An excellent new Commedie, Intituled : The Conflict of Conscience Contayninge, A most lamentable example, of the dolefull desperation of a miserable worldlinge, termed, by the name of Philologvs, who forsooke the trueth of Gods Gospel, for feare of the losse of lyfe, & wordly goods |
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Acte fourth.
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 | An excellent new Commedie, Intituled : The Conflict of Conscience |  |
Acte fourth.
Sceane. 1.
CAR.HYPO. AVA. .TYR. PHILO.
Go to Master Zeale, bring forth that Heretike,
Which doth thus disturb our religion Catholicke.
Hypocrisie.
Rowm for my Lords grace: what? no maner reuerence,
But Cap on head Hodge, and that in a Lords presence.
Cardinall.
What? Master Hypocrisie I haue stayed for you long.
Hypocrisie.
You were best crowd in and play vs amonge.
Where haue you ben from me so long absent,
I appoynted to haue ben here three howres ago,
In my consistory to haue set in Iudgement,
Of that wretched Scismatike that doth trouble vs so.
Hypocrisie.
What haue you caught but one and no moe?
In fayth father Auarice, you haue plied your chaps well.
Auarice.
I must needs confesse that I am payd for my trauell.
Tyranny.
Rowme for the prisoner, what? rowme on ech hand,
Or I shall make some out of the way for to stand.
Lo heere (my Lord) is that seditious Scismatike,
That we haue layd waite for, an arrant Heretike.
Cardinall.
Sit downe Master Hypocrisie to yeeld me assistance.
Hypocrisie.
I thank your Lordship for your courteous beneuolence,
I wilbe the Noddy, I should say the Notary,
To wright before my Lord Legate which is Comissary.
Cardinall.
Ah sirra, be you he that doeth thus disturb,
The whole estate of our fayth Catholike?
Art thou so expert in Gods lawes and word,
That no man may learne thee? thou arrant Heretike:
But this is the nature of euery Scismatike:
Be his errors neuer so false Doctrine,
He will say, by Gods word, he dare it examine.
Philologus.
With humble submission to your authoritie,
I pardon craue if ought amisse I saye,
For being thus fet in perill and extreamitie,
To me vnaquainted, my tongue soone trip maye,
Wherefore excuse me, I do your Lordship praye,
And I will answeare to euery demaund,
According to my conscience, Goddes worde being my warrand.
To begin therfore orderly, how saist thou Philologus?
Haue I authoritie to call the me before?
Or to be short, I will obiect it thus:
Whether hath the Pope which is Peters successor:
Then all other Bishops preheminence more?
If not, then it follow that neither he,
Nor I which am his Legate, to accompts may call thee.
Philologus.
The question is perillous for me to determine,
Cheefely when the party is Iudge in the cause,
Yet if the wholl course of Scripture ye examine,
And wilbe tryed by Gods holy lawes,
Small help shall you finde to defend the same cause,
But the contrary may be proued manifestly:
As I in short wordes will proue to you breefely.
Cheefely when the party is Iudge in the cause,
Yet if the wholl course of Scripture ye examine,
And wilbe tryed by Gods holy lawes,
Small help shall you finde to defend the same cause,
But the contrary may be proued manifestly:
As I in short wordes will proue to you breefely.
The surest ground wheron your Pope doth stand:
Is of Peters being at Roome a strong imagination,
And the same Peter you do vnderstand,
Of all the Disciples had the gubernation,
Surmising both without good approbation:
Unlesse you will by the name of Babylon,
From whence Peter wrote is vnderstanded Roome:
Is of Peters being at Roome a strong imagination,
And the same Peter you do vnderstand,
Of all the Disciples had the gubernation,
Surmising both without good approbation:
Unlesse you will by the name of Babylon,
From whence Peter wrote is vnderstanded Roome:
As indeed diuers of your writers haue affirmed,
Reciting Ieromy, Austine, Primasius and Ambrose,
Who by their seuerall writinges haue confirmed:
That Rome is new Babylon I may it not glose,
But it were better for you they were dumbe I suppose,
For they labour to proue Roome by that acception:
The whore of Babilon spoke of in the Reuelation,
Reciting Ieromy, Austine, Primasius and Ambrose,
Who by their seuerall writinges haue confirmed:
That Rome is new Babylon I may it not glose,
But it were better for you they were dumbe I suppose,
For they labour to proue Roome by that acception:
The whore of Babilon spoke of in the Reuelation,
But graunt that Peter in Roome setled was,
Yet that he was cheefe, it remayns you to proue:
For in my Iudgement it is a playne case,
That if any amongst them to rule it did behooue,
He should be cheefe whom Christ most did loue:
To whom he bequethed his mother most deere,
To whom in reuelation Christ did also appeere.
I meane Iohn Euangelist (by birth) Coosin germaine,
To our Sauiour Christ as storyes do vs tell,
From whose succession if that you should clayme
Superioritie, you should mend your cause well,
For then of some likelyhood of truth it should smell,
Where none so often as Peeter was reproued,
Nor from stedfast fayth so often tymes remooued,
Yet that he was cheefe, it remayns you to proue:
For in my Iudgement it is a playne case,
That if any amongst them to rule it did behooue,
He should be cheefe whom Christ most did loue:
To whom he bequethed his mother most deere,
To whom in reuelation Christ did also appeere.
To our Sauiour Christ as storyes do vs tell,
From whose succession if that you should clayme
Superioritie, you should mend your cause well,
For then of some likelyhood of truth it should smell,
Where none so often as Peeter was reproued,
Nor from stedfast fayth so often tymes remooued,
But graunt all were true herein you do fayne,
Marke one proper lesson of a Greeke Oratour:
As a good childe of his fathers welth is inheritour,
So of his fathers vertues he must be possessour,
Now Peter folows Christ and al worldly goods forsakes
But the Pope leaueth Christ, & himselfe to glory takes:
Marke one proper lesson of a Greeke Oratour:
As a good childe of his fathers welth is inheritour,
So of his fathers vertues he must be possessour,
Now Peter folows Christ and al worldly goods forsakes
But the Pope leaueth Christ, & himselfe to glory takes:
And to be short Christ himselfe refused to be a Kinge,
And the seruant aboue the Master may not be,
Which being both true it is a strange thing,
How the Pope can receiue this pompe and dignitie,
And yet professe himselfe Christes seruant to be,
Christ wilbe no King, the Pope wilbe more,
The Pope is Christes Master not his seruant therefore.
And the seruant aboue the Master may not be,
Which being both true it is a strange thing,
How the Pope can receiue this pompe and dignitie,
And yet professe himselfe Christes seruant to be,
Christ wilbe no King, the Pope wilbe more,
The Pope is Christes Master not his seruant therefore.
Cardinall.
Ah thou arrant Heretike I will thee remember,
I am glad I know so much as I doo,
I haue wayed thy resons and haue found them so slender
That I thinke them not worthy to be answeared:
How say you Master Hipocrisy?
HIP.
I also thinke so,
But let him go forwarde and vtter his conscience,
And we will awhile longer here him with patience.
Cardinall.
Say on thou Heretike of the holy Sacrament,
Of the body and bloud of Christ, what is thine opinion?
Philologus.
I haue not yet finished my former argument.
Cardinall.
Say on as I bid thee, thou art a stoute Minion:
Philologus.
I shall then gladly: it is a signe of vnion,
The which should remaine vs Christians among,
That one should loue another all our life long:
That one should loue another all our life long:
For as the bread is of many Cornells compounded,
And the Wine from the Iuce of many Graps do discend,
So we which into Christ our Rocke are ingrounded:
As into one Temple, should cease to contend:
Least by our contention the Church we offend,
This was not the least cause among many more,
Which are now omitted that this Sacrament was geuen for,
And the Wine from the Iuce of many Graps do discend,
So we which into Christ our Rocke are ingrounded:
As into one Temple, should cease to contend:
Least by our contention the Church we offend,
This was not the least cause among many more,
Which are now omitted that this Sacrament was geuen for,
The cheefest cause why this Sacrament was ordained,
Was the infirmitie of our outwarde man:
Whereas Saluation to all men was proclaymed.
That with true fayth apprehend the same can,
By the death of Iesus Christ that immaculate Lambe,
That the same might the rather of all men be beleued,
To the word to ad a Sacramēt, it Christ nothing greued
Was the infirmitie of our outwarde man:
Whereas Saluation to all men was proclaymed.
That with true fayth apprehend the same can,
By the death of Iesus Christ that immaculate Lambe,
That the same might the rather of all men be beleued,
To the word to ad a Sacramēt, it Christ nothing greued
And as we the sooner beleeue that thing true,
For the tryall whereof more witnesses we finde,
So by the meanes of the Sacrament many grue
Beleeuing creatures, where before they were blynde,
For our sences some sauour of our fayth now do finde,
Because in the Sacrament there is this Analogy:
That Christ feedes our soules as the bread doth our body.
For the tryall whereof more witnesses we finde,
So by the meanes of the Sacrament many grue
Beleeuing creatures, where before they were blynde,
For our sences some sauour of our fayth now do finde,
Because in the Sacrament there is this Analogy:
That Christ feedes our soules as the bread doth our body.
Cardinall.
Ah thou foul Heretike, is there bread in the Sacrament?
Where is Christes body then which he did vs giue?
Philologus.
I know to the faythfull receiuer it is there present:
But yet the bread remaineth stil I stedfastly beleeue.
Cardinall.
To here these his errors it doth me greatly greeue:
But that we may shortly to some issue come,
In what sence sayd Christ, Hoc est Corpus meum?
Philologus.
Euen in the same sence that he sayd before:
Vos estis sall terræ, vos estis Lux mundi:
Ego sum ostium: and a hundreth such more,
If tyme would permit to alleadge them seuerally,
But that I may the simple sorte edifie,
You aske me in what sence these wordes I verifye,
Where Christ of the bread sayd: this is my body:
Vos estis sall terræ, vos estis Lux mundi:
Ego sum ostium: and a hundreth such more,
But that I may the simple sorte edifie,
You aske me in what sence these wordes I verifye,
Where Christ of the bread sayd: this is my body:
For answere herein, I aske you this question,
Were Christes disciples into salt transformed?
When he sayd: ye are the salt of the earth euery one,
Or when the light of the world he them affirmed?
Or himselfe to be a dore when he confirmed,
Or to be a Uine did his body then change?
If not then, why now? this to me seemeth strange.
Were Christes disciples into salt transformed?
When he sayd: ye are the salt of the earth euery one,
Or when the light of the world he them affirmed?
Or himselfe to be a dore when he confirmed,
Or to be a Uine did his body then change?
If not then, why now? this to me seemeth strange.
Cardinall.
Why doest thou doubt of Christ his omnipotencye?
But what so he willeth doth so come to passe?
Philologus.
God keepe me and all men from such a frencye,
As to thinke any thing Christes power to surpasse,
When his will to his power ioyned was,
But where his will wanteth his power is vneffectuall:
As Christ can be no lyer, God cannot be mortall:
Set downe therefore some proofe of his will,
That he would be made bread, and then I recant.
Cardinall.
This Caytif, myne eares with winde he doth fill:
His wordes both trueth and reason doth want:
Christes word is his will, this must thou needes graunt.
Philologus.
He spake the word likewise, when he said: I am the dore,
Was his body transformed into tymber therefere?
Cardinall.
Nay if thou beest obstinate I will say no more.
Haue him hence to prison and keepe him full sure:
I will make him set by my friendship more store:
But herest thou Zeale, go first and procure,
Some kinde of new torment which he may not indure.
Tiranny.
I am here in redines to do your commaundement,
Hypocrisie.
At thy returne, bryng hether Sensuall Suggestion.
That if neede be, he may vs assist,
Least that both I, and Carefull prouision,
The zeale of Philologus, may not fully resist.
But he in his obstinacie doth styll persist,
To put him to death, would accuse vs of Tirranny:
But if we could win him, he should do vs much honesty.
Tyranny.
I heare you, and wyll fulfill your wordes spedely.
Exit Tyrran.
Hypocrysie.
Good Maister Philologus, I pittie your case,
To see you so foolysh, your selfe to vndoo:
I durst yet promys to purchase you grace,
If you would (at length) your errours forgoe:
Therfore, I pray you, be not your owne foe.
Philologus.
Call you those Errours, whiche the Gospell defends,
I know not then, whence true Dctrine descends.
Cardinall.
Nay, Mayster Hypocrisie, you spend tyme in vaine.
To reason with him, he will not be remooued,
Auarice.
Had I so much to liue by as he hath certayne,
I would not loose that which I so well loued.
Cardinall.
He stands in his reputation, he will not be reproued:
And that is the cause that he is co obstinate?
But I shall well enough thy corage abate.
Philologus.
I humbly beseeche you of Christian charitie,
You seeke not of purpose my bloud for to spill:
For if I haue displeased your authoritie,
In reasonable causes redresse it I will,
But in this respect I feare I should kill
My soull for euer: if against my conscience
Hypocrysie.
Ceace from those wordes, if your safetie you loue:
As though no man had a soule more then you:
Suche nips (perchance) my Lords patience wyll mooue:
Then would you please him, if that you wist how:
But, if you wyll be ruled, (by my honestie) I vow,
I will do the best herein that I can:
Because you seeme to be a good Gentleman.
Auarice.
Were it not better for you to lyue at ease?
And spend that merely, whiche earst you haue got,
Then by your owne follie, your selfe to disease?
And bring you to trouble, whiche other men seeke not.
Hypocrisie.
In faith, Philologus, your zeale is too hote,
Whiche wyll not be quenched, but with your hart blood,
If I were so zealous, I would thinke my selfe wood.
Cardinall.
Tush, it wyll not be, he thinkes we do but iest,
Wherfore, that some tryall of my minde, he may haue,
That Carefull Prouision, should goe, I thinke best,
Into the towne, and there, assistance craue,
His House for to enter, and his Goods for me saue:
Least, when his wife know, that they be confiscate,
Into other mens keepyng, the same she doth dissipate.
Hypocrisie.
You speake very wisely, in my simple Iudgement,
Therfore, you were best to sende him away.
Cardinall.
Go too, Carefull Prouision, depart incontinent,
And fulfill the wordes, whiche I to you say,
Auarice.
Of pardon herein, I do your Lordshyp pray,
You doubt not I trust, of my wyllyng minde,
Whiche herein most redy, you alway shall finde.
You doubt not I trust, of my wyllyng minde,
Whiche herein most redy, you alway shall finde.
For who is more redy, by frawde to purloyne,
Other mens goodes then I am eche where?
But least some man at mee shoulde chaunce to faine,
And kill mee at once I greatly doo feare,
I had rather perswade him his folly to forbeare.
But least some man at mee shoulde chaunce to faine,
And kill mee at once I greatly doo feare,
I had rather perswade him his folly to forbeare.
Cardinall.
Proue then if thou canst doo him any good,
He shall not say that we seeke his bloud.
Auarice.
Ah maister Philologus, you see your owne case,
That both life and goodes are in my Lords will,
Therefore you were best to sue for some grace,
And be content his wordes to fulfilll:
If you neglect this, hence straight way I wyll,
And all your goodes I will sure confiscate,
Then will you repent, it when it is to late.
Philologus.
My case indeede I see most miserable,
As was Susanna betwixt two euyls placed,
Either to consent to sinne most abhominable:
Or els in the worldes sight to be vtterly disgraced:
But as she her chastitie at that time imbraced,
So will I now spirituall whordom resist,
And keepe mee a true Uirgin to my louing spouse Christ.
Auarice.
Wilt thou then neglect the prouision of thy houshold?
Thou art therfore worsse then an Infydell is.
Philologus.
That you abuse Gods word, to say I dare be bolde:
And the saying of Paule you interpret amisse
Cardinall.
I neuer saw the like heretick that this is:
Away Carefull Prouision, about your businesse,
Auarice.
Sith there is no remedie, I am heere in redinesse.
Exit Aua.
Philologus.
I beseeche your Lordship euen from the hart roote,
That you would vouchsafe for my contentation,
To approue vnto mee by Gods holy booke,
Some one of the questions of our disputation:
For I will heere you with hartes delectation:
Because I would gladly to your doctrine consent,
If that I could so my conscience content.
That you would vouchsafe for my contentation,
Some one of the questions of our disputation:
For I will heere you with hartes delectation:
Because I would gladly to your doctrine consent,
If that I could so my conscience content.
But my Conscience crieth out and bids me take heede
To loue my lord God aboue all earthly gaine,
Wherby all this while, I stande in great dread,
That if I should Gods statutes disdaine,
In wretched state then, I should remaine:
Thus cryeth my Conscience, to mee continually,
which if you can stay, I will yeelde to you gladly.
To loue my lord God aboue all earthly gaine,
Wherby all this while, I stande in great dread,
That if I should Gods statutes disdaine,
In wretched state then, I should remaine:
Thus cryeth my Conscience, to mee continually,
which if you can stay, I will yeelde to you gladly.
Cardinall.
I can say no more, then I haue done already,
Thou heardest that I called the heretick and foole:
If thou wilt not consent to mee and that speedily:
With a new maister, thou shalt goe to schole,
Hypocrisie.
Thou hast no more wit, I see then this stoole,
Farre vnfit to dispute, or reason with my Lorde,
He can subdue thee, with fire & sword, quight wt one word
Tyranny.
Come, follow apace, sensuall Suggestion,
Or els I will leaue you to come all alone:
Suggestion.
You go in hast, you make expedition,
Nay, if you runne so fast I wil none:
This litle iournay, will make mee to grone:
I vse not to trouble my selfe in this wise,
And now to beginne, I doo not aduise:
Tiranny.
Haue not I plyed mee, which am come againe so soone,
And yet haue finished such sundry businesse:
I haue caused many pretie toyes to be done:
So that now I haue eche thing in readinesse.
Cardinall.
What maister Zeale, you are praiseworthy doubtlesse,
He will roste a Fagot, or els he me deceiue.
Tyranny.
In simple manner I will him entertaine,
Yet must he take it all in good parte:
And though his diet be small, he may not disdaine,
Nor yet contemne the kindenes of my heart,
For though I lacke instruments, to put him to smart,
Yet shall he abide in a hellish blacke dungeon:
As for blocks, stocks & irons, I warrant him want none.
Hypocrisie.
Well, farewel Philologus, you heare of your lodging,
I would yet do you good, if that I wist howe.
Cardinall.
Let him go Hypocrisie, stand not all day dodging,
You haue don to much for him, I make God avowe.
Hypocrisie.
Staye, for Suggestion doth come yonder nowe,
Come on lasy Lubber, you make but small haste,
Had you staied awhile lōger, your cōming had ben waste.
Suggestion.
You know of my selfe, I am not very quicke,
Because that my body I do so much tender,
For Sensuall Suggestion, will quickely be sicke
If that his owne ease he should not remember:
Thus one cause of my tariaunce to you I do render,
Another I had, as I came by the waye:
Which did me the longer from your company staye.
Hypocrisie.
What was that Suggestion, I praye thee to vs vtter,
For I am with child, till that I do it heare.
Suggestion.
A certaine gentlewoman, did murmur, and mutter,
And for greefe of minde, her hayre she did teare:
Shee will at last kill her selfe, I greatly do feare.
Hypocrisie.
What is the cause why this greefe she did take?
Because her Husband her company did forsake:
Her children also about her did stand,
Sobbing, and sighing, and made lamentation:
Knocking their brestes, and wringing their hand:
Saying, they are brought to vtter dessolation,
By the meanes of their fathers wilfull protestation,
Whose goodes they saye, are already confiscate,
Because he doth the Popes lawes violate,
And indeed I sawe Auarice standing at the doore,
And a company of Ruffians assisting him there.
Philologus.
Alas alas, this pincheth my heart full sore,
Myne euills he doth declare, myne owne wo, I do heare,
Wherefore from teares, I cannot forbeare.
Hypocrisie.
Ha ha, doth this touch you, Master Philologus,
You neede not haue had it, being rulde by vs.
Suggestion.
Why? what is he, thus, Master Hypocrisie,
That taketh such sorrow at the wordes which I spake.
Hypocrisie.
One that is taken, and conuinced of Heresie,
And I feare me much, will burne at a stake,
Yet to reclayme him, much paynes would I take,
And haue don already, howbeit in vayne,
I would craue thine assistance, were it not to thy payne,
Suggestion.
I will do the best herein that I can,
Yet go thou with me, to helpe at a neede,
With all my heart, God saue you, good gentleman,
To see your great sorrow, my heart doeth welnigh bleede:
But what is the cause of your trouble and dreede?
Disdaine not to me your secrets to tell:
A wise man sometime, of a fool may take counsell.
Philologus.
Myne estate (alas) is now most lamentable,
For I am but deade, which euer side I take,
Neither to determine heerein am I able,
With good aduice mine election to make:
The worse to refuse, and the best for to take,
My Spirit couites theone, but alas since your presence,
My flesh leades my spirit therfore by violence.
Neither to determine heerein am I able,
With good aduice mine election to make:
The worse to refuse, and the best for to take,
My Spirit couites theone, but alas since your presence,
My flesh leades my spirit therfore by violence.
For at this time, I being in great extremitie,
Either my Lord God in hart to reiect,
Or els to be oppressed by the Legates authorytie:
And in this world to be counted an abiect:
My Landes, wife and Children also to neglect:
This later part to take, my Spirit is in readinesse,
But my Flesh doth subdue, my Spirit doubtlesse.
Either my Lord God in hart to reiect,
Or els to be oppressed by the Legates authorytie:
And in this world to be counted an abiect:
My Landes, wife and Children also to neglect:
This later part to take, my Spirit is in readinesse,
But my Flesh doth subdue, my Spirit doubtlesse.
Suggestion.
Your estate perhaps, seemeth io you dangerous,
The rather because you haue not bene vsed:
To incurre before time, such troubles perilous:
But to your power such euils haue refused,
Howbeit of two euils, the least must be chused:
Now which is the least euill, wee will shortlye examine,
That which part to take, your selfe may determine.
The rather because you haue not bene vsed:
To incurre before time, such troubles perilous:
But to your power such euils haue refused,
Howbeit of two euils, the least must be chused:
Now which is the least euill, wee will shortlye examine,
That which part to take, your selfe may determine.
On ye right hand you say, you see gods iust iudgment,
His wrath and displeasure, on you for to fall,
And in steede of the ioyes of Heauen, euer permanent,
You see for your stipend, the tormentes infernall:
His wrath and displeasure, on you for to fall,
And in steede of the ioyes of Heauen, euer permanent,
You see for your stipend, the tormentes infernall:
Philologus.
That is it indeede, which I feare most of all:
For Christ said, feare not them, which the body can ānoy,
But feare him, which the body and soule can destroy:
Suggestion.
Well, let that ley aside, awhile as it is,
And on the other side make the lyke inquisition,
If on the left side you fall, then shall you not misse,
But to bring your body, to vtter perdition:
For at mans hand, you know there is no remission:
Beside your Children fatherlesse, your wife desolate,
Your goodes and possessions, to other men confiscate.
Saint Paul to the Romanes, hath this worthy sentence
I accompt the afflictions of this world transitorie,
Be they neuer so many, in full equiuolence:
Cannot counteruaile those heauenly glorie:
Which we shal haue through Christ his propitiatorie:
I also accompt the rebukes of our Sauiour,
Greater gaines to mee, then this house full of treasure.
Suggestion.
You haue spoken reasonably, but yet as they say,
One Birde in the hande, is worth two in the bush,
So you now inioying, these worldly ioyes may,
Esteeme the other, as light as a rush:
Thus may you scape this perrillous pushe:
Philologus.
Yea, but my saluation to mee is most certaine,
Neither doubt I, that I shall suffer this in vaine.
Suggestion.
Is your death meritorious, then in Gods sight?
That you are so sure, to attaine to saluation,
Philologus.
I doo not think so, but my faith is full pight:
In the mercies of God, by Christs mediation:
By whom I am sure of my preseruation.
Suggestion.
Then to the faithfull, no hurt can accrew,
But what so he worketh, good end shall insue.
Philologus.
Our Sauiour Christ, did say to the tempter,
When he did perswade him, from the Pinacle to fall,
And saide, he might safely, that danger aduenture:
Because that Gods Angels, from hurt him saue shall:
See that thy Lord God, thou tempt not at all:
So I, though perswaded, of my sinnes free remission,
May not commit sin, vpon this presumption.
Cardinall.
What haue you not yet done, your foolysh tatteling?
If you will tarie to heare all his prattelyng:
He would surely keepe you most part of the day:
It is now high dinner time my stomack doth say:
And I will not lose one meale of my diet,
Though thereon did hang an hundred mens quiet.
Suggestion.
By your Lordships pacience, one word with him more,
And then if he will not, I geue him to Tyrrany.
Hypocrisie.
I neuer saw my Lord so pacient before,
To suffe one to speake for himselfe so quietly,
But you were not best to trust to his curtesie:
It is euill waking of a Dog that doth sleepe,
While you haue his friendship, you were best it to keepe.
Cardinall.
I promise thee Philologus, by my vowed chastitie,
If thou wilt be ruled by thy friendes that be heere,
Thou shalt abound in wealth and prosperitie:
And in the Countrie chiefe rule thou shalt beare,
And a hundred pounds more thou shalt haue in the yeere:
If thou will this curtesie refuse,
Thou shalt die incontinent, the one of these chuse.
Suggestion.
Well sith it is no time, for vs to debate,
In former maner what is in my minde:
I will at once to thee straight demonstrate,
Those worldly ioyes, which heere thou shalt finde:
And for because thou art partly blinde,
In this respect looke through this mirrour,
And thou shalt behold an vnspeakable pleasure.
Philologus.
Oh peerelesse pleasures, oh ioyes vnspeakable,
Oh worldly wealth, oh pallaces gorgious,
Oh faire Children, oh wife most amyable:
Oh pleasant pastime, oh pompe so glorious,
Oh delicate diet, oh lyfe lasciuious:
Oh dolourous death which would mee betray,
And my felycitie from mee take away,
Oh worldly wealth, oh pallaces gorgious,
Oh faire Children, oh wife most amyable:
Oh pleasant pastime, oh pompe so glorious,
Oh delicate diet, oh lyfe lasciuious:
And my felycitie from mee take away,
I am fully resolued without further demeanour,
In these delightes to take my whole solace,
And what paine so euer hereby I incurre:
Whether heauen or hell, whether Gods wrath or grace,
This glasse of delight I will euer imbrace:
But one thing most chiefly doth trouble mee heere,
My Neighbors vnconstant will compt mee I feare.
In these delightes to take my whole solace,
And what paine so euer hereby I incurre:
Whether heauen or hell, whether Gods wrath or grace,
This glasse of delight I will euer imbrace:
But one thing most chiefly doth trouble mee heere,
My Neighbors vnconstant will compt mee I feare.
Hypocrisie.
He that will seeke eche man to content.
Shall prooue him selfe at last most vnwise,
Your selfe to saue harmlesse think it sufficient:
And waigh not the peoples clamorous outcries,
Yet there mouthes to stop I can soone deuise:
Say that the reading of the workes of S. Selfloue,
And doctor Ambition did your errours remoue.
Shall prooue him selfe at last most vnwise,
Your selfe to saue harmlesse think it sufficient:
And waigh not the peoples clamorous outcries,
Yet there mouthes to stop I can soone deuise:
Say that the reading of the workes of S. Selfloue,
And doctor Ambition did your errours remoue.
And harke in myne eare delay no more time,
The sooner the better, in ende you will say,
We haue now caught him as Birde is in line.
The sooner the better, in ende you will say,
We haue now caught him as Birde is in line.
Tyranny.
Come on sirs haue yee done, I would faine away.
Hypocrisie.
Goe euen when you will, we doo you not staie,
Philologus hath drunk such a draught of Hypocrisie,
That he minds not to die yet, he wil master this malady.
Cardinall.
Come on master Philologus, are you growne to a stay
I am glad to heare that you become tractable.
Philologus.
If it please your Lordship, I say euen what you say
And confesse your relygion, to be most allowable,
Neither will I gainsay your customes lawdable:
My former follyes I vtterly renownce,
That my selfe was an Heretick I doo heere pronownce.
Nay Master Philologus, goe with mee to my Pallace
And I shall set downe the forme of recantation,
Which you shall reade on Sonday next, in open place:
This done, you shall satisfie our expectation,
And shall be set free, from all molestation:
Into the bosome of the Church, we will you take,
And some high officer, therein will you make.
Philologus.
I must first request your Lordships fauour,
That I may goe home, my wife for to see,
And I will attend on you, within this howre.
Cardinall.
Nay I may not suffer, you alone to goe free,
Unlesse one of these, your suretie wil bee:
Suggestion.
I sensuall Suggestion, for him will vndertake,
Cardinall.
Uerie well take him to you, your prisoner I him make.
Goe you maister Philologus and beare mee company,
Or els I am sure no meate I should eate,
And goe before Zeale, to see ech thing ready:
That when we once come, we stay not for meate:
Or els I am sure no meate I should eate,
And goe before Zeale, to see ech thing ready:
That when we once come, we stay not for meate:
Hypocrisie.
With small sute heereto, you shall mee intreate.
Exit Tyr.
Cardinall.
Farewell Philologus, and make small delay,
Perhaps of our dinners, for you I will staie,
Exit Car. & Hyp.
Suggestion.
Had not you bene a wise man, your selfe to haue lost,
And brought your whole family to wretched estate,
Where now of your blessednesse, your selfe you may bost:
And of all the countrie, accompt your selfe fortunate,
Philologus.
Such was the wit of my foolish pate,
But what doo we stay, so long in this place,
I shall not be well, whilst I am with my Lordes grace.
Sceane. 4.
SPIRIT.PHILO. SVGGES.
Philologus, Philologus, Philologus, I say,
In time take heede, goe not to farre, looke well thy steps vnto,
Let not Suggestion of thy flesh, thy Conscience thee betray,
Who doth conduct thee in the path, that leadeth to all woe:
Waigh well this warning giuen from God, before thou further goe:
And sell not euerlasting ioyes, for pleasures temporall,
From which thou soone shalt goe, or they from thee bereaued shall.
Philologus.
Alas, what voice is this I heere, so dolefully to sounde,
Into mine eares, and warneth mee, in time yet to beware,
Why haue not I the pleasant path, of worldly pleasures founde,
To walk therein for my delight, no man shall me debarre.
Suggestion.
Looke in this Glasse Philologus, for nought els doo thou care,
What doost thou see within the same? is not the Coast all cleare?
Philologus.
Naught els but pleasure, pompe, and wealth, heerein to mee appeare.
Suggestion.
Giue mee thy hande, I will be guide, and leade thee in the way,
What doost thou shrink Philologus? where I dare goe before?
Spirit.
Yea, shrinke so still Philologus, no time turne back I say,
In sensuall Suggestions steppes, see that thou tread no more:
And though the frailtie of the flesh, hath made the fall full sore:
And to denye with outward lyps, thy Lord and God most deare,
The same to stablish with consent, of Conscience, stand in feare:
In sensuall Suggestions steppes, see that thou tread no more:
And though the frailtie of the flesh, hath made the fall full sore:
And to denye with outward lyps, thy Lord and God most deare,
The same to stablish with consent, of Conscience, stand in feare:
Thou art yet free Philologus, all torments thou maist scape,
Onely the pleasures of the world, thou shalt awhile forbeare,
Renownce thy crime, and sue for grace, and do not captiuate
Thy Conscience vnto mortall sinne, the yoke of Christ doo beare,
Shut vp these wordes within thy brest, which sound so in thine eare:
The outwarde man hath caused thee, this enterprise to take,
Beware least wickednesse of spirit, the same doo perfect make.
Onely the pleasures of the world, thou shalt awhile forbeare,
Renownce thy crime, and sue for grace, and do not captiuate
Thy Conscience vnto mortall sinne, the yoke of Christ doo beare,
Shut vp these wordes within thy brest, which sound so in thine eare:
The outwarde man hath caused thee, this enterprise to take,
Philologus.
My hart doth tremble for distres, my conscience pricks mee sore
And bid mee cease that course in time, which I would gladly runne
The wrath of God it doth mee tell, doth stand my face before:
Wherfore, I hold it best to cease that race I haue begun.
Suggestion.
These are but fancies certainly, for this way thou shalt shun
All worldly woes: looke in thy Glasse and tell me what it show,
Thou wilt not credit other men, before thy selfe I trow.
Philologus.
Oh gladsome Glasse, oh mirrour bright, oh cristall cleare as sun
The ioyes cannot be vttered, which herein I beholde,
Wherefore I will not thee forsake: what euill so euer come.
Spirit.
If needes thou wilt thy selfe vndoo, say not, but thou arte tolde:
Philologus.
Hap, what hap wyll, I will not loose these pleasures manyfolde
Wherfore conduct mee once againe, heere take mee by the hande.
Suggestion.
That sensuall Suggestion doth leade him vnderstand.
Sceane. 3.
CONSCI.PHILO. SVGGES.
Alas , alas, thou wofull wight, what furie dooth thee moue?
So willingly to cast thy selfe into consumyng fyre,
What Circes hath bewitched thee, thy worldly wealth to loue
More then the blessed state of Soule, this one thing I desyre:
Waigh wel the cause with sincere hart, thy Cōscience thee require
And sell not euerlasting ioyes, for pleasures temporall,
Resist Suggestion of the flesh, who seekes thee for to spoile:
From which thou soone shalt goe, or they from thee bereaued shall:
And take from thee which God elect, true euerlasting soyle.
Whose handes, if that thou goest on still, thou shalt no way eschew
Philologus.
What wight art thou? which for my health, doost take such earnest care?
Conscience.
Thy crased Conscience, which forsee, the plagues & torments due,
Which from iust Iudge, whom thou denyest shal by and by insue:
Suggestion.
Thou hast good triall of the faith, which I to thee doo beare,
Commit thy safetie to my charge, there is no daunger neere.
Conscience.
Such is the blindnesse of the flesh, that it may not descrie,
Or see the perrils which the Soule, is ready to incurre:
And much the lesse, our owne estates, we can our selues espie:
Because Suggestion in our hartes such fancies often stirre:
Wherby to worldly vanities, we cleaue as fast as burre:
Esteeming them with heauenly ioyes, in goodnesse comparable,
Yet be they mostly very prickes, to sinne abhomynable.
Or see the perrils which the Soule, is ready to incurre:
And much the lesse, our owne estates, we can our selues espie:
Because Suggestion in our hartes such fancies often stirre:
Wherby to worldly vanities, we cleaue as fast as burre:
Esteeming them with heauenly ioyes, in goodnesse comparable,
Yet be they mostly very prickes, to sinne abhomynable.
For proofe we neede no further goe, then to this present man,
Who by the blessing of the Lorde, of riches hauing store,
When with his hart to fancy them, this worldlyng once began:
And had this Glasse of vanyties espied, his eyes before,
He God forsooke, whereas he ought haue loued him the more:
And chooseth rather with his goodes, to be throwne downe to hell,
Then by refusing of the same, with God in heauen to dwell.
Who by the blessing of the Lorde, of riches hauing store,
When with his hart to fancy them, this worldlyng once began:
And had this Glasse of vanyties espied, his eyes before,
He God forsooke, whereas he ought haue loued him the more:
And chooseth rather with his goodes, to be throwne downe to hell,
Then by refusing of the same, with God in heauen to dwell.
Suggestion.
Nay harke Philologus, how thy conscience can teache,
And would deteyne thee with glosinges vntrue:
But hearest thou Conscience, thou maiest long inough preache,
Eare wordes, from whence reason or trueth none ensue,
Shall make Philologus to bid mee adue.
What shall there no rich man dwell in Gods kingdome?
where is then Abraham, Iob, and Dauid become?
Conscience.
I speake not largelye of all them, which haue this worldly wealth,
For why, I know that riches are the creatures of the Lorde:
Which of themselues, are good ech one, as Salamon vs telleth,
And are appoynted to do good withall, by Gods owne word,
But when they let vs from the Lord, then ought they be abhord:
Which caused Christ himselfe to say, that with much lesser payne,
Should Camel passe through needles ey, thē rich men Heauē obtayn,
For why, I know that riches are the creatures of the Lorde:
And are appoynted to do good withall, by Gods owne word,
But when they let vs from the Lord, then ought they be abhord:
Which caused Christ himselfe to say, that with much lesser payne,
Should Camel passe through needles ey, thē rich men Heauē obtayn,
Hereby Rich men, Christ did not mean, ech one which welth enioy
But those which fastned haue their loue vpon this worldly dust,
Wherefore another cryes, and sayth, oh death, how great anoye
Doest thou procure vnto that man, which in his gooddes doth trust?
That thou doest this Philologus, thou needes acknowledge must,
Whereby ech one may easly see, thou takest more delight,
In Mundane ioyes, then thou esteemest to be with Angels bright.
But those which fastned haue their loue vpon this worldly dust,
Wherefore another cryes, and sayth, oh death, how great anoye
Doest thou procure vnto that man, which in his gooddes doth trust?
That thou doest this Philologus, thou needes acknowledge must,
Whereby ech one may easly see, thou takest more delight,
In Mundane ioyes, then thou esteemest to be with Angels bright.
Philologus.
This toucheth ye quicke, I feele ye wound, which if thou canst not cure,
As mamed in limmes I must retyre, I can no further go.
Suggestion.
This is the greef which Conscience takes against thee I am sure,
Because thou vsest those delights, which Conscience may not do,
And therefore he perswadeth thee, to leaue the same also:
As did the Foxe, which caught in snare, and scapt with losse of tayle,
To cut off theirs, as burthenous, did all the rest counsayll.
Conscience.
In deede I cannot vse, those fond and foolish vanities
In which the outward part of man doth take so great delight,
No, neither would I, though to me were geuen that liberty,
But rather would consume them all to nought, if that I might,
For if I should delight therein, it were as good a syght,
As if a man of perfect age, should ride vpon a sticke:
Or playe with compters in the street, which pastime children lyke,
In which the outward part of man doth take so great delight,
No, neither would I, though to me were geuen that liberty,
But rather would consume them all to nought, if that I might,
For if I should delight therein, it were as good a syght,
As if a man of perfect age, should ride vpon a sticke:
Or playe with compters in the street, which pastime children lyke,
But all my ioyes in Heauen remaynes, wheras I long to be,
And so wouldest thou, if that on Christ thy fayth full fastned were,
For that affection, was in Paull the apostle, we may see,
The first to the Philippians doth witnes herein beare,
His words be these: oh would to God disolued that I were,
And were with Christ, another place his mynde in those words tell,
We are but straungers all from God, while in this world we dwell:
And so wouldest thou, if that on Christ thy fayth full fastned were,
For that affection, was in Paull the apostle, we may see,
The first to the Philippians doth witnes herein beare,
His words be these: oh would to God disolued that I were,
And were with Christ, another place his mynde in those words tell,
We are but straungers all from God, while in this world we dwell:
Now marke, how far from his request, dissenting is thy mynde,
He wisht for death, but more then hell, thou doest the same detest.
He wisht for death, but more then hell, thou doest the same detest.
Suggestion.
The cause why Paul did loth his lyfe, may easely be assignde:
Because the Iewes in euerie place, did seeke him to molest,
But those which in this world, obtaine securitie and rest:
Do take delight to liue therein, yea nature doth indue,
Ech lyuing creature with a feare, least death should them accrue.
Yea the same Paul at Antioche, dissembled to be dead,
while they were gone who sought his lyfe, with stones for to destroy
Elias for to saue his lyfe, to Horeb likwise fled,
So did king Dauid flee, when Saul did seeke him to annoy:
Yea Christ himselfe, whom in our deedes, to follow we may ioy,
Did secreatly conuaigh himselfe, from Iewes so full of hate.
when they thought from the top of hil, him to precipitate.
Because the Iewes in euerie place, did seeke him to molest,
But those which in this world, obtaine securitie and rest:
Do take delight to liue therein, yea nature doth indue,
Ech lyuing creature with a feare, least death should them accrue.
Yea the same Paul at Antioche, dissembled to be dead,
while they were gone who sought his lyfe, with stones for to destroy
Elias for to saue his lyfe, to Horeb likwise fled,
So did king Dauid flee, when Saul did seeke him to annoy:
Yea Christ himselfe, whom in our deedes, to follow we may ioy,
Did secreatly conuaigh himselfe, from Iewes so full of hate.
when they thought from the top of hil, him to precipitate.
Wherefore, it is no sinne at all, a man for to defende,
And keepe himselfe from death, so long as nature giues him leaue.
And keepe himselfe from death, so long as nature giues him leaue.
Conscience.
The same whom you recited haue, conceiued a further end:
Then to them selues to liue alone, as ech man may perceiue,
For when that Paul had run his course, he did at last receiue:
with hartes consent, the smal death, which was him put vnto,
So when Christ had perfourmed his work, he did death vndergoe:
And would to god, thou wouldest do yt, which these men were contēt,
For they dispised worldly pomp, their flesh they did subdue,
And brought it vnder, that to spirit, it mostly did consent:
whereby they seeking God to please, did bid the world adue:
Wife, Children, and possessions forsaking, for they knew
That euerlasting treasures were, appointed them at last,
The which they thirsting, did from them, al worldly pleasures cast.
Then to them selues to liue alone, as ech man may perceiue,
For when that Paul had run his course, he did at last receiue:
with hartes consent, the smal death, which was him put vnto,
So when Christ had perfourmed his work, he did death vndergoe:
And would to god, thou wouldest do yt, which these men were contēt,
For they dispised worldly pomp, their flesh they did subdue,
And brought it vnder, that to spirit, it mostly did consent:
whereby they seeking God to please, did bid the world adue:
Wife, Children, and possessions forsaking, for they knew
That euerlasting treasures were, appointed them at last,
The which they thirsting, did from them, al worldly pleasures cast.
But thou O wretch doest life prolong, not that thou wouldst gods name
As dutie binds vs all to doo, most chiefly gloryfy,
But rather by thy liuing still, wilt Gods renowne defame,
And more and more dishonor him, this is thy drift I spy.
As dutie binds vs all to doo, most chiefly gloryfy,
But rather by thy liuing still, wilt Gods renowne defame,
And more and more dishonor him, this is thy drift I spy.
Philologus.
I meane to liue in worldly ioyes, I can it not denye.
What are those ioyes, which thou doost meane, but pleasures straing frō god?
By vsing of the which, thou shalt prouoke his heauy rod:
Suggestion.
Tush knowest thou what Philologus, be wise thy selfe vnto,
And listen not to these fond wordes which Conscience to thee tell,
For thy defence I wyll alleadge one worthy lesson moe:
Unto the which I am right sure, he cannot answere well:
When Dauid by vaine trust in men of warre, from God sore fell,
And was appointed of three plagues, the easiest for to chuse,
He saide Gods mercy easier is to get, then mans as I suppose.
And listen not to these fond wordes which Conscience to thee tell,
For thy defence I wyll alleadge one worthy lesson moe:
Unto the which I am right sure, he cannot answere well:
When Dauid by vaine trust in men of warre, from God sore fell,
And was appointed of three plagues, the easiest for to chuse,
He saide Gods mercy easier is to get, then mans as I suppose.
Againe he sayeth among the Psalmes, it better is to trust
In God, then that our confidence we setle should in man,
Wherfore, to this which I now say,of force consent thou must:
That when two euils before vs plaste, no way avoide we can:
Into the hand of God to fal by choyce is lawfull than,
Because that God is mercyfull, when man no mercy show,
Thus haue I pleaded in this cause, sufficiently I trow.
In God, then that our confidence we setle should in man,
Wherfore, to this which I now say,of force consent thou must:
That when two euils before vs plaste, no way avoide we can:
Into the hand of God to fal by choyce is lawfull than,
Because that God is mercyfull, when man no mercy show,
Thus haue I pleaded in this cause, sufficiently I trow.
Conscience.
How can you say, you trust in God, when as you him forsake,
And of the wicked Mammon heere, doo make your fained frende,
No, no, these wordes which you recite against you mostly make:
For thus he thinks in his destresse, God cannot mee defende,
And therfore by Suggestion fraile, to mans helpe he hath leande.
Marke who say trueth of him or mee, and doo him best beleeue.
Philologus.
I lyke thy wordes, but that to lose these ioyes it woulde mee greeue.
Conscience.
And where Suggestion, telleth thee, that God in mercies flow,
Yet is he iust sinnes to correct, and true in that he speake,
Wherfore he sayeth, who so my name, before men shall not know,
I shall not know him, when as Iudge I shall sit in my seate.
This if you call to minde, it wil your proude presumption breake,
Againe he sayeth, who so his lyfe or goodes, will seeke to saue,
Shal loose them all: but who for Christ wil lose them, gaine shall haue
Suggestion.
What did not Peter Christ deny, yet mercy did obtaine.
Philologus.
Euen so shall I in tract of time, with bitter teares complaine.
Suggestion.
Yea time inough, though thou defferst, vntill thy latest breath.
Conscience.
So saieth Suggestion vnto thee, but Conscience it denyeth,
And in the ende what so I say, for trueth thou shalt espye,
And that most false, which Conscience shal in secreat hart deny.
Philologus.
Ah wretched man, what shall I doo? which doo so playnly see,
My flesh and Spirit to contende, and that in no small thing,
But as concernyng the euent, of extreame miserie:
Which either studie to auoyde, or els vpon mee bring,
And which of them I should best trust, it is a doubtfull thing.
My Conscience speaketh truth mee think, but yet because I feare,
By his aduice to suffer death, I doo his wordes forbeare.
My flesh and Spirit to contende, and that in no small thing,
But as concernyng the euent, of extreame miserie:
Which either studie to auoyde, or els vpon mee bring,
And which of them I should best trust, it is a doubtfull thing.
My Conscience speaketh truth mee think, but yet because I feare,
By his aduice to suffer death, I doo his wordes forbeare.
And therfore pacyfy thy selfe, and doo not so torment,
Thy selfe, in vaine I must seeke some meanes for to eschew,
These griping greefes, which vnto mee, I see now imminent.
And therfore will no longer stay, but bid thee now adue.
Thy selfe, in vaine I must seeke some meanes for to eschew,
These griping greefes, which vnto mee, I see now imminent.
And therfore will no longer stay, but bid thee now adue.
Conscience.
Oh stay I say Philologus, or els thou wilt it rue.
Philologus.
It is lost labour that thou doest, I will be at a point,
And to inioye these worldly ioyes, I ieoparde will a iont.
Exit Phil. & Sug.
Conscience.
Oh cursed creature, O fraile flesh, O meat for wormes, O dust,
O blather puffed full of winde, O vainer then these all,
What cause hast thou in thine owne wit? to haue so great a trust:
Which of thy selfe canst not espie, the euils which on thee fall,
The blindnesse of the outward man, Philologus shew shall
At his returne, vnlesse I can at last, make him relent,
For why the Lord him to correct, in furious wrath is bent.
Exit Consciencia.
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