Therefore me to withstand is no reason nor rhyme;
For like as all things in time their beginning had,
So must all things in time vanish and fade.
LUST. Gog's wounds, let Treasure remain still with me.
TREAS. Yea, let me continue still in my dignity.
TIME. Nay, I must carry you into Vulcan's fire,
Where you shall be tried unto the uttermost.
Seeing Lust against Trust did daily conspire,
To dust he shall turn for all his great boast!
Both of you shall have one rigorous host;
Come therefore with speed, Time cannot tarry:
To the end of your felicity I will you carry.
TREAS. If there be no remedy, then there is no shift.
LUST. He must needs go, that is driven by the devil's drift;
Ah! Cock's precious sides, what fortune is this!
Whither go I now, to misery or bliss? [_Go out._
_Enter_ JUST, _leading_ INCLINATION _in his bridle shackled_.
INC. We--he, he, he, he! ware the horse-heels, I say;
I would the rein were loose, that I might run away.
JUST. Nay, sith thou wilt not spare against me to rebel,
I will not spare, by God's grace, thee to bridle;
All men may see how vile Inclination
Spareth not to put the just to vexation;
Even so may all men learn of me again,
Thy beastly desires to bridle and restrain.
INC. Marry, sir, I am bridled indeed, as you say,
And shackled, I think, for running away;
This snaffle is sharp indeed for the nonce,
And these shackles do chafe my legs to the bones;
And yet will I provoke, spurn and prick,
Rebel, repugn, lash out and kick.
We-he!--
JUST. In the jade's name, are ye so fresh?
This gear, I suppose, will pluck down your flesh.
Nay, soft, thou shalt have a little more pain,
For somewhat shorter now I will tie thy rein.
_Enter_ TRUST _and_ CONSOLATION.
TRUST. Most blessed and happy, I say, are the just,
Even because they restrain their own inclination;
Thou, therefore, that hast made thy treasure of trust,
Behold, I have brought thee here Consolation.
JUST. Now blessed be God of his mercy and grace,
With all my heart and soul I do you embrace.
CON. Consolation is my name, even as Trust hath said,
Which is joy or comfort in this life transitory;
He that possesseth me is of nothing afraid,
But hath a most quiet and peaceable memory.
For I, through Trust, doth show thee the glory
That God hath prepared for them beforehand.
Wherein at the last they shall perfectly stand.
TRUST. Receive this crown of felicity now at this space,
Which shall be made richer at the celestial place.
INC. By'r lady, I would I had such a gay crown.
JUST. Now praised be God for this riches of renown;
Felicity, in this world, the just doth enjoy.
[INC. _aside_.] Namely, when the devil can them not annoy.
[JUST.] The Lord's work this is, who be praised for ever,
Who grant us in his laws still to persever.
CON. Amen, amen!--God give us delight
In his holy covenant both day and night.
TRUST. Our matter is almost brought to an end,
Saving that Inclination in prison must be shut.
Just, carry him forth, that useth to contend,
And see that surely enough he be put.
JUST. That shall be done shortly, by God's grace.
INC. What, soft, I say, me-think ye go a shameful pace;
Was there ever poor colt thus handled before?
Fie upon it, my legs be unreasonably sore;
Well, yet I will rebel, yea, and rebel again,
And though a thousand times you shouldest me restrain.
[_Lead him out._
_Enter_ TIME, _with a similitude of dust and rust_.
TIME. Behold here, how Lust is converted into dust;
This is his image, his wealth and prosperity;
And Treasure in like case is turned to rust,
Whereof this example showeth the verity.
The _Trial of Treasure_ this is, no doubt,
Let all men take heed that trust in the same,
Considering what things I Time bring about,
And quench out the ungodly, their memory and fame.
_Enter_ JUST.
JUST. Why, and is Lust and Treasure converted to this?
TIME. Yea, forsooth.
JUST. What foolish man in them would put trust,
If this be the final end of their bliss?
Much better I commend the life of the just.
CON. So it is, no doubt, for they have consolation,
Possessing felicity even in this place;
I mean, through trust and hope of salvation,
Which setteth out to us God's mercy and grace.
JUST. Let all men consider this good erudition,
And not to put confidence in Lust nor Treasure;
By these two examples receive admonition,
And also of the sudden banishment of Pleasure.
TIME. Remember that Time turneth all things about:
Time is the touchstone the just for to try.
But whereas Lust and Treasure in time is come to nought,
Just, possessing Trust, remaineth constantly.
So that as I Time have revealed their infamy,
So have I showed the consolation and gain,
That the just shall receive that justly do reign.
CON. We will now no longer trouble this audience,
Sith somewhat tedious to you we have been;
Beseeching you to bear all things with patience,
And remember the examples that you have seen.
God grant them to flourish lively and green,
That some of us the better therefore may be,
Amen, amen! I beseech the blessed Trinity.
* * * * *
_Pray for all Estates._
Take heed in time, and note this well,
Be ruled always by counsel.
Learn of the just to lead thy life,
Being free from envy, wrath, and strife:
Presumption, pride, and covetousness,
With all other ungodliness.
Learn of them always to obey
The Lord's precepts, from day to day,
That thou mayest walk, as he doth will,
And labour thy fond affects to kill.
Always subdue thy beastly lust,
And in the Lord put hope and trust;
Bridle thine inclination
By godly conversation.
The counsel of the wise embrace,
The fool's advice do then deface.
Which fast and pray with good delight,
That Adam may be killed quite.
That joy in us may still increase,
That God the Lord may give us peace,
That we may be content with Trust
To have our crown among the just.
FOOTNOTES:
[317] [Probably for the sake of the rhyme, instead of _entendu_,
understood.]
[318] [Following.]
[319] [_i.e._, God's wounds and hearts; the orig. has _hartes_.]
[320] [Intend.]
[321] [Conquer.]
[322] [Samians.]
[323] [Original has Crassus.]
[324] [In the original the hemistich, _She is called Treasure_, is
assigned to Inclination.]
[325] This speech is not assigned to _Inclination_ in the
original.--_Halliwell_ (_Additional Notes_).
[326] [Original has _proceed_.]
LIKE WILL TO LIKE
_EDITIONS._
_An Enterlude Intituled Like wil to like quod the Deuel to the
Colier, very godly and ful of pleasant mirth. Wherin is declared
not onely what punishment followeth those that wil rather followe
licentious liuing, then to esteeme & followe good councel: and what
great benefits and commodities they receiue that apply them vnto
vertuous liuing and good exercises. Made by Vlpian Fulwel.
Imprinted at Lǒdon at the long shop adioyning vnto S. Mildreds
Churche in the Pultrie by Iohn Allde. Anno Domini 1568. 4º. Black
letter._
_A Pleasant Interlude, &c. London. Printed by Edward Allde, &c.
1587. 4º. Black letter._
A copy of the latter is among Garrick's books at the Museum.
Of another production by this writer, not of a dramatic character, an
account will be found in Mr Collier's "Bibliographical Catalogue," 1865.
"Like will to Like" was Fulwell's only performance in this direction,
and is now first reprinted from a copy of the 4to of 1568 in the Malone
collection at Oxford. Both editions are of the highest rarity.
THE NAMES OF THE PLAYERS.
_Five may easily play this Interlude._
THE PROLOGUE, }
TOM TOSSPOT, } _For one._
HANKIN HANGMAN, }
TOM COLLIER. }
HANCE, }
VIRTUOUS LIFE, } _For one._
GOD'S PROMISE, }
CUTHBERT CUTPURSE. }
LUCIFER, }
RALPH ROISTER, } _For one._
GOOD FAME, }
SEVERITY. }
PHILIP FLEMING, }
PIERCE PICKPURSE, } _For another._
HONOUR. }
NICHOL NEWFANGLE, _the Vice_.
THE PROLOGUE.
Cicero in his book _De Amicitia_, these words doth express,
Saying nothing is more desirous than like is unto like;
Whose words are most true and of a certainty doubtless:
For the virtuous do not the virtuous' company mislike.
But the vicious do the virtuous' company eschew:
And like will unto like, this is most true.
It is not my meaning your ears for to weary,
With hearkening what is the 'ffect of our matter:
But our pretence[327] is to move you to be merry,
Merrily to speak, meaning no man to flatter.
The name of this matter, as I said whilere,
Is, Like will to Like, quoth the Devil to the Collier.
Sith pithy proverbs in our English tongue doth abound,
Our author thought good such a one for to choose,
As may show good example, and mirth may eke be found,
But no lascivious toys he purposeth for to use.
Herein, as it were in a glass, see you may
The advancement of virtue, of vice the decay:
To what ruin ruffians and roisters are brought;
You may here see of them the final end:
Begging is the best, though that end be nought;
But hanging is worse, if they do not amend.
The virtuous life is brought to honour and dignity:
And at the last to everlasting eternity.
And because divers men of divers minds be,
Some do matters of mirth and pastime require:
Other some are delighted with matters of gravity,
To please all men is our author's chief desire.
Wherefore mirth with measure to sadness[328] is annexed:
Desiring that none here at our matter will be perplexed.
Thus, as I said, I will be short and brief,
Because from this dump you shall relieved be:
And the Devil with the collier, the thief that seeks the thief,
Shall soon make you merry, so shortly you shall see;
And sith mirth for sadness is a sauce most sweet,
Take mirth then with measure, that best sauceth it.
FOOTNOTES:
[327] [Intention.]
[328] [Seriousness.]
LIKE WILL TO LIKE.
[_Here entereth_ NICHOL NEWFANGLE _the Vice, laughing, and hath a
knave of clubs in his hand which, as soon as he speaketh, he
offereth unto one of the men or boys standing by_.
NEW. Ha, ha, ha, ha! now like unto like: it will be none other,
Stoop, gentle knave, and take up your brother.
Why, is it so? and is it even so indeed?
Why then may I say God send us good speed!
And is every one here so greatly unkind,
That I am no sooner out of sight, but quite out of mind?
Marry, this will make a man even weep for woe,
That on such a sudden no man will let me know,
Sith men be so dangerous[329] now at this day:
Yet are women kind worms, I dare well say.
How say you, woman? you that stand in the angle,
Were you never acquainted with Nichol Newfangle?
Then I see Nichol Newfangle is quite forgot,
Yet you will know me anon, I dare jeopard a groat.
Nichol Newfangle is my name, do you not me know?
My whole education to you I shall show.
For first, before I was born, I remember very well,
That my grandsire and I made a journey into hell;
Where I was bound prentice before my nativity
To Lucifer himself, such was my agility.
All kinds of sciences he taught unto me:
That unto the maintenances of pride might best agree.
I learn'd to make gowns with long sleeves and wings:
I learn'd to make ruffs like calves' chitterlings,
Caps, hats, coats, with all kind of apparels,
And especially breeches as big as good barrels.
Shoes, boots, buskins, with many pretty toys:
All kind of garments for men, women, and boys.
Know you me now? I thought that at the last!
All acquaintance from Nichol Newfangle is not pass'd.
Nichol Newfangle was and is, and ever shall be:
And there are but few that are not acquainted with me.
For so soon as my prenticehood was once come out,
I went by and by the whole world about.
[_Here the_ DEVIL _entereth in, but he speaketh not yet_.
_Sancte benedicite_, whom have we here?
Tom Tumbler, or else some dancing bear?
Body of me, it were best go no near:[330]
For ought that I see, it is my godfather Lucifer,
Whose prentice I have been this many a day:
But no more words but mum: you shall hear what he will say.
[_This name_ LUCIFER _must be written on his back and in his breast_.
LU. Ho! mine own boy, I am glad that thou art here!
NEW. He speaketh to you, sir, I pray you come near.
[_Pointing to one standing by._
LU. Nay, thou art even he, of whom I am well apaid.
NEW. Then speak aloof,[331] for to come nigh I am afraid.
LU. Why so, my boy? as though thou diddest never see me.
NEW. Yes, godfather, but I am afraid it is now, as ofttimes it is
with thee;
For if my dame and thou hast been tumbling by the ears,
As oftentimes you do, like a couple of great bears,
Thou carest not whom thou killest in thy raging mind.
Dost thou not remember, since thou didst bruise me behind?
This hole in thy fury didst thou disclose,
That now may a tent be put in, so big as thy nose.
This was, when my dame called thee bottle-nosed knave,
But I am like to carry the mark to my grave.
LU. O my good boy, be not afraid,
For no such thing hath happened, as thou hast said.
But come to me, my boy, and bless thee I will,
And see that my precepts thou do fulfil.
NEW. Well, godfather, if you will say ought to me in this case,
Speak, for in faith I mean not to kneel to that ill face.
If our Lady of Walsingham had no fairer nose and visage,
By the mass, they were fools that would go to her on pilgrimage.
LU. Well, boy, it shall not greatly skill,
Whether thou stand, or whether thou kneel:
Thou knowest what sciences I have thee taught,
Which are able to bring the world to naught.
For thou knowest that through pride from heaven I was cast,
Even unto hell, wherefore see thou make haste.
Such pride through new fashions in men's hearts to show
That those, that use it, may have the like overthrow.
From virtue procure men to set their minds aside,
And wholly employ it to all sin and pride.
Let thy new-fangled fashions bear such a sway,
That a rascal [may] be so proud as he that best may.
NEW. Tush, tush, that is already brought to pass,
For a very skipjack[332] is prouder, I swear by the mass,
And seeketh to go more gayer and more brave,
Than doth a lord, though himself be a knave.
LU. I can thee thank,[333] that so well thou hast play'd the part;
Such as do so, shall soon feel the smart.
Sith thou hast thus done, there remaineth behind,
That thou in another thing show thy right kind.[334]
NEW. Then, good godfather, let me hear thy mind.
LU. Thou knowest I am both proud and arrogant,
And with the proud I will ever be conversant;
I cannot abide to see men, that are vicious,
Accompany themselves with such as be virtuous
Wherefore my mind is, sith thou thy part canst play,
That thou adjoin like to like alway.
NEW. I never loved that well, I swear by this day.
LU. What, my boy?
NEW. Your mind is, sith I fast three meals every Good Friday,
That I eat nothing but onions and leeks alway.
LU. Nay, my mind is, sith thou thy part canst play,
That thou adjoin like to like alway.
NEW. Tush, tush, godfather Devil, for that have thou no care:
Thou knowest that like will to like, quoth the Devil to the Collier.
And thou shalt see, that such match I shall make anon,
That thou shalt say I am thy good-good sweet-sweet godson.
Lu. I will give thee thanks, when thou hast so done.
_Here entereth in the_ COLLIER.
NEW. Well, godfather, no mo words but mum!
For yonder comes the Collier, as seemeth me.
By the mass, he will make a good mate for thee.
[_The_ DEVIL _walketh aside_.
What, old acquaintance, small remembrance?
Welcome to town with a very vengeance!
Now welcome, Tom Collier, give me thy hand:
As very a knave as any in England.
COLL. By mass, god-a-marsy, my vreend Nichol!
NEW. By God, and welcome, gentle Tom Lick-hole!
COLL. Cham glad to zee thee merry, my vreend Nichol.
And how dost nowadays, good Nichol?
NEW. And nothing else but even plain Nichol?
COLL. I pray thee, tell me how dost, good vreend Lick-hole?
NEW. It is turn'd from Nichol to Lick-hole with Tom Collier.
I say no more, Tom, but hold thy nose there.
COLL. Nay, hold thy tongue, Nichol, till my nose doth come,
So thou shalt take part, and I shall take some.
NEW. Well, Tom Collier, let these things pass away;
Tell me what market thou hast made of thy coal to-day?
COLL. To every bushel cha zold but three peck:
Lo, here be the empty zacks on my neck.
Cha beguil'd the whoresons, that of me ha' bought;
But to beguile me was their whole thought.
NEW. But hast thou no conscience in beguiling thy neighbour?
COLL. No, marry, so ich may gain vor my labour,
It is a common trade nowadays, this is plain,
To cut one another's throat for lucre and gain.
A small vau't[335] as the world is now brought to pass.
NEW. Thou art a good fellow, I swear by the mass:
As fit a companion for the devil as may be.
Lo, godfather Devil, this fellow will match with thee.
[_He taketh him by the hand._
LU. And good Tom Collier thou art welcome to me.
COLL. God amarsy, good Devil, cham glad of thy company.
LU. Like will to like, I see very well.
NEW. Godfather, wilt thou dance a little, before thee go home to hell?
LU. I am content, so that Tom Collier do agree.
COLL. I will never refuse (Devil) to dance with thee.
NEW. Then, godfather, name what the dance shall be.
LU. _Tom Collier of Croydon hath sold his coal._
NEW. Why then have at it, by my father's soul!
[NICHOL NEWFANGLE _must have a gittern or some other instrument (if
it may be); but if he have not, they must dance about the place all
three, and sing this song that followeth, which must be done also,
although they have an instrument_.
_The Song._
_Tom Collier of Croydon hath sold his coals,
And made his market to-day;
And now he danceth with the Devil,
For like will to like alway._
_Wherefore let us rejoice and sing,
Let us be merry and glad;
Sith that the Collier and the Devil
This match and dance hath made._
_Now of this dance we make an end
With mirth and eke with joy:
The Collier and the Devil will be
Much like to like alway._
NEW. Ha, ha! marry, this is trim singing,
I had not thought the Devil to be so cunning;
And, by the mass, Tom Collier [is] as good as he:
I see that like with like will ever agree.
COLL. Farewell, Master Devil, vor ich must be gone. [_Exit._
LU. Why, then, farewell my gentle friend Tom.
NEW. Farewell, Tom Collier, a knave be thy comfort!
[_Exit_ TOM COLLIER.
How say'st thou, godfather? is not this trim sport?
LU. Thou art mine own boy; my blessing thou shalt have.
NEW. By my truth, godfather, that blessing I do not crave;
But if you go your way, I will do my diligence
As well in your absence as in your presence.
LU. But thou shalt salute me, ere I go doubtless,
That in thy doings thou may'st have the better success.
Wherefore kneel down and say after me: [_He kneeleth down._
When the devil will have it so, it must needs so be.
NEW. What shall I say, bottle-nosed godfather, canst thou tell?
LU. All hail, O noble prince of hell!
NEW. All my dame's cows' tail[s] fell down in the well.
LU. I will exalt thee above the clouds.
NEW. I will salt thee, and hang thee in the shrouds.
LU. Thou art the enhancer of my renown.
NEW. Thou art Hance, the hangman of Calais town.
LU. To thee be honour alone.
NEW. To thee shall come our hobbling Jone.
LU. Amen.
NEW. Amen.
LU. Now farewell, my boy, farewell heartily,
Is there never a knave here will keep the Devil company?
NEW. Farewell, godfather, for thou must go alone:
I pray thee come hither again anon. [_Exit_ LUCIFER.
Marry, here was a benediction of the Devil's good grace:
Body of me, I was so afraid, I was like to bestench the place!
My buttocks made buttons of the new fashion,
While the whoreson Devil was making his salutation.
But, by mass, I am so glad as ever was madge mare,
That the whoreson Devil is joined with the knave Collier.
As fit a match as ever could be pick'd out,
What sayst thou to it, Jone with the long snout?
[TOM TOSSPOT _cometh in with a feather in his hat_.
But who comes yonder puffing, as hot as a black pudding.
I hold twenty pound it is a ruffian, if a goose go a-gooding.
TOM. Gog's heart and his guts, is not this too bad?
Blood, wounds, and nails! it will make a man mad.
NEW. I warrant you, here is a lusty one, [and] very brave:
I think anon he will swear himself a knave.
TOM. Many a mile have I ridden, and many a mile have I gone:
Yet can I not find for me a fit companion.
Many there be, which my company would frequent,
If to do, as they do, I would be content.
They would have me leave off my pride and my swearing,
My new-fangled fashions, and leave off this wearing.
But rather than I such companions will have,
I will see a thousand of them laid in their grave.
_Similis similem sibi quærit_, such a one do I seek,
As unto myself in every condition is like.
NEW. Sir, you are welcome; ye seem to be an honest man,
And I will help you in this matter, as much as I can,
If you will tarry here a while, I tell you in good sooth,
I will find one as fit for you as a pudding for a friar's mouth.
TOM. I thank you, my friend, for your gentle offer to me:
I pray you tell me, what your name may be.
NEW. Methink, by your apparel you have had me in regard;
I pray you, of Nichol Newfangle have you never heard?
TOM. Nichol Newfangle? why, we are of old acquaintance!
NEW. By my troth, your name is quite out of my remembrance.
TOM. At your first coming into England, well I wot,
You were very well acquainted with Tom Tosspot.
NEW. Tom Tosspot? _Sancti! amen!_ how you were out of my mind!
TOM. You know, when you brought into England this new-fangled kind,
That Tosspots and ruffians with you were first acquainted?
NEW. It is even so, Tom Tosspot, as thou hast said.
TOM. It is an old saying, that mountains and hills never meet;
But I see that men shall meet, though they do not seek;
And, I promise you, more joy in my heart I have found,
Than if I had gain'd an hundred pound.
NEW. And I am as glad as one had given me a groat,
That I have met now with thee, Tom Tosspot.
And seeing that thou wouldst a mate so fain have,
I will join thee with one, that shall be as very a knave
As thou art thyself, thou may'st believe me:
Thou shalt see anon, what I will do for thee.
For you seek for as very a knave, as you yourself are;
For, like will to like, quoth the Devil to the Collier.
TOM. Indeed, Nichol Newfangle, ye say the verity,
For like will to like: it will none otherwise be.
_Enter_ RALPH ROISTER.
Behold, Tom Tosspot, even in pudding time[336]
Yonder cometh Ralph Roister, an old friend of mine!
By the mass, for thee he is so fit a mate,
As Tom and Tib for Kit and Kate,
Now welcome, my friend Ralph Roister, by the mass.
RALPH. And I am glad to see thee here in this place.
NEW. Bid him welcome hark, he can play a knave's part.
TOM. My friend, you are welcome with all my heart.
RALPH. God-a-mercy, good fellow, tell me what thou art.
NEW. As very a knave as thou, though the best be too bad:
TOM. I am one, which of your company would be very glad.
RALPH. And I will not your company refuse of a certainty,
So that to my conditions your manners do agree.
TOM. It should appear by your sayings, that we are of one mind,
For I know that roisters and tosspots come of one kind;
And as our names be much of one accord, and much like,
So I think our conditions be not far unlike.
RALPH. If your name to me you will declare and show,
You may in this matter my mind the sooner know.
TOM. Few words are best among friends, this is true;
Wherefore I shall briefly show my name unto you.
Tom Tosspot it is, it need not to be painted:
Wherefore I with Ralph Roister must needs be acquainted.
NEW. In faith, Ralph Roister, if thou wilt be ruled by me,
We will dance hand in hand, like knaves all three:
It is as unpossible for thee his company to deny,
As it is for a camel to creep through a needle's eye.
Therefore bid him welcome, like a knave as thou art.
RALPH. By my troth, Tom Tosspot, you are welcome with all my heart.
TOM. I thank you that my acquaintance ye will take in good part.
And by my troth, I will be your sworn brother:
NEW. Tush, like will to like: it will be none other.
For the virtuous will always virtue's company seek out:
A gentleman never seeketh the company of a lout;
And roisters and ruffians do sober company eschew:
For like will ever to like, this is most true.
RALPH. Now, friend Tom Tosspot, seeing that we are brethren sworn,
And neither of our companies from other may be forborne,
The whole trade of my life to thee I will declare.
TOM. And to tell you my property also I shall not spare.
NEW. Then, my masters, if you will awhile abide it,
Ye shall see two such knaves so lively described
That, if hell should be raked even by and by indeed,
Such another couple cannot be found, I swear by my creed.
Go to, sirs, say on your whole minds,
And I shall paint you out in your right kinds.
First, Tom Tosspot, plead thou thy cause and thy name,
And I will sit in this chair, and give sentence on the same.
I will play the judge, and in this matter give judgment:
How say you, my masters, are you not so content?
RALPH. By my troth, for my part, thereto I do agree.
TOM. I were to blame, if any fault should be in me.