 | The Annunciation and the Nativity |  |
GABRIELL
Hayle be thow, Marye, mother free,
full of grace. God is with thee.
Amongst all women blessed thow bee,
and the fruite of thy bodye.
MARIA
Ah, lord that syttes high in see,
that wondrouslye now mervayles mee—
a simple mayden of my degree
bee greete this gratiously.
GABRIELL
MARIA
How may this bee, thow beast so bright?
In synne knowe I noe worldly wight.
GABRYELL
MARIA
ELIZABETH
Maria gaudiens incipiet canticum ‘Magnificat’ etc.
MARIA
ELIZABETH
Marye, now redd I that wee gone
to Joseph thy husband anon,
lesse hee to misse thee make mone;
for now that is moste neede.
MARIA
Elizabeth, nece, to doe so good is,
leste hee suppose one mea amysse;
but good lord that hath ordayned this
wyll witnes of my deede.
ELIZABETH
Joseph, God thee save and see!
Thy wife here I brought to thee.
JOSEPH
ANGELUS
Joseph, lett bee thy feeble thought.
Take Marye thy wife and dread thee nought,
for wickedly shee hath not wrought;
but this is Godes will.
The child that shee shall beare, iwys
of the Holy Ghost begotten yt is
to save mankynd that did amisse,
and prophecye to fulfill.
JOSEPH
A, nowe I wott, lord, yt is soe,
I will noe man bee her foe;
but while I may one yearth goe,
with her I will bee.
Nowe Christe is in our kynde light,
as the prophetes before hight.
Lord God, most of might,
with weale I worshipp thee.
NUNTIUS
Make rowme, lordinges, and give us waye
and lett Octavian come and playe,
and Sybell the sage, that well fayre maye,
to tell you of prophecye.
That lord that dyed on Good Frydaye,
hee have you all both night and daye.
Farewell, lordinges. I goe my waye;
I may noe lenger abyde.
OCTAVIANUS
PRECO
All readye, my lorde, by Mahounde.
Noe tayles tupp in all this towne
shall goe further withowten fayle.
OCTAVIANUS
Boye, therfore by my crowne
thow muste have thy warrysoun!
The highest horse besydes Boughton
take thow for thy travell.
PRECO
OCTAVIANUS
Boye, there bine ladyes manye one;
amonge them all chose thee onne.
Take the fayrest or els none,
and freely I give her thee.
PRIMUS SENATOUR
My lord Octavyan, wee be sent
from all Rome with good entent.
Thy men there have eychone iment
as God to honour thee.
And to that poynct we be assent,
poore and ryche in parleament.
For soe loved a lord, veramente,
was never in this cyttye.
SECUNDUS SENATOR
Yea sicker, syr, ther will is this:
to honour thee as God with blys,
for thow did never to them amysse
in worde, thought, ne deede.
Peace hath bine longe and yett is.
Noe man in thy tyme lost ought of his.
Therfore there wyll is soe, iwys,
to quite you this your meede.
OCTAVIANUS
SYBBELL
Yea, syr, I tell you withowt leasinge
a bab borne shalbe, blys to bringe,
the which that never hase begininge
ne never shall ended bee.
OCTAVYANUS
Sybbyll, I praye thee speciallye
by signe thow would me certyfye
what tyme that lord soe royallye
to raigne hee shal beginne.
Sybyll
speaketh:
Tunc orat Sibilla, et dicat Preco alta voce.
PRECO
JOSEPHE
PRECO
Good man, I warne thee in good faye
to Bethlem to take the waye,
leste thow in danger falle todaye
if that thow bee to longe.
JOSEPHE
Nowe syth yt may non other bee,
Marye, sister, now hye wee.
An oxe I will take with mee
that there shalbe soulde.
The silver of him, soe mote I thee,
shall fynde us in that cyttye,
and paye tribute for thee and mee;
for therto wee bine howlde.
MARIA
A, lord, what may this signifye?
Some men I see glad and merye
and some syghinge and sorye.
Wherfore soever yt bee?
Syth Godes Sonne came man to forbye—
is commen through his great mercye—
methinke that man should kindlye
be glad that sight to see.
ANGELUS
JOSEPH
Marye, suster, sooth to saye
harbour, I hope, gett wee ne maye;
for great lordes of stowte araye
occupye this cyttye.
Therfore wee muste in good faye
lye in this stable tyll yt bee daye.
To make men meeke, leeve I maye,
shew him here will hee.
MARIA
Helpe me downe, my leeffe fere,
for I hope my tyme bee neere.
Christe in this stable that ys here,
I hope borne wilbee.
Tunc Joseph accipiet Mariam in brachia sua.
JOSEPH
JOSEPH
(ad obstetrices)
Weomen, God you save and see!
Is yt your will to goe with mee?
My wife ys commen into this cyttye
with child, and tyme is nere.
Helpes her nowe for charytee,
and bee with her tyll day bee;
and your travayle, soe mote I thee,
I shall paye you right here.
TEBELL
All readye, good man, in good faye.
Wee will doe all that ever wee maye.
For too such middwives, I dare well saye,
are not in this cyttye.
SALOME
Come, good man, leade us awaye.
By Godes helpe or hit bee daye
that we can good thy wife shall saye;
and that thow shalt well see.
JOSEPH
Loe, Marye, harte, brought I have here
too middwives for the mannere,
to bee with thee, my darlinge deare,
tyll that hit bee daye.
MARIA
Tunc stella apparebit.
JOSEPH
Lord, welcome, sweete Jesu!
Thy name thow haddest or I thee knewe.
Nowe leeve I the angells worde is trewe,
that thow arte a cleane maye.
For thow arte commen mans blys to brewe
to all that thy lawe will shewe.
Nowe mans joy beginns to newe
and noye to passe awaye.
MARIA
Lord, blessed most thow bee
that [symple] borne art, as I see;
to preeve the divell of his postee,
commen thow arte todaye.
Diversorye is non for thee.
Therfore thy sweete bodye free
in this cratch shall lye with lee,
and lapped abowt with haye.
TEBELL
A, dere lord, heaven kinge,
that this is a marvelous thinge!
Withowten teene or travaylinge,
a fayre sonne shee hasse one.
I dare well saye, forsooth iwys,
that cleane mayden this woman ys,
for shee hath borne a chyld with blys;
soe wiste I never none.
SALOME
Tunc Salome tentabit tangere Mariam in sexu secreto, et statim
arentur manus eius, et clamando dicit:
Tunc apparet stella et veniet Angelus, [dicens] ut sequitur.
[ANGELUS]
Womann, beseech this childe of grace
that hee forgive thee thy trespasse;
and ere thow goe owt of this place
holpen thou maye bee.
This miracle that now thow seest here
is of Godes owne powere,
to bringe mankinde owt of dangere
and mende them, leeve thow mee.
SALOME
Ah, sweete child, I aske mercye
for thy mothers love, Marye.
Though I have wrought wretchedlye,
sweete childe, forgive yt mee.
Ah, blessed bee God! All whole am I!
Nowe leeve I well and sickerlye
that God is commen, man to forbye.
And thou, lord, thou art hee.
EXPOSITOR
Tunc ostendet stellam, et veniet Sibilla ad imperatorem.
SIBILLA
Syr emperour, God thee save and see.
I tell you sicker that borne ys hee
that passeth thee of postee.
Looke up on height after mee.
That baron thow seest that great shalbee—
to passe all kinges, and eke thee,
that borne are or ever were.
OCTAVYAN
SYBBELL
Yea, syr, thow shalt leeve well this:
somewhere one yearth borne he is;
and that hee comes for mans blys,
his tokeninge this can shewe.
Reverence him, I read iwys,
for other God there none ys;
that hopes otherwise, doth amys,
but him for Christe to knowe.
OCTAVYAN
Syr senators, goes home anone
and warne my men everychone
that such worshipp I must forgonne
as they would doe to mee.
But this child worshipp eych maye
with full harte all that you [can],
for hee is worthye to leeve upon;
and that nowe I wyll see.
[PRIMUS SENATOR]
A, lord, whatever this may bee,
this is a wondrous sight to see;
for in the stare, as thinkes mee,
I see a full fayre maye.
Syr, shall this child passe yee
of worthines and dignitee?
Such a lord, by my lewtye,
I wend never had binne.
EXPOSITOR
Hayle be thow, Marye, mother free,
full of grace. God is with thee.
Amongst all women blessed thow bee,
and the fruite of thy bodye.
98
Ah, lord that syttes high in see,
that wondrouslye now mervayles mee—
a simple mayden of my degree
bee greete this gratiously.
GABRIELL
Marye, ne dread thee nought this case.
With greate God found thow hase
amongst all other specyall grace.
Therfore, Marye, thow mone
conceyve and beare—I tell thee—
a childe. Jesus his name shalbe—
soe greate shall never non be as hee—
and called Godes Sonne.
With greate God found thow hase
amongst all other specyall grace.
Therfore, Marye, thow mone
conceyve and beare—I tell thee—
a childe. Jesus his name shalbe—
soe greate shall never non be as hee—
and called Godes Sonne.
And owr lord God, leeve thow mee,
shall give him Davyd his fathers see;
in Jacobs howse rayninge shall hee
with full might evermore.
And hee that shalbe borne of thee,
endlesse liffe in him shalbe,
that such renowne and ryaltye
had never non before.
shall give him Davyd his fathers see;
in Jacobs howse rayninge shall hee
with full might evermore.
And hee that shalbe borne of thee,
endlesse liffe in him shalbe,
that such renowne and ryaltye
had never non before.
MARIA
How may this bee, thow beast so bright?
In synne knowe I noe worldly wight.
GABRYELL
The Holye Ghoste shall in thee light
from God in majestee,
and shadowe thee seemely in sight.
Therefore that holye one, as I have height
that thow shalt beare through Godes might,
hee Sonne shall called bee.
from God in majestee,
and shadowe thee seemely in sight.
99
that thow shalt beare through Godes might,
hee Sonne shall called bee.
Elizabeth that barren was
as thow maye see conceyved has
in age a sonne through Godes grace,
the [bedill] shalbe of blysse.
The sixte moneth is gone now agayne
seeth men called her barren;
but nothinge to Godes might and mayne
impossible is.
as thow maye see conceyved has
in age a sonne through Godes grace,
the [bedill] shalbe of blysse.
The sixte moneth is gone now agayne
seeth men called her barren;
but nothinge to Godes might and mayne
impossible is.
MARIA
Now syth that God will yt soe bee,
and such grace hath sent to mee,
blessed evermore bee hee;
to please him I am payde.
Loe, Godes chosen meekelye here—
and lorde God, prince of powere,
leeve that yt fall in suche manere
this word that thow hast sayde.
Tunc Angelus ibit, et Maria salutabit Elizabeth:and such grace hath sent to mee,
blessed evermore bee hee;
to please him I am payde.
Loe, Godes chosen meekelye here—
and lorde God, prince of powere,
leeve that yt fall in suche manere
this word that thow hast sayde.
Elizabeth, nece, God thee see.
ELIZABETH
Marye, blessed mote thow bee,
and the fruites that commes of thee,
amonge weomen all.
Wonderlye now mervayles mee
that Marye, Godes mother free,
greetes mee thus of simple degree.
Lord, how may this befall?
and the fruites that commes of thee,
amonge weomen all.
Wonderlye now mervayles mee
that Marye, Godes mother free,
greetes mee thus of simple degree.
Lord, how may this befall?
100
When thow mee greetest, sweete Marye,
the childe stirred in my bodye
for great joye of thy companye
and the fruite that is in thee.
Blessed bee thow ever forthy,
that lived soe well and stedfastly;
for that was sayde to thee, ladye,
fulfilled and done shalbee.
the childe stirred in my bodye
for great joye of thy companye
and the fruite that is in thee.
Blessed bee thow ever forthy,
that lived soe well and stedfastly;
for that was sayde to thee, ladye,
fulfilled and done shalbee.
Maria gaudiens incipiet canticum ‘Magnificat’ etc.
MARIA
Elizabeth, therefore will I
thanke the lord, kinge of mercye,
with joyfull myrth and melody
and laud to his likinge.
‘Magnificat,’ while I have toome,
‘anima mea dominum’
to Christe that in my kind is come,
devoutly I will singe.
thanke the lord, kinge of mercye,
with joyfull myrth and melody
and laud to his likinge.
‘Magnificat,’ while I have toome,
‘anima mea dominum’
to Christe that in my kind is come,
devoutly I will singe.
‘Et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo’ etc.
And for my ghost joyed hase
in God, my heale and all my grace—
for meekenes hee see in mee was,
his feare of meane degree—
therfore blesse mee well maye
all generacons for aye.
in God, my heale and all my grace—
for meekenes hee see in mee was,
his feare of meane degree—
therfore blesse mee well maye
all generacons for aye.
Mych has that lord done for mee,
that moste is in his majestye.
All princes hee passis of postee,
as sheweth well by this.
Therefore with full hart and free
his name allway hallowed be;
and honored evermore be hee
one height in heaven blysse.
that moste is in his majestye.
All princes hee passis of postee,
as sheweth well by this.
101
his name allway hallowed be;
and honored evermore be hee
one height in heaven blysse.
Mych hase God done for me today;
his name eye hollowed be,
as he is bound to doe mercy
from progenye to progenye.
And all that dredene him veryly,
his talent to fullfill,
hee through his myght gave maystery.
Disparcles proud dispytuusly
with myght of his harte hastely
at his owne will.
his name eye hollowed be,
as he is bound to doe mercy
from progenye to progenye.
And all that dredene him veryly,
his talent to fullfill,
hee through his myght gave maystery.
Disparcles proud dispytuusly
with myght of his harte hastely
at his owne will.
Deposethe myghty oute of place,
and mylde allso he hansed hasse;
hongry, nydy, wanting grace
with god hee hath fullfellede.
That rych power he hath forsakene;
To Iseraell, his Sonne he hath betakene.
Wayle to man throughe him his wakinge,
and myrcy hasse of his guylte—
and mylde allso he hansed hasse;
hongry, nydy, wanting grace
with god hee hath fullfellede.
That rych power he hath forsakene;
To Iseraell, his Sonne he hath betakene.
Wayle to man throughe him his wakinge,
and myrcy hasse of his guylte—
as he spake to our fathers before,
Abrahame and his syde full yore.
Joy to the Father evermore,
the Sone, and the Holy Ghoste,
as was from the begininge
and never shall have endinge,
from world to world aye wendinge.
Amen, God of might most.
Abrahame and his syde full yore.
Joy to the Father evermore,
the Sone, and the Holy Ghoste,
as was from the begininge
and never shall have endinge,
from world to world aye wendinge.
Amen, God of might most.
102
Marye, now redd I that wee gone
to Joseph thy husband anon,
lesse hee to misse thee make mone;
for now that is moste neede.
MARIA
Elizabeth, nece, to doe so good is,
leste hee suppose one mea amysse;
but good lord that hath ordayned this
wyll witnes of my deede.
ELIZABETH
Joseph, God thee save and see!
Thy wife here I brought to thee.
JOSEPH
Alas, alas, and woe is mee!
Whoe hasse made her with chyld?
Well I wist an ould man and a maye
might not accord by noe waye.
For many yeares might I not playe
ne worke noe workes wild.
Whoe hasse made her with chyld?
Well I wist an ould man and a maye
might not accord by noe waye.
For many yeares might I not playe
ne worke noe workes wild.
Three monethes shee hath bine from mee.
Now hasse shee gotten her, as I see,
a great bellye like to thee
syth shee went away.
And myne yt is not, bee thow bould,
for I am both ould and could;
these xxxt i e winters, though I would,
I might not playe noe playe.
Now hasse shee gotten her, as I see,
a great bellye like to thee
syth shee went away.
And myne yt is not, bee thow bould,
for I am both ould and could;
these xxxt i e winters, though I would,
I might not playe noe playe.
103
Alas, where might I lenge or lende?
For loth is mee my wife to shende,
therfore from her will I wende
into some other place.
For to dyscreeve will I nought,
feeblye though shee have wrought.
To leave her privelye is my thought,
that noe man knowe this case.
For loth is mee my wife to shende,
therfore from her will I wende
into some other place.
For to dyscreeve will I nought,
feeblye though shee have wrought.
To leave her privelye is my thought,
that noe man knowe this case.
God, lett never [an] ould man
take to wife a yonge woman
ney seet his harte her upon,
lest hee beguyled bee.
For accorde ther maye be none,
ney the may never bee at one;
and that is seene in manye one
as well as one mee.
take to wife a yonge woman
ney seet his harte her upon,
lest hee beguyled bee.
For accorde ther maye be none,
ney the may never bee at one;
and that is seene in manye one
as well as one mee.
Therfore have I slept a while,
my wife that mee can thus beguyle,
for I will gone from her; yt to fyle
mee ys loth, in good faye.
This case makes mee so heavye
that needes sleepe nowe muste I.
Lord, one hir thow have mercye
for her misdeede todaye.
my wife that mee can thus beguyle,
for I will gone from her; yt to fyle
mee ys loth, in good faye.
This case makes mee so heavye
that needes sleepe nowe muste I.
Lord, one hir thow have mercye
for her misdeede todaye.
ANGELUS
Joseph, lett bee thy feeble thought.
Take Marye thy wife and dread thee nought,
for wickedly shee hath not wrought;
but this is Godes will.
The child that shee shall beare, iwys
of the Holy Ghost begotten yt is
to save mankynd that did amisse,
and prophecye to fulfill.
104
A, nowe I wott, lord, yt is soe,
I will noe man bee her foe;
but while I may one yearth goe,
with her I will bee.
Nowe Christe is in our kynde light,
as the prophetes before hight.
Lord God, most of might,
with weale I worshipp thee.
NUNTIUS
Make rowme, lordinges, and give us waye
and lett Octavian come and playe,
and Sybell the sage, that well fayre maye,
to tell you of prophecye.
That lord that dyed on Good Frydaye,
hee have you all both night and daye.
Farewell, lordinges. I goe my waye;
I may noe lenger abyde.
OCTAVIANUS
I, preeved prince most of powere,
under heaven highest am I here;
fayrest foode to fight in fere,
noe freake my face may flee.
All this world, withowten were—
kinge, prynce, baron, batchlere—
I may destroy in great dangere
through vertue of my degree.
under heaven highest am I here;
fayrest foode to fight in fere,
noe freake my face may flee.
All this world, withowten were—
kinge, prynce, baron, batchlere—
I may destroy in great dangere
through vertue of my degree.
My name Octavian called is—
all me about full in my blys,
for wholey all this world, iwys,
is readye at my owne will.
Noe man one mould darre doe amisse
agaynst mee—I tell you this—
nay no man saye that ought is his
but my leave be thertyll.
all me about full in my blys,
for wholey all this world, iwys,
is readye at my owne will.
105
agaynst mee—I tell you this—
nay no man saye that ought is his
but my leave be thertyll.
For I halfe multiplyed more
the cittye of Rome sythe I was bore
then ever did any before,
syth I had this kingdome.
For what with strenght and strokes sore,
leadinge lordshipp, lovely lore,
all this world has bine yore
tributarye unto Rome.
the cittye of Rome sythe I was bore
then ever did any before,
syth I had this kingdome.
For what with strenght and strokes sore,
leadinge lordshipp, lovely lore,
all this world has bine yore
tributarye unto Rome.
Segneurs, tous si assembles a mes probes estates!
Jeo posse fayre lerment et leez, et mette in languoure!
Vous tous si prest ne sortes
de fayre intentes ma volentes,
car je su soveroyne ben sages et de mande emperoure.
Jeo posse fayre lerment et leez, et mette in languoure!
Vous tous si prest ne sortes
de fayre intentes ma volentes,
car je su soveroyne ben sages et de mande emperoure.
Jeo si persone, nulle si able; jeo sa tent fayre et leable.
En treasoroce ne treasagyle, mes de toyle plerunt.
Destret et sage sua en counsell—ami, ou dame, et ou pusele.
De clare et sanke mater frayle, un teell n'est paas viva.
En treasoroce ne treasagyle, mes de toyle plerunt.
Destret et sage sua en counsell—ami, ou dame, et ou pusele.
De clare et sanke mater frayle, un teell n'est paas viva.
106
Kinge, coysell, clarke, or knight,
saudens, senatoures in sight,
princes, pryest here nowe dight
and present in this place,
peace! Or here my truthe I plight—
I am the manfulst man of might—
takes mynde on my manece.
saudens, senatoures in sight,
princes, pryest here nowe dight
and present in this place,
peace! Or here my truthe I plight—
I am the manfulst man of might—
takes mynde on my manece.
All leedes in land bee at my likinge:
castle, conquerour, and kinge
bayne be to doe my byddinge;
yt will non other bee.
Right as I thinke, soe must all bee;
for all the world dose my willinge
and bayne bine when I bydd bringe
homage and feoaltye.
castle, conquerour, and kinge
bayne be to doe my byddinge;
yt will non other bee.
Right as I thinke, soe must all bee;
for all the world dose my willinge
and bayne bine when I bydd bringe
homage and feoaltye.
Sythen I was lord, withowten lesse
with my witt I can more increase
the empire here then ever yt was,
as all this world yt wiste.
Syth I was soverayne, warre cleare can cease,
and through this world now is peace,
for soe dreade a duke sate never on dayes
in Rome—that you may trust.
with my witt I can more increase
the empire here then ever yt was,
as all this world yt wiste.
Syth I was soverayne, warre cleare can cease,
and through this world now is peace,
for soe dreade a duke sate never on dayes
in Rome—that you may trust.
Therfore as lorde nowe likes mee
to preeve my might and my postee,
for I will send about and see
how many heades I have.
All the world shall written bee,
great and smale in eych degree
that dwell in shire or in cittye—
king, clarke, knight, and knave.
to preeve my might and my postee,
for I will send about and see
how many heades I have.
All the world shall written bee,
great and smale in eych degree
107
king, clarke, knight, and knave.
Eych man one penye shall paye.
Therfore, my bedell, doe as I saye.
In middest the world by anye waye
this gammon shall begine.
The folke of Jewes, in good faye,
in myddest bine; that is noe naye.
Therefore thyder, daye by daye,
and travayle or thow bline.
Therfore, my bedell, doe as I saye.
In middest the world by anye waye
this gammon shall begine.
The folke of Jewes, in good faye,
in myddest bine; that is noe naye.
Therefore thyder, daye by daye,
and travayle or thow bline.
Warne him that there ys president
that this is fully myne intent:
that eych man appere present,
his penye for to paye.
And by that penye as well appent
knowledge to bee obedyente
to Rome, by gifte of such a rent,
from that tyme after aye.
that this is fully myne intent:
that eych man appere present,
his penye for to paye.
And by that penye as well appent
knowledge to bee obedyente
to Rome, by gifte of such a rent,
from that tyme after aye.
When thus is done thus in Judye,
that in the middest of the world shalbe,
to eych land, shire, and cyttye
to Rome make them soe thrall.
Warne them, boye—I commande thee—
they doe the same, saye thus from mee;
soe all this world shall witt that wee
bine soveraygne of them all.
that in the middest of the world shalbe,
to eych land, shire, and cyttye
to Rome make them soe thrall.
Warne them, boye—I commande thee—
they doe the same, saye thus from mee;
soe all this world shall witt that wee
bine soveraygne of them all.
Have donne, boye! Art thow not bowne?
PRECO
All readye, my lorde, by Mahounde.
Noe tayles tupp in all this towne
shall goe further withowten fayle.
108
Boye, therfore by my crowne
thow muste have thy warrysoun!
The highest horse besydes Boughton
take thow for thy travell.
PRECO
Grauntemercye, lord, perdye;
this hackney will well serve mee,
for a great lord of your degree
should ryde in such araye.
The bine hye in dignitye,
and alsoe high and swifte is hee.
Therefore that reverans takes yee,
my deare lord, I you praye.
this hackney will well serve mee,
for a great lord of your degree
should ryde in such araye.
The bine hye in dignitye,
and alsoe high and swifte is hee.
Therefore that reverans takes yee,
my deare lord, I you praye.
But your arrand shalbe donne anone.
First into Judye I will gonne
and sommon the people everychone,
both shire and eke cyttye.
First into Judye I will gonne
and sommon the people everychone,
both shire and eke cyttye.
OCTAVIANUS
Boye, there bine ladyes manye one;
amonge them all chose thee onne.
Take the fayrest or els none,
and freely I give her thee.
PRIMUS SENATOUR
My lord Octavyan, wee be sent
from all Rome with good entent.
Thy men there have eychone iment
as God to honour thee.
And to that poynct we be assent,
poore and ryche in parleament.
For soe loved a lord, veramente,
was never in this cyttye.
109
Yea sicker, syr, ther will is this:
to honour thee as God with blys,
for thow did never to them amysse
in worde, thought, ne deede.
Peace hath bine longe and yett is.
Noe man in thy tyme lost ought of his.
Therfore there wyll is soe, iwys,
to quite you this your meede.
OCTAVIANUS
Welcome, my frendes, in god faye,
for you bee baynable to my paye.
I thank you, all that ever I maye,
the homage yee doe to mee.
But follye yt were by manye a waye
such soveraygntye for to assaye,
syth I must dye I wotte not what day,
to desyre such dignitye.
for you bee baynable to my paye.
I thank you, all that ever I maye,
the homage yee doe to mee.
But follye yt were by manye a waye
such soveraygntye for to assaye,
syth I must dye I wotte not what day,
to desyre such dignitye.
For of all flesh, blood, and bonne
made I am, borne of a womane;
and sycker other matter nonne
sheweth not right in mee.
Neyther of iron, tree, ne stonne
am I not wrought, you wott eychone.
And of my life moste parte is gone,
age shewes him soe in mee.
made I am, borne of a womane;
and sycker other matter nonne
sheweth not right in mee.
Neyther of iron, tree, ne stonne
am I not wrought, you wott eychone.
And of my life moste parte is gone,
age shewes him soe in mee.
And godhead askes in all thinge
tyme that hath noe begininge
ne never shall have endinge;
and none of this have I.
Wherfore by verey proofe shewinge,
though I bee highest worldly kinge,
of godhead have I noe knowinge.
Hit were unkynde.
tyme that hath noe begininge
ne never shall have endinge;
and none of this have I.
110
though I bee highest worldly kinge,
of godhead have I noe knowinge.
Hit were unkynde.
But yett enquyre of this will wee
of hir that hase grace to see
thinges that afterward shalbe
by ghoost of prophecye.
And after hir lore, by my lewtye,
discussinge this difficultye
worke; and take noe more one mee
then I am well worthye.
of hir that hase grace to see
thinges that afterward shalbe
by ghoost of prophecye.
And after hir lore, by my lewtye,
discussinge this difficultye
worke; and take noe more one mee
then I am well worthye.
Sybbell the sage, tell mee this thinge,
for thow wytt hase as noe man livinge:
shall ever be any earthlye kinge
to passe mee of degree?
for thow wytt hase as noe man livinge:
shall ever be any earthlye kinge
to passe mee of degree?
SYBBELL
Yea, syr, I tell you withowt leasinge
a bab borne shalbe, blys to bringe,
the which that never hase begininge
ne never shall ended bee.
OCTAVYANUS
Sybbyll, I praye thee speciallye
by signe thow would me certyfye
what tyme that lord soe royallye
to raigne hee shal beginne.
Sybyll
speaketh:
Syr, I shall tell you witterlye
his signes when I see verelye;
for when hee comes, through his mercye
one mankynde hee will mynne.
his signes when I see verelye;
111
one mankynde hee will mynne.
Well I wott, forsooth iwys,
that God will bringe mankinde to blys,
and send from heaven—leeves well this—
his Sonne, our savyour.
that God will bringe mankinde to blys,
and send from heaven—leeves well this—
his Sonne, our savyour.
But what tyme, syr, in good faye
that hee will come can I non saye.
Therfore in this place I will praye
to greatest God of might.
And yf I see ought to your paye
ghoostlye by anye waye,
warne you I shall anon this daye,
and shew yt in your sight.
that hee will come can I non saye.
Therfore in this place I will praye
to greatest God of might.
And yf I see ought to your paye
ghoostlye by anye waye,
warne you I shall anon this daye,
and shew yt in your sight.
Tunc orat Sibilla, et dicat Preco alta voce.
PRECO
Peace I byd, kinge and knight,
men and weomen and eych wight;
tyll I have tould that I have tight,
stonde styll, both stronge and stoute.
My lord Octavyan, myche of might,
commandes you should be readye dight:
trybute hee wyll have in height
of all this world about.
men and weomen and eych wight;
tyll I have tould that I have tight,
stonde styll, both stronge and stoute.
My lord Octavyan, myche of might,
commandes you should be readye dight:
trybute hee wyll have in height
of all this world about.
Hee wyll have written eych countree,
castle, shyre, and eke cyttye—
men and weomen, leeve you mee—
and all that bee therin.
A penye of eych man have will hee—
the valewe of ten pences hit shalbee—
to knowledge that hee hase soverayntee
fullye of all mankynd.
castle, shyre, and eke cyttye—
men and weomen, leeve you mee—
and all that bee therin.
112
the valewe of ten pences hit shalbee—
to knowledge that hee hase soverayntee
fullye of all mankynd.
JOSEPHE
A, lord, what doth this man nowe here?
Poore mens weale ys ever in were.
I wott by this bosters beere
that trybute I muste paye.
And for greate age and noe powere,
I wan noe good this seaven yere.
Nowe comes the kinges messinger
to gett all that hee maye.
Poore mens weale ys ever in were.
I wott by this bosters beere
that trybute I muste paye.
And for greate age and noe powere,
I wan noe good this seaven yere.
Nowe comes the kinges messinger
to gett all that hee maye.
With this axe that I beare,
this perces and this naugere
and hammer, all in fere,
I have wonnen my meate.
Castle, towre, ney riche manere
had I never in my power;
but as a symple carpenter
with those what I might gett.
this perces and this naugere
and hammer, all in fere,
I have wonnen my meate.
Castle, towre, ney riche manere
had I never in my power;
but as a symple carpenter
with those what I might gett.
If I have store, anye thinge,
that must I paye unto the kinge.
But yett I have a likinge,
the angell to mee towlde:
hee that should man owt of bale bringe
my wife had in her keapinge.
That seemes all good to my likinge,
and makes mee more bowld.
that must I paye unto the kinge.
But yett I have a likinge,
the angell to mee towlde:
hee that should man owt of bale bringe
my wife had in her keapinge.
That seemes all good to my likinge,
and makes mee more bowld.
A, leeffe syr, tell mee I thee praye:
shall poore as well as rych paye?
My faye, syr, I hoope naye;
that were a wonders wronge.
shall poore as well as rych paye?
113
that were a wonders wronge.
PRECO
Good man, I warne thee in good faye
to Bethlem to take the waye,
leste thow in danger falle todaye
if that thow bee to longe.
JOSEPHE
Nowe syth yt may non other bee,
Marye, sister, now hye wee.
An oxe I will take with mee
that there shalbe soulde.
The silver of him, soe mote I thee,
shall fynde us in that cyttye,
and paye tribute for thee and mee;
for therto wee bine howlde.
MARIA
A, lord, what may this signifye?
Some men I see glad and merye
and some syghinge and sorye.
Wherfore soever yt bee?
Syth Godes Sonne came man to forbye—
is commen through his great mercye—
methinke that man should kindlye
be glad that sight to see.
ANGELUS
Marye, Godes mother dere,
the tokeninge I shall thee lere.
The commen people, as thow seest here,
are glad—as they well maye—
that they shall see of Abrahams seede
Christe come to helpe them in there neede.
Therfore the joyen withowten dreede
for to abyde this daye.
the tokeninge I shall thee lere.
The commen people, as thow seest here,
are glad—as they well maye—
114
Christe come to helpe them in there neede.
Therfore the joyen withowten dreede
for to abyde this daye.
The morneinge men—take this in mynde—
are Jewes that shalbe put behinde,
for they passed owt of kinde
through Christe at his comminge.
For they shall have noe grace to knowe
that God for man shall light soe lowe;
for shame on them that soone shall showe.
Therfore they bine mourninge.
are Jewes that shalbe put behinde,
for they passed owt of kinde
through Christe at his comminge.
For they shall have noe grace to knowe
that God for man shall light soe lowe;
for shame on them that soone shall showe.
Therfore they bine mourninge.
JOSEPH
Marye, suster, sooth to saye
harbour, I hope, gett wee ne maye;
for great lordes of stowte araye
occupye this cyttye.
Therfore wee muste in good faye
lye in this stable tyll yt bee daye.
To make men meeke, leeve I maye,
shew him here will hee.
MARIA
Helpe me downe, my leeffe fere,
for I hope my tyme bee neere.
Christe in this stable that ys here,
I hope borne wilbee.
Tunc Joseph accipiet Mariam in brachia sua.
115
Come to me, my sweete dere,
the treasure of heaven withowten were.
Welcome in full meeke manere.
Him hope I for to see.
Tunc statuet Mariam inter bovem et asinam.the treasure of heaven withowten were.
Welcome in full meeke manere.
Him hope I for to see.
Marye, sister, I will assaye
to gett too middwives yf I maye;
for though in thee bee God verey—
and commen agaynst kynde—
for usage here of this cittye
and manners sake, as thinkes mee,
too I will fetch anon to thee
yf I may any fynde.
to gett too middwives yf I maye;
for though in thee bee God verey—
and commen agaynst kynde—
for usage here of this cittye
and manners sake, as thinkes mee,
too I will fetch anon to thee
yf I may any fynde.
JOSEPH
(ad obstetrices)
Weomen, God you save and see!
Is yt your will to goe with mee?
My wife ys commen into this cyttye
with child, and tyme is nere.
Helpes her nowe for charytee,
and bee with her tyll day bee;
and your travayle, soe mote I thee,
I shall paye you right here.
TEBELL
All readye, good man, in good faye.
Wee will doe all that ever wee maye.
For too such middwives, I dare well saye,
are not in this cyttye.
SALOME
Come, good man, leade us awaye.
By Godes helpe or hit bee daye
116
and that thow shalt well see.
JOSEPH
Loe, Marye, harte, brought I have here
too middwives for the mannere,
to bee with thee, my darlinge deare,
tyll that hit bee daye.
MARIA
Syr, the be welcome withowt were.
But God will worke of his power
full sonne for mee, my lefe fere,
as best is nowe and aye.
Tunc paululum acquiescunt.But God will worke of his power
full sonne for mee, my lefe fere,
as best is nowe and aye.
A, Joseph, tydinges aright!
I have a sonne, a sweete wight.
Lord, thanked bee thow, full of might,
for preeved is thy postee.
Payne felte I non this night.
But right soe as hee in mee light,
commen hee is here in this sight—
Godes Sonne, as thow maye see.
I have a sonne, a sweete wight.
Lord, thanked bee thow, full of might,
for preeved is thy postee.
Payne felte I non this night.
But right soe as hee in mee light,
commen hee is here in this sight—
Godes Sonne, as thow maye see.
Tunc stella apparebit.
JOSEPH
Lord, welcome, sweete Jesu!
Thy name thow haddest or I thee knewe.
Nowe leeve I the angells worde is trewe,
that thow arte a cleane maye.
117
to all that thy lawe will shewe.
Nowe mans joy beginns to newe
and noye to passe awaye.
MARIA
Lord, blessed most thow bee
that [symple] borne art, as I see;
to preeve the divell of his postee,
commen thow arte todaye.
Diversorye is non for thee.
Therfore thy sweete bodye free
in this cratch shall lye with lee,
and lapped abowt with haye.
TEBELL
A, dere lord, heaven kinge,
that this is a marvelous thinge!
Withowten teene or travaylinge,
a fayre sonne shee hasse one.
I dare well saye, forsooth iwys,
that cleane mayden this woman ys,
for shee hath borne a chyld with blys;
soe wiste I never none.
SALOME
Be styll, Tebell, I thee praye,
for that is false, in good faye.
Was never woman cleane maye
and chyld withowt man.
But never the latter, I will assaye
whether shee bee cleane maye,
and knowe yt if I cann.
for that is false, in good faye.
Was never woman cleane maye
and chyld withowt man.
But never the latter, I will assaye
whether shee bee cleane maye,
and knowe yt if I cann.
118
Alas, alas, alas, alas,
mee ys betyde an evyll case!
My handes bee dryed up in this place,
that feelinge none have I.
Vengeance on mee ys nowe light,
for I would tempte Goddes might.
Alas, that I came here tonight
to suffer such anoye.
mee ys betyde an evyll case!
My handes bee dryed up in this place,
that feelinge none have I.
Vengeance on mee ys nowe light,
for I would tempte Goddes might.
Alas, that I came here tonight
to suffer such anoye.
Tunc apparet stella et veniet Angelus, [dicens] ut sequitur.
[ANGELUS]
Womann, beseech this childe of grace
that hee forgive thee thy trespasse;
and ere thow goe owt of this place
holpen thou maye bee.
This miracle that now thow seest here
is of Godes owne powere,
to bringe mankinde owt of dangere
and mende them, leeve thow mee.
SALOME
Ah, sweete child, I aske mercye
for thy mothers love, Marye.
Though I have wrought wretchedlye,
sweete childe, forgive yt mee.
Ah, blessed bee God! All whole am I!
Nowe leeve I well and sickerlye
that God is commen, man to forbye.
And thou, lord, thou art hee.
119
Loe, lordings all, of this miracle here
freere Bartholemewe in good mannere
beareth wytnes, withowten were,
as played is you beforne.
And other myracles, yf I maye,
I shall rehearse or I goe awaye,
that befell that ilke daye
that Jesus Christ was borne.
freere Bartholemewe in good mannere
beareth wytnes, withowten were,
as played is you beforne.
And other myracles, yf I maye,
I shall rehearse or I goe awaye,
that befell that ilke daye
that Jesus Christ was borne.
Wee reade in cronicles expresse:
somtyme in Rome a temple was
made of soe greate ryches
that wonder was witterlye.
For all thinges in hit, leeve you mee,
was silver, gould, and rych perlye;
thryd parte the worlde, as read wee,
that temple was worthye.
somtyme in Rome a temple was
made of soe greate ryches
that wonder was witterlye.
For all thinges in hit, leeve you mee,
was silver, gould, and rych perlye;
thryd parte the worlde, as read wee,
that temple was worthye.
Of eych province, that booke mynde mase
ther goddes image sett there was;
and eych on abowt his necke has
a silver bell hanginge,
and on his brest written also
the landes name and godes too.
And sett was alsoe in middest of tho
god of Rome, right as a kinge.
ther goddes image sett there was;
and eych on abowt his necke has
a silver bell hanginge,
and on his brest written also
the landes name and godes too.
And sett was alsoe in middest of tho
god of Rome, right as a kinge.
Abowt the house alsoe mevinge there
a man on horse—stoode men to steare—
and in his hand hee bare a spere,
all pure dispituouslye.
That horse and man was made of brasse;
torninge abowt that image was.
Save certayne preystes ther might non passe
for devylls phantasie.
a man on horse—stoode men to steare—
and in his hand hee bare a spere,
all pure dispituouslye.
That horse and man was made of brasse;
torninge abowt that image was.
120
for devylls phantasie.
But when that any lande with battell
was readye Rome for to assayle,
the godes [image] withowten fayle
of that land range his bell
and torned his face dispituouslye
to god of Rome, as reade I,
in tokeninge that there were readye
to feyghtinge freshe and fell.
was readye Rome for to assayle,
the godes [image] withowten fayle
of that land range his bell
and torned his face dispituouslye
to god of Rome, as reade I,
in tokeninge that there were readye
to feyghtinge freshe and fell.
The image alsoe above standinge,
when the bell beneath begane to ringe,
torned him all sharpely, shewinge
towarde that lande his spere.
And when they see this tokeninge,
Rome ordayned withowt tareinge
an oste to keepe there comminge,
longe or they came there.
when the bell beneath begane to ringe,
torned him all sharpely, shewinge
towarde that lande his spere.
And when they see this tokeninge,
Rome ordayned withowt tareinge
an oste to keepe there comminge,
longe or they came there.
And on this manere sothlye,
by arte of neagromancye,
all the world witterlye
to Rome were made to lowt.
And in that temple there dowbtles
was called therfore the Temple of Peace,
that through his sleyt battell can cease
throughowt the world, the worlde abowte.
by arte of neagromancye,
all the world witterlye
to Rome were made to lowt.
And in that temple there dowbtles
was called therfore the Temple of Peace,
that through his sleyt battell can cease
throughowt the world, the worlde abowte.
But hee to coyntly this worke caste
asked the devyll or hee paste
howe longe that temple hit should laste
that hee there can buylde.
The devill answered suttillye,
and sayd yt should last sickerlye
untyll a mayden wemmostlye
had conceyved a chylde.
asked the devyll or hee paste
howe longe that temple hit should laste
that hee there can buylde.
121
and sayd yt should last sickerlye
untyll a mayden wemmostlye
had conceyved a chylde.
They hard, and beleeved therfore
yt should endure for evermore.
But that tyme that Christ was bore,
hit fell downe soone in hye.
Of which howse is seene this daye
somewhat standinge, in good faye.
But noe man dare well goe that waye
for feendes phantasye.
yt should endure for evermore.
But that tyme that Christ was bore,
hit fell downe soone in hye.
Of which howse is seene this daye
somewhat standinge, in good faye.
But noe man dare well goe that waye
for feendes phantasye.
That daye was seene verament
three sonnes in the firmament,
and wonderslye together went
and torned into one.
The oxe, the asse, ther they were lent,
honored Christe in theyr intent;
and moe miracles, as wee have ment
to playe right here anon.
three sonnes in the firmament,
and wonderslye together went
and torned into one.
The oxe, the asse, ther they were lent,
honored Christe in theyr intent;
and moe miracles, as wee have ment
to playe right here anon.
Tunc ostendet stellam, et veniet Sibilla ad imperatorem.
SIBILLA
Syr emperour, God thee save and see.
I tell you sicker that borne ys hee
that passeth thee of postee.
Looke up on height after mee.
That baron thow seest that great shalbee—
to passe all kinges, and eke thee,
that borne are or ever were.
122
A, Sibbell, this is a wondrouse sight,
for yonder I see a mayden bright,
a yonge chylde in her armes clight,
a bright crosse in his head.
Honour I wyll that sweete wight
with incense throughowt all my might,
for that reverence is most right,
if that yt bee thy reade.
for yonder I see a mayden bright,
a yonge chylde in her armes clight,
a bright crosse in his head.
Honour I wyll that sweete wight
with incense throughowt all my might,
for that reverence is most right,
if that yt bee thy reade.
Incense bringe, I command, in hye
to honour this child, kinge of mercye.
Should I bee God? Naye, naye, witterlye!
Great wronge iwys yt were.
For this childe is more worthye
then such a thowsande as am I.
Therfore to God moste mightye
incense I offer here.
Tunc Angelus cantabit ‘Haec est ara Dei caeli’; fiat notam secundum
arbitrium agentis, etc.to honour this child, kinge of mercye.
Should I bee God? Naye, naye, witterlye!
Great wronge iwys yt were.
For this childe is more worthye
then such a thowsande as am I.
Therfore to God moste mightye
incense I offer here.
A, Sybbell, heres not thow this songe?
My members all yt goeth amonge.
Joy and blys makes my harte stronge
to heare this melody.
Sycker yt may non other bee
but this childe is prince of postye
and I his subject, as I see.
Hee is moste worthye.
My members all yt goeth amonge.
Joy and blys makes my harte stronge
to heare this melody.
Sycker yt may non other bee
but this childe is prince of postye
and I his subject, as I see.
Hee is moste worthye.
SYBBELL
Yea, syr, thow shalt leeve well this:
somewhere one yearth borne he is;
and that hee comes for mans blys,
his tokeninge this can shewe.
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for other God there none ys;
that hopes otherwise, doth amys,
but him for Christe to knowe.
OCTAVYAN
Syr senators, goes home anone
and warne my men everychone
that such worshipp I must forgonne
as they would doe to mee.
But this child worshipp eych maye
with full harte all that you [can],
for hee is worthye to leeve upon;
and that nowe I wyll see.
[PRIMUS SENATOR]
A, lord, whatever this may bee,
this is a wondrous sight to see;
for in the stare, as thinkes mee,
I see a full fayre maye.
Syr, shall this child passe yee
of worthines and dignitee?
Such a lord, by my lewtye,
I wend never had binne.
EXPOSITOR
Lordings, that this is verey
by verey sygne knowe yee maye;
for in Rome in good faye,
thereas this thinge was seene,
was buyld a church in noble araye—
in worshipp of Marye, that sweete maye—
that yett lastes untyll this daye,
as men knowe that there have binne.
by verey sygne knowe yee maye;
for in Rome in good faye,
thereas this thinge was seene,
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in worshipp of Marye, that sweete maye—
that yett lastes untyll this daye,
as men knowe that there have binne.
And for to have full memorye
of the angells melodye
and of this sight sickerlye
the emperoure ther knewe,
the church is called St. Marye.
The surname is Ara Caeli,
that men knowe nowe well therby
that this was fullye trewe.
of the angells melodye
and of this sight sickerlye
the emperoure ther knewe,
the church is called St. Marye.
The surname is Ara Caeli,
that men knowe nowe well therby
that this was fullye trewe.
Another miracle I fynd also,
at Christes byrth that fell thoo:
when Salome attempted to knowe
whether shee was a maye,
hyr hand roted, as you have seene.
Wherby you may take good teene
that unbeleeffe is a fowle sinne,
as you have seene within this playe.
at Christes byrth that fell thoo:
when Salome attempted to knowe
whether shee was a maye,
hyr hand roted, as you have seene.
Wherby you may take good teene
that unbeleeffe is a fowle sinne,
as you have seene within this playe.
Finis
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