Chapter V: Prologue: Of the Play (1)

In the book of Genesis it is expressed, That when God to Abraham made sure promise, That in his seed all nations should be blessed: To send him a son by Sarah he did not miss. Then to Isaac (as there recorded it is) By Rebecca his wife, who had long time been barren, When pleased him, at one birth he sent sons twain.

But before Jacob and Esau yet born were, Or had either done good, or ill perpetrate: As the prophet Malachi and Paul witness bear, Jacob was chosen, and Esau reprobate: Jacob I love (saith God) and Esau I hate. For it is not (saith Paul) in man's renewing or will, But in God's mercy, who chooseth whom he will.

But now for our coming we shall exhibit here, Of Jacob and Esau how the story was; Whereby God's adoption may plainly appear: And also that, whatever God's ordinance was, Nothing might defeat, but that it must come to pass. That, if this story may your eyes or ears delight, We pray you of patience, while we it recite.

THE HISTORY OF JACOB AND ESAU.

ACTUS PRIMA. SCAENA PRIMA.

RAGAN, _the servant_.
ESAU, _a young man, his master_.

[_Ragan entereth with his horn at his back and his
hunting staff in his hand, and leadeth three
greyhounds, or one, as may be gotten_.

Now let me see what time it is by the starlight? God's for his grace, man, why it is not yet midnight! We might have slept these four hours yet, I dare well say; But this is our good Esau his common play:

[_Here he counterfeiteth how his master calleth
him up in the mornings, and of his answers_.

What the devil aileth him? now truly, I think plain, He hath either some worms or botts in his brain. He scarcely sleepeth twelve good hours in two weeks. I wot well his watching maketh me have lean cheeks, For there is none other life with him day by day, But, up, Ragan! up, drowsy hogshead! I say! Why, when? up, will it not be? up. I come anon. Up, or I shall raise you in faith, ye drowsy whoreson. Why, when? shall I fet you? I come, sir, by and by. Up, with a wild wanion! how long wilt thou lie? Up, I say, up, at once! up, up, let us go hence: It is time we were in the forest an hour since. Now the devil stop that same yalling throat (think I) Somewhiles: for from the call[257] farewell all wink of eye! Begin he once to call, I sleep no more that stound, Though half an hour's sleep were worth ten thousand pound. Anon, when I come in, and bid him good morrow: Ah sir, up at last? the devil give thee sorrow! Now the devil break thy neck (think I by and by), That hast no wit to sleep, nor in thy bed to lie. Then come on at once; take my quiver and my bow, Fet Lovel my hound, and my horn to blow. Then forth go we fasting an hour or two ere day, Before we may well see either our hands or way, And there range we the wild forest, no crumb of bread From morning to stark night coming within our head; Sometimes Esau's self will faint for drink and meat, So that he would be glad of a dead horse to eat. Yet of fresh the next morrow forth he will again, And sometime not come home in a whole night or twain: Nor no delight he hath, no appetite nor mind. But to the wild forest, to hunt the hart or hind, The roebuck, the wild boar, the fallow-deer, or hare: But how poor Ragan shall dine, he hath no care. Poor I must eat acorns or berries from the tree. But if I be found slack in the suit following, Or if I do fail in blowing or hallooing; Or if I lack my staff or my horn by my side: He will be quick enough to fume, chafe, and chide. Am I not well at ease such a master to serve, As must have such service, and yet will let me starve? But, in faith, his fashions displease mo than me, And will have but a mad end one day, we shall see. He passeth nothing on Rebecca his mother, And much less passeth he on Jacob his brother. But peace, mum, no more: I see master Esau.

[_Here Esau appeareth in sight, and bloweth his horn, ere he enter_.

ESAU. How now, are we all ready, servant Ragan? Art thou up for all day, man? art thou ready now?

RAGAN. I have been here this half-hour, sir, waiting for you,

ESAU. And is all thing ready, as I bad, to my mind?

RAGAN. Ye have no cause, that I know, any fault to find: Except that we disease our tent and neighbours all With rising over early each day, when ye call.

ESAU. Ah, thou drowsy draffsack, wouldest thou rise at noon? Nay, I trow the sixth hour with thee were over-soon.

RAGAN. Nay, I speak of your neighbours, being men honest, That labour all the day, and would fain be at rest: Whom with blowing your horn ye disease all-abouts.

ESAU. What care I for waking a sort of clubbish louts?

RAGAN. And I speak of Rebecca your mother, our dame.

ESAU. Tut, I pass not, whether she do me praise or blame.

RAGAN. And I speak of your good father, old Isaac.

ESAU. Peace, foolish knave: as for my father Isaac, In case he be asleep, I do him not disease, And if he be waking, I know I do him please, For he loveth me well from mine nativity, [_Here Esau bloweth his horn again_. And never so as now for mine activity. Therefore have at it: once more will I blow my horn To give my neighbour louts an hail-peal in a morn. [_Here he speaketh to his dogs_. Now, my master Lightfoot, how say you to this gear, Will you do your duty to red or fallow deer? And, Swan, mine own good cur, I do think in my mind The game shall run apace, if thou come far behind: And ha, Takepart, come, Takepart, here: how say you, child, Wilt not thou do thy part? yes, else I am beguil'd. But I shrew your cheeks, they have had too much meat.

RAGAN. I blame not dogs to take it, if they may it get: But as for my part, they could have, pardè, A small remnant of that that ye give me. They may run light enough for ought of me they got, I had not a good meal's-meat this week, that I wot.

ESAU. If we have luck this day to kill hare, teg,[258] or doe, Thou shalt eat thy bellyful, till thou criest ho.

RAGAN. I thank you, when I have it, Master Esau.

ESAU. Well, come on, let us go now, servant Ragan. Is there anything more, that I should say or do? For perhaps we come not again this day or two.

RAGAN. I know nothing, master, to God I make a vow, Except you would take your brother Jacob with you: I never yet saw him with you an hunting go, Shall we prove him once, whether he will go or no?

ESAU. No, no, that were in vain, alas, good simple mome: Nay, he must tarry and suck mother's dug at home: Jacob must keep home, I trow, under mother's wing; To be from the tents he loveth not of all thing. Jacob loveth no hunting in the wild forest: And would fear, if he should there see any wild beast. Yea, to see the game run, Jacob would be in fear.

RAGAN. In good sooth, I ween he would think each hare a bear.

ESAU. What, brother mine, what a word call ye that?

RAGAN. Sir, I am scarce waked: I spake, ere I wist what.

ESAU. Come on your ways, my child, take the law of the game. I will wake you, I trow, and set your tongue in frame.

RAGAN. O, what have you done, Master Esau, God's apes?

ESAU. Why can ye not yet refrain from letting such scapes? Come on, ye must have three jerts[259] for the nonce. One-- [_Beats him_.

RAGAN. O, for God's love, sir, have done, dispatch at once.

ESAU. Nay there is no remedy but bide it--there is twain.
[_Gives him another jerk_.

RAGAN. O, ye rent my cheverel; let me be past my pain.

ESAU. Take heed of hunting terms fro henceforth!--there is three.
[_Jerks him again_.

RAGAN. Whoop! now a mischief on all moping fools for me! Jacob shall keep the tents ten year for Ragan, Ere I move again that he hunt with Esau.

ESAU. Come on, now let us go. God send us game and luck, And if my hand serve me well--

RAGAN (_aside_). Ye will kill a duck.

[_Exeant ambo_.

ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA SECUNDA.

HANAN, ZETHAR, _two of Isaac's neighbours_.

HANAN. Ah, sir, I see I am an early man this morn, I am once more beguil'd with Esau his horn. But there is no such stirrer as Esau is: He is up day by day, before the crow piss: Then maketh he with his horn such toohing and blowing, And with his wide throat such shouting and hallooing, That no neighbour shall in his tent take any rest, From Esau addresseth him to the forest. So that he maketh us, whether we will or no, Better husbands than we would be, abroad to go Each of us about our business and our wark. But whom do I see yonder coming in the dark? It is my neighbour Zethar, I perceive him now.

ZETHAR. What, neighbour Hanan, well met, good morrow to you. I see well now I am not beguiled alone: But what boot to lie still? for rest we can take none; That I marvel much of old father Isaac, Being so godly a man, why he is so slack To bring his son Esau to a better stay.

HANAN. What should he do in the matter, I you pray?

ZETHAR. O, it is no small charge to fathers, afore God, So to train their children in youth under the rod That, when they come to age, they may virtue ensue, Wicked pranks abhor, and all lewdness eschew, And me-thinketh Isaac, being a man as he is-- A chosen man of God, should not be slack in this.

HANAN. Alack, good man, what should he do more than he hath done? I dare say no father hath better taught his son, Nor no two have given better example of life Unto their children than both he and his wife: As by their younger son Jacob it doth appear. He liveth no loose life: he doth God love and fear. He keepeth here in the tents, like a quiet man: He giveth not himself to wildness any when. But Esau evermore from his young childhood Hath been like to prove ill, and never to be good. Young it pricketh (folks do say), that will be a thorn, Esau hath been naught, ever since he was born. And whereof cometh this? of education? Nay, it is of his own ill inclination. They were brought up both under one tuition; But they be not both of one disposition. Esau is given to loose and lewd living.

ZETHAR. In faith, I warrant him [to] have but shrewd thriving.

HANAN. Neither see I any hope, that he will amend.

ZETHAR. Then let him even look to come to an ill end. For youth that will follow none but their own bridle, That leadeth a dissolute life and an idle: Youth, that refuseth wholesome documents, Or to take example of their godly parents: Youth, that is retchless, and taketh no regard, What become of themself, nor which end go forward: It is great marvel and a special grace, If ever they come to goodness all their life space. But why do we consume this whole morning in talk Of one that hath no reck ne care, what way he walk, We had been as good to have kept our bed still.

HANAN. O, it is our part to lament them that do ill. Like as very nature a godly heart doth move Others' good proceedings to tender and to love: So such as in no wise to goodness will be brought, What good man but will mourn, since God us all hath wrought, But ye have some business, and so have I.

ZETHAR. And we have been long; farewell, neighbour, heartily.

ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA TERTIA.

REBECCA, _the mother_. JACOB, _the son_.

REBECCA. Come forth, son Jacob, why tarriest thou behind?

JACOB. Forsooth, mother, I thought ye had said all your mind.

REBECCA. Nay, come, I have yet a word or two more to say.

JACOB. Whatsoever pleaseth you, speak to me ye may.

REBECCA. Seeing thy brother Esau is such an one, Why rebukest thou him not, when ye are alone? Why dost thou not give him some good sad wise counsel?

JACOB. He lacketh not that, mother, if it would avail. But when I do him any thing of his fault[s] tell, He calleth me foolish proud boy, with him to mell. He will sometime demand, by what authority I presume to teach them which mine elders be? He will sometime ask, if I learn of my mother To take on me teaching of mine elder brother? Sometime, when I tell him of his lewd behaviour, He will lend me a mock or twain for my labour: And sometime for anger he will out with his purse, And call me, as please him, and swear he will do worse.

REBECCA. O Lord, that to bear such a son it was my chance.

JACOB. Mother, we must be content with God's ordinance.

REBECCA. Or, if I should need have Esau to my son, Would God thou, Jacob, haddest the eldership won.

JACOB. Mother, it is too late to wish; for that is pass'd; It will not be done now, wish ye never so fast. And I would not have you to wish against God's will: For both it is in vain, and also it is ill.

REBECCA. Why did it not please God, that thou shouldest as well Tread upon his crown, as hold him fast by the heel?

JACOB. Whatsoever mystery the Lord therein meant, Must be referred to his unsearched judgment. And whatsoever he hath 'ppointed me unto, I am his own vessel, his will with me to do.

REBECCA. Well, some strange thing therein of God intended was.

JACOB. And what he hath decreed, must sure come to pass.

REBECCA. I remember, when I had you both conceived, A voice thus saying from the Lord I received: Rebecca, in thy womb are now two nations Of unlike natures and contrary fashions. The one shall be a mightier people elect: And the elder to the younger shall be subject. I know this voice came not to me of nothing: Therefore thou shalt follow my counsel in one thing.

JACOB. So it be not displeasing to the Lord, I must.

REBECCA. I fear the Lorde eke, who is merciful and just: And loth would I be his majesty to offend; But by me (I doubt not) to work he doth intend. Assay, if thou canst at some one time or other, To buy the right of eldership from thy brother: Do thou buy the birthright, that to him doth belong, So may'st thou have the blessing, and do him no wrong. What thou hast once bought, is thine own of due right.

JACOB. Mother Rebecca, if withouten fraud I might, I would your advice put in ure with all my heart, But I may not attempt any such guileful part. To buy my brother's eldership and his birthright, I fear, would be a great offence in God's sight. Which thing, if I wist to redeem, I ne would, Though I might get thereby ten millions of gold.

REBECCA. God who, by his word and almightiful decree, Hath appointed thee Esau his lord to be, Hath appointed some way to have it brought about; And that is this way, my sprite doth not doubt.

JACOB. Upon your word, mother, I will assay ere long; Yet it grudgeth my heart to do my brother wrong.

REBECCA. Thou shalt do no wrong, son Jacob, on my peril.

JACOB. Then, by God's leave, once assay I will.

REBECCA. Then farewell, dear son, God's blessing and mine with thee.

JACOB. I will again to the tent. Well you be!

[_Exeat Jacob_.

REBECCA. Ah, my sweet son Jacob, good fortune God thee send! The most gentle young man alive, as God me mend! And the most natural to father and mother: O, that such a meek spirit were in thy brother; Or thy sire loved thee, as thou hast merited, And then should Esau soon be disinherited.

ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA QUARTA.

ISAAC, _the husband_. REBECCA, _the wife_. MIDO, _the lad that leadeth blind Isaac_.

ISAAC. Where art thou, my boy Mido, when I do thee lack?

MIDO. Who calleth Mido? here, good master Isaac.

ISAAC. Come, lead me forth of doors a little, I thee pray.

MIDO. Lay your hand on my shoulder, and come on this way.

REBECCA. Now, O Lord of heaven, the fountain of all grace, If it be thy good will, that my will shall take place: Send success to Jacob, according to thy word, That his elder brother may serve him as his lord.

MIDO. Sir, whither would ye go, now that abroad ye be?

ISAAC. To wife Rebecca.

MIDO. Yonder I do her see.

REBECCA. Lord, thou knowest Jacob to be thy servant true, And Esau all froward thy ways to ensue.

MIDO. Yonder she is speaking, whatever she doth say: By holding up her hands, it seemeth she doth pray.

ISAAC. Where be ye, wife Rebecca? where be ye, woman?

REBECCA. Who is that calleth? Isaac, my good man?

ISAAC. Where be ye, wife Rebecca, let me understand?

MIDO. She cometh to you apace.

REBECCA. Here, my lord, at hand.

ISAAC. Saving that whatsoever God doth is all right, No small grief it were for a man to lack his sight. But what the Lord doth send or work by his high will--

REBECCA. Cannot but be the best, no such thing can be ill.

ISAAC. All bodily punishment or infirmity, With all maims of nature, whatever they be, Yea, and all other afflictions temporal: As loss, persecution, or troubles mortal, Are nothing but a trial or probation. And what is he that firmly trusteth in the Lord, Or steadfastly believeth his promise and word, And knoweth him to be the God omnipotent, That feedeth and governeth all that he hath sent: Protecting his faithful in every degree, And them to relieve in all their necessity? What creature (I say) that doth this understand, Will not take all thing in good heart at God's hand? Shall we at God's hand receive prosperity, And not be content likewise with adversity? We ought to be thankful whatever God doth send, And ourselves wholly to his will to commend.

REBECCA. So should it be, and I thank my lord Isaac, Such daily lessons at your hand I do not lack.

ISAAC. Why, then, should not I thank the Lord, if it please him, That I shall now be blind, and my sight wax all dim. For whoso to old age will here live and endure, Must of force abide all such defaults of nature.

MIDO. Why, must I be blind too, if I be an old man? How shall I grope the way, or who shall lead me then?

ISAAC. If the Lord have appointed thee such old days to see, He will also provide that shall be meet for thee.

MIDO. I trow, if I were blind, I could go well enou', I could grope the way thus, and go as I do now. I have done so ere now both by day and by night, As I see you grope the way, and have hit it right.

REBECCA. Yea, sir boy, will ye play any such childish knack As to counterfeit your blind master Isaac? That is but to mock him for his impediment.

MIDO. Nay, I never did it in any such intent.

REBECCA. Nay, it is to tempt God, before thou have need, Whereby thou may'st provoke him, in very deed, With some great misfortune or plague to punish thee.

MIDO. Then will I never more do so, while I may see: But against I be blind, I will be so perfit That, though no man lead me, I will go at midnight.

ISAAC. Now, wife, touching the purpose that I sought for you.

REBECCA, What say'th my lord Isaac to his handmaid now?

ISAAC. Ye have oft in covert words been right earnest To have me grant unto you a boon and request: But ye never told me yet plainly what it was; Therefore I have ever yet let the matter pass. And now of late, by oft being from me absent, I have half suspected you to be scarce content. But, wife Rebecca, I would not have you to mourn, As though I did your honest petition scorn.[260] For I never meant to deny in all my life Any lawful or honest request to my wife. But in case it be a thing unreasonable, Then must I needs be to you untractable. Now therefore say on, and tell me what is your case.

REBECCA. I would, if I were sure in your heart to find grace; Else, sir, I would be loth.

ISAAC. To speak do not refrain, And if it be reasonable, ye shall obtain: Otherwise, ye must pardon me, gentle sweet wife.

REBECCA. Sir, ye know your son Esau, and see his life, How loose it is, and how stiff he is and stubborn, How retchlessly he doth himself misgovern: He giveth himself to hunting out of reason, And serveth the Lord and us at no time or season. These conditions cannot be acceptable In the sight of God, nor to men allowable. Now his brother Jacob, your younger son and mine, Doth more apply his heart to seek the ways divine. He liveth here quietly at home in the tent, There is no man nor child but is with him content.

ISAAC. O wife, I perceive ye speak of affection; To Jacob ye bear love, and to his brother none.

REBECCA. Indeed, sir, I cannot love Esau so well As I do Jacob, the plain truth to you to tell. For I have no comfort of Esau, God wot: I scarce know whe'r I have a son of him or not. He goeth abroad so early before daylight, And retumeth home again so late in the night; And unneth I set eye on him in the whole week: No, sometime not in twain, though I do for him seek. And all the neighbours see him as seldom as I; But when they would take rest, they hear him blow and cry. Some see him so seldom, they ask if he be sick: Sometimes some demand, whether he be dead or quick. But, to make short tale, such his conditions be, That I wish of God he had ne'er been born of me.

ISAAC. Well, wife, I love Esau, and must for causes twain.

REBECCA. Surely your love is bestowed on him in vain?

ISAAC. First, active he is, as any young man can be, And many a good morsel he bringeth home to me. Then he is mine eldest and first-begotten son.

REBECCA. If God were so pleased, I would that were foredone. [_Aside_.

ISAAC. And the eldest son is called the father's might.

REBECCA. If yours rest in Esau, God give us good night!

ISAAC. A prerogative he hath in every thing.

REBECCA. More pity he should have it without deserving.

ISAAC. Of all the goods his portion is greater.

REBECCA. That the worthy should have it, I think much better.

ISAAC. Among his brethren he hath the pre-eminence.

REBECCA. Where Esau is chief, there is a gay presence!

ISAAC. Over his brethren he is sovereign and lord.

REBECCA. Such dignity in Esau doth ill accord.

ISAAC. He is the head of the father's succession.

REBECCA, I would Esau had lost that possession.

ISAAC. And he hath the chief title of inheritance.

REBECCA. Wisdom would in Esau change that ordinance.

ISAAC. To the eldest son is due the father's blessing.

REBECCA. That should be Jacob's, if I might have my wishing. [_Aside_.

ISAAC. And the chief endowment of the father's substance.

REBECCA. Which will thrive well in Esau his governance.

ISAAC. By title of eldership he hath his birthright.

REBECCA. And that would I remove to Jacob, if I might. [_Aside_.

ISAAC. He must have double portion to another.

REBECCA. That were more fit for Jacob his younger brother.

ISAAC. In all manner of things divided by a rate.

REBECCA. Well given goods to him, that the Lord doth hate!

ISAAC. Why say ye so of Esau, mine eldest son?

REBECCA. I say true, if he proceed, as he hath begun.

ISAAC. Is he not your son too, as well as he is mine? Wherefore do ye then against him thus sore repine?

REBECCA. Because that in my spirit verily I know, God will set up Jacob, and Esau down throw. I have showed you many a time ere this day, What the Lord of them being in my womb did say. I use not for to lie, and I believe certain, That the Lord spake not these words to me in vain. And Jacob it is (I know), in whom the Lord will His promises to you made and to your seed fulfil.

ISAAC. I doubt not his promise made to me and my seed, Leaving to his conveyance how it shall proceed. The Lord after his way may change th'inheritance; But I may not wittingly break our ordinance.

REBECCA. Now would God I could persuade my lord Isaac Jacob to prefer, and Esau to put back.

ISAAC. I may not do it, wife, I pray you be content: The title of birthright, that cometh by descent, Or the place of eldership coming by due course, I may not change nor shift for better nor for worse. Nature's law it is, the eldest son to knowledge, And in no wise to bar him of his heritage: And ye shall of Esau one day have comfort.

REBECCA. Set a good long day then, or else we shall come short.

ISAAC. I warrant you, he will do well enough at length.

REBECCA. You must needs commend him, being your might and strength.

ISAAC. Well, now go we hence; little Mido, where art thou?

MIDO. I have stood here all this while, list'ning, how you And my dame Rebecca have been laying the law; But she hath as quick answers as ever I saw. Ye could not speak anything unto her so thick, But she had her answer as ready and as quick.

ISAAC. Yea, women's answers are but few times to seek.

MIDO. But I did not see Esau neither all this same week. Nor do I love your son Esau so well, As I do love your son Jacob by a great deal.

ISAAC. No, doest thou, Mido? and tell me the cause why.

MIDO. Why? for I do not: And none other cause know I. But everybody, as well one as other, Do wish that Jacob had been the elder brother.

ISAAC. Well, come on, let us go.

MIDO. And who shall lead you? I?

REBECCA. No, it is my office as long as I am by. And I would all wives, as the world this day is, Would unto their husbands likewise do their office.

MIDO. Why, dame Rebecca, then all wedded men should be blind.

REBECCA. What, thou foolish lad, no such thing was in my mind.

ACTUS SECUNDI, SCAENA PRIMA.

RAGAN, _the servant of Esau_.

RAGAN. I have heard it oft, but now I feel a wonder, In what grievous pain they die, that die for hunger. O my greedy stomach, how it doth bite and gnaw? If I were at a rack, I could eat hay or straw. Mine empty guts do fret, my maw doth even tear, Would God I had a piece of some horsebread here. Yet is master Esau in worse case than I. If he have not some meat, the sooner he will die: He hath sunk for faintness twice or thrice by the way, And not one seely bit we got since yesterday. All that ever he hath, he would have given to-day To have had but three morsels his hunger to allay. Or in the field to have met with some hogs; I could scarcely keep him from eating of these dogs. He hath sent me afore some meat for to provide, And cometh creeping after, scarce able to stride. But if I know where to get of any man, For to ease mine own self, as hungry as I am, I pray God I stink; but if any come to me, Die who die will; for sure I will first served be. I will see, if any be ready here at home, Or whether Jacob have any, that peakish mome. But first I must put all my dogs up, And lay up this gear, and then God send us the cup.

ACTUS SECUNDI, SCAENA SECUNDA.

ESAU, _the master_. RAGAN, _the servant_.

[_Esau cometh in so faint, that he can scarce go_.

ESAU. O, what a grievous pain is hunger to a man? Take all that I have for meat, help who that can. O Lord, some good body, for God's sake, give me meat. I force not what it were, so that I had to eat. Meat or drink, save my life--or bread, I reck not what: If there be nothing else, some man give me a cat. If any good body on me will do so much cost, I will tear and eat her raw, she shall ne'er be rost; I promise of honesty I will eat her raw. And what a noddy was I, and a whoreson daw, To let Ragan go with all my dogs at once: A shoulder of a dog were now meat for the nonce. O, what shall I do? my teeth I can scarcely charm From gnawing away the brawn of my very arm. I can no longer stand for faint, I must needs lie. And except meat come soon, remediless I die. And where art thou, Ragan, whom I sent before? Unless thou come at once, I never see thee more. Where art thou, Ragan; I hear not of thee yet?

RAGAN. Here, as fast as I can, but no meat can I get. Not one draught of drink, not one poor morsel of bread. Not one bit or crumb, though I should straightway be dead. Therefore ye may now see, how much ye are to blame, That will thus starve yourself for following your game.

ESAU. Ah, thou villain, tellest thou me this now? If [I] had thee, I would eat thee, to God I vow. Ah, meat, thou whoreson, why hast thou not brought me meat?

RAGAN. Would you have me bring you that, I can nowhere get?

ESAU. Come hither, let me tell thee a word in thine ear.

RAGAN. Nay, speak out aloud: I will not come a foot near. Fall ye to snatching at folks? adieu, I am gone.

ESAU. Nay, for God's love, Ragan, leave me not alone: I will not eat thee, Ragan, so God me help.

RAGAN. No, I shall desire you to choose some other whelp. Being in your best lust, I would topple with ye, And pluck a good crow, ere ye brake your fast with me. What? are you mankin[261] now? I reckon it best, I, To bind your hands behind you, even as ye lie.

ESAU. Nay, have mercy on me, and let me not perish.

RAGAN. In faith, nought could I get, wherewith you to cherish.

ESAU. Was there nothing to be had among so many?

RAGAN. I could not find one but Jacob that had any, And no grant would he make for ought that I could say, Yet no man alive with fairer words could him pray. But the best red pottage he hath, that ever was.

ESAU. Go, pray him, I may speak with him once, ere I pass.

RAGAN. That message, by God's grace, shall not long be undone.

ESAU. Hie thee, go apace, and return again soon. If Jacob have due brotherly compassion, He will not see me faint after this fashion; But I daresay, the wretch had rather see me throst, Than he would find in his heart to do so much cost. For where is, between one fremman[262] and another, Less love found than now between brother and brother? Will Jacob come forth to shew comfort unto me? The whoreson hypocrite will as soon hanged be. Yet, peace, methinketh Jacob is coming indeed: And my mind giveth me at his hand I shall speed, For he is as gentle and loving as can be, As full of compassion and pity. But let me see, doth he come? no, I warrant you. He come, quod I? tush, he come? then hang Esau! For there is not this day in all the world round Such another hodypeak wretch to be found, And Ragan my man, is not that a fine knave? Have any mo masters such a man as I have? So idle, so loit'ring, so trifling, so toying? So prattling, so trattling, so chiding, so boying? So jesting, so wresting, so mocking, so mowing? So nipping, so tripping, so cocking, so crowing? So knappish, so snappish, so elvish, so froward? So crabbed, so wrabbed, so stiff, so untoward? In play or in pastime so jocund, so merry? In work or in labour so dead or so weary? O, that I had his ear between my teeth now, I should shake him, even as a dog that lulleth a sow. But in faith, if ever I recover myself, There was never none trounced, as I shall trounce that elf. He and Jacob are agreed, I daresay, I, Not to come at all, but to suffer me here to die. Which if they do, they shall find this same word true That, after I am dead, my soul shall them pursue. I will be avenged on all foes, till I die: Yea, and take vengeance, when I am dead too, I. For, I mistrust, against me agreed they have: For thone is but a fool, and thother a stark knave.

_Enter_ RAGAN _and_ JACOB _behind, conversing_.

RAGAN. I assure you, Jacob, the man is very weak.

ESAU. But hark once again, methink I hear them speak!

RAGAN. I promise you, I fear his life be already pass'd.

JACOB. May God forbid!

ESAU. Lo, now they come at last.

RAGAN. If ye believe not me, see yourself, where he is.

JACOB. Fie, brother Esau, what a folly is this? About vain pastime to wander abroad and peak, Till with hunger you make yourself thus faint and weak.

ESAU. Brother Jacob, I pray you chide now no longer, But give me somewhat, wherewith to slake mine hunger.

JACOB. Alack, brother, I have in my little cottage Nothing but a mess of gross and homely pottage.

ESAU. Refresh me therewithall, and boldly ask of me The best thing that I have, whatsoever it be. I were a very beast, when thou my life dost save, If I should stick with thee for the best thing I have.

JACOB. Can ye be content to sell your birthright to me?

ESAU. Hold, here is my hand, I do sell it here to thee. With all the profits thereof henceforth to be thine, As free, as full, as large, as ever it was mine.

JACOB. Then swear thou hand in hand before the living Lord This bargain to fulfil, and to stand by thy word.

ESAU. Before the Lord I swear, to whom each heart is known, That my birthright that was from henceforth is thine own.

JACOB. Thou shalt also with me by this promise indent, With this bargain and sale to hold thyself content.

ESAU. If each penny thereof might be worth twenty pound, I willingly to thee surrender it this stound. And if each cicle might be worth a whole talent, I promise with this sale to hold me content.

JACOB. Come, let us set him on foot, that he may go sup.

RAGAN. Nay, first I will know a thing, ere I help him up, Sirrah, will ye eat folk, when ye are long fasting?

ESAU. No, I pray thee help me up, and leave thy jesting.

RAGAN. No, trow, eat your brother Jacob now, if you lust; For you shall not eat me, I tell you, that is just.

JACOB. Come, that with my pottage thou may'st refreshed be.

ESAU. There is no meat on earth, that so well liketh me.

RAGAN. Yet I may tell you, it is pottage dearly bought.

ESAU. No, not a whit, for my bargain take thou no thought. I defy that birthright that should be of more price Than helping of one's self: I am not so unwise.

RAGAN. And how then, sir, shall poor Ragan have no meat?

ESAU. Yes, and if thou canst my brother Jacob intreat.

JACOB. God grant I have enough for Esau alone.

RAGAN. Why then I perceive poor Ragan shall have none.

[_Esau, entering into Jacob's tent, shaketh Ragan off_.

Well, much good do it you with your pottage of rice: I would fast and fare ill, ere I ate of that price. Would I sell my birthright, being an eldest son? Forsooth then were it a fair thread that I had spun. And then to let it go for a mess of pottage! What is that but both unthriftiness and dotage? Alack, alack, good blessed father Isaac, That ever son of thine should play such a lewd knack! And yet I do not think but God this thing hath wrought, For Jacob is as good, as Esau is nought. But forth cometh Mido, as fast as he can trot: For a cicle, whether to call me in or not?

ACTUS SECUNDI, SCAENA TERTIA.

MIDO, _the boy_. RAGAN.

[_Mido cometh in clapping his hands and laughing_.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, Now who saw e'er such another as Esau? By my truth, I will not lie to thee, Ragan, Since I was born, I never see any man So greedily eat rice out of a pot or pan. He would not have a dish, but take the pot and sup. Ye never saw hungry dog so stab[263] potage up.

RAGAN. Why, how did he sup it? I pray thee, tell me, how?

MIDO. Marry, even thus, as thou shalt see me do now. [_Here he counterfeiteth supping out of the pot_. O, I thank you, Jacob: with all my heart, Jacob. Gently done, Jacob: a friendly part, Jacob! I can sup so, Jacob! Yea, then will I sup too, Jacob. Here is good meat, Jacob!

RAGAN. As ere was eat, Jacob!

MIDO. As e'er I saw, Jacob!

RAGAN. Esau a daw, Jacob!

MIDO. Sweet rice pottage, Jacob!

RAGAN. By Esau's dotage, Jacob.

MIDO. Jolly good cheer, Jacob!

RAGAN. But bought full dear, Jacob!

MIDO. I was hungry, Jacob.

RAGAN. I was an unthrift, Jacob.

MIDO. Ye will none now, Jacob.

RAGAN. I cannot for you, Jacob.

MIDO. I will eat all, Jacob.

RAGAN. The devil go with all, Jacob.

MIDO. Thou art a good son, Jacob.

RAGAN. And would he never have done, Jacob?

MIDO. No, but still coggl'd[264] in, like Jackdaw that cries _ka bob_! That to be kill'd I could not laughing forbear: And therefore I came out, I durst not abide there.

RAGAN. Is there any pottage left for me, that thou wot?

MIDO. No, I left Esau about to lick the pot.

RAGAN. Lick, quod thou? now a shame take him that can all lick.

MIDO. The pot shall need no washing, he will it so lick; And by this he is sitting down to bread and drink.

RAGAN. And shall I have no part with him, dost thou think?

MIDO. No, for he pray'd Jacob, ere he did begin, To shut the tent fast, that no mo guests come in.

RAGAN. And made he no mention of me his servant?

MIDO. He said thou were a knave, and bad thee hence avaunt: Go shift, where thou couldest, thou gottest nothing there.

RAGAN. God yield you, Esau, with all my stomach cheer![265]

MIDO. I must in again, lest perhaps I be shent, For I asked noboby licence, when I went. [_Exeat_.

RAGAN. Nay, it is his nature, do what ye can for him, No thank at his hand; but choose you, sink or swim. Then reason it with him in a meet time and place, And he shall be ready to flee straight in your face. This proverb in Esau may be understand: Claw a churl by the tail, and he will file[266] your hand. Well i-wis, Esau, ye did know well enou', That I had as much need to be meated as you. Have I trotted and trudged all night and all day, And now leave me without door, and so go your way? Have I spent so much labour for you to provide, And you nothing regard what of me may betide? Have I run with you while I was able to go, And now you purchase food for yourself and no mo? Have I taken so long pain you truly to serve, And can ye be content, that I famish and starve? I must lacquey and come lugging greyhound and hound, And carry the weight, I dare say, of twenty pound, And to help his hunger purchase grace and favour, And now to be shut out fasting for my labour! By my faith, I may say I serve a good master, Nay, nay, I serve an ill husband and a waster. That neither profit regardeth nor honesty, What marvel I then, if he pass so light on me? But, Esau, now that ye have sold your birthright, I commend me to you, and God give you good night. And let a friend tell him his fau't at any time, Ye shall hear him chafe beyond all reason or rhyme. Except it were a friend or a very hell-hound, Ye never saw the match of him in any ground. When I shew him of good-will, what others do say, He will fall out with me, and offer me a fray. And what can there be a worser condition, Than to do ill, and refuse admonition? Can such a one prosper, or come to a good end? Then I care not how many children God me send. Once Esau shall not beguile me, I can tell: Except he shall fortune to amend, or do well. Therefore why do I about him waste thus much talk, Whom no man can induce ordinately to walk? But some man perchance doth not a little wonder, How I, who but right now did roar out for hunger, Have now so much vacant and void time of leisure, To walk and to talk, and discourse all of pleasure. I told you at the first, I would provide for one: My mother taught me that lesson a good while agone. When I came to Jacob, his friendship to require, I drew near and near till I came to the fire: There hard beside me stood the pottage-pot, Even as God would have it, neither cold nor hot; Good simple Jacob could not turn his back so thick, But I at the ladle got a gulp or a lick; So that, ere I went, I made a very good meal, And din'd better cheap than Esau a good deal. But here cometh now master Esau forth.

ACTUS SECUNDI, SCAENA QUARTA.

ESAU _and_ RAGAN.

RAGAN. Ah, sir, when one is hungry, good meat is much worth. And well fare a good brother yet in time of need,

[_Esau cometh forth, wiping his mouth_.

The world is now meetly well amended indeed,

ESAU. By my truth, if I had bidden[267] from meat any longer, I think my very maw would have fret asunder. Then had I been dead and gone, I make God a vow.

RAGAN. Surely then the world had had a great loss of you; For where should we have had your fellow in your place? [_Aside_.

ESAU. What should I have done with my birthright in this case?

RAGAN. Kept it still, and you had not been a very ass. [_Aside_.

ESAU. But the best pottage it was yet, that ever was. It were sin not to sell one's soul for such gear.

RAGAN. Ye have done no less in my conscience, I fear. [_Aside_.

ESAU. Who is this that standeth clattering at my back?

RAGAN. A poor man of yours, sir, that doth his dinner lack.

ESAU. Dinner, whoreson knave? dinner at this time a' day? Nothing with thee but dinner and munching alway. Why, thy whoreson villain slave, who is hungry now?

RAGAN. Indeed, sir (as seemeth by your words) not you.

ESAU. A man were better fill the bellies of some twelfe, Than to fill the gut of one such whoreson elf; That doth none other good but eat, and drink, and sleep.

RAGAN. He shall do something else, whom ye shall have to keep. [_Aside_.

ESAU. And that maketh thee so slothful and so lither, I dare say he was six hours coming hither, When I sent him to make provision afore, Not passing a mile hence or very little more. And yet being so far pass'd the hour of dining, See, and the knave be not for his dinner whining! Fast a while, fast with a mischief, greedy slave, Must I provide meat for every glutton knave?

RAGAN. I may fast, for any meat that of you I have. [_Aside_.

ESAU. Or deserve thy dinner, before thou do't crave.

RAGAN. If I have not deserved it at this season, I shall never deserve it in mine own reason. Ye promised I should eat, till I cried ho.

ESAU. Yea, that was, if we took either hare, teg, or doe.

RAGAN. But when yourself were hungry, ye said, I wot what----

ESAU. What, thou villain slave, tellest thou me now of that?

RAGAN. Then, help, run apace, Ragan, my good servant.

ESAU. Yea then was then, now is it otherwise: avaunt! Have I nothing to do but provide meat for you?

RAGAN. Ye might have given me some part, when ye had enough.

ESAU. What, of the red rice pottage with Jacob I had? Why, the crow would not give it her bird--thou art mad, Is that meat for you? nay, it would make you too rank. Nay, soft, brother mine, I must keep you more lank. It hath made me ever[268] since so lusty and[269] fresh, As though I had eaten all delicates of flesh. I feel no manner faintness whereof to complain.

RAGAN. Yet to-morrow ye must be as hungry again, Then must ye and will ye wish again for good cheer: And repent you, that ever ye bought this so dear.

ESAU. Repent me? wherefore? then the Lord give me sorrow; If it were to do, I would do it to-morrow. For, thou foolish knave, what hath Jacob of me bought?

RAGAN. But a matter of a straw and a thing of nought!

ESAU. My birthright and whole title of mine eldership, Marry, sir, I pray God much good do it his maship, If I die to-morrow, what good would it do me? If he die to-morrow, what benefit hath he? And for a thing hanging on such casuality, Better a mess of pottage than nothing, pardy! If my father live long, when should I it enjoy? If my father die soon, then it is but a toy. For if the time were come, thinkest thou that Jacob Should find Esau such a lout or such a lob To suffer him to enjoy my birthright in rest? Nay, I will first toss him and trounce him of the best; I think to find it a matter of conscience, And Jacob first to have a fart, sir reverence. When my father Isaac shall the matter know, He will not let Jacob have my birthright, I trow. Or if he should keep it as his own, I pray you, Might not I live without it, and do well enou'? Do none but men's eldest sons prosper well? How live younger brethren then, I beseech you, tell? Once, if anything be by the sword to be got, This falchion and I will have part to our lot. But now come on, go we abroad awhile and walk, Let my birthright go, and of other matters talk.

RAGAN. Who--I, walk? nay, I trow not, till I have better din'd. It is more time to seek, where I may some meat find.

ESAU. What say'st thou, drawlatch? come forth, with a mischief! Wilt thou not go with me? on, forward, whoreson thief? Shall it be as pleaseth you, or as pleaseth me?

RAGAN. Nay, as pleaseth you, sir, methink it must be.

ESAU. And where be my dogs and my hound? be they all well?

RAGAN. Better than your man, for they be in their kennel.

ESAU. Then go see all be well in my part of the tent.

RAGAN. With a right good will, sir, I go incontinent.

ESAU. And I will to my field, the which I cleansed last, To see what hope there is, that it will yield fruit fast.

ACTUS SECUNDI, SCAENA QUINTA.

JACOB. MIDO. REBECCA. ABRA, _the handmaid_.

JACOB. Thou knowest, little Mido, where my mother is.

MIDO. I can go to her as straight as a thread, and not miss.

JACOB. Go call her, and come again with her thine own self.

MIDO. Yes, ye shall see me scud like a little elf.

JACOB. Where I have, by the enticement of my mother, Bargained and bought the birthright of my brother. Turn it all to good, O Lord, if it be thy will: Thou knowest my heart, Lord, I did it for no ill. And whatever shall please thee to work or to do, Thou shalt find me prest and obedient thereto. But here is my mother Rebecca now in place.

MIDO. How say you, master Jacob, ran not I apace?

JACOB. Yes, and a good son to go quick on your errand.

REBECCA. Son, how goeth the matter? let me understand.

JACOB. Forsooth, mother, I did so, as ye me bad, Esau to sell me all his birthright persuade.

REBECCA. Hast thou bought it indeed, and he therewith content?

JACOB. Yea, and have his promise, that he will never repent.

REBECCA. Is the bargain through? hast thou paid him his price?

JACOB. Yea, that I have, a mess of red pottage of rice, And he ate it up every whit, well I wot.

MIDO. When he had supp'd up all, I saw him lick the pot; Thus he licked, and thus he licked, and this way: I thought to have lick'd the pot myself once to-day; But Esau beguil'd me, I shrew him for that, And left not so much as a lick for puss our cat.

REBECCA. Son Jacob, forasmuch as thou hast so well sped, With an hymn or psalm let the Lord be praised. Sing we all together, and give thanks to the Lord, Whose promise and performance do so well accord.

MIDO. Shall we sing the same hymn, that all our house doth sing? For Abraham and his seed to give God praising.

REBECCA, Yea, the very same.

MIDO. Then must we all kneel down thus, And Abra, our maid, here must also sing with us, Kneel down, Abra; what, I say, will ye not kneel down? Kneel, when I bid you, the slackest wench in this town!

[_Here they kneel down to sing all four, saving that
Abra is slackest, and Mido is quickest_.]

THE FIRST SONG.

_Blessed be thou, O the God of Abraham,
For thou art the Lord our God, and none but thou:
What thou workest to the glory of thy name,
Passeth man's reason to search what way or how.
Thy promise it was Abraham should have seed
More than the stars of the sky to be told;
He believed, and had Isaac indeed,
When both he and Sara seemed very old.
Isaac many years longed for a son,
Rebecca, thy handmaid, long time was barren,
By prayer in thy sight such favour he won,
That at one birth she brought him forth sons twain,
Wherefore, O Lord, we do confess and believe,
That both thou canst and wilt thy promise fulfil:
But how it shall come, we can no reason give,
Save all to be wrought according to thy will.
Blessed be thou, O God of Abraham, &c_.