1

wit near him, that railed upon me till her pinked porringer 1 fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the state. I missed the meteor 2 once, and hit that woman, who cried out, Clubs! 3 when I might see from far some forty truncheoneers draw to her succour, which were the hope of the Strand, where she was quartered. They fell on; I made good my place: at length they came to the broomstaff with me: I defied them still; when suddenly a file of boys behind them, loose shot, delivered such a shower of pebbles, that I was fain to draw mine honor in, and let them win the work. The devil was amongst them, I think, surely.

Por. These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse, and fight for bitten apples; that no audience, but the Tribulation of Tower-hill, or the limbs of Limehouse, their dear brothers, are able to endure. I have some of them in Limbo Patrum,1 and there they are like to dance these three days; besides the running banquet of two beadles,5 that is to come.

Enter LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

Cham. Mercy o' me, what a multitude are here! They grow still too; from all parts they are coming,

1 Pinked cap.

2 i. e. the brazier.

Clubs!' was the outcry for assistance on any quarrel or 4 Place of confinement.

tumult in the streets.

A dessert of whipping.

As if we kept a fair here! Where are these por

ters,

These lazy knaves? Ye have made a fine hand, fellows.

There's a trim rabble let in. Are all these

Your faithful friends o' the suburbs? We shall

have

Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies,
When they pass back from the christening.

Por.
We are but men; and what so many may do,

An't please your honor,

Not being torn a pieces, we have done.

An army cannot rule them.

If the king blame me for 't, I'll lay ye all

By the heels, and suddenly; and on your heads
Clap round fines for neglect. You are lazy knaves,
And here ye lie baiting of bumbards,1 when

Ye should do service. Hark, the trumpets sound;
They are come already from the christening.
Go, break among the press, and find a way out
To let the troop pass fairly, or I'll find

A Marshalsea, shall hold you play these two months.
Por. Make way there for the princess.

Man. You great fellow, stand close up, or I'll make your head ache.

1 Tippling of ale. A bumbard is a black leathern vessel to hold beer.

Por. You i'the camlet, get up o' the rail; I'll

1

pick you o'er the pales else.

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV.

The Palace.2

Enter trumpets, sounding; then two Aldermen, Lord Mayor, GARTER, CRANMER, DUKE OF NORFOLK with his marshal's staff, DUKE OF SUFFOLK, two Noblemen bearing great standing-bowls for the christening gifts; then four Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which the DUCHESS OF NORFOLK, godmother, bearing the child richly habited in a mantle, &c. train borne by a Lady: then follows the MARCHIONESS OF DORSET, the other godmother, and Ladies. The troop pass once about the stage, and Garter speaks :

Gar. K. Heaven, from thy endless goodness, send prosperous life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty princess of England, Elizabeth!

Florish. Enter KING and train.

Cran. [kneeling.] And to your royal grace and the good queen

My noble partners and myself thus pray :-
All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady,
Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy,

With this kiss take my blessing: God protect thee! Into whose hands I give thy life.

Cran.

Amen.

K. Hen. My noble gossips, ye have been too

prodigal :

I thank ye heartily; so shall this lady,

When she has so much English.

Let me speak, sir,

Cran.
For Heaven now bids me; and the words I utter
Let none think flattery, for they 'll find them truth.
This royal infant, (Heaven still move about her!)
Though in her cradle, yet now promises

Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings,
Which time shall bring to ripeness.

She shall be

(But few now living can behold that goodness)

A pattern to all princes living with her,
And all that shall succeed: Sheba was never

More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue,

Than this soul shall be all princely graces,

pure

That mould up such a mighty piece as this is,
With all the virtues that attend the good,

Shall still be doubled on her: truth shall nurse her,

Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her.

She shall be loved and fear'd: her own shall bless

her;