Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay

[SCENE I]

(Enter [the future] the future Edward the First, First, Edward I “Longshanks” (1239-1307) was King of England from 1272 to 1307 malcontented malcontented Lavin explains the meaning of “malcontented” in the following way: “Suffering from love-melancholy: indicated by a dispirited and abstracted manner (line 23); perhaps even by sighs, gestures, and careles dress.” , with Lacy, Earl of Lincoln; John Warren, Earl of Sussex, and Ermsby, gentleman; Rafe Rafe Rafe is a variant of Ralph, representing the traditional pronunciation of the name (Hanks, Harcastle and Hodges). According to these authors, Raphe is the “Spelling representation of the traditional pronunciation of the name Ralph, a pronunciation now largely restricted to the upper classes in England.” The 1594 quarto prints “Raphe” throughout. Simnell, the King's fool.)

Lacy.

Why looks my lord like to a troubled sky 1

When heaven's bright shine is shadowed with a fog? 2

Alate Alate Alate , lately, of late (OED adv.). we ran the deer and through the launds launds launds , glades, untilled grounds (OED n.). 3

Stripped Stripped Stripp’d , outstripped (OED v.2 2, first recorded use). with our nags the lofty frolic frolic frolic , joyous, merry, sportive (OED adj. 1a, earliest record from ?1548). bucks 4

That scudded 'fore the teasers teasers teasers , hunting hounds, hounds used to rouse the deer (OED n. 1d). like the wind. 5

Ne'er was the deer of merry Fressingfield Fressingfield Fressingfield is a village in Suffolk, about three miles from the Norfolk border and seventeen miles south of Norwhich. 6

So lustily lustily lustily , vigourously (OED adv. 2). pulled down by jolly mates, 7

Nor shared the farmers such fat venison, 8

So frankly frankly frankly , generously distributed (OED adv. 2b). dealt, this hundred years before; 9

Nor have I seen my lord more frolic in the chase, 10

And now changed to a melancholy dump dump dump , fit of musing (OED n.1 1). . 11

Warren.

After the Prince got to the keeper's lodge 12

And had been jocund jocund jocund , merry (OED adj. a). in the house awhile, 13

Tossing of ale and milk in country cans, 14

Whether it was the country's sweet content, 15

Or else the bonny bonny bonny , beautiful (OED adj. 1a). damsel filled filled filled , who filled. us drink, 16

That seemed so stately stately stately , majestic (OED adj. 1a). in her stammel stammel stammel , a coarse woollen cloth, or linsey-woolsey, usually dyed red; an under-garment of this material, worn by ascetics (OED n.2) red, 17

Or that a qualm did cross his stomach then, 18

But straight straight straight , at once (OED adv. 2c). he fell into his passions. 19

Ermsby.

Sirrah Rafe, what say you to your master? 20

Shall he thus all amort amort amort , lifeless, inanimate; fig. spiritless, dejected (OED adv. and adj. a, oldest appearance). live malcontent? 21

Rafe.

Hearest thou, Ned Ned Ned , Edward. ?−Nay, look if he will speak to me.

Edward.

What say'st thou to me, fool? 24

Rafe.

I prithee tell me, Ned, art thou in love with the keeper's daughter?

Edward.

How if I be, what then?

Rafe.

Why then, sirrah, I'll teach thee how to deceive Love.

Edward.

How, Rafe?

Rafe.

Marry Marry Marry , By Mary, expressing surprise, astonishment, outrage; also used to give emphasis to one’s words (OED int. 1). , sirrah Ned, thou shalt put on my cap and my coat and my dagger dagger my cap and my coat and my dagger, stock properties of the professional jester (Lavin). , and I will put on thy clothes and thy sword, and so thou shalt be my fool.

Edward.

And what of this?

Rafe.

Why, so thou shalt beguile Love, for Love is such a proud scab scab scab , scoundrel (OED adj. 1). that he will never meddle with fools nor children. Is not Rafe's counsel good, Ned?

Edward.

Tell me, Ned Lacy, didst thou mark the maid, 37

How lively lovely in her country weeds she looked? 38

A bonnier wench all Suffolk cannot yield. 39

All Suffolk? Nay, all England holds none such. 40

Rafe.

Sirrah Sirrah Sirrah , used here to address a superior in rank. Will Ermsby, Ned is deceived.

Ermsby.

Why, Rafe? 42

Rafe.

He says all England hath no such, and I say, and 43

I'll stand to it, there is one better in Warwickshire Warwickshire Warwickshire is a county in the West Midlands of England which includes the towns of Warwick, Rugby and Stradford-upon-Avon. . 44

Warren.

How provest thou that, Rafe? 45

Rafe.

Why, is not the abbot a learned man, and hath read many books books Joke that depends of understanding “books” as a cant term for “woman”. , and thinkest thou he hath not more learning than thou to choose a bonny wench? Yes, I warrant thee, by his whole grammar.

Ermsby.

A good reason, Rafe. 50

Edward.

I tell thee thee the , Lacy, that her sparkling eyes 51

Do lighten forth sweet Love's alluring fire, 52

And in her tressesshe doth fold fold fold , enclose, cover, wrap up (OED v.1 8). the looks 53

Of such as gaze upon her golden hair; 54

Her bashfull white mixed with the morning's red, 55

Luna Luna Luna is the moon, goddess Diana. Bevington explains that the pale moon triumphs in the chaste whiteness of her cheeks, mixed with the red of the morning sun. doth boast upon her lovely cheeks; 56

Her front front front , forehead (OED n. 1a). is Beauty Beauty In this verse we find a personification of beauty. 's table, where she paints 57

The glories of her gorgeous excellence; 58

Her teeth are shelves of precious margarites margarites margarites , pearls (OED n.1 1a). , 59

Richly enclosed with ruddy coral cliffs ruddy coral cliffs ruddy coral cliffs , red lips (Bevington). Richly enclosed with ruddy coral cliffs ruddy coral cliffs ruddy coral cliffs , red lips (Bevington). This description is a Petrarchan mixture of the white of moonlight and the red of dawn . 60

Tush, Lacy, she is Beauty's overmatch, 61

If thou survey'st her curious imagery curious imagery curious imagery , delicate beauty (Bevington). . 62

Lacy.

I grant, my lord, the damsel is as fair 63

As simple Suffolk's homely homely homely , rustic, unsophisticated (OED adj. 2a). towns can yield; 64

But in the court be quainter quainter quainter , more beautiful, more fashionable, elegant (quaint, OED adj. 3c). dames than she, 65

Whose faces are enriched with honour's taint, honour's taint, honour’s taint , the hue of high rank, the mark of nobility (Lavin). 66

Whose beauties stand upon the stage of fame 67

And vaunt their trophies in the courts of love. courts of love. courts of love , chivalric tribunals which decided questions of gallantry (Lavin). 68

Edward.

Ah, Ned, but hadst thou watched her as myself, 69

And seen the secret secret secret , not widely known (Bevington). beauties of the maid, 70

Their courtly coynesswere but foolery foolery foolery , coquetry (Lavin). . 71

Ermsby.

Why, how watched you her, my lord? 72

Edward.

Whenas Whenas Whenas , When (OED adv. and conj. 1a). she swept like Venus through the house, 73

And in her shape fast folded up my thoughts, 74

Into the milkhouse went I with the maid, 75

And there amongst the cream bowls she did shine 76

As Pallas Pallas Pallas Athena, Zeus’s daughter, in ancient Greek mythology was the goddess of wisdom, craft and war. She was portrayed as having a calm temperament and moving slowly to anger, and was believed to only fight for just causes and never without a purpose. She was syncretised with the roman goddess Minerva. 'mongst her princely huswifery. 77

She turned her smock over her lily arms 78

And dived them into milk to run her cheese; 79

But, whiter than the milk her crystal skin, 80

Checked with lines of azure, made her blush 81

That art or nature durst bring for compare. 82

Ermsby, if thou hadst seen, as I did note it well, 83

How Beauty played the huswife, how this girl, 84

Like Lucrece Lucrece Lucrece was a virtuous Roman matron of a good family, raped by Sextus Tarquin, Tarquin the Proud’s son (534-510 a.C.), last king of Rome. To avoid the dishonour for the rape she killed herself by stabbing herself in the heart, an affair which triggered the end of the Roman monarchy. Shakespeare wrote The Rape of Lucrece about this story. , laid her fingers to the work, 85

Thou wouldest with Tarquin hazard Rome and all 86

To win the lovely maid of Fressingfield. 87

Rafe.

Sirrah Ned, wouldst fain fain fain , gladly (OED adv.). have her?

Edward.

Ay, Rafe. 89

Rafe.

Why, Ned, I have laid the plot in my head thou shalt have her already.

Edward.

I’ll give thee a new coat an an and learn me that an an and learn me that an an and learn me that , if you teach me that (Bevington); an an and , if (OED conj. 2); learn , teach (OED v. 4) . 92

Rafe.

Why, sirrah Ned, we'll ride to Oxford to Friar Bacon. Oh, he is a brave brave brave , fine, splendid (OED adj. 2). scholar, sirrah; they say he is a brave brave brave , fine, splendid (OED adj. 2). necromancer, necromancer, necromancer , magician, wizard, conjuror (OED n. 1). that he can make women of devils, and he can juggle juggle juggle , change magically. (OED v. 4b, earliest example). cats cats cats , spirits (Bevington). into costermongers. costermongers. costermongers , fruit-sellers (OED n. 1).

Edward.

And how then, Rafe? 97

Rafe.

Marry, sirrah, thou shalt go to him, and because because because , in order that (OED conj. 2). thy father Harry shall not miss thee, he shall turn me into thee; and I'll to the court, and I'll prince it out, and he shall make thee either a silken purse, full of gold, or else a fine wrought smock. wrought smock. wrought smock , embroidered petticoat (Bevington).

Edward.

But how shall I have the maid? 102

Rafe.

Marry, sirrah, if thou be'st a silken purse full of gold, if thou be'st a silken purse full of gold, A version of essentially the same idea appears en the A text of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (I, iv, 47): “No, no, sir. If you turn me into anything, let it be in the likeness of a little pretty frisky flea, that I may be here and there and everywhere. Oh, I’ll tickle the pretty wenches’ plackets; I’ll be amongst them, i’ faith.”Though, according to Lavin, the passage is dismissed by some editors as an actor’s addition. then on Sundays she'll hang thee by her side, and you must not say a word. Now, sir, when she comes into a great press press press , crowd (OED n.1 5). of people, for fear of the cutpurse on a suddenshe'llswap thee into her plackerd plackerd plackerd , placard, underskirt, apron, slit (OED n. 2c). ; then, sirrah, being there you may plead for yourself.

Ermsby.

Excellent policy! 108

Edward.

But how if I be a wrought smock? 109

Rafe.

Then she'll put thee into her chest and lay thee into lavender, and upon some good day she'll put thee on, and at night when you go to bed, then being turned from a smock to a man, you may make up the match.

Lacy.

Wonderfully wisely counselled, Rafe. 114

Edward.

Rafe shall have a new coat. 115

Rafe.

God thank you when I have it on my back, Ned.

Edward.

Lacy, the fool hath laid a perfect plot, 117

Forwhy Forwhy Forwhy , Because (OED conj. 1a). our country Margaret is so coy 118

And stands so much upon her honest points, 119

That marriage or no market marriage or no market marriage or no market , according to Lavin it might be a proverbial phrase. No marriage, no sex. No deal, no sex. with the maid. 120

Ermsby, it must be necromantic spells 121

And charms of art art art , art of sorcery (Seltzer); black art, magic (Lavin). that must enchain her love, 122

Or else shall Edward never win the girl. 123

Therefore, my wags wags wags , fellows (OED n. 1). , we'll horse us in the morn, 124

And post to Oxford to this jolly friar. 125

Baconshall by his magic do this deed. 126

Warren.

Content, my lord. And that's a speedy way 127

To wean these headstrong puppies from the teat. 128

Edward.

I am unknown, not taken for the prince; 129

They only deem us frolic courtiers 130

That revel thus among our liege's game. 131

Therefore I have devised a policy. 132

Lacy, thou know'st next Friday is Saint James', Saint James', Saint James’ , Saint James’s day, the twenty-fifth of July. 133

And then the country flocks to Harleston Harleston Harleston , Town in Norfolk about five miles north of Fressingfield. fair. 134

Then will the Keeper's daughter frolic there 135

And overshine the troop of all the maids 136

That come to see and to be seen that day. 137

Haunt thee Haunt thee haunt thee , make frequent visit (Bevington). disguised among the country swains; 138

Feign thou'rt a farmer's son, not far from thence; 139

Espy her loves, loves, loves , likings (OED n.1 3). and who she liketh best; 140

Cote Cote Cote , Surpass, Outstrip (OED v.1 2). him, and court her to control the clown. court her to control the clown. court her to control the clown , court her putting the bumpkin in his place (Bevington). 141

Say that the courtier tirèd tirèd tirèd , attired (Bevington). all in green, 142

That helped her handsomely to run her cheese 143

And filled her father's lodge with venison, 144

Commends him and sends fairings fairings fairings , presents, souvenirs, or other items given at or brought back from a fair. (OED n.1 1a, earliest record from 1574). to herself; 145

Buy something worthy of her parentage, 146

Not worth her beauty, for, Lacy, then the fair 147

Affords no jewel fitting for the maid. 148

And when thou talkest of me, note if she blush. 149

Oh, then she loves! But if her cheeks wax pale, 150

Disdain it is. Lacy, send send send , dispatch by messenger, send word (OED v.1 6a). how she fares, 151

And spare no time nor cost to win her loves. 152

Lacy.

I will, my lord, so execute this charge 153

As if that Lacy were in love with her. 154

Edward.

Send letters speedily to Oxford of the news. 155

Rafe.

And, sirrah Lacy, buy me a thousand thousand millionof fine bells.

Lacy.

What wilt thou do with them,Rafe? 157

Rafe.

Marry, every time that Ned sighs for the Keeper's daughter I'll tie a bell about him, and so within three or four days I will send word to his father Harry that his son and my master Ned is become Love's morris dance morris dance morris dance , a lively traditional English dance performed in formation by a group of dancers in a distinctive costume, usually wearing bells and ribbons and carrying handkerchiefs or sticks (OED n. 1). .

Edward.

Well, Lacy, look with care unto thy charge, 162

And I will haste to Oxford to the friar, 163

That he by art, and thou by secret gifts, 164

Mayst make me lord of merry Fressingfield. 165

Lacy.

God send Your Honour your heart's desire. 166

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE II]

(Enter Friar Bacon, with Miles, his poor scholar, with books under his arm; with them Burden, Mason, Clement, three doctors doctors doctors , scholars (Bevington). .)

Bacon.

Miles, where are you?

Miles.

Hic sum, doctissime doctissime dostissime et reverendissime doctor. Hic sum, doctissime doctissime dostissime et reverendissime doctor. Here I am, most gifted and reverend doctor

Bacon.

Attulisti nos libros meos de Necromantia? Attulisti nos libros meos de Necromantia? Have you brought us my books of sorcery?

Miles.

Ecce quam bonum et quam iocundum, habitares libros in unum! in unum! Ecce quam bonum et quam iocundum, habitares libros in unum! “Behold how good and delightful it is when one lives with books.” It is a parody of Psalm 133 of the Bible: “Ecce quam bonum et quam iocundum, habitare fratres in unum”. Miles uses the incorrect form “habitares”, maybe showing that his Latin is not quite good.

Bacon.

Now, masters of our academic state, 172

That rule in Oxford, viceroys viceroys viceroys , governors of the institution by virtue of the academic eminence (Bevington). in your place, 173

Whose heads contain maps of the liberal arts liberal arts liberal arts , the seven subjects of the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) and quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy) considered collectively (OED n.). , 174

Spending your time in depth of learnèd skill, 175

Why flock you thus to Bacon's secret cell, 176

A friar newly stalled stalled stalled , installed (OED v.1 7a). in Brazennose Brazennose Brazennose , an Oxford College founded in 1509. Therefore, it is an anachronism here. The name is popularly derived from the big brass nose of the knocker of the gate (Lavin). ? 177

Say what's your mind, that I may make reply. 178

Burden.

Bacon, we hear that long we have suspect, 179

That thou art read read read , learned (OED adj.1b). in magic's mystery; 180

In pyromancy pyromancy pyromancy , divination by fire, or by signs derived from fire (OED n.). to divine divine divine , prophesy (OED v. 8). by flames; 181

To tell, by hydromancy hydromancy Hadromaticke hydromatic hydromancy hydromancy Hadromaticke hydromatic hydromancy hydromancy Hadromaticke hydromatic , divination by means of signs derived from water, its tides and ebbs (OED n.). , ebbs and tides; 182

By aeromancy aeromancy aeromancy , divination by air or by things in the air, for example clouds or birds (OED n.). to discover doubts, discover doubts, discover doubts , resolve uncertainties (Bevington). 183

To plain out plain out plain out , elucidate (Bevington). questions, as Apollo Apollo Apollo was the god of divination and prophecy, who answered questions and prophesied through the priestess of his oracular shrine at Delphi. did. 184

Bacon.

Well, Master Burden, what of all this? 185

Miles.

Marry, sir, he doth but fulfill, by rehearsing rehearsing rehearsing , reciting (OED v. 4a). of these names, the fable of the fox and the grapes the fable of the fox and the grapes This is an allusion to the fable by Aesop (c.600-c.564), the ancient Greek writer, in which the fox said that the grapes were sour just because they were unreachable. : that which is above us pertains nothing nothing nothing , not at all (OED adv. 1a). to us. us pertains nothing nothing nothing , not at all (OED adv. 1a). to us. that which is above us pertains nothing nothing nothing , not at all (OED adv. 1a). to us is a proverbial phrase, Lavin tells us to have a look at Adagia by Erasmus: ”Quae supra nos, nihil ad nos”, that is to say, “Things above us are of no concern to us”.

Burden.

I tell thee, Bacon, Oxford Oxford makes report− 189

Nay, England England , and the court of Henry says− 190

Thou'rt making of a brazen head by art 191

Which shall unfold unfold unfold , explain (OED v.1 2). strange doubts and aphorism aphorism aphorisms , scientific principles, concise statements of principles in any science (OED n. 1). s 192

And read a lecture read a lecture read a lecture , deliver a lecture (Bevington). in philosophy; 193

And, by the help of devils and ghastly fiends, 194

Thou mean'st, ere many years or days be past, 195

To compass compass compass , encompass, surround (OED v.1 III). England with a wall of brass. 196

Bacon.

And what of this?

Miles.

What of this, master? Why, he doth speak mystically, mystically, mystically , figuratively (OED adv. 2b). for he knows if your skill fail to make a brazen head, yet Mother Waters' Waters' Mother Waters’, an innkeeper’s (Bevington). strong ale will fit his turn turn turn , purpose (OED n. 30). to make him have a copper nose. nose. a copper nose , a drunkard’s red nose, with a quibble on “brazen” and “copper” (Lavin).

Clement.

Bacon, we come not grieving at thy skill, 202

But joying that our academy yields 203

A man supposed the wonder of the world. 204

For, if thy cunning work these miracles, 205

England and Europe Europe shall admire admire admire , marvel at (OED v. 1b[a]). thy fame, 206

And Oxford shall, in characters of brass 207

And statues such as were built up in Rome Rome , 208

Eternize Friar Bacon for his art. 209

Mason.

Then, gentle friar, tell us thy intent. 210

Bacon.

Seeing you come as friends unto the friar, 211

Resolve you, Resolve you, Resolve you , be assured (Lavin), understand (Bevington). doctors, Bacon can by books 212

Make storming Boreas Boreas Boreas , the North Wind, imprisoned in the Cave of the Winds, controlled by Aeolus (Aeneid, I, 50-59). thunder from his cave, 213

And dim fair Luna to a dark eclipse. dim fair Luna to a dark eclipse. Ability commonly attributed to magicians. 214

The great archruler, potentate of hell, 215

Trembles when Bacon bids him or his fiends 216

Bow to the force of his pentageron. pentageron. pentageron , pentagonon, pentagram, a five-pointed star thought to have magical power (pentagram OED n. 1). 217

What art can work, the frolic friar knows, 218

And therefore will I turn turn turn , turn the pages of (Bevington). my magic books, 219

And strain out necromancy to the deep. to the deep. to the deep , to the fullest extent possible (Bevington). 220

I have contrived and framed framed framed , devised (OED v. 6a). a head of brass 221

(I made Belcephon Belcephon Belcephon is not known elsewhere as the name of a demon. Lavin points at the possibility that it derives from Baal-zephon (Exodus xiv:2 , Numbers xxxiii:7). hammer out the stuff), 222

And that by art shall read philosophy. 223

And I will strengthen England by my skill, 224

That, if if if , even if (OED conj. 4a). ten Caesars lived and reigned in Rome, 225

With all the legions Europe doth contain, 226

They should not touch a grass of English ground. 227

The work that Ninus Ninus Ninus was, according to the Greek legends, the founder of Niniveh but did not erect anything at Babylon, Babylon, which was built by his wife Seramis after she had had him killed. The immense walls of baked brick and bitumen were wide enough on top to turn a four-horse chariot and had a hundred gates of bronze. reared at Babylon, Babylon, 228

The brazen walls framed by Semiramis, Semiramis, Ninus was, according to the Greek legends, the founder of Niniveh but did not erect anything at Babylon, which was built by his wife Seramis after she had had him killed. The immense walls of baked brick and bitumen were wide enough on top to turn a four-horse chariot and had a hundred gates of bronze. 229

Carved out like to the portal of the sun, portal of the sun, portal of the sun , the gates of Phoebus’ palace, carved in bronze and gold (Ovid, Metamorphosis II, 1-4). 230

Shall not be such as rings the English strand 231

From Dover Dover to the marketplace of Rye Rye . From Dover Dover to the marketplace of Rye Rye . From Dover Dover to the marketplace of Rye Rye , surrounding the island. Dover Dover and Rye Rye are two ports about 20 miles apart on the extreme south-east coast of England. 232

Burden.

Is this possible? 233

Miles.

I'll bring ye two two to or three witnesses.

Burden.

What be those? 235

Miles.

Marry, sir, three or four as honest devils and good companions as any be in hell.

Mason.

No doubt but magic may do much in this, 238

For he that reads but mathematic mathematic mathematic , astrological (OED adj.). rules 239

Shall find conclusions that avail to work 240

Wonders that pass the common sense common sense common sense , natural intelligence possessed by a typical person (OED n. 4a). of men. 241

Burden.

But Bacon roves a bow beyond his reach, 242

And tells of more than magic can perform, 243

Thinking to get a fame by fooleries. 244

Have I not passed as far in state of schools state of schools in state of schools , in academic rank (Lavin), in academic learning (Bevington). 245

And read of many secrets? Yet to think 246

That heads of brass can utter any voice, 247

Or, more, to tell of deep philosophy− 248

This is a fable Aesop had forgot. 249

Bacon.

Burden, thou wrong'st me in detracting thus; 250

Bacon loves not to stuff himself with lies. 251

But tell me 'fore these doctors, if thou dare, 252

Of certain questions I shall move to thee. 253

Burden.

I will. Ask what thou can I will. Ask what thou can I will aske what thou can I will, aske what thou can . I will. Ask what thou can I will. Ask what thou can I will aske what thou can I will, aske what thou can . I will. Ask what thou can I will. Ask what thou can I will aske what thou can I will, aske what thou can , without punctuation in the quarto. Other editors have used a comma or a semicolon, but I have chosen this punctuation because I think “I will” is the reaction to the previous words by Bacon, and the pause after this reply has to be emphasized. 254

Miles.

Marry, sir, he'll straight be on your pickpack to he'll straight be on your pickpack to he’ll straight be on your pickpack, he’ll be riding you, pressing his argument (Bevington). know whether the feminine or the masculine gender be most know whether the feminine or the masculine gender be most whether the feminine or the masculine gender be most worthy, a common academic topic for debate (Bevington). worthy. worthy. The widely-used Latin grammar by William Lily (1549) ranged the genders in order of “worthiness”: masculine, feminine and neuter.

Bacon.

Were you not yesterday, Master Burden, at Henley- Henley- Henley-upon-the-Thames, a town in Oxfordshire at the bank of the river, 9 kilometres away from Reading and 32 from Oxford. upon-the-Thames?

Burden.

I was. What then? 260

Bacon.

What book studied you there on all night? 261

Burden.

I? None at all, I read not there a line. 262

Bacon.

Then, doctors, Friar Bacon's art knows naught. 263

Clement.

What say you to this, Master Burden? Doth he not touch you?

Burden.

I pass not pass not pass not of , do not care about (OED v. 51b). of his frivolous speeches. 266

Miles.

Nay, Master Burden, my master, ere he hath done with you, will turn you from a doctor to a dunce, and shake you so small that he will leave no more learning in you than is in Balaam Balaam Balaam’s ass . This ass appears in the Bible (Numbers xxii:21-33); it spoke, but lacked human intelligence and learning. It refused to obey Balaam’s order to go forward when it saw an angel of the lord standing in their way. 's ass.

Bacon.

Masters Masters Masters , Good sirs (OED n. 20b). , for that for that for that , since, because (OED conj. 1a). learned Burden's skill is deep, 271

And sore sore sore , grievously, sorely (OED adv. 5a). he doubts of Bacon's cabbalism cabbalism cabbalism , mystic or occult doctrine, mystery (OED n. 2, earliest example). , 272

I'll show you why he haunts to Henley oft: 273

Not, doctors, for to taste the fragrant air, 274

But there to spend the night in alchemy, alchemy, alchemy , literally the search for a method of transmuting base metals into gold, or for the panacea, but according to Lavin here it is apparently a euphemism for sexual intercourse. 275

To multiply with secret spells of art. 276

Thus private steals he learning from us all. 277

To prove my sayings true, I'll show you straight 278

The book he keeps at Henley for himself. 279

Miles.

Nay, now now now , now that. my master goes to conjuration, take heed!

Bacon.

Masters, stand still. Fear not, I'll show you but his book.

(Here he conjures.)

Per omnes deos infernales, Belcephon! Per omnes deos infernales, Belcephon! Belcephon, by all the infernal gods! 283

(Enter a woman [the Hostess of the Bell ] with a shoulder of mutton on a spit, and a devil.)

Miles.

Oh, master, cease your conjuration or you spoil all, for here's a she-devil come with a shoulder of mutton on a spit. You have marred the devil's supper; but no doubt he thinks our college fare is slender, and so hath sent you his cook with a shoulder of mutton to make it exceed. exceed. exceed , to have more than usual at a meal, chiefly a Cambridge expression (OED v. 6a, earliest example).

Hostess.

Oh, where am I, or what's become of me? 289

Bacon.

What art thou? 290

Hostess.

Hostess at Henley, mistress of the Bell. 291

Bacon.

How camest thou here? 292

Hostess.

As I was in the kitchen 'mongst the maids, 293

Spitting the meat against against against , in preparation for (OED prep. 10). supper for my guests, 294

A motion motion motion , impulse (OED n. 12a). moved me to look forth of door. forth of door. forth of door , out the door (OED adv., prep. and n. 9a). 295

No sooner had I pried pried pried , peered (OED v.1 1). into the yard, 296

But straight a whirlwind hoisted me from thence, 297

And mounted me aloft unto the clouds. 298

As in a trance, I thought nor fearèd naught, 299

Nor know I where or whither I was ta'en, 300

Nor where I am, nor what these persons be. 301

Bacon.

No? Know you not Master Burden? 302

Hostess.

Oh, yes, good sir, he is my daily guest. − 303

What, Master Burden, 'twas but yesternight 304

That you and I at Henley played at cards. 305

Burden.

I know not what we did. A pox of all A pox of all A pox of , a curse on (OED n. 2a). conjuring friars!

Clement.

Now, jolly friar, tell us, is this the book 308

That Burden is so careful to look on? 309

Bacon.

It is.− But, Burden, tell me now, 310

Thinkest thou that Bacon's necromantic skill, 311

Cannot perform his head and wall of brass, 312

When he can fetch thine hostess in such post? post? post , haste, speed (OED v.2 2a). 313

Miles.

I'll warrant you, master, if Master Burden could conjure as well as you, he would have his book every night from Henley to study on at Oxford.

Mason.

Burden, what, are you mated mated mated , abashed, checkmated (OED adj. 3). by this frolic friar?− 317

Look how he droops! His guilty conscience 318

Drives him to bash Drives him to bash Drives him to bash , Makes him abashed (Bevington). and makes his hostess blush. 319

Bacon.

Well, mistress, for I will not have you missed, 320

You shall to Henley to cheer up your guests 321

'Fore supper 'gin.−Burden, bid her adieu, 322

Say farewell to your hostess 'fore she goes. 323

[To the devil [To the devil] ] Sirrah, away, and set her safe at home. 324

Hostess.

Master Burden, when shall we see you at Henley? 325

(Exeunt Hostess and the Devil.)

Burden.

The devil take thee and Henley too! 326

Miles.

Master, shall I make a good motion? motion? motion , proposal (OED n. 13b).

Bacon.

What's that? 328

Miles.

Marry, sir, now that my hostess is gone to provide supper, conjure up another spirit, and send Doctor Burden flying after.

Bacon.

Thus, rulers of our academic state, 332

You have seen the friar frame his art by proof. by proof. by proof , by way of proof (Bevington). 333

And as the college callèd Brazennose 334

Is under him and he the master there, 335

So surely shall this head of brass be framed, 336

And yield forth strange and uncouth uncouth uncouth , unusual, marvellous, strange (OED adj.and n. 3a). aphorisms; 337

And hell and Hecate Hecate Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic. It has to be read trisyllabically. shall fail the friar, 338

But I will circle England round with brass. 339

Miles.

So be it et nunc et semper et nunc et semper et nunc et semper , “but now and forever”, parodying the liturgy. , amen.

(Exeunt omnes.)

[SCENE III]

(Enter Margaret, the fair maid of Fressingfield, with Thomas [, Richard [, Richard] ] and Joan, and other clowns clowns clowns , rustics (OED n. 1a). ; Lacy, disguised in country apparel.)

Thomas.

By my troth, Margaret, here's a weather is able to make a man call his father whoreson. make a man call his father whoreson. a weather is able to make a man call his father whoreson, a weather so favourable that a farmer can thumb his nose at his poor father (Bevington). If this weather hold, we shall have hay good cheap, good cheap, good cheap , good bargain, at a good price (OED n. 8a). and butter and cheese at Harleston will bear no price. bear no price. bear no price , be almost priceless (Bevington).

Margaret.

Thomas, maids when they come to see the fair, 345

Count not to make a cope a cope a cope , a bargain (OED n.3 1). for dearth of hay. 346

When we have turned our butter to the salt, turned our butter to the salt, turned our butter to the salt , salted our butter (Bevington). 347

And set our cheese safely upon the racks, 348

Then let our fathers it as they please. 349

We country sluts sluts sluts , girls, wenches (OED n. 2a). of merry Fressingfield 350

Come to buy needless naughts naughts naughts , trifles (OED n. 2b). to make us fine, fine, fine , attractive, good-looking, handsome (OED adj. 9a). 351

And look that young men should be frank frank frank , generous (OED adj.2 2a). this day, 352

And court us with such fairings fairings fairings , fair gifts (OED n.1 1a). as they can. 353

Phoebus Phoebus Semele was loved not by Phoebus, but by Jove (with whom he had a child, Dionysius), and was consumed when he visited her in the divine splendour of his thunder and lightning. is blithe, and frolic looks from heaven 354

As when he courted lovely Semele, 355

Swearing the pedlars shall have empty packs, 356

If that fair weather may make chapmen chapmen chapmen , customers (OED n. 4a). buy. 357

Lacy.

But, lovely Peggy, Semele is dead, 358

And therefore Phoebus from his palace pries, 359

And, seeing such a sweet and seemly saint, 360

Shows all his glories for to for to for to , in order to (OED prep. and conj. 11a). court yourself. 361

Margaret.

This is a fairing fairing fairing , complimentary gift (OED n.1 2a). , gentle sir, indeed, 362

To soothe me up soothe me up soothe me up , blandish me, humour me (OED v. 5a). with such smooth flattery. 363

But learn of me, your scoff's to broad broad broad , obvious, clear (OED adj. n.1 and adv. 5a). before.− 364

Well, Joan, our beauties must abide their jests; 365

We serve the turn turn turn , purpose (OED n. 30). in jolly Fressingfield. 366

Joan.

Margaret, a farmer's daughter for a farmer's son! 367

I warrant you the meanest of us both 368

Shall have a mate to lead us from the church.− 369

But, Thomas, what's the news? What, in a dump? dump? dump , reverie (OED n.1 1). 370

Give me your hand; we are near a pedlar's shop; 371

Out with your purse; we must have fairings now. 372

Thomas.

Faith, Joan, and shall. I'll bestow a fairing on you, and then we will to the tavern, and snap off snap off snap off , drink quickly (OED v. 7a). a pint of wine or two.

(All this while Lacy whispers [to [to] ] Margaret in the ear.)

Margaret.

Whence are you, sir? Of Suffolk, for your terms terms terms , accent, way of speaking (OED n. 12). are finer than the common sort of men?

Lacy.

Faith, lovely girl, I am of Beccles Beccles Beccles , a town in Suffolk. by, 377

Your neighbour, not above six miles from hence, 378

A farmer's son, that never was so quaint quaint quaint , disdainful, proud (OED adj., adv. and n.2 7). 379

But that he could do courtesy to such dames. 380

But trust me, Margaret, I am sent in charge 381

From him that revelled in your father's house, 382

And filled his lodge with cheer and venison, 383

Tirèd Tirèd Tirèd , Attired (Bevington). in green. 384

[Offering a purse [Offering a purse] This edition ] He sent you this rich , 385

His token, that he helped you run your cheese, 386

And in the milkhouse chatted with yourself. 387

Margaret.

To me? You forget . You forget . You forget , You are mistaken, Surely you mistake (OED v. 5b). 388

Lacy.

Women are often weak in memory. 389

Margaret.

Oh, pardon, sir, I call to mind the man. 390

'Twere little manners to refuse his gift, 391

And yet I hope he sends it not for love; 392

For we have little leisure to debate of that. 393

Joan.

What, Margaret, blush not. Maids must have their loves.

Thomas.

Nay, by the mass, by the mass, by the mass , an oath (OED n.1 4a). she looks pale as if she were angry.

Richard.

[to Lacy] Sirrah, are you of Beccles? I pray, how doth goodman goodman goodman , farmer (OED n. 4b). Cob? My father bought a horse of him−I'll tell you, , 'a were good to be 'a were good to be ’a were good to be , he would be a good (Lavin). a gentleman's jade jade jade , a contemptuous name for a horse, a horse of inferior breed (OED n.1 1a). , for of all things the foul hilding hilding hilding , worthless or vicious beast (OED n. 1). could not abide a dung-cart.

Margaret.

How different is this farmer from the rest, 402

That erst as yet erst as yet erst as yet , up to now (Lavin). hath pleased my wand'ring sight! 403

His words are witty, quickened with a smile, 404

His courtesy gentle gentle gentle , noble, courteous (OED adj and n. 3a). , smelling of the court; 405

Facile Facile facile , affable, courteous (OED adj. and adv. 3b). and debonaire in all his deeds, 406

Proportioned as was Paris Paris Paris or Alexander, son of king Priam of Troy and Hecuba, dressed in the traditional gray of shepherds, fell in love with Oenone on Mount Ida but deserted her when offered the choice to be Helen’s lover. , when, in grey, 407

He courted in the vale by Troy. 408

Great lords have come and pleaded for my love− 409

Who but the keeper's lass of Fressingfield?− 410

And yet methinks this farmer's jolly son 411

Passeth the proudest proudest proudest , most lordly (OED adj., n. and adv. 5a). that hath pleased mine eye. 412

But, Peg, disclose not that thou art in love, 413

And show as yet no sign of love to him 414

Although thou well wouldst wish him for thy love. 415

Keep that to thee till time doth serve thy turn 416

To show the grief wherein thy heart doth burn. − 417

Come, Joan and Thomas, shall we to the fair? 418

You, Beccles man, will not forsake us now? 419

Lacy.

Not whilst I may have such quaint quaint quaint , beautiful, pretty (OED adj. 3c). girls as you. 420

Margaret.

Well, if you chance to come by Fressingfield, 421

Make but a step into the Keeper's lodge, 422

And such poor fare as woodmen woodmen woodmen , keepers of forests (OED n.1 2). can afford− 423

Butter and cheese, cream, and fat venison− 424

You shall have store, store, store , plenty (OED n. 4b). and welcome therewithal. 425

Lacy.

Gramercies Gramercies Gramercies , Thanks (OED int. 1a). , Peggy. Look for me ere long. 426

(Exeunt omnes.)

[SCENE IV]

(Enter Henry the Third Henry the Third Henry III (1207-1276), king of England from 1216 to 1276. ; the Emperor Emperor Emperor Frederick II (1211-1250), Henry III’s brother-in-law, never visited England. ; the King of Castile; Eleanor,his daughter; Jaques Vandermast, a German.)

Henry.

Great men of Europe, monarchs of the West, 427

Ringed with the walls of old Oceanus, old Oceanus, old Oceanus , the Atlantic Ocean. In the Greek mythology it was originally the name of a Titan, god of the river believed to encircle the earth, but later applied to the oceans, as opposed to the enclosed seas. 428

Whose lofty is like the battlements 429

That compassed high-built Babel Babel Babel , the high tower which appears in the Bible (Genesis 11), an origin myth meant to explain why the world’s peoples speak different languages. People agreed to build a city and a tower tall enough to reach heaven, and as a punishment God confounded their speech so that they can no longer understand each other. in with towers, 430

Welcome, my lords, welcome, brave Western kings, 431

To England's shore, whose promontory cliffs 432

Shows Albion Albion Albion , earliest known name for the island of Britain. It was used by ancient Greek geographers from the 4th century BC and even earlier, who distinguished Albion from Ierne (Ireland) and from smaller members of the British Isles. The Greeks and Romans probably received the name from the Gauls or the Celts. The name Albion has been translated as “white land”; and the Romans explained it as referring to the chalk cliffs at dover (Latin albus, “white”). is another little world. 433

Welcome, says English Henry to you all, 434

Chiefly unto the lovely , 435

Who dared for Edward's sake cut through the seas, 436

And venture as Agenor's damsel Agenor's damsel Agenor’s damsel , Europe, daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor of Tyre. Zeus assumed the shape of a bull and swam through the waves to Crete, carrying her off on his back. through the deep, 437

To get the love of Henry's wanton wanton wanton , amorous, lustful, not chaste, sexually promiscuous (OED adj. and n. 3a). son. 438

Castile.

England's rich monarch, brave Plantagenet, Plantagenet, Henry III was a member of the family of the Plantagenet. The House of Plantagenet reigned in England from 1154 to 1399. 439

The Pyren Mounts, Pyren Mounts, The Pyren Mounts , The Pyrenees, range of mountains between France and Spain. swelling above the clouds, 440

That ward the wealthy Castile in with walls, 441

Could not detain the beauteous Eleanor. 442

But, hearing of the fame of Edward's youth, 443

She dared to brook Neptunus' haughty pride dared to brook Neptunus' haughty pride dare to brook Neptunus haughty pride , endure the sea’s force. Neptune was the god of the sea. 444

And bide the brunt of froward froward froward , unfavourable, perverse (OED adj., adv. and prep. 2). Aeolus was the god of adverse winds. Aeolus. 445

Then may fair England welcome her the more. 446

Eleanor.

After that English Henry, by his lords, by his lords, by his lords , by means of his lords (Bevington). 447

Had sent prince Edward's lovely counterfeit, counterfeit, counterfeit , picture (OED adj. and n. 3a). 448

A present to the Castile Castile Eleanor, 449

The comely portrait of so brave brave brave , handsome, splendid (OED adj., n. and int. 2). a man, 450

The virtuous fame discoursèd of his deeds, 451

Edward's courageous resolution 452

Done at the Holy Land 'fore Damas' Damas' Damas , Damascus, capital of Syria. walls, 453

Led both mine eye and thought in equal links in equal links in equal links , in equal parts united (Bevington). 454

To like so of the English monarch's son 455

That I attempted perils for his sake. 456

Emperor.

Where is the Prince, my lord? 457

Henry.

He posted posted posted , hastened (OED v.2 2a). down, not long since, from the court, 458

To Suffolk Suffolk side side side , region, area (OED n.1 20b). , to merry Framlingham Framlingham Fremingham , Framlingham Framlingham Fremingham , Framingham , Framlingham Framlingham Fremingham a town in Suffolk, about 9 miles south of Fressingfield. 459

To sport himself amongst my fallow fallow fallow , red-brown (OED adj.1 and n.2 A1). deer. 460

From thence, by packets packets packets , mail dispatches (Bevington). sent to Hampton House, Hampton House, Hampton House , Hampton Court. It is an anachronism, because it is a Tudor palace built by Thomas Wolsey in Twickenham, southwest of London, and presented to King Henry VIII in 1529. 461

We hear the Prince is ridden with his lords 462

To Oxford, in the academy there 463

To hear dispute amongst the learnèd men. 464

But we will send forth letters for my son 465

To will him come from Oxford to the court. 466

Emperor.

Nay, rather, Henry, let us, as we be, 467

Ride for to visit Oxford with our train. 468

Fain would I see your universities 469

And what learned men your academy yields. 470

From Hapsburg Hapsburg Haspurg Hapsburg Hapsburg Haspurg Hapsburg Hapsburg Haspurg , Greene gives this name to the German empire or Holy Roman Empire, governed by the Hapsburg Hapsburg Haspurg dynasty since 1440 when Frederick III (1440-1493) became emperor. The name derives from a castle in Switzerland owned by the family. have I brought a learnèd clerk clerk clerk , scholar (OED n. 4a). 471

To hold dispute with English orators. 472

This doctor, surnamed Jaques Vandermast, 473

A German born, passed into passed into passed into , travelled through, journeyed (Bevington). Padua, Padua, 474

To Florence Florence , and to fair Bologna Bologna , 475

To Paris Paris , Rheims Rheims , and stately Orleans Orleans , 476

And, talking there with men of art art art , learning (OED n.1 10b). , put down 477

The chiefest of them all in aphorisms, 478

In magic, and the mathematic rules. 479

Now let us, Henry, try try try , test (OED v. 7a). him in your schools. 480

Henry.

He shall, my lord, this motion motion motion , proposal (OED n. 13b). likes me well. likes me well. likes me well , pleases me (OED v.1 1a). 481

We'll progress straight to Oxford with our trains, 482

And see what men our academy brings brings brings , brings forth (OED v. 7a). .− 483

And, wonder wonder wonder , wonderful, wondrous (OED adj.). Vandermast, welcome to me. 484

In Oxford shalt thou find a jolly friar 485

Called Friar Bacon, England's only flower. only flower. only flower , chief ornament (Bevington). 486

Set him but nonplus Set him but nonplus Set him but nonplus , Confound him (Bevington). in his magic spells, 487

And make him yield in mathematic rules, 488

And for thy glory I will bind thy brows 489

Not with a poet's garland made of bays, 490

But with a coronet of choicest gold. 491

Whilst then Whilst then Whilst then , Until the time that (OED adv. and conj. 4). we flit flit fit sit set to Oxford with our troops troops troops , companions (OED n. 1b). , 492

Let's in and banquet in our English court. 493

(.)

[SCENE V]

(Enter Rafe Simnell in Edward's apparel, Edward [disguised as Rafe], Warren [and] Ermsby, disguised as the prince's followers].)

Rafe.

Where be these vagabond knaves, that they attend no better on their master?

Edward.

If it please Your Honour, we are all ready at an inch. at an inch. at an inch , close at hand, at any instant, (OED n.1 P1). 496

Rafe.

Sirrah Ned, I'll have no more post-horse to ride on. I'll have another fetch fetch fetch , contrivance, trick, device (OED n.1 2). .

Ermsby.

I pray you, how is that, my lord? 499

Rafe.

Marry, sir, I'll send to the Isle of Ely Isle of Ely Isle of Ely , currently in Cambridgeshire, but a separate county till 1974. It is not really an island, but its name is said to derive from the quantity of eels that were fished in its rivers. It was an undrained swamp in Greene’s day. for four or five dozen of geese, and I'll have them tied six and six together with whipcord. Now upon their backs will I have a fair field-bed field-bed field-bed , portable military bed (OED n. and adj. 1). with a canopy. And so, when it is my pleasure, I'll flee flee flee , fly (OED v. 6). into what place I please. This will be easy.

Warren.

Your Honour hath said well, but shall we to Brazennose 505

College before we pull off our boots? 506

Ermsby.

Warren, well motioned motioned motioned , urged (OED v. 2b). . We will to the friar 507

Before we revel it within the town.− 508

Rafe, see you keep your countenance like a prince. 509

Rafe.

Wherefore have I such a company of cutting cutting cutting , swaggering (OED adj. 3, second earliest example). knaves to wait upon me, but to keep and defend my countenance countenance countenance , reputation, princely dignity, a quibble on Ermsby’s words (OED n.1 10). against all mine enemies? Have you not good swords and bucklers? bucklers? bucklers , shields (OED n.2 1).

(Enter Bacon and Miles [not at first noticing Edward, Ermsby, Warren and ])

Ermsby.

Stay, who comes here? 513

Warren.

Some scholar; and we'll ask him where Friar Bacon is.

Bacon.

Why, thou arrant dunce, shall I never make thee good scholar? Doth not all the town cry out and say "Friar Bacon's subsizar subsizar subsizar , at Cambridge University, an undergraduate receiving financial assistance from his or her college and ranking below a sizar (OED n. 1, earliest example). is the greatest blockhead in all Oxford"? Why, thou canst not speak one word of true Latin.

Miles.

No, sir? Yes. What is this else: Ego sum tuus homo ,"I am your man"? I warrant you, sir, as good Tully's phrase Tully's phrase Tully’s phrase , that is, in elegant classical Latin like that of M. Tullius Cicero. as any is in Oxford.

Bacon.

Come on, sirrah, Come on, sirrah, The joke in these lines depends on understanding the allusions to parts of the grammar by William Lily, quoted by Lavin in his edition: “A Noune is the name of a thinge, that may be seene, felte, hearde, or understood” and “A nowne substantyve is that standeth by himself”. This is the traditional pedagogical definition of a noun. what part of speech is Ego Ego Ego, I ? 523

Miles.

Ego , that is "I"; marry, nomen substantivo nomen substantivo nomen substantivo , substantive, noun. . 524

Bacon.

How prove you that? 525

Miles.

Why, sir, let him prove himself an 'a will. an 'a will. an a’ will , if he wishes; an , if (OED conj. 2); a’ , he ; will , wish (OED v.2 1a). "I" can be heard heard hard , felt and understood.

Bacon.

Oh, gross dunce! 528

(Here beat him.)

Edward.

Come, let us break off this dispute between these two.− 529

Sirrah, where is Brazennose College? 530

Miles.

Not far from Coppersmiths' Hall. 531

Edward.

What, dost thou mock me? 532

Miles.

Not I, sir, but what would you at Brazennose? 533

Ermsby.

Marry, we would speak with Friar Bacon. 534

Miles.

Whose men be you? 535

Ersmby.

Marry, scholar, here's our master. 536

Rafe.

Sirrah, I am the master of these good fellows. Mayst thou not know me to be a lord by my reparel? reparel? reparel , apparel (OED n. 1b).

Miles.

Then here's good game for the hawk; for here's the master fool and a covey of coxcombs. One wise man, I think, would springe springe spring springe springe spring springe springe spring , ensnare (OED v.2 1). you all.

Edward.

Gog's wounds! Gog's wounds! Gog’s wounds , a euphemism for “God’s wounds”, an oath (OED n. and int. P3 b[a]). A deformation of this expression, which appears three lines below, is ’Swones . Warren, kill him. 542

([ uses his magic to charm them, so that they can't draw their swords])

Warren.

Why, Ned, I think the devil be in my sheath! I cannot get out my dagger.

Ermsby.

Nor I mine. 'Swounds, Ned, I think I am bewitched. 545

Miles.

See how boldly I speak now my master is by by by , near, at hand (OED prep. and adv. B1a). .

Edward.

I strive in vain; but if my sword be shut 549

And conjured fast by magic in my sheath, 550

Villain, here is my fist. 551

(Strike him a box on the ear.)

Miles.

[to Bacon] [to Bacon] Oh, I beseech you conjure his hands, too, that he may not lift his arms to his head, for he is light-fingered. light-fingered. light-fingered , having fingers quick and dexterous; thievish, dishonest (OED adj. b).

Rafe.

Ned, strike him. I'll warrant warrant warrant , protect, back up (OED v. 1a). thee, by mine honour.

Bacon.

What means the English prince to wrong my man man man , attendant, manservant (OED n. and int. 7a). ? 555

Edward.

To whom speakest thou? 556

Bacon.

To thee. 557

Edward.

Who art thou? 558

Bacon.

Could you not judge, when all your swords grew fast, grew fast, grew fast , stuck fast (Bevington). 559

That Friar Bacon was not far from hence? 560

Edward, King Henry's son and Prince of Wales, Prince of Wales, Edward is referred to by this title several times in the play, but historically he never bore it. He gave it to his eldest son (who became Edward II) in 1301, a custom that has remained until nowadays. 561

Thy fool disguised cannot conceal thyself. 562

I know both Ermsby and the Sussex Earl, the Sussex Earl, the Sussex Earl , Warren. 563

Else Friar Bacon had but little skill. 564

Thou comest in post from merry Fressingfield, 565

Fast-fancied Fast-fancied Fast-fancied , strongly attached by fancy, bound by infatuation, bound by love (OED adj. C1b). to the keeper's bonny lass, 566

To crave some succour of the jolly friar; 567

And Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, hast thou left 568

To treat treat treat , entreat, request (OED. v. 3a). fair Margaret to allow allow allow , receive (OED v. 1a). thy loves. 569

But friends are men, and love can baffle lords; But friends are men, and love can baffle lords; But even friends, being mortal males, are subject to love, and hence likely to sacrifice friendship to love (Bevington). 570

The Earl both woos woes wooes woos and courts her for himself. 571

Warren.

Ned, this is strange! The friar knoweth all. 572

Ermsby.

Apollo Apollo Apollo is the all-knowing god of prophecy. The greatest oracle in ancient Greece was that of Apollo. could not utter more than this. 573

Edward.

I stand amazed to hear this jolly friar 574

Tell even the very secrets of my thoughts.− 575

But, learnèd Bacon, since thou knowest the cause 576

Why I did post so fast from Fressingfield, 577

Help, friar, at a pinch, at a pinch, at a pinch , in this emergency (OED n. 6a). that I may have 578

The love of lovely Margaret to myself. 579

And, as I am true Prince of Wales, I'll give 580

Living and lands to strength strength strength , strengthen (OED v. I). thy college state state state , estate (OED n. 1b [c]). . 581

Warren.

Good Friar, help the Prince in this. 582

Rafe.

Why, servant Ned, will not the friar do it? Were not my sword glued to my scabbard by conjuration, I would cut off his head and make him do it by force.

Miles.

In faith, my lord, your manhood and your sword is all alike; In faith, my lord, your manhood and your sword is all alike; Miles addresses the disguised Rafe as though he were the real Prince of Wales. they are so fast conjured that we shall never see them.

Ermsby.

What, Doctor, in a dump? dump? dump , reverie (OED n.1 1). Tush, help the Prince, 588

And thou shalt see how liberal liberal liberal , generous (OED adj. and n. A1a). he will prove. 589

Bacon.

Crave not such actions greater dumps than these? 590

I will, my lord, strain out strain out strain out , search thoroughly, employ to the outmost (OED v.1 10f). my magic spells, 591

For this day comes the Earl to Fressingfield, 592

And 'fore that night shuts in the day with dark 593

They'll be betrothed each to other fast. 594

But come with me; we'll to my study straight, 595

And in a glass prospective glass prospective glass prospective , Bacon’s magic mirror, in which he can see events distant in time and place (OED n. 1). I will show 596

What's done this day in merry Fressingfield. 597

Edward.

Gramercies, Bacon. I will quite thy pain quite thy pain quite thy pain , requite your efforts (Bevington). . 598

Bacon.

But send your train, my lord, into the town. 599

My scholar shall go bring them to their inn. 600

Meanwhile we'll see the knavery of the Earl. 601

Edward.

Warren, leave me; and Ermsby, take the fool. 602

Let him be master, and go revel it revel it revel it , have fun (OED v.1 1b, second earliest example). 603

Till I and Friar Bacon talk awhile. 604

Warren.

We will, my lord. 605

Rafe.

Faith, Ned, and I'll lord it out lord it out lord it out , play or act the Prince (Bevington). till thou comest. I'll be Prince of Wales over all the black pots black pots black pots , leather beer-mugs. Here, figuratively, “drinkers” (OED n. 1). in Oxford.

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE VI]

(Bacon and Edward goes goes The third person plural in –s is frequent in Elizabethan writing and occurs several times in this play. into the study.)

Bacon.

Now, frolic Edward, welcome to my cell. 608

Here tempers tempers tempers , mixes (OED v. 3). Friar Bacon many toys, toys, toys , trifles (OED n. 5). 609

And holds this place his consistory court, consistory court, consistory court , ecclesiastical court held by the diocesan chancellor (Lavin). 610

Wherin the devils pleads homage to his words. 611

Within this glass prospective thou shalt see 612

This day what's done in merry Fressingfield, 613

'Twixt lovely Peggy and the Lincoln Lincoln Lincolnshire is in the area of East Midlands, on the shore of the North Sea. Earl. 614

Edward.

Friar, thou glad'st me. Now shall Edward try try try , ascertain (OED v. 5a). 615

How Lacy meaneth to meaneth to meaneth to , is disposed towards (OED v.1 2). his sovereign lord. 616

Bacon.

Stand there and look directly in the glass. 617

(Enter Margaret and Friar Bungay [as if in the magic . They are visible to Edward but cannot be heard by him])

What sees my lord? 618

Edward.

I see the keeper's lovely lass appear, 619

As brightsome brightsome brightsome , bright-looking (OED adj.). as the paramour of Mars, the paramour of Mars, the paramour of Mars , Venus, who is the lover of Mars, the god of war. 620

Only attended by a jolly friar. 621

Bacon.

Sit still and keep the crystal in your eye eye eye , view, sight (OED n.1 2). . 622

Margaret.

But tell me, Friar Bungay, is it true 623

That this fair courteous country swain, 624

Who says his father is a farmer nigh, 625

Can be Lord Lacy, Earl of Lincolnshire? 626

Bungay.

Peggy, 'tis true.'Tis Lacy, for my life− 627

Or else mine art and cunning both doth fail− 628

Left by Prince Edward to procure his loves; 629

For he in green that holp holp holp , helped (OED v.). you run your cheese 630

Is son to Henry, and the Prince of Wales. 631

Margaret.

Be what he will, his lure lure lure , bait, temptation (OED n.2 4a). is but for lust. 632

But did Lord Lacy like But did Lord Lacy like But did Lord Lacy like , But if Lord Lacy loves (Bevington). poor Margaret, 633

Or would he deign to wed a country lass, 634

Friar, I would his humble handmaid be, 635

And, for great wealth, for great wealth, for great wealth , in return for great wealth (Bevington). quite quite quite , requite (Bevington). him with courtesy. 636

Bungay.

Why, Margaret, dost thou love him? 637

Margaret.

His personage, like the pride of vaunting the pride of vaunting the pride of vaunting Troy , Paris, son of King Priam of Troy. Troy, 638

Might well avouch to shadow shadow shadow , screen from blame, excuse (OED v. 3b). Helen's Helen's scape Helen’s scape Hellens cape Helen’s rape ; scape Helen’s scape Hellens cape Helen’s rape ; scape Helen’s scape Hellens cape Helen’s rape , transgression (OED n.1 2). 639

His wit is quick and ready in conceit, 640

As Greece Greece afforded in her chiefest prime chiefest prime chiefest prime , golden age (Bevington). ; 641

Courteous, ah, friar, full of pleasing smiles. 642

Trust me, I love too much to tell thee more, 643

Suffice to me he is England's paramour. 644

Bungay.

Hath not each eye that viewed thy pleasing face 645

Surnamèd thee fair maid of Fressingfield? 646

Margaret.

Yes, Bungay, and would God the lovely earl 647

Had that in esse in esse in esse , in actual existence (OED n. 1). that so many sought! 648

Bungay.

Fear not; the friar will not be behind 649

To show his cunning to entangle love. 650

Edward.

I think the friar courts the bonny wench. 651

Bacon, methinks he is a lusty lusty lusty , lustful (OED adj. 4). churl churl churl , peasant (OED n. 4). . 652

Bacon.

Now look, my lord. 653

(Enter Lacy [disguised [disguised in country garb, as before] in country garb, as before])

Edward.

Gog's wounds, Bacon, here comes Lacy! 654

Bacon.

Sit still, my lord, and mark the comedy. 655

Bungay.

Here's Lacy. Margaret, step aside awhile. 656

([They overhear Lacy's soliloquy])

Lacy.

Daphne, the damsel that caught Phoebus fast Daphne, the damsel that caught Phoebus fast Phoebus Apollo fell violently in love with Daphne, who escaped his pursuit by being metamorphosed into a laurel tree, which is precisely what her name means in Greek. 657

And locked him in the brightness of her looks, 658

Was not so beauteous in Apollo's eyes 659

As is fair Margaret to the Lincoln Earl. 660

Recant thee, Lacy! Thou art put in trust. 661

Edward, thy sovereign's son, hath chosen thee, 662

A secret secret secret , close (OED adj. and n. 2a). friend, to court her for himself, 663

And darest thou wrong thy prince with treachery? 664

Lacy, love makes no exception exception acception of a friend, 665

Nor deems deems deems, considers, values (OED v. 6). it of a prince but as a man. Nor deems deems deems, considers, values (OED v. 6). it of a prince but as a man. Love treats a prince as any other man. 666

Honour bids thee control control control , hinder (OED v. 4a). him in his lust; 667

His wooing is not for to wed the girl, 668

But to entrap her and beguile the lass. 669

Lacy, thou lovest; then brook not brook not brook not , do not tolerate (OED v.1 3a). such abuse, 670

But wed her, and abide thy prince's frown; 671

For better die than see her live disgraced. 672

Margaret.

Come, friar, I will shake him from his dumps. 673

How cheer you, sir? A penny for your thought. A penny for your thought. A penny for your thought is a proverbial phrase. 674

You're early up; You're early up; You’re early up; pray God it be the near , an allusion to the proverb “Early up and never the nearer” (Lavin). pray God it be the near. the near. the near , nearer to your purpose (Bevington). 675

What, come from Beccles in a morn so soon? 676

Lacy.

Thus watchful watchful watchful , sleepless (OED adj. 1). are such men as live in love, 677

Whose eyes brook broken slumbers for their sleep. brook broken slumbers for their sleep. brook … sleep , have to endure interrupted slumbers instead of undisturbed sleep. 678

I tell thee, Peggy, since last Harleston fair 679

My mind hath felt a heap of passions. 680

Margaret.

A trusty man, that court it for your friend! 681

Woo you still for the courtier all in green? 682

I marvel that he sues sues sues , woos (OED v. 15). not for himself. 683

Lacy.

Peggy, I pleaded first to get your grace for him, 684

But when mine eyes surveyed your beauteous looks, 685

Love, like a wag, wag, wag , mischievous boy (OED n.2 1). straight dived into my heart, 686

And there did shrine shrine shrine ,enshrine (OED v. 4) the idea idea idea , image (OED n. 7). of yourself. 687

Pity me, though I be a farmer's son, 688

And measure not my riches, but my love. 689

Margaret.

You are very hasty, for to garden well 690

Seeds must have time to sprout before they spring. 691

Love ought to creep as doth the dial's dial's dial’s , sundial’s (OED n.1 2a). shade, 692

For timely timely timely , quickly, without delay (OED adv. 1). ripe is rotten too too too too too too , lamentably, regrettably (OED adv. 4a). soon. 693

Bungay.

Deus hic! Deus hic! The Lord is here, May god be here. Room for a merry friar. 694

What, youth of Beccles, with the keeper's lass? 695

'Tis well. But, tell me, hear you any news? 696

Margaret.

No, friar. What news No, friar. What news? Dyce and Ward assign this line to Lacy. ? 697

Bungay.

Hear you not how the pursuivants pursuivants pursuivants , royal messengers (OED n. and adj. 2a). do post 698

With proclamations through each country town? 699

Lacy.

For what, gentle friar? Tell the news. 700

Bungay.

Dwell'st thou in Beccles and hear'st not of these news? 701

Lacy, the Earl of Lincoln, is late fled 702

From Windsor court Windsor court The court at Windsor Castle, a royal residence on the Thames, 20 miles west of London. , disguisèd like a swain swain swain , rustic (OED n. 4). , 703

And lurks about the country here unknown. 704

Henry suspects him of some treachery, 705

And therefore doth proclaim in every way 706

That who who who , whoever (OED pron. (and n.)6). can take the Lincoln Earl shall have, 707

Paid in the Exchequer the Exchequer the Exchequer , the royal treasury (OED n. 2a). twenty thousand crowns. crowns. crown , five shillings (OED n. 32b). 708

Lacy.

The Earl of Lincoln! Friar, thou art mad, 709

It was some other, thou mistakest the man. 710

The Earl of Lincoln! Why, it cannot be. 711

Margaret.

Yes, very well, my lord, for you are he; 712

The Keeper's daughter took you prisoner. 713

Lord Lacy, yield. I'll be your jailer once. 714

Edward.

How familiar they be, Bacon! 715

Bacon.

Sit still and mark the sequel of their loves. 716

Lacy.

Then am I double prisoner to thyself. 717

Peggy, I yield. But are these news in jest? 718

Margaret.

In jest with you, but earnest unto me, 719

Forwhy Forwhy Forwhy , because (OED conj. 1a). these wrongs do wring me at the heart. 720

Ah, how these earls and noble men of birth 721

Flatter and feign to forge forge forge , frame, fashion (OED v.1 1). poor women's ill! 722

Lacy.

Believe me, lass, I am the Lincoln Earl, 723

I not deny; but tirèd tirèd tirèd , attired (Bevington). thus in rags 724

I lived disguised to win fair Peggy's love. 725

Margaret.

What love is there where wedding ends ends ends , completes (OED v. 1a). not love? 726

Lacy.

I meant, fair girl, to make thee Lacy's wife. 727

Margaret.

I little think that earls will stoop so low. 728

Lacy.

Say, shall I make thee countess ere I sleep? 729

Margaret.

Handmaid unto the Earl, so please himself. so please himself. so please himself , if it so pleases him, if he so wishes (Lavin). 730

A wife in name, but servant in obedience. 731

Lacy.

The Lincoln Countess, for it shall be so! 732

I'll plight the bands plight the bands plight the bands , confirm the union (Lavin). and seal it with a kiss. 733

Edward.

Gog's wounds, Bacon, they kiss! I'll stab them! 734

Bacon.

Oh, hold your hands, my lord, it is the glass! 735

Edward.

Choler Choler Choler , Anger (OED n. and adj. 3). to see the traitors 'gree 'gree ’gree , agree (OED v.). so well, 736

Made me think the shadows substances. Made me think the shadows substances. Bacon’s reminds the audience that the solid actors on stage represent shadows in the magic glass. 737

Bacon.

'Twere a long poniard, my lord, to reach between 738

Oxford and Fressingfield, but sit still and see more. 739

Bungay.

Well, Lord of Lincoln, if your loves be knit, 740

And that your tongues and thoughts do both agree, 741

To avoid ensuing jars jars jars , quarrels, dissension (OED n.1 6b). , I'll hamper up hamper up humper up , make fast, make secure (Bevington). the match. 742

I'll take my portace portace portace , service book, breviary, prayer-book (OED n. 1a). forth and wed you here; 743

Then go to bed and seal up your desires. 744

Lacy.

Friar, content!−Peggy, how like you this? 745

Margaret.

What likes likes likes , pleases (OED v.1 1a). my lord is pleasing unto me. 746

Bungay.

Then handfast handfast handfast , to promise formally in marriage to another (OED v. 1a). hand, and I will to my book. 747

Bacon.

What sees my lord now? 748

Edward.

Bacon, I see the lovers hand in hand, 749

The friar ready with his portace there 750

To wed them both. Then am I quite undone. 751

Bacon, help now, if e'er thy magic served, 752

Help, Bacon. Stop the marriage now, 753

If devils or necromancy may suffice, 754

And I will give thee fourty thousand crowns crowns crowns , gold coins (OED n. 32b). . 755

Bacon.

Fear not, my lord, I'll stop the jolly friar 756

For For For , From (OED prep. and conj. 23d). mumbling up his orisons this day. 757

([Bacon [Bacon puts a spell on Bungay] puts a spell on Bungay])

Lacy.

Why speak'st not, Bungay? Friar, to thy book. 758

(Bungay is mute, crying "Hud, hud".)

Margaret.

How lookest thou, friar, as a man distraught! 759

Reft Reft Reft , Bereft (OED adj.1 2). of thy senses, Bungay? Show by signs, 760

If thou be dumb, what passions passions passions , forces (OED n. 11a). holdeth thee. 761

Lacy.

He's dumb indeed. Bacon hath with his devils 762

Enchanted him, or else some strange disease 763

Or apoplexy hath possessed his lungs. 764

But Peggy, what he cannot with his book 765

We'll 'twixt us both unite it up in heart. 766

Margaret.

Else let me die, my lord, a miscreant. miscreant. miscreant , heretic, unbeliever (OED adj. and n. B1a). 767

Edward.

Why stands Friar Bungay Bungay Bacon ‘Bacon’ crossed out in Q1 and corrected as ‘Bungay’ so amazed? 768

Bacon.

I have struck him dumb, my lord; and if Your Honour please, 769

I'll fetch this Bungay straightway from Fressingfield, 770

And he shall dine with us in Oxford here. 771

Edward.

Bacon, do that, and thou contentest me. 772

Lacy.

Of courtesy, Of courtesy, Of courtesy , As a matter of courtesy (OED n. 3a). Margaret, let us lead the friar 773

Unto thy father's lodge, to comfort him 774

With broths to bring him from this hapless trance. 775

Margaret.

Or else, my lord, we were passing passing passing , very, exceedingly (OED adj. prep. and adv. Ca) unkind 776

To leave the friar so in his distress. 777

(Enter a devil, and carry Bungay on his back [and so ])

O, help, my lord! A devil, a devil, my lord! 778

Look how he carries Bungay on his back! 779

Let's hence, for Bacon's spirits be abroad. 780

(Exeunt [Margaret and ])

Edward.

Bacon, I laugh to see the jolly friar 781

Mounted upon the devil, and how the Earl 782

Flees with his bonny lass for fear! 783

As soon as Bungay is at Brazennose, 784

And I have chatted with the merry friar, 785

I will in post in post in post , in haste, quickly, hasten (OED n.3 P4). hie me to Fressingfield 786

And quite quite quite , requite (Bevington). these wrongs on Lacy ere it be long. 787

Bacon.

So be it, my lord. But let us to our dinner; 788

For ere we have taken our repast awhile 789

We shall have Bungay brought to Brazennose. 790

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE VII]

(Enter three doctors: Burden, Mason, [and] Clement.)

Mason.

Now that we are gathered in the Regent House, Regent House, Upper house of the Cambridge University Senate. 791

It fits fits fits , befits (OED v.1 3). us talk about the King's repair; repair; repair , visit (OED n.1 2b). 792

For he, trooped with trooped with trooped with , accompanied by (OED v. 2a, earliest example). all the Western kings 793

That lie alongst the Danzig Danzig Danzig seas , the Baltic Sea. Danzig is the German name of the Polish town called Gdansk, which has an important port on the Baltic Sea. seas by east, 794

North by the clime of frosty Germany, 795

The Almain Almain Almain , German. It is archaic and of literary usage according to the OED. monarch, and the Saxon Saxon Scocon Saxon Saxon Scocon Scocon in the first quarto, Saxon Saxon Scocon since the edition by Dyce. Currently Saxon Saxon Scocon y is a state (Land) part of Germany, on the middle-east of the country. The Saxon Saxon Scocon duke is a silent character who does not actually speak in the play. duke, 796

Castile, and lovely Eleanor with him, 797

Have in their jests jests jests , entertainments (OED n. 8). resolved for Oxford town. 798

Burden.

We must lay plots plots plots , outlines or schemes of plays (OED n. 3d). of stately stately stately , dignified (OED adj. and n. A1a). tragedies, 799

Strange comic shows, Strange comic shows, Strange comic shows , Exciting masques and pageants (Lavin). such as proud Roscius Roscius Roscius , Quintus Roscius Gallus was a famous Roman actor who lived in the first century BC. 800

Vaunted Vaunted Vaunted , Declaimed proudly (OED v. 1a). before the Roman emperors, 801

To welcome all the western potentates. 802

Clement.

But more, the King by letters hath foretold 803

That Frederick, the Almain emperor, 804

Hath brought with him a German of esteem, 805

Whose surname is Don Jaques Vandermast, Don Jaques Vandermast, Don Jacques Vandermast , even though he is German Greene gives him the treatment of “Don”. 806

Skilful in magic and those secret arts. 807

Mason.

Then must we all make suit unto the friar, 808

To Friar Bacon that he vouch vouch vouch , agree to undertake, vouchsafe (OED v. 11a, third earliest example). this task, 809

And undertake to countervail countervail countervail , match (OED v. 2a). in skill 810

The German; else there's none in Oxford can can can , who can. 811

Match Match and dispute with learnèd Vandermast SP Clement ] Dyce; Q1-3 Bevington on line 801. and dispute with learnèd Vandermast. 812

Burden.

Bacon, if he will hold the German play, hold the German play, hold the German play , keep the German in play (Lavin). 813

We'll teach him what an English friar can do. 814

The devil, I think, dare not dispute with him. 815

Clement.

Indeed, Mas' Mas' Mas’ , Master (OED n.1 1). Doctor, he pleasured displeasured you, 816

In that he brought your hostess with her spit 817

From Henley posting unto Brazennose. 818

Burden.

A vengeance on the friar for his pains! 819

But, leaving that, let's hie to Bacon straight 820

To see if he will take this task in hand. 821

Clement.

Stay, what rumour rumour rumour , din, noise, uproar (OED n. 5). is this? The town is up in a mutiny. 822

What hurly-burly is this? 823

(Enter a Constable, with Rafe [disguised [disguised as Prince Edward] as Prince Edward], Warren, Ermsby and Miles.)

Constable.

Nay, masters, if you were ne'er so good, you shall before the doctors to answer your misdemeanour.

Burden.

What's the matter, fellow? 826

Constable.

Marry, sir, here's a company of rufflers rufflers rufflers , ruffians, swaggerers (OED n.1 2). that, drinking in the tavern, have made a great brawl and almost killed the vintner vintner vintner , innkeeper, tavern-keeper (OED n. a). .

Miles.

Salve Salve Salve , Hail. , Doctor Burden! This lubberly lubberly lubberly , stupid, clumsy (OED adj. and adv. 1). lurdane, lurdane, lurdane , lazy, worthless, ill-bred (OED n. and adj. B). 830

Ill-shaped and ill-faced, disdained and disgraced, 831

What he tells unto vobis, mentitur de nobis . 832

Burden.

Who is the master and chief of this crew? 833

Miles.

Ecce asinum mundi, figura rotundi Ecce asinum mundi, figura rotundi Ecce asinum mundi, figura rotundi , “Behold the ass of the round-shaped world”. In good Latin it should be “figura rotunda” because it is a feminine noun. , 834

Neat Neat Neat , unadulterated (OED adj., (n.2 and int.) and adv. 8a). , sheat sheat sheat , trim, neat (OED adj.). and fine, as brisk as a cup of wine. 835

Burden.

What are you?

Rafe.

I am, Father Doctor, as a man would say, the bell-wether bell-wether bell-wether , the leading sheep of a flock, leader (OED n. 1). of this company. These are my lords, and I the Prince of Wales.

Clement.

Are you Edward, the King's son? 839

Rafe.

Sirrah Miles, bring hither the tapster that drew the wine, and I warrant when they see how soundly I have broke broke broke , banged (Bevington). his head, they'll say 'twas done by no less man than a prince.

Mason.

I cannot believe that this is the Prince of Wales. 843

Warren.

And why so, sir? 844

Mason.

For they say the Prince is a brave and a wise gentleman. 845

Warren.

Why, and thinkest thou, Doctor, that he is not so? 846

Dar'st thou detract and derogate from him, 847

Being so lovely and so brave brave brave , handsomely dressed, handsome, fine (OED adj., n. and int. 2). a youth? 848

Ermsby.

Whose face, shining with many a sugared smile, 849

Bewrays Bewrays Bewrays , Reveals (OED v. 4). that he is bred of princely race. 850

Miles.

And yet, Master Doctor, to speak like a proctor, speak like a proctor, speak like a proctor , speak authoritatively. A proctor is one whose job is to keep watch over students during examinations (Bevington). 851

And tell unto you what is veriment veriment veriment , correct, veritable (OED adv., n. and adj. C, earliest example). and true, 852

To cease cease cease of , cease (OED v. 1a). of this quarrel, look but on his apparel; 853

Then mark but my talis talis talis , tales, account. Here it is a comic rhyme (Bevington). , he is great Prince of Walis, Walis, Walis , Wales. 854

The chief of our gregis gregis company, congregation. , and filius regis filius regis son of the King. . 855

Then ware ware ware , beware (OED v. 3a). what is done, for he is Henry's white white white , favourite, most beloved (OED adj. (and adv.) and n. 9). son. 856

Rafe.

Doctors, whose doting nightcaps are not capable of my ingenious ingenious ingenious , generous, high-minded, noble (OED adj. 2a). dignity, know that I am Edward Plantagenet, whom if you displease will make a ship that shall hold all your colleges, and so carry away the Niniversity Niniversity Niniversity , word formed from “ninny”(synonym of “fool”, “simpleton”) and “university”. with a fair wind to the Bankside in Southwark. Bankside in Southwark. A riverside area at the south end of London Bridge, outside the city’s jurisdiction, where theatres, brothels and bear-baiting pits (where chained bears were to fight against dogs trained for that) flourished. How say'st thou, Ned Warren, shall I not do it?

Warren.

Yes, my good lord. And if it please Your Lordship, I will gather up all your old pantofles pantofles pantofles , cork-soled shoes or slippers (OED n.). , and with the cork make you a pinnace pinnace pinnace , small light vessel (OED n. 1a). of five hundred ton that shall serve the turn marvellous well, my lord.

Ermsby.

And I, my lord, will have pioneers pioneers pioneers , diggers (OED n. and adj. A1b). to undermine the town, that the very gardens and orchards be carried away for your summer walks.

Miles.

And I, with scientia scientia science, learning. and great diligentia diligentia diligence, application. , 870

Will conjure and charm to keep you from harm, 871

That utrum horum mavis utrum horum mavis utrum horum mavis , whichever of these you prefer. , your very great navis navis navis , ship , 872

Like Bartlet's ship, Bartlet's ship, According to Lavin, this is probably an allusion to the translation by Alexander Barclay in 1509 of the Ship of Fools by Sebastian Brant. from Oxford do skip 873

With colleges and schools full loaden with fools. 874

Quid dices ad hoc Quid dices ad hoc Quid dices ad hoc? , What do you say to this? , worshipful domine Dawcock domine Dawcock domine Dawcock , master simpleton. The jackdaw, a large blackbird, was a byword for stupidity. ? 875

Clement.

Why, hare-brained courtiers, are you drunk or mad, 876

To taunt us up with such scurrility? 877

Deem you us men of base and light light light , little (Lavin). esteem, 878

To bring us such a fop for Henry's son? 879

Call out the beadles beadles beadles , university constables (Lavin), minor officials (Bevington). and convey them hence, 880

Straight to Bocardo Bocardo Prison in the old North Gate at Oxford. . Let the roisters roisters roisters , roisterers, riotous fellows (OED n.1 1a). lie 881

Close clapped Close clapped Close clapped , Securely confined (OED adj. and adv. S2). in bolts, until their wits be tame. 882

Ermsby.

Why, shall we to prison, my lord? 883

Rafe.

What say'st Miles, shall I honour the prison with my presence?

Miles.

No, no! Out with your blades, and hamper hamper hamper , strike, beat (OED v.2, second earliest example). these jades. 885

Have a flirt flirt flirt , blow (OED n. 2, earliest example). and a crash, now play revel-dash, revel-dash, revel-dash , playful or boisterous delivery of blows or strokes (OED n.1 C2). 886

And teach these sacerdos sacerdos priests. , that the Bocardos, 887

Like peasants and elves, are meet meet meet , suitable (OED adj. 2a). for themselves. 888

Mason.

To the prison with them, constable! 889

Warren.

Well, doctors, seeing I have sported sported sported me , amused myself (OED v. 1a). me 890

With laughing at these mad and merry wags, 891

Know that Prince Edward is at Brazennose, 892

And this, attirèd like the Prince of Wales, 893

Is Rafe, King Henry's only lovèd fool; 894

I, Earl of Sussex Sussex Essex ; and this Ermsby, 895

One of the privy chamber to the King, 896

Who, while the prince with Friar Bacon stays, 897

Have revelled it in Oxford as you see. 898

Mason.

My lord, pardon us, we knew not what you were, 899

But courtiers may make greater scapes scapes scapes , faults, escapades, pranks (OED n.1 3). than these. 900

Will't please Your Honour dine with me today? 901

Warren.

I will, Master Doctor, and satisfy the vintner for his hurt; only I must desire you to imagine him him him , refers to Rafe. all this forenoon the Prince of Wales.

Mason.

I will, sir. 905

Rafe.

And upon that I will lead the way, only I will have Miles go before me, because I have heard Henry say that wisdom must go before majesty.

(Exeunt omnes.)

[SCENE VIII]

(Enter Prince Edward with his poniard in his hand, Lacy and Margaret.)

Edward.

Lacy, thou canst not shroud thy trait'rous thoughts, 909

Nor cover as did Cassius Cassius Cassius secretly conspired against Caesar, conspiracy that ended up in the assassination of the latter in the ides of March (the fifteenth of this month). all his wiles, 910

For Edward hath an eye that looks as far 911

As Lynceus Lynceus Lynceus, one of the argonauts (mythological sailors of the ship Argos who went in search of the Golden Fleece), famous for having such a keen sight that he could see through a tree-trunk. from the shores of Grecia. Grecia. Grecia, Greece. 912

Did not I sit in Oxford by the friar 913

And see thee court the maid of Fressingfield, 914

Sealing thy flattering fancies with a kiss? 915

Did not proud Bungay draw his portace portace portace , service book, breviary, prayer-book (OED n. 1a). forth, 916

And, joining hand in hand, had had had , would have. married you, 917

If Friar Bacon had not struck him dumb, 918

And mounted him upon a spirit's back, 919

That we might chat at Oxford with the friar? 920

Traitor, what answer'st? Is not all this true? 921

Lacy.

Truth all, my lord, and thus I make reply. 922

At Harlestone Fair, there courting for Your Grace, 923

Whenas mine eye surveyed her curious curious curious , beautifully wrought (OED adj. 14). shape, 924

And drew the beauteous glory of her looks 925

To dive into the centre of my heart, 926

Love taught me that Your Honour did but jest, 927

That princes were in fancy in fancy in fancy , in affairs of the heart (Bevington). but as men; 928

How that the lovely maid of Fressingfield 929

Was fitter to be Lacy's wedded wife 930

Than concubine unto the Prince of Wales. 931

Edward.

Injurious Lacy! Did I love thee more 932

Than Alexander his Hephestion? Hephestion? Hephaestion , Macedonian general, close friend of Alexander the Great, who mourned his death extravagantly. 933

Did I unfold the passion passion passion , suffering (OED n. 3). of my love, 934

And lock them in the closet of thy thoughts? 935

Wert thou to Edward second to himself, 936

Sole friend, and partner of his secret loves? 937

And could a glance of fading fading fading , transitory (OED adj. a). beauty break 938

The enchainèd fetters of such private friends? 939

Base coward, false, and too effeminate effeminate effeminate , self-indulgent, weak, unmanly (OED adj. and n. 1a). 940

To be corrival corrival corrival , (OED n. and adj. 2, earliest example). with a prince in thoughts! 941

From Oxford have I posted since I dined, 942

To quite a traitor 'fore that Edward sleep. 943

Margaret.

'Twas I, my Lord, not Lacy, stepped awry; 944

For oft he sued and courted for yourself, 945

And still still still , continually, constantly (OED adv. 3). wooed for the courtier all in green. 946

But I, whom fancy fancy fancy , love (OED n. 8b). made but overfond, 947

Pleaded myself with looks as if I loved; 948

I fed mine eye with gazing on his face, 949

And, still bewitched, loved Lacy with my looks. 950

My heart with sighs, mine eyes pleaded with tears, 951

My face held pity and content at once, 952

And more I could not cipher out cipher out cipher out , concealingly express (OED v. 2). by signs 953

But that I loved Lord Lacy with my heart. 954

Then, worthy Edward, measure with thy mind 955

If women's favours favours favours , beauties (OED n. 8). will not force men fall, 956

If beauty and if darts of piercing love 957

Is not of force of force of force , full of strength (OED n. 1b). to bury thoughts of friends. 958

Edward.

I tell thee, Peggy, I will have thy loves. 959

Edward or none shall conquer Margaret. 960

In frigates bottomed with rich Shittim Shittim Sethin Shittim Shittim Sethin “Shittim Shittim Sethin ” is Hebrew for wood from the acacia tree (shitta tree), which appears in the King James Bible. This wood had to be used to make the Ark of Covenant. planks, 961

Topped with the lofty firs of Lebanon, Lebanon, 962

Stemmed and encased with burnished ivory 963

And overlaid with plates of Persian wealth. 964

Like Thetis Thetis Thetis , a Nereid, sea nymph, mother of Achilles. shalt thou wanton wanton wanton , play sportively (OED v. 1a). on the waves 965

And draw the dolphins to thy lovely eyes 966

To dance lavoltas lavoltas lavoltas , lively dances for two persons, consisting a good deal in high and active bounds (OED n.). in the purple streams. 967

Sirens, with harps and silver psalteries, psalteries, psalteries , instruments similar to dulcimers (OED n. 1). 968

Shall wait wait wait , attend (OED v.1 9a). with music at thy frigate's stem stem stem , bow (OED n.2 3). 969

And entertain fair Margaret with their their her lays. lays. lays , songs (OED n.4 1a). 970

England and England's wealth shall wait on thee, 971

Britain shall bend unto her prince's love 972

And do due homage to thine excellence, 973

If thou wilt be but Edward's Margaret. If thou wilt be but Edward's Margaret. A similar offer, in comparable terms, was made by Tamburlaine to Zenocrate in the play by Marlowe (Tamburlaine, I, ii, 93-105). 974

Margaret.

Pardon, my lord. If Jove Jove Jove became a shower of gold so that he could visit Danaë, imprisoned in an underground chamber. 's great royalty 975

Sent me such presents as to Danaë Danae Danaë , Danaë Danae Danaë , 976

If Phoebus, tirèd tirèd tied tirèd tirèd tied tirèd tirèd tied , attired (Bevington). in Latona's webs, webs, webs , garments (OED n. 2a). If Phoebus, tirèd tirèd tied tirèd tirèd tied tirèd tirèd tied , attired (Bevington). in Latona's webs, webs, webs , garments (OED n. 2a). Phoebus Apollo was the son of Latona and Zeus. 977

Came Came Come courting from the beauty of his lodge his lodge his lodge , the sky. , 978

The dulcet tunes of frolic Mercury, Mercury, Mercury invented the lyre and shepherd’s pipe (Lavin). 979

Nor Nor Not all the wealth heaven's treasury affords, 980

Should make me leave Lord Lacy or his love. 981

Edward.

I have learned at Oxford, then, this point of schools: point of schools: point of schools , debating point, aphorism (Lavin), scholastic debate (Bevington). 982

Ablata Abbata causa, tollitur effectus. Ablata Abbata causa, tollitur effectus. The cause having being removed, the effect is removed. 983

Lacy, the cause that Margaret cannot love 984

Nor fix her liking on the English prince, 985

Take him away, and then the effects will fail. 986

Villain, prepare thyself, for I will bathe 987

My poniard in the bosom of an earl. 988

Lacy.

[Kneeling [Kneeling] ] Rather than live and miss fair Margaret's love, 989

Prince Edward, stop not at the fatal doom doom doom , sentence (OED n. 2). , 990

But stab it home; end both my loves and life. 991

Margaret.

Brave Prince of Wales, honoured for royal deeds, 992

'Twere sin to stain fair Venus' courts with blood. 993

Love's conquests ends, my Lord, in courtesy. 994

Spare Lacy, gentle Edward; let me die, 995

For so For so For so , In this way (OED adv. and conj. 2c). both you and he do cease your loves. 996

Edward.

Lacy shall die as traitor to his lord. 997

Lacy.

I have deserved it. Edward, act it well. 998

Margaret.

What hopes the Prince to gain by Lacy's death? 999

Edward.

To end the loves 'twixt him and Margaret. 1000

Margaret.

Why, thinks king Henry's son that Margaret's love 1001

Hangs in the uncertain balance of proud Time, Time, Time, in this case it is a personification. 1002

That death shall make a discord of our thoughts? 1003

No! Stab the Earl, and 'fore the morning sun 1004

Shall vaunt him vaunt him vaunt him , display himself proudly (OED v. 3a). thrice over the lofty east, 1005

Margaret will meet her Lacy in the heavens. 1006

Lacy.

If aught betides to lovely Margaret 1007

That wrongs or wrings wrings wrings , wrests, twists (OED 2. 2a). her honour from content, 1008

Europe's rich wealth nor England's monarchy 1009

Should not allure Lacy to overlive overlive overlive , outlive, live longer than (OED v. 1). . 1010

Then, Edward, short short short , shorten the duration (OED v. 2a). my life and end her loves. 1011

Margaret.

Rid me, Rid me, Rid me , Kill me, Get rid of me (OED v. 4b). and keep a friend worth many loves. 1012

Lacy.

Nay, Edward, keep a love worth many friends. 1013

Margaret.

And if thy mind be such as fame hath blazed blazed blazed , published (OED v.2 2a). , 1014

Then, princely Edward, let us both abide abide abide , undergo, suffer (OED v. 15). 1015

The fatal resolution of thy rage. 1016

Banish thou fancy fancy fancy , infatuation, love (OED n. 8b). and embrace revenge, 1017

And in one tomb knit both our carcasses, 1018

Whose hearts were linkèd in one perfect love. 1019

Edward.

Edward, art thou that famous Prince of Wales 1020

Who at Damasco beat the Saracens, Saracens, Saracens , Arabs, members of a nomadic people living in the deserts between Syria and Arabia (OED n. 1a). 1021

And brought'st home triumph on thy lance's point, 1022

And shall thy plumes plumes plumes , things in which to take pride (OED n. 3b). be pulled by Venus down? 1023

Is it princely to dissever lovers' leagues, 1024

To part such friends as glory in their loves? 1025

Leave, Ned, and make a virtue of this fault, 1026

And further Peg and Lacy in their loves. 1027

So in subduing fancy's passion, 1028

Conquering thyself thou get'st the richest spoil spoil spoil , booty (OED n. 1). . − 1029

Lacy, rise up! Fair Peggy, here's my hand, 1030

The Prince of Wales hath conquered all his thoughts, 1031

And all his loves he yields unto the Earl. 1032

Lacy, enjoy the maid of Fressingfield, 1033

Make her thy Lincoln countess at the church. 1034

And Ned, as he is true Plantagenet, 1035

Will give her to thee frankly frankly frankly , freely (OED adv. 1). for thy wife. 1036

Lacy.

Humbly I take her of my sovereign, 1037

As if that Edward gave me England's right, 1038

And riched me with the Albion diadem. Albion diadem. Albion diadem, English crown (Bevington). 1039

Margaret.

And doth the English prince mean true? 1040

Will he vouchsafe to cease his former loves, 1041

And yield the title of a country maid 1042

Unto Lord Lacy? 1043

Edward.

I will, fair Peggy, as I am true lord. 1044

Margaret.

Then, lordly sir, whose conquest is as great 1045

In conquering love as Caesar's victories, 1046

Margaret, as mild and humble in her thoughts 1047

As was Aspasia Aspasia Aspasia, celebrated courtesan, longtime companion to Pericles of Athens (fifth century before Christ). She came from Miletus, near the coast of what was then Persia under King Cyrus. unto Cyrus' self, 1048

Yields thanks, and, next Lord Lacy, doth enshrine 1049

Edward the second second second , next in importance (OED adj. and n. 15). secret secret secret , closest (OED adj. and n. 2). in her heart. 1050

Edward.

Gramercy, Peggy. Now that vowes are passed, passed, passed , exchanged (OED v. 35a). 1051

And that your loves are not be revolt, revolt, revolt , changed in their allegiance, withdrawn, overturned (OED v. 2b). 1052

Once, Lacy, friends again, come, we will post 1053

To Oxford; for this day the King is there 1054

And brings for Edward Castile Eleanor. 1055

Peggy, I must go see and view my wife; 1056

I pray God I like her as I loved thee. 1057

Beside, Lord Lincoln, we shall hear dispute 1058

'Twixt Friar Bacon and learned Vandermast. 1059

Peggy, we'll leave you for a week or two. 1060

Margaret.

As it please Lord Lacy; but love's foolish looks 1061

Think footsteps miles and minutes to be hours. 1062

Lacy.

I'll hasten, Peggy, to make short return.− 1063

But, please Your Honour, go unto the lodge. 1064

We shall have butter, cheese, and venison. 1065

And yesterday I brought for Margaret 1066

A lusty lusty lusty , strong (OED adj. 5a). bottle of neat claret wine. 1067

Thus can we feast and entertain Your Grace. 1068

Edward.

'Tis cheer, Lord Lacy, for an emperor, 1069

If he respect the person and the place. If he respect the person and the place. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare (V, i, 91-92) Theseus displays the same magnanimity. 1070

Come, let us in, for I will all this night 1071

Ride post until I come to Bacon's cell. 1072

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE IX]

(Enter Henry, Emperor, Castile, [the Duke [the Duke of Saxony] attendants [and other lords and attendants] of Saxony], Eleanor, Vandermast, Bungay[and other lords and attendants].)

Emperor.

Trust me, Plantagenet, these Oxford schools 1073

Are richly seated near the riverside, 1074

The mountains full of fat and fallow deer, 1075

The battling battling battling , nourishing, fattening (OED adj.2 1). pastures laid laid laid , covered, ornamented (OED v.1 42). with kine and flocks, 1076

The town gorgeous with high-built colleges, 1077

And scholars seemely in their grave attire, 1078

Learnèd in searching searching searching , investigating (OED v. 5a). principles of art.− 1079

What is thy judgement, Jaques Vandermast? 1080

Vandermast.

That lordly are the buildings of the town, 1081

Spatious the rooms rooms rooms , open spaces (OED n.1 and int. 6d). and full of pleasant walks. 1082

But for the doctors, how that they be learnèd, 1083

It may be meanly meanly meanly , slenderly (Bevington). , for aught I can hear. 1084

Bungay.

I tell thee, German, Hapsburg holds none such, 1085

None read read read , well-read, learned (OED adj.1b). so deep deep deep , deeply, widely (OED adv.1a). as Oxenford Oxenford Old form of the name of Oxford. contains. 1086

There are within our accademic state 1087

Men that may lecture it in Germany Germany 1088

To all the doctors of your Belgic schools. 1089

Henry.

Stand to him, Bungay. Charm Charm Charm , Overcome (OED v.1 4). this Vandermast, 1090

And I will use thee as a royal king. as a royal king. as a king should do (Bevington). 1091

Vandermast.

Wherein darest thou dispute with me? 1092

Bungay.

In what a doctor and a friar can. 1093

Vandermast.

Before rich Europe's worthies worthies worthies , of rank, noble, high-born (OED adj., n. and adv.10). put thou forth 1094

The doubtful question unto Vandermast. 1095

Bungay.

Let it be this: whether the spirits of pyromancy 1096

or geomancy be most predominant in magic.

Vandermast.

I say, of pyromancy. pyromancy. pyromancy , divination by fire (OED n.). 1098

Bungay.

And I, of geomancy. geomancy. geomancy , divination by means of signs derived from the earth, usually by a handful thrown in the air (OED n.1). 1099

Vandermast.

The cabbalists cabbalists cabbalists , skilled in mystic arts or learning (OED n. 2, earliest example). that write of magic spells, 1100

As Hermes, Melchie and Pythagoras, As Hermes, Melchie and Pythagoras, Hermes Trismegistus and Malchus Porphyrius were Neoplatonist philosophers. The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras is included probably because of the mystical significance of numbers. 1101

Affirm that 'mongst the quadruplicity 'mongst the quadruplicity ’ mongst the quadruplicity of elemental essence , among the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). 1102

Of elemental essence, terra terra earth is but thought 1103

To be a punctum punctum The earth is considered to be a place of little importance compared to the other elements (“punctum” means “point”). squarèd to the rest; 1104

And that the compass compass compass , range, scope (OED n., adj. and adv. 9a). of ascending elements 1105

Exceed in bigness as they do in height, 1106

Judging the concave circle of the sun 1107

To hold the rest in his his his , its. circumference. 1108

If, then, as Hermes says, the fire be great'st, 1109

Purest, and only only only , alone (OED adj.1). giveth shapes to spirits, 1110

Then must these demons demons demons , supernatural beings (OED n. (and adj.) 1a). that haunt that place that place that place , the sun, the place of fire. 1111

Be every way superior to the rest. 1112

Bungay.

I reason not of elemental shapes, 1113

Nor tell I of the concave latitudes, 1114

Noting their essence nor their quality, 1115

But of the spirits that pyromancy calls 1116

And of the vigour of the geomantic fiends. 1117

I tell thee, German, magic haunts the grounds, 1118

And those strange necromantic spells 1119

That work such shows shows shows , sights (OED n.1 1b). and wondering in the world 1120

Are acted by those geomantic spirits 1121

That Hermes calleth terræ filii terræ filii sons of the earth. . 1122

The fiery spirits are but transparent shades, transparent shades, transparent shades , spectres, ghosts (Bevington). 1123

That lightly pass as heralds to bear news; 1124

But earthly fiends, closed in the lowest deep, 1125

Dissever mountains if they be but charged, charged, charged , given orders, commanded (OED v. 14a). 1126

Being more gross gross gross , large, massive (OED adj. and n.4 1a). and massy massy massy , hard and compact, solid (OED adj.3a). in their power. 1127

Vandermast.

Rather, these earthly geomantic spirits 1128

Are dull and like the place where they remain; 1129

For, when proud Lucifer Lucifer Angel fallen from heaven because of its pride, who then became a demon, Satan. fell from the heavens, 1130

The spirits and angels that did sin with him 1131

Retained their local essence local essence local essence , defining character (Bevington); essence which characterised them as spirits of earth or air, etc … (Lavin) as their faults, 1132

All subject under Luna's continent. Luna's continent. Luna’s continent , the sphere of the Moon, one of the spheres which surrounded the Earth according to the heliocentric system of the Greek scientist Claudius Ptolemy (c.100-c.170). 1133

They which offended less They which offended less A reference to the angels which did not revolt (Bevington). hang in the fire, 1134

And second faults did rest within the air; 1135

But Lucifer and his proud-hearted fiends 1136

Were thrown into the centre of the earth, 1137

Having less understanding understanding understanding , reason (OED n. 1). than the rest, 1138

As having greater sin and lesser grace. 1139

Therefore such gross and earthly spirits do serve 1140

For jugglers, witches and vile sorcerers, 1141

Whereas the pyromantic genii 1142

Are mighty, swift, and of far-reaching power. 1143

But, grant grant grant , supposing (OED v. 7a). that geomancy hath most force, 1144

Bungay, to please these mighty potentates, 1145

Prove by some instance what thy art can do. 1146

Bungay.

I will. 1147

Emperor.

Now, English Harry, here begins the game; 1148

We shall see sport between these learnèd men. We shall see sport between these learnèd men. Another contest between Bacon and Vandermast ocurrs in John of Bordeaux, an anonymous sequel to Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay. 1149

Vandermast.

What wilt thou do? 1150

Bungay.

Show thee the tree leaved with refinèd gold 1151

Whereon the fearful dragon held his seat 1152

That watched the garden called Hesperides, 1153

Subdued and won by conquering Hercules. Subdued and won by conquering Hercules. The last of Hercules’ twelve labours was to carry off the golden apples in the garden of Hesperides, after having slain the guarding dragon. 1154

Vandermast.

Well done. 1155

(Here Bungay conjures and the tree appears with the dragon shooting fire.)

Henry.

What say you, royal lordings, to my friar? 1156

Hath he not done a point point point , feat (OED n.1 28). of cunning skill? 1157

Vandermast.

Each scholar in the necromantic spells 1158

Can do as much as Bungay hath performed. 1159

But as Alcmena's bastard Alcmena's bastard Hercules was Alcmena’s bastard son. razed this tree, 1160

So will I raise him up as when he lived, 1161

And cause him pull the dragon from his seat, 1162

And tear the branches piecemeal from the root.− 1163

Hercules Prodi, Prodi , Hercules! 1164

(Hercules appears in his lion's skin.)

Hercules.

Quis me vult? Quis me vult? Who wants me?, Who asks for me? 1165

Vandermast.

Jove's bastard son, Jove's bastard son, Jove's bastard son , Hercules. thou Libyan Hercules Hercules After defeating the giant Antaeus, Hercules subdued all Libya and put it under cultivation. , 1166

Pull off the sprigs from off the Hesperian tree, 1167

As once thou didst to win the golden fruit. 1168

Hercules.

Fiat . 1169

(Here he begins to break the branches.)

Vandermast.

Now, Bungay, if thou canst by magic charm, 1170

The fiend appearing like great Hercules 1171

From pulling down the branches of the tree, 1172

Then art thou worthy to be counted learnèd. 1173

Bungay.

I cannot. 1174

Vandermast.

Cease, Hercules, until I give thee charge- charge- charge , order (OED n. 15a). 1175

Mighty commander of this English isle, 1176

Henry, come from the stout stout stout , brave (OED adj. and adv. 3a). Plantagenets, 1177

Bungay is learned enough to be a friar, 1178

But to compare with Jaques Vandermast 1179

Oxford and Cambridge must go seek their cells 1180

To find a man to match him in his art. 1181

I have given nonplus nonplus nonplus , perplexed (OED n. and adj. 1). to the Paduans, 1182

To them of Sien, Sien, Sien , Sienna. Florence Florence and Bologna Bologna , 1183

Rheimes, Rheimes, Louvain Louvain and fair Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 1184

Frankfort, Frankfort, Utrecht Utrecht Lutrech Utrecht Utrecht Lutrech and Orleans. Orleans. 1185

And now must Henry, if he do me right, 1186

Crown me with laurel, as they all have done. 1187

(Enter Bacon.)

Bacon.

All hail to this royal company, 1188

That sit to hear and see this strange dispute!− 1189

Bungay, how stand'st thou as a man amazed! 1190

What, hath the German acted acted acted , done, performed (OED n. 2a). more than thou? 1191

Vandermast.

What art thou that questions thus? 1192

Bacon.

Men call me Bacon. 1193

Vandermast.

Lordly thou lookest, as if that thou wert learned; 1194

Thy countenance, as if science science science , mastery of any branch of learning (OED n. 2). held her seat 1195

Between the circled arches of thy brows. 1196

Henry.

Now, monarchs, hath the German found his match. 1197

Emperor.

Bestir thee, Jaques, take not now the foil foil foil , repulse, set-back (OED n.2 2a). , 1198

Lest thou dost lose what foretime foretime foretime , previously (OED n. and adv. B). thou didst gain. 1199

Vandermast.

Bacon, wilt thou dispute? 1200

Bacon.

No, unless he were more learned than Vandermast. 1201

For yet, tell me: what hast thou done? 1202

Vandermast.

Raised Hercules to ruinate that tree 1203

That Bungay mounted mounted mounted , caused to rise (OED v. 2a). by his magic spells. 1204

Bacon.

Set Hercules to work. 1205

Vandermast.

Now, Hercules, I charge thee to thy task. 1206

Pull off the golden branches from the root. 1207

Hercules.

I dare not. See'st thou not great Bacon here, 1208

Whose frown doth act more than thy magic can? 1209

Vandermast.

By all the thrones and dominations, 1210

Virtues, powers and mighty hierarchies! hierarchies! hierarchies , traditional names for the various ranks of angels. 1211

I charge thee to obey to Vandermast. 1212

Hercules.

Bacon, that bridles headstrong Belcephon, 1213

And rules Asmenoth, Asmenoth, Asmenoth , the name of another devil. guider of the north, 1214

Binds me from yielding unto yielding unto yielding unto , obeying (OED v. 2a). Vandermast. 1215

Henry.

How now, Vandermast, have you met with your match? 1216

Vandermast.

Never before was't known to Vandermast 1217

That men held devils in such obedient awe. 1218

Bacon doth more than art, art, art , magical skill (Bevington). or else I fail. 1219

Emperor.

Why, Vandermast, art thou overcome?− 1220

Bacon, dispute with him and try his skill. 1221

Bacon.

I come not, monarchs, for to hold dispute 1222

With such a novice as is Vandermast; 1223

I come to have your royalties to dine 1224

With Friar Bacon here in Brazennose. 1225

And, for this German troubles but the place 1226

And holds this audience with a long suspense, 1227

I'll send him to his academy hence.− 1228

Thou, Hercules, whom Vandermast did raise, 1229

Transport the German unto Hapsburg straight, 1230

That he may learn by travail, travail, travail , a pun with the two possible meanings of the word: (i) work (OED n. 2), (ii) travel (OED n. 7). 'gainst the spring spring springs , 'gainst the spring spring springs , ’gainst the spring spring springs , in time for spring spring springs (Bevington). 1231

More secret dooms and aphorisms of art. 1232

Vanish Vanish Vanish , Cause to dissapear (OED v. 4). the tree and thou away with him. 1233

(Exit the spirit with Vandermast and the tree.)

Emperor.

Why, Bacon, whither dost thou send him? 1234

Bacon.

To Hapsburg; there Your Highness, at return, 1235

Shall find the German in his study safe. 1236

Henry.

Bacon, thou hast honoured England with thy skill, 1237

And made fair Oxford famous by thine art. 1238

I will be English Henry to thyself. I will be English Henry to thyself. As King of England, I will acknowledge and proclaim your greatness. 1239

But tell me, shall we dine with thee today? 1240

Bacon.

With me, my lord. And, while I fit fit fit , prepare (OED n. 6a). my cheer, cheer, cheer , food and drink for a festive occasion (OED n. 6). 1241

See where Prince Edward comes to welcome you, 1242

Gracious as the morning star of heaven. 1243

(Exit.)

(Enter Edward, Lacy, Warren, Ermsby.)

Emperor.

Is this Prince Edward, Henry's royal son? 1244

How martial is the figure of his face, 1245

Yet lovely and beset with amorets! amorets! amorets , love-looks, looks that inspire love (OED n. 5, second earliest example). 1246

Henry.

Ned, where hast thou been? 1247

Edward.

At Framingham, my lord, to try your bucks 1248

If they could scape the teasers the teasers they teasers or the toil. toil. toil , net or nets into which game is driven (OED n.2 1a). 1249

But hearing of these lordly potentates 1250

Landed and progressed up to Oxford town, 1251

I posted to give entertain entertain entertain , entertainment, welcome (OED n. 1a). to them− 1252

Chief to the Almain monarch; next to him, 1253

And joint joint joint , joined, (OED adj. 1a). with him, Castile and Saxony 1254

Are welcome as they may be to the English court. 1255

Thus for the men. But see! Venus appears, 1256

Or one that overmatcheth overmatcheth overmatcheth , surpasses (OED v. 1a). Venus in her shape. − 1257

Sweet Eleanor, beauty's high-swelling pride, 1258

Rich nature's glory and her wealth at once, 1259

Fair of all fairs, welcome to Albion. 1260

Welcome to me, and welcome to thine own, 1261

If that thou deign'st the welcome from myself. 1262

Eleanor.

Martial Plantagenet, Henry's high-minded son, 1263

The mark that Eleanor did count her aim, 1264

I liked thee 'fore I saw thee; now I love, 1265

And so as in so short a time I may. 1266

Yet so as time shall never break that "so," 1267

And therefore so accept of Eleanor. 1268

Castile.

Fear not, my lord, this couple will agree, 1269

If love may creep into their wanton eyes.− 1270

And therefore, Edward, I accept thee here, 1271

Without suspense, as my adopted son. 1272

Henry.

Let me, that joy joy joy , rejoice (OED v. 1). in these consorting consorting consorting , agreeing, harmonious (OED adj., only example). greets greets greets , greetings (OED n.1, earliest example). 1273

And glory in these honours done to Ned, 1274

Yield thanks for all these favours to my son, 1275

And rest a true Plantagenet to all. 1276

(Enter Miles with a cloth and trenchers trenchers trenchers , wooden plates (OED n.1 2). and salt.)

Miles.

Salvete omnes reges Salvete omnes reges Hail, all you kings. , that govern your greges greges peoples , 1277

In Saxony and Spain, in England and in Almain; 1278

For all this frolic rabble must I cover the table, 1279

With trenchers, salt and cloth, and then look for your broth. 1280

Emperor.

What pleasant fellow is this? 1281

Henry.

'Tis, my lord, Doctor Bacon's poor scholar. 1282

Miles.

My master hath made me sewer sewer sewer , attendant at a meal, butler, waiter (OED n.2). of these great lords, and God knows I am as serviceable at a table as a sow is under an apple tree. 'Tis no matter; their cheer shall not be great, and therefore what skills what skills what skills , what does it matter? (OED v.1 2b). where the salt stand before or behind?

(Exit)

Castile.

These scholars knows more skill in axioms, 1287

How to use quips and sleights sleights sleights , tricks (OED n.1 4a). of sophistry, 1288

Than for to cover cover cover , spread a cloth, lay the table (OED v. 2d). courtly for a king. 1289

(Enter Miles with a mess of pottage a mess of pottage a mess of pottage , a proverbially current phrase in allusions to Esau’s sale of his birthright to his brother Jacob. and broth, and after him, Bacon.)

Miles.

Spill sir? Why do you think I never carried twopenny chop twopenny chop twopenny chop , worthless stew, (OED n.1 2c, first appearance). before in my life? By your leave, nobile decus nobile decus Your worshipful honour. , for here comes doctor Bacon's pecus pecus pecus , beast of burden, pet. , being in his full age, to carry a mess of pottage.

Bacon.

Lordings, admire not admire not admire not , don’t be surprised (OED v. 1a). if your cheer be this, 1294

For we must keep our academic fare; 1295

No riot riot riot , extravagance (OED n. 2a). where philosophy doth reign. 1296

And therefore, Henry, place place place , assign a place to (OED v. 3a). these potentates, 1297

And bid them fall unto their frugal cates. cates. cates , delicacies (OED n.1 1a). Here used ironically. 1298

Emperor.

Presumptuous friar! What, scoff'st thou at a king? 1299

What, dost thou taunt us with thy peasants' fare, 1300

And give us cates fit for country swains? 1301

Henry, proceeds this jest of thy consent, 1302

To twit us with a pittance of such price? 1303

Tell me, and Frederick will not grieve thee long. 1304

Henry.

By Henry's honour and the royal faith 1305

The English monarch beareth to his friend, 1306

I knew not of the friar's feeble fare, 1307

Nor am I pleased he entertains you thus. 1308

Bacon.

Content thee, Frederick, for I showed the cates 1309

To let thee see how scholars use to feed, 1310

How little meat meat meat , food (OED n. 1a). refines our English wits.− 1311

Miles, take away, and let it be thy dinner. 1312

Miles.

Marry, sir, I will. This day shall be a festival day with me, 1313

For I shall exceed in the highest degree. 1314

(Exit Miles.)

Bacon.

I tell thee, monarch, all the German peers 1315

Could not afford thy entertainment, such− 1316

So royal and so full of majesty− 1317

As Bacon will present to Frederick. 1318

The basest waiter that attends thy cups, 1319

Shall be in honours greater than thyself. 1320

[to Henry [to Henry] ] And for thy cates, rich Alexandria Alexandria drugs drugs drugs , spices (Bevington). , 1321

Fetched by carvels carvels carvels , small, fast ships, especially from Spain and Portugal (OED n. 1). from Egypt's Egypt's richest straits, 1322

Found in the wealthy strand of Africa, 1323

Shall royalize the table of my king. 1324

Wines richer than the Gyptian courtesan the Gyptian courtesan the Gyptian courtesan , Cleopatra. 1325

Quaffed to Augustus' kingly countermatch Augustus' kingly countermatch Augustus’ kingly countermatch , Mark Antony. 1326

Shall be caroused caroused caroused , drunk off repeatedly (OED v. 1a). in English Henry's feasts; 1327

Candy Candy Candy , Candia, Crete. Properly, the capital of Crete, but applied to the whole island by Elizabethan writers, for example in Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta, I. i, 44-7. shall yield the richest of her canes canes canes , sugarcanes (OED n.1 1a). ; 1328

Persia Persia , down her Volga Volga The river Volga is not Persia Persia n, but Russian. by canoes, 1329

Send down the secrets of her spicery; 1330

The Afric Afric dates, mirabellle , a small sweet yellow plum, eaten chiefly in France; the tree producing this fruit, Prunus × domestica subsp. italica var. syriaca (OED n. 1a). Sometimes confused with the myrobalan plum or cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera, or its fruit. of Spain Spain , 1331

Conserves and suckets suckets suckets , succades, sweetmeats (OED n. a). from Tiberias, Tiberias, Tiberias , a town in Galilee. 1332

Cates from Judea, choicer than the lamp lamp lamp , torch (OED n.1 1c). 1333

That fired Rome with sparks of gluttony, 1334

Shall beautify the board for Frederick; 1335

And therefore grudge grudge grudge , grumble, complain (OED v. 1a). not at a friar's feast. 1336

([Exeunt.])

[SCENE X]

(Enter two gentlemen, Lambert and Serlsby, with the Keeper.)

Lambert.

Come, frolic Keeper of our liege's game, 1337

Whose table spread hath ever venison 1338

And jacks jacks jacks , black-jacks, leather drinking vessels (OED n.2 2). of wines to welcome passengers. 1339

Know I am in love with jolly Margaret, 1340

That overshines our damsels as the moon 1341

Dark'neth the brightest sparkles sparkles sparkles , glittering or flashing point of light, stars (OED n. 5a). of the night. 1342

In Laxfield Laxfield Town in Suffolk some 6 miles north of Framlingham. here my land and living lies; 1343

I'll make thy daughter jointer jointer jointer , joint possessor, sole inheritor of the estate (OED n.1). of it all, 1344

So thou consent to give her to my wife, to my wife, to my wife , to be my wife, as my wife. 1345

And I can spend five hundreth marks marks marks , units of monetary computation worth 13s 4d each (OED n.2 2a). a year. 1346

Serlsby.

I am the landslord, Keeper, of thy holds, holds, holds , tenancies, properties (OED n.1 8). 1347

By copy copy copy , copyhold, tenure (Bevington). all thy living lies in me. 1348

Laxfield did never see me raise my due. my due. my due , the rent due to me (OED n. 3b). 1349

I will enfeoff enfeoff enfeoff , put in absolute possession of (OED v. 1aα). fair Margaret in all, 1350

So she will take her to a lusty squire. 1351

Keeper.

Now, courteous gentles, if the Keeper's girl 1352

Hath pleased the liking fancy of you both, 1353

And with her beauty hath subdued your thoughts, 1354

'Tis doubtful doubtful doubtful , difficult (OED adj. 6). to decide the question. 1355

It joys me that such men of great esteem 1356

Should lay their liking on this base estate, 1357

And that her state should grow so fortunate 1358

To be a wife to meaner meaner meaner , humbler (OED adj. 3d). men than you. 1359

But sith sith sith , since (OED adv., prep. and conj. C1a). such squires will stoop to keeper's fee, fee, fee , pension, revenue, income, social rank, status (OED n. 4b). 1360

I will, to avoid displeasure of you both, 1361

Call Margaret forth, and she shall make her choice. 1362

Lambert.

Content, Keeper, send her unto us. 1363

(Exit [Keeper] [Keeper] .)

Why, Serlsby, is thy wife so lately dead? 1364

Are all thy loves loves loves , affection, fondness, loyalty (OED n. 1a). so lightly passèd over 1365

As thou canst wed before the year be out? 1366

Serlsby.

I live not, Lambert, to content the dead, 1367

Nor was I wedded but for life to her. 1368

The ends and begins a married state. The ends and begins a married state. Death ends one marriage and provides opportunity for another (Bevington). 1369

(Enter Margaret.)

Lambert.

Peggy, the lovely flower of all towns, 1370

Suffolk's fair Helen, and rich England's star, 1371

Whose beauty, tempered tempered tempered , mixed (OED v. 3). with her huswif'ry, 1372

Makes England talk of merry Fressingfield! 1373

Serlsby.

I cannot trick it up trick it up trick it up with poesies , employ fanciful, poetic language (Lavin). with poesies, 1374

Nor paint my passions with comparisons, comparisons, comparisons , simile, poetic metaphors (OED n. 3b). 1375

Nor tell a tale of Phoebus and his loves; 1376

But this believe me: Laxfield here is mine, 1377

Of ancient rent seven hundred pounds a year, 1378

And if thou canst but love a country squire, 1379

I will enfeoff thee, Margaret, in all. 1380

I can not flatter; try me, if thou please. 1381

Margaret.

Brave neighbouring squires, the stay stay stay , support (OED n. 1c). of Suffolk's clime, clime, clime , area, region (OED n. 2b). 1382

A keeper's is too base in 'gree 'gree ’gree , degree (OED n. 4). 1383

To match with men accounted of such worth; 1384

But might I not displease, I would reply. 1385

Lambert.

Say, Peggy. Naught shall make us discontent. 1386

Margaret.

Then, gentles, note that love hath little stay, stay, stay , duration, continuance in a state (OED n.3 6c). 1387

Nor can the flames that Venus sets on fire 1388

Be kindled but by fancy's motion. 1389

Then pardon, gentles, if a maid's reply 1390

Be doubtful, while while while , until (OED adv. (and adj.) and conj. (and prep.),B3a). I have debated with myself, 1391

Who, or of whom, love shall constrain me like. 1392

Serlsby.

Let it be me; and trust me, Margaret, 1393

The meads meads meads , meadows (OED n.2 a). environed with the silver streams, 1394

Whose battling battling battling , nourishing (OED adj.2 1). pastures fatt'neth all my flocks, 1395

Yielding forth fleeces stapled stapled stapled , wool, cotton, silk, etc... having a staple, fibered (OED adj.1 3b, earliest example). with such wool 1396

As Lempster Lempster Lempster , Leominster, town in Herefordshire famous for its wool. “Lemster” en el original de Greene. cannot yield more finer stuff, 1397

And forty kine with fair and burnished burnished burnished , glossy (OED adj. 2a). heads, 1398

With strouting strouting strouting , protruding, swelling (OED v. 2a). dugs that paggle paggle paggle , bulge as though pregnant (OED v., only example). to the ground, 1399

Shall serve thy dairy if thou wed with me. 1400

Lambert.

Let pass pass pass , forget about (OED v. 30a). the country wealth, as flocks and kine, 1401

And lands that wave with Ceres' Ceres' Ceres , goddess of corn or harvest. golden sheaves 1402

Filling my barns with plenty of the fields. 1403

But, Peggy, if thou wed thyself to me, 1404

Thou shalt have garments of embrodered embrodered embrodered , embroidered (OED v.). silk, 1405

Lawns, Lawns, lawns , fine linens (OED n.1 1). and rich networks networks networks , light fabric of netted threads (OED n. and adj. A1). for thy head-attire. 1406

Costly shall be thy fair habiliments, habiliments, habilements , garments (OED n. 4). 1407

If thou wilt be but Lambert's loving wife. 1408

Margaret.

Content you, gentles. You have proffered fair, 1409

And more than fits a country maid's degree; 1410

But give me leave to counsel me counsel me counsel me , consider by myself (OED v. 5). a time, 1411

For fancy blooms not at the first assault. 1412

Give me but ten days' respite and I will reply 1413

Which or to whom myself affectionates. myself affectionates. myself affectionates , I regard with affection (OED v. 1). 1414

Serlsby.

Lambert, I tell thee, thou art importunate. 1415

Such beauty fits not such a base esquire. 1416

It is for Serlsby to have Margaret. 1417

Lambert.

Think'st thou with wealth to overreach me? 1418

Serlsby, I scorn to brook brook brook , put up with (OED v.1 3a). thy country braves braves braves , boasts, threads (Lavin, Bevington). . 1419

I dare thee, coward, to maintain this wrong 1420

At dint At dint At dint of , by blows from (OED n. 1a). of rapier single in the field. single in the field. single in the field , man to man in a duel (Lavin). 1421

Serlsby.

I'll answer, Lambert, what I have avouched.− 1422

Margaret, farewell; another time shall serve. 1423

(Exit Serlsby)

Lambert.

I'll follow.−Peggy, farewell to thyself, 1424

Listen how well I'll answer for thy love. 1425

(Exit Lambert)

Margaret.

How Fortune tempers lucky haps haps haps , happenings, occurrences (OED n.1 3). with frowns, 1426

And wrongs me with the sweets of my delight! 1427

Love is my bliss, and love is now my bale. bale. bale , woe, often opposed alliteratively to bliss (OED n.1 5). 1428

Shall I be Helen in my fates, 1429

As I am Helen in my matchless hue, hue, hue , shape, figure (OED n.1 1a). 1430

And set rich Suffolk with my face afire? And set rich Suffolk with my face afire? Compare with Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus about Helen:“Was this the face that launch'd a thousand ships / And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?”(v, i, 96-97). 1431

If lovely Lacy were but with his Peggy, 1432

The cloudy darkness of his bitter frown 1433

Would check the pride of these aspiring squires. 1434

Before the term of ten days be expired, 1435

Whenas they look for answer of their loves, 1436

My lord will come to merry Fressingfield 1437

And end their fancies and their follies both; 1438

Till when, Peggy, be blithe and of good cheer. 1439

(Enter a post with a letter and a bag of gold.)

Post.

Fair lovely damsel, which way leads this path? 1440

How might I post post post me , hasten (OED v.2 2a). me unto Fressingfield? 1441

Which footpath leadeth to the keeper's lodge? 1442

Margaret.

Your way is ready ready ready , straight ahead, close at hand (OED adj., adv., int. and n. A9). and this path is right. 1443

Myself do dwell hereby in Fressingfield, 1444

And if the keeper be the man you seek, 1445

I am his daughter. May I know the cause? 1446

Post.

Lovely and once belovèd of my lord. 1447

No marvel if his eye was lodged so low, 1448

When brighter beauty is not in the heavens. 1449

The Lincoln Earl hath sent you letters here, 1450

And with them just an hundred pounds in gold. 1451

Sweet bonny wench, read them and make reply. 1452

([He delivers [He delivers the letter and the money] This edition the letter and the money])

Margaret.

The scrolls that Iove sent Danaë, 1453

Wrapped in rich closures closures closures , covers, coverings (OED n. 1a). of fine burnished gold, 1454

Were not more welcome than these lines to me. 1455

Tell me, whilst that I do unrip the seals, 1456

Lives Lacy well? How fares my lovely lord? 1457

Post.

Well, if that wealth may make men to live well. 1458

The letter, and Margaret reads it. "The blooms of the almond tree grow in a night, and vanish The blooms of the almond tree grow in a night, and vanish The letter is written in the euphuistic style, after John Lyly’s Euphues (1578-1580), with fancifulnatural history, antithetical sentence structures,etc... (Bevington) in a morn; the flies hemerae hemerae haemerae , hemera, insects of short life (OED n.1 1a, earliest example). , fair Peggy, take life with the sun and die with the dew; fancy, that slippeth in with a gaze, goeth out with a wink; and too timely loves have ever the shortest length. I write this as thy grief, and my folly, who at Fressingfield loved that which time hath taught me to be but mean dainties. Eyes are dissemblers, and fancy is but queasy. queasy. queasy , delicate, fastidious, squeamish (OED adj. 2b). Therefore know, Margaret, I have chosen a Spanish lady to be my wife, chief waiting-woman to the Princess Eleanor; a lady fair, and no less fair than thyself, honourable and wealthy. In that I forsake thee, I leave thee to thine own liking; and for thy dowry I have sent thee an hundred pounds, and ever assure thee of my favour, which shall avail thee and thine much. Farewell. Not thine nor his own, Edward Lacy."

Fond Até, Até, Até , goddess of infatuation and criminal folly. doomer of bad-boding fates, 1474

That wraps proud Fortune in thy snaky locks, snaky locks, snaky locks , it was Medusa, not Ate, who was the snake-haired goddess. 1475

Didst thou enchant my birthday with such stars 1476

As lightened lightened lightened , emitted flashes (OED v. 7). mischief from their infancy? 1477

If heavens had vowed, if stars had made decree, 1478

To show on me their froward froward froward , perverse (OED adj., adv. and prep. A2). influence, 1479

If Lacy had but loved, heavens, hell and all 1480

Could not have wronged the patience of my mind. 1481

Post.

It grieves me, damsel, but the Earl is forced 1482

To love the lady by the King's command. 1483

Margaret.

The wealth combined within the English shelves, shelves, shelves , cliffs (OED n.1 5a). 1484

Europe's commander, commander, commander , the emperor (Bevington). nor the English king 1485

Should not have moved the love of Peggy from her lord. 1486

Post.

What answer shall I return to my lord? 1487

Margaret.

First, for thou cam'st from Lacy whom I loved− 1488

Ah, give me leave to sigh at every thought!− 1489

Take thou, my friend, the hundred pound he sent, 1490

For Margaret's resolution craves no dower. 1491

([She returns the money [She returns the money] ])

The world shall be to her as vanity; 1492

Wealth, trash; love, hate; pleasure, despair. 1493

For I will straight to stately Framingham, 1494

And in the abbey there be shorn a nun shorn a nun shorn a nun , have the hair cut off and become a nun. 1495

And yield my loves and liberty to God. 1496

Fellow, I give thee this, not for the news, 1497

For those be hateful unto Margaret, 1498

But for thou'rt Lacy's man, once Margaret's love. 1499

Post.

What I have heard, what passions passions passions , emotions (OED n. 6a). I have seen, 1500

I'll make report of them unto the Earl. 1501

(Exit Post)

Margaret.

Say that she joys his fancies be at rest, 1502

And prays that his misfortune may be hers. 1503

(Exit)

[SCENE XI]

(Enter Friar Bacon drawing the curtains with a white stick white stick white stick , conjuring wand (Bevington). , a book in his hand, and a lamp lighted by him, and the brazen head; and Miles, with weapons by him.)

Bacon.

Miles, where are you? 1504

Miles.

Here, sir. 1505

Bacon.

How chance you tarry so long? 1506

Miles.

Think you that the watching of the brazen head craves craves craves , demands (OED v. 1a). no furniture? furniture? furniture , weapons (OED v. 4b). I warrant you, sir, I have so armed myself that, if all your devils come, I will not fear them an inch.

Bacon.

Miles, thou knowest that I have dived into hell 1510

And sought the darkest palaces of fiends, 1511

That with my magic spells great Belcephon 1512

Hath left his lodge and kneelèd at my cell; 1513

The rafters of the earth rent from the poles, 1514

And three-formed Luna three-formed Luna three-formed Luna , Luna (goddess of the Moon), Hecate (underworld goddess) y Diana (huntress-goddess). The origin is in Metamorphosis by Ovid (VII, 177), “diva triformis”. hid her silver looks, 1515

Trembling upon her concave continent concave continent concave continent , the sky or the sphere of the Moon, orbit (Lavin). 1516

When Bacon read upon his magic book. 1517

With seven years' tossing necromantic charms, 1518

Poring upon dark Hecate's Hecate's Hecate , goddess of witchcraft. principles, 1519

I have framed out a monstrous head of brass, 1520

That, by the enchanting forces of the devil, 1521

Shall tell out strange and uncouth uncouth uncouth , unusual, marvellous, remarkable (OED adj.and n. 3a). aphorisms, 1522

And girt fair England with a wall of brass. 1523

Bungay and I have watched these threescore days, 1524

And now our vital spirits crave some rest. 1525

If Argus Argus Argus , hundred-eyed monster that Hera sent to guard Io after the latter was transformed into a white heifer by Zeus. lived and had his hundred eyes, 1526

They could not overwatch Phobeter's Phobeter's Phobeter , Morpheus, god of dreams. night. 1527

Now, Miles, in thee rests Friar Bacon's weal; weal; weal , welfare (OED n.1 1a). 1528

The honour and renown of all his life 1529

Hangs in the watching of this brazen head. 1530

Therefore, I charge thee by the immortal God, 1531

That holds the souls of men within his fist, 1532

This night thou watch, for ere the morning star 1533

Sends out his glorious glister glister glister , bright light (OED n. 1). on the north 1534

The head will speak. Then, Miles, upon thy life, 1535

Wake me; for then by magic art I'll work 1536

To end my seven years' task with excellence. 1537

If that a wink but shut thy watchful eye, 1538

Then farewell Bacon's glory and his fame. 1539

Draw close the curtains. Miles, now, for thy life, 1540

Be watchful and− 1541

(Here he falleth asleep.)

Miles.

So. I thought you would talk yourself a sleep anon; and 'tis no marvel, for Bungay on the days, and he on the nights have watched just these ten-and-fifty days. Now this is the night, and 'tis my task and no more. Now, Jesus bless me! What a goodly head it is, and a nose! You talk of nos autem glorificare nos autem glorificare nos autem glorificare , which means “let us glorify”; nos autem popelare ,“let us destroy” .Here Miles parodies a verse of the Vespers: “Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini nostri Jesu Christi”, and puns on “nos” and “nose”. Greene used the same joke in A Looking Glass, I. ii, 201: “it was a nose autem glorificam ...” etc. In addition, “popelare” is a pun with the word “popa” (which means “Pope”). , but here's a nose, that I warrant may be called nos autem popelare nos autem popelare nos autem glorificare , which means “let us glorify”; nos autem popelare ,“let us destroy” .Here Miles parodies a verse of the Vespers: “Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini nostri Jesu Christi”, and puns on “nos” and “nose”. Greene used the same joke in A Looking Glass, I. ii, 201: “it was a nose autem glorificam ...” etc. In addition, “popelare” is a pun with the word “popa” (which means “Pope”). for the people of the parish. Well, I am furnished with weapons. Now, sir, I will set me down by a post, and make it as good as a watchman to wake me if I chance to slumber. I thought, goodman Head, I would call you out of your memento memento memento , humorously misused for “reverie”, “brown study” (OED’s earliest example is from Greene, 1587). Miles alludes to the similarity between the brazen head and those skulls, with the inscription memento mori (“remember that you will die”), kept by the pious as a constant reminder of death. . (Sit down and knock your head. knock your head. knock your head , nod in sleep against the stage pillar (Lavin). ) Passion o' God, I have almost broke my pate! Up, Miles, to your task! Take your brown bill brown bill brown bill , halberd, pike (OED n.). in your hand, here's some of your master's hobgoblins abroad.

(With this, a great noise. The head speaks.)

Head.

Time is. 1555

Miles.

Time is? Why, Master Brazenhead, have you such a capital nose, and answer you with syllables? "Time is"? Is this all my master's cunning, to spend seven year's study about "Time is"? Well, sir, it may be we shall have some better orations of it anon. Well, I'll watch you as narrowly as ever you were watched, and I'll play with you as the nightingale as the nightingale as the nightingale , proverbially, the nightingale sings with its breast against a thorn. The implication here seems to be that the slowworm (snake) is waiting for the bird to sleep before attacking it (Lavin). with the slowworm. slowworm. slowworm , small lizard, snake (OED n.). I'll set a prick against my breast. [He leans a halberd [He leans a halberd against his breast.] against his breast.] Now, rest there, Miles. [He falls [He falls over.] over.] Lord have mercy upon me, I have almost killed myself! Up, Miles. [A loud noise [A loud noise again.] again.] List List list , listen (OED v.2 1a). how they rumble!

Head.

Time was. 1568

Miles.

Well, Friar Bacon, you spent your seven years' study well, that can make your Head speak but two words at once. 'Time was'. Yea, marry, time was when my master was a wise man, but that was before he began to make the brazen head. You shall lie while your arse ache , if (OED conj. 2). your head speak no better. Well, I will watch, and walk up and down, and be a peripatetian peripatetian peripatetian , peripatician, follower of the Peripatetic Aristotle’s school of philosophy (OED n. 1). and a philosopher of Aristotle's stamp. What, a fresh noise? Take thy pistols in hand, Miles!

(Here the Head speaks, and a lightning flasheth forth, and a hand appears that breaketh down the head with a hammer.)

Head.

Time is past. 1577

Miles.

Master, master, up! Hell's broken loose! Your head speaks, and there's such a thunder and lightning that, I warrant, all Oxford is up in arms. Out of your bed and take a brown bill in your hand! The latter day latter day latter day , the Last Day, doomsday, the Day of Judgement (OED n. A2b). is come.

Bacon.

Miles, I come. Oh, passing passing passing , exceedingly (OED adj., prep. and adv. Ca). warily watched! 1582

Bacon will make thee next himself in love. 1583

When spake the Head? 1584

Miles.

When spake the head? Did not you say that he should tell strange principles of philosophy? Why, sir, it speaks but two words at a time.

Bacon.

Why, villain, hath it spoken oft? 1588

Miles.

Oft? Ay, marry, hath it, thrice. But in all those three times it hath uttered but seven words.

Bacon.

As how? 1591

Miles.

Marry, sir, the first time he said "Time is." As if Fabius Cumentator Cumentator Fabius Cumentator , Quintus Fabius Maximus, nicknamed “Cunctator” (c. 280-203) was a Roman dictator. Cunctator means “the delayer” in Latin and refers to his military tactics during the Second Punic War. He was appointed dictator to save Rome in 217 BC after the defeat in the battle of Trasimeno against Hannibal. should have pronounced a sentence, he said "Time was". And the third time, with thunder and lightning, as in great choler, choler, choler , anger (OED n. and adj. 3). he said "Time is past."

Bacon.

'Tis past indeed. Ah, villain, time is past; 1596

My life, my fame, my glory, all are past! 1597

Bacon, the turrets of thy hope are ruined down; 1598

Thy seven years' study lieth in the dust. 1599

Thy brazen head lies broken through a slave 1600

That watched, and would not when the head did will. ̶ 1601

What said the head first? 1602

Miles.

Even, sir, "Time is." 1603

Bacon.

Villain, if thou hadst called to Bacon then, 1604

If thou hadst watched and waked the sleepy friar, 1605

The brazen head had uttered aphorisms, 1606

And England had been circled round with brass. 1607

But proud Astmeroth, Astmeroth, Astmeroth, a name of a devil, Asmenoth. ruler of the north, 1608

And Demogorgon, Demogorgon, Demogorgon, a powerful devil invoked in magic rites, whose earliest example in the OED dates back from 1590 by Spenser. master of the fates, 1609

Grudge that a mortal man should work work work, achieve (OED v. 9). so much. 1610

Hell trembled at my deep commanding spells; 1611

Fiends frowned to see a man their overmatch. 1612

Bacon might boast more than a man might boast, 1613

But now the braves braves braves , boasts (Lavin, Bevington). of Bacon hath an end; 1614

Europe's conceit conceit conceit , good opinion (OED n. 6a). of Bacon hath an end. 1615

His seven years' practice sorteth sorteth sorteth , concludes, leads to (OED v.1 7b). to ill end; 1616

And, villain, sith my glory hath an end, 1617

I will appoint thee fatal to some end. fatal to some end. fatal to some end , doomed to a fatal end (Bevington). 1618

Villain, avoid avoid avoid , go, get away (OED v. 6a). ! Get thee from Bacon's sight. 1619

Vagrant, go roam and range range range , wander (OED v.1 I1a). about the world, 1620

And perish as a vagabond on earth. 1621

Miles.

Why then, sir, you forbid me your service? 1622

Bacon.

My service, villain, with a fatal curse 1623

That direful plagues and mischief fall on thee! 1624

Miles.

'Tis no matter. I am against you with I am against you with I am against you with , I can answer or counter you with (Lavin). the old proverb, "The more the fox is cursed, the better he fares. The more the fox is cursed, the better he fares. The more the fox is cursed, the better he fares is proverbial and collected in the Dictionary of proverbs by George Latimer Apperson and Martin H. Manser (2007) on page 219. There is a double play with the words: firstly, “cursed” has the meaning “damned” and “chased” (coursed); secondly, “fares” may refer to “succeed” or to “go away”. " God be with you, sir. I'll take but a book in my hand, a wide-sleeved gown on my back and a crowned cap on my head, and see if I can want want want , lack (OED v. 1a). promotion.

Bacon.

Some fiend or ghost haunt on haunt on haunt on , pursue (OED v. 5a). thy weary steps 1630

Until they do transport thee quick to hell! 1631

([Exit [Exit Miles] Miles.])

For Bacon shall have never merry day 1632

To lose To lose To lose , Having lost. the fame and honour of his head. 1633

(Exit.)

[SCENE XII]

(Enter Emperor, Castile, Henry, Eleanor, Edward, Lacy, Rafe.)

Emperor.

Now, lovely prince, the prince of Albion's wealth, 1634

How fares the Lady Eleanor and you? 1635

What, have you courted and found Castile fit 1636

To answer England in equivalence? 1637

Will't be a match 'twixt bonny Nell and thee? 1638

Edward.

Should Paris enter in the courts of Greece 1639

And not lie fettered in fair Helen's looks? 1640

Or Phoebus scape those piercing amorets, amorets, amorets , looks of love (OED n. 5, second earliest example). 1641

That Daphne glancèd at his deity? 1642

Can Edward then sit by a flame a flame a flame , Eleanor. and freeze, 1643

Whose heat puts Helen Helen and fair Daphne Daphne down down down , in the shade (Bevington). ? 1644

Now, monarchs, ask the lady if we 'gree. 1645

Henry.

What, madam, hath my son found grace or no? 1646

Eleanor.

Seeing, my lord, his lovely counterfeit, counterfeit, counterfeit , portrait (OED adj. and n. 3a). 1647

And hearing how his mind and shape agreed, 1648

I come not, trooped trooped trooped , accompanied (OED v. 2a, earliest example). with all this warlike train, 1649

Doubting of love, but so affectionate 1650

As Edward hath in England what he won in Spain. 1651

Castile.

[to King Henry [to King Henry] ] A match, my lord. These wantons needs must love; 1652

Men must have wives and women will be wed. 1653

Let's haste the day to honour up the rites. 1654

Rafe.

Sirrah Harry, shall Ned marry Nell?

Henry.

Ay, Rafe. How then? 1656

Rafe.

Marry Marry Marry allows a pun due to the two meanings it has, as an exclamation and as a verb. , Harry, follow my counsel: send for Friar Bacon to marry them, for he'll so conjure him and her with his necromancy that they shall love together like pig and lamb whilst they live.

Castile.

But hear'st thou,Rafe, art thou content to have Eleanor to thy lady?

Rafe.

Ay, so she will promise me two things.

Castile.

What's that, Rafe?

Rafe.

That she will never scold with Ned nor fight with me.− Sirrah Harry, I have put her down with a thing unpossible.

Henry.

What's that, Rafe?

Rafe.

Why, Harry, didst thou ever see that a woman could both hold her tongue and her hands? No. But when eggpies when eggpies when eggpies … bagpiper , never, it is impossible that this happens (Lavin). grows on apple-trees, then will thy grey mare prove a bag-piper.

Emperor.

What says the Lord of Castile and the Earl of 1671

Lincoln, that they are in such earnest and secret talk? 1672

Castile.

I stand, my lord, amazèd at his talk, 1673

How he discourseth of the constancy 1674

Of one surnamed, for beauty's excellence, 1675

The fair maid of merry Fressingfield. 1676

Henry.

'Tis true, my lord, 'tis wondrous for to hear; 1677

Her beauty passing Mars's paramour, Mars's paramour, Mars’s paramour , Venus. 1678

Her virgin's right as rich as Vesta Vesta Vesta , goddess of the hearth and patrones of virgins. 's was. 1679

Lacy and Ned hath told me miracles. 1680

Castile.

What says Lord Lacy? Shall she be his wife? 1681

Lacy.

Or else Lord Lacy is unfit to live.− 1682

May it please Your Highness give me leave to post 1683

To Fressingfield, I'll fetch the bonny girl 1684

And prove in true appearance at the court 1685

What I have vouchèd often with my tongue. 1686

Henry.

Lacy, go to the querry querry querry , equerry, officer in charge of the royal stables (OED n. 2). of my stable, 1687

And take such coursers coursers coursers , swift, spirited horses (Bevington). as shall fit thy turn. 1688

Hie thee to Fressingfield and bring home the lass, 1689

And, for for for , because. her fame flies through the English coast, 1690

If it may please the lady Eleanor, 1691

One day shall match Your Excellence and her. One day shall match Your Excellence and her. One day shall match Your Excellence and her , you shall both be married on the same day (Lavin). 1692

Eleanor.

We Castile ladies are not very coy. coy. coy , disdainful, proud, distant (OED adj. 3). 1693

Your Highness may command a greater boon; 1694

And glad were I to grace the Lincoln Earl 1695

With being partner of his marriage day. 1696

Edward.

Gramercy, Nell, for I do love the lord for I do love the lord for I do love … in love , I love Lacy as the closest to my heart after my first attachment to you (Bevington). 1697

As he that's second to myself in love. 1698

Rafe.

You love her?− Madam Nell, never believe him you, though he swears he loves you.

Eleanor.

Why, Rafe? 1701

Rafe.

Why, his love is like unto a tapster's tapster's tapster , bartender, keeper of a tavern (OED n. 2). glass that is broken with every touch, for he loved the fair maid of Fressingfield once out of all ho. out of all ho. out of all ho , beyond all moderation (OED n. B). −Nay, Ned, never wink upon me; I care not, I.

Henry.

Rafe tells all, you shall have a good secretary of him. 1705

But, Lacy, haste thee post post post , speedily (OED adv. 1). to Fressingfield; 1706

For ere thou hast fitted all things for her state 1707

The solemn marriage day will be at hand. 1708

Lacy.

I go, my lord. 1709

(Exit Lacy.)

Emperor.

How shall we pass this day, my lord? 1710

Henry.

To horse, my lord. The day is passing fair. 1711

We'll fly the partridge fly the partridge fly the partridge , fly the hawks at the partridges (OED v.1 3c). or go rouse the deer.− 1712

Follow, my lords. You shall not want for sport. 1713

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE XIII]

(Enter Friar Bacon with Friar Bungay to his cell.)

Bungay.

What means the friar that frolicked it of late, 1714

To sit as melancholy in his , 1715

As if he had neither lost nor won today? 1716

Bacon.

Ah, Bungay, my brazen head is spoiled, 1717

My glory gone, my seven years' study lost. 1718

The fame of Bacon, bruited bruited bruited , widely proclaimed (OED adj. 5a). through the world, 1719

Shall end and perish with this deep disgrace. 1720

Bungay.

Bacon hath built foundation of of on his fame 1721

So surely on the wings of true report, 1722

With acting strange and uncouth uncouth uncouth , remarkable, strange, marvellous (OED adj. 3a). miracles, 1723

As this cannot infringe infringe infringe , destroy, invalidate (OED v.1 1). what he deserves. 1724

Bacon.

Bungay, sit down,for by prospective prospective prospective , prophetic, able to see into the future (OED n. and adj. B1). skill 1725

I find this day shall fall out ominous. 1726

Some deadly act shall 'tide 'tide ’tide , happen, betide, befall (OED v. 1a). me ere I sleep, 1727

But what and wherein little can I guess. 1728

Bungay.

My mind is heavy, whatsoe'er shall hap My mind is heavy, whatsoe’er shall hap. Grosart, Gayley and Neilson assign this line to Bacon. . 1729

(Knock.)

Bacon.

Who's that knocks? 1730

Bungay.

Two scholars that desires to speak with you. 1731

Bacon.

Bid them come in. 1732

(Enter two scholars, scholars, scholars , undergraduates (OED n. 2a). sons to Lambert and .)

Now, my youths, what would you have?

1 Scholar.

Sir, we are Suffolk men and neighbouring friends; 1733

Our fathers, in their countries, countries, countries , districts (OED v. AI 4a). lusty lusty lusty , vigorous (OED adj. 5a). squires; 1734

Their lands adjoin. In Cratfield Cratfield Crackfield , Cratfield, a town in Suffolk near Laxfield and Fressingfield. mine doth dwell, 1735

And his in Laxfield. We are college mates, 1736

Sworn brothers, as our fathers lives as friends. 1737

Bacon.

To what end is all this? 1738

2 Scholar.

Hearing your worship kept within your cell 1739

A glass prospective wherein men might see 1740

Whatso their thoughts or hearts' desire could wish, 1741

We come to know how that our fathers fare. 1742

Bacon.

My glass is free for every honest man. 1743

Sit down and you shall see ere long 1744

How or in what state your friendly fathers live father lives fathers live . 1745

Meanwhile, tell me your names. 1746

Lambert.

Mine, Lambert. 1747

2 Scholar.

And mine, Serlsby. 1748

Bacon.

, I smell there will be a tragedy. 1749

(Enter [as in the magic glass [as in the magic glass] ] Lambert and Serlsby, with rapiers and daggers. rapiers and daggers. rapiers and daggers , weapons usually employed together in duelling (Lavin).)

Lambert.

Serlsby, thou hast kept thine hour hour hour , appointed time (OED n. 4a). like a man. 1750

Thou'rt worthy of the title of a squire 1751

That durst, for proof of thy affection, 1752

And for thy mistress' favour, prize prize prize , stake, risk (OED v.1 1b). thy blood. 1753

Thou know'st what words did pass at Fressingfield, 1754

Such shameless braves braves braves , boasts, threats, taunts (Lavin, Bevington). as manhood cannot brook. brook. brook , tolerate (OED v.1 3a). 1755

Ay, for I scorn to bear such piercing taunts. 1756

Prepare thee, Serlsby; one of us will die. 1757

Serlsby.

Thou see'st I single thee the , single thee the , single thee the , take thee apart, draw out; based on hunting terminology (Seltzer). 1758

And what I spake I'll maintain with my sword. 1759

Stand on thy guard! I cannot scold it out. scold it out. scold it out , continue wrangling to the end. (OED v. 2, earliest example). 1760

And if thou kill me, think I have a son, 1761

That lives in Oxford in the Broadgates Hall, Broadgates Hall, Broadgates Hall , part of the Pembroke Hall of Oxford since 1624. 1762

Who will revenge his father's blood with blood. 1763

Lambert.

And, Serlsby, I have there a lusty boy, 1764

That dares at weapon buckle with buckle with buckle with , grapple, engage with, encounter with (OED v. 3b). thy son, 1765

And lives in Broadgates too, as well as thine. 1766

But draw thy rapier, for we'll have a bout. 1767

Bacon.

Now, lusty younkers, younkers, younkers , young men(OED n. 2a). look within the glass, 1768

And tell me if you can discern your sires. 1769

1 Scholar.

Serlsby, 'tis hard. Thy father offers wrong 1770

To combat with my father in the field. 1771

2 Scholar.

Lambert, thou liest! My father's is the abuse, My father's is the abuse, My father’s is the abuse , My father is wronged (Bevington). 1772

And thou shalt find it, if my father harm. harm. harm , be harmed. 1773

Bungay.

How goes it, sirs? 1774

1 Scholar.

Our fathers are in combat hard by Fressingfield. 1775

Bacon.

Sit still, my friends, and see the event. event. event , result, outcome (OED n. 3a). 1776

Lambert.

Why stand'st stand'st stand’st , remain motionless (OED v. 4a). thou, Serlsby? Doubt'st thou of Doubt'st thou of Doubt’st thou of , Do you fear for (OED n.2 8a). thy life? 1777

A veney, A veney, a veney , a bout of fencing. (OED n.2 2, earliest example). man; fair Margaret craves so much. 1778

Serlsby.

Then this for her! 1779

1 Scholar.

Ah, well thrust! 1780

2 Scholar.

But mark the ward ward ward , defensive move in fencing, parry (OED n.2 8a, second example). . 1781

(They fight and kill each other.)

Lambert.

Oh, I am slain! 1782

Serlsby.

And I! Lord have mercy on me. 1783

1 Scholar.

My father slain! − Serlsby, ward that. 1784

2 Scholar.

And so is mine. Lambert, I'll quite quite quite , requite (Bevington). thee well. 1785

(The two scholars stab one another The two scholars stab on another Bevington places the stage direction here instead of before line 1781, and this makes more sense. .)

Bungay.

O, strange stratagem! stratagem! stratagem , violent act (OED n. 3). 1786

Bacon.

See, friar, where the fathers both lie dead. the fathers both lie dead. There is no indication here or at the end of the scene as to how the four bodies were removed from the audience’s view. 1787

Bacon, thy magic doth effect this massacre. 1788

This glass prospective worketh many woes; 1789

And therefore, seeing these brave lusty brutes, brutes, brutes , bruisers (OED adj. and n.1 2b). 1790

These friendly youths, did perish by thine art, 1791

End all thy magic and thine art at once. 1792

The poniard that did end the fatal fatal fatal , condemned by fate, doomed (OED adj. 2). lives 1793

Shall break the cause of their woes. 1794

So fade the glass, and end with it the shows 1795

That necromancy did infuse the crystal with. 1796

(He breaks the glass.)

Bungay.

What means learned Bacon thus to break his glass? 1797

Bacon.

I tell thee, Bungay, it repents me sore 1798

That ever Bacon medled in this art. 1799

The hours I have spent in pyromantic spells, 1800

The fearful tossing tossing tossing , turning over and over (OED v. 2). in the latest night in the latest night in the latest night , deep of night (OED adj., n. and adv. 4, earliest example). 1801

Of papers full of necromantic charms, 1802

Conjuring Conjuring Conjuring , Calling upon (OED v. 3). and adjuring adjuring adjuring , invoking (OED v. 3). devils and fiends, 1803

With stole stole stole , vestments worn by a priest when engaged in exorcism or conjuration (OED n. 2b). and alb alb alb , white vestment reaching the feet and enveloping the entire body, worn by clergy, servers, and others taking part in church services (OED n.). and strange pentagonon, 1804

The wresting wresting wresting , wrenching, misapplying, misusing (OED v. 5a). of the holy name of God, 1805

As Sother, Eloim, and Adonai, Eloim, and Adonai, Eloim … Tetragrammaton , various subtitutions for, and translations of, the Hebrew word for God, all of which were thought to have occult powers. 1806

Alpha, Manoth, and Tetragrammaton, 1807

With praying to the five-fold powers of heaven, five-fold powers of heaven, five-fold powers of heaven , as represented by the various names of God, each written at a point of the pentangle. 1808

Are instances instances instances that , reasons why (OED n. 2). that Bacon must be damned 1809

For using devils to countervail his God. 1810

Yet, Bacon, cheer thee, drown not in despair. 1811

Sins have their salves: repentance can do much, 1812

Think Mercy sits where Justice holds her seat; 1813

And from those wounds those bloody Jews did pierce, 1814

Which by thy magic oft did bleed afresh, Which by thy magic oft did bleed afresh, Which by thy magic oft did bleed afresh , Christ’s wounds were made to bleed again in expiation for the sins committed by Bacon in practising black magic. 1815

From thence for thee the dew of mercy drops 1816

To wash the wrath of high Jehovah's ire, 1817

And make thee as a new-born babe from from from , free from. sin.− 1818

Bungay, I'll spend the remnant of my life 1819

In pure devotion, praying to my God 1820

That he would save what Bacon vainly lost. what Bacon vainly lost. what Bacon vainly lost , his soul. 1821

(Exit [with Bungay [with Bungay] ].)

[SCENE XIV]

(Enter Margaret in nun's apparel; Keeper, her father; and their friend.)

Keeper.

Margaret, be not so headstrong in these vows. 1822

Oh, bury not such beauty in a cell 1823

That England hath held famous for the hue. 1824

Thy father's hair, like to the silver blooms 1825

That beautify the shrubs of Africa, 1826

Shall fall before the dated dated dated , having a fixed date, destined (OED adj. 1). time of death, 1827

Thus to forgo his lovely Margaret. 1828

Margaret.

Ah, father, when the harmony of heaven 1829

Soundeth the measures measures measures , melodies (OED n. 14). of a lively lively lively , living (OED adj. and n. A1a). faith, 1830

The vain illusions of this flattering world 1831

Seems odious to the thoughts of Margaret. 1832

I lovèd once, Lord Lacy was my love. 1833

And now I hate myself for that I loved, 1834

And doted more on him than on my God. 1835

For this I scourge myself with sharp repents, repents, repents , repentances (OED n.). 1836

But now the touch of such aspiring sins 1837

Tells me all love is lust but love of heavens, 1838

That beauty used for love is vanity. 1839

The world contains naught but alluring baits: 1840

Pride, flattery, and inconstant thoughts. 1841

To shun the pricks pricks pricks , marks on a surface made with a pointed tool (OED n. 2a). of death I leave the world 1842

And vow to meditate on heavenly bliss, 1843

To live in Framlingham a holy nun, 1844

Holy and pure in conscience and in deed; 1845

And for to wish all maids to learn of me 1846

To seek heaven's joy before earth's vanity. 1847

Friend.

And will you then, Margaret, be shorn a nun, and so leave us all?

Margaret.

Now, farewell, world, the engine engine engine , instrument (OED n. 13). of all woe. 1850

Farewell to friends and father!Welcome, Christ. 1851

Adieu to dainty robes!This base attire 1852

Better befits an humble mind to God 1853

Than all the show of rich habiliments. 1854

Love, o love, and with fond fond fond , foolish (OED adj. and n.1 A2). love, farewell! 1855

Sweet Lacy, whom I lovèd once so dear, 1856

Ever be well, but never in my thoughts, 1857

Lest I offend to think on Lacy's love. 1858

But even to that, as to the rest, farewell! 1859

(Enter Lacy, Warren, Ermsby, booted and spurred. Enter Lacy, Warren, Ermsby, booted and spurred. The characters who enter do not see Margaret, the Keeper and the friend at first, and Margaret stands to one side (Bevington).)

Lacy.

Come on, my wags wags wags , mischievous boys (OED n.2 1). , we're near the Keeper's lodge. 1860

Here have I oft walked in the wat'ry meads, 1861

And chatted with my lovely Margaret. 1862

Warren.

Sirrah Ned, is not this the Keeper? 1863

Lacy.

'Tis the same. 1864

Ermsby.

The old lecher hath gotten holy mutton mutton mutton , slang term for prostitute (OED n. 4). to him. 1865

A nun, my lord! 1866

Lacy.

Keeper, how farest thou? Holla, man, what cheer? 1867

How doth Peggy, thy daughter and my love? 1868

Keeper.

Ah, good my lord! Oh, woe is me for Peg! 1869

See where she stands, clad in her nun's attire, 1870

Ready for to be shorn in Framlingham. 1871

She leaves the world because she left left left , lost (OED v. 12b). your love. 1872

Oh, good my lord, persuade her if you can. 1873

Lacy.

Why, how now, Margaret. What, a malcontent? malcontent? malcontent , discontented (OED n.1 and adj. B). 1874

A nun? What holy father taught you this, 1875

To task yourself to task yourself to task yourself to , put yourself to, impose on yourself (OED v. 2b, earliest example). such a tedious life 1876

As die a maid? 'Twere injury to me 1877

To smother up such beauty in a cell. 1878

Margaret.

Lord Lacy, thinking of , as Bevington proposes makes more sense than the Q1 form (“thy”), and is a probable mistake of substitution of possessives. former miss miss miss , misdeed, fault, error (OED n.1 4a). , 1879

How fond fond fond , foolishly (Lavin, Bevington). the prime of wanton years were spent 1880

In love− Oh, fie upon that fond conceit conceit conceit , idea, notion (OED n. 1a). , 1881

Whose hap and essence hangeth in the eye! hangeth in the eye! hangeth in the eye , is only superficial (Bevington). 1882

I leave both love and love's content at once, 1883

Betaking me to Him that is true love, 1884

And leaving all the world for love of Him. 1885

Lacy.

Whence, Peggy, comes this metamorphosis? 1886

What, shorn a nun? And I have from the court 1887

Posted with coursers to convey thee hence 1888

To Windsor, where our marriage shall be kept kept kept , celebrated (OED v. 12). ? 1889

Thy wedding robes are in the tailor's hands, 1890

Come, Peggy, leave these peremptory peremptory peremptory , obstinate (OED n. 4a). vows. 1891

Margaret.

Did not my lord resign his interest 1892

And make divorce 'twixt Margaret and him? 1893

Lacy.

'Twas but to try sweet Peggy's constancy. 1894

But will fair Margaret leave her love and lord? 1895

Margaret.

Is not heaven's joy before earth's fading bliss, 1896

And life above sweeter than life in love? 1897

Lacy.

Why, then Margaret will be shorn a nun? 1898

Margaret.

Margaret hath made a vow which may not be revoked. 1899

Warren.

We cannot stay, my lord; and if she be so strict, 1900

Our leisure grants us not to woo afresh. 1901

Ermsby.

Choose you, fair damsel. Yet the choice is yours: 1902

Either a solemn nunnery or the court, 1903

God or Lord Lacy. Which contents you best, 1904

To be a nun, or else Lord Lacy's wife? 1905

Lacy.

A good motion.−Peggy, your answer must be short. 1906

Margaret.

The flesh is frail. My lord doth know it well, 1907

That when he comes with his enchanting face, 1908

Whatsoe'er betide, I cannot say him nay. 1909

Off goes the habit of a maiden's heart, 1910

And, seeing Fortune will, will, will , wishes it (OED v.2 1a). fair Framlingham, 1911

And all the show of holy nuns, farewell! 1912

Lacy for me, if he will be my lord. 1913

Lacy.

Peggy, thy lord, thy love, thy husband. 1914

Trust me, by truth of knighthood, that the king 1915

Stays for to marry matchless Eleanor 1916

Until I bring thee richly to the court, 1917

That one day may both marry her and thee− 1918

How say'st thou, keeper? Art thou glad of this? 1919

Keeper.

As if the English king had given 1920

The park and deer of Fressingfield to me. 1921

Ermsby.

I pray thee, my Lord of Sussex, why art thou in a brown study? study? in a brown study , in a reverie (Bevington).

Warren.

To see the nature of women, that, be they never so near God, yet they love to die die die allows a pun because it has the double meaning of “pass away” and “experience an orgasm”. We can find these meaning in the OED: “To experience a sexual orgasm. (Most common as a poetical metaphor in the late 16th and 17th cent.)” in a man's arms.

Lacy.

What have you fit for breakfast? We have hied What have you fit for breakfast? We have hied I have maintained the prose in the original. Bevington’s option, for example, was treating it as verse. 1926

And posted all this night to Fressingfield. 1927

Margaret.

Butter and cheese and humbles humbles humbles , the inwards of a deer or other beast (OED n.2). of a deer, 1928

Such as poor keepers have within their lodge. 1929

Lacy.

And not a bottle of wine? 1930

Margaret.

We'll find one for my lord. 1931

Lacy.

Come, Sussex, let's in. We shall have more, for she speaks Come, Sussex, let's in. We shall have more, for she speaks Like in lines 1922-1923, I have maintained the prose in the original. least to hold her promise sure.

(Exeunt.)

[SCENE XV]

(Enter a devil to seek Miles.)

Devil.

How restless are the ghosts of hellish spirits, 1934

When every charmer with his magic spells 1935

Calls us from nine-fold trenchèd nine-fold trenchèd Nine-fold trench is an epithet applied to the Styx (a deity and a river that forms the boundary between the earth and the underworld) by Virgil (Georgics, IV, 478-480; Aeneid, VI, 438-439);Phlegeton, one of the five rivers surrounding Hades, a river of fire which flowed into the Acheron. Phlegethon, Phlegethon, 1936

To scud scud scud , hurry (OED v.1 1a). and overscour overscour overscour , scour, move rapidly over (OED v.1 1c). the earth in post 1937

Upon the speedy wings of swiftest winds! 1938

Now Bacon hath raised me from the darkest deep 1939

To search about the world for Miles his man, 1940

For Miles, and to torment his lazy bones 1941

For careless watching of his brazen head. 1942

See where he comes. Oh, he is mine. 1943

(Enter Miles with a gown and a corner cap a gown and a corner cap a gown and a corner cap , academic garb (Bevington). .)

Miles.

A scholar, quoth you? Marry, sir, I would I had been made a bottle-maker when I was made a scholar, for I can get neither to be a deacon, reader, reader, reader , uncertain meaning between (i) teacher (OED n. 4a) and (ii) minor functionary in the Catholic Church (OED n. 3). nor schoolmaster. No, not the clerk of a parish. Some call me a dunce, another saith my head is as full of Latin as an egg's full of oatmeal. Thus I am tormented that the devil and Friar Bacon haunts me.−Good Lord, here's one of my masters devils! I'll go speak to him.−What, Master Plutus, Plutus, Plutus , Roman god of wealth, probably confused by Miles or Greene with Pluto, the god of the underworld. how cheer you? how cheer you? how cheer you? , how are you? (OED v.1 6b)

Devil.

Dost thou know me? 1952

Miles.

Know you, sir? Why, are not you one of my master's devils, that were wont to come to my master Doctor Bacon at Brazennose?

Devil.

Yes, marry, am I. 1956

Miles.

Good Lord, Master Plutus, I have seen you a thousand times at my master's, and yet I had never the manners to make you drink. to make you drink. make you drink , offer you something to drink; make, offer (OED v. 44a). But, sir, I am glad to see how conformable you are to the statute. statute. statute , regulation (OED n. 1b). [To the audience [To the audience] ] I warrant you he's as yeomanly a man as you shall see. Mark you, Mark you, Mark you, masters is a direct address to the audience. masters, here's a plain honest man, without welt or guard without welt or guard without welt or guard , without ornament (OED n.1 2c, first example). [To the devil [To the devil] ] But I pray you, sir, do you come lately from hell?

Devil.

Ay, marry. How then?

Miles.

Faith, 'tis a place I have desired long to see. Have you not good tippling houses there? May not a man have a lusty fire there, a pot of good ale, a pair pair pair , pack of cards (OED n.1 6). of cards, a swingeing swingeing swingeing , large, huge (OED adj. (and adv.) 2a, earliest example). piece of chalk, and a brown toast that will clap clap clap , flatten out (OED v.1 9b). a white waistcoat white waistcoat white waistcoat , foam, a head of foam (Bevington). on a cup of good drink?

Devil.

All this you may have there.

Miles.

You are for me, friend, and I am for you. But I pray you, may I not have an office office office , a position, employment (OED n. 2a). there?

Devil.

Yes, a thousand.What wouldst thou be?

Miles.

By my troth, sir, in a place where I may profit myself. I know hell is a hot place, and men are marvellous dry, and much drink is spent spent spent , consumed (OED adj. 1a). there. I would be a tapster.

Devil.

Thou shalt.

Miles.

There's nothing lets lets lets , prevents, hinders (OED v.2 1a). me from going with you but that 'tis a long journey, and I have never a horse.

Devil.

Thou shalt ride on my back.

Miles.

Now surely here's a courteous devil, that for to pleasure his friend will not stick stick stick , hesitate, scruple (OED v.1 19a). to make a jade jade jade , horse, nag (OED n.1 2b). of himself. [To the audience [To the audience] ] But I pray you, goodman friend, let me move a question move a question move a question , propose something (Bevington). to you.

Devil.

What's that?

Miles.

I pray you, whether is your pace a trot or an amble?

Devil.

An amble.

Miles.

'Tis well, but take heed it be not a trot. 1987

But 'tis no matter, I'll prevent it. 1988

Devil.

What dost? 1989

Miles.

Marry, friend, I put on my spurs; for if I find your pace either a trot or else uneasy, I'll put you to a false gallop. false gallop. false gallop , canter, between a trot and a full gallop (OED n. 3a). I'll make you feel the benefit of my spurs.

Devil.

Get up upon my back.

Miles.

Oh, Lord, here's even a goodly marvel, when a man rides to hell on the devil's back!

(Exeunt roaring.)

[SCENE XVI]

(Enter the Emperor with a pointless sword, with a pointless sword, In this coronation procession the traditional symbolic objects are represented: a pointless sword is the blunted sword of Edward the Confessor (King of England between 1042 and 1066), signifying mercy; a sword with a point signifying justice; the globe the golden orb, signifying earthly power; a rod of gold with a dove on it, wand of office signifying equity (the dove represents the wisdom-giving Holy Spirit); crown and sceptre, the most familiar objects of the regalia, both symbols of power. next the king of Castile, carrying a sword with a point; Lacy, carrying the globe; Edward; Warren, carrying a rod of gold with a dove on it; Ermsby with a crown and sceptre; Queen[Eleanor] with [Margaret] the fair maid of Fressingfield on her left hand; Henry; Bacon, with other lords attending.)

Edward.

Great potentates, earth's miracles for state, for state, for state , of stately authority (Bevington). 1996

Think that Prince Edward humbles at your feet, 1997

And for these favours, on his martial sword 1998

He vows perpetual homage to yourselves, 1999

Yielding these honours unto Eleanor. 2000

Henry.

Gramercies, lordlings. Old Plantagenet, Old Plantagenet, Old Plantagenet , King Henry. 2001

That rules and sways the Albion diadem, 2002

With tears discovers discovers discovers , manifests (OED v. 5b). these conceivèd conceivèd conceivèd , apprehended (OED v. 2). joys, 2003

And vows requital, if his men-at-arms, 2004

The wealth of England, or due honours done 2005

To Eleanor, may quite his favourites. 2006

But all this while, what say you to the dames, 2007

That shine like to the crystal lamps of heaven? 2008

Emperor.

If but a third were added to these two, these two, these two , Eleanor and Margaret. 2009

They did surpass those gorgeous images 2010

That gloried Ida with rich beauty's wealth. gloried Ida with rich beauty's wealth. That is, they would outshine the goddesses Venus, Juno and Palas, whose beauties were judged by Paris on Mount Ida. 2011

Margaret.

'Tis I, my lords, who humbly on my knee 2012

Must yield yield yield , offer (OED v. 10a). her orisons to mighty Jove 2013

For lifting up his handmaid to this state, 2014

Brought from her homely homely homely , humble, rustic (OED adj. 2b). cottage to the court, 2015

And graced with graced with graced with , honoured by (OED v. 5a). kings, princes and emperors, 2016

To whom (next to the noble Lincoln Earl) 2017

I vow obedience and such humble love 2018

As may a handmaid to such mighty men. 2019

Eleanor.

Thou martial man that wears the Almain crown, 2020

And you the Western potentates of might, 2021

The Albion Princess, English Edward's wife, 2022

Proud that the lovely star of Fressingfield, 2023

Fair Margaret, countess to the Lincoln earl, 2024

Attends on Eleanor−gramercies, lord, for her− 2025

'Tis I give thanks for Margaret to you all, 2026

And rest, And rest, And rest, for her , Remain on her behalf (Bevington). for her, due bounden to yourselves. 2027

Henry.

Seeing the marriage is solemnized, 2028

Let's march in triumph to the royal feast− 2029

But why stands Friar Bacon here so mute? 2030

Bacon.

Repentant for the follies of my youth, 2031

That magic's secret mysteries misled, 2032

And joyful that this royal marriage 2033

Portends such bliss unto this matchless realm. 2034

Henry.

Why, Bacon, Why, Bacon, Like Bevington, I have divided the first line in Q1 into two lines because it is a hypermetric line. 2035

What strange event shall happen to this land, 2036

Or what shall grow from Edward and his queen? 2037

Bacon.

I find by deep prescience of mine art, I find by deep prescience of mine art, Lines 2033-2053. The political prophecy had a long history in England, beginning with Geoffrey of Monmouth’s The Book of Merlin (c. 1135), and usually followed his method of animal allegory. 2038

Which once I tempered tempered tempered , mixed, concocted (OED v. 4). in my secret cell, 2039

That here where Brute did build his Troynovant, Brute did build his Troynovant, Brute, great-grandson of Aeneas, according to the legend reached England after the fall of Troy and founded London, naming it Troynovant or New Troy. The myth of descent from Trojan heroes was a literary tradition not only in England, but throughout western Europe, for a thousand years. 2040

From forth the royal garden of a king From forth the royal garden of a king Lines 2036-2039. Flower symbolism to refer to and flatter Queen Elizabeth I of England, queen from 1558 to her death in 1603, monarch of the country when Greene wrote his play. 2041

Shall flourish out so rich and fair a bud 2042

Whose brightness shall deface proud Phoebus' flower, Phoebus' flower, Phoebus flower , the sunflower. 2043

And overshadow Albion with her leaves. 2044

Till then Mars shall be master of the field, 2045

But then the stormy threats of wars shall cease. 2046

The horse shall stamp as careless careless careless , regardless (OED adj. 2b). of the pike, 2047

Drums shall be turned to timbrels of delight. 2048

With wealthy favours plenty shall enrich 2049

The strand that gladded gladded gladded , gladdened (OED v. 2a). wand'ring Brut to see, 2050

And peace from heaven shall harbour in these leaves 2051

That gorgeous beautifies this matchless flower. 2052

Apollo's hellitropian hellitropian hellitropian , heliotrope, sunflower (OED n. 1a). then shall stoop, 2053

And Venus' hyacinth Venus' hyacinth Venus hyacinth , the myrtle, rose, Apple and poppy were sacred to Venus (Aphrodite), but the hyacinth (sacred to Apollo) apparently was not. shall vail vail vail , bow in respect (OED v.2 1b). her top; 2054

Juno shall shut her gilliflowers up, Juno shall shut her gilliflowers up, Juno shall shut her gilliflowers up , carnations do not seem to have been sacred to Juno according to Lavin. 2055

And Pallas' bay Pallas' bay Palla’s bay , the laurel was sacred to Pallas (or Minerva), goddess of poetry. Therefore, the poet’s crowns were made from laurel. shall bash her brightest green; 2056

Ceres' carnation, Ceres' carnation, Ceres’ carnation , the poppy, not the carnation, was Ceres’ attribute. in consort in consort in consort , in company (OED n. 1d). with those, 2057

Shall stoop and wonder at Diana's rose. Diana's rose. Diana’s rose , the Tudor rose of Elizabeth, who is here identified with Diana, goddess of chastity. 2058

Henry.

This prophecy is mystical− mystical− mystical , mysterious, enigmatic, obscure, allegorical (OED n. 2b). 2059

But, glorious commanders of Europa's love, 2060

That makes fair England like that wealthy isle that wealthy isle that wealthy isle … , Euphrates, the Garden of Eden. 2061

Circled with Gihon Gihon Gihon , river that according to the Bible flowed out of Eden (Genesis ii: 13). and swift swift The emendation is supported by Greene’s Orlando Furioso , I,i,40: “From whence floweth Gyhon and swift Euphrates”. first Euphrates Euphrates 2062

In royalizing Henry's Albion 2063

With presence of your princely mightiness, 2064

Let's march. The tables all are spread, 2065

And viands viands viands , food (OED n.1 1a). such as England's wealth affords 2066

Are ready set to furnish out furnish out furnish out , supply (OED v. 10b). the boards. 2067

You shall have welcome, mighty potentates. 2068

It rests rests rests , remains (OED v.3 4a). to furnish up furnish up furnish up , complete the preparation for (OED v. 10c). this royal feast. 2069

Only your hearts Only your hearts Only your hearts , Let your hearts (Bevington). be frolic, for the time 2070

Craves that we taste of naught but jouissance. jouissance. jouissance , festivity, joy, pleasure (OED n. 2). 2071

Thus glories England over all the West. 2072

(Exeunt omnes.)

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci Omne … dulci , taken from Horace (De Arte Poeticae, 343-344): “Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci / Lectorem delectando, pariterque monendo”. The translation is “He wins universal applause who mingles the useful with the agreeable, at once delighting and instructing the reader”. It was a sort of motto for Robert Greene, since it appeared on the title-pages of Arbasto (1584), Penelopes Web (1587), Pandosto (1588), Perimedes (1588), in which Greene calls it his “old poesie”, and Ciceronis Amor (1589), and at the end of Friar Bacon (1594). The shorter form “Omne tulit punctum” was used for Menaphon (1589), Never Too Late (1590), James IV (1598) and Orpharion (1599). .

Robert Greene

Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay

Ediciones modernas

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Dramatis Personae

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