_St. John the Evangelist._ That lord which is principal, Conserve and keep this congregation, And cover you with his mantle perpetual. After that ye do pass with death's visitation, This prince bring you to that holy nation Where love doth dwell with virginity. And to give you plain information, In that realm dwelleth the Holy Trinity. I am that John that presently doth appear, Called "the grace of God" by interpretation, And of my doctrine if ye list to hear, Much can I show you of Christ's incarnation, And of His passion; for verily I was there. I saw Him hang on the Cross, on high, on high; His mother and I stood there under, And I heard when He cried "Eli, Eli," And saw Lungis smite His heart asunder. His laws to the people will I preach, And all that ever do follow me in peace, The kingdom of heaven their souls shall reach, There having joy that never shall cease, But now the true love, that we should to God owe, Men giveth it to richesse that is mutable; Full sore they will it repent, I trow, That ever they were of mind so unstable. If any man will have richesse ghostly, B2,_r._ I will hastily again be here, And thereof he shall have gladly; At all times I will him cheer. My coming hither was for your furtherance, And now I leave you in God's governance. [_Exit, Enter_ ACTIO. _Actio._ Now merry might you be! Who was that that calléd me So early to-day? One resided me with a bowl of water; Here was a shrewd matter, Suddenly one to affray! It was some knave, my brother: Beshrew him and none other For that array! I was fast asleep; Till I felt the wet Full still I lay. He brake mine old custom, For I would have lain till noon, And then have risen to play. But now to the purpose; For by the faith that now goes I love to go gay! And with other men's wives That be wanton of lives Oft do I run away. And wheresoever I go One good condition have I so-- I use never truth to say. Also I have a great disease, if ye will me leave, Even here, sirs, in the bottom of my sleeve. B2,_v._ [_Enter_ EUGENIO. _Eug._ By God, sir, and I do lay a plaster to your coat I will heal it, I dare lay a groat! _Actio._ Eugenio, from whence come you? _Eug._ From thence that ye were spoke of right now; Ye shall have an office. _Actio._ What is that? I pray you tell me! _Eug._ By my faith, ye shall be hangman of Calais; Thereto ye be appointed, verily! _Actio._ Then the first man that shall be hanged shalt thou be, For I tell thee I will begin with thee.