My gracious lady, and my mother deare,
Pardon my griefe for your so grieved minde
To aske what cause tormenteth so your hart.
Pardon my griefe for your so grieved minde
To aske what cause tormenteth so your hart.
Dodsley - Select Collection of Old Plays - v1
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102 THE FouR P's.
Policary, Go ye before and as I am true man, I wyll folow as fast as I can.
Pardoner. And so wyll I, for he hath sayd so well, Reason wolde we shulde folowe hys counsell.
Palmer. Then, to our reason, god gyve us his grace,
That we may solowe with fayth so fermely
Hys commaundements, that we may purchace
Hys love, and so consequentl
To byleve hys churche, faste and faythfully ;
So that we may, accordynge to his promyse.
Be kepte out of errour in any wyse.
And that hath scapet” here neglygence,
We clerely revoke and forsake
To passe the tyme thys without offence,
Was the cause why the maker dyd make
And we humbly beseche you take Besechynge our lorde prosper you all,
the fayth his churche universall. scapel] escapte, edit. 1569.
In
of
*
in
to
so
all
to
by
it, it;
us it;
103
EDITIONS.
(1) “The playe called the foure PP. A newe and “a very mery enterlude of A Palmer, A Pardoner, A
“Potycary, A Pedler. Made by John Heewood. “Imprynted at London in Fletestrete, at the sygne of “the George, by Wyllyam Myddylton. ”
This Edition must have been printed at least as early as the year 1547, at which time William Middleton either died or retired from business. See Ames's
Typographical Antiquities, p. 218, 258.
(2) “The Play called the Foure P. A very mery “Enterlude of A Palmer, A Pardoner, A Poticary, A
“Pedler. Imprinted at London, at the long Shop “adjoyning unto S. Mildreds Churche in the Pultrie, “by John Allde, Anno Domini 1569, Septembris 14. ”
Both these Editions are in the Collection of Mr. Garrick.
FERREX AND PORREX.
THOMAS SA cKv11. L. E. , Lord Buckhurst, was related to
Queen Elizabeth by her mother Ann Boleyn. He was born in 1536, * and educated at Hart-Hall, in the
University of Oxford; from whence he went to Cam bridge, and afterwards to the Temple. In his younger days he travelled into France and Italy; and at the early period of his life only he was, as Mr. Spence' ob serves, what perhaps persons his birth ought
poet. His father, dying 1566, left him large
fortune, the greatest part which magnificent manner living, but
came better economist. He served
soon spent
the end be parliament both
the reign Queen Mary and Elizabeth. 1567, was created Baron Buckhurst; 1571, was sent
ambassador Charles IX, king France; and
1587, the States was made one
the United Provinces. 1588, the Knights the Garter;
the University Oxford; and
1591, Chancellor
1598, Lord High Treasurer England.
He was con 1603 ad
tinued that office King James, who
vanced him the dignity Earl
died suddenly the council board, 1608,f
the apoplexy
He
Mr. his birth Theatrum
Chalmers (Biogr. Dict. xxvii. 16, fixes the date
1527, while Sir Brydges, his new edit. the Poetarum, 66, says with Mr. Reed that this event did
not happen until 1536.
Some account Lord Buckhurst and his Writings, prefixed
the edition Gorboduc printed 1786.
He had been for some time, and his life was despaired nine months before he died, on the 19th April, 1608.
His funeral Sermon was preached Dr. Abbot, Dean Winchester, May 26th, 1608. was printed soon afterwards
and the following curious papers are extracted from
“Her Majesty not long before her death, being pleased
seemeth with some special piece service which his Lordship had done unto her grew large discourse touching this nobleman,
honourable person and counsellor estate, writing hath advertised me. Her highness was then pleased decypher out
Dorset.
as an
# tto'. *of
he hein to
his be, a
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brought upon him some who hated him his love
108
He was the Author of
(1) The Introduction to the Mirror for Magistrates,
first published by William Baldwin in 4to. 1550; again, with the second part in 4to, 1563; re-published with additions in 1575; and a fourth time further
augmented and published by Richard Nicols in 1610. “The wurke (says the original publisher) was begun,
“and part of it prynted in Queene Maries tyme, but “hyndred by the Lorde Chauncellor that then was: “nevertheles, through the meanes of my Lord Staf. “ford, the fyrst parte was licenced and imprynted the
his life by seven steps or degrees. The first was his younger days, the time of his scholarship when first in that famous Uni versity of Oxford, aud afterward in the Temple (where he took the degree of Barrister) he gave tokens of such pregnancy, such studi ousness and judgment that he was held no way inferior to any of his time or standing. And of this there remain good tokens, both
in English and Latin published unto the world. ”
In the margin opposite the latter words is this note. “ The
Life of Tresilian in the Mirror of Magistr. Epist. prefia. Aulic Barth Clerke,” from whence it seems that the Reverend Dean was not so
well informed regarding the English writings of Lord Dorset, as
the events of his life. He then proceeds:– “The second was travel, when being France and Italy profited very much
the languages, matter story and state. "And being prisoner Rome for the space fourteen days, (which trouble was
religion and his duty his sovereign) prudently bare himself that the blessing God, and his temperate kind carriage, was
freed out that danger. The third step which her Majesty think good observe was (upon return England) his coming unto her Court, where divers occasions bountifully feasted her Highness and her nobles; and did foreign ambassadors.
At that time entertained musicians, the most curious which any where could have, and therein his lordship excelled unto his dying day. Then was his discourse judicious, but yet witty and delightful. Thus was his younger days scholar and
traveller and courtier special estimation. ” public
. . The Sermon then notices some events life, and particularly the present ring
Lord Dorset's
with diamonds,
Lord Hay when Lord Dorset was sick, the beginning June, 1607, and was not ex
which king James sent him the hand
pected recover. quotes passage from his will, which
bequeathed this valued gift son, and afterwards nephew.
C.
to
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| 09
“fyrst yeare of the raygne of thvs our most noble and
“vertuous Queene. Since whych time, although I
“have bene called to an other trade of lyfe, yet my
“good Lorde Stafforde hath not ceased to call upon
“me to publish so much as I had gotten at other
“mens hands, so that through his Lordshippe's earnest
“meanes I have now also set furth an other parte con “teyning as little of myne owne, as the fyrst part
“doth of other mens. ” In this second part Lord Buckhurst's Induction first appeared. The cause of writing it was as follows: “After that he (Lord “Buckhurst) understode that some of the counsayle “would not suffer the booke to be printed in suche “order as we had agreed and determined, he purposed
“with himselfe to have gotten at my handes the “tragedies that were before the duke Buckingham's,
“which would have preserved “from that time backward even
“the Conqueror, determined
“fect all the story himselfe
“(following Bocchas) had already used; and there “fore make meete induction into the matter, “he devised this poesye. ” We are informed, that this design was laid aside the Author's being called
more serious expence the great state affairs his most royal Lady and Sovereign. The Induc
tion, 1759, was re-printed Mr. Capel, his Prolusions.
Those praises which were bestowed the poetry Lord Buckhurst his contemporaries are not as
The best judges have the criticks the time,
and even gone beyond them
Mr. Warton, speaking the The Mirror for Magis
trates, says(Observations Spenser, vol. 109. ): “There one Poem indeed among the rest which ex
cribed his rank fortune. ratified the sentence passed
“hibits groupe “fully drawn, that
“to direct, least
imaginary personages, beauti probability they contributed
stimulate, Spenser's imagination
one volume; and the time of William
continue and per
such order Lydgate
their commendations.
a is at
to in to
he
toin of
by a or
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of
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as
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in by in by
on II.
in
of
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be
in of
of to a
on
in
to to
Il0
“in the construction of the like representations. Thus “much may be truly said, that Sackville's INDuction
“approaches nearer to the FAIRY QUEEN, in the “richness of allegoric description, than any previous
“ or succeeding poem. ”
(2) The Complaynt of Henrye, duke of Bucking
ham, in the Mirror for Magistrates.
(3. ) A Latin Letter to Dr. Bartholomew Clerke, pre fixed to his Translation of Balthazar Castilio, De
Curiali sive Aulico, first printed at London about 1571. -
(4. ) Verses prefixed to Hobby's Translation of Cas tilio's Courtier, 4to. 1577, in commendation of the Work.
(5. ) Letters in the Cabala, and one to the Earl of Sussex, in Howard's Collection, p. 297.
Thomas Norton, who joined with Lord Buckhurst in writing this play,” was, according to Wood * who
gives him the title of a forward and busy calvinist, a native resident at, Sharpenhaule, otherwise Sharpenhoe, the county Bedford. He lived some time the Temple, became barrister” law,t and solicitor for the city London”. He translated some
the Psalms Sternhold and Hopkins's Version, and was the author and translator several polemical
only the titles what are considered the spurious copies this play that stated that Norton wrote the three first, and Sackville the two last acts. Mr. Warton doubts whether
Norton had any means great share Athenae Oxonienses, 77.
Ibid.
the books the Stationers’ Company are entries fees paid Thomas Norton, and hence has been concluded that he was Counsel that Body. Here we find also the latest memorial
him entry between 1583 and 1584, and either that after tha—t date was not employed, that
ugly
Depriv'd him his office and his breath. ” C.
Marbury's Book Monarchy, quoted Oldys,
supposed
his MS.
Notes
Langbaine.
death
on
in an to
It ofis
in
of,
* of#3* to In
*
of
of of
in
as
ita aof
by
or
in of it.
“he
so it
is in
by of
on
in or
of is of
it C. at
of
111
and political Works,t which are enumerated in Wood's Athenae Oxonienses”. §
# Thomas Norton’s “Address to the Queene's Majesties poor
deceavey'd subjectes,” is noticed at length in Censura Literaria X. 97. O. G.
* P. 77. p. I55.
§ The portrait of Norton, or at least a figure intended for him,
is preserved in a small work of six folio pages, and containing five plates, called “Descriptiones quedam illius inhumana et multiplicis
persecutionis quam in Anglia proptis fidem sustinent . Catholice Chris tiani. ” The third plate is entitled Tormenta in carceribus inflicta, and here is inserted the supposed likeness of Norton, who is called Nortonus archicarnifer, and is accompanied suis satellitibus. A
further account of the work may be seen in Censura Literaria VII. 72,
112
ARGUMENT OF THE TRAGEDIE.
GoR BoDuc, king of Brittaine, divided his realme in tife-time his sonnes, Ferrex and Porrex. The sonnes
fell discention. The yonger killed the elder. The mother that more dearely loved the elder, for revenge killed the yonger. The people moved with the crueltie
the fact, rose rebellion, and slew both father and mother. The Nobilitie assembled, and most terribly destroyed the Rebels, and afterwards for want issue
the Prince, whereby the succession the Crowne became uncertaine, they fell Civil Warre, which both they and many their issues were slain, and
land for long time almost desolate and miserably wasted.
a
to
to
the
his
to
of
of
in of
of in
of
II3
THE P [printer] TO THE READER.
WHERE this Tragedie was for furniture of part of the grand Christmasse in the Inner-Temple, first written about nine yeares agoe by the right honourable Thomas,
now Lorde Buckherst, and by T. Norton, and after shewed before her majestie, and never intended by the Authors thereof to be published: yet one W. G. getting a copie thereof at some yong man's hand that lacked a little money, and much discretion in the last great plage an. 1565, about 5 yeares past, while the said lord was out of England, and T. Norton farre out of London, and neither of them both made privie, put it forth excedingly corrupted: even as if by meanes of a broker for hire he should have entised into his house a faire maide and done her villanie, and after bescratched her face, torne her apparell, berayed and disfigured her, and then thrust her out dores dis honested. such plight after long wandring, she came
length home knew her but
the sight her frendes, who scant
few tokens and markes remayning. meane, though they were very
They, the authors
much displeased that she ranne abroad without leave, whereby she caught her shame many wantons do; yet seeing the case remedilesse have for com mon honestie and shamefastnesse new apparelled, trimmed, and attired her such forme she was before. In which better forme since she hath come me,
have harbored her for her frendes sake and her owne; and not dout her parentes, the authors, will not now discontent that she goe abroad among
you good readers, honest companie. For
my encouragement and others somewhat lesse her, because was
she
ashamed the dishonestie done
fraude and force. she
welcome among you, the house from
and gently enterteined WOL. I.
favor
If in
it
be in is, in
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all to
by
I
at
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it
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is
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so asIa
to aas of
to
as
of
114
whence she is descended, and of her owne nature courteously disposed to offend no man, her frendes will thanke you for not, but that she shall still reproched with her former missehap, quarelled
envious persons, she, poore gentlewoman, will surely
play Lucreces part, and herself die for shame, and shall wishe that she had taried still home with me, where she was welcome; for she did never put me more charge but this one poore blacke gowne lined with white, that have now geven her goe abroad
among you withall.
I
If
to
at
or
of
be to I at
by
it.
NAMES OF THE SPEAKERS.
GoRBoDUc, king of Great Brittain,
VIDENA, queene and wife to king Gorboduc. FER REx, elder sonne to king Gorboduc.
Po R REx, yonger sonne to king Gorboduc.
CLoxton, duke of Cornewall. FERG Us, duke of Albanye. MAN DUD, duke of Loegris.
Gw EN ARD, duke of Cumberland. EUBULUs, secretarie to the king.
ARostus, a counsellor to the king.
DoRDAN, a counsellor assigned by the king to his eldest sonne Ferrer.
PHILANDER, a counsellor assigned by the king to his
yongest son Porrer.
[Both being of the olde kinges counsel before. HERMon, a parasite remaining with Ferrer.
TYN DAR, a parasite remaining with Porrer.
NUNTIUs, a messenger of the eldest brother's death. NUNTI Us, a messenger of duke Fergus rising in arms.
MARCELLA, a lady of the queenes privie-chamber. CHORUs, toure auncient and sage men of Brittaine.
The Order of the Domme Shew before the first Act and the Signification therof.
First, the musicke of violenze began to play, during which came in upon the stage size wilde men, clothed in leaves. Of whom the first bare on his necke a
fagot of small stickes, which they both severallye and together assayed with all their strengthes breake,
but could not broken them. At the length one them plucked out one the sticks, and brake
and the rest plucking out all the other stickes one after another, did easely breake the same being vered, which being enjoyned, they had before attempted
vaine. After they had this done, they departed the stage, and the musick ceased. Hereby was signified, that state knit unitie doth continue strong against all force, but being divided, easily destroyed; befel upon duke Gorboduc dividing his lande his two sonnes, which before held monarchie, and upon
the discention the brethren whom was divided,
of he
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of by
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FERREX AND PORREX".
ACTUS PRIMUS. SCENA PRIMA. *
VIDEN A. FERR Ex.
Widena. THE silent night that bringes the quiet pawse, From painefull travailes of the wearie day,
Prolonges my carefull thoughtes, and makes me blame The slowe Aurora, that so for love or shame
Doth long delay to shewe her blushing face;
* This play we are told by the printer of the second Edition was first acted at the Inner-Temple, and afterwards before Queen Eli
zabeth. Its first appearance was at a grand Christmas celebrated with unusual magnificence, as may be seen by the description of it in Dugdale's Origines Juridiciales, p. 150. It is here printed from the second Edition; the third, of 1590, from which it was published
in 1736, by Mr. Spence and by Mr. Dodsley, in this collection be fore, appearing to be only a republication of the first imperfect copy
complained of by the Authors as published in their absence without
their knowledge or consent. The testimony of Sir Philip Sidney
concerning this play is as follows: “Gorboduc is full of stately “speeches and well-sounding phrases, climbing to the height of
“Seneca his style, and as full of notable morality: which it doth “most delightfully teach, and thereby obtain the very end of
“poetry. ” And Mr. Pope was of opinion, “That the writers of “the succeeding age might have improved as much in other respects
“by copying from him a propriety in the sentiments, an unaffected “perspicuity of style, and in an easy flow in the numbers; in a “word, that chastity, correctness, and gravity of style, which are “so essential to tragedy, and which the tragic poets who fol “lowed, not excepting Shakespeare himself, either little under “stood, perpetually neglected. ”
The edition this tragedy 1590, said reprint the spurious copy first published. As the variations, verbal and otherwise, are generally curious and sometimes useful, they are
noted the bottom the page, and this purpose careful comparison has been made.
at
or
of of
C.
of
for
all is
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*
be
118 FER REx AND POR REX.
[ACT s.
And now the day renewes my griefull plaint. Ferrer.
My gracious lady, and my mother deare,
Pardon my griefe for your so grieved minde
To aske what cause tormenteth so your hart. Widena. So great a wrong and so unjust despite,
Without cause against course kinde—
Ferrer. Such causelesse wrong and unjust des pite, -
May have redresse, or, the least, revenge.
Widena. Neither my sonne: such the froward will. The person such, such my misehappe and thine,
Ferrer. Mine know none, but grief for your dis tresse.
Videna. Yes, mine for thine, my sonne. no
kinde father, not kindliness".
Ferrer. My father why, know nothing Wherin have misdone unto his grace.
Videna. Therfore, the more unkinde mee:
For knowing well (my sonne) the tender love That have ever borne, and beare thee, He greved thereat, not content alone,
To spoile thee my sight, my chiefest joye,
father?
all, thee and
kinde father, not kindliness] Kind nature. Hamlet has almost the same sentiment,
little more than kin, and less than Kind.
several other places this play the same word sense occurs. Again, Julius Caesar, A.
the like
“But you would consider the true cause,
“Why birds and beastes from quality and kind, “Why these thinges change from their ordinance,
“Their natures, and presumed faculties
“To monstrous quality 29 Titus Andromicus, A.
“The forest walks are wide and spacious, “And many unfrequented plots there are
“Fitted kind for rape and villainy. ”
Antony and Cleopatra,
“you, that the worm will For these instances
James's Chronicle, Nov. Hamlet, A.
“You must think this, look
his kind. ”
am indebted writer the Saint
1774. - See, also Mr. Steevens's Note
1.
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FER REX AND POR. R. Ex. 119
But thee, of thy birth-right and heritage,
Causelesse, unkindly and in wrongfull wise,
Against lawe and right will bereave: Halfe his kingdome will geve away.
Ferrer. To whom?
Widena. Even Porrex his yonger sonne, Whose growing pride sore suspect,
That being raised equall rule with thee,
Mee thinkes see his envious hart
swell,
Filled with disdaine and with ambicious hope.
The end the goddes know, whose altars Full oft have made vaine of cattel slaine
To send the sacred smoke heaven's throne, For thee my sonne, thinges succede,
now my jelous minde misdemeth sore.
-
Ferrer. Madam, leave care and carefull plaint for me:
Just hath my father bene every wight, His first unjustice will not extend
To me, trust, that geve cause therof.
My brother's pride shall hurt himselfe, not me.
Videna. So graunt the Goddes: but yet thy father Hath firmely fixed his unmoved minde
That plaintes and prayers can whit availe,
(For those have assaid) but even this day
He will endevour procure assent
Of all his counsell his fonde devise.
Ferrer. Their ancestors from race race have borne True fayth my forefathers; and their seede,
trust they eke will beare the like me.
Widena. There resteth all; but they faile thereof,
And the end bring forth successe, On them and theirs the mischiefe shall befall.
And pray the Goddes requite them;
And they will,for wont
When lordes and trusted rulers under
To please the present fancie the prince, With wrong transpose the course governance, Murders, mischief, civill sword length,
Or mutual treason, just revenge,
kinges,
oror a
toto
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if in
to do I
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120 FER REX AND POR REX.
[ACT I.
When right succeding line returnes again
By Jove's just judgement and deserved wrath, Bringes them to cruell,” and reprochfull death,
And rootes their names and kindredes from the earth.
Ferrer. Mother, content you, you shall see the end.
Widena. The end? thy end I feare: Jove end me first I
ACTUS PRIMUS. SCENA SECUNDA.
GoR BoDUC. ARoSTUs. PHILANDER. EUBULUs.
Gorboduc. My lords, whose grave advise and faithfull aide
Have long upheld my honour and my realme,
And brought me to this age from tender yeres, Guidyng so great estate with great renowne;
Nowe more importeth mee than erst” to use Your fayth and wisdome whereby yet I reigne;
That when by death my life and rule shall cease,
The kingdome yet may with unbroken course Have certayne prince, by whose undoubted right
Your wealth and peace may stand in quiet stay:
And eke that they whome nature hath preparde, In time to take my place in princely seate,
While in their father's tyme their pliant youth Yeldes to the frame of skilfull governaunce, Maye so be taught, and trayned in noble artes,
As what their fathers which have reigned before Have with great fame derived downe to them,
With honour they may leave unto their seede; And not be thought for their unworthy life,
And for their lawlesse swarvynge out of kinde, Worthy to lose whatlawe and kind them gave; But that they may preserve the common peace,
(The cause that first began and still mainteines, The lyneall course of kinges inheritance)
* “ Civil. ” Edit. 1590. * erst] formerly, heretofore. # “Taught. ” Edit. 1590.
sc. II. ]
FERREX AND PORREX, 121
For me, for myne, for you, and for the state Whereof both I and you have charge and care. Thus do I meane to use your wonted fayth
To me and myne, and to your native lande. My lordes, be playne without wrie respect,
poysonous craft
Lest, the blame Shall light you,
speake pleasyng wise, succedyng thinges
light the harmes also.
Arostus. Your good acceptance (most noble king)
Of suche our faithfulnesse, heretofore We have employed dueties your grace,
And this realme whose worthy head you are, Well proves that neyther you mistrust all,
Nor we shall neede boasting wise shewe Our trueth you, nor yet our wakefull care For you, for yours, and for our native lande.
Wherefore
Sithe Doubt not
kyng) speake one for all,
one beare you egall faith:
use our counsells and our aides
Whose honours, goods and lyves are whole avowed, serve, ayde, and defende your grace.
Gorboduc. My lordes, thanke you all. This the Case.
Ye know, the Gods, who have the soveraigne care, For kings, for kingdomes, and for common weales,
Gave me two sonnes my more lusty age, Who nowe my decayeng” yeres are growen
Well towardes ryper state minde and strength, To take hande some greater princely charge.
yet they lyve and spende their hopefull daies With me and with their mother here courte.
Their age nowe asketh other place and trade, And myne also doth aske other chaunge, Theirs more travaile, myne greater ease.
Whan fatall death shall endemy Inortall life, My purpose leave unto them twaine,
The realme divided two sondry partes:
The one, Ferrex myne elder sonne shall have, The other, shall the yongert Porrex rule.
“I)eceiving. ” Edit. 1590. other. " Edit. 1590.
* As To
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122 FERRex AND POR REX.
[ACT 1.
That both my purpose may more firmely stande, And eke that they may better rule their charge, I meane forthwith to place them in the same; That in my life they may both learne to rule, And I may joy to see their ruling well.
This summe, what would have wey:
First whether
allowe” my whole devise, And thinke good for me, for them, for you,
And for our countrey, mother all:
And lyke and allowe well,
Then their guydinge and their governaunce,
Arostus. And this much, and asketh great advise; But for my part, my soveraigne lord and kyng,
This thinke. Your majestie doth know, How under you, justice and peace,
Great wealth and honour longe we have enjoyed, So we cannot seeme with gredie mindes
To wishe for change prince governaunce; But lyke your purpose and devise,
Our lyking must deemed proceede Of rightfull reason, and heedefull care,
Not for ourselves, but for our common state
Sithe our owne state doth neede better change.
thinke all, erst your grace hath saide: Firste when you shall unlode your aged mynde Of hevye care and troubles manifolde,
And laye the same upon my lordes your sonnes,
Whose growing yeres may beare the burden long, And long pray the Goddes graunt so:
And your life while you shall beholde
Their rule, their vertues, and their noble deedes,
Shew forth such meanes
As think meete both knowne and kept. Loe, this all; now tell me your advise.
circumstance,
Suche their kinde behighteth"
all, S. 4.
his Fairy Queen,
B.
“—ifyour sweet sway Allow obedience. ”
See Mr. Steevens's Note thereon.
behighteth] promiseth. C. 11.
Spenser,
allowe] i. e. approve. So, King Lear,
-
4. ”
*
I
Iin is
S.
it
6. i. e.
ye
“ in as
if as do ye if we I forye
is, in
So
to
to so
to
it of us
in
A. us 2.
it
ye
in
of
of or
is to
be of
as
be
in
it,
I
no
:
in
sc. II. ]
FER REX AND POR REX. 123
Great be the profites that shall growe thereof; Your age in quiet shall the longer last,
Your lasting age shal be their longer stay.
For cares of kynges, that rule as you have ruled, For publique wealth, and not for private joye,
Do waste mannes lyfe and hasten crooked age, With furrowed face, and with enfeebled lymmes,
To draw on creepyng death a swifter pace.
They two yet yong shall beare the parted reigne
With greater ease than one, now olde, alone
Can welde the whole, for whom muche harder is
With lessened strength the doubled weight to beare. Your eye, your counsell, and the grave regarde
Of father, yea, of such a father's name,
Now at beginning of their sondred reigne, When is the hazarde of their whole successe,
Shall bridle so their force of youthfull heates, And so restreine the rage of insolence,
Which most assailes the yong and noble mindes, And so shall guide and traine in tempred stay
Their yet greene bending wittes with reverent awe, As now inured with vertues at the first,
Custome (O. king) shall bring delightfulnesse:
By use of vertue, vice shall growe in hate.
But if you so dispose that the daye
Which ends your life shall first begin their reigne, Great the perill, what will the ende,
When such beginning
Voide such stayes Shall leave them free
such liberties,
your life lye,
randon" of their will An open praie traiterous flatterie,
The greatest pestilence noble youthe:
Whiche perill shall past, your life
Their tempred youthe with aged father's awe Be brought ure" skilfull stayednesse.
“And for his paines whistle him behight,
“That fishe’s shell was wrought with rare delight. ”
States,” edit. 1590.
randon] To without any restraint. Randomner, Fr.
wrej Ure old word, signifying habit, practise. used
Spenser and others. So, Edward III.
* 1.
by "* *2 “
in
is go an
of in a
of be
in a of
to •as of in
it,
A. l. S.
do
It is
if in
be
of to
is
124 FERREX AND POR. R. Ex.
[ACT 1.
And in your life their lives disposed so
Shall length your noble life in joyfulnesse.
Thus thinke I that your grace hath wisely thought,
And that your tender care of common weale Hath bred this thought, so to divide your lande, And plant your sonnes to beare the present rule,
While you yet live to see their rulinge well, That you may longer lyve by joye therein.
What furder meanes behovefull are and meete At greater leisure may your grace devise,
When have said, and when we agreed this best, part the realme twaine,
And place your sonnes present governement:
Whereof So woulde
have plainely said my mynde,
my lordes.
thinke hath been saide
otherwise. As for dividing this realme twaine, And lotting out the same egall partes
To either my lordes your graces sonnes,
That thinke best for this your realmes behofe, For profite and advauncement your sonnes,
And for your comfort and your honour eke. But place them while your life last, To yelde them your royall governaunce,
To above them onely the name Of father, not kingly state also,
thinke not good for you, for them, nor us. This kingdome since the bloudie civill fielde
*Where Morgan slaine did yeld his conquered part
“—— Ned, thou must begin
“Now forget thy study and thy books,
“And ure thy shoulders armour's weight. ” Ascham's Torophilus, 87. Bennet's Edition:
“What thing man tender age hath most ure,
“That same death always kepe shall sure. ” Where Morgan slaine did yeld conquered part
Unto his cosins sworde Camberland, See Geoffry Mon mouth, 15. He there called Margan, and said have been killed his brother Cunedagius, contest similar the
present between Ferrex and Portex.
here the rest
part
Philander. before;
part agayne my minde
in a
of
b.
so to
ii.
I as
is
to a
p.
is
to to of
be in
- *
I
be
In
If be all
c. to
of
by II to
in in
in
I
in is of
his to
to an
in all as
he
in be
in
of In
to in
do
sc. II. ]
FER REX AND POR. R. F. X. 125
Unto his cosins sworde in Camberland *, Conteineth all that whilome did suffice
Three noble sonnes of your forefather Brute; So your two sonnes it may suffice also,
The moe” the stronger, if they gree in one:
The smaller compasse that the realme doth holde. The easier is the swey thereof to welde,
The nearer justice to the wronged poore,
The smaller charge, and yet ynoughe for one.
And whan the region is divided so
That brethren be the lordes of either parte,
Such strength doth nature knit betwene them both In sondrie bodies by conjoymed love,
That not as two, but one of doubled force, Eche is to other as a sure defence:
The noblenesse and glory of the one
Doth sharpe the courage of the others mynde
With vertuous envie to contende for praise. And such an eagalnesse” hath nature made Betweene the brethren of one father's seede, As an unkindly wrong it seemes to be,
To throwe the brother-subject under feete
Of him whose peere he is by course of kinde: And nature that did make this egalnesse
Ofte so repineth “at so great a wrong,
That ofte she rayseth up a grudginge griefe
In yonger brethren at the elders state:
Wherby both townes and kingdomes have been rased,
And famous flockes of royall blood destroied; The brother that shoulde be the brothers aide,
* moe] i. e. more. The ancient way of spelling and pronouncing this word.
*** Cumberland,” edit. 1590.
egalnessel equality. So, Folie, 1549, *5 i. e. . . in Erasmus's Praise of
Sign. D: “And friendship is never properly knitte, but betweene ** men of egall estate and condition. ”
Hall's Chronicle, Henry IV. p. 24: “ —affirmyng farther, that no
“ kyng anointed of dutie was either bound or obliged to an “swere any challenge but to his pere of egall estate and equivolent
“ dignitie. ”
#
* Sore
pineth. ”
edit. 1590.
nono in at at be
in
all
of
no
bebe in lest a no
ye
yeit
ye isit
ofi.
e. or
In
II Iyeye is,
Or
it by
beis
or
is :
.
ye
me it soallto
as all I
to
ye
to be
102 THE FouR P's.
Policary, Go ye before and as I am true man, I wyll folow as fast as I can.
Pardoner. And so wyll I, for he hath sayd so well, Reason wolde we shulde folowe hys counsell.
Palmer. Then, to our reason, god gyve us his grace,
That we may solowe with fayth so fermely
Hys commaundements, that we may purchace
Hys love, and so consequentl
To byleve hys churche, faste and faythfully ;
So that we may, accordynge to his promyse.
Be kepte out of errour in any wyse.
And that hath scapet” here neglygence,
We clerely revoke and forsake
To passe the tyme thys without offence,
Was the cause why the maker dyd make
And we humbly beseche you take Besechynge our lorde prosper you all,
the fayth his churche universall. scapel] escapte, edit. 1569.
In
of
*
in
to
so
all
to
by
it, it;
us it;
103
EDITIONS.
(1) “The playe called the foure PP. A newe and “a very mery enterlude of A Palmer, A Pardoner, A
“Potycary, A Pedler. Made by John Heewood. “Imprynted at London in Fletestrete, at the sygne of “the George, by Wyllyam Myddylton. ”
This Edition must have been printed at least as early as the year 1547, at which time William Middleton either died or retired from business. See Ames's
Typographical Antiquities, p. 218, 258.
(2) “The Play called the Foure P. A very mery “Enterlude of A Palmer, A Pardoner, A Poticary, A
“Pedler. Imprinted at London, at the long Shop “adjoyning unto S. Mildreds Churche in the Pultrie, “by John Allde, Anno Domini 1569, Septembris 14. ”
Both these Editions are in the Collection of Mr. Garrick.
FERREX AND PORREX.
THOMAS SA cKv11. L. E. , Lord Buckhurst, was related to
Queen Elizabeth by her mother Ann Boleyn. He was born in 1536, * and educated at Hart-Hall, in the
University of Oxford; from whence he went to Cam bridge, and afterwards to the Temple. In his younger days he travelled into France and Italy; and at the early period of his life only he was, as Mr. Spence' ob serves, what perhaps persons his birth ought
poet. His father, dying 1566, left him large
fortune, the greatest part which magnificent manner living, but
came better economist. He served
soon spent
the end be parliament both
the reign Queen Mary and Elizabeth. 1567, was created Baron Buckhurst; 1571, was sent
ambassador Charles IX, king France; and
1587, the States was made one
the United Provinces. 1588, the Knights the Garter;
the University Oxford; and
1591, Chancellor
1598, Lord High Treasurer England.
He was con 1603 ad
tinued that office King James, who
vanced him the dignity Earl
died suddenly the council board, 1608,f
the apoplexy
He
Mr. his birth Theatrum
Chalmers (Biogr. Dict. xxvii. 16, fixes the date
1527, while Sir Brydges, his new edit. the Poetarum, 66, says with Mr. Reed that this event did
not happen until 1536.
Some account Lord Buckhurst and his Writings, prefixed
the edition Gorboduc printed 1786.
He had been for some time, and his life was despaired nine months before he died, on the 19th April, 1608.
His funeral Sermon was preached Dr. Abbot, Dean Winchester, May 26th, 1608. was printed soon afterwards
and the following curious papers are extracted from
“Her Majesty not long before her death, being pleased
seemeth with some special piece service which his Lordship had done unto her grew large discourse touching this nobleman,
honourable person and counsellor estate, writing hath advertised me. Her highness was then pleased decypher out
Dorset.
as an
# tto'. *of
he hein to
his be, a
a to
all
of
by
in in
of in
of
on at
of ill of
to
of
of
It
in
E.
of
of of in
toin it. C.
of
as
it of of
of
afit inin in by to
C.
by of
in A.
in by
t atto
of of of
of of
in
he in
in
of of In In a
a
brought upon him some who hated him his love
108
He was the Author of
(1) The Introduction to the Mirror for Magistrates,
first published by William Baldwin in 4to. 1550; again, with the second part in 4to, 1563; re-published with additions in 1575; and a fourth time further
augmented and published by Richard Nicols in 1610. “The wurke (says the original publisher) was begun,
“and part of it prynted in Queene Maries tyme, but “hyndred by the Lorde Chauncellor that then was: “nevertheles, through the meanes of my Lord Staf. “ford, the fyrst parte was licenced and imprynted the
his life by seven steps or degrees. The first was his younger days, the time of his scholarship when first in that famous Uni versity of Oxford, aud afterward in the Temple (where he took the degree of Barrister) he gave tokens of such pregnancy, such studi ousness and judgment that he was held no way inferior to any of his time or standing. And of this there remain good tokens, both
in English and Latin published unto the world. ”
In the margin opposite the latter words is this note. “ The
Life of Tresilian in the Mirror of Magistr. Epist. prefia. Aulic Barth Clerke,” from whence it seems that the Reverend Dean was not so
well informed regarding the English writings of Lord Dorset, as
the events of his life. He then proceeds:– “The second was travel, when being France and Italy profited very much
the languages, matter story and state. "And being prisoner Rome for the space fourteen days, (which trouble was
religion and his duty his sovereign) prudently bare himself that the blessing God, and his temperate kind carriage, was
freed out that danger. The third step which her Majesty think good observe was (upon return England) his coming unto her Court, where divers occasions bountifully feasted her Highness and her nobles; and did foreign ambassadors.
At that time entertained musicians, the most curious which any where could have, and therein his lordship excelled unto his dying day. Then was his discourse judicious, but yet witty and delightful. Thus was his younger days scholar and
traveller and courtier special estimation. ” public
. . The Sermon then notices some events life, and particularly the present ring
Lord Dorset's
with diamonds,
Lord Hay when Lord Dorset was sick, the beginning June, 1607, and was not ex
which king James sent him the hand
pected recover. quotes passage from his will, which
bequeathed this valued gift son, and afterwards nephew.
C.
to
he
toa
in by
to of Ithe byin
in
of
his of
a
he
in hishe
to
to
he did
of
of
seta of
a
he
to
in
toof on
of of
he of so so
a
in his
in
he
by
in
he for
| 09
“fyrst yeare of the raygne of thvs our most noble and
“vertuous Queene. Since whych time, although I
“have bene called to an other trade of lyfe, yet my
“good Lorde Stafforde hath not ceased to call upon
“me to publish so much as I had gotten at other
“mens hands, so that through his Lordshippe's earnest
“meanes I have now also set furth an other parte con “teyning as little of myne owne, as the fyrst part
“doth of other mens. ” In this second part Lord Buckhurst's Induction first appeared. The cause of writing it was as follows: “After that he (Lord “Buckhurst) understode that some of the counsayle “would not suffer the booke to be printed in suche “order as we had agreed and determined, he purposed
“with himselfe to have gotten at my handes the “tragedies that were before the duke Buckingham's,
“which would have preserved “from that time backward even
“the Conqueror, determined
“fect all the story himselfe
“(following Bocchas) had already used; and there “fore make meete induction into the matter, “he devised this poesye. ” We are informed, that this design was laid aside the Author's being called
more serious expence the great state affairs his most royal Lady and Sovereign. The Induc
tion, 1759, was re-printed Mr. Capel, his Prolusions.
Those praises which were bestowed the poetry Lord Buckhurst his contemporaries are not as
The best judges have the criticks the time,
and even gone beyond them
Mr. Warton, speaking the The Mirror for Magis
trates, says(Observations Spenser, vol. 109. ): “There one Poem indeed among the rest which ex
cribed his rank fortune. ratified the sentence passed
“hibits groupe “fully drawn, that
“to direct, least
imaginary personages, beauti probability they contributed
stimulate, Spenser's imagination
one volume; and the time of William
continue and per
such order Lydgate
their commendations.
a is at
to in to
he
toin of
by a or
he
all
on
of
so
of
to
as
all
in by in by
on II.
in
of
p.
be
in of
of to a
on
in
to to
Il0
“in the construction of the like representations. Thus “much may be truly said, that Sackville's INDuction
“approaches nearer to the FAIRY QUEEN, in the “richness of allegoric description, than any previous
“ or succeeding poem. ”
(2) The Complaynt of Henrye, duke of Bucking
ham, in the Mirror for Magistrates.
(3. ) A Latin Letter to Dr. Bartholomew Clerke, pre fixed to his Translation of Balthazar Castilio, De
Curiali sive Aulico, first printed at London about 1571. -
(4. ) Verses prefixed to Hobby's Translation of Cas tilio's Courtier, 4to. 1577, in commendation of the Work.
(5. ) Letters in the Cabala, and one to the Earl of Sussex, in Howard's Collection, p. 297.
Thomas Norton, who joined with Lord Buckhurst in writing this play,” was, according to Wood * who
gives him the title of a forward and busy calvinist, a native resident at, Sharpenhaule, otherwise Sharpenhoe, the county Bedford. He lived some time the Temple, became barrister” law,t and solicitor for the city London”. He translated some
the Psalms Sternhold and Hopkins's Version, and was the author and translator several polemical
only the titles what are considered the spurious copies this play that stated that Norton wrote the three first, and Sackville the two last acts. Mr. Warton doubts whether
Norton had any means great share Athenae Oxonienses, 77.
Ibid.
the books the Stationers’ Company are entries fees paid Thomas Norton, and hence has been concluded that he was Counsel that Body. Here we find also the latest memorial
him entry between 1583 and 1584, and either that after tha—t date was not employed, that
ugly
Depriv'd him his office and his breath. ” C.
Marbury's Book Monarchy, quoted Oldys,
supposed
his MS.
Notes
Langbaine.
death
on
in an to
It ofis
in
of,
* of#3* to In
*
of
of of
in
as
ita aof
by
or
in of it.
“he
so it
is in
by of
on
in or
of is of
it C. at
of
111
and political Works,t which are enumerated in Wood's Athenae Oxonienses”. §
# Thomas Norton’s “Address to the Queene's Majesties poor
deceavey'd subjectes,” is noticed at length in Censura Literaria X. 97. O. G.
* P. 77. p. I55.
§ The portrait of Norton, or at least a figure intended for him,
is preserved in a small work of six folio pages, and containing five plates, called “Descriptiones quedam illius inhumana et multiplicis
persecutionis quam in Anglia proptis fidem sustinent . Catholice Chris tiani. ” The third plate is entitled Tormenta in carceribus inflicta, and here is inserted the supposed likeness of Norton, who is called Nortonus archicarnifer, and is accompanied suis satellitibus. A
further account of the work may be seen in Censura Literaria VII. 72,
112
ARGUMENT OF THE TRAGEDIE.
GoR BoDuc, king of Brittaine, divided his realme in tife-time his sonnes, Ferrex and Porrex. The sonnes
fell discention. The yonger killed the elder. The mother that more dearely loved the elder, for revenge killed the yonger. The people moved with the crueltie
the fact, rose rebellion, and slew both father and mother. The Nobilitie assembled, and most terribly destroyed the Rebels, and afterwards for want issue
the Prince, whereby the succession the Crowne became uncertaine, they fell Civil Warre, which both they and many their issues were slain, and
land for long time almost desolate and miserably wasted.
a
to
to
the
his
to
of
of
in of
of in
of
II3
THE P [printer] TO THE READER.
WHERE this Tragedie was for furniture of part of the grand Christmasse in the Inner-Temple, first written about nine yeares agoe by the right honourable Thomas,
now Lorde Buckherst, and by T. Norton, and after shewed before her majestie, and never intended by the Authors thereof to be published: yet one W. G. getting a copie thereof at some yong man's hand that lacked a little money, and much discretion in the last great plage an. 1565, about 5 yeares past, while the said lord was out of England, and T. Norton farre out of London, and neither of them both made privie, put it forth excedingly corrupted: even as if by meanes of a broker for hire he should have entised into his house a faire maide and done her villanie, and after bescratched her face, torne her apparell, berayed and disfigured her, and then thrust her out dores dis honested. such plight after long wandring, she came
length home knew her but
the sight her frendes, who scant
few tokens and markes remayning. meane, though they were very
They, the authors
much displeased that she ranne abroad without leave, whereby she caught her shame many wantons do; yet seeing the case remedilesse have for com mon honestie and shamefastnesse new apparelled, trimmed, and attired her such forme she was before. In which better forme since she hath come me,
have harbored her for her frendes sake and her owne; and not dout her parentes, the authors, will not now discontent that she goe abroad among
you good readers, honest companie. For
my encouragement and others somewhat lesse her, because was
she
ashamed the dishonestie done
fraude and force. she
welcome among you, the house from
and gently enterteined WOL. I.
favor
If in
it
be in is, in
I
it
all to
by
I
at
be
it
of
is
by of
I In bedo byto
so asIa
to aas of
to
as
of
114
whence she is descended, and of her owne nature courteously disposed to offend no man, her frendes will thanke you for not, but that she shall still reproched with her former missehap, quarelled
envious persons, she, poore gentlewoman, will surely
play Lucreces part, and herself die for shame, and shall wishe that she had taried still home with me, where she was welcome; for she did never put me more charge but this one poore blacke gowne lined with white, that have now geven her goe abroad
among you withall.
I
If
to
at
or
of
be to I at
by
it.
NAMES OF THE SPEAKERS.
GoRBoDUc, king of Great Brittain,
VIDENA, queene and wife to king Gorboduc. FER REx, elder sonne to king Gorboduc.
Po R REx, yonger sonne to king Gorboduc.
CLoxton, duke of Cornewall. FERG Us, duke of Albanye. MAN DUD, duke of Loegris.
Gw EN ARD, duke of Cumberland. EUBULUs, secretarie to the king.
ARostus, a counsellor to the king.
DoRDAN, a counsellor assigned by the king to his eldest sonne Ferrer.
PHILANDER, a counsellor assigned by the king to his
yongest son Porrer.
[Both being of the olde kinges counsel before. HERMon, a parasite remaining with Ferrer.
TYN DAR, a parasite remaining with Porrer.
NUNTIUs, a messenger of the eldest brother's death. NUNTI Us, a messenger of duke Fergus rising in arms.
MARCELLA, a lady of the queenes privie-chamber. CHORUs, toure auncient and sage men of Brittaine.
The Order of the Domme Shew before the first Act and the Signification therof.
First, the musicke of violenze began to play, during which came in upon the stage size wilde men, clothed in leaves. Of whom the first bare on his necke a
fagot of small stickes, which they both severallye and together assayed with all their strengthes breake,
but could not broken them. At the length one them plucked out one the sticks, and brake
and the rest plucking out all the other stickes one after another, did easely breake the same being vered, which being enjoyned, they had before attempted
vaine. After they had this done, they departed the stage, and the musick ceased. Hereby was signified, that state knit unitie doth continue strong against all force, but being divided, easily destroyed; befel upon duke Gorboduc dividing his lande his two sonnes, which before held monarchie, and upon
the discention the brethren whom was divided,
of he
in
be
is to in
of by
it
to
as
to
a
in of it
it se :
all
FERREX AND PORREX".
ACTUS PRIMUS. SCENA PRIMA. *
VIDEN A. FERR Ex.
Widena. THE silent night that bringes the quiet pawse, From painefull travailes of the wearie day,
Prolonges my carefull thoughtes, and makes me blame The slowe Aurora, that so for love or shame
Doth long delay to shewe her blushing face;
* This play we are told by the printer of the second Edition was first acted at the Inner-Temple, and afterwards before Queen Eli
zabeth. Its first appearance was at a grand Christmas celebrated with unusual magnificence, as may be seen by the description of it in Dugdale's Origines Juridiciales, p. 150. It is here printed from the second Edition; the third, of 1590, from which it was published
in 1736, by Mr. Spence and by Mr. Dodsley, in this collection be fore, appearing to be only a republication of the first imperfect copy
complained of by the Authors as published in their absence without
their knowledge or consent. The testimony of Sir Philip Sidney
concerning this play is as follows: “Gorboduc is full of stately “speeches and well-sounding phrases, climbing to the height of
“Seneca his style, and as full of notable morality: which it doth “most delightfully teach, and thereby obtain the very end of
“poetry. ” And Mr. Pope was of opinion, “That the writers of “the succeeding age might have improved as much in other respects
“by copying from him a propriety in the sentiments, an unaffected “perspicuity of style, and in an easy flow in the numbers; in a “word, that chastity, correctness, and gravity of style, which are “so essential to tragedy, and which the tragic poets who fol “lowed, not excepting Shakespeare himself, either little under “stood, perpetually neglected. ”
The edition this tragedy 1590, said reprint the spurious copy first published. As the variations, verbal and otherwise, are generally curious and sometimes useful, they are
noted the bottom the page, and this purpose careful comparison has been made.
at
or
of of
C.
of
for
all is
-
to
a a
-
of
*
be
118 FER REx AND POR REX.
[ACT s.
And now the day renewes my griefull plaint. Ferrer.
My gracious lady, and my mother deare,
Pardon my griefe for your so grieved minde
To aske what cause tormenteth so your hart. Widena. So great a wrong and so unjust despite,
Without cause against course kinde—
Ferrer. Such causelesse wrong and unjust des pite, -
May have redresse, or, the least, revenge.
Widena. Neither my sonne: such the froward will. The person such, such my misehappe and thine,
Ferrer. Mine know none, but grief for your dis tresse.
Videna. Yes, mine for thine, my sonne. no
kinde father, not kindliness".
Ferrer. My father why, know nothing Wherin have misdone unto his grace.
Videna. Therfore, the more unkinde mee:
For knowing well (my sonne) the tender love That have ever borne, and beare thee, He greved thereat, not content alone,
To spoile thee my sight, my chiefest joye,
father?
all, thee and
kinde father, not kindliness] Kind nature. Hamlet has almost the same sentiment,
little more than kin, and less than Kind.
several other places this play the same word sense occurs. Again, Julius Caesar, A.
the like
“But you would consider the true cause,
“Why birds and beastes from quality and kind, “Why these thinges change from their ordinance,
“Their natures, and presumed faculties
“To monstrous quality 29 Titus Andromicus, A.
“The forest walks are wide and spacious, “And many unfrequented plots there are
“Fitted kind for rape and villainy. ”
Antony and Cleopatra,
“you, that the worm will For these instances
James's Chronicle, Nov. Hamlet, A.
“You must think this, look
his kind. ”
am indebted writer the Saint
1774. - See, also Mr. Steevens's Note
1.
5,I 2. in is
,
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S. all
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at
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In I
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all
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in
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all
sc. I. ]
FER REX AND POR. R. Ex. 119
But thee, of thy birth-right and heritage,
Causelesse, unkindly and in wrongfull wise,
Against lawe and right will bereave: Halfe his kingdome will geve away.
Ferrer. To whom?
Widena. Even Porrex his yonger sonne, Whose growing pride sore suspect,
That being raised equall rule with thee,
Mee thinkes see his envious hart
swell,
Filled with disdaine and with ambicious hope.
The end the goddes know, whose altars Full oft have made vaine of cattel slaine
To send the sacred smoke heaven's throne, For thee my sonne, thinges succede,
now my jelous minde misdemeth sore.
-
Ferrer. Madam, leave care and carefull plaint for me:
Just hath my father bene every wight, His first unjustice will not extend
To me, trust, that geve cause therof.
My brother's pride shall hurt himselfe, not me.
Videna. So graunt the Goddes: but yet thy father Hath firmely fixed his unmoved minde
That plaintes and prayers can whit availe,
(For those have assaid) but even this day
He will endevour procure assent
Of all his counsell his fonde devise.
Ferrer. Their ancestors from race race have borne True fayth my forefathers; and their seede,
trust they eke will beare the like me.
Widena. There resteth all; but they faile thereof,
And the end bring forth successe, On them and theirs the mischiefe shall befall.
And pray the Goddes requite them;
And they will,for wont
When lordes and trusted rulers under
To please the present fancie the prince, With wrong transpose the course governance, Murders, mischief, civill sword length,
Or mutual treason, just revenge,
kinges,
oror a
toto
he
if in
to do I
atof
beit if to
so
to
so so I
I if
As I
of all
so is
do he noto to so he
to
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toillno do
to
so
I
120 FER REX AND POR REX.
[ACT I.
When right succeding line returnes again
By Jove's just judgement and deserved wrath, Bringes them to cruell,” and reprochfull death,
And rootes their names and kindredes from the earth.
Ferrer. Mother, content you, you shall see the end.
Widena. The end? thy end I feare: Jove end me first I
ACTUS PRIMUS. SCENA SECUNDA.
GoR BoDUC. ARoSTUs. PHILANDER. EUBULUs.
Gorboduc. My lords, whose grave advise and faithfull aide
Have long upheld my honour and my realme,
And brought me to this age from tender yeres, Guidyng so great estate with great renowne;
Nowe more importeth mee than erst” to use Your fayth and wisdome whereby yet I reigne;
That when by death my life and rule shall cease,
The kingdome yet may with unbroken course Have certayne prince, by whose undoubted right
Your wealth and peace may stand in quiet stay:
And eke that they whome nature hath preparde, In time to take my place in princely seate,
While in their father's tyme their pliant youth Yeldes to the frame of skilfull governaunce, Maye so be taught, and trayned in noble artes,
As what their fathers which have reigned before Have with great fame derived downe to them,
With honour they may leave unto their seede; And not be thought for their unworthy life,
And for their lawlesse swarvynge out of kinde, Worthy to lose whatlawe and kind them gave; But that they may preserve the common peace,
(The cause that first began and still mainteines, The lyneall course of kinges inheritance)
* “ Civil. ” Edit. 1590. * erst] formerly, heretofore. # “Taught. ” Edit. 1590.
sc. II. ]
FERREX AND PORREX, 121
For me, for myne, for you, and for the state Whereof both I and you have charge and care. Thus do I meane to use your wonted fayth
To me and myne, and to your native lande. My lordes, be playne without wrie respect,
poysonous craft
Lest, the blame Shall light you,
speake pleasyng wise, succedyng thinges
light the harmes also.
Arostus. Your good acceptance (most noble king)
Of suche our faithfulnesse, heretofore We have employed dueties your grace,
And this realme whose worthy head you are, Well proves that neyther you mistrust all,
Nor we shall neede boasting wise shewe Our trueth you, nor yet our wakefull care For you, for yours, and for our native lande.
Wherefore
Sithe Doubt not
kyng) speake one for all,
one beare you egall faith:
use our counsells and our aides
Whose honours, goods and lyves are whole avowed, serve, ayde, and defende your grace.
Gorboduc. My lordes, thanke you all. This the Case.
Ye know, the Gods, who have the soveraigne care, For kings, for kingdomes, and for common weales,
Gave me two sonnes my more lusty age, Who nowe my decayeng” yeres are growen
Well towardes ryper state minde and strength, To take hande some greater princely charge.
yet they lyve and spende their hopefull daies With me and with their mother here courte.
Their age nowe asketh other place and trade, And myne also doth aske other chaunge, Theirs more travaile, myne greater ease.
Whan fatall death shall endemy Inortall life, My purpose leave unto them twaine,
The realme divided two sondry partes:
The one, Ferrex myne elder sonne shall have, The other, shall the yongert Porrex rule.
“I)eceiving. ” Edit. 1590. other. " Edit. 1590.
* As To
Or
+ “
so to
is to
do
I in
in
an
in
I to
in
yll
to
in
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to (O to
to
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at
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all
to
as
so ofto
in all
122 FERRex AND POR REX.
[ACT 1.
That both my purpose may more firmely stande, And eke that they may better rule their charge, I meane forthwith to place them in the same; That in my life they may both learne to rule, And I may joy to see their ruling well.
This summe, what would have wey:
First whether
allowe” my whole devise, And thinke good for me, for them, for you,
And for our countrey, mother all:
And lyke and allowe well,
Then their guydinge and their governaunce,
Arostus. And this much, and asketh great advise; But for my part, my soveraigne lord and kyng,
This thinke. Your majestie doth know, How under you, justice and peace,
Great wealth and honour longe we have enjoyed, So we cannot seeme with gredie mindes
To wishe for change prince governaunce; But lyke your purpose and devise,
Our lyking must deemed proceede Of rightfull reason, and heedefull care,
Not for ourselves, but for our common state
Sithe our owne state doth neede better change.
thinke all, erst your grace hath saide: Firste when you shall unlode your aged mynde Of hevye care and troubles manifolde,
And laye the same upon my lordes your sonnes,
Whose growing yeres may beare the burden long, And long pray the Goddes graunt so:
And your life while you shall beholde
Their rule, their vertues, and their noble deedes,
Shew forth such meanes
As think meete both knowne and kept. Loe, this all; now tell me your advise.
circumstance,
Suche their kinde behighteth"
all, S. 4.
his Fairy Queen,
B.
“—ifyour sweet sway Allow obedience. ”
See Mr. Steevens's Note thereon.
behighteth] promiseth. C. 11.
Spenser,
allowe] i. e. approve. So, King Lear,
-
4. ”
*
I
Iin is
S.
it
6. i. e.
ye
“ in as
if as do ye if we I forye
is, in
So
to
to so
to
it of us
in
A. us 2.
it
ye
in
of
of or
is to
be of
as
be
in
it,
I
no
:
in
sc. II. ]
FER REX AND POR REX. 123
Great be the profites that shall growe thereof; Your age in quiet shall the longer last,
Your lasting age shal be their longer stay.
For cares of kynges, that rule as you have ruled, For publique wealth, and not for private joye,
Do waste mannes lyfe and hasten crooked age, With furrowed face, and with enfeebled lymmes,
To draw on creepyng death a swifter pace.
They two yet yong shall beare the parted reigne
With greater ease than one, now olde, alone
Can welde the whole, for whom muche harder is
With lessened strength the doubled weight to beare. Your eye, your counsell, and the grave regarde
Of father, yea, of such a father's name,
Now at beginning of their sondred reigne, When is the hazarde of their whole successe,
Shall bridle so their force of youthfull heates, And so restreine the rage of insolence,
Which most assailes the yong and noble mindes, And so shall guide and traine in tempred stay
Their yet greene bending wittes with reverent awe, As now inured with vertues at the first,
Custome (O. king) shall bring delightfulnesse:
By use of vertue, vice shall growe in hate.
But if you so dispose that the daye
Which ends your life shall first begin their reigne, Great the perill, what will the ende,
When such beginning
Voide such stayes Shall leave them free
such liberties,
your life lye,
randon" of their will An open praie traiterous flatterie,
The greatest pestilence noble youthe:
Whiche perill shall past, your life
Their tempred youthe with aged father's awe Be brought ure" skilfull stayednesse.
“And for his paines whistle him behight,
“That fishe’s shell was wrought with rare delight. ”
States,” edit. 1590.
randon] To without any restraint. Randomner, Fr.
wrej Ure old word, signifying habit, practise. used
Spenser and others. So, Edward III.
* 1.
by "* *2 “
in
is go an
of in a
of be
in a of
to •as of in
it,
A. l. S.
do
It is
if in
be
of to
is
124 FERREX AND POR. R. Ex.
[ACT 1.
And in your life their lives disposed so
Shall length your noble life in joyfulnesse.
Thus thinke I that your grace hath wisely thought,
And that your tender care of common weale Hath bred this thought, so to divide your lande, And plant your sonnes to beare the present rule,
While you yet live to see their rulinge well, That you may longer lyve by joye therein.
What furder meanes behovefull are and meete At greater leisure may your grace devise,
When have said, and when we agreed this best, part the realme twaine,
And place your sonnes present governement:
Whereof So woulde
have plainely said my mynde,
my lordes.
thinke hath been saide
otherwise. As for dividing this realme twaine, And lotting out the same egall partes
To either my lordes your graces sonnes,
That thinke best for this your realmes behofe, For profite and advauncement your sonnes,
And for your comfort and your honour eke. But place them while your life last, To yelde them your royall governaunce,
To above them onely the name Of father, not kingly state also,
thinke not good for you, for them, nor us. This kingdome since the bloudie civill fielde
*Where Morgan slaine did yeld his conquered part
“—— Ned, thou must begin
“Now forget thy study and thy books,
“And ure thy shoulders armour's weight. ” Ascham's Torophilus, 87. Bennet's Edition:
“What thing man tender age hath most ure,
“That same death always kepe shall sure. ” Where Morgan slaine did yeld conquered part
Unto his cosins sworde Camberland, See Geoffry Mon mouth, 15. He there called Margan, and said have been killed his brother Cunedagius, contest similar the
present between Ferrex and Portex.
here the rest
part
Philander. before;
part agayne my minde
in a
of
b.
so to
ii.
I as
is
to a
p.
is
to to of
be in
- *
I
be
In
If be all
c. to
of
by II to
in in
in
I
in is of
his to
to an
in all as
he
in be
in
of In
to in
do
sc. II. ]
FER REX AND POR. R. F. X. 125
Unto his cosins sworde in Camberland *, Conteineth all that whilome did suffice
Three noble sonnes of your forefather Brute; So your two sonnes it may suffice also,
The moe” the stronger, if they gree in one:
The smaller compasse that the realme doth holde. The easier is the swey thereof to welde,
The nearer justice to the wronged poore,
The smaller charge, and yet ynoughe for one.
And whan the region is divided so
That brethren be the lordes of either parte,
Such strength doth nature knit betwene them both In sondrie bodies by conjoymed love,
That not as two, but one of doubled force, Eche is to other as a sure defence:
The noblenesse and glory of the one
Doth sharpe the courage of the others mynde
With vertuous envie to contende for praise. And such an eagalnesse” hath nature made Betweene the brethren of one father's seede, As an unkindly wrong it seemes to be,
To throwe the brother-subject under feete
Of him whose peere he is by course of kinde: And nature that did make this egalnesse
Ofte so repineth “at so great a wrong,
That ofte she rayseth up a grudginge griefe
In yonger brethren at the elders state:
Wherby both townes and kingdomes have been rased,
And famous flockes of royall blood destroied; The brother that shoulde be the brothers aide,
* moe] i. e. more. The ancient way of spelling and pronouncing this word.
*** Cumberland,” edit. 1590.
egalnessel equality. So, Folie, 1549, *5 i. e. . . in Erasmus's Praise of
Sign. D: “And friendship is never properly knitte, but betweene ** men of egall estate and condition. ”
Hall's Chronicle, Henry IV. p. 24: “ —affirmyng farther, that no
“ kyng anointed of dutie was either bound or obliged to an “swere any challenge but to his pere of egall estate and equivolent
“ dignitie. ”
#
* Sore
pineth. ”
edit. 1590.
