THE history of friar RVSH: how he came to a house of Religion to seek service, and being entertained by the prior, was first made under cook.  
Being full of pleasant mirth and delight for young people.  
 
Imprinted at London by Edw. All-de, & are to be sold by Francis grove dwelling on Snow hill.  
1626.   

¶ A pleasant History, how a devill( name Rush) came to a Religious house, to seek a service.  
THere was sometime beyond the Sea, edified and founded a certain house and Cloister of Religious men, which house was founded at a great Forrests side, for to maintain the service of almighty God, and daily to pray for their benefactors and founders, and for the salvation of their own souls: which place by reason of their founders and well disposed people( which gave unto it largely of their goods and possessions) increased in riches, and every man had gold and silver at their will and also of meate and drink they had great plenty: in so much that they were so well at ease and had so much, that they wist not what to do they were so full of wantonness, whereby the service of almighty GOD was not well maintained among them: for oftentimes they said neither matins nor evensong: and through their great negligence they forgot clean the charge that they were bound to when they entred into their Religion, and they lived more like beasts without reason, then like men of good and holy conversation: for they haunted harlots and lived viciously, and the goods that was given them by good and well disposed people, they spent in unthriftiness and ribaldry. And when the great Princes of devils which are the patrons of all vices understood of the great misrule and vile living of these Religious men: consulted to keep them still in that state, and worse if it might be.  
And these be the names of the devils.  
Belphegor who was Prince of Gluttony, Asmodeus Prince of lechery, And beelzeebub Prince of envy, with many other divels assembled together, which reioyced for the misorder of these Religeous men. And as they were all assembled together with one accord, they choose a divell to go and dwell among these Religious men, for to maintain them the longer in their ungracious living, which divell was put in raiment like an earthly creature & went to the Religeous house, and there he stood at the gate a certain space all alone with an heavy countenance. Then within a while after the prior came unto the gate and espied Rush the young man standing there all alone. Anon he said unto him, what dost thou here, and what wouldest thou haue? The young man with great reverence answered and said: Sir, I am a poor young man, and am out of service, and fain would haue a master. And Sir if it please you to haue me, I shall do you diligent service, and shall do so well that you and all your brethren and covent shall be glad of me, for I shall keep so well your secrets, that I trust to obtain at all times your good love and favour, and all theirs also.  
And when the prior had heard his words, he was moved with pity, and said: go into the kitchen to the cook, and show him that I haue sent thee thither, and bid him show thee what thou shalt do: for thou shalt be with him a certain season, till that some other better thing fall. Then the young man made his reverence to the prior, and thanked him, and forth he went to the kitchen, where he found the master cook. Anon he made reverence unto him, and said: Sir, my master the prior hath sent me hither unto you, and he commandeth you to show me what I shall do, for I must be here and help you. The master cook answered and said, you be welcome. And anon he set him to such business as he had to do. And thus the divell became vnder-Cooke in the place that he was assigned unto, by the Prince of divels. And then he said( laughing to himself) as followeth.  

These being the words of the devill.  
 
I am right glad that my purpose is come so well to pass, for now all mine intent is fulfilled, and I doubt not but all shall be ours: for I shall make such debate and strife among the Friers, that they shall never be at concord and peace. And I shall make them good staues wherewith the one shall beate well the other: and often times they shal lie together by the ears, in so much that there was never seen nor heard tell of such a rumour and discord in no Cloister in the world. And I shall use myself so, that I shall be in great love and favour among them.  
Then within four or five daies after, it fortuned that the prior came into the kitchen, and there he found the young man, to whom he said, where wast thou born, and what is thy name? The young man answered and said, Sir, I was born very far hence, and Rush is my name. Then said the prior unto him, Rush canst thou couple Hounds together? Yea Sir( said Rush) that I can do right well, and more then that, for I can couple men and women together, which is a more mastrie, and also Sir( if need be) I can convey a faire woman into your chamber, and convey her home again in the morning so secretly, that no man shall spy it. And also I shall keep your counsel so secretly, that it shall never be known. And when the prior heard Rush speak so he was right glad of him, and said: Rush, if thou canst do as thou hast said, I shall reward thee well for thy labour, and thou shalt be my most well-beloved seruant: wherefore make an end of thy business, for soon, thou shalt go a little way on a message for me, and so he departed and went to supper. And when every man had supped, and Rush had done all his business in the kitchen, he came unto his master the prior, and said, Sir, what is your will with me? the prior answered, and said: here a little beside dwelleth a faire gentlewoman, the which I love very well, but I dare not discover my mind unto her myself: and if thou canst find the means to bring her secretly unto me, I shall reward thee right well for thy labour and pain. And when Rush had heard the words of his master, and knew all his mind, he answered and said, Sir, be of good cheer, and let me alone with the matter: for I shall go unto the gentlewomans house, and I shall say your message so well, that this night she shall come to you: and so departed Rush from his master, and went strait unto this Gentlewomans house. And when he was thither come, he found the Gentlewoman sitting all alone. And when Rush was espied of her, he made unto her great courtesy, and with many reverences these words he said.   

How a divell name Rush came unto a Gentlewomans house and how he brought her privily unto his Masters chamber.  
REst you merry faire mistress, the most fairest creature in theworld: My master greeteth you by me, desiring you to come and speak with him. Then said the Gentlewoman to Rush, who is your master, and what is his will with me? faire mistress, said Rush, I will show you, my master is the prior in a house of Religion here beside, and he loveth you so well, that except you come unto him this night, I know he will be dead for sorrow.   

Here followeth the answer of the Gentlewoman.  
ANd when the Gentlewoman had heard the words of Rush, shée answered and said, Faire Sir, it were great pity that the Gentleman should die for my sake, and rather then he should so do for me, I will come to him, and show him all the courtesy that I can. Rush was very glad of those comfortable words, and thought that his enterprise was well brought to pass, and he said unto her: Faire mistress, may it please you to take the labour and go with me, and I shall bring you to my Master, and as I suppose, he will make you good cheer, and Gold and silver you shall lack none, for he hath great plenty thereof. Then said the Gentlewoman, Sir, & pray you let us depart hence: for as I suppose the Gentleman looketh long for vs. So forth they went both together, till they came to the priors Chamber; And when the prior saw that she was come, he was the gladest man in the world, and thanked Rush much for his labour and pain: And so the prior received her into his chamber, and there he made her good cheer, and they had good meat and wine great plenty. And when they had well refreshed themselves, Rush departed and went to the kitchen, and left the prior and the Gentlewoman alone, and there she saved the priors life. And when Rush was in the kitchen, he said unto himself: I am right glad that I haue brought thi matter so well to pass, and I doubt not but they will agree well enough together, for they be both of one accord. And when the other Friers perceived that Rush was such a privy follow, and so well could keep counsel: they desired him to help them also, and so he did: for he brought to every man, the woman that they most desired, whereof they had great marvel. But they were so blinded with ignorance, that they never perceived that he was a very devill, but every man had him in love and favour.   

How friar Rush threw the master cook into a kettle of water seething vpon the fire, wherein he died.  
IT befell vpon a day that Rush went forth to sport him, and it was very late ere he came home again, and the master cook was very angry with him that he was so long absent. And as soon as Rush was entred into the kitchen: the cook began to chide, and said unto him, thou whoreson knave where hast thou been so long? and with a great staff he laid vpon Rush and beat him sore. And when Rush saw that the cook was angry, and so far out of reason, and that he had beaten him sore: anon he began to wax very angry with the master cook, and said unto him: thou whoreson villain, why hast thou beaten me thus: I will be revenged on thee? and suddenly he caught him in his arms, and threw him into a great kettle which was full of water seething vpon the fire, and said, lie thou there in the divels name, for now thou shalt neither fight nor chide no more with me: and so Rush slay the master cook. Then when he had so done, he departed out of the kitchen, and went to the next town to fetch the faire woman again for his master: and in his absence certain of the Friers came into the kitchen to speak with Rush, but they found no body stirring therein, and some of them went to stand by the fires side, to tarry till Rush came in, for they thought he would not tarry long: And as they stood talking together by the fires side, they spied a man in the kettle seething vpon the fire. And anon they perceived that it was the master cook, whereof they were greatly abashed. And with that( crying out) they went unto the prior and shewed him that the master cook had drowned himself in a kettle seething vpon the fire in the kitchen: for which tidings the prior was right sorry. And in the mean season Rush came home, and had conveyed the woman into his Maisters chamber. And anon the Friers shewed Rush of the great misfortune that was fallen on the master cook in the kitchen, and he made as he had been sorry therefore, and had known nothing thereof, and he was in such great love & favour with the prior and all the Firers, that they mistrusted him nothing for that deed, and so there was no more mention of the master cook. Then the prior commanded that Rush should be made cook, and all the covent was right glad of that, and so he was himself also, for he thought his enterprises came well to pass after his mind, and as he would haue it. Thus Rush became master cook in the kitchen, and dressed their meate marvelous well: for in the Lent, and in the advent, both Fridayes and also other dayes, he put Bacon into their pottage pot, which made the pottage to savour very well, and he dressed their meate so diliciously, that the prior and all the Friers had great marvel that he did it so well: in so much that they said he did much better then their other master cook did, and that he was a more cunninger man in his occupation, and could do much better in his office. Thus Rush continued in that office the space of seven yeares, and did right well, and every man had him in love and favour. Then it fortuned vpon a day the prior and his brethren were assembled together in a general counsel, and as they stood talking together, the prior remembered Rush, and anon he said unto his brethren: Friends we haue here Rush which is our master cook in our kitchen, and he is an old seruant, and much diligent and true service he hath done to us, and he hath continued among us longer then any seruant that ever wee had: wherefore me think it reason, that he were promoted into some other office, and made a brother among vs. Then all the whole covent with one voice said they were content it should so be. So the prior sent for Rush, and when he was come before him and all his brethren, the prior said, Rush it is so, thou hast been here a long season, and we haue found thee hitherto a true and diligent seruant, wherefore we will that thou be promoted, and take vpon thee an habit as we haue, and become a brother among vs. Rush answered and said: my Maisters I thank you all, and then the prior gave Rush an habit, and put it on his back, and so Rush became a brother in the place, nevertheless he kept his office still.   

How friar Rush made Truncheons for the Friers to fight withall.  
WHen Rush had on the habit of a friar, and was a brother in the place, he had more vacation dayes then he had before. And as a King or great Prince prepareth ordinances against their warres, in likewise did friar Rush: for when all his business was done in the kitchen, and that he had leisure, he went and sate in the Porch of the utter gate, & there he was making of good big Truncheons of oak. And he made them with Hilts over the hand for slipping, of the which the other Friers had great marvel, & demanded of him wherefore he made those Truncheons. Rush answered and said: Faire Sirs, I make them for this intent, that if there come any thieves hither for to rob us, and to spoil our place, yet shall we haue weapons to descend us withall. And therefore I make them. And moreover, when any need shall be, come to me and every man shall haue one, and they shall be ready at your commandement, and then the Friers thanked him and so departed. Then it fortuned vpon a day, that the prior and Subpriour fell at discord, and were grievously angry, the one with the other, and would haue fought together but onely for shane: nevertheless, the anger abode still in their hearts, and all was for an harlot: within a while after, the noise spread abroad among the Friers, that the prior and the Subpriour were fallen at discord, for the which they were angry in their mindes. And they that loved the prior, took his part, and they loved the Subpriour, took his part, and so they murmured among themselves. Then they appointed in their mindes to reuenge their quarrels at one time or other, and so to make a more surer way in fulfilling their malicious mindes and angrey hearts, every man after other went privately to friar Rush to lend them staues, in so much that there was not a friar in the place but he had one, and they never went without their staues under their habit, and the one knew not that the other had any, they képt them so secretly. And when friar Rush had delivered all his staues, he was right glad in his heart, for he knew right well there should be a great fray among them, either one time or other. So it fortuned afterward, as it is a common custom among Religious people at an high feast, to keep solemn service, and every man to be at matins at midnight: and so vpon a good night, all the whole covent assembled together in the quire, and were ready to begin matins, they tarried for nothing but for the coming of the prior. Then anon the prior came into the quire, and sate him down in his place, and as he looked about him, he espied that the Subpriour was there presant, and with that his heart began to grudge of the old anger that was fallen between them two: and he thought in his mind that he could never be revenged in a better time, and suddenly he rose out of his place, and went to the Subpriour, and with his fist he gave him a good buffet, and the Subpriour which was moved with the stroke, started unto the prior and gave him another buffet, and with that they went freshly together by the ears, and when the other Friers saw that, every man rose out of their places, and drew out their Truncheons, and together they went: who had been there should haue seen good buffets given on both parties. And when friar Rush saw that they were fighting together, anon he blew out all the Candles and Lamps that were burning in the Church, and left no manner of light therein whereby the one might see the other: and when he had so done, he took his Truncheon in his hand, and went into the quire among the thickest of the Friers the which were fighting freshly without ight, and there he laid so lustily about, that many of them he felled to the ground, and left them lying there for dead, and when he had so done, he stolen his way from them, and as he went, he found standing in the portal of the quire, a great old desk, and anon he took the desk between both his hands, and threw it over the portali into the quire among all the Friers, and hurt many sore, in so much that some had an arm broken, and some a leg, and other some had their noses clean pared from their faces, that the blood ran into their mouths, and as for broken heads to the hard scalp were no dainty, for every man had one, there scaped none free a way, who had been there, should haue had goodly pastime to see the Friers creep about the quire, and in steede of ( Domine labia) they cried out alas and well away. Then when the fray was done, and all the noise seized, Rush came in among them with a candle in his hand, and made as if he had known nothing thereof, and said to them: Fie for shane Sirs, how fortuned this discord to fall among yourselves? I see well now you regard not your henour, nor the good name of your place. All the people shall say ye be not honest, nor good Religious men, the which words I would be loathe to hear, and I may not suffer our place so to fall in an evil name: wherefore good Maisters, I require you to set your hearts at rest, and put the matter into my hands, and I shall so deal, that all shall be well, and you shal be good friends again, and no words shall be spoken thereof, then every man complained to him of their great hurt, and he made semblance as he had been sort therefore and then they that could go, went up to their cells, and they that could not go, did creep up as well as they could, and laid them down in their beds, and there they lay till they were whole again, and in the space of three weeks and more God was evil served, for in all that space they sung neither matins nor evensong, nor never entred into the Church for it was suspended, and for shane they durst never let it be known. And when they were all whole, and every man vpon his feet again, and might go about the house, they brought again their staues to friar Rush, and thanked him much, and then friar Rush said unto them: Sirs when ye haue need of them again, ye shall find them here ready at your commandement, for which they gave him thankes, and departed. When friar Rush saw that they were gone and that he had all his staues again, he laughed unto himself and said: I am right joyful that mine enterprises be come so well to pass, for I haue done many mischievous deeds since I came first, and yet I will do more before I depart hence, for I shall cause them to be damned, and I shall bring their bodies and souls into the burning fire of hell, there to remain world without end, and of me shall he spoken a thousand yeeres hereafter.   

How friar Rush grymed the wagon with tar, and what cheer he made in the Country.  
ANother time it fortuned that the prior had a journey to ride into the Country about a little business that he had there to do, and anon he called Rush his seruant unto him and said, Rush go thy way into the Court, and take with thee a dish full of grease, and grease well the wheels and Axeltrees of the wagon, and make all things ready against tomorrow in the morning, for I must ride forth to morrow betimes, then Rush departed from his master, and went about his business, and in stead of grease, he took a great vessel full of tar, and anointed the wagon all over with it, both within and without, and especially in the place where the prior should sit: and when he had done, returned to his Maisters chamber, then the prior demanded of Rush, if he had done as he commanded him: yea Sir said Rush, ye may ride when please you, and so they went to their beds. Then on the morrow after, the prior and Rush his seruant with his other company, rose up very early in the morning for to accomplish their journey, and forth they went unto their wagon, and when the prior was entred therein, he perceived himself all to bewrayed and smeyred, and all his clothes were filled therewith: and then he said to Rush, thou lewd fellow, what hast thou done to this wagon that I am thus arrayed therein? Rush answered and said: Sir, I haue done nothing but as you commanded me. That is not so said the prior, for I commanded thee to take grease and grease but the wheels and the Axeltrées, and thou hast taken tar and anointed it all over, both within and without, Why hast thou done so? Sir said Rush, I understood you bad me do so. And when the prior saw there was no other remedy, he commanded his seruants to make ready another wagon, and in the mean season, the prior went into his Chamber, and put on another habit, and came again and mounted into the wagon and went their way, and along they road, until they came to their journeys end. And when they were alighted at their lodging, the prior called for his supper, and anon euary thing was made ready, and the good man of the house and the prior sate down to supper together, and made good cheer, and then the prior called for wine of the best, and anon he had his commandement. And when the good man of the house and the prior had supped, Rush and his fellowes sate down to the reversion that their Maisters dad left, but they had no wine: wherefore Rush was very sad, and ever he mused by what policy he might get some wine. And anon he called the wife of the house and said: mistress, I pray you fill a pottle of wine for me and my fellowes, and so shee did: and when that was gone, they called for another: and then they called for the third, and so ended their supper. Then on the morrow when the prior had done all his business, and was ready to return home again, he called for a reckoning. And anon, the good wife came in and gave him a reckoning of all things, both horse meate and mans meate; and at last, shée reckoned three pottels of wine that Rush and his fellowes had. And when the prior heard, that his seruants had drunk so much wine: Anon he began to wax very angry, and asked her, who commanded her to fill in so much wine? the wife answered and said: Sir, Rush your seruant commanded me to fill it in, and he said, that you should pay therefore. Then anon the prior called for Rush, and said unto him: Thou lewd knave, why hast thou drunk so much wine? Might no less then pottels serve thee and thy fellowes? Sir, said Rush, we haue not drunk so much, for your horses haue had two of the pottels: my horses, said the prior, what should they do with wine? Yes Sir, said Rush, your horses laboured sorer then we did, and were very weary, and they had nothing but Hay and oats: wherefore, me thought it needful to give them some good drink in their course meate to comfort their hearts withall, and to cause them to be the lustier, and to haue the better courage to bring you homeward. And when the prior had heard that answer of Rush, and saw there was no remedy but patience: paid for the wine, and all things that he had taken there, and so road home in his wagon, and friar Rush never went forth again with his master.   

How the prior made friar Rush Sexton among the Friers, and how he charged him to give him knowledge how many Friers were absent from matins at midnight, and what they were.  
WHen the prior was come home, he made friar Rush Sexton of the church, and his office was to ring the bell and to light the candles, and to call the Friers to matins at mid-night, and also the Prior commanded Rush & charged him, that he should take good heed that there were none of the Friers absent from matins, and if there were, to give him knowledge thereof, then said Rush to his master: Sir all your commandement shalbe fulfilled, and so they departed. And within three or four nights after, Rush espied certain of the Friers that were absent, and he marked them well, and on the morrow after he presented them to the prior, and anon the prior caused them to come before him, and gave them a check, for their being absent; in a little time, Rush had presented them all, which caused the prior to be greatly offended with them: when they perceived that Rush had made such complaints against them, they had him in much disdain, but they could not amend it: for he had them in such great fear, that never after they durst be absent, but well was he that might be first in the quire. When Rush perceived the Friers had him in so great fear, he devised to do some mischeiuous thing among them; and vpon a night, a little before he should ring to matins, he went and broke down the stairs of the Dorter, and when he had so done, he went and rung to matins, and lighted the lamps & Candles in the Church, and went into the Dorter, and called up the Friers, and so came and sate at the stairs foot as he was wont to do; he had satin there but a while, but anon there came one, who thought no hurt but to go soberly into the quire as he was wont to do, and when he came to the staiers down he fell, and had a marvelous great fall: then said Rush, thou art one. Presently there came another, and likewise down he fell and had a sore fall, thou art two said Rush. Anon came the third friar, which had a mighty great belly, and was a gross man, and he made great hast, for he feared that he should haue been last, & when he came to the staiers, down he fell on his fellowes necks, and he was so great and so heavy, that almost he had mischiened his fellowes that lay under him: thou makest three said Rush. And with that there came seven or eight together, and down they fell all at once. Softly maisters for shane, said Rush, ye come to many at once, ye were not wont to be so hasty, but now I perceive well ye would deceive me, and one would excuse the other, and therefore ye come so thick to blind me in my tale: How should I now give account to the Prior of them that be absent? Surely I cannot tell, but now I see well, ye be too subtle for me, I would some other man had mine office: and made as though he had been very angry with them. Then the friars, such as could go, though it were to their pains, rose up again, and limping and halting they went into the quire, and they that fell first and lay under, were sore hurt and could not go, and specially the friar with the great belly: yet nevertheless, they crept into the quire, as well as they could. And when they were all assembled together in the quire, each of them complained to other of their great hurts, and so they began matins: who had been there, should haue heard a heavy song and sad, for they were not merry in their hearts, their pains were so great. When Mattines were done, they that could go, went up again into their lodgings, and they that could not go, lay still in the quire all night: On the morrow word was brought to the Prior of the great misfortune that was fallen among the friars at midnight: for the which misfortune the Prior was greatly displeased and angry in his mind, and thought verily it was Rushes deed, for he had done many evil turns before. Then the Prior sent for Rush to come speak with him, and when he was come, the Prior said unto Rush, how fell this misfortune to night among the friars, that they be so sore hurt? Sir, said Rush, I shall show you it is not unknown unto you, that when you put me first into this office, ye commanded me to give you knowledge when any of my brethren were absent from Mattines, and so haue I done diuers times, whereby many of them haue been shent and chidden by you, and for that cause, they owe me ill will, and fain would haue me out of this office, if they wist how. And for to accomplish their desire, and to cause you to be displeased with me: I will show you what they haue done this night. Sir, it is so, that when the time was come, I rung to Mattines and lighted candles, and made all things ready, and when I had so done, I went into the Dorter to every mans Cell and called them up, then I went and stood at the stair foot, for to tell them as they came down, as I was accustomend to do, and to know who came to matins, and who did not, and for spite that I should not reckon them, they came all on a cluster, and for hast the one thrust the other down the staiers, and he that had the greatest belly, had the hardest fall; now if they hurt themselves, what might I do with all? And when the prior had heard the words of Rush, he wist not what to say, but for to void all tribulations and misfortunes that might fall in time to come, he put Rush out of his office, and set him in the kitchen again, and when he was there all alone, he laughed to himself and said: this enterprise is well brought to pass, and I haue made a good scuse thereof to the prior, yet will I do more ere I depart out of this place.   

How Rush went forth a sporting, and was late forth, and how in his way coming home, he found a cow, which cow he divided into two parts, the one half he took on his neck and carried it with him, and the other half he left still: and how soon he had made it ready for the Friers suppers.  
IT befell vpon a time that Rush when all his business was done in the kitchen, he would go forth into the Country to sport him, and to pass the time with good company: as he walked on his way, his chance was to come into a village, which was two or three mile from the place where he did dwell, and when he was entred into the village, he looked round about him in every corner to find out some company to make merry withall: and at the last, espied an Alehouse▪ and in he entred, and there he found good fellowes playing at cards, and drinking, and made cheer: then Rush made obeisance to them, and sate down among them, and drank with the players, and afterward he fell to play, and was as merry as any man in the company: and so long he played and passed the time, that clean he had forgotten what he had to do at home, and the day went fast away, and the night approached. Anon Rush looked up and perceived that it was all most night, remembered himself that there was nothing ready at home for the priors supper and covent, and it was almost supper time, wherefore he thought it was time to depart thence, so he payed for his drink and took his leave, and homeward he went, and in his way he found a fat cow grazing in the field, and suddenly he divided her into two parts, and the one half he left lying there still and the other half he took on his neck and carried it home, and quickly he made it ready; some he put in the pot, and some vpon the spit, and he made a great fire and set on the pot, and laid to the spit: and he made marvelous good pottage, and roasted the meate very well, and he made such speed, that every thing was ready by the hour accustomend to go to supper, whereof the prior and all the Friers had great marvel, that he had made every thing ready so soon, and was so well done: for they knew that it was late ere he came home: for some of the Friers had been in the kitchen a little before, and saw neither cook nor fire, nor any thing prepared toward supper: wherefore they gave great praise to Rush, and said, he was very quick in his office.   

How a Farmer of the Priors sought his cow, and how he was desolated by the way homeward, and was fain to lie in a hollow three: and of the vision that he had.  
THere was a poor Husbandman, dwelling there beside, which was a Farmer of the Priors: the which poor man had a cow abroad in the fields, that was accustomend every night to come home at a certain hour, and never failed. And at the last a mischance fell unto her, for friar Rush had slain her as she stood in the field, and so shee failed of her coming home at her hour as shee was wont to do. And when the poor man saw that his cow came not home: he thought in his mind it was not well with her, so forth he went in an evening for to seek his cow, and so long he travailed about in the fields, that at the last he found the one half of the cow lying there: but the other half was clean gone, and shee was so cleanly divided in two parts, that he imagined in his mind, that it was not posible to be done but by mans hands, for if any wild beasts had done it they would haue spoyled the flesh: so he returned homeward again, and ere he came at the half way, the night was so dark that he could not see which way he went, and so he went out of his way, and house could he find none: and at the last he came to an hollow tree wherein he sat him down, thinking there to take his rest all night, and he had not satin there but a whils: but anon there assembled a company of devils, and among them they had a great principal Master whose name was Lucifer, and he was the first that spake: and the first that was called, was a devill name beelzeebub, and with a loud voice, he said unto him: beelzeebub what hast thou done for us? beelzeebub answered and said: Sir I haue caused debate and strife to fall between brother and brother, insomuch the one hath slain the other: that is well done said the master devill, thou shalt be well rewarded for thy labour. Then forth he called another devill, name Incubus, and demanded of him what he had done? Sir said Incubus, I haue caused great debate and strife, to fall between two Lords, through the which they haue had great warres, and many men haue been slain: then said the master devill, thou art a true seruant to us, thou shalt be well rewarded for thy great labour and pain. Then said the great master unto another devill, name Norpell, what hast thou done for us? Sir said Norpell, I haue been among players at the Dice and cards, and I haue caused them to swear many great oaths, and the one to slea the other: and also I haue caused debate and strife to fall between man and wife, and caused the wife to cut her husbands throat: that was well done said the Master, thou shalt be well rewarded for thy labour. Then forth came another devill name Downesnest, and said: Sir I haue caused two old women to fight so sore together, and to beate each other about the head, that their eyes flew out: that was well done said the master devill, with much thankes thou shalt be well rewarded for thy labour. Then forth stepped friar Rush freshly, and with a good courage, and said: Sir, I am in a Religious place, and I govern the Prior and his covent as I will myself, and they haue me in great love and favour: for I do them many great pleasures, and I haue brought them faire wenches every man one when they lust, and diuers times I haue caused debate and strife to fall among them, and I haue made them staues and caused them to fight stiffly together, and to break each others head, and their arms and legs, and yet will I do more among them ere I depart out of the place, for I shall make so great debate and strife among them, that the one shall slay the other, and they shall come and dwell with us in hell, and burn in perpetual fire without end. Then said the master devill to Rush: if thou haue done as thou hast said, thou hast done well thy part, and I pray thee be diligent thyself about thy business, and stir them to sin, and specially to these three: that is to say, wrath, Gluttony, and Lechery, and briefly to make an end of thy enterprise, and slip it not: and when thou hast done, come home, and thou shalt be highly exalted and well rewarded for thy great labour and pain. When Rush had told his tale: the great master devill commanded every devill to go his way and do the best he could, and thus they departed: some went one way and some another: and thus they were scattered abroad in the world, to finish and make an end of their enterprises that they had taken in hand. And when the poor husbandman which sate in the three, saw that all the devils were departed and gone: he reioyced in his heart and was right glad thereof, for as long as they were there, he was ever in great fear and dread, and he was afraid that they should haue seen him there, and ever he prayed unto almighty God to be his guard, and save him from that foul and evil favoured company of devils, and to sand him the light of the day that he were gone out of that place, for he was weary that he abode there so long, and oftentimes he looked up, to see if he could perceive any light of the day whereby he might see to depart thence, for till then he durst not once stir out of that place, for he feared that they had been there still. Then within a while after, the day began to appear, and when he perceived that: anon he started up and looked round about him abroad in the fields, and when he perceived that there was no body stirring, he thanked almighty God that he was so preserved out of that great jeopardy, and so departed.   

How the Farmer which lay in the three, came unto the prior on the morrow after, and told him the words that he had heard, and the words of friar Rush, and that he was a very devill.  
AS soon as the day began to appear, the poor Farmer arose out of the tree, and took his way strait to the prior, and he would never rest vnttil he had spoken with him, And when he was come to his presence, anon he said: Sir, this night hath fortuned unto me a great adventure: how so said the prior? Sir, yester-night late in the evening, I walked forth into the fields to seek a Cow which I haue missed this four or five dayes, and so long I wandered up and down, till at the last I found the one half of my Cow, but the other half was gone: And as I would haue returned home again, I was benighted, so much, that I lost my way: Then I knew not whether to go, but spying a hollow three, I sate me down, thinking there to take my rest till the day appeared again: and I had not satin there but a small time, but instantly there was assembled together a great Company of devils, which made a most fearful and terrible noise whereof I was sore afraid.  
They had among them a great master name Lucifer, who called all the rest to make a recconing of all their service which they had done, since their departure out of Hell: There I heard many marvelous tales. At the last, forth came friar Rush, then said the great master Lucifer unto him, Rush, what hast thou done since thou departed out of Hell? And he answered▪ that he had ruled you, and all your covent, and caused you to chide and sight, and were heart at unity among yourselves: and he said he had caused you to live viciously, and yet he said, he would do more ere he departed out of this place, for he will cause you to kill one another, and then you should be damned in Hell, both body and soul. And so every devill departed, and went about their business. Wherefore take heed, for he is a very devil. And when the Prior had heard the words of the Farmer, he thanked him for his labour, and so they departed, the Farmer went home to his house, but the prior was marvelously abashed at the words of the Farmer, and went into his chamber and was much grieved in his heart that he had so lewdly misordered himself against his Lord God, and with great contrition he kneeled down vpon his knees, and asked Almighty God mercy, and forgiveness for the great and grievous offences that he had committed and done against him, and that he had so vildly misused the other of his Religion. And when he had thus done, he departed out of his chamber and went into the Cloister, and caused all his brethren to come together, and when they were all assembled, the prior  told them every word as the husbandman had  told him, and that Rush was a very devill, and no earthly creature; at the which they were sore astonished, and were rightly sorry in their hearts, that they had followed him so much in his mind, and done after his counsel, and were heavy in their hearts for their great and abominable sins that they had committed and done, & with great contrition they kneeled down vpon their knees, and desired Almighty God, for grace and pardon. Then the prior caused every man to fall to contemplation and prayer. Then forth they went and did the priors commandement, and briefly made them ready, and went to prayer all at once. And when they were come to the midst of their service, the prior departed out of the Church and went to the kitchen, wherein he found Rush who was there very busy: then the prior commanded him to stand still, and by virtue of almighty God and of all the company of heaven, he conjured Rush into the likeness of a Horse, and commanded him to go and stand at the gate in the same place that he stood in when he came thether first, and to stand there till service was done: so forth went Rush in the likeness of a Horse, and stood at the gate as the prior had commanded him. And when service was done, the prior and his brethren went to the gate to see what case Rush was in: and when they were come thether they found him standing in the likeness of a Horse. Then they demanded him to what intent he came into their place, and why he tarried there so long? Sirs said Rush: I came hither to cause you to do all mischief as is aforesaid, and yet I would haue done more ere I had gone hence: for I would haue caused you to slay one another, and to be damned both body and soul. And when they had heard the words of Rush, every man held up his hands and thanked Almighty God, that they had so well escaped that great misfortune. Then Rush desired the prior licence to depart thence, and promised that he would never more come there, nor do any man more hurt: vpon that condition the prior gave him leave to depart. Thus Rush departed from that place, and the friars went to their Cloister, and lived there solitary and chased ever after, and served almighty God better then ever they did before.   

The Lamentation that Rush made when he was departed out of the House of Religion.  
When Rush was banished out of the house of Religion, and was turned into the same likeness that he was, Then he wandered abroad in the world with a very heavy heart, speaking these words, he said: Alas, alas, what shall I do? I know not now whether to go, for all my seven yeares labour is lost. And as he wandered about, by fortune he met with his Master Lucifer, but he would not haue seen him by his will: nevertheless his Master espied him quickly and said to him Rush what tidings with thee? Sir said Rush, I haue lost all my labour that I haue gone about this vij. yeares. How so said Lucifer? Sir, I shall show you said Rush. The last time that we were assembled together, there was a poor man lay in an old tree hard beside us, and he heard all that we said: and when we were departed, he arose and went unto the prior and shewed him all that we said, and especially the words that I had spoken, and so all my labour is lost, and I am banished that place. Well, said the master devill to Rush, thou shalt go some other way, and look if thou canst find any thing to do: Then Rush walked about in the Country, and long it was ere he could get any service: At last he fortuned to come unto a husbandmans house which lacked a seruant, where he was entertained but sore against the wifes consent, For this husbandmans wife was a very faire woman, and she loved well the parish Priest, and he loved her as well, insomuch that often times they made good cheer and banketted together, and so continued and kept company together a long time. Their meeting was so privy and so secret, that it was never known, and they were ever sure enough of the good man, for he was accustomend every morning to rise early and to go far into the Field, and because his wife would prevent his coming home to dinner, she would always give him his victuals in a bag with hun, and a bottle full of drink, to the intent that he should tarry in the fields from morning until night: she would not suffer him to keep a seruant, nor to haue any manner of help: for she was afraid; that if they should haue a seruant, her secrets should be known: and the goodman also seared, that if he should take a seruant, that he would haue but little lust to tarry there: for the devill himself could not endure the chiding and brawling of that woman: by which means she kept her husband without a seruant a long time: For she knew well, that as long as her husband was in the Field, the Priest and she might haue their meeting: but at length she was deceived.   

How Rush came to a Husband-man( labouring in the Field) and desired to be entertained into his service.  
RVsh travailing up and down, came to a Husbandman who was labouring in the Field, being all alone, and spake these words unto him: Rest you merry sir, me thinks you take great pains to work so sore yourself: will it please you to entertain a seruant? I am a poor young man & am out of service, and I am very willing to serve you if you please: and I trust to do you such service, as shall be to your good content: The husbandman answered him, and said; young man, I would gladly give you entertainment, but my wife will never be pleased with any seruant that shall come unto my house: Sir, said Rush, let me alone, for I shall so work the matter, that my Dame shall be well pleased with me: well said the husbandman, tarry with me till I haue done my business, and thou shalt go home with me: when he had finished his dayes work, Rush went home with him, they were no sooner come into the house, but the wife espying Rush, she began to gloome and to looks marvelous angrily at him: which the goodman perceiving, he said unto her, Dame, I pray thee to be contented, thou knowest well enough that I haue more labour to do, then I am able to make an end of alone, and therefore I haue hired this young man to help me: when his wife heard these words, she was more angry then before, and began to brawls and scolde as if the devill had been in her, and said unto him: what a vengeance néedest thou to take a seruant? thou art able enough thyself to do all the business that we haue to do, and why should we take more charge vpon us then wee are able to bear? but now I perceive thou art given to laziness, and hast little mind to work thyself: when the goodman heard her so highly displeased, he said, Dame, I pray thee be contented, the young man is honest, and he hath promised me to be a good seruant: yet for all these speeches, she would not be pacified, but brawled still: when Rush perceived her great impatiency, he said unto her: Dame I pray you be contented, and be not angry with me, for you shall haue no cause, my Master hath hired me but for a while, vpon a trial, and I trust in that tims, so to behave myself, as to give you both content: and when my time cometh out, if you like my service you shall haue it before any other whatsoever: if not, I will be very well content to depart. When the wife heard Rush speak so reasonably, shee pacified herself, and said no more: which caused the good man to be very glad, and so she set them to supper, and as they sate at meate, Rush demanded of his master▪ what he should do the next day? his master answered, thou must rise early and go to the field, and make an end of that which I was about this day;( which was a great dayes work) so when they had supped they went to bed. Early in the morning Rush arose and went to the field, and wrought so lustily, that he had done his work betimes: for when his master came to bring him his breakfast, all his work was finished, whereat his master had great marvel: then they sat down to breakfast, which being ended they went home, and did such things as were there to be done: when his Dame saw that he had so soon ended his business, she thought he was a profitable seruant, and said little but let him alone. In the evening Rush demanded of his Master what he should do the next morning? his Master appointed him twice as much as he did the day before, which Rush refused not, but got up early in the morning, and went to the field, and about his work; so soon as his Master was ready, he took his mans breakfast and came to the field, thinking to help Rush:( but he was no sooner come from his house, but the Priest came to see his wife, and presently shée made ready some good meate for them to be merry withall, and while it was a dressing, they sate sporting together, who had been there should haue seen many loving touches. And when the good-man came into the field, he found that Rush had done all that which he appointed, whereof he had great marvel: then they sate down to breakfast, and as they sate together, Rush beholded his Masters shoone, and perceived that for fault of greasing they were very hard: Then said Rush to his Master, why are not your shoes better greased, I marvel that you can go in them, they be so hard? Haue you no more at home? Yes said his master, I haue an other pair at home, lying under a great Chest in my Chamber: Then said Rush, I will go home and grease them, that you may put them on this next morning: and then he walked homeward merrily, and sung by the way. And when he approached near the house, he sang out very loud: with that, his Dame looked out at the window, and perceived that it was her seruant: She said unto the Priest, alas, what shall we do now? our seruant is come home, and my Husband will not tarry long after him, and with that she thrust the meat into the oven, and all things else that was on the Table. Where shall I hide me said the Priest? go into the Chamber and creep under the great Chest among the old shoes and, I will cover you, and so he did: And when Rush was come into the house, his Dame asked him why he came home so soon? Rush answered and said: I haue done all my business, and my Master commanded me to come home and to grease his shoone. Then he went into the Chamber and looked under the Chest, and there he found the Priest, and he took him by the heels and drew him out, and said, thou horeson Priest, what dost thou here? With that, the Priest held up his hands and cried him mercy, and desired him to save his honesty, and he would never more come there: And so Rush let him go for that once.   

How Rush came home to make clean the Stable, and how he found the Priest under the manger covered with Straw.  
WIthin a while after this foresaid Priest began to wax warm, and thought once again to adventure himself and go to the husbandmans house: When he perceived that the Goodman and Rush his Seruant was in the field a labouring, he went with all speed to the house, and when he was entered, the Wife said he was welcome, and made ready a good dish of meate and set it on the Table before the Priest, then she drew drink and sate down beside him: who had been there should haue seen many wanton toys between them two, and they had not satin there long, but anon Rush came singing homeward, and when she espied him, shee was abashed and wist not what to do, but thrust the meate into the oven as she did before. Then said the Priest where shall I hid me? come with me, said the wife into the Stable, and creep under the manger, and I shall cover you with straw, and tarry there till he be gone again, and then she turned again into the house where she found Rush her Seruant, and anon she demanded of him why he came home so soon? Rush answered, that he had done all his business, and he was come to make clean the Stable, and when the Wife heard that, she was sorry in her heart, for she doubted that he would find the Priest again. Then forth went Rush into the Stable, and took a great fork in his hand, and began to shake up the straw: and when he came to the heap▪ that the Priest lay in, the which seemed to him to be very great, yet nevertheless with his fork he took all up at once, and carried it out of the door, and laid it on a great heap of muck that lay there, and with his fork he shaked the straw abroad, and when he had shaken out a little, anon he was ware of the Priests gown: then he said, what a devill art thou? and with his fork he turned the heap, and then he perceived that the Priest was come again: then with his fork he gave him three or four good dry stripes and said, whoreson Priest, what dost thou here? thou promised me the last day nevermore to come here, and now I see thou art a false Priest, but now I shall make an end of thee, and then shalt thou never deceive me more. And when the Priest heard him say so, he fell vpon his knees and held up his hands, and prayed Rush to save his honor once again and he would never come there more, and if he did then to do with him what he would.  
Thus Rush let the Priest go the second time.   

How Rush came home and found the Priest in the Cheese-basket, and how he trayled him about the town.  
THen within a fortnight or three weeks after, the Priest thought he was long absent from the Husbandmans wife. And though it should cost him his life, yet would he god thether once again: And on a day he perceiving the goodman was gone to the field, he took his way unto the house, and was so hasty, that assoon as he was entred into the house, he caught the wife and would haue embraced her, but she quickly got from him again, and went and prepared good cheer for him, as she was wont to do: for they thought themselves sure enough for the time, but yet they were deceived: For when the goodman was come to the field, Rush had done all his business, then they sat down and broke their fast with Bread and cheese, and as they sate eating, Rush spied a hair in the cheese, and then he said to his Master, I trow my Dame would poison us, or else she washed not the Basket that the cheese lieth in, behold it is all full of hairs, I will go home and wash the basket and make it clean: so leaving his Master in the field and walking homeward, he sung merrily all the way. And when he approached near the house, the Wife knew his voice and perceived that he was coming. Then wringing her hands she said unto the Priest, go hide you, or else you be but dead. Where shall I hid me said the Priest? go up into the chamber and leap into the Basket that hangeth out at the window, and I shall call you when he is gone again. Then anon in came Rush, and she asked him why he came home so soon? then said Rush, I haue done all my business in the field, and my Master hath sent me home to wash your cheese basket, for it is full of hairs, and so he went into the Chamber, and with his knife he cut the rope that the basket hung by, and down fell Priest and all into a great pool of water that was under the window: then went he into the stable for a Horse and road into the pool, and took the rope that hung at the basket, and tying it to the horses tail, road through the poule three or four times. Then he road through the town to cause the people to wonder at him, and so came home again. And all this while he made as though he had known nothing, but looking behind him, espied the Priest. Then he alighted down, and said unto him: Thou shalt never more escape me, thy life is lost. With that, the Priest held up his hands and said here is hundred pieces of gold, take them and let me go. So Rush took the gold and let the Priest go. And when his Master came home, he gave him the half of his money, and bad him farewell, for be would go see the world.   

How Rush became Seruant to a Gentleman, and how the devill was conjured out of the body of the Gentlemans Daughter.  
WHen Rush was departed from the husbandman, he went abroad in the country, to look if he could find any more adventures: and so long he traveled about, that at last he espied a great Gentlemans place, unto the which he took his way. And when he was come thether, as chance was, he found the Gentleman walking up and down before his gate. And when Rush▪ was approached near unto him, he put off his bonnet and saluted him saying: Rest you merry good Gentleman, Welcome said he: Sir, said Rush, I am a poor young man and am out of service, and fain would I haue a good Master. What Countryman art thou said the Gentleman & from whence comest thou? Sir, said Rush, I was born far hence and many a mile haue I gone to seek a good service, but none can I find. What canst thou do said the Gentleman, and what is thy name? Sir said Rush, I can do any manner of thing that shall please you to set me unto, & Rush is my name. Then said the Gentleman unto him, Rush tarry here with me, and I will retain thee unto my service. When Rush heard the Gentleman speak so, he thanked him much and tarried there. Then as the Gentleman and Rush went talking together, the Gentleman said unto him, Rush thou hast traveled far, and gone through many strange Countries: canst thou show me where to find any man, can conjure a spirit out of a womans body? Sir, said Rush, why ask you me that question? I shall show thee, said the Gentleman, I haue a Daughter which is a faire young woman, but she is sore troubled in her mind, and as I suppose shee hath some devill within her body. Sir, said Rush, I pray you let me see her, and I trust speedily to find remedy for her. Then the Gentleman brought Rush into the place and shewed him his Daughter. And when he saw her he knew what she had within her body: Anon he said unto the Gentletleman, sir, there is remedy enough for this. Well said the Gentleman, if thou canst find me any that can help her thereof, I will reward him well for his labour, and thee also. Sir, I will show you what is to be done, there is a place of Religion a forty or fifty miles hence, whererein I was a seruant a long time, and the prior is a cunning man in that science: and I doubt not, but if he were here even now she should be holpen within this hour. When the Gentleman heard the words of Rush, he reioyced in his heart and was full glad of that good tidings. And on the morrow after, the Gentleman sent his seruant with his letters unto that house of Religion, desiring the prior to come and speak with him. When the prior had red the Gentlemans letters, and knew for what cause he was sent for, he made him ready to ride with the messenger. Then forth they road, and the next day they arrived at the Gentlemans place. When the Gentleman understood that the prior was come, he was glad and went to the gate, and with great reverence he received the prior, and brought him into his place. Then the Gentleman commanded his seruant to fill a cup of Wine, that the prior and he might drink together. And when they had drunk and refreshed themselves well, they walked forth into a faire Garden, and then they commoned together of many things, and when they had finished all their communications, the Gentleman said unto the prior: Sir, the cause that you be come hither is this. It is so, that I haue a young Gentlewoman to my daughter, which is grievously vexed and troubled in her mind, and as I suppose she hath some wicked spirit in her body, and sir, it was shewed me by a seruant of mine which was long seruant in your place, that you could help her. Sir, said the prior what is his name? The Gentleman said his name is Rush. And when the prior heard his name he know him well enough, and said unto the Gentleman, sir, cause the Gentlewoman to come before me, and I trust in almighty God, shortly to find a remedy for her, and when the Gentleman heard the prior speak so, he was glad in his heart, and commanded in all hast to bring forth his Daughter before the prior: and when she was come into his presence, he commanded her to kneel down vpon her knees, and also he commanded her Father and her Mother, and all the company that were there present, in likewise to kneel vpon their knees, and pray unto Almighty God for the young Gentlewoman. And then he himself said certain prayers over her: then he lifted up his hand and blessed her, and incontinent there flew a great devill out of her mouth. And the prior bound the devill so, that never after he came there. Thus was the young Gentlewomen restored to her right mind and health again. Then the Gentleman would haue given to the prior a great sum of money for his labour, but he would take none, but said unto the Gentleman: Sir I haue a new Church in building, and I lack lead to cover the roof: and as it is informed me, this is a plentiful country thereof. Wherefore Sir, if it will please you to give me as much as shall serve me, I and my Brethren shall be your daily beadsmen, and you shall be prayed for as long as the world endureth. ye shall haue as much as shall serve you, said the Gentleman: But how will you do for the carriage? Well enough said the prior. Then the Gentleman brought him to a great heap of led, and bad him take as much as would serve him. Presently the prior called forth Rush, and commanded him to take on his neck so much led as would cover his Church, and bear it home, and come again quickly. So Rush took the led on his neck at once and carried it home, and he was there again within half an hour. Then the prior took his leave of the Gentleman and departed, commanding Rush to bring him home also. Then Rush took him on his neck, and within one quarter of an hour he was at home. Then the prior conjured Rush again into his own likeness, and commanded him to go into an old Castle that stood far within the forest, & never more to come out, but to remain there for ever. From which devill and all other devils, defend us good Lord.  
Amen.  
FINIS.