Chapter VI: Prologue: Of the Play (2)

REBECCA. Now, doubt not, Jacob, but God hath appointed thee As the eldest son unto Isaac to be: And now have no doubt, but thou art sure elected, And that unthrift Esau of God is rejected. And to sell thee his birthright since he was so mad, I warrant thee the blessing that he should have had.

JACOB. Yea? how may that be wrought?

REBECCA. Yes, yes, let me alone. Our[270] good old Isaac is blind, and cannot see, So that by policy he may beguiled be, I shall devise how for no ill intent ne thought, But to bring to pass that I know God will have wrought, And I charge you twain, Abra and little Mido.

MIDO. Nay, ye should have set Mido before Abra, I trow, For I am a man toward, and so is not she.

ABRA. No, but yet I am more woman toward than ye.

REBECCA. I charge you both that, whatever hath been spoken, Ye do not to any living body open.

ABRA. For my part it shall to no body uttered be.

MIDO. And slit my tongue, if ever it come out for me: But if any tell, Abra here will be prattling. For they say, women will ever be clattering.

ABRA. There is none here that prattleth so much as you.

REBECCA. No mo words, but hence we altogether now.

[_Exeunt omnes_.

ACTUS TERTIJ, SCAENA PRIMA.

ESAU. ISAAC. MIDO.

ESAU. Now, since I last saw mine old father Isaac, Both I do think it long, and he will judge me slack, But he cometh forth; I will here listen and see, Whether he shall chance to speak any word of me. [_Steps aside_.

ISAAC. On, lead me forth, Mido, to the bench on this hand, That I may sit me down, for I cannot long stand.

MIDO. Here, sir, this same way, and ye be at the bench now, Where ye may sit down in God's name, if please you.

ISAAC. I marvel, where Esau my son doth become, That he doth now of days visit me so seldom. But it is oft seen, whom fathers do best favour, Of them they have least love again for their labour. I think, since I saw him, it is a whole week. In faith, little Mido, I would thou wouldest him seek.

MIDO. Forsooth, Master Isaac, and I knew it where, It should not be very long ere I would be there. But shall I at adventure go seek where he is?

ESAU. Seek no farther, Mido: already here he is.

ISAAC. Methinketh, I have Esau his voice perceived.

ESAU. Ye guess truly, father, ye are not deceived.

MIDO. Here he is come now invisible, by my soul: For I saw him not, till he spake hard at my poll!

ISAAC. Now, go thou in, Mido, let us two here alone.

MIDO. Sir, if ye command me, full quickly I am gone.

ISAAC. Yet, and if I call thee, see thou be not slack.

MIDO. I come at the first call, good Master Isaac.

ISAAC. Son Esau.

ESAU. Here, father.

ISAAC. Is none here but we?

ESAU. None to harken our talk, father, that I do see.

[_Rebecca entereth behind unseen, and listens_.

ISAAC. Son Esau, why hast thou been from me so long?

ESAU. I cry you mercy, father, if I have done wrong. But I am both to trouble you, having nothing To present you withal, nor venison to bring.

ISAAC. Son Esau, thou knowest that I do thee love.

ESAU. I thank you for it, father, as doth me behove.

ISAAC. And now thou seest my days draw towards an end.

ESAU. That is to me great ruth, if I could it amend.

ISAAC. I must go the way of all mortal flesh, Therefore, while my memory and wit is yet fresh, I would thee endow mine heritage to succeed: And bless thee, as I ought, to multiply my seed. The God of my father Abraham and of me Hath promised, that our seed as the sand shall be. He is a God of truth, and in his words just. Therefore in my working shall be no fault, I trust. Now, therefore, son Esau, get thee forth to hunt, With thy bow and quiver, as erst thou hast been wont; [And] bring me of thy venison that is good.

ESAU. Ye shall have of the best that runneth in the wood.

ISAAC. When thou comest home, to dress it it shall behove, And to make for mine own tooth such meat as I love. Thus do, mine own dear son, and then I shall thee kiss With the kiss of peace, and thee for ever bless.

ESAU. Your will t'accomplish, most dear father Isaac, With all good haste and speed I shall not be found slack.

ISAAC. Then help lead me home, in my tent that I were set, And then go, when thou wilt.

ESAU. I shall withouten let.

ACTUS TERTIJ, SCAENA SECUNDA.

REBECCA.

REBECCA. This talk of Isaac in secret have I heard, And what end it should come to, my heart is afeard, Ne'er had I so much ado to forbear to speak. But the Lord, I trust, will Isaac's purpose break. [_Here she kneeleth down, and prayeth_. O God of Abraham, make it of none effect: Let Jacob have the blessing, whom thou hast elect. I for my part shall work what may be wrought, That it may to Jacob from Esau be brought, And in will I go to see what I can devise, That Isaac's intent may fail in any wise.

ACTUS TERTIJ, SCAENA TERTIA.

RAGAN. ESAU.

RAGAN. Nay, we must on hunting go yet once more again,

[_Here he cometh forth with his hunting staff
and other things, and a bag of victuals_.

And never come home now, except we speed certain, But I trow for hunger I have provided here: That whatever befal, I, Ragan, shall have cheer. I have no time to tell what delicates here be, But (think this to be true) they're fit for better men than me. And what? shall Esau hereof have any part? Nay, I trust to convey it by such pretty art That, till the bag be clear, he shall it never see. I shall, and if he faint, feed him as he fed me: I shall requite his shutting me out of the door That, if he bid me run to get him meat afore, I shall run as fast as my feet were made of lead, And tell him there is none, though I may well be sped. I will be even with him for my fare last day, When he was with Jacob.

[_Esau enters suddenly behind him_.

ESAU. What is it that thou dost say?

RAGAN. Sir, on your behalf I earnestly wish and pray That, if like need chance, ye may fare as last day, When ye were with Jacob.

ESAU. Well, come on, let us go.

RAGAN. Even when ye will, is there let in me or no?

[_Exeunt ambo_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA PRIMA.

REBECCA. JACOB.

REBECCA. Son Jacob, even now is come the very hour That, if thou have any grace, or heart, or power, To play thy part well, and stick unto it throughout Esau his blessing will be thine without doubt.

JACOB. Mother, I know your good-will to be unfeigned; But I see not which way the thing may be attained.

REBECCA. I have it contrived, how all things shall be done, Do thou as I shall bid thee, and it will be won.

JACOB. Mother, in me shall be no fault or negligence.

REBECCA. Then harken very well unto this my sentence. I heard old Isaac, in a long, solemn talk, Bid thy brother Esau to the field to walk, And there with his bow to kill him some venison, Which brought and dressed, he is to have his benison. For I am aged (said Isaac truly), And would bless thee, dear son, before that I die. Now is Esau gone to do it even so; But while he is away, I would have thee to go Abroad unto the flock, and fetch me kids twain, Of which I shall with a trice make such meat certain, As shall say, _Come, eat me_, and shall make old Isaac Lick his lips thereat, so toothsome shall it smack. I shall make him thereof such as he doth love, Which in thy brother's stead to bless thee shall him move.

JACOB. O sweet and dear mother, this device is but vain, For Esau is rough, and I am smooth certain. And so, when I shall to my father bring this meat, Perchance he will feel me, before that he will eat. Old men be mistrustful: he shall the matter take, That I went about my father a fool to make. Mother, by such a prank the matter will be worse: And I instead of blessing shall purchase me his curse.

REBECCA. On me be thy curse, my son, let it light on me: Only fetch thou the kids hither, as I bid thee, Do thou thy true devoir, and let God work therein.

JACOB. Upon your word, mother, I will the thing begin, Send me little Mido to help me bear a kid.

REBECCA. He shall come by and by, for so I shall him bid. Now, Lord, and if thou please that this thing shall take place, Further this our enterprise, helping with thy grace.

[_Exit_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA SECUNDA.

JACOB _and_ MIDO.

MIDO. Are ye here, master Jacob? I came you to look, And here dame Rebecca hath sent you your sheep-crook; And hath commanded me to wait on you this day, But wherefore or why, she would nothing to me say.

JACOB. Come on then, follow me, Mido, a little ways.

MIDO. Whither ye shall lead me; I am at all assays.

JACOB. And art thou able to bear a kid on thy back?

MIDO. I am able, I trow, to bear a quarter-sack. How say you to this corpse? is it not fat and round? How say ye to these legs? come they not to the ground? And be not here arms able your matter to speed? Be not here likely shoulders to do such a deed? Therefore come, master Jacob, if this your doubt be For bringing home of kids, lay the biggest on me, So that if we make a feast, I may have some part.

JACOB. Yes, that shalt thou, Mido; right worthy thou art.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA TERTIA.

REBECCA. ABRA.

REBECCA. I come to see, if Jacob be gone a-field yet; A little slacking may all our purpose let. But now that he is gone, he will be here at once, Therefore I will call my maid Abra for the nonce, That all thing within may be in a readiness. Abra, where be ye, Abra?

ABRA. Here within, mistress.

REBECCA. Come forth: when, Abra? what, Abra, I say!

ABRA. Anon.

REBECCA. Must I call so oft? why come ye not by and by?

ABRA. I was washing my vessel forsooth, mistress, I.

REBECCA. And in very deed, look that all your vessels be clean.

ABRA. There is not one foul piece in all our tent, I ween.

REBECCA. Then make a great fire, and make ready your pot, And see there be plenty of water, cold and hot; And see the spit be scoured as clean as any pearl.

ABRA. If this be not quickly done, call me naughty girl.

REBECCA. Nay, soft, whither away? I have not yet all done.

ABRA. I thought ye would have had me as quick to be gone, As when ye call Abra, ye would have me to come.

REBECCA. Then see ye have made ready cloves, mace, and cinnamon: Pepper and saffron; then fet herbs for the pot;

ABRA. We will have the best that by me can be got.

REBECCA. And let no foul corner be about all the tent.

ABRA. If ye find any fault, hardly let me be shent. Is there anything else but that I may go now?

REBECCA. Nought but that, when I come, I find no fault in you.

ABRA. No, I warrant you, I will not let my matters sleep.

REBECCA. Any good wench will at her dame's bidding take keep. Now, God of Abraham, as I trust in thy grace, Send Jacob the blessing in Esau his place. As thou hast ordained, right so must all thing be: Perform thine own words, Lord, which thou spakest to me. Now will I go in to see, that mine old husband May of my secret working nothing understand. Or in case he smell what we have thus far begun, He may think it all for Esau to be done.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA QUARTA.

ABRA, _the maid_, DEBORAH, _the nurse_.

ABRA. He, that were now within, should find all thing, I ween, As trim as a trencher, as trick, as sweet, as clean. And seeing that my dame prepareth such a feast, I will not, I trow, be found such a sluttish beast, That there shall any filth about our tent be kept, But that both within and without it shall be swept.

[_Then let her sweep with a broom, and while she doth it,
sing this song, and when she hath sung, let her say thus_:[271]

THE SECOND SONG.

_It hath been a proverb, before I was born,
Young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
Who will be evil, or who will be good;
Who given to truth, or who to falsehood.
Each body's youth showeth a great likelihood.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.

Who so in youth will no goodness embrace,
But follow pleasure, and not virtue's trace,
Great marvel it is, if such come to grace.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.

Such as in youth will refuse to be taught,
Or will be slack to work, as he ought,
When they come to age, their proof will be nought.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.

If a child have been given to any vice,
Except he be guided by such as be wise,
He will thereof all his life have a spice.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.

It hath been a proverb, &c_.

ABRA. Now have I done, and, as it should be for the nonce, My sweeping and my song are ended both at once. Now but for fetting mine herbs I might go play. Deborah, nurse Deborah, a word, I you pray.

_Enter_ DEBORAH.

DEBORAH. What is the matter? who calleth me Deborah?

ABRA. Forsooth, gentle nurse, even I, little Abra, I pray you, sweet Deborah, take in this same broom, And look well to all thing, till I return home: I must to the garden as fast as I can trot, As I was commanded, to fet herbs for the pot. But, in the meantime, I pray you, nurse, look about, And see well to the fire, that it go not out; I will amble so fast, that I will soon be there, And here again, I trow, ere an horse lick his ear. [_Exit_.

DEBORAH. There is not a prettier girl within this mile, Than this Abra will be within this little while. As true as any steel, ye may trust her with gold. Though it were a bushel, and not a penny told. As quick about her work, that must be quickly sped As any wench in twenty mile about her tread. As fine a piece it is, as I know but a few, Yet perchance her husband of her may have a shrew. Cat after kind (say'th the proverb) sweet milk will lap; If the mother be a shrew, the daughter cannot 'scape. One sure[272] mark she hath: I marvel, if she slip: For her nose is growing above her over lip. But it is time, that I into the tent be gone, Lest she come and chide me; she will come now anon.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA QUINTA.

ABRA.

ABRA. How say ye? have not I despatched me quickly? A straw for that wench that doth not somewhat likely, I have brought here good herbs, and of them plenty, To make both broth and farcing,[273] and that full dainty, I trust to make such broth that, when all things are in, God Almighty self may wet his finger therein. Here is thyme and parsley, spinach and rosemary. Endive, succory, lacture, violet, clary, Liverwort, marigold, sorrel, hart's-tongue, and sage: Pennyroyal, purslane, bugloss, and boràge, With many very good herbs, mo than I do name. But to tarry here thus long, I am much to blame. For if Jacob should come, I not in readiness, I must of covenant be shent of our mistress. And I would not for twenty pound, I tell ye, That any point of default should be found in me.

[_Exit_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA SEXTA.

REBECCA. MIDO. JACOB.

REBECCA. I come to see, if Jacob do not return yet, I cannot marvel enough what should be his let, And greatly wonder he is away thus long. I fear much of his absence, lest something be wrong. As well as heart can wish, all thing is ready here; And now to me each moment seemeth a whole year. But hark, methinketh I hear a young kid blea! It is so indeed; I see Jacob; well is me!

MIDO. Hark, master Jacob, heard ye ever kid blea so? I ween she knoweth aforehand, whereto she shall go.

JACOB. I would not my father Isaac should hear;

MIDO. Nay, she will scarcely be still when she is dead, I do fear.

JACOB. But lo, I see my mother stand before the tent.

_Enter_ JACOB _and_ MIDO.

REBECCA. O Lord, methinketh long, son Jacob, since thou went.

JACOB. And methinketh, mother, we have hied us well.

MIDO. I have made many feet to follow, I can tell.

REBECCA. Give me thy kid, my son, and now let me alone, Bring thou in thine, Mido, and see thou be a stone.

MIDO. A stone? how should that be, mistress? I am a lad, And a boy alive, as good as e'er ye had: And now, in bringing home this kid, I have, I trow, Tried myself a man and a pretty fellow.

REBECCA. I meant thou shouldest nothing say.

MIDO. One warning is enough; ye bad us so last day.

REBECCA. Well, let me go in, and venison hereof make:

JACOB. And hearest thou, Mido? see that good heed thou take In any wise to come in my father's sight.

MIDO. Why, he seeth no better at noon than at midnight. Is he not blind long since, and doth his eyes lack? Therefore go in, dame, I bear an heavy pack.

REBECCA. I leave you here, Jacob, and heartily you pray That, when need shall require, you be not far away.

JACOB. I shall be ready, mother, whensoe'er you call.

[_Exit Rebecca_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA SEPTIMA.

JACOB. MIDO.

JACOB. O, how happy is that same daughter or that son, Whom the parents love with hearty affection! And among all others how fortunate am I, Whom my mother Rebecca tend'reth so greatly? If it lay in her to do any good, ye see, She would do her earnest devoir to prefer me. But as for this matter, which she doth now intend, Without thy aid, O Lord, how should it come to end? Nevertheless, forasmuch as my said mother Worketh upon thy word, O Lord, and none other, It shall become me to show mine obedience, And to thy promise, O Lord, to give due credence. For what is so impossible to man's judgment, Which thou canst not with a beck perform incontinent? Therefore thy will, O Lord, be done for evermore.

MIDO. O Jacob, I was never so afeard afore.

JACOB. Why, what new thing is chanced, Mido, I pray thee?

MIDO. Old Isaac, your father, heard your young kid blea. He asked what it was: I said, a kid. Who brought it from the fold? I said you did. For what purpose? forsooth, sir, said I, There is some matter that Jacob would remedy. And where has thou been so long, little Mido, quod he, That all this whole hour thou wert not once with me? Forsooth (quod I), when I went from you last of all, You bad me be no more, but be ready at your call.

JACOB. But of the kid's bleaing he did speak no more?

MIDO. No; but, and if he had called me afore, I must have told him all, or else I must have made a lie, Which would not have been a good boy's part truly. But I will to him, and no longer here remain, Lest he should happen to call for Mido again.

[_Exit Mido_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA OCTAVA.

JACOB. REBECCA. DEBORAH.

JACOB. I were best also to get me into the tent That, if my mother need me, I may be present. But I see her come forth, and nurse Deborah also, And bring the gear with them, whatsoe'er it shall do.

REBECCA. Where is my son Jacob? I do him now espy. Come apace, Deborah, I pray thee let us hie, That all thing were dispatched somewhat to my mind.

DEBORAH. It is happy, that Jacob ready here ye find.

JACOB. Mother, what have ye brought, and what things are those?

REBECCA. Gear that I have prepared to serve our purpose; And because that Esau is so rough with hair, I have brought sleeves of kid next to thy skin to wear. They be made glovelike, and for each finger a stall: So that thy father's feeling soon beguile they shall. Then have I brought a collar of rough kid's hair, Fast unto the skin round about thy neck to wear. Come, let me do it on, and if Isaac feel, He shall therewith be beguiled wondrous well. [_Here she doth the sleeves upon Jacob's arms_.

JACOB. And what shall this gear do, that ye have brought?

REBECCA. It shall serve anon, I warrant you, take no thought. Now, thoroughly to ravish thy father Isaac, Thou shalt here incontinent put upon thy back Esau his best apparel, whose fragrant flavour Shall conjure Isaac to bear thee his favour.

DEBORAH. Marry, sir, now is master Jacob trim indeed, That is all tricksy and gallant, so God me speed! Now I see apparel setteth out a man. Doth it become Esau so? nay, beshrew me then.

REBECCA. Ye may now go in, nurse, and leave looking on him.

DEBORAH. I go; marry, sir, Jacob is now gay and trim.

[_Jacob standeth looking on himself_.

JACOB. No, forsooth, mother, this raiment liketh not me. I could with mine own gear better contented be. And, but for satisfying of your mind and will, I would not wear it, to have it for mine own still. I love not to wear another bird's feathers: Mine own poor homely gear will serve for all weathers.

REBECCA. Well, content thyself, and follow my mind this day. Now the meat by this time is ready, I dare say. Before that with too much _enough_ it be all spilt, Take thy time, and assail thy father, when thou wilt.

JACOB. Yea, but have ye provided, mother, I you pray, That nobody within may your counsel bewray?

REBECCA. I warrant the matter all safe from uttering, I have stopped all mouths fro once muttering. Therefore, while the time serveth, I thee warn; To slack, when all things are ready, may do harm.

JACOB. Go before, and I follow: but my cheeks will blush red, To be seen among our folk thus appareled.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA NONA.

ISAAC. MIDO. JACOB.

ISAAC. Come, Mido, for without thee I can nothing do.

MIDO. What is it, sir, that ye would have my help unto?

ISAAC. Nothing but to sit abroad, and take th' open air.

MIDO. That shall be well done; the weather is very fair.

ISAAC. Praised be the God of my father Abraham, Who sendeth all thing needful for the use of man, And most tenderly provideth he for me Isaac, Better than I can feel or perceive what I lack.

_Enter_ JACOB _disguised_.

JACOB. Where is my most dear father? as I would have it; Taking the open air, here I see him sit. O my most dear father Isaac, well thou be!

ISAAC. Here I am, my sweet son, and who art thou, tell me?

JACOB. Dear father, I am Esau, thine eldest son, According as thou badest me, so have I done. Come in, dear father, and eat of my venison, That thy soul may give unto me thy benison.

ISAAC. But how hast thou sped so soon? let me understand.

JACOB. The Lord thy God at the first brought it to my hand,

ISAAC. And art thou Esau, mine elder son indeed?

JACOB. To ask that question, father, what doth it need?

ISAAC. Come near, that I may feel, whether thou be he or not, For Esau is rough of hair as any goat. Let me feel thy hand; right! Esau, by the hair: And yet the voice of Jacob soconeth in mine ear. God bless thee, my son, and so will I do anon, As soon as I have tasted of thy venison. Come on, lead me in; I will eat a pittance: A little thing, God wot, to me is suffisance. [_They go in_.

MIDO. I may now go play; Jacob leadeth Isaac. But I never saw such a pretty knack, How Jacob beguiled his father, how sleightly: Now I see it true, the blind eat many a fly! I quaked once for fear, that Jacob would be caught, But, as hap was, he had his lesson well taught. But what will Esau say, when he cometh home? Choose him; but for me to go in it is wisdom.

[_Exit_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA DECIMA.

REBECCA. ABRA.

REBECCA. Now I beseech the Lord prosper Jacob my son In our hardy enterprise, which we have begun. Isaac is eating such meat as he doth love, Which thing to bless Jacob, I doubt not, will him move: If he obtain the blessing, as I trust he shall, Then shall my soul give to God laud perpetual. But I will in to harken, how the thing doth frame.

ABRA.[274] Come in, dame Rebecca.

REBECCA. Who is it, that doth me name?

ABRA. My master Isaac is coming forth straightway.

REBECCA. He shall not find me here in no wise, if I may.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA VNDECIMA.

ISAAC. JACOB.

ISAAC. Set me down on the bench, where thou didst me first find: Now forsooth I have ate meat even to my mind. It hath refreshed my soul wonderfully well. Nor never drank I better wine that I can tell.

JACOB. If it were to your liking, I am very glad.

ISAAC. It was the best meat and wine that ever I had. Come kiss me, son Esau, with the kiss of peace,

[_Jacob kisseth Isaac; and then kneeleth down to have his blessing_.

That my love towards thee may the more increase. I bless thee here for ever, my son, in this place, The Lord my God of might endue thee with his grace. What sweet flavour my son's raiment doth yield! Even the fragrant smell that cometh from a field, Which the Lord hath blessed, and the same Lord bless thee With the dew of heaven! the Lord thy ground increase, That the fatness of the earth may never cease! The Lord send thee abundance of corn and wine, And prosper continually all thing that is thine! The Lord make great people servants unto thee: And nations to do homage and fealty! And here, to succeed my place, mine heir I thee make, Of all things that I have possession to take. Lord and ruler be thou over thy brethren all, And bow to thee as head thy mother's children shall! Cursed be that man, that shall thee curse or mis-say, And who that blesseth thee, blessed be he for aye! Thus here have I made my last will and testament, Which the Lord God ratify never to repent. Serve the Lord our God, and then well shalt thou speed, And he shall keep promise to multiply thy seed. My day draweth on, for old and feeble I am. When I die, put me to my father Abraham. Now kiss me once again, my son, and then depart, And enter upon all, whereof now lord thou art.

JACOB. The Lord God reward your fatherly tenderness, Which ye have here showed me of your mere goodness.

ISAAC. Go in peace, my dear son, leaving me here alone: And send little Mido to lead me in anon. [_Exeat Jacob_.

Lord God, when thou shalt see time, as thou thinkest best, Dissolve this feeble carcase, and take me to thy rest.

_Enter_ MIDO.

MIDO. How do ye, master Isaac? I am here now. For my master Jacob did bid me come to you.

ISAAC. Nay, boy, it was not Jacob, I dare well say so.

MIDO. Forsooth, it was Jacob, if my name be Mido.

ISAAC. If that be a true tale, somebody is come slack, But, Lord, that I have done I will not now call back. But yet I will go see, if I be deceived: For indeed methought Jacob's voice I perceived.

[_Exeunt_.

ACTUS QUARTI, SCAENA DUODECIMA.

REBECCA.

[_Then she speaketh kneeling, and holding up her hands_.

REBECCA. O Lord, the God of Isaac and Abraham, I render thanks to thee, though a sinful woman, Because of thy word and promise true art thou, In sending Jacob the blessing of Esau; And for thus regarding a sinner, as I am, I eftsoons thank thee, O Lord God of Abraham. Thy mercy and wisdom shall I sing evermore: And magnify thy name, for God's there is no more. But I will to my husband Isaac, and see, That for this matter he take no grief at me.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA PRIMA.

RAGAN.

[_Ragan bringeth venison at his back_.

Nay, now at last we have well sped, I warrant you: Good luck is not evermore against Esau. He coursed and coursed again with his dogs here: But they could at no time take either hare or deer. At last he killed this with his bow, as God would. And to say that it is fat venison I be bold. But dressed it must be at once in all the haste, That old father Isaac may have his repast. Then without delay Esau shall blessed be, Then, faith, cock-on-hoop, all is ours! then, who but he? But I must in, that it may be dressed in time likely, And I trow ye shall see it made ready quickly. [_Exit_.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SECUNDA.

MIDO.

MIDO. Nay now, old master Isaac (I warrant you) Hath blessed Jacob in the place of Esau. At home here with us it is judged no small change, But a case wonderful, and also very strange. The younger brother is made elder: and again The elder must now serve the younger as his swain.[275] And from henceforth we must all make courtesy and bow, Unto master Jacob, and not to Esau now: And Esau himself must under Jacob be, At his commandment, even as well as we. But I care not, I warrant you: for our household Love Jacob better than Esau twentyfold. None loveth Esau but for his father's sake: But all good folks are glad Jacob's part to take. And now by Esau no man will set a pin, But yonder he cometh now; I will get me in.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA TERTIA.

ESAU.

ESAU. I trow I have now won my spurs for ever; For once better venison killed I never, And though it were somewhat long, ere I could it take, Yet the goodness thereof doth some recompense make. My father Isaac shall thereof have such meat, As in all his life he hath not the better eat. Whereupon, I doubt not, after tender kissing, To be straight endowed with his godly blessing: As his full and true heir in his place to succeed, And t'enjoy the promise that God made to his seed, And when I am once in my place of succession, And have all manner things in full possession: I shall wring all louts and make them stoop (I trow); I shall make the slaves couch as low as dog, and bow. I shall ruffle among them of another sort Than Isaac hath done, and with another port. But now will go see, what haste within they make, That part of my hunting my old father may take.

[_Exit_.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA QUARTA.

ISAAC. MIDO. ESAU.

ISAAC. Mido, come, Mido, where art thou, little Mido?

MIDO. Here ready, master Isaac, what shall I do?

ISAAC. Come, lead me to mine old place, that I may sit down.

MIDO. That can I as well as any boy in this town.

ISAAC. O Lord my God, how deep and unsearchable Are all thy judgments, and how immutable? Of thy justice, whom it pleaseth thee, thou dost reject; Of thy mercy, whom it pleaseth thee, thou dost elect In my two sons, O Lord, thou hast wrought thy will, And as thy pleasure hath wrought, so shall it stand still. Since thou hast set Jacob in Esau his place, I commit him to the governance of thy grace.

_Enter_ ESAU.

ESAU. Now where is Isaac, that he may come and eat? Lo, where he is sitting abroad upon his seat. Dear father Isaac, the Lord thy God thee save.

ISAAC. Who art thou, my son? what thing wouldest thou have?

ESAU. I am your eldest son, Esau by my name, New come home from hunting, where I had joyly[276] game, I have made meat thereof for your own appetite, Meat for your own tooth, wherein you will much delight. Come, eat your part, dear father, that, when ye have done, Your soul may bless me as your heir and eldest son.

ISAAC. Ah Esau, Esau, thou comest too late, Another to thy blessing was predestinate, And clean gone it is from thee, Esau.

ESAU. Alas! Then am I the unhappiest that ever was, I would the savage beasts had my body torn.

ISAAC. The blessing that thou shouldest have had, another hath.

ESAU. Alas, what wretched villain hath done me such scath?

ISAAC. Thy brother Jacob came to me by subtlety, And brought me venison, and so prevented[277] thee. I ate with him, ere thou cam'st, and with my good-will Blessed him I have, and blessed he shall be still.

ESAU. Ah Jacob, Jacob, well may he be called so: For he hath undermined me times two. For first mine heritage he took away me fro, And see, now hath he away my blessing also. Ah father, father, though Jacob hath done this thing: Yet let me Esau also have thy blessing. Shall all my good huntings for thee be in vain?

ISAAC. That is done and passed, cannot be called again. Mine act must now stand in force of necessity.

ESAU. And hast thou never a blessing then left for me?

ISAAC. Behold, I have made thy brother Jacob thy lord.

ESAU. A most poignant sword unto my heart is that word.

ISAAC. All his mother's children his servants have I made.

ESAU. That word is to me sharper than a razor's blade.

ISAAC. I have also 'stablished him with wine and corn.

ESAU. Woe be the day and hour that ever I was born!

ISAAC. What am I able to do for thee, my son?

ESAU. Ah Jacob, Jacob, that thou hast me thus undone! O unhappy hap: O misfortune! well away! That ever I should live to see this woful day. But hast thou one blessing and no mo, my father? Let me also have some blessing, good sweet father.

ISAAC. Well, nature pricketh me some remorse on thee to have. Behold, thy dwelling-place the earth's fatness shall have, And the dew of heaven, which down from above shall fall: And with dint of sword thy living get thou shall, And to thy brother Jacob thou shalt be servant.

ESAU. O, to my younger brother must I be servant? O, that ever a man should be so oppressed!

ISAAC. Thine own fault it is, that thou art dispossessed.

ESAU. Father, change that piece of thy sentence and judgment.

ISAAC. Things done cannot be undone; therefore be content, Let me be in quiet, and trouble me no more. Come, Mido, in God's name, lead me in at the door. [_Exeunt Isaac and Mido_.

ESAU. O, would not this chafe a man, and fret his guts out, To live as an underling under such a lout? Ah hypocrite, Ah hedgecreeper, Ah 'sembling wretch! I will be even with thee for this subtle fetch. O God of Abraham, what reason is herein, That to sle one's enemy it should be made sin? Were not one as good his part of heaven forego, As not to be revenged on his deadly foe? God was angry with Cain for killing Abel: Else might I kill Jacob marvellously well. I may fortune one day him to dispatch and rid: The Lord will not see all things; something may be hid. But as for these misers[278] within my father's tent, Which to the supplanting of me put their consent, Not one, but I shall coil them, till they stink for pain, And then for their stinking coil them off fresh again. I will take no days[279]; but, while the matter is hot, Not one of them shall 'scape, but they shall to the pot.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA QUINTA.

RAGAN.

Where are we now become? marry, sir, here is array! With Esau, my master, this is a black day. I told you Esau one day would shit a rag, Have we not well hunted, of blessing to come lag?[280] Nay, I thought ever it would come to such a pass, Since he sold his heritage like a very ass. But, in faith, some of them, I dare jeopard a groat, If he may reach them, will have on the petticoat.[281]

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SEXTA.

ESAU. RAGAN. ABRA. MIDO. DEBORAH.

ESAU. Come out, whores and thieves; come out, come out, I say!

RAGAN.[282] I told you, did I not, that there would be a fray? [_Aside_.

ESAU. Come out, little whoreson ape, come out of thy den.

MIDO. Take my life for a penny, whither shall I ren?[283]

ESAU. Come out, thou little fiend, come out, thou skittish gill.

ABRA. Out, alas, alas! Esau will us all kill.

ESAU. And come out, thou mother Mab;[284] out, old rotten witch! As white as midnight's arsehole or virgin pitch. Where be ye? come together in a cluster.

RAGAN. In faith, and these three will make a noble muster.

ESAU. Ere ye escape my fingers, ye shall all be taught, For these be they which have all this against me wrought.

MIDO. I wrought not a stroke this day, but led Isaac: If I wrought one stroke to-day, lay me on the jack.

ESAU. Hence then, get thee in, and do against me no more.

MIDO. I care as much for you now, as I did before. [_Aside_.

ESAU. What sayest thou, little thief? if I may thee catch.

MIDO. Ye shall run apace then, I ween, so God me snatch.

RAGAN. Now to go, Mido, ere thou art caught in a trip.

[_Exit_ MIDO.

ESAU. Nay, for his sake, Abra, ye shall drink of the whip.

ABRA. Nay, for God's love, good sweet master Esau, Hurt not me for Mido: speak for me, Ragan.

RAGAN. Sir, spare little Abra, she hath done none evil.

ESAU. A little fiend it is, and will be a right devil, And she is one of them that love not me a deal.

ABRA. If ye let me go, I will love you very well.

ESAU. And never any more ado against me make?

ABRA. Ragan shall be surety.

RAGAN. Sir, I undertake.

ESAU. Then hence, out of my sight at once, and get thee in.

ABRA. Adieu, I set not a straw by you nor a pin.

ESAU. What sayest thou, thou fib? once ye shall have a rap.

RAGAN. The best end of suretyship is to get a clap. [_Aside_.

ESAU. Now, come on, thou old hag, what shall I say to thee?

DEBORAH. Say what ye lust, so ye do not touch me.

ESAU. Yes, and make powder of thee, for I dare say thou Hast been the cause of all this feast to Esau.

DEBORAH. No, it was Jacob's feast that I did help to dress.

ESAU. Nay, I thought such a witch would do such business.

DEBORAH.[285] But, by my truth, if I should die incontinent, I knew not of the purpose, wherefore it was meant.

ESAU. But wilt thou tell me truth, if I do forgive thee?

DEBORAH. Yea, if I can, Master Esau, believe me.

ESAU. Is it true that, when I and my brother were first born, And I by God's ordinance came forth him beforne, Jacob came forthwith, holding me fast by the heel?

DEBORAH. It is true; I was there, and saw it very well.

ESAU. Is it true? well, Jacob, I pray God I be dead, But for my heel's sake, I will have thee by the head. What devil was in me, that I had not the grace, With kicking back my heel, to mar his mopish face? But my father Isaac will not long live now; If he were gone, Jacob, I would soon meet with you. For my soul hateth Jacob even to the death, And I will ne'er but hate him, while I shall have breath. I may well dissemble, until I see a day, But trust me, Jacob, I will pay thee when I may. But if ever I hear that thou speak word of this, I shall cut out thy tongue, I will not miss. [_This he speaketh to Deborah_. But come on, Ragan, with me: so mote I thrive, I will get a good sword, for thereby must I live.

RAGAN. Live, quod you? we are like to live, God knoweth how.

ESAU. What, ye saucy merchant,[286] are ye a prater now?

[_Exeunt_ ESAU _and_ RAGAN.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SEPTIMA.

DEBORAH. REBECCA.

DEBORAH. I am glad that Esau is now gone, certès. For an evil-disposed man he is, doubtless. Yet am I no gladder of his departure hence, Than I am that Rebecca is come in presence.

_Enter_ REBECCA.

REBECCA. Deborah, what doest thou, tarrying here so long? I came full ill afeard, lest something had been wrong; For Mido and Abra told me of Esau.

DEBORAH. Indeed here he was, and departed hence but now: And one thing I tell you, dame: let Jacob beware, For Esau to mischief Jacob doth prepare.

REBECCA. Call Jacob hither, that I may show him my mind. Send him hither quickly, and tarry ye behind, That he give place awhile, it is expedient, And how he may be sure, I will the way invent.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA OCTAVA.

JACOB. REBECCA.

JACOB. Mother Rebecca, did ye send for me hither?

REBECCA. Yea, and the cause is this, thou must go somewhither, To hide thee from thy brother Esau a space.

JACOB. Indeed, to men's malice we must sometime give place.

REBECCA. He lieth in await to sle thee, if he can: Thou shalt therefore, by my reed, fle hence to Haran: And lie with my brother Laban, a man aged, Till Esau's wrath be somewhat assuaged. When all things are forgotten, and his fury passed, I shall send for thee again in all goodly haste.

JACOB. Yea, but, how will my father herewith be content?

REBECCA. Thou shalt see me win him thereto incontinent. And here he cometh happily: Jacob, hear me; Make a sign to Mido, that he do not name thee, Then get thee in privily, till I do thee call.

JACOB. As ye command me, mother Rebecca, I shall.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA NONA.

ISAAC. MIDO. REBECCA. JACOB.

ISAAC. Where be ye, good wife?

MIDO. My dame Rebecca is here.

REBECCA. I am glad, sweet husband, that I see you appear, For[287] I have a word or two unto you to say.

ISAAC. Whatsoever it be, tell it me, I you pray.

REBECCA. Sir, ye know that now our life-days are but short, And we had never so great need of comfort. Now Esau his wives being Hittites both, Ye know, to please us are much unwilling and both. That if Jacob eke would take any Hittite to wife, Small joy should we both have or comfort of our life.

ISAAC. Wife, ye speak this well, and I will provide therefore, Call Jacob quickly, that he appear me before.

MIDO. I can run apace for him, if ye bid me go.

REBECCA. Go, hie thee at once then, like a good son, Mido.

[_Exit Mido, but returns directly with Jacob_.

ISAAC. O Lord, save thou my son from mis-carrying.

MIDO. Come, master Jacob, ye must make no tarrying, For I it is that shall be shent, if you be slack, Here is your son Jacob now, master Isaac.

ISAAC. Son Jacob, make thee ready, as fast [as] thou can, And in all haste possible get thee unto Laban. He is thine own uncle, and a right godly man, Marry of his daughters, and not of Canaan. In Mesopotamia shalt thou lead thy life. The Lord prosper thee here without debate or strife; And the God of Abraham prosper thee in peace; He multiply thy seed, and make it to increase! Now kiss me, dear son Jacob, and so go thy way.

REBECCA. Kiss me also, sweet son, and hence without delay.

JACOB. Now, most tender parents, as well with heart and word I bid you well to fare, and leave you to the Lord.

MIDO. Nay, master Jacob, let me have an hand also.

JACOB. Even with all my heart: farewell, little Mido.
[_Exit Jacob_.

ISAAC. Now will I depart hence into the tent again.

REBECCA. As pleaseth God and you, but I will here remain.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA DECIMA.

ESAU. RAGAN. REBECCA. ISAAC. MIDO.

ESAU. And is he gone indeed to mine uncle Laban, In Mesopotamia at the town of Haran? And is Jacob gone to the house of Bethuel? The whirlwind with him, and flinging fiend of hell! But I shall meet with him yet one day well enough. And who is this? my mother? whom I see here now.

RAGAN. She stood here all this while, sir, did ye not her see?

ESAU. Didst thou see her stand here, and wouldest not warn me?

REBECCA. Son Esau, afore God, thou art much to blame, And to do, as I hear of thee, is a foul shame.

ESAU. Mother, what is it ye heard of me of late?

REBECCA. That thou dost thy brother Jacob deadly hate.

ESAU. Hate Jacob? I hate him, and will do, till I die, For he hath done me both great wrong and villainy; And that shall he well know, if the Lord give me life.

REBECCA. Fie upon thee, to speak so, like a lewd caitiff!

RAGAN. My master Esau is of nature much hot, But he will be better than he saith, fear not.

ESAU. My birthright to sell did he not make me consent?

REBECCA. But the same to do wert not thyself content? There is no man to blame for it but thine own self.

ESAU. Yea, mother, I see that ye hold with that mopish elf. It is your dainty darling, your prinkox, your golpol; He can never be praised enough of your soul; He must ever be extolled above the moon: It is never amiss that he hath said or done. I would he were rocked or dandled in your lap; Or I would with this falchion I might give him pap. I marvel why ye should so love him, and me not? Ye groaned as well for the one as thother, I wot. But Jacob must be advanced in any wise: But I shall one day handle him of the new guise.[288]

REBECCA. Both on thy father's blessing and mine, I charge thee, That thy soul intend never such iniquity; Beware by the example of Cain, I thee reed, That thou bring not the Lord's curse upon thy head.

ESAU. And what, should I take all this wrong at Jacob's hand?

REBECCA. Forgive, and the Lord shall prosper thee in the land. My son Esau, hear me; I am thy mother: For my sake, let pass this grudge against thy brother.

RAGAN. Sir, your mother's request is but reasonable, Which for you to grant shall be much commendable.

ESAU. Mother, though it be a great thing that ye require: Yet must all malice pass at your desire; And for your cause, mother, this mine anger shall slake.

REBECCA. I thank thee, my son, that thou dost it for my sake.

ESAU. For your sake, with Jacob I will be at accord.

REBECCA. And shall I call thy father to be as record?

ESAU. As pleaseth you, mother, I can be well content.

REBECCA. Then will I go call him hither incontinent. And where he doth already love thee very well, This will make him to love thee better a great deal.

RAGAN. Truly, sir, this is of you a right gentle part: At least, if it come from the bottom of your heart.

ESAU. It must now be thus; but when I shall Jacob find, I shall then do as God shall put into my mind.

__Enter_ ISAAC _and_ MIDO _with_ REBECCA.

REBECCA. He hath at my word remitted all his quarrel.

ISAAC. Forsooth! love him the better a great deal. And if he be here, I would commend his doing.

ESAU.[289] All prest here, father, to tarry on your coming.

ISAAC. Son Esau, thou hast thyself well acquitted, That all quarrel to Jacob thou hast remitted. It was the Lord's pleasure that it should thus be, Against whose ordinance to stand is not for thee: But now, to the intent it may please the Lord, To knit your hearts one day in a perfect concord, We shall first in a song give laud unto His name, And then with all gladness within confirm the same.

REBECCA. As ye think best, dear husband, I agree thereto.

ESAU. Me ye may command to what ye will have me to do: And so may ye do also Ragan my man.

ISAAC. I see none; but praise we the Lord the best we can, Call forth all our household, that with one accord We may all with one voice sing unto the Lord.

[_Ragan calleth all to sing_.

_This song must be sung after the prayer.

O Lord, the God of our father Abraham,
How deep and unsearchable are thy judgments!
Thy almightiful hand did create and frame
Both heaven and earth, and all the elements.
Man of the earth thou hast formed and create;
Some do thee worship, and some stray awry,
Whom pleaseth thee, thou dost choose or reprobate,
And no flesh can ask thee wherefore or why?
Of thine own will thou didst Abraham elect,
Promising him seed as stars of the sky,
And them as thy chosen people to protect,
That they might thy mercies praise and magnify.
Perform thou, O Lord, thine eternal decree
To me and my seed, the sons of Abraham;
And whom thou hast chosen thine own people to be,
Guide and defend to the glory of thy name_.

FINIS.

[_Then entereth the Poet, and the rest stand
still till he have done_.

THE POET. When Adam, for breaking God's commandment, Had sentence of death, and all his posterity: Yet the Lord our God, who is omnipotent, Had in his own self by his eternal decree Appointed to restore man, and to make him free. He purposed to save mankind by his mercy, Whom he once had created unto his glory. Yet not all flesh did he then predestinate, But only the adopted children of promise: For he foreknew that many would degenerate, And wilfully give cause to be put from that bliss, So on God's behalf no manner default there is; But where he chooseth, he showeth his great mercy: And where he refuseth, he doth none injury, But thus far surmounteth man's intellection,[290] To attain or conceive, and (much more) to discuss: All must be referred to God's election And to his sacred judgment. It is meet for us, With Paul the apostle, to confess, and say thus: O, the deepness of the riches of God's wisdom! How unsearchable are his ways to man's reason? Our part therefore is first to believe God's word, Not doubting but that he will his elected save: Then to put full trust in the goodness of the Lord, That we be of the number, which shall mercy have: Thirdly, so to live, as we may his promise crave. Thus if we do, we shall Abraham's children be, And come with Jacob to endless felicity.

[_All the rest of the actors answer, Amen_.

_Then followeth the prayer_.

ISAAC. Now unto God let us pray for all the whole clergy, To give them grace to advance God's honour and glory.