall go.  
And trust me this, we officers, of this mild mould are wrought,  
Agree with us, and sure your shame by us shall not be sought:  
But soft a while, I see my Lord what makes him lower so▪  
I will intrude into his sight, perhaps his grief to know.   

Actus. 2. Scena. 4.  Phallax. Promos. PRo. 
Well met Phallax. I long have wysht to show.  
A cause to thee which none but I yet know.  Phal. 
Say on my Lord, a happy man wear I:  
If any way, your wish I could supply:  Pro. 
feign would I speak, but o, a chilling fear,  
(The case is such) makes me from speech forbear.  Phal. 
These words my Lord (whom ever have been just)  
Now makes, me think, that you my truth mistrust.  
But cease suspect, my will with yours shall 'gree,  
What so (or against whom) your dealing be.  Pro. 
Against a wight of small account it is,  
And yet I fear, I shall my purpose miss:  Phal. 
Fear not my Lord, the old Proverb doth say.  
Faint hearts doth steal fair Ladies seld away.  Pro. 
Fair Ladies O, no Lady is my love,  
And yet the sure, as coy as they will prove.  Phal. 
I thought as much, love did torment you so.  
But what is she that dare say Promos Noah?  Pro. 
Do what one can. fire will break forth I see,  
My words unwares, hath shown what grieveth me:  
My wound is such, as love must be my leech.  
Which cure will bringing Gravity in speech,  
For what may be, a folly of more note,  
Then for to see, a man grey beard to dote.  Phal. 
No my Lord, Amor omnia vincit.  
And Ovid saith, Forma numen habet.  
And for to prove, loves service seems the wise,  
Set Sallomon and Samson, before your eyes:  
For wit, and strength, who won the chiefest prize.  
And both lived by the laws love did devise,  
Which proves in love, a certain godhead lies.  
And Gods rule yearly, by wisdom from the skies:  
Whose wills (think I) are wrought best by the wise.  
In deed divine, I think loves working is,  
From reason's use, in that my senses serve,  
In pleasure pain, in pain I find a bliss,  
On woe I feed, in sight of food I stearue:  
These strange effects, by love are lodged in me,  
My thoughts are bound, yet I myself am free.  Phal. 
Well my Good Lord, I axe (with pardon sought)  
Who she may be, that hath your thrauldome wrought?  Pro. 
The example is such, as I sigh to show,  
Sister she is, to dampened Andrugio.  Phal. 
All the better for you the game doth go.  
The proverb saith, that kit will unto kind,  
If it be true this comfort, than I find:  
Cassandra's flesh is as her brothers, frail,  
Then will she stoop, (in chief) when Lords assail.  Pro. 
The contrary (through fear) doth work my pain,  
For in her face, such modesty doth reign,  
As cuts of loving suits, with chaste disdain.  Phal. 
What love will not, necessity shall gain,  
Her brother's life, will make her glad and fain.  Pro. 
What is it best, Andrugio free to set,  
Ere I am sure, his sisters love to get?  Phal. 
My loving Lord, your servant means not so.  
But if you will, elsewhere in secret go:  
To work your will assist I hope to show.  Pro. 
With right good will, for such my sickness is.  
As I shall die, if her good will I miss.  Exeunt.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 5.  The Hangman, with a great many ropes about his neck. 
THe wind is ill, blows no man's gain, for cold I need not care,  
Here is nine and twenty suits of apparel for my share:  
And some berlady very good, for so standeth the case,  
As neither gentleman, nor other Lord, Promos showeth Grace.  
But I marvel much poor slaves, that they are hanged so soon,  
They were wont, to stay a day or two, now scarce an after noon:  
All the better for the hangman, I pardons dreaded sore,  
Would cutters save, whose clotheses are good, I never feared the poor:  
Let me see, I must be dapper in this my faculty,  
Hear are new ropes, how are my knots, I saith fyr slippery.  
At fast or lose, with my Giptian, I mean to have a cast:  
Ten to one I read his fortune by the Marymas fast,  Serg. 
A way, what a stur is this, to see men go to hanging?  Han. 
Hark▪ Good bye ye, I must begun, the prisoners are a coming.  Exit.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 6.  Six prisoners bound with cords, Two Hackster's, one Woman, one like a Giptian, the rest poor Rogues, a Preacher, with other officers. They sing. 


WIth heart and voice to thee O Lord,  
At latter gasp, for grace we cry:  
Unto our suits, good God accord,  
Which thus appeal, to thy mercy.   

Forsake us not, in this distress,  
Which unto thee, our sins confess:  
Forsake us not, in this distress,  
Which unto thee, our sins confess.    HAc. (First Hackster.) 
All sorts of men beware by us, whom present death assaults,  
Look in your conscience what you found, & sorrow for your faults:  
Example take by our fresh harms, see here the fruits of pride,  
I for my part deserved death, long ere my theft was spied.  
O careless youth, lead, lead awry, with every pleasing toy,  
Note well my words, they are of worth, the cause though my annoy.  
Shun to be pranked, in peacocks plumes, for gaze which only are.  
Hate, hate, the dice, even as the devil, of wanton Dames beware:  
I was enticed by lawless men, on thievish spoils to feed.  
And nuzzled once in wicked deeds, I feared not to offend,  
From had, to worse, and worst I fell, I would at leisure mend.  
But o presuming over much, still to escape in hope,  
My faults were found, and I judged, to totter in a rope:  
To which I go with these my mates, likewise for breach of laws.  
For murder some, for thievery some, and some for little cause.  Second. nackster. 
¶ Bewared are friend of quarreling, thirst spoil of no man's breaths  
Blood, ar blood, I shedding blood, untimely catch: y death.  Wo. (A woman.) 
Maids & women, shun pride, & sloth, the roots of every vice,  
My death ere long, will show their ends, God grant it make you wise.  Ca (A scoffing catch pole.) 
How now Giptian? All a mort knave, for want of company?  
Be crusty man, the Hangman strait, will read Fortunes with thee.  Pray. (The preacher.) 
With this thy scoffing speech, good friend offend him not,  
His faults are scourged, thine escape (perhaps) that do deserve his lot?  Rog. (A poors Roge.) 
jesus save me, I am cast, for a purse with three halfpence.  Of. (A churlish officer.) 
Dispatch prating knave, and he hanged, that we were jogging hence.  ¶ They leisurably departed singing. The Preacher whispering some one or other of the Prisoners still in the care. They sing. 

❧ Our secret thoughts, thou Christ dost know,  
Whom the world, doth hate in thrall.  
Yet hope we that, thou wilt not so,  
On whom alone, we thus do call.  
Forsake us not, in this distress,  
Which unto thee, our sins confess,  
Forsake us not, etc.     

Actus. 3.  

Scena. 1.  Promos, alone. PRo. 
Do what I can, no reason cools desire,  
The more I strive, my fond affects to fame:  
The hotter (o) I feel, a burning fire  
Within my breast, vain thoughts to forge and frame.  
O straying effects, of blind affected Love,  
From wisdoms paths, which doth astray our wits:  
Which makes us haunt, that which our harms doth move,  
A sickness like, the Fever Etticke fits:  
Which shakes with cold, when we do burn like fire.  
Even so in Love, we freeze, through chilling fear,  
When as our hearts, doth fry with hot desire:  
What said I? like to Etticke fits, nothing near:  
In sourest Love, some sweet is ever sucked.  
The Lover findeth peace, in wrangling strife,  
So that if pain, were from his pleasure plucked,  
There were no Heaven, like to the lovers life.  
But why stand I to plead, their joy or woe?  
And rest unsure of her I wish to have.  
I know not if Cassandra love, or no?  
But yet admit, she grant not what I crave,  
If I benyce, to her brother life to give:  
Her brother's life, too much will make her yield,  

Might masters right.  A promise then, to let her brother live:  
Hath force enough, to make her fly the field.  
Thus though suit fail, necessity shall win,  
Of Lordly rule, the conquering power is such:  
But (o sweet sight) see where she enters in,  
Both hope and dread, at once my heart doth touch.   

Actus. 3. Scena. 2.  Cassandra, Promos. CAss. Cassandra Speaks to herself. 

I see two thralls, sweet seems a little joy,  
For fancies free, Andrugio's breast hath scope:  
But lest detract, doth raise a new annoy,  
I now will seek to turn, to hap his hope.  
See, as I wished, Lord Promos is in place,  
Now in my suits, God grant I may find grace.   she kneeling speaks to Promos. 

¶ Renowned Lord, whilst life in me doth last,  
In homage bonds, I bind myself to thee:  
And though I did thy goodness lately taste,  
Yet once again, on knees I mercy seek:  
In his behalf, that hangs between death and life;  
Who still is priest, if you the mends do leek:  
His lawless love, to make his lawful wife.   Pro. 
Fair Dame, I well have weighed thy suit, & wish to do thee good,  
But all in vain, all things conclude, to have thy brother's blood:  
The strictness of the law condempnes, an ignorant abuse,  
Then wilful faults are hardly helped, or cloaked with excuse:  
And what may be more wilful, than a Maid to violate.  Cas. 
The force was small, when with her will, he wretch the conquest gate.  Pro. 
Law ever at the worst, doth construe evil intent.  Cas. 
And law even with the worst, awards them punishment:  
And sith that rigorous law adjudged him to die,  
Your glory will be much the more, in showing him mercy.  
The world will think, how the you do, but grant him grace on cause,  
And where cause is, there mercy should abate the force of laws.  Pro. 
Cassandra in thy brother's half, thou hast said what may be  
And for thy sake, it is, if I do set Andrugio free:  
Short tale to make, thy beauty hath, surprised me with love,  
That maugre wit, I turn my thoughts, as blind affections move.  
And quite subdued by Cupid's might, need makes me sue for grace  
To thee Cassandra, which dost hold, my freedom in a lace.  
Yield to my will, and then command, even what thou wilt of me,  
Thy brother's life, and all that else, may with thy liking 'gree.  Cas. Cassandra to herself. 
And may it be, a judge himself, the self same fault should use:  
For which he domes, an others death, O crime without excuse.  
Renowned Lord, you use this speech (I hope) your thrall to try,  
If otherwise, my brother's life, so dear I will not buy.  Pro. 
Fair Dame my outward looks, my inward thoughts bewray,  
If you mistrust, to search my heart, would God you had a kaye.  Cas. 
If that you love (as so you say) the force of love you know,  
Which felt, in conscience you should, my brother favour show.  Pro. 
In doubtful war, one prisoner still, doth set another free.  Cas. 
What so war seeks, love unto war, contrary is, you see.  
Hate fostreth war, love cannot hate, then may it covet force.  Pro. 
The Lover oft sues to his foe, and findeth no remorse:  
Then if he hap to have a help, to win his froward foe,  
Too kind a fool, I will him hold, that lets such vantage go.  Cas. 
Well, to be short, myself will die, ere I my honour stain,  
You know my mind, leave off to tempt, your offers are in vain.  Pro. 
Bethink yourself, at price enough I purchase sweet your love,  
Andrugio's life sufficed alone, your strangeness to remove:  
The which I grant, with any wealth that else you will require,  
Who buyeth love at such a rate, pays well for his desire.  Cas. 
Not Promos, not, honour never at value may be sold,  
Honour far dearer is than life, which passeth price of gold:  Pro. 
To bnie this jewel at the full, my wife I may thee make:  Cas. 
For unsure hope, that peerless pearl, I never will forsake:  Pro. 
These suits seems strange at first I see, where modesty bears sway, To himself.  
I therefore will set down my will, & for her answer stay.  
Fair Cassandra, the jewel of my joy,  
How so in show, my tale, seems strange to thee:  
The same well weighed, thou needest not be so coy,  
Yet for to give thee respite to agreed.  
I will two days hope still of thy consent,  
Which if thou grant (to clear my clouds of care)  
Clothed like a Page (suspect for to prevent.)  
Unto my Court, some night, sweet wench repair.  
Till than adieu, thou these my words, in works performed shalt found.  Cas. 
Farewell my Lord, but in this suit, you bootless wast your wind:  
Cassandra, O most unhappy, subject to every woe,  
What tongue can tell, what thought conceive, what pen thy grief can show?  
Whom to scourge, Nature, heaven & earth, do heaps of thrall ordain,  
Whose words in waste, whose works are lost, whose wishes are in vain.  
That which to others comfort yields, doth 'cause my heavy cheer,  
I mean my beauty breeds my bale, which many hold so dear.  
I would to God that kind else where, bestowed had this blaze,  
My virtues then had wrought regard, my shape now gives the gaze:  
This form so Promos fires with Love, as wisdom can not quench,  
His hot desire, till he lust, in Venus' seas hath drenched.  At these words Ganio must be ready to speak.  

Actus 3 Scena. 3.  Ganio, And rugios boy. Cassandra. GA. 
Mistress Cassandra, my Master longs to hear of your good speed,  Cas. 
Poor Ganio his death-alas, fierce Fortune hath decreed:  Ga. 
His death: God forbid, all his hope should turn to such success,  
For God's sake, go and comfort him, I sorrow his distress.  Cas. 
I needs must go, although with heavy cheer.  Ga. 
Sir, your sister Cassandra is here.  Exit.  

Actus. 3. Scena. 4.  Andrugio out of prison. Cassandra on the stage. AN. 
My Cassandra what news, good sister show?  Cas. 
All things conclude thy death Andrugio:  
Prepare thyself, to hope it ware in vain.  An. 
My death, alas what raised this new disdain?  Cas. 
Not justice zeal, in wicked Promos sure:  An. 
Sweet, show the cause, I must this doom endure?  Cas. 
If thou dost live I must my honour loose,  
Thy ransom is, to Promos fleshly will  
That I do yield: than which I rather chose,  
With torments sharp, myself he first should kill:  
Thus am I bend, thou seest thy death at hand,  
O would my life, would satisfy his ire,  
Cassandra then, would cancel soon thy band.  An. 
And may it be a judge of his account,  
Can spot his mind, with lawless love or lust?  
But more, may he doom any fault with death?  
When in such fault, he finds himself injust.  
Sister, that wise men love we often see,  
And where love rules, 'gainst thorns doth reason spurn.  
But who so loves, if he rejected be,  
His passing love, to peevish hate will turn.  
Dear sister then, note how my fortune stands,  
That Promos love, the like is often in use:  
And sith he crave, this kindness, at your hands,  
Think this, if you his pleasure do refuse.  
I in his rage (poor wretch) shall sing Peccavi.  
Here are two evils, the best hard to digest,  
But where as things are driven unto necessity,  
There are we bid, of both evils choose the lest:  Cas. 
And of these evils, the lest, I hold is death,  
To shun whose dart, we can no mean devise,  
Yet honour lives, when death hath done his worst,  
Thus fame then life is of far more emprise:  An. 
Nay Cassandra, if thou thyself submit,  
To save my life, to Promos fleshly will,  
justice will say, thou dost no crime commit:  
For in forced faults is no intent of ill.  Cass. 
How so th'intent, is construed in offence,  
The Proverb says that ten good turns lie dead,  
And one ill deed, ten times beyond pretence,  
By envious tongues, report abroad doth spread:  
Andrugio so, my fame, shall valued be,  
Despite will blaze my crime, but not the cause:  
And thus although I fain would set thee free,  
Poor wench I fear, the gripe of slanders paws.  An. 
Nay sweet sister more slander would insawe,  
Your spotless life, to reave your brother's breath:  
When you have power, for to enlarge the same,  
Once in your hands, doth lie my life, and death,  
Way that I am, the self same flesh you are,  
Think I once gone, our house will go to wrack:  
Know forced faults, for slander need not care:  
Look you for blame, if I quail through your lack.  
Consider well, my great extremity,  
If other wise, this doom I could revoke:  
I would not spare, for any ieberdye:  
To free thee wench, from this same heavy yoke.  
But ah. I see, else, no way saves my life.  
And yet his hope, may further thy consent,  
He said, he may percase make thee his wife,  
And 'tis likely, he can not be content  
With one night's joy: if love he after seeks,  
And I discharged, if thou aloof then be,  
Before be loose thyself, that so he leeks.  
No dought but he, to marriage, will agreed.  Cas. 
And shall I stick to stoop, to Promos will,  
Since my brother enjoyeth life thereby?  
Not, although it doth my credit kill,  
Ere that he should, myself would choose to die.  
My Andrugio, take comfort in distress,  
Cassandra is won, thy faunsome great to pay,  
Such care she hath, thy thraldom to release:  
As she consenteth, her honour for to slay.  
Farewell, I must, my virgin's weeds forsake:  
And like a page, to Promos lewd repair.  Exit. An. 
My good sister to God I thee betake,  
To whom I pray, that comfort change thy care.   

Actus. 3. Scena. 5.  Phallax alone. PHal. 
'tis more than strange to see Lord Promos plight,  
He fryskes about, as birds beware in his breech.  
Even now he seems (through hope) to taste delight,  
And strait (through fear) where he claws it doth not itch.  
He museth now, straight ways the man doth sing.  
(A sight in sooth, unseemly for his age:)  
He longing looks, when any news shall bring,  
To speak with him, without there waits a page,  
O worthy wit (fit for a judges head)  
Unto a man to change a shiftles maid,  
Wink not on me, 'twas his, and not my deed:  
His, nay, his rule, this Metamorphos made,  
But Holla tongue, no more of this I pray,  
Non bonus est, ludere cum sanctis.  
The quietest, and the thryftiest course they say,  
Is, not to check, but praise great men's amiss,  
I find it true, for soothing Promos vain:  
None like myself, is lykte in his conceit,  
While favour last, then good, I fist for gain:  
(For Grace will not bite always at my bait)  
And as I wish, at hand, good Fortune, see:  
Here comes Phallax, and Gripax, but what's this,  
As good, as fair handsel, God grant it be:  
The knaves bring a Woman, Coram nobis.   

Actus. 3. Scena. 6.  ¶ Phallax, Gripax. Rapax, a Bedell, and one with a brown Bill, bring in Lamia, and Rosko her man. LA. 
Tear not my clotheses my friends, they cost more than you are a ware,  Be. 
Tush, soon you shall have a blue gown. for these take you no care  Ro. 
If she took thy offer poor knave, thy wife would starve with cold:  Gri. 
Well sir, whipping shall keep you warm.  Phal. 
What means these knaves to scold.  Ra. 
Master Phallax, we find you in good time,  
A Woman here, we have brought afore you:  
One to be charged with many a wanton crime.  
Which trial will, with proof enough find true:  
A knave of hers, we have stayed likewise,  
Both to be used, as you shall us advise.  Phal. 
What call you her name?  Ra. 
Lamia.  Phal. 
Fair Dame, hereto what do you say?  La. 
Worshipful Sir, myself I happy reek,  
With patience that my answer you will hear:  
These naughty men, these words on malice speak,  
And for this cause, ill will to me they bear.  
I scorned to keep, their minds with money play,  
I mean to keep, my life from open shame,  
Yea, if I lived, as lewdly as they say:  
But I that knew, myself unworthy shame:  
Shrunk not, to come unto my trial now.  
My tale is told, conceive as liketh you.  Phal. 
My friends, what proof have you against this dame?  
Speak on sure ground, lest that you reap the shame:  
The wrong is great, and craves great recompense.  
To touch her honest name, without offence.  Gri. 
All julio Sir doth ring of her lewd life:  Byl. 
In deed she is known for an idle housewife.  Ros. 
He lies, she is occupied day and night.  Phal. 
To swear against her is there any wight?  Ra. 
Not, not present, but if you do detain her.  
There willbe found by oath, some that will stain her,  Phal. 
I see she is then on suspicion stayed:  
Whose faults to search, upon my charge is laid,  
From charge of her I therefore will set you free,  
Myself will search her faults if any be,  
A God's name you may departed.  2 or. 3. speak, 
Good bye Syr.  Gri. 
In such shares as this, henceforth I will begin,  
For all is his, in his claws, that cometh in.  Exeunt. Phal. 
Fair Lamia, since that we are alone,  
I plainly will discourse to you my mind,  
I think you not to be so chaste a one,  
As that your life, this favour aught to find:  
Not force, for that, since that you scot free go,  
Unpunished, whose life is judged ill:  
Yet think (through love) this grace the judge doth show,  
And love with love aught to be answered still.  La. 
Indeed I grant (although I could reprove,  
Their lewd Complaints, with goodness of my life)  
Your courtesy, your debtor doth me prove,  
In that you took▪ my honest fame in strife,)  
My answer for discharge of their report:  
For which good turn, I at your pleasure rest,  
To work amendss, in any honest sort:  Phal. 
Away with honesty your answer then in sooth,  
Fits me as jump as a pudding a Friar's mouth,  Ros. 
He is a crafty child, dally, but do not.  La. 
Tush, I warrant thee, I am not so hot,  
Your words are too hard Sir, for me to construe.  Phal. 
Then to be short, your rare beauty my heart hath wounded so,  
As (save your love, become my leech) I sure shall die with woe.  La. 
I see no sign of death, in your face to appear,  
'tis but some usual qualm you have, pitiful Dames to fears.  Phal. 
Fair Lamia, trust me I feign not, betimes bestow some grace.  La. 
Well, I admit it so, only to argue in your case.  
I am married, so that to set your love on me were vain:  Phal. 
It sufficeth me, that I may your secret friend remain.  Ros. 
A holy Hood, makes not a Friar devout,  
He will play at small game, or he sit out.  La. 
Though for pleasure, or to prove me, these proffers you do move,  
You are to wise, to hazard life, upon my yielding love:  
The man is pained with present death, that useth wanton pleasure.  Phal. 
To scape such pain, wise men, these joys, without suspect can measure,  
Furthermore, I have been (my Girl) a Lawyer to too long:  
If at a pinch, I cannot wrist the Law from right to wrong.  La. 
If law you do profess. I gladly crave,  
In a cause or two, your advise to have.  Phal. 
To resolve you, you shall command my skill,  
Wherefore like friends, let's common in good will,  La. 
You are a merry man, but leave to jest,  
To morrow night, if you will be my Jest:  
At my poor house, you shall my causes know,  
For good cause, which I mean not here to show.  Phal. 
Willingly, and for that, haste calls me hence,  
My suit till then, shall remain in suspense:  
Farewell Client, to morrow look for me:  Exit. La. 
Your good welcome Sir, your best cheer will be.  Ros. 
I told you erst, the nature of Phallax,  
Money, or fair Women, works him as wax:  
And yet I must commend your sober cheer,  
You told your tale, as if a Saint you were.  La. 
Well (in seeréete, be it said) how so I seemed divine,  
I feared once, a blue gown, would have been my shrine.  
But now that pain is flayed, and pleasure keeps his hold,  
I know that Phallax will, my Fame henceforth uphold:  
To entertain which Jest, I will some dainty cheer prepare,  
Yet ere I go, in pleasant Song, I mean to purge my care.  

The Song.  

❧ A due poor care, adieu,  
Go, cloy some helpless wretch:  
My life, to make me rue,  
Thy forces do not stretch.   

Thy harbour, is the heart,  
Whom wrong, hath wrapped, in woe:  
But wrong, doth take my part,  
With cloak of right in shoe.   

My faults, inquiry escape,  
At them the judges wink:  
Those for my fall that gape,  
To show my lewdness shrink.   

Then silly care go pack,  
Thou art no Jest for me:  
I have, and have, no lack,  
And lack, is shroud for thee.    Exeunt.  

Actus. 3. Scena. 7.  Cassandra, appareled like a Page. Case. 
Unhappy wretch, I blush myself to see,  
appareled thus monstrous to my kind:  
But o, my weeds, will with my fault agree,  
When I have pleased, lewd Promos fleshly mind.  
What shall I do, go proffer what he sought?  
Or on more suit, shall I give my consent?  
The best is sure, since this must needs be wrought:  
I go, and show, need makes me to his bent.  
My floods of tears, from true intent which flow.  
May quench his lust, or ope his muzzled eyen,  
To see that I deserve to be his wife:  
Though now constrained to be his Concubine.  
But so, or not, I must the vent ere give,  
No danger fears the wight, pricked forth by need:  
And thus like one more glad to die, then live,  
I forward set, God grant me well to speed.  Exit.   

Actus 4.  

Scena. 1.  Dalia, Lamia's Maid, going to market. DA. 
With my Mistress, the world is changed well,  
She feared of late, of whipping cheer to smell:  
And now again, both gallant, fresh and gay.  
Who in julio flauntes it out, like Lamia?  
A lucky friend (yea, one that beareth sway)  
Is now become, a prop, of such a stay▪  
To her good name, as who is he dare say:  
That Lamia doth offend, now any way?  
This, her good friend, will be her Jest this night,  
And that he may in his welcome delight.  
To market I in haste, am sent to buy,  
The best cheer, that, I fasten on my eye.  Exit.  

Actus. 4. Scena. 2.  Promos alone. PRo. 
By proof I find, no reason cools desire,  
Cassandra's suit, sufficed to remove  
My lewd request, but contrary, the fire,  
Her tears inflamed, of lust, and filthy love.  
And having thus, the conquest in my hands,  
No prayer served to work restraint in me:  
But needs I would untie the precious bands,  
Of this fair Dames spotless Virginity.  
The spoil was sweet, and won even as I would,  
And yet ungainde, till I had given my troth,  
To marry her, and that her brother should  
Be free from death, all which I bound with oath:  
It resteth now (unless I wrong her much)  
I keep my vow: and shall Andrugio live?  
Such grace would me, with unindifferencie tuch.  
To pardon him, that did commit a Rape,  
To set him free, I to Cassandra swore:  
But no man else, is privy to the same,  
And rage of Love, for thousand oaths nill spare,  
Moore than are kept, when gotten is the game.  
Well, what I said, than Lover like I said,  
Now reason says, unto thy credit look:  
And having well, the circumstances weighed,  
I find I must, unswear the oath I took:  
But double wrong, I so should do Cassandra.  
No force for that, my might, commandeth right,  
Her privy man, her open cries will stay:  
Or if not so, my frowning will her fright,  
And thus shall rule, conceal my filthy deed.  
Now forthwith, I will to the Jailor send,  
That secretly Andrugio he behead,  
Whose head he shall, with these same words commend.   

  

  

Actus. 4. Scena. 5.  Gayler, Andrugio. GAy. 
Andrugio, as you love our lives, forthwith post you away.  
For God's sake to no living friend, your safety yet bewray:  
The proverb saith, two may keep counsel if that one be gone.  An. 
Assure thyself, most faithful friend, I will be known to none:  
To none alas, I see my escape yields me but small relief,  
Cassandra, and Polina will destroy themselves, with grief:  
Through thought that I am dead: they dead, to live what helpeth me?  Gay. 
Leave of these plaints of small avail, thank God that you are free,  
For God it was, within my mind, that did your safety move,  
And that same God, no doubt will work for your and their behove:  An. 
Most faithful friend, I hope that God, will work as you do say,  
And therefore, to some place unknown, I will myself convey.  
Gayler, far well: for thy good deed, I must remain thy debtor,  
In mean while yet receive this gift, till fortune sends a better:  Gay. 
Good bye sir, but keep your money, your need you do not know.  An. 
I pass not now for fortunes threats, yea though her force she show  
And therefore stick not to receive this small reward in part.  Gay. 
I will not sure, such proffers leave, 'tis time you do departed.  An. 
Since so thou wilt, I will be gone adieu till fortune smile.  Exit. Gay. 
Sir, far you well, I will not fail to pray for you the while.  
Well. I am glad, that I have sent him gone,  
For by my faith, I lived in perilous fear:  
And yet God wots, to see his bitter moan,  
When he should die, would force a man forbear,  
From harming him, if pity might bear sway:  
But see how God hath wrought for his safety?  
A dead man's head, that suffered th'other day,  
Makes him thou'ht dead, through out the city.  
Such a just, good and righted is God is he:  
Although awhile he let the wicked reign,  
Yet he relieves the wretch in misery,  
And in his pride, he throws the tyrant down.  
I use these words, upon this only thought,  
That Promos long his rod can not escape:  
Who hath in thought, a wilful murder wrought,  
Who hath in act performed a wicked rape,  
Gods will be done, who well Andrugio speed,  
Once well I hope, to hear of his good luck,  
For God thou knowest my conscience did this deed,  
And no desire of any worldly muck,  Exit.  

Actus. 4. Scena. 6.  Dalia from Market. DA. 
In good sweet sooth, I fear I shallbe shent,  
It is so long: since I to market went,  
But trust me, wyldfowle are such costly gear,  
Specially, woodcoks, out of reason dear,  
That this hour, I have the market bet,  
To drive a bargain to my most profit:  
And in the end I chanced to light on one,  
Hyt me as pat as a pudding Pope jone,  
Other market maids▪ pay down for their meat,  
But that I have bought, on my score is set.  
Well far credit when money runneth low,  
Mary yet, Butchers, the which do credit so.  
(As much Good meat, as they kill) may perchance,  
Be glad and fain at hearing cobs to dance.  
What force I that? every man shift for one,  
For if I starve, let none my fortune moan,  She feigns to go out.  

Actus. 4. Scena. 7.  Grimball, Dalia, either of them a Basket. GRi. 
Soft Dalia, a word with you, I pray.  Da. 
What friend, Grimbal, welcome as I may say:  Gri. 
Sayest thou me so, then kiss me for acquaintance.  Da. 
If I like your manhood, I may do so perchance.  She feigns to look in his basket. Gri. 
Bate me an ace, quoth Boulton, Tush, your mind I know:  
Ah sir, you would, be like, let my Cock Sparrows go.  Da. 
I warrant thee Grimball.  She takes out a white pudding: Gri. 
Say off hands Dalia.  
You powte me, if that you got, my Pudding away:  Da. 
Nay good sweet, honey Grimball, this Pudding give me.  Gri. 
Iche were as good geetes her, for she will hate, I see.  
Well, my noun good heart root, I freely give thee this,  
Upon condition, that thou give me a kiss.  Da. 
Nay, but first wash your lips, with sweet water you shall,  Gri. 
Why ych was rite now, for my Pudding, honey sweet Grimbal:  
Well Dalia, you will flout so long, till (though I say)  
With kindness you will cast a proper handsome man away,  
Wherefore soot Conny, even a little spurt:  Da. 
Say off hands Sir:  Gri 
Good do not bite, for ych mean thee no hurt:  
Come off Pyggesnie, prefer me not a jot,  Da. 
What would the good fool have,  Gri. 
Why, you wot hot.  
Hark in your ear:  Da. 
You shall command, so proper a man ye are.  
That for your sake, I will not stick to ware:  
A blue Cassock, during my life for sooth,  
Marry for my sake, I would be very loath:  
So goodly a handsome man, should loose his head.  Gri. 
Nay, for my head, care not a Tinkers turd,  
For so God judge me, and at one bore word:  
Isle loose my death, yea, and my great brown Cow,  
I love you so filthily: law ye now.  Da. 
Thou sayest valiantly, now sing, aswell too:  
And thou shalt quickly know, what I mean to do.  Gri. 
Yes by God's foot, to pleasure thee, ych shall,  
Both sing, spring, fight and play, the dewl and all.  Da. 
O lustily:  
The Song.  Gri. 
Come smack me, come smack me, I long for asmuch,  Da. 
Go pack thee, go pack thee, thou filthy fine slouch.  GRi. 
Leard how I love thee,  Da. 
This can not move me:  Gri. 
Why pretty Pygsney, my heart, and my honey?  Da. 
Because goodman Hogsface, you woe without money.  Gri. 
I lack money, chy grant,  Da. 
Then Grimball avaunt.  Gri. 
Chamyoung sweet heart, and feat, come kiss me for love,  Da. 
Crokeshanke, your jowl is to great, such liking to move.  Gri. 
What mean you by this?  Da. 
To leave thee by gys.  Gri. 
First smack me, first smack, I die for asmuch,  Da. 
Go pack thee, go pack thee, thou filthy fine slouch.  Exit. GRi. 
Dalia, art thou gone? what wilt serve me so?  
O God, I'm ready to ray myself for woe:  
Be valiant Grimball, kill thyself man?  
Nay, hum Lady, I will not by Saint Anne.  
Ich have beard my great Grandsire say:  
Maid will say nay, and take it: and so she may,  
And therefore i'll, to Mistress Lamia,  
With these Puddings, and Cock sparrows, by and by:  
And in the dark, again, ych will her try.  Exit:   

Actus. 5.  

Scena. 1.  Phallax alone. PHal. 
I marvel much what worketh so my Lord Promos unrest,  
He fares as if a thousand Devils, were gnawing in his breast:  
There is sure some worm of grief, that doth his conscience nip,  
For since Andrugio lost his head, he hath hung down the lip.  
And truth to say, his fault is such as well may grieve his mind,  
The Devil himself could not have used, a practice more unkind.  
This is once. I love a woman, for my life, as well as be,  
But (fair dames) with her that loves me. I deal well with, trust me.  
Well, leave I now my Lord Promos, his own deeds to answer,  
Lamia I know looks, and double looks, when I come to supper:  
I thought as much: see, to seek me, hear comes her Apple squire.   

Actus. 5. Scena. 2.  Rosko Phallax. Ros. 
O that I could found Master Phallax. the meat burns at the fire:  
And by your leave. Andrugio's death, doth make my mistress sweat.  Phal 
How now Rosko?  Ros. 
Is't you sir? my Mistress doth entreat,  
That with all speed, you worship will come away to supper:  
The meat and all is ready to set upon the board sir.  Phal. 
Gramercy for thy pains, I was even. coming to her.  Ros. 
You are the welcom'st man alive to her I know,  
And trust me at your commandment ren: ayneth poor Rosko.  Phal. 
It is honestly said, but now tell me,  
What quality hast, that I may use thee?  Ros. 
I am a Barbour, and when you please sir,  
Call (and spare not) for a cast of rose water.  Phal. 
But hear me, canst thou heal a green wound well?  Ros. 
Yea, green and old.  Phal. 
Then thy best were to dwell,  
In some usual place or street, where, through frays,  
Thou mayst be set a work with wounds always.  Ros. 
I thank my Mistress I have my hands full,  
To trim gentlemen of her acquaintance:  
And I trust Sir, if that your worship chance.  
To have need of my help, I shall earn your money.  
Afore an other.  Phal. 
That thou shalt truly:  
But sirrah, where dwells Lamia?  Ros. 
Even hear sir, enter I pray.  Phal. 
That I will sure, if that my way be clear.  Ros. 
Yes sir, her doors be open all the year.  Exeunt.  

Actus. 5. Scena. 3.  Polina, (the maid, that Andrugio loved) in a blue gown. PO. 
Polina cursed, what dame a live hath cause of grief like thee.  
Who (won by love) hast yield the spoil of thy virginity?  
And he for to repair thy fame, to marry thee, that vowed,  
Is done to death for first offence, the second mends not loud.  
Great shame redounds to thee, O Love, in leaving us in thrall:  
Andrugio and Polina both, in honouring thee did fall.  
Thou so didst witch our wits, as we from reason strayed quite,  
Provockt by thee, we did refuse, no vantage of delight:  
Delight, what did I say? nay death, by rash and fowl abuse,  
Alas I shame to tell thus much, though love do work excuse,  
So that (fair dames) from such consent, my accydents of barm,  
Forewarneth you, to keep aloof though love your hearts do arm,  
But ah Polina, whether runs thy words into advise,  
When others harms, enforced by love, could never make thee wise.  
The cause is plain, for that in love, no reason stands in stude,  
And reason is the only mean, that others harms we dread.  
Then, that the world hereafter may, to love infer my ill,  
Andrugio's Tomb with daily tears, Polina worship will.  
And further more I vowed, whilst life in me doth foster breath,  
No one shall vaunt of conquered love, by my Andrugio's death,  
These shameful weeds, which forced I were that men my fault may know:  
Whilst that I live, shall show I morn for my Andrugio,  
I will not bide the sharp assaults, from sugared words I sent.  
I will not trust to careless oaths, which often win consent:  
I will cut off occasions all, which hope of mirth may move,  
With ceaseless tears I'll quench each cause, the kindleth coals of love:  
And thus till death Polina will estrange herself from joy,  
Andrugio, to reward thy love which did thy life destroy.  Exit.  

Act. 5. Scena. 4.  Rosko alone. ROs. 
A Sir, in faith, the case is altered quite,  
My mistress late that lived in wretched plight:  
Bids care adieu and every cause of woe,  
The fe●●e is fled, which made her sorrow so,  
Mas●●● Phallax so under props her fame,  
As none for life dare now her lewdness blame,  
I fear (nay hope) she hath bewitched him so,  
As half his bribes, unto her share will go:  
Not force for that, who others doth deceive,  
Deserves himself, like measure to receive.  
Well, leave I Lamia, for herself to pray,  
Better than I can show, who knows the way:  
It stands me on, for my poor self to shift,  
And I have found a help at a dead lift:  
My old friend Grimbals purse, with pence is full,  
And if I empty it not, Dalia will.  
The slavering fool, what he can rap and rend,  
(He loves her so) upon the filth will spend:  
But buy your leave, I'll bar her of this match,  
My net and all is set, the fool to catch.  
Forsooth before his amorous suit he move,  
He must be trimmed to make her more to love.  
And in good sooth, the world shall hardly fall,  
But that he shallbe washed, pould, shaved and all:  
And see the luck, the fool is fast I know,  
In that with Rowke he doth so sadly go.   

Scena. 5.  Grymball, Rowke, Rosko. Grim. 
God bores, as sayst, when somewhat handsome ch'am,  
I faith she will come off for very shame:  Row. 
Yea without doubt for I swear by saint Anne:  
Myself loves you, you are so clean a young man.  Grim. 
Nay, thou wilt say so, when my face is fair washed,  Ros. 
Good luck a God's name, the woodcock is mashed.  Row. 
And who barbs ye Grimball.  Grim. 
A dapper knave, one Rosko.  Ros. 
Well letherface, we shall have you Ass ere you go.  Row. 
I know him not, is he a deafed barber?  Grim. 
O, yea, why he is Mistress Lamia's powler.  
And look sirrah, then is the little knave.  
How dost Rosko?  Ros. 
Whope, my eye sight God save,  
What old Grimball, welcome, sit you down hear, Boy?  Boy. 
Anon.  Boy in the house. Ros. 
Bay leaves in warm water, quick, bring clean gear,  Boy. 
Straight.  Row. 
As thou saidst Grymball, this is a feat knave indeed.  Ros. 
How say'syr? ointments for a scab▪ do you need?  Row. 
Scab, scurvy jack, i'll set you a work Syr.  Grim. 
Nay gog's foot, good now, no more of this stur.  Row. 
I faith Barber, I will pick your teeth strait.  Ros. 
Nay, to pick my purse, I fear thou dost weight,  Row. 
Yea, gog's heart,  Grym. 
Nay, gog's foot,  Ros. 
Now come Ruffian.  Grim. 
Leave, if you be men,  
Hear ye me now? be friends, and by my troth,  
I'll spend a whole quart of Ale on you both.  Ros. 
Well, mass Grimball, I little thought I was,  
You would a brought a knave, to vie me thus.  Grim. 
Why, knowest him not? why it is lusty Rowke.  Ros. 
A strong thief, I warrant him by his look.  Row. 
Go to Barber, no more, lest Copper you catch.  Grim. 
What? wilt give thy nose away? beware that match.  
For chy see no Copper, unlest be there.  Boy brings water. Boy. 
Master, here is delicate water, & clean gear.  Exit. Ros. 
Well, to quiet my house, and for Grimbals sake,  
If it pleaseth you, as friends, we hands will shake.  Grim. 
I, I, do so:  Row. 
And for his sake I agree.  Grim. 
Well then, that we may drink, strait ways wash me.  Ros. 
Good sir, here's water as sweet as a Rose,  
Now whiles I wash, your eyes hard you must close.  Grim. 
Thus?  Ros. 
Harder yet:  Grim. 
O, thus:  Ros. 
Yea marry, so.  
How sirrah, you know what you have to do:  Rowke cuts Grimbals purse. Ros. 
Wink hard. Grimball.  Grim. 
Yes, yes, I shall.  Row. 
hear's the tooth pick, and all.  Exit. Ros. 
Depart then till I call?  
Very will sir, your face, is gaily clean,  
Were your teeth now picked, you may kiss a quean.  Grim. 
Sayest thou me so? Good now dispatch and away?  
I even fyssell, until I smooch Dalia.  Ros. 
O do you so? I am right glad you tell.  
I else had thought, 't'ad been your teeth did smell.  Grim. 
O Lord, gog's foot, you pick me to the quick:  Ros. 
Quiet yourself, your teeth are furred thick.  Grim. 
O, o not more, O God, I spattell blood.  Ros. 
I have done, spit out, this doth you much good: Boy?  Boy. 
Anon.  Boy within. Ros. 
Bring the drink in the Porringer.  
To gargalis his teeth.  Boy. 
It is here sir.  Exit. Ros. 
Wash your feeths with this, good master Grimball.  Grim. 
I am poisoned, ah, it is bitter gall:  Ros. 
Eat these Comfyts, to sweeten your mouth with all.  Grim. 
Yea marry sir, these are gay sugared gear.  Ros. 
Their sweetness strait, will make you stink I fear:  Grim. 
Well now, what must I pay, that chy were gone?  Ros. 
What you will.  Grim. 
Sayest me so? O I'm undone.  Ros. 
How now Grimball?  Grim. 
O Leard, my Purse is cut.  Ros. 
When? where?  Grim. 
Now, here.  Ros. 
Boy, let the door be shut,  
If it be here, we will strait ways see,  
Where's he, that came with you?  Grim. 
I can not tell.  Ros. 
What is he?  Grim. 
I know not.  Ros. 
Where doth he devil?  Grim. 
O Leard, I ken not I  Ros. 
You have done well.  
This knave, your pence, in his pocket hath pursed:  
Let's seek him out.  Grim. 
Nay hark, I must needs first:  
O Learde, Learde, I'm sick, my belly aches, too, too:  Ros. 
Thou look'st ill: well, I'll tell thee what to do.  
Since thou art so sick, strait ways, get thee home,  
To find this jacke, myself abroad will roam.  
The rather, for that he played the knave with me,  Gri. 
Chamsick in deed, and therefore ych thank thee:  Ros. 
I see sometime, the blind man hits a Crow,  
He may thank me, that he is plagued so:  Gri. 
Well, well, Dalia, the Loan ych bore to thee,  
Hath made me sick, and picked my purse from me.  Exit. Ros. 
A, is he gone? a fool company him,  
In good sooth Sir, this match fadged frim:  
Well, I will trudge, to find my tellewe Rowke,  
To share the price, that my devise hath took.  Exit.  

Actus. 5. Scena. 6.  Cassandra, in black. Case. 
The heavy charged, that Nature binds me too,  
I have performed, engraved my Brother is:  
O would to God (to ease, my ceaseless woe)  
My wretched bones, entombed were with his.  
But O in vain, this bootless wish, I use,  
I, poor I must live in sorrow, joined with shame:  
And shall he live? that did us both abuse?  
And quench through rule, the coals of just revenge?  
O: not, I will now high me to the King:  
To whom, I will, recount my wretched state,  
Lewd Promos rape, my Brother's death and all:  
And (though with shame, I may this tale relate)  
To prove that force, enforced me to fall:  
When I have shown, Lord Promos fowl misdeeds,  
This knife forthwith, shall end my woe and shame,  
My gored heart, which at his feet then bleeds,  
To scourge his faults, the King will more inflame.  
In deeds to do, that I in words pretend,  
I now advise, my journey, to the King:  
Yet ere I go, as Swans sing at their end,  
In solemn Song, I mean my knell to ring.  

Cassandra's Song.  

SIth fortune thwart, doth cross my joys with care,  
Sigh that my bliss, is changed to bale by fate:  
Sigh froward chance, my days in woe doth wear,  
Sigh I alas, must moon without a mate.  
I wretch have vowed, to sing both day and night,  
O sorrow slay, all motions of delight.   

¶ Come grisly grief, torment this heart of mine,  
Come deep despair, and stop my loathed breath.  
Come wretched woe, my thought of hope to pine:  
Come cruel care, prefer my suit to death.  
Death, end my woe, which sing both day and night,  
O sorrow slay, all motions of delight.    Exit.   
FINIS.  
G. W.   

❧ The second part of the Famous History of Promos and Cassandra.  Set forth in a Comical Discourse, by George Whetstone Gent. Formae nulla fides. 
❧ The second part of the History of Promos and Cassandra.  

Actus. 1.  

Scena. 1.  ¶ Polina in a blue Gown, shadowed with a black Sarsenet, going to the Temple to pray, upon Andrugio's Tomb. 
Promise's is debt, and I my vow have past,  
Andrugio's Tomb, to wash with daily tears:  
Which Sacrifice (although God wots in waste)  
I will perform, my Altar is of cares.  
Of fuming sighs, my offering incense is,  
My piteous plaints, in steed of Prayers are:  
Yea, would to God in penance of my miss.  
I with the rest, my loathed life might share.  
But O in vain, I wish this welcomde end,  
Death is to slow, to slay the wretched wight:  
And all to soon, he doth his forces bend,  
To wound their hearts, which wallow in delight.  
Yet in my care, still goes, my passing Bell,  
So oft as I Andrugio's death do mind:  
So oft as men, with pointed fingers tell,  
Their friends, my faults, which by my weeds they find.  
But O the cause, with Death, which threats me most,  
I wish to die, I die through wretched woe,  
My dying heart, desires to yield the ghost,  
My trances strange, a present death foreshow.  
But as the reed doth bow at every blast.  
To break the same, when rowghest storms lacks might,  
So wretched I, with every woe do waste,  
Yet care wants force, to kill my heart out right.  
O gracious God and is my gilt so great.  
As you the same, with thousand deaths must wreak?  
You will it so, else care I could entreat?  
With half these woes, my third of life, to break.  
But what meanest thou Polina, most accursed,  
To muse, why God, this penance joins thee to  
Whose correction, although we take at worst,  
To our great good he doth the same bestow.  
So that, sith grése can not relieve my friend,  
sith scorching sighs my sorrows cannot dry:  
sith care himself, lacks force my life to end.  
Sith still I live that every hour do die:  
sith mighty God appoints my penance so,  
In mournful song I will my patience show,  

Polinas Song.  
A Mid my bale, the lightning joy, that pining care doth bring,  
With patience cheers my heavy heart, as in my woes I sing,  
I know my Gilded, I feel my scourge: my ease is death I see:  
And care (I find) by piecemeal wears, my heart to set me free.  
O care, my comfort and refuge, fear not to work thy will,  
With patience I thy corfives bide, feed on my life thy fill.  
Thy appetite with sighs and tears, I daily will procure.  
And wretched I, will vail to death, throw when thou wilt thy Lure.   Exit, Polina,  

Actus. 1. Scena. 2.  Enter a Messenger from the King. 
I Have at length (though weary come in troth)  
Obtained a fight of julios' stately walls,  
A King's message, can not be done with sloth:  
Whom he bids goé, must run through mire and dirt,  
And I am sent to Lord Promos in post.  
To tell him that the king will see him straight.  
But much I fear that Promos needs not boast:  
Of any gain by his sovereigns receit,  
But Holla tongue of lavish speech beware,  
Though subjects often in Prince's meaning pry,  
They must their words, and not their minds declare.  
Unto which course I will my tongue apply,  
Lord Promos shall my princes coming know.  
My prince himself, the cause thereof shall show.  Exit.  

Actus. 1. Scena. 3.  Rosko Lamia's man. ROs. 
Is't possible that my Mistress Lamia,  
Over the shoes should b●yn love with Phallax?  
Why by Ies●● as she herself doth say,)  
With pure good ioyll, her heart doth melt like wax:  
And this I am sure, every hour they themselves,  
By their sweet selves, or by their letters greet,  
But the sport is to see the loving elves,  
Bill together when they in secret meet.  
She lowers, he lauffes she sighs threw pure love. 
The strumpets and Crocodiles tears a like.   
Nay, nay, says he (good pugs) no more of this:  
Well, says she, and weeps, my grief you do not prove.  
Then straight this storm is cheered with a kiss,  
And then a both sides, three words and asmuch:  
Within her ear, then whispereth this slouch,  
And by the way he stumbleth on her lips,  
Thus either strives most loving signs to show,  
Much good do it them, sith they are both content,  
Once I am sure, how so the game doth go,  
I have no cause their liking to repent:  
I seldom do between them message bear,  
But that I have an Item in the hand,  
Well, I must trudge to do a certain char,  
Which, take I time, cock for my gain doth stand.   

Actus. 1. Scena. 4.  Phallax. Dowson a Carpenter. PHal. 
Dispatch Dowson, up with the frame quickly,  
So space your rooms, as the nine worthies may,  
Be so instauld, as best may please the eye.  Dow. 
Very good, I shall:  Phal. 
Nay soft Dowson, stay:  
Let your man at saint Anne's cross, out of hand,  
Erect a stage, that the Wayghts in sight may stand.  Dow. 
Will you aught else?  Phal. 
Soft awhile, let me see,  
On jesus gate, the four virtues I trow,  
Appointed are to stand:  Dow. 
I sir, they are so.  Phal. 
Well, then about your charge, I will foresee,  
The Comfort of Music, well placed to be.  Dow. 
I am gone sir.  Exit.  

Actus 1. Scena. 5.  The bedal of the Tailors, Phallax. BE. 
Hear you master Phallax?  
The Wardens of the Marchantaylers are.  
Where (with themselves) they shall their pageant place?  Phal. 
With what strange shows, do they their pageant graces  Be. 
They have Hercules, of Monster's conquering,  
Huge great Grants, in a forest fight,  
With Lions, Bears, Wolves, Apes, Foxes, and Gray's,  
Baiards, brocks. etc.  Phal. 
O woudrons frays,  
Mary sir since they are provided thus,  
Out of their ways, God keep Master Pediculus.  Be. 
You are pleasant sir, but with speed I pray,  
You answer me, I was charged not to stay.  Phal. 
Because I know, you have all things currant,  
They shall stand where they shall no viewers want:  
How say you to the end of Duck Alley?  Be. 
There all the beggars in the town willbe.  Phal. 
O, most attendance is, where beggars are,  
Farewell, away.  Be. 
I will your will declare.  Exit.  

Actus. 1. Scena. 6.  Phallax, Two men, appareled, like green men at the Mayor's feast, with clubs of fire work. PHal. 
This gear fadgeth now, that these fellows pear,  
Friends where weight you?  First. 
In jesus street to keep a passage clear,  
That the King and his train, may pass with ease.  Phal. 
O, very good,  Second. 
Aught else Sir, do you please?  Phal. 
Not, not: about your charge.  Both. 
We are gone:  Exeunt. Phal. 
A sir, hear is short knowledge, to entertain a king,  
But O, O, quid non pecunia? yea, at a days warning?  
The king in provision that thought to take us tardy,  
As if we had a year been warned, shall by his welcome see:  
I have yet one char to do: but soft, hear is Rotko,  
I must needs deliver him a message before I go.   

Actus. 1. Scena. 7.  Rosko, Phallax. Ros. 
I saith, I have noble news for Lamia,  Phal. 
Nay soft, friend Rosko, take mine in your way.  Ros. 
Master Phallax, Osyd I cry you mercy.  Phal. 
Rosko with speed tell thy Mistress from me,  
The King strait ways will come to the City:  
In whose great train there is a company,  
Within her house with more shall merry be,  
Therefore, for my sake, will her to foresee,  
To welcome them, that nothing wanting be,  
This is all I will, for want of leisure.  Exit. Ros. 
I will not fail sir, to show your pleasure:  
Marry, in faith, these news falls jump with the rest,  
They shallbe welcome and far of the best:  
But although they well fill their bodies thus,  
Their purses will be driven to a non plus:  
Not force a whit, each pleasure hath his pain,  
Better the purse than body starve of wain.  
Well, I will trudge, my welcome news to tell,  
And then abroad, good company to smell.  Exit.  

Actus. 1. Scena. 8.  corvinus the King, Cassandra, two counsellors. And Vaislao, a young noble man. King. 
Cassandra, we draw near unto the Town.  
So that I will that you from us departed:  
Till further of our pleasure you do hear.  
Yet rest assured, that wicked Promos,  
Shall abide such punishment, as the world,  
Shall hold me just, and clear thee of offence.  Cas. 
Dread sovereign, as you will, Cassandra goeth hence.  Exit. King. 
I plainly see, it tends to great behove,  
That Princes often do veil their ears to hear,  
The Miser's plaint: for though they do appoint,  
Such as they think will justice execute,  
Authority is such a commander,  
As, where as men by office beareth sway,  
If they their rule by conscience measure not,  
The poor man's right is overcome by might.  
If love or hate from justice lead the judge,  
Then money sure may over rule the case.  
Thus one abuse is cause of many more:  
And therefore none in judges aught to be,  
How Rulers wrong, few tales are told the King:  
The reason is, their power keeps in awe  
Such men as have great cause for to complain.  
If Cassandra her goods, nay, life preferred,  
Before revenge of Promos treachery:  
I had not known, his detestable rape,  
The which he forced to save her brother's life.  
And furthermore, Andrugio's ransom paid,  
I had not known be put him unto death:  
For when (good soul) she had this treason told.  
Through very shame her honour so was spoiled:  
She drew her knife to wound herself to death.  
Whose pysious plight, my heart provockt to wrath,  
At Promos wiles:  
So that to use undifferency to both,  
Even in the place where all these wrongs were none:  
Myself am come, to sit upon the cause.  
But see where Promos and the Mayor weight,  
To welcome me with great solemnity:  
With cheerful show I shadow will the hate,  
I bear to him for his insolency:  
Perhaps I may learn more of his abuse,  
Whereby the more his punishment may be.  
Come my Lords to the Town haste we apace:  All speak. 
We all are priest, to weight upon your Grace:   

Actus. 1. Scena. 9  ¶ Promos, Maior, three Aldermen, in read Gowns, with a Sword bearer, awayghtes the Kings coming. Promos, his brief Oration. PRo. 
Renowned King, lo here your faithful subjects priest to show  
The loyal duty, which (in right) they to your highness owe.  
Your presence, cheers all sorts of us: yet ten times more we joy,  
You think us stoarde, our warning short, for to receive a Roye.  
Our will, is such, as shall supply, I trust in us all want,  
And where good will the welcome gives, provision syld is scant.  
Lo, this is all: yea, for us all, that I in words bestow,  
Your Majesty, our further zeal, in ready deeds shall know.  
And first, dread King, I tender you, the sword of justice hear,  
Which as your Lieutenant I trust, uprightly I did hear.  The King delivers the Sword, to one of his Counsel. KIng. 
Promos, the good report, of your good government I hear,  
Or at the lest, the good conceit, that towards you I bear.  
To encourage you the more, in justice to persever,  
Is the chief cause. I did address, my Progress heather.  Pro. 
I thank your Highness.  The Mayor presents the King, with a fair Purse. MA. 
Renowned King, our ready wills to show,  
In your behalf, our goods (nay lives) to spend:  
In all our names, I freely here bestow  
On your Highness, this Purse: unto this end,  
To po●● 〈◊〉 your most Royal Majesty,  
In all our wealth, thereto bound by duty.  Kin 
Your great good wills, and gifts with thanks I take:  
But keep you still, your goods, to do you good.  
It is enough, and all that I do crave,  
If needs compels for your and our safety,  
That you in part your proffers large perform:  
And for this time as outward shows make proof,  
It is enough (and all that I desire)  
That your hearts and tongues (alike) bid me welcome.  All. 
Lord preserve your Majesty.  ¶ Five or six, the one half men, the other women, near unto the Music, singing on some stage, erected from the ground: During the first part of the song, the King feigneth to talk sadly with some of his Counsel. The King's Gentleman Vsher. 
Forewards my Lords.  They all go out leisurably while the rest of the Song is made an end.   

Actus. 2.  

Scena. 1.  Lamia the Courtesan. LA. 
The match goes hard, which raiseth no man's gain,  
The virtue rare, that none to vice may wrest:  
And sure, the Law, that made me late complain:  
Allureth me, many a wanton jest:  
Dames of my Trade, shut up their shops for fear,  
Their stuff proved Contra formam Statuti,  
Then I, which lycenst am, to cell fine ware:  
Am like to be well customed pardie:  
And now Time serves, lest custom after fail,  
At highest rate, my Toys I value must:  
Let me alone, to set my Toys to sale:  
Young Ruflers I, in faith, will serve of trust.  
Who ways me not, him will I fayne to love,  
Who loves me once, is limed to my hest:  
My colours some, and some shall wear my glove,  
And he my heart, whose payment likes me best.  
And here at hand are customers I trow,  
These are the friends, of Phallax, my sweet friend:  
Now will I go, and set my wares to show,  
But let them laugh, that winneth in the end.  Exit.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 2.  Apio and Bruno. Two Gentlemen strangers, with Rosko. APio. 
Come on good friend: where dwells Lady Lamia?  Ros. 
Even by Syr.  Apio. 
Well then, go thy way,  
Show who sent us, and what our meaning is:  
Lest she not knowing us, do take amiss.  
That thus boldly we come to visit her.  Ros. 
Not bolder than welcome, I warrant you Sir.  Bruno. 
Well, thy Message do:  Ros. 
I go.  Exit. Four Women bravely appareled, sitting singing in Lamia●s window, with wrought Smocks, and cawls, in their hands, as if they were a working. The Quyre. 
IF pleasure, be treasure,  Apio. 
Hark.  The Quyre. 
The golden world is here, the golden worlds is here.  
Refuse you, or choose you:  
But welcome who draws near, but welcome who draws near.  Bruno. 
They be the Muse's sure,  Apio. 
Nay, Siren's lure.  First sings. 
Here lives delight,  Second sin. 
Here dies despite:  These both. 
Desire here, hath his will.  Third sin. 
Here loves relief,  Fourth sin. 
Destroyeth grief:  Last two. 
Which careful hearts doth kill.  Bruno. 
Attend them still.  Apio. 
That, as you will.  First sings. 
Here wish in will, doth care destroy,  Second sin. 
Play here your fill, we are not coy:  Third sin. 
Which breeds much ill, we purge annoyed,  Fourth sin. 
Our lives here still, we lead in joy.  The Quyre. 
If pleasure, be treasure,  
The golden world is here, the golden world is here:  
Refuse you, or choose you,  
But welcome, who comes near, but welcome, who comes near.  First. 
Wantoness draw near.  second. 
Taste of our cheer:  Both. 
Our Cates are fine and sweet.  third. 
Come be not coy,  fourth. 
To work your joy:  The last two. 
We fall will at your feet.  Bruno. 
A, good kind worms:  Apio. 
Hark.  First. 
Lo, here we be, good will which move,  Second. 
We live you see, for your behove:  Thirde. 
Come we agreed, to let you prove.  fourth 
Without a fee, the fruits of love.  The choir all. 
If pleasure, be treasure, the golden world is here, etc.  Bruno. 
Upon this large warrant, we may venture,  
The door opes alone, come, let us enter.  Apio. 
Agreed.  ¶ Enter a Sergeant bearing a Mace, another office, with a Paper, like a Proclamation: and with them the Crier, OFficer. 
crier, Make a noise.  Cry. 
O yes. And so thrice.  Off. 
All manner of persons, here present,  Cry. 
All manner of persons, here present.  Off. 
Be silent, on pain, of imprisonment,  Cry. 
Be silent, on pain, of imprisonment.  The office reads the Proclamation. 
corvinus, the high, and mighty King, of Hungary, and Boemia: Unto all his loving Subjects of julio, sendeth greeting. And therewithal, giveth knowledge, of his Princely favour, towards every sort of them.  
First, if any person, Officer, or other: hath wronged any of his true subjects, by the corruption of bribes, affecting or not favouring, of the person: through Usury, extortion, wrong imprisonment: or with any other unjust practice: His Majesty wills the party so grieved, to repair to Sir Vlrico, one of his highness privy Counsel: who (finding his, or their injuries) is commanded, to certify them, and their proof, unto the King's majesty: where incontinently, he will order the controversy, to the release of the party grieved, and the punishment of the offenders.  
Further, if any of his faithful subjects, can charge any person, Officer, or other, with any notable or heinous offence as Treason, Murder, Sacrilege, sedition: or with any such notorious crime: for the safety of his Royal person, benefit and quiet of his Realm, and subjects. On Fridaye next, his most excellent Majesty (with the advise of his honourable Counsel) will in open Court sit, to hear and determine, all such offences. Therefore he straightly chargeth all and every of his subjects, that know any such heinous offenders: one the forenamed day, that he present, both the offender, and his fault.  
Dated at his Royal Court, in julio, the. 6. of February.  
God save the King.  Exeunt.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 4.  Roske. ROs. 
See how we are croft: we thought the King for pleasure,  
Came to visit us: when to his pain,  
And our plagues, I fear he bestows his leisure.  
To hear the wrongs, of such as will complain  
Of any man: But the sport is to see  
Us Officers, one look of another:  
I at Lord Promos, Lord Promos at me,  
The Lawyers, at the Sheriff and Mayor.  
They gaze as much on the ruling Lawyer.  
For to be plain, the clearest of all,  
Peccavi sing, to hear the grievous call,  
Against Usury, brybrie, and barrating,  
Suborning, extortion, and boulstring.  
Some faults are heard, some by Proclamation stay,  
Before the King, to be heard on Fridaye.  
I yet have scaped, and hope to go scotfree:  
But so, or not, whilst leisure serves me.  
To have my a answers fresh if I be cauld,  
Of merry mates, I have a meeting stauld,  
To whom my senses, to refresh I wend,  
Who gets a pace as merrily may spend.  Exit.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 5.  Sir Virice, with divers papers in his hand, two poor citizens, soliting complaints. VL. 
As thou complain'st, against all equity,  
Holds Phallax thy house, by this extremity?  First. 
Yea sure, and he hath bound me so subtilely,  
As less you help, law yields me no remidy.  Vl. 
Well, what say you? is Phallax money paid?  Se. 
Save five pound Sir:  VI. 
For which your bend is stayed.  Se. 
Nay marry, the same I would gladly pay,  
But my bond for the forfeit he doth stay.  VI 
Summum Ius, I see, is Summa Imuria:  
So these wrongs must be salved some other way.  First. 
Yea, more than this, most men say:  VI. 
What?  First. 
To be plain, he keeps Mistress Lamia.  VI 
Admit be do, what help have you by this?  Se. 
Yes marry, it proves, a doudle knave he is:  
A covetous churl, and a lecher too.  Vl. 
Well, well, honest men, for your witness go,  
And as on proof, I find your injuries.  
So I will move, the king for remedies.  Both. 
We thank your honour.  Exeunt. Vl. 
'tis more than strange, to see with honest show,  
What fowl deceits, lewd officers can hide:  
In every case, their craft, they colour so,  
As still they have, stryckt law upon their side.  
These cunning thieves, with law, can Lordships steal,  
When for a sheep, the ignorant are trust:  
Yea, who more rough, with small offenders deal,  
Then these false men, to make themselves seem just?  
The tyrant Phallaris, was praised in this,  
When Perillus the brazen torment made:  
He found the wretch, straight ways in some amiss,  
And made him first, the scourge thereof taste:  
A just reward for such as do present  
An other's fault, himself, the guiltyest man.  
Well, to our weal, our gracious king is bend,  
To taste these thieves, to use what means he can.  
But as at Cheastes, though skilful players play,  
Skyllesse vewers, may see, what they omit:  
So though our king, in searching judgement may,  
Guess at their faults, which secret wrongs commit:  
Yet for to judge, by truth, and not by aim,  
Myself in chief, his highness doth auctorise,  
On proof for to return who merits blame,  
And as I find, so he himself will punish:  
So that to use, my charge indifferently,  
My clients wrongs, I will with witness try.  As he is going out, Pimos, a young gentleman speaks to him.  

Actus. 2. Scena. 6.  PI. 
Sir Vlrico, I humbly crave to know,  
What good success: my honest suit ensues?  VI 
Master Pimos, in breete, the same to show,  
I fear, you both, my order will refuse:  
Lyros, that thinks he gives more than he should,  
And you, for that, you have not, what you would,  Pi. 
It shall go hard, if that your award mistikes me.  VI 
Well, go with me, and you the same shall see:  Pi. 
I weight on you.  Exeunt.   

Actus 3  

Scena. 1.  Phallax. PHal. 
My troubled heart with guiltiness aggrieved,  
Like fire doth make my ears and cheeks to glow:  
God Grant I scape this black day unreprieved,  
I care not how the game go to morrow.  
Well, I will set a face of brass on it,  
And with the rest, upon the King attend:  
Who even anon will hear in judgement sit,  
To heaven or hell some officers to sand.  
But soft, a prize, Gripax and Rapax I see,  
A share of their venture belongs to me.   

Actus. 3. Scena. 2.  Gripax, Rapax, Promoters, john Adroynes, A Clown, Phallax. JOhn. 
Nay, good honest Promoters let me go.  Gri. 
Tush john Adroines, we must not leave you so:  
What? an old hobclunch a wanton knave?  
You shall to the King.  john. 
Mary john Adroynes God save:  
The king? why he will not look of poor men.  Ra. 
Yes, yes, and will spy a knave in your face.  john. 
Will he so? then, good you he gone apace.  Gri. 
And why?  john. 
Lest in my face, he spy you too,  Phal. 
Have you seen a daw, bebob two crows so?  Ra. 
Well, come away sir patch.  john. 
Leave, or by God I'll scratch.  They fawle a fighting. Gri. 
What wilt thou so?  john. 
Yea, and bite too.  Gri. 
Help Rapax, play the man.  john. 
Nay, do both what you can.  Phal. 
If that in bobs, their bargain be,  
In faith they share alone for me.  Ra. 
What bytest thou hobclunch,  john. 
Yea, that chull, and punch.  Gri. 
O Lord God, my heart.  john. 
Knaves, i'll make you fart.  Ra. 
Hold thy hands Job,  john. 
first, take this bob.  Phal. 
To part this fray, it is buy time, I can tell, My Promoters else of the roast will smell.  Ra. 
O, my neck thou wilt break.  john. 
Yea, Gods ames, christ thou creak?  Phal. 
How now my friends? why what a stur is this?  Gri. 
Mary.  Phal. 
What?  john. 
Care they part, I'll make them pys.  Phal. 
Hold, no more blows.  john. 
Knaves, this honest man thank,  
That you scape so well.  Phal. 
Friend be not to crank,  
I am an officer, and mean to know  
The cause, why you brauld thus, before I go:  
Your bobs show, that the same, you best can tell.  Ra. 
I would your worship, felt the same as well,  
I then am sure, this blockhedded slave,  
For both his faults, double punishment should have.  Phal. 
What faults?  Ra. 
Mary,  john. 
He will lie like a dog.  Phal. 
How now you churl, your tongue, would have a clog, Say on:  Ra. 
To show his first, and chiefest faughte:  
His Father's maid, and he are nought.  john. 
What I?  Ra. 
I  john. 
By my Grandsire's soul, you lie.  Phal. 
Peace: Friend, for this fault, thou must die.  john. 
die, Learde save us: you sqawde know, I'll 〈◊〉 ye: For reforming a lie, thus against me.  Phal. 
Tush, tush, it helpeth not: if they can prove this.  Gri. 
For some proof, I saw him and the Maid kiss.  john. 
Can not foke kiss: but they are nought by and by?  Phal. 
This presumption friend, will touch thee shrewdly:  
If thou scape with life, be thou sore of this,  
Thou shalt be terribly whipped, for this kiss.  john. 
Whypt, marry God shield, chy had rather be hangde●  Ra. 
Growte noll, come to the King.  john. 
Art not well hanged.  Phal. 
Well, good fellows, let's take up this matter.  Gri. 
Nay, first john Adroines, shallbe trust in a halter.  Phal. 
Why? helps it you, to see the poor man whypt?  
I pray you friends, for this time let him go.  john. 
Stand still, and chull, whether they will or not:  Ra. 
Nay, but we charge him, in the King's name, stay thee.  Phal. 
Hark honest man, I warrant thee set free?  
Grease them well, in their hands, and speak them fair:  john. 
O Leard God, our tallow pot is not here.  Phal. 
Tush, claw them with money:  john. 
Why so my nails are sharp.  Phal. 
I see, for Clowns, Pan's Pipe, is meeter, than Apollo's Harp. They can skill of no Music, but plain Song.  Gri. 
I pray let's go, we trifle time too long:  Phal. 
Straight. cocks soul knave, stop his mouth with money.  john. 
O, I ken you now sir, chy cry you mercy.  Ra. 
Come on slouch, wilt please you be jogging hence?  john. 
Here is all, ten shillings, and thirteen pence.  Phal. 
Hark ye my friends.  Gri. 
We must not let him go.  Phal. 
Hark once more.  john. 
Give them the money.  Phal. 
It shall be so.  Ra. 
Well, although he deserves great punishment,  
For your sake, for this time we are content:  john Adroines 
farewell, henceforth be honest,  
And for this fault, will pass it over in jest.  Exeunt. john 
Then gives our money.  Phal. 
Why?  john. 
Why, they did but jest:  Phal. 
Yea, but they took thy money in earnest.  Exit. john. 
Art gone, now the Dewle choke you all with it:  
How chy kiss again, the knaves ha' taught me wit.  
But by Saint Anne, chy do see her lady:  
Men may do what them will, that have money.  
Ich surely had been whipped, but for my gold,  
But chull no more, with smouches be so bold.  
Yea, and ych wish all Lovers to be wise,  
There be learing knaves abroad, have cats eyes:  
Why, by God's bores, they can both see and mark,  
If a man steal, but asmuch in the dark.  
And now the world is grown, to such jolly spy:  
As if foke do kiss, they're nought by and by.  
Well, ych will home, and tell my Father Droyne:  
How that, two thieves robbed me of my Coin.  Exit. ¶ Enter the King, Promos, Mrico, Maior, Gonsago, Phallax, with two other attendants. KIng 
Sir Gonsago, if that we henceforth hear,  
With will, or wealth, you do our subjects wrong:  
Look not again, this favour for to find,  
We use thy grace, to win you to amend:  
If not, our wrath shall fear you to offend.  
God spade you.  Gousago, doth reverence and departeth. King. 
I see by proof, that true the prover be is,  
Might masters right, wealth is such a canker,  
As wounds the conscience, of his Master,  
And devours the heart of his poor neighbour.  
To cure which sore, justice his pride must pyve,  
Which justice aught in Princes most to shine:  
And sith subjects live by their prince's law,  
Whose laws in chief, the rich should keep in awe:  
The poor in wrouges, but seldom doth delight,  
They have enough, for to defend their right:  
It much behoves the maker of these laws,  
(This money finds in them, so many flaws)  
To see his laws, obsered as they are meant:  
Or else good laws, will turn to evil intent.  
Well, ere I leave, my poorest subjects shall,  
Both live, and like: and by the richest stawll.  Pro. 
Regarded and most mighty Prince, your clemency herein,  
Those hearts, your rule, commands through fear to faithful love shall win.  Vl. 
Renowned king, I am for to complain,  
Of Phallax, Lord Promos secondary,  
Whose heinous wrouges many poor men doth pain,  
By me, who pray, your highness remedy.  King. 
My Lord Promise, it seems you rule at large,  
When as your clerks are officers unjust.  Pro. 
Dread king, I think, he can these wrong discharge.  King. 
Do you but think sir: a sure spear to trust?  
A dumb death, and blind judge, can do as much:  
Well, well, God grant, your own life, bide the touch.  
Sir Vlrice, your complaint continue:  Vl. 
Gracious King, his wrouges be these ensue:  
first Phallax, is a coumon Barriter,  
In office, a lewd extortioner:  
The crafty man, often puts these wrongs in ure,  
If poor men have, that likes his searching eye,  
He showeth gold, the needy souls to lure:  
Which if they take, so taste he doth them tie,  
That by some bond, or covenant forfeited.  
They are enforced (far beneath the value)  
To let him have what his eye coveted:  
And for to prove, that this report is true,  
I show no more, then witness proved by oath,  
Whose names and hands, defends it hear as troth,  Vlrice delivers the King a writing with names at it. King. 
How now Promos? how think you of your man?  
Use both your wits, to clear him if you can.  Pro. 
Dread King, my heart to hear his faults doth bleed.  King. 
How far'de it then, to suffer it indeed?  
It died, I trow, or now you speak in jest:  
Thy Master's mute Phallax, I hold it best  
That thou speak, for thyself.  Phal. 
I humbly crave,  
Of your grace, for answer, respite to have.  King. 
Why? to devise a cloak to hide a knave?  
Friend, veritas non querit angulos,  
And if yourself, you on your truth repose,  
You may be bold, these faults for to deny,  
Some, little care, upon their oaths to lie:  
See if any in your behalf will swear.  Phal. 
O Lord God, is there no knights of the post hear?  
Well, then of force, I must sing Peccavi.  
And cry out right, to the king for mercy.  
O King, I am, in fault, I must confess,  
The which I will with repentance redress.  King. 
Thy confession, doth merit some favour,  
But repentance pays not thy poor neighbour:  
Wherefore, Sir Vlrico, his goods seize you,  
And those, he wronged, restore you, to their due.  Vl. 
Look what he gets, most think, he wastes strait way,  
Upon a lewd harlot, named Lamia:  
So that his goods, will scarce pay every wight.  King. 
Where nought is left, the king must loose his right.  
Pay as you may, I hold it no offence,  
If each pay somewhat for experience:  
But by the way, you rule the city well,  
That suffer, by your nose, such dames to devil.  
And now Phallax, thy further penance is,  
That forthwith, thou do resign thy office.  
Vlrico, to his account likewise, see.  Vl. 
It shallbe done.  King. 
Phallax, further hear me:  
Because thou didst, thy faults at first confess,  
From punishment▪ thy person I release:  Phal. 
I most humbly, do thank your majesty.  Pro. 
Ah, out alas, Cassandra hear I see.  Cassandra in a blue gown, shadowed with black. Cas. 
O would the tears, might tell my tale, I shame so much my fall,  
Or else, Lord Promos lewdness shown, would death would end my thrall.  Pro. 
Welcome my sweet Cassandra.  Cas. 
Murderous varlet, away.  
Renowned King, I pardon crave, for this my hold attempt,  
In pressing thus so near your grace, my sorrow to present:  
And lest my foe, false Promos hear, do interrupt my tale,  
Grant gracious King, that uncontrolled, I may report my bale,  King. 
How now Promos? how like you, of this song?  
Say on fair dame, I long to hear thy wrong.  Cas. 
Then know dread sovereign, that he this doom did geue,  
That my Brother, for wantonness should loose his head:  
And that the maid, which sinned, should ever after live  
In some religious house, to sorrow her misdeed:  
To save my brother iuged to die, with tears I sought to move  
Lord Promos heart, to show him grace but he with lawless love,  
Was fired by and by▪ and knowing necessity,  
To save my brother's life, would make me yield to much,  
He craned this ransom, to have my virginity:  
Not tears could work restraint, his wicked lust was such,  
Two evils here were, one must I choose, though bad were very best,  
To see my brother put to death, or grant his lewd request:  
In fine, subdued with natural love, I did agreed,  
Upon these two points: that marry me he should,  
And that from prison vile, he should my brother free.  
All this with moustrous oaths, he promised he would.  
But O this perjured Promos, when he had wrought his will,  
first cast me of: and after caused the Jailer for to kill  
My brother, raunsomde, with the spoil of my good name:  
So that for companing, with such a hellish fiend,  
I have condemned myself to wear these weeds of shame:  
Whose cognisance doth show, that I have (fleshly) sinned.  
Lo thus, high and renowned king, Cassandra ends her tale,  
And this is wicked Promos that hath wrought her endless bale.  King. 
If this be true, so toll a deed, shall not unpunished go,  
How sayst thou Promos, to her plaint? art guilty? yea, or no?  
Why speak'st thou not? a faulty heart, thy silence sure doth show.  Pro. 
My guilty heart commands my tongue. O king, to tell a truth,  
I do confess this tale is true, and I deserve thy wrath.  King. 
And is it so? this wicked deed, thou shalt ere long buy dear,  
Cassandra, take comfort in care, be of good cheer:  
Thy forced fault, was free from evil intent,  
So long, no shame, can blot thee any way.  
And though at full, I hardly can content thee,  
Yet as I may, assure thyself I will.  
Thou wicked man, might it not thee suffice,  
By worse than force, to spoil her chastity,  
But heaping sin on sin against thy oath,  
Haste cruelly, her brother done to death.  
This over proof, ne can but make me think,  
That many ways thou hast my subjects wronged:  
For how canst thou with justice use thy sway?  
When thou thyself dost make thy will a law?  
Thy tyranny made me, this progress make,  
How so, for sport till now I coloured it  
Unto this end, that I might learn at large,  
What other wrongs by power, thou hast wrought,  
And here, I hear: the Rich suppress the poor:  
So that it seems, the best and thou art friends:  
I placed thee not, to be a partial judge.  
Thy officers are covetous I find,  
By whose reports, thou over culest suits.  
Then who that gives, an Item in the hand,  
In right, and wrong, is sure of good success.  
Well, Varlet, well: too slow I hither came,  
To scourge, thy faults, and salve the sores thou mad'st:  
On thee vile wretch, this sentence I pronounce.  
That forth with, thou shalt marry Cassandra,  
For to repair her honour, thou didst waste:  
The next day thou shalt loose thy hated life.  
In penance, that thou mad'st her Brother die.  Pro. 
My faults were great, O King, yet grant me mercy,  
That now with bloody sighs, lament my sins too late.  King. 
Hac facias alteri, quod tibi vis fieri:  
Pity was no plea Sir, when you in judgement sat,  
Prepare yourself to die, in vain you hope for life.  
My Lords, bring him with me: Cassandra come you in like case▪  
Myself will see, thy honour salved, in making thee his Wife,  
The sooner to shorten his days.  All the company. 
We wait upon your Grace.  ¶ As the King is going out, a Poor man shall kneel in his way. King. 
Sir Vlrico, I wild, Commission should be made,  
To Sir Anthony Alberto, and justice Diron,  
To hear and determine, all suits to be had  
Between Master Prostro, and this poor man: is it done?  Vlrico. 
Renowned King, it is ready:  King. 
Repair to Sir Vlrico, for thy Commission:  All. 
God preserve your Majesty.  They all departed, save the Clown. Clow. 
Bones of me, a man were better speak to great Lords chy see,  
Then to our proud, justlers of peace, that been in the country:  
He that is rich, as my dame saith, goes away with the Hare.  
This two year, they have hard my matter, & yet I'm near the near.  
And at first dash, a good fat Lord, God in heaven save his life.  
faith, for nothing, teld the King of Mas Prostros, and my strife.  
O Leard, ych thought the King could not bide, on poor men to look,  
But God save his Grace, at first dash, my supplication he took:  
And you hard, how gently, he called me poor man, and willed me go,  
For my Passport, I ken not what, to good sir Vlrico.  
Well, chull go for't, and hope to be with Master Prostros to bring:  
But ere ych go, chul my Ballad, of good King Coruine sing.  

The Clowns Song.  

YOu Barons bold, and lusty Lads,  
Prepare to welcome, our good King:  
Whose coming so, his Subjects glads,  
As they for joy, the Bells do ring.  
They fryske, and skip, in every place,  
And happy he, can see his face.  
Who checks the rich, that wrong by might,  
And helps the poor, unto his right.   

¶ The love that rigour gets through fear,  
With grace and mercy, he doth win:  
For which we pray thus, every where,  
Good Lord preserve, our King Coruin.  
His favour reigns, in every place:  
And happy he, can see his face.    Exit.   

Actus 4.  

Scena. 1.  ¶ Gresco, a good substantial office, Two Beadelles in blue Coats, with Typestaves. Gresco. 
Come loitering knaves, speed about your business.  
Fetch me in, all idle vagabonds.  First. 
Yes sir yes:  Gres. 
Search Duck alley, Cock lane, and Sc●uldes corner,  
About your charge, let's see, how you can stir.  Sec. 
Yes, I have wings in my heels to flee.  First. 
Who gives two pence, a strange Monster to see.  Sec. 
What Monster?  First. 
A horned Beast, with wings upon his heels.  Sec. 
Out drunken dreule?  Gres. 
What? runs your heads a wheels?  
Be packing both, and that betimes you are best.  First. 
We are gone Sir, we did but speak in jest.  Exeunt. Beadelles. Gres. 
The King, I saith, hath set us all a work,  
To search odd holes, where idle varlets lurk.  
He so nipped, our Mayor for ill rule:  
As ever since, he hath been like to whule.  
And in a rage, the man is now so hot,  
As lewd persons, tag, and rag, goes to pot.  
But in chief, he storms, at fine Mistress Lamia.  
She drinks, for all, come she once in his way.  
And lest she scape, myself forsooth he wills,  
Worshipfully to fetch her, with forty bills.  
Well, I must go, and work our majors beast,  
No force, for once, she will never be honest.  Exit.  

Actus. 4. Scena. 2.  Andrugio, as out of the woods, with Bow and Arrows, and a Coney at his girdle. AN. 
This savage life, were hard to brook, if hope no comfort gave:  
But I (whose life, from Tyrant's wrath, God's providence did save,  
Do take in worth this misery, as penance for my miss:  
Still fed with hope to change this state, when Gods good pleasure is.  
A hollow Cave for house, and bed, in worth Andrugio takes,  
Such sorry food, as fortune sends, he seldom now forsakes.  
I am myself forsooth, now Butcher, Cook, Cater and all:  
Yea, often times I fall to sleep, with none, or supper small.  
Then in my Den, I call to mind, the life I lived in bliss:  
And by the want I freedom judge, the greatest joy that is.  
The freeman is in view of friends, to have release in need:  
The exile, though he have no lack, yet lives he still in dread  
That his mysdéedes, will hardly scape, the punishment of law:  
And living, he were better dead, that liveth in this awe,  
Besides this fear, which never fails, the banished man in want,  
As oft he is, is sure to find his succor's very scant.  
Then who is he so mad, that friends, and freedom doth enjoy?  
That will adventure breach of law, to live in this annoy?  
And not annoy to him alone, but to his friends and kin:  
Great be the cares, Cassandra, and Polina liveth in.  
Through thought, of me, whom long agone, beheaded they suppose,  
For my offence, thus are they scorgde, yet dare I not disclose  
My safety, for their help: but hark, who cometh here?  
This chance seems strange: God grant good news, I hope, and yet I fear.  john Adroynes a Clown, Andrugio. IOhn. 
If the could find my Mare, che would be rusty by the rood,  
And I'm sure the hoorechup, is peaking in this wood.  
Thy will seek every corner, but che will found her.  He whistling looks up and down the stage. An. 
This clown can hardly me bewray, and yet such dunghill churls,  
Such news, as is in market towns, about the country whirls.  
What seeks thou good fellow?  john. 
My sqawde Mare, dost her know?  An. 
No.  john. 
Then scummer me not, in haste ych go,  
Seek my Mare, to see the sport at julio.  An. 
What sport?  john. 
A little sport.  An. 
What?  john. 
Nay skill not a whit?  An. 
What means this Ass?  john. 
T'wyll teach the hoorecup wit.  
H'yll hung, handsome young men for the foot sin of love,  
When so his knavery, himself, a bawdy jack doth prove.  An. 
His words seemeth strange, somewhat is a wry.  john. 
Well, Ihill see his shoulders, from's jowl to fly.  An. 
Whose shoulders friend?  john. 
As though you did know.  An. 
Whom?  john. 
Lord Promos.  An. 
Yes: my most accursed foe: But what of him?  john. 
Thou kenst.  An. 
No.  john. 
Sayest not, yes,  An. 
Yes:  john. 
So,  An. 
But friend thou took'st my words amiss,  
I know nothing, in what state Promos is.  john. 
Thou know'st, and thou knowest not: out whoreson fool,  
Leave stealing Cunnyes, and get thee to school,  
Farewell.  An. 
Soft.  john. 
O to arte no fool good thief:  
Save my money take my life.  An. 
Tush be brief.  
Some news, of lewd Lord Promos tell me,  
And with life and money, I'll set thee free.  john. 
I will thou know'st the King now at julio.  An. 
Very well.  john. 
Thou canst tell as well as I  
Let me go:  An. 
Nay I'll see if thou dost lie.  
If thou dost isle whip thee, when thou hast done.  john. 
Kissing and lying, ich see is all one:  
And c have no money, chul tell true therefore.  An. 
Dispatch then.  john. 
Then, lying Promoter, this more:  
Casgandra scusde, Promos of honesty:  
And killing Ramstrugio for bawdry.  An. 
What more?  john. 
The king at Promos, great pleasure did take,  
And Casgandra, an honest woman to make:  
The King maunded him, her straight to marry,  
And for killing her brother, he must die.  An. 
Is this true?  john. 
Why? how say you? do I lie?  An. 
Well, so or Noah, for thy news have this cony.  john. 
God's boors, give it me, to be sweet, 'tis to cheap,  
But Lady yet, till sunday it will keep:  
Well, now god bwye, Mass lying Promoter,  
Wees see at the soort.  An. 
I peradventure.  john. 
Since can not find my Mare, on foot chull go:  
Ych think, each day a nowre, to be at julio.  Exit. An. 
Strange are the news, the Clown hath shown to me:  
Not strange a whit, if they well scanned be.  
For God we see, still throws the Tyrant down:  
Even in the height, and pride of his renown,  
Lord Promos rule, nay, tyranny in deed,  
For judges is a mirror, worthy heed.  
The wretched man, with show of justice zeal,  
Thoroughly did, with poor offenders deal.  
The wicked man, both, knew, and judged, abuse:  
And none so much, as he her faults did use.  
He felons hanged, yet by extortion, stole:  
He wantoness plagued, himself a doting fool.  
He others checked, for suing for their right:  
And he himself, maintained wrongs by might.  
But see the rule of mischief, in his pride:  
He headlong falls, when lest, he thought to slide.  
Well, by his fall, I may perhaps arise:  
Andrugio yet, in climbing be thou wise.  
What? still unknown, shall I live in this wood?  
Not so.  
Go wray these news, no doubt, unto my good.  
Yet ere I go, I will myself disguise,  
As in the Town, in spite of Lynx's eyes.  
I will unknown, learn how the game doth go,  
But ere I go, sith eased is my woe:  
My thanks to God, I first in song will show.  

Andrugio's Song.  

TO thee O Lord, with heart, and voice I sing,  
Whose mercy great, from moan to sweet delight▪  
From grief to joy, my troubled soul dost bring,  
Yea, more thy wrath, hath foiled my foe in sight.  
Who sought my life (which thou O God didst save)  
Thy scourge hath brought, untimely to his grave.   

Whose grief will gall, a thousand judges more,  
And will them see, themselves, and sentence just:  
When black reproach, this thundering shame shall show,  
A judge condemned for murder, theft, and lust.  
This scourge, O God, the lewd in fear will bring,  
The just for joy, thy praises loud will sing.    Exit. Gresco, with three other, with bills, bringing in Lamia prisoner. GRes. 
Come on fair Dame, since fair words, works no heed,  
Now fowl means shall: in you repentance breed.  La. 
Master Gresco, where you may help, hurt not.  Gres. 
And nothing but chastment, will help you to amend,  
Well, I will not hurt you, your lewdness to defend.  La. 
My lewdness Sir: what is the difference,  
Betwixt wantoness, and hoorders of pence?  Gres. 
Thou hast wind at will, but in thy eyes no water:  
Thou art full of Grace, how she blusheth at the matter.  La. 
How sample I, your wife and daughter Sir?  Gres. 
Are me, when whipping hath changed thy Nature.  La. 
What whipping? why? am I a Horse, or a Mare?  Gres. 
Not, but a beast, that meetly well will bare.  La. 
In deed (as) now, perforce, I bear this flout:  
But use me well, else I faith, get I out,  
Look for quittance.  Byl. (First Bilm) 
Bind her to the Peace Sir,  
So may your Worship be out of danger.  Gres. 
Bring her away, I know how to tame her.  La. 
Perhaps Sir, no: the worst is but shame her.  Byl. (Second Bilm) 
Come ye drab.  La. 
How now scab? bands of my Gown.  Byl. (Third Bil.) 
Care not for this, use have a blue one soon.  Exeunt. Cassandra. Case. (Cassandra.) 
Unhappy Wench, the more I seek, for to abandon grief,  
The further off, I wretched find, both comfort and relief.  
My Brother first, for wanton faults, condemned was to die:  
To save whose life, my suit, wrought hope of Grace, but hapless I  
By such request, my honour spoiled, and gained not his breath:  
For which deceit, I have pursued, Lord Promos unto death.  
Who is my Husband now become, it pleased our Sovereign so,  
For to repair, my crazed Fame: but that now works my wo.  
This day, he must (o) lose his head, my Brother's death to quite,  
And therein Fortune hath alas, shown me her greatest spite.  
Nature wild me, my Brother love, now duty commands me,  
To prefer before kin, or friend, my Husband's safety.  
But O, ay me, by Fortune, I, am made his chiefest foe:  
'Twas I als, even only I that wrought his overthrow.  
What shall I do, to work amendss, for this my heinous deed?  
The time is short, my power small, his succours asketh speed.  
And shall I seek, to save his blood, that lately sought his life?  
O, yea I than was sworn his foe: but now as faithful Wife,  
I must and will, prefer his health, God send me good success:  
For now unto the King I will, my changed mind to express.  Exit. PHal. (Phallax.) 
Was ever man, set more fréer than I?  
First went my goods, than my Office did fly?  
But had the King, set me free from flattery,  
The next dear year, I might have starved, perdie.  
But Lord Promos, hath a far more fréer chance:  
He free from Lands, goods, and Office doth dance:  
And shallbe free from life, ere long, with a Lance.  
The Officers, and chief men of julio:  
Vengeance liberal, themselves likewise shoe.  
Poor knaves, and queans, that up and down do go,  
These horesen kind crusts, in houses bestoe.  
But yet, poor cheer, they have: marry for heat,  
They whip them, until very blood they sweat.  
But see, their cost bestowed of fine Lamia,  
To save her feet, from hard stones, and cold way,  
Into a Cart, they did the quean convey.  
appareled, in colours very gay:  
Both Hood, and Gown, of green, and yellow Say.  
Her Guard wear Typstaves, all in blue array.  
Before her a noise of Basins did play.  
In this triumph, she rid well nigh a day.  
Fie, fie, the City is so purged now:  
As they of none, but honest men allow,  
So that farewell my part, of thriving there:  
But the best is, flatterers live every where.  
Set cock on hoop, Domini est terra.  
If thou can not where thou wouldst, live where thou may.  
Yes, yes Phallax, knoweth whether to go:  
Now, Good bye ye all, bonest men of julio  
As the devils likes, the company of Friars,  
So flatterers loves as life, to join with liars.    

Actus. 5.  

Scena. 1.  Andrugio, disguised in some long black Cloak. AN. 
These two days, I have been in Court disguised:  
Where I have learned, the scourge that is devised,  
For Promos fault, he my Sister spoused hath,  
To salve her Fame, cracked by his breach of faith.  
And shortly he, must loose his subtle head:  
For murdering me, whom no man thinks but dead.  
His will, was good: and therefore beshrew me,  
If (moved with ruth) I seek, to set him free.  
But softly, with some news, these fellows come:  
I will stand close, and hear both all and some.   

Actus 5. Scena. 2.  Enter Vlrico, Martial. VL. 
Martial, hear you warrant is: with speed,  
The king commands, that Promos you behead.  Mar. 
Sir, his highness will, shallbe forthwith done.  Exit. Martial. Vl. 
The king well-nigh to pardon him was won,  
His heavy wife, such storms of tears did shower,  
As might, with ruth, have moist a stony heart.  
But Promos guilt, did soon this grace devour.  
Our gracious king, before her wretched smart,  
Preferred, the health, of this our common weal:  
But see again, to sue for him she comes,  
Her ruthful looks, her grief, doth force me feel.  
With hope, I must, her sorrows needs delay:  
Till Promos be dispatched out of the way.   

Actus. 5. Scena. 3.  Cassandra. Case. 
Sir Vlrico, if that my unknown grief,  
May move good minds, to help me to relief,  
Or bitter sighs, of comfort clean dismayed,  
May move a man, a shiftless dame to aid:  
Rue of my tears, from true intent which flow,  
Unto the king, with me, yet once more go.  
See if his grace, my husband's life will save,  
If not, with his, death shall my corpse engrave.  Vl. 
What shall I do, her sorrows to decrease?  
Feed her, with hope: fair dame, this moan surcease,  
I see the king to grace is somewhat bend,  
We once again thy sorrows will present:  
Come we will weight for time, thy suit to show.  Cas. 
Good knight, for time, do not my suit foreslow.  
Whilst grass, doth grow oft starves the silly steed.  Vl. 
Fear not, your Lord, shall not die with such speed.  Exeunt. Enter Andrugio. An. 
Lord God, how am I tormented in thought?  
My sister's woe, such ruth in me doth grave:  
As fain I would (if aught save death I caught)  
Bewray myself, Lord Promos life to save.  
But life is sweet, and nought but death I eye,  
If that I should, my safety now disclose:  
So that I choose, of both the evils, he die:  
Time will appease, no dought, Cassandra's woes,  
And shall, I thus acquit Cassandra's love?  
To work her joy? and shall I fear to die?  
Whilst, that she live, no comfort may remove  
Care from her heart, if that her husband die?  
Then shall I stick, to hazard limb? nay life?  
To salve her grief, since in my cure it rests.  
Nay first, I willbe spoiled, with bloody knife,  
Before, I fail, her, plunged in distress.  
Death, is but death, and all in fine shall die  
Thus (being dead) my fame, shall live always:  
Well, to the king, Andrugio now will high,  
Hap life, hap death, his safety, to bewray.  Exit.  

Actus. 5. Scena. 4.  The Marshal, three or four with halberds, Leading Promos to execution. BYl. (A Bylman.) 
Room friends, what mean you thus to gaze on us,  
A comes behind, makes all the sport I was.  Pro. 
Farewell, my friends, take warning by my fall,  
Disdain my life, but listen to my end,  
Fresh harms, they say, the viewers so appall,  
As often they win, the wicked to amend.  
I need not hear, my faults at large recite,  
Untimely death, doth witness what I was:  
A wicked man, which made each wrong seem right,  
Even as I would, was wrested every case.  
And thus long time, I lived and rule by will,  
Where as I loved, their faults, I would not see:  
Those I did hate, ten times beyond there ill  
I did pursue, vile wretch, with cruelty.  
Yea daily I, from bad, to worse did slide,  
The reason was, none durst, control my life:  
But see the fall, of mischeeve, in his pride.  
My faults, were known, and lo with bloody Axe,  
The headseman straight, my wrongs with death will quite:  
The which, in worth I take, acknowledging,  
The doom, was given, on cause, and not on spite,  
Wishing my end, might serve for a warning.  
For such as rule, and make their will a law,  
If to such good, my fainting tale might tend,  
Wretched Promos, the same would longer draw:  
But if that words prevail, my woeful end  
From my huge faults, than ten times more will warn.  
forgiveness now, of all the world I crave,  
Therewith that you, in zealous prayer, will  
Beseech of God, that I the grace may have:  
At latter gasp, the fear of death to kill.  Mar. 
Forwards my Lord, me thinks you faintly go.  Pro. 
O sir, in my case, yourself would be as slow.   

Actus. 5. Scena. 5.  Enter Cassandra, Polina, and one maid. Case. 
Ay me, alas: my hope is untimely.  
Whether goes my good Lord?  Pro. 
Sweet wife, to die.  Cas. 
O wretched wench, where may I first complain?  
When heaven, and earth, agrees upon my pain?  Pro. 
This moan good wife, for Christ's sake, forsake:  
I late resolved, through fear of death, now quake.  
Not so much, for my heinous sins forepast:  
As for the grief that present thou dost taste.  Cas. 
Nay, I vile wretch, should most aggrieved be,  
Before thy time, thy death which hastened have:  
But (O sweet husband) my fault forgive me.  
And for amendss, I'll help to fill thy grave:  Pro. 
forgive thee, ab: nay, for my soul's relief,  
Forget sweet wife, this thy most guyltles grief.  Mar. 
My Lord Promos, these plaints, but move her moan,  
And your more grief, it is best you ware gone:  
Good Madam way, by law, your Lord doth die,  
Wherefore make virtue of necessity:  
Delay, but works your sorrows, and our blames,  
So that now, to the comfort of these dames:  
And your wisdom, enforced, we leave you:  
My Lord Promos, bid your wife and friends adieu.  Pro. 
Farewell, farewell, be of good cheer dear wife:  
With joy for woe, I shall exchange this life.  
Andrugio's death, Polina forgive me:  Poli. 
I do, and pray the Lord, to relieve ye.  Cas. 
Yet ere we part, sweet husband let us kiss,  
O, at his lips, why faileth not my breath?  Pro. 
Leave moan, sweet wife. I do deserve this death.  
Farewell, farewell.  They all departed, save Polina, Cassandra, and her woman. Case. 
My loving Lord, farewell,  
I hope ere long, my soul with thine shall devil.  Po. 
Now, good Madame, leave of this bootless grief.  Cas. 
O Polina, sorrow is my relief.  
Wherefore, sweet wench, help me to rue my woe,  
With me vile wretch, thy bitter plaints bestow:  
To hasten lingering death, who wanteth might:  
I see, alone, to slay, the wretched wight.  Po. 
Nay, first power forth your plaints, to the powers Divine,  
When hate, doth cloud, all worldly grace, whose mercies still do shine.  Cas. 
O, so or not, thy motion doth well,  
Swan like, in song, to toll my passing Bell.  

The Song of Cassandra.  

¶ Dear Dames divorce, your minds from joy, help to bewail my woe,  
Condole with me, whose heavy sights, the pangs of death do shoe;  
Rend heairs, shed tears, poor wench distressed, to hast the means to die,  
Whose joy, annoy: relief, whose grief, hath spoiled with cruelty.   

My brother slain, my husband ah, at point to loose his head,  
Why live I then unhappy wench, my suckers being dead?  
O time, O crime, O cause, O laws, that judgd them thus to die:  
I blame, you all, my shame, my thrall, you hate that harmless try.   

This Tragedy they have begun, conclude I wretched must,  
O welcome care, consume the thread, thereto my life doth trust:  
Sound bell, my knell, away delay, and give me leave to die,  
Les hope, have scope unto my heart, a fresh for aid to fly.    Enter Ganio sometime Andrugio's Boy. GA. 
O sweet news, for Polina and Cassandra. Andrugio lives:  Po. 
What doth poor Ganie say?  Ga. 
Andrugio lives: and Promos is reprieved.  Cas. 
Vain is thy hope, I saw Andrugio dead.  Ga. 
Well, then from death, he is again revived.  
Even now, I saw him, in the market stead.  Po. 
His words are strange.  Cas. 
Too sweet, God wots, for true.  Ga. 
I pray you, who are these here in your view?  Cas. 
The King.  Ga. 
Who more?  Po. 
O. I see Andrugio.  Cas. 
And I my Lord Promos, adieu sorrow.  Enter the King, Andrugio, Promos, Vlrico, the Marthall. PO. 
My good Andrugio?  An. 
My sweet Polina:  Cas. 
lives Andrugio, welcome sweet brother.  An. 
Cassandra?  Cas. 
I  An. 
How far, my dear Sister?  King. 
Andrugio, you shall have more leisure.  
To greet one another: it is our pleasure,  
That you forthwith, your Fortunes here declare,  
And by what means, you thus preserved wear.  An. 
My fall, through love, and judgement for my fault.  
Lord Promos wrongs, unto my Sister done.  
My death supposed, dread King, were vain to tell.  
Cassandra hear, those dealings all hath shown.  
The rest are these.  
When I should die, the Jailor moved to ruth,  
Declared to me, what Promos pleasure was:  
Amazed whereat, I told him all the truth,  
What, between Cassandra, and him did pass.  
He much aggrieved, Lord Promos guilt to hear,  
Was very loath, me (woeful man) to harm:  
At length, just God, to set me (wretched) clear,  
With this defence, his willing mind did arm.  
Two days afore, to death, were divers done,  
For several faults, by them committed:  
So that of them, he took the head from one,  
And to Cassandra, the same presented:  
Affirming it, to be by'r brother's head.  
Which done, by night, he sent me post away,  
None but supposed, that I in déde was dead:  
When as in truth, in uncouth haunts I lay.  
In fine, a Clown, came peaking through the wood,  
Wherein I lived, your Graces being here:  
And Promos death, by whom I understood,  
Glad of which news, how so I lyud in fear.  
I ventured to see his wretched fall:  
To free suspect, yet stranger like arrayed,  
I hither came: but lo, the inward thrall  
Of Cassandra, the hate, so sore dismayed.  
Which I conceived against my brother Promos,  
That lo, I chewsed, to yield myself to death,  
To set him free: for otherwise I knew,  
His death ere long, would sure have stopped her breath.  
Lo gracious king, in brief I here have shown,  
Such adventures, as wretched I have passed:  
Beseeching you with grace to think upon,  
The wight that wails, his follies at the last.  King. 
A strange discourse, as strangely come to light,  
God's pleasure is, that thou shouldst pardoned be:  
To salve the fault, thou with Polina mad'st,  
But marry her, and hear I set thee free.  An. 
Most gracious Prince, thereto I gladly 'gree:  Poli. 
Polina, the happiest news of all for thee.  Cas. 
Most gracious King, with these my joy to match,  
Vouchsafe, to give my dampened husband life.  King. 
If I do so, let him thank thee his Wife:  
Cassandra, I have noted thy distress,  
Thy virtues eke, from first, unto the last:  
And glad I am, without offence it lies,  
In me to ease, thy grief, and heaviness.  
Andrugio saved, the jewel of thy joy,  
And for thy sake, I pardon Promos fault.  
Yea let them both, thy virtues rare commend:  
In that their woes, with this delight doth end.  Company. 
God preserve your Majesty.  Pro. 
Cassandra, how shall I discharge thy due?  Cas. 
I did, but what a Wife, should do for you.  King. 
Well, since all parts are pleased, as they would,  
Before I part, yet Promos, this to thee:  
Henceforth, forethink, of thy forepast faults,  
And measure Grace, with justice evermore.  
Unto the poor, have evermore an eye,  
And let not might, out countenance their right:  
Thy Officers, trust not in every tale.  
In chief, when they are means, in strifes and suits,  
Though thou be just, yet coin may them corrupt.  
And if by them, thou dost unjustice show,  
'tis thou shalt bear, the burden of their faults.  
Be loving to good Cassandra, thy Wife:  
And friendly to thy brother Andrugio,  
Whom I command, as faithful for to be  
To thee, as beseems the duty of a brother.  
And now again, thy government receive,  
Enjoy it so, as thou in justice joy.  
If thou be wise, thy fall may make thee rise.  
The lost sheep found, for joy, the feast was made.  
Well, here an end, of my advise I make,  
As I have said, be good unto the poor.  
And justice join, with mercy evermore.  Pro. 
Most gracious King, I will not fail my best,  
In these precepts, to follow your behest.    
FINIS.  
G. Whetstone.    

 

   

¶ Imprinted at London by Richard Ihones, and are to be sold over against Saint Sepulchres Church, without Newgate. August. 20. 1578.