A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 06 — John Shaqi
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 06
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 06
English drama
HYPOCRISY [_Aside_].
When I lie a-dying, I will you messengers make:
You ply you so fast, you are too-too diligent.
Whoop how, Master Zeal, whither are ye bent?
AVARICE.
Hark! methought one hallooed, and called you by name.
TYRANNY.
I would it were Hypocrisy.
AVARICE.
It is the very same.
What, Master Hypocrisy, for you I have sought
This hour or two, but could you not find.
HYPOCRISY.
That is no marvel, it is not for nought,
For I am but little, and you two are blind;
Neither have you eyes to see with behind:
Yet may the learned note herein a mystery,
That neither Tyranny nor Avarice can find out Hypocrisy.
But what earnest business have you in charge,
That with so great speed must presently be finished?
TYRANNY.
Marry, see here.
HYPOCRISY.
What is it?
TYRANNY.
A commission large
From my Lord Legate himself authorised,
The effect whereof must presently be practised.
HYPOCRISY.
What is the tenure,[39] pray you let me know?
TYRANNY.
Avarice hath read it, not I; let him show.
AVARICE.
He hath firstly in charge to make inquisition,
Whether altars be re-edified, whether chalice and book,
Vestments for mass, sacraments, and procession,
Be prepared again: if not, he must look,
And find out such fellows as these cannot brook,
And to my Lord Legate such merchants present,
That for their offence they may have condign punishment.
If any we take tardy, Tyranny them threat,
That for their negligence he will them present;
And I desirous some money to get,
If ought they will give me, their evil will prevent;
Yea, sometime of purpose such shifts we invent.
HYPOCRISY.
Peace, yonder comes one; methink it is a priest,
By his gown, cap, and tippet made of a list.
ACT III., SCENE 4.
CACONOS, HYPOCRISY, TYRANNY, AVARICE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account