CatholicaA Cornish drama, translated from the text edited by Whitley Stokes (1872), written in the year of the Lord 1504. Speaker names, stage directions and the manuscript’s own divisions are preserved.
The First Day #
[MERIASEK]
I put my trust in God above; when we are old and weak, he will still keep us in fair order.
THE DUKE’S SQUIRE
Meriasek, let us go hence — though you still write with a pen, I cannot read it, nor do I know my letters. I pray beloved God to grant us good speed in them.
[Here the Schoolmaster shall strut]
THE SCHOOLMASTER
I am a master of grammar, made in a university; I know much of divinity. When I was in my prime, I cared not to speak anything but Latin.
FIRST MESSENGER
Honour to you, worthy master, and reverence always. Duke Conan, most truly, has sent his son to you to gain learning — that you, a fine doctor, should teach him in seemly fashion, and you shall be rewarded.
SCHOOLMASTER
Messenger, do not doubt the case: I will teach him, and not in a hovel. Come, sit down, Meriasek, among the fairest children, and mind your letters when you speak. There is leisure to teach you, and no small is the reward.
FIRST SCHOLAR
God help us — that is the first I ever knew of it, no more indeed. I would not stay in school, by my faith, from now till evening for my learning — I will teach more than my master.
SECOND SCHOLAR
Is that so? And what then? I really do not know — and you will not beat me, for I was never the better. If ever I got a blow I would pay it back.
SCHOOLMASTER
Learn more with your companion when you wish to live well. Meriasek, go with them, for you are tender in age, and young children like him need food — and my livelihood.
MERIASEK
I tell you, master, do not be displeased: today surely is Friday, and it is good to stand before a shrine and think of the soul, for love of the Passion that Jesus bore for us. Today I will pray, and every Friday throughout the year I will say prayers before I eat or drink. I will go to the chapel of Christ who shed his blood to speak my prayers, and to Mary his mother, before I eat a crumb — that is my custom.
SCHOOLMASTER
My son, do your devotion, cast yourself into holiness. Meriasek, truly now — go and come when it pleases you; as much as you may be at ease, you shall be at every season.
[He goes down alone to the chapel]
MERIASEK
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, to you I make my prayers. Jesus, Lord, I pray you against the temptations of devils. Jesus Christ, keep me ever faithful to serve your teachings. Jesus — my body and my spirit, all my strength and my thoughts I give to worship you and pray you; may I never be turned on earth to the lust of this world. Mary, queen of heaven, who nursed Christ with your milk; Mary, through whom light came with the Son of wisdom; sweet Mary, pray for me that the devil may never have power over me. Though my other enemy is my flesh — an evil enemy — most humbly I tame it with vigils and with pains. I would please Christ anew and again.
[Then back to the master. Here King Conan shall strut]
KING CONAN
I am called Conan, king in Little Britain and of the realm most truly; I rule all in it. By advice of my lords I will now go to the Duke, chief of chivalry, nearest to me certainly as he is. There is a match to be made — speak — for Meriasek: a daughter of the mighty king; there is none greater under heaven.
FIRST LORD
Meriasek is a wise, courteous child and gentle surely beyond all the children of this land. I say, lord: the flower of his lineage — a daughter of an emperor — is an equal match if he takes her.
SECOND LORD OF THE KING
Meriasek is beloved; there is noted much goodness in him in this land, I tell you without fail. Of his company I never heard speech of a more gracious child in this world.
MERIASEK
I pray you, master, if it is truly pleasing, to go home without delay to see my father quickly and my mother also. Your blessing, sir, and your mastery — I can well pray with you; fair am I taught.
SCHOOLMASTER
Christ’s blessing on you, Meriasek, and my blessing heartily. You are full of blessedness; in my school there never was your like, truly — a companion in learning and in goodness.
[He goes down with the squire and returns to his father]
MERIASEK
Joy to my worthy father and reverence forever. Joy to my mother truly, honour and goodness always. I pray your full blessing. Now the grace of the Holy Spirit has enlightened my understanding; there is in me perfect learning by the grace of Christ, chief of the angels.
FATHER
Meriasek, welcome home, and my full blessing I give you. If you will prosper it is surely my pleasure. You there — horsemen — prepare tonight here indeed: King Conan is surely coming.
MOTHER
Meriasek, Christ’s blessing to you and your mother’s blessing ever. Happy are you to be welcomed and honoured with it; for your goodness is spoken of you — most praised throughout Brittany, without doubt.
KING CONAN (to the Duke)
Reverence to you, worthy Sir Duke, as you are a mighty man. I hastened here indeed because we were once allied. Joy to you, lady, and your dear son who is with you — Meriasek, my nearest kin.
MERIASEK’S FATHER
Welcome, my liege! Welcome here, and all your people. For joy this year I shall be, in very certainty, seeing you in my castle.
MERIASEK’S MOTHER
Welcome, our sovereign, in this same place, certainly; we are pleased to see you — welcome indeed; never has there come to my house a worthier guest since I was born.
MERIASEK
Welcome here, royal liege, as you are head and principal over us all, worthy to receive reverence for your governance. We are ruled, great and small.
KING CONAN
Gramercy to you all together. Before we part I will move here a certain matter for goodness and honesty, to Meriasek, without doubt, my nearest kin.
MERIASEK’S FATHER THE DUKE
We will truly first go together to eat. Come into the palace to sit, great and small, every one. The butler is ready with everything; tell me as you wish, that we may go to table, my liege with his lords.
[They all go down to one place]
THE BUTLER OF THE DUKE OF BRITTANY
Everything here is ready; the lords are seated. Let Meriasek fetch food into the house. Trumpets, clarions, sound now for the most joyful feast.
MERIASEK
My lord liege who is here — truly the first is my father, before him also, and my dear mother at the head of the table; the Duke of Orleans, a mighty man — sit here, all complete, and the lords young and old, part in front, part aside.
DUKE OF ORLEANS
Gramercy, sweet Meriasek; your nurture is so fair that you are loved by many, and your manners please lettered and lay alike — in this world there is no equal.
[Here they play a melody]
MERIASEK
My liege the king, be merry; likewise all the company — dukes, earls, knights. My father and mother brought me; forgive me, I pray you with a full heart.
KING CONAN
Gramercy, sweet Meriasek, so full you are of courtesy. I will make you a mighty man — trust in me most truly. I know a wife you shall have, who is a daughter of a worthy king, and with her there shall be fair things: manors, towns, castles for your people — and for you, if it pleases. I say who she is.
MERIASEK’S FATHER THE DUKE
Gramercy, our good liege — great thanks. We ever knew your will to strengthen; we would wish him to be married indeed, and our lineage increased.
MOTHER
It is pleasing, and he must be ruled by you, certainly, and Meriasek likewise — otherwise we would be to blame. You are head of our race, governor, wise and powerful liege.
MERIASEK
My lord liege, many thanks to you and your good will — and do not be displeased: I pray before you here my excuse — I and my father and mother also will not give me to the world, nor will I ever indeed.
FATHER
Hush, my boy Meriasek; you shall indeed, my sweet son, the worthy lady, and we shall be strengthened through the marriage forever, and all your lineage indeed.
MOTHER
If you do not indeed people will scorn us. Meriasek, do not speak foolishness ever in this world; surely a countess would befit a fine child — take a good name, for shame.
MERIASEK
Do not speak a word about ever marrying me; to other ways my mind is set indeed.
FATHER
What ways are those, Meriasek? Tell me now — if you will trust, it would be a pity, my dear son.
MERIASEK
I will not, by the grace of Jesus — I tell you, my dear father — my will truly is to worship mighty Christ, to be consecrated a knight of that order if it pleases him; so long as I live I would love him gladly.
KING CONAN
What need have you to refuse the gifts of the world, and you born indeed on behalf of father and mother also? It is no honour to your race to conceive it, certainly. My son, think of better ways.
FATHER
Alas, my son Meriasek, ever since you went to school you have made me sorrowful; your sense is all gone. Your learning will be scorned by all the people — the land and towns that are ours without doubt, if you will not indeed.
MERIASEK
Father, for Christ’s sake let them be to you as nearest kin; with them I will never meddle.
KING CONAN
I believe, surely Meriasek, you are too wise to do against your father and mother. I do not know what ails him in school — there is no goodness left in you at all, my son, to learn a jot.
MERIASEK
Christ likewise said: ‘Whoever follows me must forsake great and small — towns, lands of this world, his father and his mother, his relatives and companions — and he shall gain a hundredfold reward forever: life in heaven above, without doubt.’ According to Saint Luke I say it faithfully to you; in the gospel it is written, as it was done.
KING CONAN
Why can you not indeed here in the world, as many a worthy man did, and with God surely saved — part of the saints in heaven? With you I am displeased to leave your people bereft — take gold and silver!
MERIASEK
For the love of Christ of heaven I pray you take neither man’s daughter nor gold — none is my desire.
KING CONAN
Listen to me, Meriasek: I mean it plainly — you shall regret it openly before me, I say. Think of your father — and we can settle the land surely if you will, so that no other man may have it after you, ever. Then like a beggar you shall surely be held in the land, and all your kin blamed; alas, if we were shamed — still think of better ways.
MERIASEK
If another man is to be settled surely in my place, my sweet liege, I am content — it makes no matter to me if I can reach the land of heaven. Fie on the foul lusts of the world!
KING CONAN
It is a great wonder to me that you despise the riches of the world. You could not live long without goods or men with you; through riches and chivalry a man is received high among lords and honoured ever by them. Through goods a royal man is made and set in high estate. What does the poor man gain though great his coming? He dwells abjectly in a hall — not equal are he and the mighty rich man.
MERIASEK
Do not speak of chivalry; riches deceive many a one through the goods of the world, certainly. Dives — as we read — was not rich enough at every season; what became of his soul indeed? To hell, to black pain. Lazarus the poor man, who bore labour most grievous — Abraham received him when he was dead, and in his bosom without doubt in light kept him.
KING CONAN [rising and going about the place]
Sirs, listen — it grieves me to hear this of Meriasek, a vile wretch. By God, suppose a rich man can never go to heaven — I think you are mad, vile and crazed in my sight.
MERIASEK
The Scripture truly says a rich man to heaven surely is as likely to go as a cable through a needle’s eye — that, with its strands, may well be true. Likewise a rich man always must give to the poor in charity part of his goods.
KING CONAN
Farewell, Sir Duke — Christ has made your son a fool; with him I am confounded. My heart is vexed within me and my labour is lost forever; on my soul, I loved him all my life.
[King Conan goes]
FATHER
My lord, many thanks to you for testing him in goodness. Alas for my son — you will not in honour be ruled. There is a ruler of the realm most surely displeased with you — your father and mother likewise.
MERIASEK
Though you are displeased with me, it is all my will — trust to be agreed with Jesus Christ of mercy and your blessings also. Father and mother, give me yours; I will go quickly to learn more goodness. For love of the Trinity, do not tempt me to folly.
FATHER
God above, my son, I give you leave — take your own counsel; I can do no other. My blessing on you.
MOTHER
Amen, and my blessing too, my son; sorrowful indeed I am at parting from you.
[Here Meriasek wears a priest’s gown. Here the Bishop of Cornwall shall strut]
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
I am a bishop in Britain, in the county called Cornwall; great is my power every season. Companions to me are many a stout prince over the lay folk; there are not in Little Britain my equals, truly without doubt.
MERIASEK
Sir bishop, joy to you; I would pray you to ordain me a priest — I would minister the body of Jesus, if my learning may serve, when I am appointed.
[The Bishop of Cornwall descends into the place]
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Welcome here, Meriasek; I have heard great good spoken of you, my sweet son. To ordain you I will, in the name of Jesus now — be consecrated by me; may you be blessed.
[He kneels]
May Christ give you in every season protection ever in need.
A BLIND MAN
God’s blessing on you, good people; I am blind and cannot see. Give me your alms, and for you I will pray to Jesus Christ of mercy, saviour of Christians.
A CRIPPLE
I am also feeble; my limbs are rotten, gone crooked — scarcely can I walk. I would pray help from you with a full heart.
MERIASEK [kneels]
Jesus, Lord, I pray you, help this blind man. Jesus Christ, glorious king, give him his sight without fail. Jesus, Lord, full of grace, likewise save the other man. Jesus, Lord, son of the Virgin, show your royal power now here — in the name of the Father and of the Son — may Christ’s virtue be to you now at last.
THE BLIND MAN
Christ Jesus, may God repay you — I see now! Blessed be your prayers; I know that here is great power — glorious ever your words.
THE CRIPPLE
And I am healed most fairly, who was surely crippled many years in this world — praise be to Jesus and to this man!
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Meriasek, reverence to you, beloved by God of salvation — truly now it is known. I pray you, stay with me, and surely, sir, I will not fail you.
MERIASEK
Sir bishop, many thanks to you; I am bound to labour for another realm from here. The blessing of all the saints and holy women be with you — and their company forever!
THE BISHOP’S CROSS-BEARER
God’s blessing to you, Meriasek; we would be glad if you would stay here — it is not fitting for us to hinder your will.
MERIASEK
Mariners, greeting to you; to Cornwall if I might go with you I would like — I have nothing to give you save that I pray Christ Jesus to succour you every season.
SAILOR
Welcome to you — you are come to the head of the realm; by God’s will within a week. Come aboard here now; and mariners, haul the sail up now!
SAILOR’S MAN
Look — fast to the top! Now mate, make fast the rope! The wind is blowing and the sea is rising — mad, I think we are all lost and drowned truly here.
SAILOR
Alas — since we were together we shall be lost; there is no way for us; not one of us will escape, alas, to come to this plight.
MERIASEK
Be of good comfort — Christ will help us, and I will pray him; if his will be so, he would not let a man perish on land or sea in this world — trust in Christ and me.
SAILOR
Meriasek, worship be to you — through you we are all saved. We were in peril surely now; landed on the shore in Cornwall — thanks be to Jesus — as you desired you have come.
MERIASEK
Thanks be to Jesus; to a strange land I am come here. On land I will go — Jesus, Lord, with a true heart guide me to a good place where I may worship dear Christ and the flower-virgin Mary. I am come into the country and weary am I walking. Mary, mother and maiden, if there is a house or place near here where I may rest — for I love it dearly — make me an oratory near Mary’s house.
A SERVANT
I tell you straight away — there is a chapel called “Mary of Camborne” in this same place; of what place do you ask? Tell me that, friend, good fellow.
MERIASEK
From Brittany, surely, to this land over the sea I am come, as God taught me; and here I would make beside sweet Mary’s chapel my oratory — there is no water near here, none at all.
SERVANT
Water is very scarce here; a long way from here one must go to fetch it, body or beast; if I found water it would not be for my ease.
MERIASEK
The chapel is to the north here; I will go to search — I must see water surely.
[He goes to the meadow; kneels]
MERIASEK
Jesus, Lord, I pray you — Jesus, grant me water; Jesus, by your grace, as you did for Moses from the hard stones.
[Here the well springs up with water]
SERVANT
Good man, blessed be you — water here dwelling for us so fair to comfort us. Dear are you truly to God, proved openly; here is your doing for us in this place.
A FEVERED MAN
O God, alas, what shall I do? A foul disease is in me — it will be called “the season”; with it I am in pain every day now many months; for pain faint is my heart.
A CRIPPLE
I am feeble without fail; God has afflicted me — nearly dead in the world. Dwelling in Camborne — it is better for us to go quickly and pray with full heart — they will do us a kindness.
[He goes to Meriasek]
FEVERED MAN
Joy to you, Meriasek — we are poor men come; I am pained with fever, and this same man surely is maimed — he cannot sustain himself or take anything; we could not earn our bread. Do us some good surely for dear Jesus’ love.
MERIASEK [kneels]
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, grant healing to them. Jesus, Lord, I pray you now save these same men. Mary, mother full of grace, pray your Son the Lord for them. Mary, mother and virgin, help my prayer with you — rise up, good men; how do you feel now?
THE CRIPPLE
Worship to Christ — I am up! My body and legs are whole; I can walk without doubt.
FEVERED MAN
And I am whole — thanks be to Christ! Meriasek sweet, full of grace — the fortune of God to him will not fail; his worship will always be exalted despite peril.
MERIASEK
Give thanks to Christ, good people. Now I will found a place by the will of Jesus of mercy — surely I will, because of this, a church to worship Christ day and night; it shall be my purpose here beside sweet Mary’s chapel.
A SICK MAN
Alas, alas, what shall I do? In my face a horrible disease has fallen — a man cannot bear it. In Camborne I have heard there is a great physician who surely saves people; I will go to him to do me good if he can.
[To Meriasek] Joy to you, Meriasek — I am a poor man; for Christ’s sake now help me — in my face there is a disease; men of this world do not love looking at me.
MERIASEK [kneels]
Lord of heaven, help me now before this — he has cured the great disease; with water I will wash him — Jesus Christ, God of mercy, help him if earth may.
SERVANT
Go — be glad — healed fair you are certainly. Thank Meriasek well, for he is full of grace and loved by God of grace, as we see — lettered and lay.
SICK MAN
Meriasek, many thanks to you; I will pray Christ full of grace in heaven repay you — and the bright Virgin Mary — many a weak man is saved by you in this world.
[Here Meriasek remains at Camborne. Here Teudarus shall strut]
TEUDARUS
Teudar I am called, a lord reigning in Cornwall — so that Mahomet be honoured my charge is, without fail, near and far, whoever worships another god. I would put them to sharp pains and cruel death.
MESSENGER
Hail to you, Sir Lord Teudar — there is news for you — but to tell it to your face will do me no good, on my soul.
TEUDARUS
Who the devil has spoken? Tell me, you lout — from your mouth, you foul messenger — by God, the foul tidings! Speak, you wretch, you son of a scoundrel — may the devil take your end!
MESSENGER
There is here at Pendinas, near Carn Brea, a priest doing wonders — saving blind people in this world, deaf and maimed and every disease; all in the world he would have converted — that is, of Christ who died and when dead rose again; he teaches men of life.
TEUDARUS
Out — alas for sorrows! Where the devil has he come from? Alas I was not dead before leaving my mother’s womb! Woe for shame — soldiers, let us go hence so that we may reckon with him in the devils’ names!
FIRST SOLDIER
My lord, we have heard of this man — months ago he makes blind people see and deaf people also he makes hear.
SECOND SOLDIER
Teudar, I tell you: this same man has done much, truly, in the land. If he is not chastised, by Mahomet, he will be held no more than a dog, without fail.
TEUDARUS [descends]
Let us go with great strength — my horsemen. Where is the dwelling? Tell me — be on the way at once.
MESSENGER
Surely I know it, royal lord — there, plainly, out of the chapel he has most surely come.
TEUDARUS
You, bachelor, turn about — your name tell me, quick — your belief. Know that surely I will put an end to you.
MERIASEK
Meriasek is my name, sprung of the line of Conan; in Christ Jesus beloved I ever stand believing that he is a true God, born of his mother Mary and her maidenhood — because of that my belief stands.
TEUDARUS
You are sprung of worthy blood, Meriasek — be advised, for fear of earning shame; do not speak a thing never seen. I tell you with reason: in this world, without question, a child is not conceived in a woman’s womb without seed.
MERIASEK
I was attending to the law as it needed to be: the birth of Jesus Christ into the world, and his dear Passion, as you well see. Likewise Christ above came into Mary’s womb without breaking it — and surely through the dear Holy Spirit he was truly conceived.
TEUDARUS
Do not prattle with me, flattering ever, chattering to me of Jesus — “as father, so like the mother” — there is no true word in it. By God, a curse on all your doings!
MERIASEK
God above is ever his father, as you might understand: to redeem Adam and his race he wished to come to this world. Sharp death he bore; the soul of man he made to save — he was in the bonds of Satan; he brought him to joy.
TEUDARUS
If God above is his father, I say, Meriasek, he could by his power save rich and poor without dying — it is a shame by your account that we should have the Son of God slain like a hart.
MERIASEK
Through the sin of Adam our father he and his line were damned — save the chosen, who would gladly be redeemed again. For salvation the Son was conceived and born and taken, for the chosen could not have borne the Passion.
TEUDARUS
There is no use in our arguing though we be here forever. Meriasek, deny Christ, and your companion I shall be — so that you be seen a worthy bishop; I will make you chief of all this land. More I do not desire but worship Mahomet always.
MERIASEK
There is a better way than that — do it, I tell you, dear: worship in another manner; you are surely lost.
TEUDARUS
One word — blame me not, and if you do, I shall make you hear me and be wise; for when I come and go, the devil comes out of his den before I charge you indeed. It grieves me to my soul, sweet Meriasek, to do you hurt: do good worship to my fair gods.
MERIASEK
Fie on your three gods — for surely they are devils. I do not worship them ever; do not ask anything further or entreat me — if you will be good, you are a fool if you trust in them.
TEUDARUS
Out on you, false juggler, defying my gods the flower! You shall crack on a gallows-tree for peril — prince and emperor here — the more fool you. Never shall I call you an outlaw to flee your realm — speak one word against my power and you the same. I am emperor and governor, conqueror of land, worthy lord — great is my mastery; know and see.
MERIASEK
Hush — your babble to me is a windy boast; it blows a great wind here surely in security. It is better for you to be a Christian — worship Christ with full heart, and I will baptise you now.
TEUDARUS
Out, alas — hear my spite! Hence, quick, for fear — the devil take my faith if you will be baptised! I am dead in the middle of the place if he tarries long here — Mahomet, prepare a stout blow for him who has troubled me!
[He goes up to the torturers]
You torturers, in plain — torturers, come to me now — ay, ay, ay, by God you shall pay. There is need to summon them, for it is most of my gods. [Here rods are ready for Teudar and his men] Ho, ho — how are you, mates? You shall be paid for your pains. Do you not hear me calling? Stretch yourselves before standing — go to, begin — strike!
[And they shall beat them]
FIRST TORTURER
Sir lord, do not beat us more and say your will to us — we will do it most surely.
TEUDARUS
Go with me to Camborne, by Carn Brea at once; there you shall find in faith a fellow — a limb of the devil, Meriasek he is called — who believes in Christ. By you let him be seized; command him to be tormented — or, if Christ be not denied, the wretch shall be slain by you though it grieve him — I uphold you indeed.
SECOND TORTURER
Lord, that we shall do immediately — let us go hence; we shall spy every quarter. By my soul, we shall ride most quickly to Camborne.
[Teudar goes home]
MERIASEK
To the Lord be thanks — through prayer I am warned so that I may go out of this land again to Brittany quickly; and the false Teudar I shall avoid — the purpose is verified; still he shall fail of it. Here I have founded a place beside Mary of Camborne. Jesus Christ, prepare your grace in this same house every season that the Trinity — Father — may ever be worshipped in it, and Mary, and the seven sacraments both administered and kept after this. Griefs and sicknesses shall be eased if they remember truly, Christian and faithful, in this place. Jesus, Lord, with full heart their griefs — let him heal. Likewise the water of my spring — for a man it shall be a wonder certainly — I pray that it may be healing to his sight and his reason. Jesus, Lord of salvation, grant this through your mercy. My blessing on you, place! There is need to go with great haste — near is my foe; I will keep to the stone and here rest at once under the rock indeed.
[Here Meriasek shall hide himself under the rock]
SECOND TORTURER
Do you see Meriasek in Camborne, the blinkard? He is not, by God!
THIRD TORTURER
A curse on him — he has gone out to the stone; may his mother’s curse be on him!
CALO
Let us look at the bushes and at the rock also — if he has set himself to hide. He will not be found — let us go home from here.
FIRST TORTURER
Where the devil has he gone? Teudar is out of his wits — when he hears that he has escaped —
SECOND TORTURER
— he will be beside himself. Why did he not seize him by the mouth when he spoke?
THIRD TORTURER
Hail, Teudar, in your tower: Meriasek is gone out of this land — we know not where; in towns and in valleys we could not see him surely without doubt; of him no man knows to speak.
TEUDARUS
Out, alas, alas, alas! Though the land may go fleeing — I was not — not for two-thirds of the world’s goods — out of my senses; shamed I am in my days. I cry on you, evil thieves!
CALO
O Teudar, go on your way — God’s curse on your mother’s son! Why did you not hold him when you were with him? My talking will not bring him, without fail, to take villainy.
[Teudar descends]
TEUDARUS
Is this all the comfort I have from you, sirs? You have your sport when it is a trick on me. Well, well — no matter! By Apollo my bright god, before we part — no matter to me: I’ll beat you, you horse! And your companions — have at you, you three louts! And again bear in mind how I commanded you!
[He beats them]
MERIASEK
Thanks be to Jesus — here I have rested truly under this stone. My foes likewise are gone — they could not meet me. God willed it so. ‘Meriasek’s Rock’ this shall be called after this. I will hasten to the sea to see for a boat — mariners, hail to you, masters. May God keep you from harm. Your vessel — if you will go to Brittany — I would pray, certainly, to go with you, without doubt.
SAILOR
You are welcome — come in the name of God the Father now aboard with us. Haul the sail up, mate — the wind serves us; well we shall see Brittany.
SAILOR’S MAN
Safely past now is the Channel with us — may we have fair speed. We are come to land; now quick — as you desired you shall land. Meriasek, the stones bowed in the land to receive you — thanks be to mighty Jesus!
MERIASEK
May God repay you, good people — Lord Jesus full of grace guide me in a better way to my kinsfolk. If I stand with them, I shall not be tempted by deceit and the lust of this world.
A BRITON
Welcome — beware! There is a great beast in the way indeed, truly — if it comes in your path it will spill your blood. Alas, look, there!
MERIASEK
Beast, I command you not to do harm to me or to any Christian ever. Take no fear — I command you to handle me not. Look — indeed in like manner it follows me; it speaks no treachery, it does not offer any.
BRITON
Surely you are a blessed man — many a man it has slain and children always in this land. To you it is bound — look, like one of us it is tame, following you.
MERIASEK
No treachery has it offered me, nor does it do any harm. In the name of Christ, son of the Virgin, you beast I command: go to the wilderness — with men do not meddle ever after this — in the name of Jesus on high go your way! I will go to the wilderness; there a hermit truly I would be, so that I may worship my God and not be tempted by the men of the world so long as I live. Here surely beside the castle called Pontelyne indeed, on the mountain surely and by the river — a chapel of Josselin I will make, to worship sweet Mary, though the place is wild and empty.
[He goes up the mountain]
Worship to Christ the maiden’s son! Great surely is the mountain from the ground — nevertheless, God helping me, my house I will found and ground myself in it quickly.
[A chapel is made ready. Here he wears a russet mantle and a beard.]
Here Begins the Life of Saint Sylvester #
[Constantine shall strut here, saying:]
CONSTANTINE
Because I am a peerless man and feared by the people, my name indeed without doubt is Constantine the noble, worthy emperor, son of Queen Helen who is head of all her race — as many have heard. There is in the land a false belief that does me harm — the devil take them, whether far or near! My life I restrain, by my soul, and put them all to death through pain and shame — I have slain many hundreds, and likewise I shall yet do more. Torturers! Foolish wretches — torturers, come to me all, in the name of Mahomet and Sol!
[Here the Torturers shall strut, with swords]
THE TORTURERS
Hail, Constantine the noble! As we are your loyal people, we are come together to do you honour and worship — may your foes be smitten surely before us.
CONSTANTINE
Welcome, knights, every one — there is need for you to labour to chastise the Christians throughout the realm of Rome henceforth. All who believe in Mary’s son — by pains make them be slain; never fear damnation — I will uphold you ever.
SECOND TORTURER
We fear no peril or sin — there is strength in my two arms, so long as I may rest without murdering Christians — command us, soldiers; none dares stand in the middle.
CONSTANTINE THE EMPEROR
Men-at-arms with you — go, two hundred indeed from here. Watch, prove yourselves manly to the Christians — spill blood; spare neither young nor old, the foes of my god Sol.
THIRD TORTURER
We will do it, truly Constantine — set them to sharp torment, all who worship Christ the brawler. Let us go, comrades — each to his place — to spy, wandering if there is a traitor.
CALO
I see there two fellows surely at their confession — Christians they seemed, sirs. Tell us what belief is in you, here now, on pain of death!
A COUNT
In Christ Jesus we believe; for fear of men in the world we do not forsake his name. Whoever does not believe so — to the pain of hell he surely goes to torment when he is dead.
FIRST TORTURER
Out on you, foul cur! Do not name Christ before us — and if you do, there shall be death to destroy the Christians; sent by Constantine are we, the terror of this land.
A DOCTOR IN THE FAITH
For fear of Constantine or his pains for a season we do not deny Jesus. Though you do us villainy, Christ is head of the lords who shall acquit us.
SECOND TORTURER
You whoreson — a thousand curses on your Christ — fie! Deny his name quickly! [Your gallows is ready] Worship quick Jove and Sol, or you shall die indeed here through sharp pains.
THE COUNT
It is better for us to die than worship devils surely. In this world folly is made — woe to you, mad gods! We worship Christ of mercy who died for us all.
THIRD TORTURER
For speaking words so bold, on a gallows, certainly, here you shall be hanged; likewise the other traitor by your side — like a gallows-bird he shall be hanged by me.
THE DOCTOR IN THE FAITH
Mary, queen of heaven, Mary — our souls pray that there may be salvation for the accursed people; remember our spirits for fear of damnation.
CALO
Hush — you have boasted enough — see, the dogs left in this world: a soul — though heaven’s gates be shut, yet hell shall be opened for him — I do not care.
THE COUNT
Jesus, Lord, with true heart, Jesus grant us salvation, for here we must die — blessed be the hour! Jesus, to you my spirit I commend surely.
FIRST TORTURER
Now when they are in the noose, quickly let us heighten their pain — let us bring them with swords at the side, to slay them — as true as the devil — this one — look — dead!
SECOND TORTURER
Through his side I have thrust — he dared not stand in the middle. Look, through his crown, the villain — I drove to the head so that it split into pieces like motes.
THIRD TORTURER
We are ready to do harm so that none escapes: a noose dropped to the ground — their bodies together are cut, mangled like a badger torn by hounds.
CALO
Still the ungracious crew makes great boasts — when an evil blow is struck, ill luck on you — farewell! God’s curse on the company!
[Calo goes, and the Torturers remain in the place]
JESUS (in heaven)
My blessed angels, the souls of the martyred — bring them soon to joy, for their saying in the world — their spirits are safe — the joy that endures forever.
MICHAEL
Jesus, your will shall be done; those who are martyred in the world shall come to joy, as it is commanded us faithfully. Ever shall it be done, and it is fitting so.
GABRIEL
O martyred souls, the joy of heaven is granted you by Christ Jesus above — for the torment in the world your bodies were given. Be you joyful!
[Here the souls are ready]
FIRST TORTURER
Out — let us go, comrades, to those woods to hide, for together they are burned. In the sky, by my troth, a light has fallen through which I am dazzled.
[Here Saint Sylvester begins, saying:]
SYLVESTER
Go, you faithful, humble and meek, in God’s name, to him who formed heaven and earth in this world with his hands — the Son of Man, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: three Persons and one substance. That is the true belief as holy church taught us. Now together, my children, we will go hence to bury the good people who are martyred, as we hear, by the evil people of the Emperor Constantine — he will not leave a Christian alive in this land, most surely.
[He descends; the tomb is ready]
A CARDINAL
Sylvester, our sweet father, Jesus the mighty Lord help us ever! Look, the dead men — put them soon in graves and let us flee quickly hence!
[Here they bury them]
SYLVESTER
Now when we are in the grave, Jesus Christ, head of the angels, lay their souls to rest. We will tarry no longer — if we can keep ourselves from Constantine now, else with him we shall be dead. To the Mount of Soracte we will surely go; in Rome it avails us not to tarry. Come now, great and small — if we can keep ourselves safe.
[He goes up to Mount Soracte. A visor is ready on Constantine’s face]
SECOND TORTURER (to Constantine)
Hail, Sir Lord Constantine — Christians are dead with us — surely some threescore — part hanged, part devoured, part dragged at mares’ tails, part burnt in fire indeed.
[He goes]
CONSTANTINE
Go home, my soldiers; the devil take your company! There is leprosy fallen on me — and I know not how — alas, alas, I am become leprous! As every man says, foul — no man cares to see my face. Alas, what is better for me now to be done? I have been too cruel to the Christians, I think. For beauty, riches — farewell! Little joy I have of the world; I would soon die here among men — I would not be seen.
JUSTUS
Send for the bishops and the great doctors — let them come here. They will say through books if there is a cure in the world for the sickness — for it is great leprosy — and do not fear in the case: for certain they will help.
CONSTANTINE
A messenger immediately — fetch me the bishop here and the great doctor likewise who is called the flower of this world — surely in the clergy, if they can tell me whether there is any cure indeed for the sickness I have.
SECOND MESSENGER
Hail, Sir Emperor Constantine — here I am ready to labour most cleanly; hence in your errands I will not tarry. The bishop and the doctor flower I will fetch quickly to your tower — I will go in one journey.
[Here Bishop Pol or the Doctor shall strut]
SECOND MESSENGER
Hail, Sir Bishop in your tower; hail likewise to you, Doctor — fit to be in one house. To Constantine there is need to come. Think well; before you go a wise answer must be given.
BISHOP POL
Welcome, messenger — clean you are here, on my soul. What would Constantine? By God, he is not in good case — tell us. If it be so that he is disgraced, it shall soon be found that he is full wretched indeed.
THE DOCTOR
By God — look, a good bargain, messenger fair — tell me in the meantime of the fair emperor what ails him.
SECOND MESSENGER
He is sick — leprosy he has, surely — we never saw in the world a man so afflicted as he is now.
THE DOCTOR
Aha! — I knew it! Bachelor Jankyn, in the meantime — listen to my saying — a phial of physic under your cassock — and do bring it to me — I fancy being a cunning physician.
[Bring the pot; the book is ready — and the urine inspected]
CLERK JANKYN
For the easing of patients and to stop their ills, there is for you a fair chance — you shall surely have it; stand by your side — you shall practise as a cunning man.
[He descends to Constantine]
BISHOP POL
Worship in this and joy to you, lord of this realm — a little while ago we came with the messenger.
CONSTANTINE
Welcome, Sir Bishop flower! Welcome likewise, Sir Doctor! Come up — I pray you — my sickness at once you shall see. It is no grief — I know you shall do me good.
THE DOCTOR
Let me see your water, and then the emperor shall be answered in the case.
JUSTUS
I thought that — look, here to pour into your green urinal.
[Hoc urina malorum et nimis rubrorum]
THE DOCTOR
This is urine of bad humours and too red — aha! I know it then — come here, Bachelor Jankyn, look on it — by your leave, look up, sirrah! Of it take no grief — though there is with it savour of poison — put it near your nostrils — this is a ticklish matter. Now I know indeed what the sickness is. What will you give me — and be healed indeed, Constantine? Be with this: through help of my god Sol I will make you a drink if I can find the stuff to buy.
CONSTANTINE
Take it — here are ten pounds to begin with; keep these for me till it is better — in your veins I will make you a great lord.
THE DOCTOR
By God — these will profit! I will pray leave to go back home. I shall come again — good day to you — with drinks that will heal you.
[He descends with the clerk. Bishop Pol remains there]
BISHOP POL
By my faith, I cannot fathom it — a fairer fee was never given — by god Sol, by God! — yet by God I know how to cure sickness indeed. Nevertheless he must live if falsity does not help — as for a physician, I shall never be one.
CLERK JANKYN
I know no herb in the world for a physician — by my troth, as I am a man!
[He goes home]
CONSTANTINE
Bishop, what do you say? I know of no medicine — you could help but through books.
BISHOP POL
There is not, lord, by my troth — I have truly studied in books — now I tell you: you shall never be whole unless you are washed in this world — you would be, truly, in blood.
JUSTUS THE PRELATE
I was not lying — surely though you be washed in blood you would be fairly healed, and in no other way, as the speaker told us, can you be made whole.
CONSTANTINE
What blood would that be? Spare no beast in the world! — that may be found? I am in need — as you see, to be healed.
BISHOP POL
It avails him not — beast’s blood: children most pure are for you — most meet to gather from all the land; and especially they draw clean blood — they exceed all others. Make you a bath in a tub, and you shall be most whole.
JUSTUS THE PRELATE
Send soldiers into the land to gather the little children — a number of a thousand — and let them be slain and their blood drawn — fair and clean in one vessel; when you are washed in that, you are whole as crystal.
CONSTANTINE
This thing can be done. Torturers at once! Torturers, come to me at once! Torturers with great force! Torturers, awaken!
FIRST TORTURER (to Constantine)
Hail, my lord Constantine — both gallows and prison — here we are come, as we believed, to do good. You would not have us believe — nor are we used to that.
[A woman is ready with her children]
CONSTANTINE
Go for me through all the land, both Rome and Lombardy; gather the children who are, most certainly, under three years of age — and their mothers — a thousand in number, without doubt. It matters not if there be a hundred more. Let every one in his quarter — a parcel of men-at-arms certainly among you divided shall be — whoever gathers the most, of him the greatest grace and reward indeed.
[Men-at-arms are ready]
SECOND TORTURER
Lord, your will shall be done. A quarter of the household at once — come with me hence. Woman with your little child — and your neighbours certainly — truss quickly to Constantine, or I shall slay you here.
THIRD TORTURER
I have with me six-score children — bring them to the emperor, trussed, that they may be tied like a pig, or worse. Now soldiers — watch that none escapes in the world!
CALO
Gathered with me are eight-score children, by my soul — enough is that for my part. Sorry are their mothers — when these are dead we shall make more lamenting.
FIRST TORTURER (to Constantine, with women and many children)
Hail, Constantine, in your tower! Laboured for your pleasure — around the land I have been — look, nineteen-score children! Hearts will surely be pierced when they are seen slain.
SECOND TORTURER
Constantine, come through me — and there are with me six-score children likewise — fair, ready to be trussed. I am ready, my good lord — see the sweet babies!
THIRD TORTURER
Hail, Constantine the noble! A scolding crowd to please you I have brought — by God, the child that escaped — hearts I have cracked — five hundred surely I have got, trussed soon to be bound.
CALO
Hail, Constantine, in your tower! Eleven-score children for your honour — and more I have gathered since they went from home — children I have brought — woe to him who refuses!
A FIRST MOTHER
Alas, wretched emperor! If you will slay children here who never sinned — there is for you a weak counsel. The God of heaven shall pay you — men ungracious!
JUSTUS
Do not boast, proud words — they shall surely be dead to get, surely, their blood for the emperor the flower to wash himself that he may be fair indeed. So it is found through the clergy — save in this way it cannot be.
CONSTANTINE
How many is the sum of the children that are gathered here to me? It is surely a great burden if there is need to slay them. Pity I have — seeing their mothers wailing — and glad certainly my body would be healed.
FIRST TORTURER
There are here a thousand — to my knowledge — and seven-score. Let them be dead — spare them not — and you shall be most certain. In your bath I slay them without fear or pity, more than a wild hart of the wood.
SECOND TORTURER
I will truss a thousand, cutting their throats. The bodies we will pile and put them in earth, certainly, in the devils’ names. They will slay children no more than they would undo a goat or a cow — for in the matter there is no shame.
CONSTANTINE
The dignity of royal blood is in Rome most surely, as it records — whoever slays children in battle is held a cruel man. My words — give heed: it is poison to you to destroy — or else — these same children; I know not — though I die it shall be a pain to my soul.
THIRD TORTURER
Sir emperor, let them be slain for your health now — if God will not speak for us, the devil will be full glad. After this, wash yourselves in their blood — or else, if you will live — we slay them here now.
CALO
Since it avails to slay — the girl there and this one — in one night, as it were, I would do for you — look, of this same sort if you will, high lord: I cut her throat, and this one I bind here.
[The torturers go, and the women remain in the place]
CONSTANTINE
Sweet woes! — to their mothers it would be wrong for you to be slain, by my word — it were a pity, as you know, to slay here a thousand children to save one body. It is better for me to die in great sickness thus and leave alive surely the thousand souls that are here than, as you plainly say, to do murder — I would be a cruel man if I slew all these. Give the children to their mothers, on pain of stretching and hanging — I charge that not one, without fail, any child be slain indeed. And I will give the women money to buy food and drink, and to the children good delight — home, little mothers, you and your little children!
SECOND MOTHER
Sir emperor, many thanks to you — may your wealth be increased among poor women for saving our children. God has prepared health for you, lord — farewell.
CONSTANTINE
I will go to my bed — it is night, most truly — weary am I here of my life. To my body — I would give health — half my realm and all my goods indeed.
[He closes the door]
JESUS (from heaven)
Peter and Paul — go now to earth to Constantine: for the pity he took on children, women and men, Sylvester, most certainly, shall give him health.
PETER
Lord, your will we shall do. Brother Paul, let us go hence to comfort Constantine, who spilt not the children’s blood — he shall surely be helped.
[Peter and Paul descend; Constantine goes up into a tower]
PAUL
Constantine, if you sleep, listen to us here — we are sent to you for health, for you took pity on the children and women, as you did. Jesus will help you.
PETER
Because you did not spill the blood of the innocents here, Christ has sent us to you — you shall be made most whole: send for Sylvester so that he may come to help you.
PAUL
The Pope Sylvester indeed — in the mountain where he dwells, Soracte it is called — shall make you whole at once — he can heal you surely without murdering children in the world.
PETER
And when you are whole and clean, see that you destroy utterly all the temples of the false gods; and succour and maintain as much as you can in the world the churches of Jesus Christ.
[They go to heaven]
CONSTANTINE
Benedicite! — what a sight I had tonight in the night! There came to me two bright men — the doors were shut close — and they spoke to fetch Sylvester, and I should be, without doubt, all healed of my sickness. A messenger with great speed — fetch Sylvester to me quickly! In Mount Soracte he is hiding with his clergy. Tell them indeed to come to me here.
SECOND MESSENGER (to Constantine)
Lord Constantine, at all times your will shall be done by me most surely — but I know not where the same mountain is, for certain.
[To Sylvester on Mount Soracte]
Hail, Sylvester, and your clergy! Hide no longer indeed — you are given safe conduct in this place.
[The images are ready, with Sylvester, of Peter and Paul]
The Emperor Constantine bids you labour — water he has commanded likewise.
SYLVESTER
Lord of heaven, be you worshipped! I know now then — suffering death for us can never be avoided. My brethren, let us go hence — one heart — may Jesus, son of salvation, help us every day.
[To Constantine]
Hail, Constantine, in your tower! I know that you saw what was done to you; and the belief that was good we would do — for being in disbelief through fear of suffering death we will not refuse to incline to you.
CONSTANTINE
Sylvester, welcome — it is not for evil sorrow you are fetched to me. I reproach not — no wrong errand — be at ease; great is my need indeed, both night and day counselled by my clergy. O wise men, surely I had a thousand children gathered to slay, to be a bath, that I might then in the blood of the children be washed — a thousand were gathered here to me for the case; great pity I took — to slay so many children to save one man — I commanded them, to be sure; but tonight a strange sight I saw, certainly. Two men came to me in the night with a great power of light — and the doors were shut close. I know not, by my troth, who they were, surely to me. They spoke plainly: to send after Sylvester, that he might quickly, without doubt, wash me full clean before going — so that the great sickness may be healed. Who could these be? — do you know, Sylvester? — warning me, as I believed. Were they gods?
SYLVESTER
They are not those gods — I tell you, Constantine: two beloved apostles — in Christ with full heart. Look at their images, without doubt, if you hold them like, certainly — and to you their names I tell most plainly.
CONSTANTINE
By that which is on my body — those are they, certainly, with the keys and the sword — a fair sight on my soul — I never saw in my days. Mercy on Christ — I believe I will be a Christian, without doubt!
SYLVESTER
I make you a catechumen; and now you shall fast a week, without fail — after that, baptised you shall surely be — and washed so that you may be whole.
CONSTANTINE
Fasting surely is my will, and believing ever in Christ — mercy for my sins, and to weak men who gave themselves in error — for my sins grant them pardon.
SYLVESTER [descends]
Now I baptise you in the name of Mary’s son — here you are washed — who was crucified on the cross — he grant you now, as I have prayed, full health.
[The visor away; holy water is ready. When he had descended with the baptismal water, a wonderful splendour of light shone forth. From there he came out cleansed, and declared that he had seen Christ.]
JESUS (from heaven)
Constantine, for the pity you took on the children, and the mercy upon them — you would not slay them — I will surely save you from sin. When you are washed — mercy: whoever takes mercy, help him always.
CONSTANTINE
Benedicite! — what light was here shown! Jesus Christ, head of angels — most truly I saw all his wounds before me revealed — fair and good to be seen — he comforted me.
SYLVESTER
You may be joyful — you were sick, infirm — thanks to Christ you are whole. There was never a fairer man — nor do I know one — in your days.
CONSTANTINE
To Christ Jesus I give thanks — and to you, Sylvester, evermore. To your palace now I will go with procession to do you honour — I command through the realm — God, that is, Christ, be worshipped! — and I also, as I may, to make men believe in Jesus.
[To the pope’s palace in procession; and afterwards let him go home. And John Ergudyn is ready on horseback — he who was Justus with Constantine — to play the Merchant.]
Here the Outlaws Shall Strut — or One for All #
FIRST OUTLAW
I am an outlaw in the wood — more roving in my days I never did, truly. When my stuff is spent, I provide more — there is nothing but sport and robbery.
SECOND OUTLAW
Now is the time to spy for prey — money is coming, by my faith — merchants among us — we spy a fellow with a full purse. If we can, a man of holy church — soon we shall gather more. In the morning let us go, spy with all our might who is the merchant wandering — to seize him; spare not — I take him for you and maintain you ever.
THIRD OUTLAW
I see a fellow on horseback — he is no stranger to me — look, seized! Alight to the ground, mate, and your purse out — or I take your horse quickly!
THE MERCHANT
O sirs, hear my speech — you do harm to your souls when you pass from this world — your spirits on the tree in anguish and great pain shall come — God keep the soul!
FIRST OUTLAW
Well do you see — the dogs! — men’s souls in the world repenting for their evil; when we take them — God knows — the devil is full glad — hanged like a hawk!
FOURTH OUTLAW
I see a fellow in a tall cowl — a priest he seems surely. There is money with that, Sir Parson — a good day to you! I will change purses, by my faith, before going hence!
THE PARSON
O fie — then think of your God — his will is not to be done in such wise. Breaking his commandments — you do, without fail — know that he attends you.
FIRST OUTLAW
Whoever takes fear of his God — we prosper not in any way. Mate, on us — do not stay, but give back all the money or I’ll quarter you here — I do it without delay.
THE PARSON
Gone with you is all hope — the time shall come when Christ Jesus among us shares the truth. Think of this — doomsday; do me right surely.
FIRST OUTLAW
Will there be a price till doomsday? — that comes not in a cloak. You mock more the thing that is around you surely — strip off his clothes — he has given us long enough! When the judgment is you shall know — nor shall the payment be a penny.
SECOND OUTLAW
Look — stripped naked! In this wise let him fare — to the wretches goes the goods.
[They remain in the place]
Here the Count of Rohan #
COUNT OF ROHAN
I am the chief lord of Rohan — a worthy earl of peerless rank; Meriasek certainly is most near kin to me. He has forsaken his father and mother, and I know not where he is gone — for whom I am grieved.
FIRST MESSENGER
Sir Earl, mighty lord, there is surely Meriasek come here to the land beside Pontelyne indeed as a hermit most truly — he spends his days there.
COUNT OF ROHAN
I will go to him, and his companions truly with me, to tempt him if we can to turn to the world — his kinsfolk surely are grieved by him, for certain.
ROHAN’S KINSMAN
He is in a great mountain, as I heard — a mile’s pace from the ground below, and there always night and day — himself alone — he lives — his food and sustenance little.
[The Count goes up the mountain, with his kinsman and his friend]
MERIASEK
Thanks be to Jesus — here I dwell as a hermit in the wilderness. In place of my purple robes — fine cloths certainly — now I wear russet cloth. In my rough russet shirt, I drink neither cider nor wine nor any drink but pure water; and my food spare, lest my nature grow too strong.
THE FRIEND
Here is Meriasek worshipping mighty God — on the top of the mountain, a mile’s pace up from here. To the chapel surely — he is accounted by men most holy.
COUNT OF ROHAN
Meriasek, joy to you — we are come to visit you and likewise to comfort you and make your acquaintance. Your kinsfolk are in sorrow for you in this world.
MERIASEK
Why are they in sorrow? No treachery did I do to them nor to any man in the world — as far as I could keep myself — nor would I ever, with blessed God’s help.
COUNT OF ROHAN
Great pity it is — you are a man sprung of a great line — that you will so simply be here in misery. You do not love yourself — I will say it.
MERIASEK
It is pleasing to me to be near to God and worship him — to do his will as is fitting, so that I may earn the realm of heaven.
ROHAN’S KINSMAN
You could worship God — as many a man does today — living fair and honest. Come hence with us — alas, pity it is, you being here like a beast.
MERIASEK
Poverty is my chosen lot after this, and likewise freedom — you know not, my children, what all the soul’s business is.
COUNT OF ROHAN
Meriasek, you are not wise to worship God — you could surely, though it were hard — the riches of the world — it is a shame with all your kin for you to be here like a beggar sitting.
MERIASEK
O — by your leave, you people — this is a noble life: a time shall come when to the soul surely its dwelling brings salvation — all for the soul. The lust of the flesh serves and the world it leaves to rot under its feet. It never does wrong to any man; the power of the devil every season through it shall be confounded — it is the soul’s health certainly and heaven’s joy won through it.
COUNT OF ROHAN
There is many a man without doubt who thinks to go to heaven and still loves the world’s goods — likewise you could do great honour to your kin and be saved.
MERIASEK
The world’s goods, riches and great wealth, by my troth, I never loved them; they are not to be trusted — false are they; though a man may strive for them he cannot prevail in them.
THE FRIEND
Do not tempt the man more — it is needful for Christ with full heart — to his faithful service — may it not be broken. If he is a true saint, so many miracles indeed he would not do.
COUNT OF ROHAN
I will not force him — for it profits me nothing indeed. Meriasek, I pray you, do one thing for me as you are my kin: great thieves are in this land destroying many a man — do upon them a punishment as great is your power. No man can go to the fair without being surely robbed — destroyed both body and goods. The fairs in Brittany, certainly — if you would help me as you may: the last day in Gortheren — the first fair and the second be in August certainly at my desire — the eighth day, and the third month — Gwengala, Michaelmas day that is — in Plouvouala — likewise the same fairs shall be.
MERIASEK
This shall be granted to you, as it is desired, through God’s grace and nothing else. The thieves shall be expelled, part turned to better ways, by God’s mercy if they repent.
[The Count of Rohan goes home, and Meriasek remains there]
FIRST OUTLAW
Now, mates, look around — if you see — so mote I go — a man by the wood wandering, watch for me quick — his purse he shall have — God’s curse on whoever speaks against it!
[Here fire comes upon them]
SECOND OUTLAW
Out, alas, great and small! All the wood is with flame — burning, we are consumed — come upon us unhappily — that is for the devilment we have done here in the world.
THIRD OUTLAW
O hush — the devil take you! Why do you leap and bound? The light, I know, is not now the moon when it is rising.
FOURTH OUTLAW
Out — let us flee! There is burning — the wood to one side, faith! [The horse is ready] Out — we shall be scalded! Hence I will flee quickly, if I can — and God’s curse in the bargain — where is my brown horse? The devil has sorely hindered me!
[One outlaw goes on the horse]
FIRST OUTLAW
O Meriasek, Meriasek, as you are a mighty saint, pray for me that I be not burnt in the fire — and your servant for certain I shall be forever!
SECOND OUTLAW
Meriasek, save me without fail — if it is true what I heard said — that you are mighty — here to you I yield myself — I shall be yours forever, if you wish.
THIRD OUTLAW
Meriasek, as you are a true saint, now at once save my life, and to you I yield myself.
FIFTH OUTLAW
I believe in Meriasek — that he is mighty — his servant shall I be; and for my wretched sins mercy, Jesus, I cry!
FIRST OUTLAW
Thanks to Christ and Meriasek — we are saved clean and fair! From mischief now let us go to him and desire most plainly to pray Christ to forgive us.
[To Meriasek on the mountain]
Meriasek, joy to you — here we are come to pray your counsel always. There were ungracious men who did foul deeds — robbery, stealing many a beast. When we were together in the wood, going on purpose to rob men, upon us came a burst of fire and scorched us certainly — we would have been burned clean most surely. I believe it was a merciful help to me — Meriasek — through that I was saved, and part of my fellowship — part likewise fled; part we know not where gone — so that I am here. Alas, if we had been damned!
MERIASEK
Pray mercy on Jesus, and remember your God. Watch that you be clean — yield not to sin again; and for you, most truly, to Jesus Christ I pray.
FIRST OUTLAW
O Meriasek, Meriasek, the wretched souls — take pity that they be not lost. Believe in you — we were all lost, young and old.
MERIASEK
Fear not — despair not: merciful is dear God. To him who will pray him — when there is repentance in you — I will bless you — in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen — to everyone: be restored, as much as you can, always.
COUNT OF ROHAN
Thanks be to Jesus — and likewise to Meriasek — to us all it is counselled, both rich and poor, that they may now go to the fairs — the thieves far out of the land are gone most surely! Thanks to mighty Jesus — through Meriasek’s prayers all this is done. And the fairs shall be held — Meriasek has granted — worshipped be he forever: six days in the month of Gortheren a fair shall be certainly, at my desire likewise; in August the eighth day the second fair surely shall be held in the land forever; and the third, the month of Gwengala — Michaelmas day that is — in Plouvouala held — and Meriasek forever proclaimed in it truly.
[Here the Duke of Cornwall shall strut, saying:]
DUKE OF CORNWALL
I am duke in all Cornwall — likewise my father — and high lord in the land — from the Tamar to the end of the realm — I dwell now, without doubt, within Castle-an-Dinas on the moors, and on the high land I have another castle called Tintagel — that is my lordly dwelling. It is told to me that there is in the parish of Penwith a gracious man most truly — over the sea to us he came. He is not far — my steward — did you hear talk of him? In truth tell me surely!
THE DUKE’S STEWARD
I have heard, mighty lord — he is called Meriasek, a gracious man in his days; by all he is beloved. Likewise as it is said, much good he has done in the land.
THE DUKE’S CHAMBERLAIN
Lord, I tell you true — he has gone to another land — it is a week past — with God’s help, without fail. He was never in Cornwall seen in any place.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Why has he gone out of the land? Welcome in his days — I never heard tell — he spoke but honesty — truly a man of wisdom and goodness — many have praised him.
CHAMBERLAIN
Teudar, an ungracious pagan, in this land has driven him, as you heard — and he is not far. He will not suffer a Christian in his neighbourhood for certain — a cruel man he is. Meriasek by him now was hunted, indeed, without fail.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Out — a curse on the foul dog! Why did I not hear this before? A lord the world gave me — I also most hot: before daybreak by night he shall be taken — trust him — and gain most simply — as I may — surely his end. Be ready, my household — I will not stay — for certain he comes to my land — he shall prove it — and in tight pursuit surely, if he will not yield, let him run to the devil.
THE STEWARD
We are ready to you surely. Duke, much evil at once he has done since he came into this land — in Menek, in Lestevdar is his chief place, without doubt — many resort to him.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Though he have thousands of hundreds, surely they go to death by the will of Jesus above. I will know why he came surely to this land without my leave for certain — all together, let us go hence, my household with full heart.
[The duke descends with his men-at-arms — with streamers]
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Say, my lords, what is best for us — hasten to meet the tyrant, if I can end his evil ways, for he is surely without doubt against Christ’s faith — I am displeased.
THE STEWARD
Dwelling was in Lestevdar — that is in Menek — but another place surely has the evil-doer — within Porder — that is called Godrevy — there indeed the wretch has made his harbour.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
The host we shall hasten in the name of Christ above; if he tarries in Cornwall indeed, we shall deal with the villain. My banner — display it before him, truly now, as befits a worthy lord. I will go from hence.
[To Teudar]
SECOND MESSENGER (to Teudarus)
Hail, Teudar, emperor of power — there is a duke here in the realm risen against you, and with him truly a great host — he would gladly see your death; he threatens for certain.
TEUDARUS THE EMPEROR
Out on him, the foul false one! I defy him, day and night. It makes no matter to me — they shall shake their beards. Torturers, to arms! Come forth, my vile men!
FIRST TORTURER [descending to Teudarus]
We are all ready in arms — they shall shake their beards — whoever sets against us must needs be taken — I say surely, the devil — great is our delight in it.
TEUDARUS
For the better — in the devil’s name — let us go without delay — lest they take us, by my soul — the duke and his men, by my soul! Before going — there is ready for me a faithful people here — more than fifteen thousand, certainly!
[He descends with his men-at-arms — with streamers]
[Here the Devil shall strut]
FIRST DEVIL
Peace — I say, both far and near — listen to Jupiter — your tidings from the north — I see them coming. Beelzebub, we will go to do battle in the same way.
BEELZEBUB
Master — that is well done. Teudar, the evil lord — we will comfort him, if we may, against them. Let us go to the temple — never shall I see better than to do sorcery, certain.
[Let him go into the temple]
TEUDARUS
Joy to you, god Monfras! I will pray your grace before going to the fight — that I may do well, certainly, and not perish indeed.
[They all kneel]
FIRST DEVIL
Teudar, welcome — manly! Bear yourself, and spare not to do harm. I uphold you — your soul is nothing — for that I have a hole — likewise for all your soldiers. Be joyful — the soul is but a tale — you shall be praised, commended after this.
FIRST TORTURER
Let us go quickly now — we need not care how — Mahomet our chief forever!
THE STEWARD
Sir duke, I see Teudar — and a parcel of the evil crew — most truly following him. Speak with him — would you — and ask him truly what he does in this land.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Let it be so, surely, my steward — though there is evil art in him, I will not fear him; though we are few — mighty I will make myself — and I will make strife among them — I give challenge.
[To the stall]
You tyrant of unbelief, what do you in this land? Title or claim indeed on behalf of mother or father you have not here — you are surely a stranger. You drove out of the realm Meriasek, who was a stranger — accounted certainly of noble race.
TEUDARUS
I drove him out of the land — though he went — like Meriasek. You worship the foul fool who bore grievous pains on a cross-tree — called Jesus. For vengeance surely I am upon his servants — I am come for certain, you and your people, to destroy you all now.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
That stands not in your power, you false excommunicate dog! Before that, I will spill your blood, and you shall be destroyed like a weed, by my soul. To do complete vengeance, by my soul — I have heard in this land what the devil’s son does — to avenge it on you, Duke of Cornwall am I.
TEUDARUS
Duke of Cornwall and all his men under my feet I crush them — as the dust — though it be my possession — great among my nation — I increase them indeed. A conqueror I am, a fine body in proof, feared among lords.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
I hold not your strength — you tyrant, a filthy cuckoo! Through the heart I defy you. If you stand not aside, quickly out of my ground — think — I shall, without fail. In your land you are a stranger — pray pardon — or void from my sight, most foul alien! Upon Christians here you have dared to set — I will make your head crack — may the arms break — and pray for my meeting.
TEUDARUS
By my faith, the little wretch — I could slay a horse — likewise you, wretch — you would do me harm. I mean, surely, to stand quiet — you shall not, you rogue. There is a royal kingdom that shall come to my help indeed.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Your accursed kingship — its help will be small. Call your great and small and all your horsemen too and your lords — I await them in plain — to Christ, as I am a faithful servant, and all my people indeed.
TEUDARUS
You vile head — mad, blameless — Christ — for mercy — and if you do, you shall have shame — and your host indeed. Foul knight — by God — suppose — I set here against the emperor.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Go, you false wretch — I know not your being with me in this world — to pasture — nor the devil, you foul alien, could you be in my inheritance — day nor night — you rove not far — know truly — for meddling with good people — as Meriasek was driven. Great shall you fare the worse — by the dreadful day of doom I tell you, you wretch — you are not so simple.
TEUDARUS
Sir duke, you deny the faith — or become a prisoner to me. Sit tonight — King Alwar and King Pygys, King Margh the royal likewise, King Casvelyn called — with succour are coming to me.
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Bring them when you will — here they shall be repulsed — they shall not escape without death, by God, lord of great power. Though there be here thousands of hundreds, we will drive you back — in Christ’s name there is for us — though weak — to battle with Christ’s foe.
TEUDARUS
Christ and you I defy, and here all your faith — aliens as you are — for meaning to set against me. My soldiers — make without delay — through the Christians’ heads!
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Come forth as quick as you will, in the name of Christ of mercy — to meet you I am ready. My soldiers — come upon them most truly — before we part, they shall bear grief.
[Here they shall fight]
TEUDARUS
My soldiers — bring me a horse! No further is there respite — by God, my people are dead, and I — evil fortune — might flee. The duke is a peerless man!
DUKE OF CORNWALL
Ho, soldiers now — ho! The tyrant is gone to flight — he cannot bear it — by God, his people are dead. Worship to beloved Christ — the victory is granted us! Peace — all who are here: the life of Meriasek — part was shown to you today, the second in time, and the remnant for certain shall be seen by God’s grace. Go all with the play — we pray you with full heart — that you be, husband and wife — Christ’s blessing and Meriasek’s, the blessing of Mary of Camborne! Pipe up, hearty minstrels, that we may dance at once!
The stations: Heaven — the Torturers — Sylvester — Hell — the Master — the Outlaws — the Bishop of Cornwall — the Duke of the Britons, that is, the father — Meriasek’s Chapel — the Count of Rohan — the Duke of Cornwall — King Conan — Teudarus the Emperor — Constantine.
On the Second Day #
[Constantine the Emperor shall strut here, saying:]
CONSTANTINE
I am called Constantine, in Rome the chief city of the world, crowned emperor certainly — and through Sylvester turned to be a Christian. I command through my realm to deny gods that are worthless and worship Christ full of grace who redeemed us on the cross.
[Here Count Globus the blind begins, saying:]
COUNT GLOBUS
O God, I am pained — for I see nothing in the world. What shall I do with all my riches? — wretched am I. To Meriasek I have heard — mighty he is in his miracles — if he will be a physician to me, he shall be rewarded.
THE SQUIRE OF COUNT GLOBUS
To him I will lead you — by the will of Jesus we shall speed — with him our errands.
[He goes to the mountain to Meriasek. And his squire leads him, and a staff in his hand]
COUNT GLOBUS
Lord of heaven, help me — and health grant me!
MERIASEK
Lord who made sea and land, help me ever — and give me in the way of truth my life here to guide. Jesus, Lord, look upon him — and your faithful grace to me grant — Jesus, ever my desire is in this world to please you.
COUNT GLOBUS
Meriasek, joy to you — a good man your conversation — truly you are accounted, and among all your nation you are named a gracious priest to rich and poor, ready certainly to help them — to succour the needy. I am a blind man — I cannot see. Though I speak to you through need, I would pray you — and if it stands in my power to acquit it as you will, do me a sight — there is no lack of gold — now if you help me the goods of the world shall not fail you.
MERIASEK
O goods of the world — nothing avails — neither rich nor poor. For goods I care not, for it is but a vanity and most simple to love.
COUNT GLOBUS
It is a great wonder to me that you love not the riches of the world. You could not live long without goods or men with you; through riches indeed a man is received high among lords and honoured ever by them. Ask all you will, Meriasek, of me — and fail not — though you desire pounds — hundreds, if you will — to see indeed with gold most surely I will pay you.
MERIASEK
It is not men’s goods I want — God’s grace upon the world, my son — there is a better way than that, if you will consider.
COUNT GLOBUS
Give me but one thing — sight: then I could hold my own against the king himself, nor fear any neighbour. Sight were better to me than ten pounds of land, though I lost all else.
MERIASEK
All your promises and your lands — keep them now as before — I will in my days follow Christ, head of the saints.
COUNT GLOBUS
I pray you with full heart — you will save me for love of the Passion that Jesus bore in this world — scourged by the Jews, nailed feet and hands with nails — in the side, as they pierced him — through the heart his blood — may it run — heal a blind man here without fail, for Jesus’ love.
MERIASEK
For Jesus’ love — you could do works — before you were helped — you would be healed — all your riches I hold of small account.
[He kneels]
Jesus Christ full of mercy, Jesus Christ, make his sight — bring this man his sight as I have prayed.
COUNT GLOBUS [kneels]
O Lord mighty, be worshipped forever — and the glorious saint Meriasek! — you saved me now. I see now in fairness — I never saw clearer, as lettered and lay know — a faithful servant of God is this man.
A POSSESSED MAN [the devil is ready by his side]
Help me, Meriasek, for Jesus’ love! I am sorely vexed with an evil spirit here — it will not let me live — it takes me with shrieks — so that I feel like being burnt — the grief I bear!
A DEAF MAN
I am a man who cannot hear — Meriasek, you are welcome — my mind is in pain — you could always help me for love of Christ son of grace — look on us poor folk.
MERIASEK [kneels]
Jesus Christ, through your mercy, if there is an evil spirit near, Jesus put him away from his dwelling and here prepare health for this one man, that he may be seen to be in the world serving you.
THE DEMON [howling deceits in his ears]
Out — on you, Meriasek — you are a scoundrel to me, driving me from my home through the land. With you always I am conquered — still I will go hence, for there is malice against you, by God!
THE POSSESSED MAN
Thanks be to Jesus — the evil spirit is avoided — I am saved from him — I have no more griefs. Meriasek, in my days I am held as a great wonder.
THE DEAF MAN
And I hear as well as need be — in my days I am held to Meriasek — through him saved and helped — we are most fair.
COUNT GLOBUS
Meriasek, worship be to you — with you we are comforted, who were in great misery and hardship. For your joy we pray — may Christ ever keep your power.
MERIASEK
My sweet children, go — through my blessing with you. Never hinder me in my service; and watch to thank God who saved you — believe ever in him.
[They all go home]
[Here the Count of Vannes shall strut]
COUNT OF VANNES
I am an earl in Vannes, a lord of great dignity. To the Lord God — great worship and thanks to me — he has maintained me. A bishop of the land is dead — the college without fail — I will go hence — it is needful for me to see today our bishop — who he shall be.
THE COUNT’S SQUIRE
Sir lord — hawks you have surely — they speed not in this land — there are rich and poor desiring Meriasek as bishop truly, that he may be.
[The Count descends to the Dean at the college in the place]
COUNT OF VANNES (to the Dean)
Sir dean, joy to you — and to all your college. I am come — but a good errand — to know most surely who shall be bishop in this place — now chosen.
THE DEAN
Sir earl, my worthy lord, welcome surely here — we are well pleased with your errand to know indeed who shall be bishop for us in the best time.
COUNT OF VANNES
There is all the common voice — with Meriasek making noise — that he may be bishop indeed. And I know no better man. Who will speak otherwise? Answer here for us.
[The Count goes home]
A CANON
It is certainly joyful to get Meriasek for us to be our ruler — we shall not be deceived. Send for his bulls, my dear lord.
COUNT OF VANNES
Come forth, my messenger — go for me to Pope Sylvester. Say — the watchman of Brittany — pray him for Meriasek, a worthy man — bishop in Vannes — we would have him at once.
FIRST MESSENGER (to the Count of Vannes)
Sir earl, you shall not be deceived — to the town I will turn at once — as far as here I will not tarry long — I will go quickly — and farewell with you!
POPE SYLVESTER
The power and comfort of the Father be with us always; Jesus the Son full of grace succour us more and more; the blessed Holy Spirit — his grace may we find with us; Mary mother and virgin — may God’s mercy pray for us. God’s mercy is ever ready — if man will not lose it — it is not his will to destroy the thing he redeemed. Be resolute — be clean, healed; avoid sin in the world; and for the sins that are done take full repentance, and watch not to yield to sin any more — and you shall come surely to the joy that is in heaven — the peerless joy.
FIRST MESSENGER (to Sylvester)
Sylvester, worship to you — here am I sent from Brittany most truly — to see surely your power — that Meriasek may be bishop consecrated most truly in Vannes, a fair city — this is the will of the lords.
SYLVESTER
Welcome, my sweet son — a gracious man is Meriasek, as we heard account — his bulls shall be written — and soon done for you — ready that you may labour at once.
[The bulls are ready]
A CARDINAL (to the messenger)
The bulls are ready, messenger — take them — by leave of my good lord — there is noted surely and spoken much good of that same man.
FIRST MESSENGER
My lord, many thanks to you — as quickly you will speed — on my errands — leave to pray — to go hence across to my land.
SYLVESTER
Christ’s blessing be with you — greet the lords of the realm for me — and Meriasek the gracious man — he shall be faithful — they shall not find a better — a good shepherd in their days, husband or wife.
FIRST MESSENGER (to the Count of Vannes)
Hail, Sir Earl, in your tower! My errands sped well — your purpose is achieved — take the bulls: Meriasek, whom you proclaim, the pope has praised him.
COUNT OF VANNES
Messenger, welcome — now let the men go to the wilderness to fetch Meriasek for us — to him they shall bring letters as the watchmen of the land ordain to exalt him most fairly.
THE DEAN
Lord, that shall be done — let us go hence with great speed to Meriasek — he is ever in the wilderness — he comes out of misery — with him if it please us.
[To the mountain, to Meriasek]
Joy to you, Meriasek — look, here for you is a fair letter. Now read — the lords all would gladly that you be Bishop of Vannes truly at their desire.
MERIASEK
Many thanks to all the lords and to you, worthy canons — I will not take the dignity — nor ever have a mitre or any charge in the world — surely while I live ever.
A CANON
Meriasek, you are not a wise man — a royal life would surely be yours when you are a worthy bishop. Three hundred pounds you shall have yearly, and more besides. Your bulls are ready — take them, though it cost dear.
MERIASEK
It is a condition surely — like many indeed today of the men of holy church: when they labour for a benefice, soon it shall be asked how many pounds can be made of it — they remember not the charge they must render for their liege before Christ when it comes to the reckoning. Whoever has charge or cure — remember this now: he must reckon surely for the souls some time — do attend — if it is proved surely in the same a fault in the shepherd — he goes to the same charge. The end of the roll — the farther you all know — it shall be ever read. Never will I take a cure — save of one soul — may God give me to rule it faithfully!
THE DEAN
My brethren, let us go home — this man will not incline — to him nor to any it will avail. [To the Count] Sir earl, Meriasek will not — for us he will not be a father nor have a cure ever.
[He descends and remains there]
COUNT OF VANNES
Alas — what is wrong with him? Great is the wonder of him — to refuse surely the dignity! We will think of a way to turn him indeed — otherwise pleased I shall not be.
[Here the Bishop of Cornwall shall strut if it please]
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
I am called Bishop of Cornwall, in Britain without fail — a worthy peer to Vannes — let me go — there I would be — most truly with the lords.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL’S CROSS-BEARER
There is much to do — it is needful to take counsel of wise men — who shall be consecrated bishop. Meriasek — it is reported — the lot falls to him indeed.
[He descends. Here the Second Bishop shall strut]
SECOND BISHOP
My cross-bearer — let us go hence — much I see to do — over the Bishop of Vannes: Meriasek is chosen, but he will not, as I heard, receive him indeed.
SECOND CROSS-BEARER
Sir lord, by Saint John, I take it full gladly — if one will prove it to me; and if there were nobles riding — apiece on the colts — there would be no need to press him.
[The Second Bishop descends; Count Globus descends]
COUNT GLOBUS
Sir Bishop of Cornwall, bonjour — the company I pray well — to Vannes let us go.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Welcome, Sir Earl, by this day! Welcome, Sir Bishop worthy! Welcome is all who are with you!
SECOND BISHOP
Sir Earl and Bishop of Cornwall, many thanks to you without fail — in one way we are bound: in Vannes there is much to do, as I heard.
COUNT GLOBUS (to the Count of Vannes)
Sir Earl, joy to you — and reverence to the whole college! Great and small, we are come — as agreed, to exalt Meriasek in very certainty.
COUNT OF VANNES
Welcome, sirs, beloved earls — welcome, you bishops — great among you we are come — Meriasek is chosen to be consecrated bishop, but he refuses us.
[They all go down with the Count of Vannes]
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
If his will comes to town, he shall be consecrated bishop, God willing — why will he not take through it the power to do help and profit to all his race?
SECOND BISHOP
To him still let it be spoken — if he can be turned to the dignity — a good man his conversation — surely among all his nation we know him truly.
COUNT GLOBUS
Without further words, we will, without fail, go to the place where he is, and from there surely bring him — a blessed and worthy man — among us hence.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
That we all assent — let us go hence truly, great and small — men, keepers of the land — our intent — you hear, lay and learned — let us go to the hermitage on the mount.
SECOND BISHOP
Here is Meriasek — sir, surely a mighty lord — speak you to him first — if you will — through beauty — come with us without delay — pity it is to refuse him.
COUNT OF VANNES (to Meriadocus)
Joy to you, Meriasek — here as a poor man long you have lived. Now through your wisdom — exalted to your rule — you are worthy to be a ruler.
COUNT GLOBUS
A good man your conversation — you are among your nation and sprung of worthy blood, descended most truly. Here tarrying in misery — for that, come with us.
SECOND BISHOP
To your will — come to town to Vannes to be consecrated bishop — a mighty charge is for us — that is the will of all the land. You can in your days most truly be preserved — do it.
MERIASEK
Speak not of the dignity, for love of Christ above. A bishop I shall never be, nor a cure will I have, for certain — O son of man, in this world — but my own soul to keep. Lords, go you hence — do not hinder my devotions.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Say not such words nor make strife with us — with the pope — since it is ordained, you shall go, will you or not, with us — and here leave your dwelling.
MERIASEK [lamenting]
Mary blessed, help me, Mary! I am brought against my will — led I am, Mary — mother and virgin Mary. Heavy is the charge laid on me — I cannot bear it.
COUNT OF VANNES
Meriasek, you are a wise man — it is needful for your part to have a cure. Here surely in the places where there was a shepherd — the fox most surely devours the chosen. Unhindered — as we are within the church of Saint Samson — let him be consecrated with worship and reverence. It is not strife but loyalty — Meriasek — be not angered.
MERIASEK [to his church]
For love of the Passion that Jesus bore for us — nailed with nails feet and hands likewise, garments torn — in his heart he gave his blood; he wore a crown of thorns — through the crown the thorns reached indeed to his skull. For his love now I pray — I would be a bishop never, nor would I take the charge — I will not.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Speak not to us vain words — come here — rise in your cheer — wear your garments in your cope — with us you shall be clothed as befits a bishop by rights — nothing shall fail you certainly.
[Here Meriasek wears a gown]
SECOND BISHOP
Hold the crozier in the hand — in the name of Christ above in heaven and Mary the pure virgin. [A silver crozier and mitre are ready — a mitre put on his head] — we may be joyful — he gives us the cure.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Now I bless him — Jesus Christ, son of Mary, keep you as it pleases him. Now head over your nation, noble men — the installation — a good day is come!
COUNT OF VANNES
Now we are all pleased — Meriasek is consecrated bishop for us — a ruler he is over us — a maintainer of the Christian faith, succour to many a one.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
The dignity that is upon me — it is needful to bear it — a shame surely, more than honesty — a heavy thing to me, God witness. I have it not — the joy of the world I do not desire.
A NAKED SICK MAN
God has given — save wretched people — for love of the Passion that Christ the virgin’s son bore — garments torn — in his heart, feet and hands nailed — on the cross between thieves — with a crown of thorns crowned — so that they reached to his skull — most truly the thorns — now for his love give me clothing for my covering — me naked and my limbs to the wind!
COUNT OF VANNES
A fair thing — go on your way — an honest deed without blame — come forth, lords — and you, naked, your body all broken — I never saw a man more — more rotten his limbs.
THE NAKED MAN
For all the wounds that Christ bore, by spear and hands — for the Son of Man’s salvation — my body is loathsome, rotten, scattered my limbs — many a man. Often with cold and sores I have been out through the night — the dew of the earth most truly — my wounds full of filth — ever stinking. No man cares to give me a bed — rotten are my limbs — because I am sick.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
You shall surely be pitied — I would ever keep in mind — great pity it is to see you — rotten is your flesh like a clout.
THE NAKED MAN
Great surely are my griefs — and faint I am, without fail. I would gladly have a fair end — I would gladly see death — it is avoiding me — because I am wretched.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
Jesus has granted you health — here and at last — both body and limbs — to bring you health. Jesus, lord of salvation, save this man without fail! Take clothing over him — comfort him that he may live.
[A gown or mantle upon the Naked Man]
THE NAKED MAN
Jesus, mighty lord, may God repay you, Meriasek — whole is every limb to me; on my body there is no wound; the rotten flesh likewise is whole and sound — it is a wonder!
COUNT OF VANNES
Worship to you, Meriasek! We did not know you were so mighty — your deeds surely in this world — worthy are you of the dignity. We will go home — every one to his place.
[Let them go home and eat]
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
God’s blessing be with you — the dignity that is upon me — through you it was forced — yet I grant it surely; joy to another man — God be my witness.
[Then let them all go home]
A FIRST LEPER
Lord of heaven, what shall I do? — for certain I am stricken — a man cares not to see me — as was heard — Meriasek helped poor people — whatever their sickness may be. I will go to him, heartily, to seek help.
SECOND LEPER (to Meriadocus)
Meriasek, greeting to you — we are lepers — it is needful for us to tell you — for love of Christ above — we pray you certainly — do us help surely.
MERIASEK’S CHAPLAIN
Stand aside a little — it is not meet for sick men to come in near — lords, it is fitting to stand far away and wait most surely for the alms of the worthy man.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
O do not, my sweet chaplain, reprove the poor people who are come to me — ready is my bounty — to the great lords who are in the realm — it grieves me. Sick men — what say you? Is anything sent to you from me? Speak in God’s name!
FIRST LEPER
For love of the lord of heaven, help us at our cry — we are lepers — it is noted you are a good man, a helper ever to God’s men.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP [kneels]
Mary, queen of heaven, pray with me to Christ for grace — Mary, at their cry help the needy — Mary, as I pray you, save these — body and face — Mary, I beseech you — grant them health!
[It is done]
FIRST LEPER
To Jesus be thanks — your whole body is healed — clean and fair — skin and face.
SECOND LEPER
Likewise you are whole — a fairer man I never saw — nor a cleaner — to Jesus be thanks! Meriasek — reverence to you — in the work of a blessed man.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
My children, go home, and give no thanks to me but only to Christ above — believe in him. Jesus is all my help, both strong and weak.
[Here King Massen shall strut]
KING MASSEN
I am King Massen, a bold lord in my days. To the forest in certain I will go — good days always — to hunt a hart. Make ready the hounds and my household all in order — both lay and clergy — prepare to be with me.
THE KING’S HUNTSMEN
Lord, we shall be ready — hounds and nets likewise — there is for me the stuff — though we set here — a hart — at once it would be dead — believe that.
[He goes; the Lady — a certain woman — shall strut, as is found in the miracles of blessed Meriadoc, saying:]
A WOMAN
The young man would gladly be among lords — there he shall learn courtesy and manners most truly so that it may be his craft. I will go without delay now to the king’s court. My dear mother — farewell with you!
[She descends]
THE WOMAN — HIS MOTHER
My son — Mary’s blessing be with you — may it be for the best — I would — so mote I go — that you would tarry here at home with me! Mary, mother of mercy, I will go to pray likewise for our succour.
[To the church — let her go]
Mary, joy to you and worship forever — Mary blessed, be my help and succour to me in this world. Mary — I have no children save one dear son — sweet Mary, look on him — all my trust is in you.
THE SON (to King Massen)
Hail to you, my lord king! To you I am come without delay — as is my duty — if you will — at any time — to commend me to service — despite refusal I would do it.
THE KING
Welcome — you are my faithful servant — to the hunt let us go now — we will surely sport — let every one take his arms — there is an evil tyrant in the land — I would gladly meet him.
[He descends with the men-at-arms]
[Here the Tyrant shall strut, saying:]
THE TYRANT
I am a tyrant without equal — under the sun a ruler — when I was fierce and grim — there is no one in the world born to set against me. To go to the hunt I will — to my sport-place truly now — both hounds and men — prepare to be with me!
THE TYRANT’S FIRST SOLDIER
My lord — a wise power — ready to go to the hunt — we are with you hence. Your hounds are leashed — and we together harnessed — a hundred in arms here.
THE TYRANT’S SECOND SOLDIER
There is here a fine pack — of fat deer awakened — they shall eat in two days’ time — flesh and fat — a squirrel surely, a yellow dog, a black hound — bear labols — a fair pack.
[He descends]
THE KING
Now the hart — quick, look around — if you see game — joy be to you — loose the hounds at once! I see a bush — a great crowd comes from it — I have cause to be thankful.
[The hart is ready in the wood]
THE KING’S SECOND HUNTSMAN
Today I see a hart — most quickly it shall be dead, despite fear of men. Sir king, be not idle — there is the tyrant, without doubt, raised against you, most certain.
THE KING
With us it shall be answered — this place — my soldiers — and together let us prepare.
[And the hart is hunted]
[Here the Torturers shall strut]
FIRST TORTURER
Comrades — let me not be slow — the tyrant is surely gone to the hunt, as I heard — after him it is best to go, else surely we shall be blamed — and accused indeed.
SECOND TORTURER
To us if a wretch comes — our part is for certain — upon him surely to attend — go back — I know not — our foul lad, a wretch — he could spy.
THIRD TORTURER
Let us send our lad, a servant most quick among us — look, to the fair, go back — and bring him to warn us — he is rewarding me — his service pleases me.
FIRST TORTURER
Do not let us be slow — we cannot pay our rent — for the better — despite his wages — if our lord is not better — we would not be — by my soul — paid to him.
SECOND TORTURER
You lad — knave as you are — look, the tyrant to the hunt — if you will labour — and come to warn us — so that we may most truly go with him to comfort him.
THIRD TORTURER
Watch that he be not without reward — bring us a club — our strength — now, comrades, let us go.
[The three torturers go into the tent]
CALO [the woman’s son nearby]
Well — the business is done — to heighten your strength — without him there is no sport. Sir Tyrant, you shall be paid surely — we will not fail — a step to labour back.
THE TYRANT
By God — come to that — your errand if it may be — I pay it in one — may they come to me — most gladly — maybe with a sick heart — come from every side — to you I command: see that every man watch.
CALO
On my long way, Sir Tyrant — a fair handsel maybe — a good counsel to you — to your watchmen — pave — and spare not — let it be — to teach them to torment them.
THE TYRANT (to the torturers’ tent)
Ho, sirs — who is within? Not a man — come here — by God, you men in harbour — where have these gone — too vile — God of power — praised to me be my honour.
CALO
I put you to death — in the tavern surely drinking they are — most surely. Lord, hear my words — let every one — that he may be sick — [He cries out in another tent:] ‘Ho, masters — I say plainly — to you tidings new: you heard your errands — by my faith there shall be wages — and that you shall hear — if there is for me — now listen — what the thing is.’
FIRST TORTURER
O welcome — to town we go — what says the wretch? It is needful for me to go to him — come near and hear — the reward to you — it shall cost dear — before parting, so mote I go.
SECOND TORTURER
By God — he has not eaten enough — there are poor men to pay. God’s curse on our master — a wretch is in his payment — to argue with him — it avails not — he is far away.
THIRD TORTURER
You lad — why do you not get our wages here? Never can we prosper — being our pay without pay — look, a nobleman of Calamy — could succour us.
THE TYRANT
Well, well — I pay the scot — and my hot drink killed — by my soul — it makes no matter to me. Part now — let them help — so that they may be my reapers — to take away the game.
[The Tyrant and Calo beat the torturers]
FIRST TORTURER
By God — you are fierce — God’s curse — he has made our defeat. O sir lord, favour us — we think not — it shall be fair.
SECOND TORTURER
Sir lord, beat us no more — broken are our limbs — never shall we be strong — mischief on his body — he was a traitor to us — alas — to do harm.
THIRD TORTURER
Lord, spare my life — I will pray forgiveness — being so fair — God’s curse on my son’s body — as quickly he went — to you for doing us shame.
THE TYRANT
Now you are rewarded — and if you come to warn — again surely you shall fare — well with me. At once hence to the hunt — quick!
A DEMON
Peace — hold both wild and tame — I say — Monfras is my name. Never shall shame — despite doing harm — I have service — to worship me — in the end a load comes to my lot.
SECOND DEMON
Through your engines and your subtle craft you are deceiving men — save me — it is a grief. My name is Shirleywit — hence whoever does a feat — I acquit it, in good faith.
FIRST DEMON
Let us now go to the temple — the tyrant will make a sacrifice, that he may do more harm. We will make a mock of him, though it be done, for his folly.
[Let him go down to the temple]
THE TYRANT
Sirs — come all into the temple — it is not a simple matter — my end I honour. [They all kneel] Here a bull’s head — I will offer — fire surely — I adore.
FIRST TORTURER
To my god I will not be worshipped — Mahomet take you! A head — a horn — a bargain — do not take shame — a present — now when it is offered — I set it for your nostrils.
SECOND TORTURER
To my god I offer — a mare’s head, a fire — and a hide in your charge — a worthy present — there is on it sores — it yields pence — for a baby, you see.
THIRD TORTURER
To my god Jove, blessed, I offer three great crows — maybe round — and their bills — they yield six pence — I have brought them surely — on a horse’s back — out of the field.
CALO
To my god Jove, in his faith, I offer a happy cat — it cannot be better, at least — I brought it — where the devil chose — come — a head — a cheek and a peeled goat — my god now — give thanks.
[And all the torturers sing]
THE DEMON
I give you a sound — the north wind — evil and unhappy likewise. Watch — poor people — curses, neighbours — to you it prospers.
FIRST TORTURER
Now let us go — to a strong place — our tidings the north wind — he gave us surely — his blessing — and to poor people — he commanded us indeed.
SECOND TORTURER
There is — my two arms strong — as far as being without sin — let us hence — if there is a traitor — no more shall be done — to seize him.
THIRD TORTURER
We must — for we cannot — which way — for a night — often he prayed — with our nearest kin — and still all to gladden — every hour all we are.
[It is done — it is done — it is done — done]
THE KING’S SECOND HUNTSMAN
Lord — I warn you how there was a great tyrant — on your pain raised — attend — there is a host and with him a great armed host.
THE KING
Every one — sound your arms — we shall shake our beards — if he does not humble himself. The tyrant is ungracious — often he loves to vex — and fight most surely. But nevertheless, in spite — to him — I answer with reason — and if he will meddle, for certain he shall wear a wound in his heart.
[To the stall, where the streamers are]
THE TYRANT
Ho, sirs — when there is an array, tell me without no — who gave you leave to come into my ground to hunt, beast-lords? Answer on pain of death!
THE KING
Sir tyrant, go on your way — never was a mother’s son born — yet to the heritance — save in folly — there shall not be too much — I am ever lord of the grant — these many years.
THE TYRANT
Sir prince who is here — it were better for you to flee — from time and pray grace — if we come and debate — but the two parties here — my men do not part — it matters not.
THE KING
Now, by him that Judas sold, I fear not your bold words, you foul cuckoo — no reason brings danger to you. If you will make a loyal quarrel of falsehood to acquit before going hence — I will with the sword.
THE TYRANT
You false whoreson — for my brag — I will fell — your cheeks, foul dog — I am strong — your heart’s blood — spilled here on the sward — before it is night.
THE KING
That stands not in your power, you ungracious as you are, a maintainer of unbelief — by Lord Christ of mercy — I hold you no better than a dog. Deny the deviltry — or I will spill your blood — here on the sward, though you weep not — for bragging at the Christians.
THE TYRANT
Fie on you and all your nation! — fie, a thousand curses on the Christians! Deny the faith, or you die — and all that is with you — I swear here — by Satan — and great misfortune!
THE KING
Never do we deny the faith, despite fear of you, nor do we stand ungracious for maintaining Christ’s faith — here ready on the sward — it shall not tarry.
THE TYRANT
O — out — out — you villains — look now, every one to arms! — the devil take your company — be you — when you are dead — if you make feints — set to me — the proofs — false foul wretches — Christians — to the water with them!
THE KING
You shall gnash your beards, traitors — though you do so — there are ready men-at-arms to answer you here. When you will, soldiers, let them go — surely — never will I flee from them.
[Here they shall fight]
KING MASSEN
Out — alas — it must be fled — or we are dead — we are here in danger — it is not good — part surely taken — by the ungracious foe — how shall it be now?
[It is done — let him go home]
THE TYRANT
Well fare you, royal soldiers! — the remnant fled far away — not one was left.
THE TYRANT’S THIRD SOLDIER
There is a young man here — I have surely seized him. Sir Tyrant, give me thanks!
[Let the woman’s son be taken — it is done]
THE TYRANT
Now well fare you, gentle knight! He shall pay surely his weight in gold — though he be delivered — and deny long the faith — or in prison indeed rot he shall in the stocks!
THE SON
That is the thing I will not do — Jesus Christ I do not deny, though you can do hurt to me — still in despite — on your sword — I worship as before — him who made the moon and the sun.
THE TYRANT
Well, well — if you deny not, in prison you shall rot — you jailers, come here — put this one in prison! If he denies not Christ, Mary’s son, there rot he shall!
[He ascends into his chariot]
THE JAILER
Sir Tyrant, your will we shall do. Come forth here — to us in prison to lie. [To the Son] You were foolish — the woman’s son — going to anger the tyrant — now you shall pay for that.
THE JAILER’S LAD
We will imprison him — truly — nor can he walk — hand nor foot — though he is bound — here he shall rot — there shall be neither food nor drink.
FIRST MESSENGER (to the son’s mother)
Hail to you, good woman — I warn you of one thing: your son is taken by the ungracious tyrant — I know not — for him he is slain — what shall be done.
THE MOTHER
Alas — my heart is broken! Alas — I have no child but him — no comfort in the world. Mary — I serve you — I make vows with a sick heart — for my son I will go.
[To the church of blessed Mary — she kneels and weeps there]
Mary, mother and virgin, I will fully pray you — Mary, my son, help — and restore to me — Mary, I have served you — my power ever indeed — Mary blessed, for my profit — his bonds make to break — Mary — if you will, he shall be delivered surely!
THE TYRANT
Ho, jailers — hear you: I charge on pain of stretching: food nor drink — give none to the lad who did me wrong — to prison indeed — the villain — by my faith — there I will at once hang him and quarter him — and stretch him.
THE JAILER (to the tyrant)
Lord, your will shall be done — he shall never be released — I know for true. If he is hanged — the villain — it serves him right — we would not object.
THE MOTHER
Mary, I have prayed you for my son — surely many times. Mary — still you will not to me do any comfort. Mary — I see not — my heart — you gave not — Mary — mercy — how do you not hear me? Mary — there is no help — my prayers avail not. Mary — my son certainly is in tight bonds. Mary — give me now for my child, the beloved — Mary — your sweet son — bring him today. Mary — help me — give me my son — Jesus — despite fear, peril or sin — he shall come with you today. Come, come, O babe — farewell with you, Mary — I will not cease here to pray more.
[She goes home]
Jesus Christ, joy to you — most dear you shall be kept — as my own child — and in fine cloths — laid in my coffer surely — locked for certain. Now I am gladdened — to rest I will go.
MARY (in heaven, saying)
Jesus, my beloved son — all that is done, without fail, suffering to bear, certainly — and what is in her heart — comfort to your servants at once — as they would wish.
JESUS
O mother, do as pleases you — whoever worships you shall be eased, though they suffer long. My courtesy to your servant — look, do her desire — and the will of your heart.
[Mary descends with seven angels to the prison]
MARY
O young man, how are you? Great is your labour here without earning it — if he would be in a good life — God’s grace truly for that — in the end certainly — he shall not fail.
THE SON
Jesus, lord, help me — never can I help myself — I am weary with hunger — I know not, by my troth, what the light is around me without end.
MARY
Comfort yourself — through her you were made faint and weak — still you shall be comforted — in the night — take no grief — I will deliver you — the prison here — I come for your release.
THE SON
The cross of Christ — benedicite! Who has come to me here — and the doors all shut — in black night? I am not deceived — and now surely lights around me are fallen — and there is a form — a queen most sure in her grace.
MARY
Open out, you grim doors — the prisons at once — I draw — and to you the doors I open — without fail — there are no keys of iron to keep, for certain. Now, my son, go to your mother — and tell her without fail — Mary delivered you — and specially tell her — through her — my son — to me — and let her serve me — I will deliver her again — despite this.
THE WOMAN’S SON
Mary, worship be to you, Mary! — we were not with you — to be worthy — Mary — to you great thanks — Mary — if it were not for your grace — truly I had been destroyed.
MARY
My blessing with you without fail — and my blessing I give to your mother. Tell her likewise — though she come to her from far away — my being without hearing her — faithful — I would not forget her.
[It is done — let Mary go to heaven]
THE JAILER
Out — alas — what a sound — tonight all the world — with fire — there is surely — the prisoner escaped — my rage — I believe — it is done — he is clean gone indeed!
THE LAD
The prisoner likewise is gone — and the doors all shut — who the devil was here? Let us go tell the tyrant — a God’s curse — in the kitchen — look — surely an evil trick!
THE JAILER (to the tyrant)
O Sir Tyrant — alas, alas! The prisoner likewise indeed is gone — tonight in the night a light was with him — never more fear — a woe to me — by God, I rue!
THE TYRANT
Out — alas, alas, alas! Where is my prisoner fled? You shall surely be dead, if it follows — by my faith — there the whoreson was! I am shamed — and the men of the land — I know — delivered him.
THE LAD
O tyrant, go on your way — God’s curse on your mother’s son! It is need to say — without fear — nor blame — delivered through Mary — how is it surely — and you would blame us — upon poor cruel folk.
[It is done — the yard is ready]
THE TYRANT
O — thus it shall be — evil mischief — you bear my slander — if you will — and say my being here cruel — you prove — God in witness — have that! I chastise you for teaching evil counsel to me!
[He beats them]
THE SON
Listen — to you, my mother — great reverence to Mary — to us ever she is gracious — if we will not worship her — in the best time — she delivered me out of prison, dear mother, where I was evilly entreated.
THE MOTHER
Mary, be you worshipped! My hope is revived — my son — to see you here — how you were delivered — tell me — I pray you, my dearest son.
THE SON
Mary, to me in the night truly came — to the prison — with light — and a great sound — in sleep or awake — I know not — she loosed my bonds and the doors she opened — and humbly commanded me — home to my mother that I might go. ‘Tell your mother — me you delivered without fail’ — but she restored me — and my son she will restore — that is not wrong — when her child serves her.
THE MOTHER
To blessed Mary great thanks — she would help her — in the end she shall not be deceived — her child — I received — at her prayer — for denying — restored to me — with her — sick I am of my heart — the child — to her — I will bring him indeed. And let us go quick to the church — here you are kept safe — to her altar — you will not refuse — Mary, joy to you — Mary, to you great thanks — my son — bring him — when you will.
[She descends to the church of blessed Mary with Jesus]
Mary, take your child — Mary, who was mindful — in your keeping — mercy — I pray — and one — your serving — never shall it be without end.
[It is done — let her go home. The madman and the master of the house are ready]
THE MADMAN [roaring and swearing]
Out on you, false fellows! Why did you bind me? — your heads — cursed — I will break them!
THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE
Speak truly — if you can — that one now you shall find — for most fast are you bound. To Meriasek I will take you — truly now, if you can be saved.
THE MADMAN
Tell me, bright-eyes, what shall I do with Meriasek? — as true — the devil take you!
THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE
Meriasek — joy to you — a man out of his wits is with us — and men have bound him so that we may bring him here — to be succoured by you.
[Here the scribe writes: finit hec pagina]
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
Jesus, Lord who is above, help the strong and the weak — a pitiful sight is this: seeing a fair young man for certain bound in these same bonds.
THE MADMAN
Despite my being bound, I would give you some blows — I would pile your bald head — and would make to you here legs most broken.
MERIASEK [kneels]
Jesus, Lord, I pray you — help here this man — Jesus Christ, gracious lord — your wisdom now show — Jesus, Lord, virgin’s son — put him into his senses — Jesus, grant that he be not harmed — and pray with Mary. Wait — give him to me here — in the name of Mary’s son — I will unbind him — whoever can — and healed — the two together — amen — together let us pray.
THE MADMAN
To Christ Jesus great worship — and to you, Meriasek — never — Christ has brought me my senses — through you, Meriasek here. Meriasek, in my life I will ever serve you — Meriasek, to you reverence — I am bound to worship you.
MERIASEK
To my oratory I will go — to pray to Mary — ever my help — and to keep me every season — here — from temptation — and from every evil speech.
[To the oratory — he kneels]
Jesus, Lord full of grace, worship to you and joy — Jesus, Lord in every place — keep my soul without stain — and my body likewise. Mary blessed, pure virgin, Mary, be my succour — Mary who loves much — you dear — pray for my release.
JESUS
My dear angels — go to the world — sustain the saint — let it be needful — to Meriasek — he was reared with my grace — blessed is he in every place — his works please me.
MICHAEL
Jesus, your will shall be done — to him — quickly with us — he shall be comforted — in the best way — to his rearing — we bring food — to keep him — in the best manner.
[They descend — organs or singing]
GABRIEL
Meriasek, joy to you — dear Christ has sent us — here ever to comfort you — before you go to your pains — here you shall be fed — with angels’ food now.
[Taking food with divine praises at the feast — daily he feels himself refreshed]
MERIASEK [kneels]
Jesus, Lord of earth and heaven, ever be you worshipped — Jesus Christ — there is no want in this world — of your faithful service — Jesus — to you be thanks — with food of heaven — when I am fed. Jesus, Lord, I fear not — though I be thrice a day pained.
[Here the Duke — that is, the first Magus — shall strut]
THE FIRST DUKE
I am a lord without equal, a duke also — an astronomer — to the hunt, without fail — the prince — as is fitting — to go I will — and with me good comrades — the bishop truly — who came to a certain place — despite me.
THE SECOND DUKE
It is needful for us to be wary — there is a great dragon without doubt in the cave here before us — if we blow against him — we are dead — it is good to be wise indeed.
A HUNTSMAN (to the dukes)
There are here men-at-arms — and archers with bows — able surely to slay him — I fear, by my faith, unless they are slain first, before going — he will scatter them.
[He descends with the men-at-arms]
[Here Bishop Pol shall strut]
BISHOP POL
I am Bishop Pol — and a peer — great my riches — he shall come — now I go — hence to the fields, against Duke Magus — a wise man in his answers. My cross-bearer is ready — now for my commandments.
BISHOP POL’S CROSS-BEARER
I am ready, good lord — save weak — I am here — I cannot move — before going — empty is to me the messenger — a God’s curse — scant is the drink and the food.
BISHOP POL
Hail to you, noble Duke Magus — I and my cross-bearer — we are come to you to sport — we were not warned — for there is a dragon — a monster surely here.
THE FIRST DUKE
Now welcome, father bishop! If a dragon comes, I doubt it not — near us if he comes — in sight — I will slay him — here — there are many folk — to slay him indeed.
[The dragon is ready in the place]
THE SECOND DUKE
Do not trust us to that — lords, let us hence! — look, he is come! — out — let us flee — would we were dead — with a flame of fire — out of his mouth — there keeps not — a man of armed men.
[A gun in the dragon’s mouth is ready, and fire]
THE FIRST DUKE
Ho — shoot upon him! — now part of them are swallowed — some of the soldiers — the devil — he shares Mahomet — to defeat — in our middle — scumbling — as a mark — look — he attacks!
BISHOP POL
O alas, alas — we are dead — great and small — the body of Mahomet — we are here. Let us go to the Emperor Constantine — and to him tell — of this monster’s doings.
THE FIRST DUKE (to Constantine)
Hail, Sir Emperor Constantine — and we cry out upon a woe — destroyed is the land now — and through your power, without doubt — many dead — the great dragon that is in the cave — not a man can pass — nor leave without slaying — without doubt.
BISHOP POL
Never was there such a man — since Christ was born — without doubt — a God’s curse on your days — he heard not — a man born — to worship Christ — nor Mary in peace.
CONSTANTINE
Lords, you are wrong — Christ and Mary his mother — come for our help. Come here, my messenger, — and fetch quickly Sylvester — to speak with me — a wise man.
MESSENGER (to Constantine)
Constantine, lord emperor — I will bring Sylvester — here to you — he sleeps not — nor does he eat food — nor speaks with his mouth.
[To Sylvester]
Sylvester, joy to you — to the emperor come quickly — it is needful for you for certain, for he will speak with you, most truly now.
SYLVESTER [descends]
To Constantine I come — to his commandment — forever — he is a lord of great power. [To Constantine] Sir emperor, joy to you — here at once I have come — and would not tarry long.
THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
There is here surely a dragon — slaying people — a number without number — surely as I hear — and it is for me — the causer indeed — to be baptised — for my being.
SYLVESTER
Through the will of Christ the lord above — the dragon I will subdue — no longer in the land — may he dwell — all who are in Rome — Jesus Christ shall judge — and do as he will.
THE FIRST DUKE
A hundred men slain, by my faith — nine hundred — still with her — if you can overcome her — to Christ we will turn — I swear — you cannot indeed.
SYLVESTER [kneels]
To my prayers hence I will go.
[He kneels]
JESUS
Peter, go for me now — to Sylvester indeed — watch to comfort him fairly — and with that teach him — the dragon — he shall overcome — through my power indeed — I stand at his side — I will not forget him.
PETER
Lord, your will I do — Sylvester soon — I warn him — the dragon — he shall not fear — he shall lead him as a dog — and through God’s power — command him to the deep desert — to command.
[Peter descends alone to Sylvester in the place]
PETER
Sylvester dear, be joyful — Christ will for certain — subdue the dragon — by you — the two chaplains take — with you — to him indeed — and help — God willing.
SYLVESTER
Lord of heaven, help me — I know not how to comfort myself — who is here come? — though great is the power of Christ above — and I trust for certain — every hour he helps me.
PETER
I am Christ’s apostle — and Peter is my true name — fear not — in this matter. To the dragon speak thus: ‘Jesus Christ, Mary’s son — and born of a faithful virgin — who was dead on the cross-tree — and buried in a stone tomb — the third day rose again — ascended to heaven on high — to judgment he shall come for certain — to judge quick and dead.’ In his name, you dragon, out here — come to me — I adjure you — the sign of the cross take with you — and you shall lead him as you will — to your will himself — Jesus will help you — to be his faithful servant.
SYLVESTER
Blessed be the hour — I will go quickly — to the dragon surely hence.
[He descends]
Come with me, my two chaplains — the sign of the cross — to the dragon soon — shut within Mary’s name.
[A cross is ready for Sylvester’s first chaplain]
SYLVESTER’S FIRST CHAPLAIN
I bear most truly the cross — and a comrade also without fail — with a lantern with light — dark is the cave where it is — a hundred paces — as is heard, and more — Christ keep us from the darkness!
[The second chaplain bears a lantern]
THE FIRST DUKE
Sirs, let us go — to see — the end of the great dragon — what Sylvester now does — I believe not — he can do — to deceive us most certain.
SYLVESTER [kneels]
In the name of Mary’s son — Jesus Christ — who was dead, buried, — rose the third day, — to heaven ascended also — and bears his two natures — to judgment he shall come — most perfect — to judge the evil and the good — in his name — come out, — as is commanded — by Christ to me in this world!
[He comes out of the cave]
THE FIRST DUKE
Look, the dragon coming — we should go — he is dead — I am here — truly with her breath — never more a man shall I be!
[Let him fall for terror of the monster]
THE SECOND DUKE
She has slain me with her breath — the head of the saints — hence — I am blind — alas that I was not — before — foul the end is this!
[It is done — let him fall for terror of the monster]
SYLVESTER
Stay here, you dragon, in the name of Christ — I will seize you — and lead you — as a dog — through God’s power likewise.
CONSTANTINE
Sylvester, worship be to you — you have proved indeed — being Christ head of the lords — to me it is a need — sirs — what say you? — a blessed man is this!
BISHOP POL
There are here dead men — if they can, without fail, their life be restored — a cause for us it would be — in Jesus, Mary’s son, to believe, small and great.
SYLVESTER
Jesus, Lord, strong and weak — Jesus, this man here — who is fallen to the ground — grant him to rise whole — if he holds himself wise — the devil worked.
[The first duke rises — and all]
THE FIRST DUKE
Sylvester, worship be to you! — in Christ I will believe — God of mercy — for being — the dragon is an evil beast — I will pray baptism — and worship Mary’s son!
BISHOP POL
To my senses when I am restored — I will be baptised — to worship Jesus forever — the false dragon — I will not see his den — a foul beast is that!
SYLVESTER
Fear not of it — through the grace of Jesus above — to the desert I will put it, to the place where it cannot dwell — in the name of Christ of mercy — I command you, dragon, — to the wilderness, quick — avoid all — from me now — evil — never — watch — nor do harm — to beast nor man, strong nor weak, nor any more — on pain of your life, you villain!
BISHOP POL
Likewise surely it is done — all Rome is held — to honour Sylvester — let us soon be baptised — openly here — near to God — dear Jesus!
[Holy water is ready]
SYLVESTER
I bless you together — here now before parting — in the name of the Father and of the Son — and of the Holy Spirit, amen. Now, my little children, to my palace let us go.
SYLVESTER’S SECOND CHAPLAIN
We are ready to be with you — we follow — Sylvester — serve you — worship to Christ now — many souls surely — here through you — are saved indeed.
CONSTANTINE
Worship to Christ of salvation — through Sylvester now — the people of Rome — delivered they are here — the counsel of an evil belief — many a man restored — in the good way — and we all kept — from the dragon, the serpent, the plague. Let us all go with procession — to Sylvester’s court at once — let us put it to him all — many are here healed — with the ungracious dragon — that he be not — surely — it shall be.
[Let them go in procession to the pope’s palace]
A SICK or CRIPPLED MAN
O God — I am pained — my limbs — length — but — to his knees — I go not — I am weak and infirm — bound am I to Meriasek — whole — I know not — to meet him. I have been out through the night — much my misery and my pain — when I was sleeping — in pools ever — rolled — my two legs and my flesh — torn — to stand on my feet — I cannot. Come I am to the place — greeting to you who is here — for love of sweet Jesus — tell me — of the gracious man — if I can find Meriasek.
MERIASEK
My talk with you — friend — what do you of it — tell — I would in a moment — in this world — every hour succour — poor people.
THE CRIPPLE
I am a rotten cripple — come to you, Meriasek — most needy — to God’s grace — for love of the Passion — that Jesus bore for us — Meriasek, do me help — no limb is whole — and most surely death — in the world is avoiding me — I can neither walk — nor crawl — nor can I go — nor do I see in my sight — naked am I like a beast — on the track of my decay.
[He kneels]
MERIASEK
Jesus who made heaven and earth — I pray here plainly — may he prepare for you health — to go and come as you will — as you can without hurt — save all your limbs — from every grief and sickness — Jesus is our saviour — to raise you to your feet — Mary help you — and grant his will — if it be health to you now.
THE CRIPPLE
Lord, I am gladdened — thanks to Christ of mercy — and to you, Meriasek, likewise — restored my limbs — are to me without doubt — to walk — I can now without peril — whole and most sound.
MERIASEK THE BISHOP
To Jesus be thanks — put on your clothes now — a good man in your cloak — and take food and drink — thanks to Christ of power — he is your physician for certain.
THE CRIPPLE
Jesus above, virgin’s son, bright — to you may God repay — Meriasek dear — to the poor ready — you are to succour.
MERIASEK [in the oratory — he sings]
Come you to me, my brethren — the body of my Lord, as is fitting, today I have received — it is needful to depart at last, though the fellowship be fair. To Jesus be thanks — with death I am touched — it is needful to go from this world. Brethren who are here — and the poor every hour — be you succour of them.
THE DEAN (to Meriadocus)
Lord, how shall it be for us — if you depart indeed — Meriasek, from us? — I know for true, without doubt — never a lord of your like — most truly — we shall not see.
MERIASEK
The hour is drawing near — to Christ I will give thanks — to him — in this world — he has kept me — anointed with communion — I am now to Jesus’ grace — to worship faithful Christ, virgin’s son — for serving him in the world — to God I pray.
[He kneels]
Whoever worships me in this world — Jesus, Lord, grant him — the power to be kept — here before dying indeed — Christ’s body also to receive — anointed with that indeed — to the taste of heaven — may he go — so that he may surely come — to the joy. In the place where I was worshipped, whoever prays for the same things, may they find full health — whoever prays for me — and saved from every sickness — the offering of the body and the soul — sustain them likewise — and long to live. In Cornwall I promise a house — beside Mary of Camborne — for my keeping — whoever comes to it — I acquit him most surely — though his body be in another place — in the same place whoever prays — with Jesus he shall be heard — and his petition fulfilled — I will truly, if it may be. My festival shall be sure — in June, the first Friday, for ever certainly. My blessing with Christ’s blessing, head of the saints — as many as keep my festival — I pray forever.
A CANON
Meriasek, how are you? — your face — your beautiful eyes — I fear for us — it cannot be more grievous — after you — and sorrowful — if you go from us for sure.
MERIASEK
Good Friday — dear Jesus Christ died for us — so that I am glad — good Friday — to render my soul indeed — to my saviour — and good Friday — for that — let my festival ever be held — with my children, surely. Brethren — come near here — in token of love — kiss you all — I will — in the name of Mary’s son — in the end — we part — in manus tuas, domine, spiritum meum commendo — and he gave up the spirit.
[The Holy Ghost is ready from heaven to fetch his soul — and a soul is ready]
JESUS
My angels — go to earth — to fetch for me — most plainly — here the soul of Meriasek — all that he desired — is granted — there is to him — on the world — his banner — O good and fair!
MICHAEL
Jesus — he has earned — into heaven’s realm to be taken — long he was a faithful servant — to your will as is fitting — we shall bring him quickly.
[The holy ghost is ready and a soul is ready]
GABRIEL
Meriasek, be joyful — all that you desired for certain — to you is granted — to heaven you shall come — to joy — to tarry in joy forever.
[It is done]
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
My cross-bearer — I have heard — that Meriasek is dead — going to see I will — if it follows — alive or dead — his companion without fail — I believe — in my days — I shall not see surely — in Brittany.
[He descends]
COUNT OF VANNES
Sorrowful am I for one thing — Meriasek, as I hear, is surely at his end — come with me, my horsemen — to see him — in earth at once — we will go now.
[He descends]
SECOND BISHOP
There is surely the lord — to Meriasek indeed — going to see him — in earth — God take his soul — there shall not be another — of his like — in the world — in Brittany surely.
[They descend]
COUNT OF VANNES
Joy to you, lords — Meriasek the worthy man — as I hear — is passed — to see him — surely as I believe — bound are you — surely — and we likewise.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Yes, sir, surely indeed — as I am — a worthy man — our part is to go surely — with reverence — to see him — he was a faithful servant of Jesus.
[Count Globus descends]
SECOND BISHOP
Joy to you and grace — well am I — the company now — most truly — passed is Meriasek — Jesus mighty lord — to his soul grant joy!
COUNT GLOBUS
I knew a worthy man — of his birth indeed — as we all know in Brittany — and more — worthy his deeds — to commend — as I saw — experience — wrought with him for certain. Blind I was many a year — no physician could I find — who could do me help — when he came — ever to him — through the power of Christ, king of heaven — my sight he restored me — and thanks to Jesus without doubt — Meriasek saved me.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Many a man is held — to Meriasek surely in the world — to worship him — for I believe him a saint in heaven — most truly — being after his work here.
COUNT OF VANNES (to the Dean)
God save the college! Sir Dean — tell us — is Meriasek passed? — reported in the land surely — being his soul — from this world — as I believe — to joy gone.
THE DEAN
Lord, he is passed — his soul with the Trinity — I believe — being the fairest end — in the world — a man heard not — by my troth — old nor young.
A CANON
He said mass — on a Friday — certainly — glorious and fair — after that — said with memory — being touched — the grace of mighty Jesus.
[The procession is ready, and a censer]
THE DEAN
To Christ he prayed — certain — his desire indeed — to keep worshipping — to him he called us — and to us he commanded — to come all to him — to kiss — his two hands he raised — to true God — mercy he cried — and to heaven he looked — joyful in sight — the verse — in manus tuas — is said — without ceasing — when it was done indeed — his soul he rendered — to the Father — God full of mercy.
A CANON
We know not but part — most surely — in the world — of his conversation — though he wore — when it was seen — in his rough shirt — every day — he wore for certain — nor did he ever rest — in hots nor in linens — save in harsh haircloth — never was he comforted.
THE DEAN
He had a custom of worshipping Christ — ever at Saint John the Baptist — blessed — he did not use — a thousand bows in the night for certain — on his two knees — Jesus to worship — and a thousand truly in the day — on his two knees perfect — he would go — his knees grew so great — scarcely could he — truly walk on his feet.
A CANON
Ever praying or reading — in the church he would be — but goodness he spoke — reared he was with angels’ food — else we believe not — in good faith — he could live indeed.
COUNT OF VANNES
Is this much grief — in Brittany surely to us all? Masters — if the church is paved — let us go — to bury him — in certain — the body quickly.
THE DEAN
Every thing here is ready — the court is arrayed — as befits a worthy man — the people fast are coming — beloved — with young and old — in the world — through lords.
COUNT OF VANNES
He earned — he loved many a weak man — in the world — most truly he comforted — blind and deaf — and healed — palsied and various sick — we know not to speak — so many.
THE DEAN
Let us go likewise — in the name of God — and Mary, Jesus’ mother — help us at the bier — that we may go into the church — Christ give us — day and night — to do works of goodness.
COUNT OF VANNES
I will bear the one end — never did a man love more — I believe in this world — he of goodness was full — and blessedness likewise — with him was in good time.
COUNT GLOBUS
I will bear the other end — Meriasek truly without fail — saved me when I was blind — worship to him forever — as I am held — forever in my days — to honour him.
THE DEAN
Now let the clergy sing — in the name of God of mercy — and let us go quickly hence — to bear the body — being honoured — surely in this land.
[Here they sing]
SECOND BISHOP
Now prepare the tomb — in the name of Christ as is fitting — that we may bury him — as is fitting for a worthy man — in our middle indeed — goodness to many a one — he did — to Jesus’ grace.
THE NAKED MAN [the healed one]
The tomb with us is made — as he was held — to serve in this world — feeble and sick — when he was — he saved for certain — may it fall to me to carry.
THE CRIPPLE [healed]
The tomb with us is cleansed — lords, as you were pleased — you now — God willing — sorrowful am I — seeing Meriasek’s body — going into earth for certain.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
God’s will — let him be buried — the body in the tomb — put now — in the name of God — and I the benediction — do here most surely — the offering of my Lord Jesus.
COUNT OF VANNES
In the tomb I put him now — help me, Sir Earl — in the name of Mary’s son — look, the body lies — though he was so fair of speech — we all come to this.
BISHOP OF CORNWALL
Lord of heaven — bless — my children — cover him — in the name of God — and let us go home hence — sorrow is at my heart — and many tears — here surely today.
COUNT OF VANNES
Peace — in the name of God above — all who are gathered — the life of Meriasek for certain — with us was shown — in these days — trust in him — he would — and faithful pray for him — Jesus granted them — their desire indeed — to you — Meriasek’s blessing — and Mary of Camborne’s — the blessing of the apostles — go you all with the play — we will pray you — before going — the pipers sound in a moment — we will — every man — go to dance — go you or tarry — welcome be you — though you were here a week.
Finitur per dominum HADTON anno domini M°v°iiij — Here ends, by the lord Hadton, in the year of the Lord 1504.
Editor’s Appendix — Notes on the Cornish Text #
[The following grammatical apparatus, printed by Stokes at the end of the play, lists the verb-forms, phrases and orthographic variants found in the manuscript, with his glosses and conjectural readings. The forms cited are those of the original Cornish.]
The verb bos ’to be’: present indicative singular of ‘I am’, os ‘you are’, yv ‘he is’; plural on ‘we are’, ogh ‘you are’, yms, yns ’they are’; imperfect o, esen; future befa, bith, byth, betheth; subjunctive bo, ben, bef; imperative bith, bethugh ‘be you’; preterite bu, bue, vu, vue ‘was’; fue ‘was’ (as in y fue marov “he was dead”); bens; pluperfect-force betheth. The infinitive occurs as bos, boys, vones ’to be’ (the voys ’to be’, passim); bones ’to be’ in phrases such as bones tasek “to be a father”.
The verb mos ’to go’: present a, aff ‘I go’, eyth; future a vyn mones ‘will go’; imperative ke ‘go you’, eugh ‘go’ (keugh oll ‘go all’); infinitive mos, mones ’to go’ (the gerthes ’to go’, moys aleme “to go hence”); past participle gyllys, galleys ‘gone’ (in kerth gyllys “gone hence”).
The verb gul “to do, make”: infinitive gul, gruel, guthyl; present gruaff ‘I do’ (lemmen gruaff the vegethya “now I baptise you”), a ra ‘does’ (y a ra ’they do’); imperative gruegh ‘do’, grua ‘do you’; preterite gruk, ruk (me re ruk “I have done”, eff a ruk ‘he did’), gora; past participle grueys, wrys ‘done’ (a veth grueys “shall be done”).
The verb cafus “to have, get, find”: cafus infinitive; yma ’there is’ (older emu); numbus “I have not” (numbus esel nag yv mans “I have no limb that is whole”), nynsoff “I have not”, nynsefeth “there is not”; kevis ‘found’; cafis past; an geveth “his getting”.
The verb gothfes ’to know’: a wothogh ‘know’ (a wothogh wy ‘do know’), ny won “I know not” (me ny won “I know not”), gothveth imperative (gothfeth thym ‘know you’), ny wothogh “you know not” (ny wothogh why “you know not”), wothen preterite plural (del wothen “as we knew”), gothfys (thum gothfes “to my knowledge”).
The verb mynnes “to will, wish”: mynnaff ‘I will’ (me a vyn ‘I will’), mynny (mar mynny “if you will”), mynnogh ‘you will’ (mar mynnogh “if you will”), mynnans “they will” (pan vynnans “when they will”), a vynnys “you would” (ny vynnys “you would not”), myns “as much as” (myns us “all that is”), a vynna conditional (me a vynna ‘I would’), ny vanna “I will not” (na vanna “nor will I”), car myn “though he will” (kyn myn “though he will”).
The verb cara ’to love’: y car ‘he loves’ (y cara lues den “he loved many a man”), care subjunctive (na ny garsen “nor would I”), kerens ‘kin’, kerense “love, charity” (rag kerense ‘for love’), caradov ‘beloved’ (ov map caradov “my beloved son”), kerys ’loved’ (y carow “his friends”).
Negatives: ny, na before verbs (ny won “I know not”, na regh ‘give not’, na gothugh ‘fear not’, na veth ‘be not’, na vannaff “I will not”), nans ‘is not’ (nansyv “it is not”), nynsoff “I have not”, nynsus “there is not” (nynsus nahen “there is nothing else”), nynsyv “it is not” (nynsyv the denvyth ‘it is not men’s goods’), numbus “there is not to me”, ny veth “shall not be” (y feth ‘shall be’ vs ny veth).
Pronouns and pronominal forms: vy, vi ‘I, me’ (thymo vy ’to me’), your (theth mam “to your mother”), eff, ef ‘he, him’ (ortho ’to him’, ortheff ’to him’), hy ‘she, her’ (gensy ‘with her’), ny ‘we, us’ (genen ‘with us’, thynny ’to us’), why ‘you, you’ (thywhy ’to you’, genogh ‘with you’), y “they, them” (an rena “those ones”), age ’their’ (age mammov “their mothers”), agan, agen ‘our’ (agen fay “our faith”), ages, agis ‘your’ (agis flehys “your children”), a y ‘his’ (ay dethyov ‘his days’).
Particles: a verbal particle (me a vyn ‘I will’, eff a thue ‘he comes’, y a veth “they shall be”), re preterite particle (re ruk ‘did’, re ros ‘gave’, re glowes ‘heard’), y, yth in relative use (yv henna ’that is’, ythese ‘dwell’), mar conditional/conjunction (mar a myn “if you will”, mar sus “if there is”), del ‘as’ (del welys ‘as I saw’, del goth “as is fitting”), may ‘so that’ (may hallo “so that he may”), rak/rag “for, before” (rag the voys “for your being”), kyns ‘before’ (kyns moys “before going”), wose ‘after’ (wose helma “after this”), heb ‘without’ (heb wov “without doubt”), dre ’through’ (dre gras du ’through God’s grace’), gans ‘with’ (ganso ‘with him’), orth ’to, at’ (ortho ’to him’, ortheff ‘at him’), war ‘upon’ (warnotho ‘upon him’, war ov ena “upon my soul”), a-rag ‘before’ (therago “before him”), theworth ‘from’ (theworth an grond “from the ground”), aberth “within, on behalf of” (aberth maria “within Mary”), yn-med “in the middle”.
Nouns of frequent occurrence: arluth ’lord’ (arluth galosek “mighty lord”), du ‘god’ (du a vercy “God of mercy”), ena ‘soul’ (rag an ena “for the soul”), pov “country, land” (dres ol an pov “through all the land”), beys, bysma ‘world’ (in bysma “in this world”), deth ‘day’ (nos ha deth “night and day”), nos ’night’ (haneth in nos “tonight in the night”), flogh ‘child’ (an flehyggyov “the little children”), den ‘man’ (den grassyes “a gracious man”), benen “woman, wife” (benenes ‘women’), corff ‘body’ (corff ha ene “body and soul”), pen “head, end” (pen an vlays “end of the realm”), golon ‘heart’ (a luen golon “with full heart”), gois, goys ‘blood’ (an goys ryel “the royal blood”), cleth “sword, left”, cletha ‘sword’, grovs ‘cross’ (in grovs pren “on the cross-tree”), prender, presner ‘prisoner’, carhar ‘prison’ (an carharov “the prisons”), tortour, tormentor ’torturer’, guas “lad, servant” (guas pur uskis “a right quick lad”), cowyth “companion” (ov cowetha “my comrades”), mytern ‘king’ (myterneth ‘kingdom’), duk ‘duke’ (duk kernov “duke of Cornwall”), surle, 3urle ’earl’ (the 3 representing Cornish gh/y), epscop ‘bishop’ (epscop kernov “bishop of Cornwall”), pronter ‘priest’, canon ‘canon’, deyn ‘dean’, chaplen ‘chaplain’, crosser “cross-bearer”, maseger “messenger” (nuncius), margh ‘horse’ (marogyon ‘horsemen’), ton “wave, sward” (war an ton “on the sward”), coys ‘wood’ (in coys “in the wood”), men ‘stone’ (an meneth “the mountain”), dour ‘water’ (then dour “to the water”), tan ‘fire’ (gans tan “with fire”), mor ‘sea’ (dres an mor “over the sea”), tyr ’land’ (then tyr “to the land”), ty ‘house’ (the dre ‘home’, a dre “from home”), pla ‘plague’ (an pla “the plague”), iovle ‘devil’ (an iovle “the devil”), sperys ‘spirit’ (drok sperys “evil spirit”), enaff ‘soul’ (lues enaff “many a soul”), el ‘angel’ (eleth ‘angels’, boys eleth ‘angels’ food’), sans ‘saint’ (pen an sens “head of the saints”), sacrament (an seyte sacrament “the seven sacraments”), offer “mass, offering” (aberth ov arluth ihesu “the offering of my Lord Jesus”), begyth ‘baptism’ (begythys ‘baptised’, vegyth ‘baptism’), curun ‘crown’ (curen spern “crown of thorns”), queth “cloth, clothing” (queth los “russet cloth”), bose, boys ‘food’ (boys ha dewes “food and drink”), dewes ‘drink’, mona ‘money’ (ry mona “give money”), puns ‘pounds’ (tri cans puns “three hundred pounds”), feer ‘fair’ (an kynse feer “the first fair”), marseth ‘market’, guary ‘play’ (gans an guary “with the play”), menestrels “minstrels” (menstrels colonnek “hearty minstrels”), pyboryon ‘pipers’ (pyboryon wethugh “pipers, sound you”).
Verbal idioms: a veth grueys “shall be done” (lit. “shall be made”), rebo gorthys “be worshipped” (the ihesu rebo grasseys “to Jesus be thanks”), rebo “let there be” (rebo genen “be with us”), bethens “let them be” (bethens marov “let them be dead”), bethevy “let me be”, fetha “I shall be” (me a veth “I shall be”), a vyth ‘who is’ (neb a vyth “whoever is”), pyth “thing, what” (pyv ‘who’, pendra ‘what’, pendryv ‘why’), awos “despite, for sake of” (awos ovn “despite fear”, awoys ‘despite’), kyn/kyn fo ’though’ (kyn fo tek “though it be fair”), marnes “save, unless” (marnes dour “save water”, marnes a vn ena “save of one soul”), nam ’except’ (heb nam “without fail”), fal ‘fail’ (heb fal “without fail”), dovt ‘doubt’ (heb dovt “without doubt”, ny dovtya “I fear not”), fors ‘matter’ (ny warth mas ran “it matters not”), reys ’need’ (reys yv thym “it is needful for me”), othom ’need’ (othomogyan “the needy”), gelwel ’to call’ (gelwys ‘called’, ov kelwel ‘calling’), kelmy ’to bind’ (kelmennov ‘bonds’, chelwys ‘bound’), degelmy “to unbind” (the degelmy “to unbind you”), delyfry “to deliver” (theth delyfrya “delivered you”, delyfrys “delivered”), sawya ’to save’ (sawys ‘saved’, sawye ‘save’), gorrys ‘put’ (me an gor “I put him”), gora ‘put’, gorhemyn ‘command’ (me ath worhemyn “I command you”), comond ‘command’ (y comond “his command”), pesy ’to pray’ (me a beys ‘I pray’), gortheb “to answer” (y worthebov “his answers”), covs ’to speak’ (y covs ’to speak’, covse ‘speak’), lauer ‘say’ (me a leuer ‘I say’, lavarov ‘words’), levery ’to tell’ (leverys ’told’, lafara ’to speak’), gowele ’to lie’ (wroweth ’lies’), merwel ’to die’ (marov ‘dead’), ancov ‘death’ (war beyn ancov “on pain of death”), ancleth ’to bury’ (anclethys ‘buried’), ankevy “to forget” (y ankevy “to forget him”), dystre ’to turn’ (dreyla ’to turn’), dones ’to come’ (a thue ‘comes’, duthe ‘came’, devethys ‘come’), mos ’to go’ (above), tremena ’to pass’ (tremenis ‘passed’), trega ’to dwell’ (trege ’lived’), sevel ’to stand’ (settya ’to set’), sensy ’to hold’ (sensys ‘held’), prender ’to take’ (prenas ‘redeemed’), perna ’to buy’ (the perna ’to buy’), ry ’to give’ (me ath ros “I gave you”, roy ‘give’), roffa ‘I give’, receva “to receive” (recevas ‘received’), gorthy “to worship” (y gorthya “to worship him”, gorthys “worshipped”), enor ‘honour’ (the enora “to honour him”), banneth ‘blessing’ (ov banneth “my blessing”), molleth ‘curse’ (molleth du ‘God’s curse’), myschyf ‘mischief’ (myscheff ‘mischief’), spasia ’to spare’ (na sparyogh “spare you not”), latha ’to slay’ (lathe ‘slay’, lathys ‘slain’), lethys ‘slain’ (bethens lethys “let them be slain”), tora ’to break’ (trogh ‘broken’, terry ’to break’), squet ’to cut’ (squerdys ’torn’), leff ‘hand’ (dy leff ‘by hand’), dorn “fist, blow” (dorn ‘hand’), saff ‘stand’ (am saff “on my feet”), saeth ‘arrow’ (saethov ‘arrows’), creg ’to hang’ (cregy ’to hang’, crek ‘crack’), tenna “to draw, stretch” (tenna ‘stretch’), scollya ’to spill’ (scolyl ‘spill’), golhy ’to wash’ (the golhy “to wash you”, golhys ‘washed’), begyth “to baptise” (begythys ‘baptised’), clovas ’to hear’ (clowys ‘heard’, del glowys “as was heard”), guelys ’to see’ (gueles ‘sight’, y velys ‘seen’), myr ’look’ (myr attahy “look here”), aspy ’to spy’ (aspyogh ‘spy you’), quandra “to wander” (ov quandra “wandering”), omdok “bear yourself” (manly omdok “bear yourself manfully”), omda ’to yield’ (omry “yield myself”), feya ’to flee’ (feys ‘fled’, fyys ‘fled’), helgh ’to hunt’ (the helghya ’to hunt’, helghyer ‘huntsman’), hel ’to drive’ (helhys ‘driven’), tuch ’to touch’ (tuchys ’touched’), duv ’to swear’ (me a devar ‘I swear’), fal ’to fail’ (ny fyl “fails not”), feth “to overcome” (fethye ‘prevail’), defy ’to defy’ (me an deffy “I defy him”), nagh ’to deny’ (the nagh ’to deny’, denehys ‘denied’), campol ’to blame’ (na campol “blame not”), repreff “to reprove” (repref ‘reproof’), comend “to commend” (comendya “to commend”), aquyt “to acquit” (aquyttya “to acquit”), reward “to reward” (rewardys ‘rewarded’), peryth ’to bear’ (perth coff “bear grief”), guyth ’to keep’ (y wytha ’to keep’, guythys ‘kept’), gorta ’to wait’ (gorta oma “wait here”), lettya “to hinder” (heb lettya “without delay”), sped ’to speed’ (spedys ‘sped’), profi ’to prove’ (proves ‘proved’), prev ’to prove’ (an prevyon “the proofs”), prender ’to seize’ (sesy ‘seize’, sesijs ‘seized’), dalgh ’to hold’ (dalhenna ’to seize’), dyske ’to teach’ (desky ’teach’), dysque ’to show’ (dysquethys ‘shown’), confort “to comfort” (confortis “comforted”), reffre “to refresh” (refresit “refreshed”), restory “to restore” (restorys ‘restored’), suster “to sustain” (susten ‘sustain’), mege ’to rear’ (megys ‘reared’), don “to bear, carry” (thum don “to bear me”), degens ‘bring’, dre ’to bring’ (drethe ‘bring’), don ’to go’ (donsya ’to dance’), can ’to sing’ (canens “let them sing”), pyb ’to pipe’ (pybugh ‘pipe you’).
The play as preserved is written throughout in four-stress lines, rhymed and unrhymed, with frequent English words and phrases (w’out no, by my fay, have that iij lorel, so mot y go, wel far), Latin stage directions, and a few wholly English rubrics for properties and players. The orthography varies between y and 3 (the latter standing for Cornish gh, y or s according to position), u/v interchangeably, and th/dh loosely. The scribe — or the copyist Hadton, whose colophon dates the writing to 1504 — wrote the play on both sides of the leaf in a single hand, with a second hand supplying occasional corrections and the marginal Latin directions.
Here ends the Life of Saint Meriasek.