Ed. Stokes 1864 — translated from the Cornish. Stage directions in square brackets are the manuscript’s own (English) directions.

THE FATHER

…nine orders of glorious angels shall be royal and splendid, sent from me to serve me for ever. I will that they be for ever; now each order to its seat I will have set, and each one to its degree shall be put under my rule. When I command, here next to my throne the first three shall be made — Cherubim the highest, you shall be put forward quickly; Seraphim also, Thrones worshipping me — all shall do as my will is for ever, here always. And you, bright Lucifer — so is your name — highest of all shall you be. you are the first order: keep my honour over everyone, Jesu, like as you know.

In the second degree three more orders shall be made in certainty: at hand to me, Principalities shall be seated here present; Potestas on the other side, Dominatio in this, praising me and lauding your name for ever without fail.

In the third degree below I will make three more orders — Archangeli, a very great order, shall bring here to me; and Virtutes likewise, and Angels on the right side shall sit here without falsehood. To me they shall be candles, and they shall do my bidding with great joy and song at all times.

Now when heaven and earth are made at my will’s bidding and the nine orders are filled, the first day is sped. I, at once with my mouth, will descend to the earth beneath the clouds; and my will working there, I will that it be seen that I am God without peer.

Now on the second day I will make a firmament at once in the heavens above; I will that light be made, and also that there be a division surely between the day and the night. There shall not fail me to guide a thing in the world through my power. The great seas in a short time round the earth shall be drawn, that it may be held right straight to my ordinances always every hour.

On the third day I will make the trees stand up and bring fair and good leaves, and sweet flowers in truth — that is my blessing — that they may bear very bright fruit to my will for nourishment, a store of food for our life.

On the fourth day shall be made the sun and the moon in truth, and the stars likewise, to give light for ever; these are fine works — my blessing I give them.

On the fifth day at my will I will make the fishes without fail, and all the fowls likewise, to my pleasure; and all the beasts in the world with creeping things of every sort — these are all fair made; I bless them on every side without falsehood.

Lucifer in Heaven #

LUCIFER. Peace, I say, all you angels of heaven; listen to me now: believe that I am a strong prince and also a chief over you — fair and great, Lucifer is my name, sovereign in heaven here. My fellows are below; you know indeed that I am better than the Father to fill the seats that shall be void in heaven soon by you and your companions. [Let hell gape when the Father names it.] Hell shall be made ready for you quickly — I command that. There you shall dwell, and as many as have assented with you and your companions, the nine orders, in pains for ever without any ransom or end, always mourning. To have power over my being perfected(?), you shall be — I say it.

LUCIFER. I will do with the Son of Man, when he is made of vile slime — occupy my seat, certain it is! I denied my Lord here in heaven; that is an ugly thing. Man will do valuably to come here to the place that is filled with glory; for it there is no envy in him(?). And if it be not so, I will worship this place — sure it is enough that I will yet from my loyalty, and to spite you also. you did see me strong here, still treachery brooding(?) —

…the multitude of the angels with him assented; they are determined to maintain me, in spite to you, as you see them. For well nor woe I will not go, I say yowe, so this will not be — to me, I believe; for I will conquer certainly; over all as I was, still am I formed.

THE FATHER. Peace, Lucifer accursed, in woe as you are cast down; for soon you shall go to pains without redemption — to me, I believe. Surely to me, I believe, all your splendour and beauty shall soon turn to your ugliness and very dreadful. Be silent, Michael, prince of my chivalry and the angels of the nine orders: this rebellion in earnest to the earth with him, soon and mightily to hell, an ugly dwelling — there let them dwell in pains and lamentations always every hour, in very truth for ever. [All the Angels must have swords and staves, and must come to the place where Lucifer is.]

MICHAEL. Let us lead together the nine orders — let us cast Lucifer out at once out of heaven.

LUCIFER. You cheat, I will examine you: why would God damn me, since I am as mighty and strong?

MICHAEL. Because you are accursed and in woe are cast down. By reason, to you I prove it, you fool: why did you not consider that to God you were made, and also exalted with him above all the angels in heaven set here in His throne? [Let Lucifer offer to go up to the throne.]

LUCIFER. Even on the throne I will sit, and the same place I will keep still in spite, to them likewise — me and my companions through valour. I will make my being more worshipful than the Father’s, surely every hour.

…in the vale of Hebron of good earth, to fulfil His purpose — the place from which it was taken — so I make one and two(?). Man, and Son in Trinity, I will make in likeness of our face at once, and I will breathe into his body a spirit that he may live; and the life when he loses it, to earth again he shall turn. [Let Paradise be finely made with two fair trees in it, and an apple upon the tree and some other fruit on the other. Adam, stand up in bright apparel and comely, and attend.]

Me you shall worship of the earth made like to the head and foot(?). [A fountain in Paradise and fine flowers in it painted.] All that is in land and sea, over them take power; in truth to bring forth increase you shall live, that you be loosed(?). [Let the Father put Adam into Paradise.] For your love now I will make Paradise, a delicious place above all for my pleasure — for you it is made. [Let flowers appear in Paradise.] Plenty of flowers of every kind are grown in this place, and fruits on every tree grow winter and summer likewise. And now over all the place I grant you to be keeper.

FATHER. [Let fishes of various sorts appear and birds and beasts, as oxen, cattle, sheep, and such like.] Adam, name the fishes, the birds in the air, and the beasts likewise in land and sea — give them their names; they shall come at your command, save only the serpent(?) on any account.

ADAM. [At the Father’s commandment he names them.] I name cow and bull, all the cattle in their kinds — their names let them take: horse and mare and donkey, dog and cat and mice, various fowls and serpents. [A fine serpent made with a maiden’s face and yellow hair upon her head.] I give names to the fishes — shewyan, pengarnas, selyas — I reckon them all at once. [Let the serpent appear, and also geese and hens.]

FATHER. Because all is fair and good, the sixth day, all that is formed I will bless, that the seventh day may be called a day of rest for every man that is saved.

…that declaration of that I will cease at once. [After the Father has spoken, let him depart to heaven in a cloud.]

LUCIFER. I am gone with an ugly fall to the pit of hell out of heaven; there I will hold the rule, and now in very sharp pain I am and shall be for ever — there is no remedy for me. The trespass then so great does not amount to seeking mercy. I know that the Father will not forgive me my folly. Therefore all the vengeance I can think of I will work shortly through some manner of great envy: I will make war against whoever is formed by the Father in man’s likeness like to Him it is made — all his body so very seemly I cannot endure it.

I am envious of him; I will contrive some engine to delude him if I can. By God they are appointed a warden over all Paradise; through that I am grieved, seeing Eve exalted and me beneath, brought lower.

LUCIFER. …the woman there is called Eve, made from his bone she was, marvellously fair she was, of all things; but her wit is brutish. I will, if I can, find some way to tempt her — for I am a subtle fellow now — a lord like a duke in Paradise, and me a poor thing here in hell in fire every hour, in great pain burning.

See, this Adam is made — I know without doubt — to fill the seats that are void in heaven through my great pride, which I and mine emptied(?). See, if I can through deceit make Adam to fail me, I will bring him to pains; he shall not come to heaven ever. If he will fail me, see Eve — I will essay her, she is easier to delude than Adam in truth; and simpler also. It behoves me not to be seen myself in this same shape — ugly I am, deformed; nothing uglier can be. You all see —

BEELZEBUB. Ugly, you are, I vow, among all the devils; none uglier. Therefore find some engine or device — it avails not you(?) — Eve, to look on her, is so fair when one sees her, to her figure in this same wise; and if you make a bargain sure, you shall be much honoured — though God be foremost, shrewd in form, if he be deceived I shall be quit with him.

LUCIFER. Fear not — I will prove it and through much to pains — I say: guess how the Father made, of intent among all the creeping things of the world, a creeping thing named serpent, and it is wondrous fashioned like a fair virgin. Subtle it is besides, and above beast or creeping thing in the world; into it I will enter and creep to Paradise. I will go without fail; though she knows not to speak a word, I will rule her as I please.

…before going from from there to Adam and to Eve I will make some device.

TORMENTING DEVIL. Do so, please; as you are a willing devil, if you do that, honoured you shall be for ever, and head ruler over us, without doubt, in any case.

LUCIFER. [Let Lucifer come to the serpent and offer to go into her.] By and by you shall see that — and very quickly I do the trick — to the serpent, in spite to his face. [The serpent voids and stays, and Lucifer again offers to go into her.]

LUCIFER. Ah, red ball(?), come, wait and be ruled by me; let me enter into you, for you are not doubted because you are so fair. you shall be entertained, and with Eve surely believed — no refusal shall be looked(?) — since I am close entered, once inside you my voice all changed as a maiden’s in truth. I shall not be confessed(?); I am in deceit. Subtle am I, I believe, and I will go without guile, also very smooth without envy, like a sweet angel’s fineness.

EVE. There is no fear of you to me because you are so fair of face, nor yet doubt at all in the world; for by your air you are false(?). Come you to heaven’s seat(?), and if you come from from there, right welcome you are to me; and gladly you shall be believed. Tell me your errand, and if I can I will help; fear not, it shall not be refused.

SERPENT. My errand turns to profit if you will keep me(?); but I have from you very great doubt of wrong, if you will betray me.

EVE. [Eve talks familiarly with the serpent and comes near him.] I will not betray my fellow of a thing in the world; therefore speak your will — you may do your errand, and my trust is that it is good.

SERPENT. Good faith it is — fear no peril, on my honesty, good woman.

(marginal note: Copy in the British Museum MS.)

…[Eve answers] that it would fail, and it would be a very great thing, and she would shrink to be punished.

EVE. You say truly indeed — that was an ugly thing. I have great desire to know what thing it was, in short — beyond your errand; speak, please.

SERPENT. I tell you, Eve, and listen to me, you gentle one: as wise you would be as God above, and would know everything.

EVE. Michael, lord — thank you! Could I come to that point, I would be very true(?) — that would be a royal thing: to be as knowing as God above, and in every point equal with him, and as wise accounted in deed, I believe, in earnest. I would gladly roll(?) and be stately in my device — please, tell how.

…farther I cannot endure — shame it is with me to hear you denying the words. Why, I say to you, did God give the command — with you to have tasted? As wise you would be in every point, surely like the Father. He would not surely wish any man to be so wise — to know evil and good.

Therefore, good woman Eve, with you I will not flatter, nor will I use falsehood. Listen you to me — if you will eat, if you will be exalted, or certainly for ever you shall be like children, or in consent(?) you do hear, gentle Eve.

EVE. Yes, yes, I hear — and he rose(?) my charge so straitly. I shall have pain and sorrows if I break one jot of his commandment — to reign, perchance in hell for ever shall not be our dwelling, if his will be not followed.

SERPENT. Peace, peace, Eve, you are a fool — you will not believe at all well. I told you the whole — my counsel, if you do it, deny you not(?); with you I am not content.

EVE. I will do it in very truth; I cannot endure longer, when it is needful to taste of it.

SERPENT. For ever fear not — you can be very true(?); with your eyes soon you shall see all things here, and very wise you shall be made like God — fear not that. Eve, I tell you, would I not love you? I would not for anything deny to exalt you.

EVE. Much thanks to you, lord, for giving me counsel so stoutly; to you I will listen — and by God there is no fear in me to taste that same apple. And indeed, to know your grace, to see the fruit so noble — and if God the stern Father set me up so high and exalt me much, without doubt —

SERPENT. Go, dear Eve, good woman, you can know — to me thanks for the fruit; and Adam, as he is your husband —

…and to him in courtesy I offered it as a companion — much he lacks of my loyalty(?) and very worship.

ADAM. Ah Eve, Eve, you did fail to listen to me — the angel of an evil state he was, I believe, that you heard singing and that counselled you to eat the apple.

EVE. Lord, he spoke to me so fairly — I knew not a whit to refuse him; and his promise was so sweet that Eve did believe me. I feared not for my soul — the deceit, and his promise then large: if we should taste of that fruit, we should be as God, and as wise.

ADAM. I am filled in the hour — could I come to that point, it was a very fine bargain. Ah, out, out upon you, Eve! I shall curse that — cast it into your great belly(?), and worthy to take it —

…that was an ugly bargain, Eve, I tell you; enough will be the gain when it is fully reckoned with you. Alas, alas!

EVE. [Proffer the apple to Adam; he refuses it.] Peace, Adam, be not angered; there came no harm yet of it. The same peril you did fear and did say to me — see, all the peril in every point! But Eve granted me — no, I fear not in any case — on her peril, wondrous quaint.

ADAM. Ah, a curse on the crooked whore, and hanged likewise with her! She shall not surely have a bad leap(?) for your fruit this time, and worthy also to have blame.

EVE. [Let her speak angrily to Adam.] Yes, yes, I shall have all the blame for worshipping you now, Adam — whatever way the game goes. But of running days(?) made you were not — evil, be angry! I know that indeed.

ADAM. Peace, peace — be not so hasty with me —

FATHER. …for you did fail to obey, and deceived your loyal spouse, for ever accursed to your companion — I ordain a woman to be trusted to your word(?) that her labour may increase; through woe(?), my command cut off — nor with much labour in earnest hereafter shall you bring forth children.

[The Father speaks to the serpent.] Why did you curse? Say — to deceive her.

SERPENT. I tell you the case: because of the great joy to her and me always burning.

FATHER. Serpent, for tempting her, much pain is ordained for you: accursed are you above all things, and above creeping thing and beast in the world — fear of you for ever; man shall have at all times. And you, creeping thing, shall go crooked and slink upon earth henceforth. Between you and her and your seed I will make enmity for ever, and that to your head also — to earth surely shall he tread(?) —

…Adam nor Eve sinned, and the Father’s command they broke; death they did not taste but in pleasure for ever they would always live. Here then he is appointed chief warden over Paradise, and through sin of covetousness all his joy is lost, that pains may be for them — with the devil they were deceived through the accursed serpent, as you saw together here.

[Death departs away.]

ADAM. That is a great pity — through the accursed serpent we went to being so foolish that we lost for us the place — oh, ordained for us full of joy to live here for ever. Now, Eve my spouse, that then was your folly — therefore very great pains are ordained for us, that we may be driven out through it.

EVE. I knew not — so many fair words she told me through that — on my soul I supposed an angel of heaven it was that was sent to me.

…another shape believed; her flattering was much glorious; I knew not how to make denial of my loyalty.

ADAM. Ah, alas, you did believe the great devil and his wrong; for then he willed, when he went into the serpent within you, to deceive —

…a band here, wholly wretched, and out of Paradise driven — I will begin to dig, to get sustenance and food for me and for my children, and apparel and clothes.

EVE. Also I will spin, to make clothes for my body and for my children and for you.

ADAM. Alas, woe is me that I was born, breaking God’s commandments — driven from Paradise to the cold earth out — by our sin a thing at all that we leave(?), I find here no house nor sustenance more than beasts; how shall we live here?

EVE. Is not this Paradise? Ah no, Adam, ah no — there flowers stood and fair fruits their hue, to feed us on them — when we did wrong. Changed is the lot now — alas, our first believing(?).

ADAM. [Show her two sons.] Two sons I have begotten, and grown they are to men — you all see them. Cain is my elder son, and Abel is my younger son — lovely children and gentle.

[He speaks to Cain.] I will point out service to you, fair and dearest — to till grain and cattle: Cain, your charge shall be over the earth, barley and wheat, to do the tenth loyally.

[He turns to Abel.] And Abel, the oblation over the beasts and the fowls and the sheep all in the world; and when need is, take them — bring them to Mount Tabor, and there make their burning.

[Cain and Abel are told to make their offering.]

…God’s fear, with you to displease — if we do not make loyal oblation.

CAIN. Adam, my dear father, I will do without fail your command in earnest — need it is, very needful to labour herewith and till the earth here, to get us sustenance.

ABEL. [A lamb ready with fire and incense.] To the mountain I will go and do the tenth now, and burn there very clean — the tenth and the tithe of everything — an oblation surely of it I will lay all with fire.

CAIN. Yes, to burn I will not — the grain nor the fruits in earnest. Peace, Abel, foolish head — I gather thorns and spines and dross to burn without pain(?), and make a great bush of smoke.

ABEL. Cain, that is not well done — in worship to God the Father let us make our sacrifice loyal.

…you have slain Cain your brother in this world; for your deed you shall surely bear punishment though you repent not(?).

CAIN. See him dead, cursed churl — I will not be controlled. He is now rid out of the world [English]. They found him hidden in some hole — the churl that would burn our grain in truth? I cannot bear that — to God there is no need of me(?) — for having our food I know truly.

[Cast Abel into a ditch.]

…my father’s anger also will be stirred when he hears the news that he is slain — I am here; I care not a point. Where shall I cast him, dead, to be rotten? There is no pity for me in the world. With my hands — go to God, slain as I am, the trickster quaint.

FATHER. [When the Father speaks to Cain, let him look down.] Cain — where is Abel? My question quickly tell —

…to wander about in the country — so many are the curses, doubt I have to find a dwelling.

EVE. Adam, what ails you — thus to be angered? My heart is very sorely; I am very anxious at seeing him in this state.

ADAM. Ah Eve, my dear wife, my heart is near broken — all my joy is quite lost through my son’s death whom I loved most.

EVE. Lord, I know not — could it be from us in any way? Our two sons of good grace are alive still, surely not yet far — Cain and Abel, you know — they are ordained to Mount Tabor to make due offering; and see Cain there coming home to greet you — therefore stand, I pray, and let the matter rest. I think it better for —

…a weak work it was, that both are cold earth likewise, crying always after you. Therefore after this, for ever I will not rejoice but always mourn, without joy or gladness. Through your base work here, therefore void from hence — seek not our son(?) — accursed as you are, my curse to you always, and your father’s curse likewise. you shall be in day and night —

CAIN. I care not for that, I tell you, mother — so many curses here, I know I shall not prosper for ever in the world.

[Cain speaks to his wife.] Therefore, go from hence — I will, I know not where; for never did I love them(?) — evil, be sorry(?). The churl Abel is slain, I vow. Mother — gather together our gear; I will go very quickly, and after this hence far in the waste to wander.

CALMANA his wife. Ah Cain, Cain, my dear spouse, you did a very bad work to slay Abel, a good man — your own brother you were, and my brother likewise. Therefore in despite to you it is to your mother’s slaying(?) — God’s anger is on us for it.

CAIN. Tety valy bram an gathe — I have no sorrow yet for that same deed.

ADAM. My wife, hear my word — let your weeping and your cry cease(?). Let us give thanks to our Maker — our labour in this world He gave us not and more. Therefore after this let us live in chastity, and carnal joy in this world we will not together deny(?) — through the will of the Father of mercy.

FATHER. Adam, do not so — live in the same order; your seed shall increase without number to reckon. So it is appointed: you shall have a son born to your body — fear not — that shall be like to you, nor can a man be more like, and by me he shall be loved.

ADAM. [Adam kneels.] Lord, blessed be you for keeping me thus — to your blessing very truly be it fulfilled for ever.

CAIN. Calmana my sister, listen — let us go from hence, for her husband is not yet(?). Matthew, rise — we carry our penance with us as you are my spouse, and my sister on father and mother’s side. I am gone with the father’s curse for slaying Abel the big-head; also the curse of mother and father — need is for me, more than a hundredfold.

CALMANA. Ah Cain, you did fail much in doing that same work; therefore you are accursed of our father and mother Eve — much they mourn him; by them shall not be forgotten the murder for ever. Quickly they are grieved — their hearts are broken; I find shame in them.

CAIN. For all that I care not, nor of them any more — I set not a straw’s worth by them(?); they angered me much and cursed me so greatly. I prosper not well nor ever in the world; therefore let us go from hence far away to abide. I will not dwell speaking — or in bushes and great brakes, for I would not be seen for death’s sake(?).

…for the murder so great, God cannot forgive me nor shall I be in any case to show my father, once to seek pardon.

CALMANA. [Let him show the mark.] In that, to your blame, God set a mark on you in the forehead, to see here — and thus he said these words very truly: whatever man sees that and does slay you, he shall receive seven plagues more.

CAIN. The promise I give not a straw for — to trust it I will not. Doubtless it is deceived(?). Since all is ready, bring we both forth — in the wilderness round the world. [Some fardel to carry with them.] And our children likewise, though hidden as they may be — I took them on my back quickly now.

CALMANA. Do so, please — I will carry the food in my hand; my heart is grieved. That sithe the time that I was borne, never had I more sorrow.

ADAM. [Show Seth.] Worshipped be God the Father — a son to me is born and grown to boyhood strong; Seth my son he is called — you see him here. I pray the loyal Trinity and bring here in the world to be his loyal servant.

FATHER. Adam, I tell you, your son Seth is destined by me always to serve me — with wisdom he shall be filled, and shall conquer likewise. No wisdom at all in the world but he shall know it through it — by the planets out of heaven, by sun and stars above he shall all discern the thing that shall be after this, both evil and good.

ADAM. [Adam kneels, and Seth also.] Much worship to you, my Former and Maker of all the world — you are a lord without peer; in every place be you worshipped, whoever honours not you in evil fare. In Seth be it fulfilled as your will is for ever here, very strong.

SETH. And I also, Lord of heaven, your loyal workman as is needful, as you are a strong Lord and bring here in the world — hear you my voice(?). May born grace after this at seeing you in joy with your angels above on high in heaven.

LAMECH. In tent(?), peace, I say — listen all around to me, all that are here: Lamech is my name, a son I am — believe me — to Methuselah truly, of Cain son of Adam I am, of the seventh degree. A great lord, esteemed in proof(?), never surely alive who honours me as he ought — an ill state am I, by my loyalty; nor a stroke of good hand do I work, but always am shooting(?). If I can hit a mark, that is my fancy.

Yet, fellow, my ancestor Cain, though a bad man — much reckoned — I hold him in disdain if I be not proved(?). Yet it is lacking much more — a wife I have to my pleasure to sport with her, and surely I am the first that ever had two wives, and the girls plenty — I have, they are not dainty(?) — I keep them when I will; I spare not of them, evil is one that is fair(?).

But I am wondrous troubled — scarce can I see a bit —

…what the devil shall be done? I know not on my soul, nor yet did help come — the pleasure that is to me in the world is with bow to draw. I will go very quickly to the forest — quick from hence — and slay the strange beasts that eat the flesh of those beasts, nor beast nor reptile in the world never did taste, nor yet flesh of hens eaten, nor wine — I used not; other provisions they have(?). And penance much to live — with the skins of those beasts I make clothes for me, as did my ancestors.

And my ancestor Cain, still alive, in the waste among beasts is always wandering because he angered God the Father — cast is his great shape(?), for an ill state as he is and filled with curses.

[Bow and arrow ready with the servant.] My servant, come out here and carry my bow with you — I will go a-wandering, wild beasts to espy, and I will with my arrows slay part of them.

SERVANT. Your bow and arrows with me I have them ready — I will lead you into the wood, and there shall be found plenty, much in very truth.

[Depart Lamech; his servant leads him to the forest near the bush where Cain is.]

CAIN. By all I am forgotten — none knows me nor any man that comes. Cain I am called — the elder son of Adam, cast out. You see my great misery — yet my heart is stout for slaying loyal Abel, nor yet is the Father’s curse — never shall sorrow be in the world. You see me over-dived(?); I am together with hair — I would not be seen by any man’s son living in this world, because of being accursed.

And my father Adam’s curse went with me and his great sorely; therefore in any place I cannot find rest — a son of cursing I am made. Therefore I shall not come among people any time, but always hiding myself in woods and bushes like a beast always wandering —

…my folly is so great and my heart also quite broken. I will not go to the Father to seek mercy surely without doubt, though I should be glad — fear I have of every man with him to be slain. But God the Father himself His mark on me He set at once with His own hands — you all see it.

[Show the mark.] And He spoke thus: that no man should slay me on pain of His loyal displeasure; and whoever should slay me, sevenfold He would requite. He spoke it with a very strong charge. But yet for that promise much I fear me — to them He wills not.

[Let him hide himself in a bush.] Therefore on my soul I will go to hide in some bush — cover to my grief.

SERVANT. Master, good, by your leave — I see a beast very great there in a bush crouching. Lord, among the beasts strange it is to see — look, master, where it is.

[Lamech comes to him and feels him.]

…as I am ungracious, now I am plagued as you all see the proof.

LAMECH. Out, you villain — what have you done? Surely that is a man slain — I hear him still groaning.

SERVANT. My groaning — the beast is there; I see him lurking. Gall his skin — an ugly feast; give me his skin, please, to wear as a coat. Hairy, quaint it is and ugly — I know not what beast it could be. you did lie as to its favour — to be some buck, I vow; and that shall be proved.

[Here Lamech feels him.]

LAMECH. Stay, let me handle him — since I saw so little(?). What are you? Tell me whether man or great beast — a doubt of you I have.

CAIN. Ah, alas, accursed — I am Cain, son to Adam. By you I am slain — a curse on my father and mother, and a curse on me with that.

LAMECH. What — are you Cain, son to Adam? I cannot believe that — beardless are you and bent, over-dived all with it(?). you are hairy — why are you thus in bushes crouching? A great wonder it is to me — I cannot understand that you are my ancestor — I care not indeed.

CAIN. Of my body you are come, and of Adam your ancestor — now you are accursed, and seven plagues — you and your children shall be plagued, believe it. A mark of God on me is set — you see it on my forehead. By a man when it is known, of me surely it is not meet to be meddled with by anything.

LAMECH. you see — I am but little(?); a bit I cannot see. Your being reckoned by my loyalty — why did God set a mark on your forehead? Tell me, though I threaten you so starkly I see not much of your favour nor any mark on your face.

CAIN. I tell you without its lie — with me God was angry and His curse in very truth He gave me because I slew my brother Abel — oh that is the matter. If you will know it thereby — I feared with every man to be slain; but God to me granted that on His displeasure it should be that none should do that same. And whoever should do it, plagues he should have for it.

And his mark He set here on my forehead for a token — and with you I am accursed. Oh, I am slain by your hands now.

LAMECH. Ah, alas, ill is the hour that with me you are slain — if you are Cain, my ancestor, my boy — oh, to your blame —

…he bade me shoot and I saw not a bit — I but little truly, in faith.

CAIN. Ah, Lamech, an ill lad you are — and I also, it is lacking much(?) — this was a very great vengeance and a just plague ordained for me. Alas the hour!

LAMECH. Cain, still, kinsman my forefather, to know you I knew not, nor did I see you — it is not surely many years since you were beardless.

CAIN. Beardless I am in very deed, and over-dived with hair — alive I am always in thunder and lightning and frost surely night and day. I would not see any man’s son with my will at any time, but the company of many beasts — with every beast all the trouble I have — the churl Abel to slay, that is the truth — my trust.

LAMECH. Why did you slay him — and Eve your nearest brother(?)? That was a base deed done.

CAIN. Because he was to my reproof, and I his elder brother — he did not reverence me in the world. Therefore I angered and very quickly slew him. There is no sorrow for it — the curse of God and father and mother went with me, an ill drop, at once for that deed. My heart yet is proud — though I am near dead, to seek mercy I have doubt — to me for the deeds I know it is God strong. To me he will not forgive, nor pardon do I seek —

…I am passing; to you I will not forgive(?) — my soul, I know not where to hell is its dwelling; there let it dwell winter and summer.

LAMECH. Ah, alas, ill is the hour — Cain, my grandfather, is dead; therefore you shall be slain — ah, false hateful thief! [Kill him with a staff.]

ADAM. Seth my son, come here and hear my account — old I am in this world; my strength is spent, the great labour that is on me every night and day. Therefore go hence to Paradise without delay and seek the oil of mercy — if you can, by anything — fear not; you shall be told all your errand.

SETH. Ah, dear father, I know not the way, nor have I ever been there — I cannot think what quarter it is in, lord, to seek Paradise.

ADAM. Keep on, straight your gate — take no doubt nor mistrust, but the way shall be found in this manner: through my deeds there you shall see the tracks of my feet when I came from Paradise — in the very print burned when the land was accursed.

[An angel in the gate of Paradise, a bright sword in his hand.] And when you come to the place, in one gate call —

ADAM. …come I am here — with Adam my father to you, if it be your pleasure.

CHERUB ANGEL. Seth, come near and tell me your errands without delay, and take no fear in the world.

SETH. My errand is this: to seek the oil of mercy — charged I am thus by my father here to you; your will, if it be that — for he is grown old, and in this world he is weary, his trouble is complete(?). Longing he has for nothing but always crying after the oil of mercy.

ANGEL. Come near to the gate, Seth, and look — you shall see all Paradise; look at everything and tell what you see of strangeness in the garden within it.

[Let Seth look into Paradise.]

SETH. Your will if it be so — I will soon look — the wonder that is there —

…and when it is fully told, it shall be always ready to bring the oil of mercy.

ADAM. Much worship to the loyal Father, granting me salvation. After this — other things far — Seth my son, listen to me and to your charge I do it under my blessing very loyal. Keep the Father of heaven worshipped and always believe on Him in every need you have — He will surely succour you, and will maintain you in this world long to live. My son, mark these words.

SETH. Ah, dear father, much thanks to you and your good teaching always. I believe in very truth: worship God the loyal Trinity, and the Son the greatest and the Holy Spirit — they three as they are one, I believe; three persons they are, very worshipful, reigning in joys in the realm of heaven above. And therefore it behoves me with a pure heart to worship them.

ADAM. [Let Death appear to Adam.] Old and weak I am grown; I have no longer to live — death is come; it will not leave me here to live one hour. I see it always with a spear ready to pierce me every time — none may escape from it. The time is evil with me; I have served the world long — since I was first formed, nine hundred years I believe, and thirty reckoned it is time to go hence. Children of mine begotten of Eve my wife: twelve score with him(?) — this is true — without my son Cain and Abel also twelve score of maidens in very double(?) — we two without guile or deceit began this world, and the world is increased by me and my children without number to be counted — to God I give thanks for it.

DEATH. Adam, make ready to me — you see me come —

…your life with my spear to take hence — there is no waiting longer. Therefore make your piercing through the heart that I may go.

ADAM. Death, I give you much thanks — my life to take out of this world; for very weary I am of it. To God I give thanks for it. Happy am I to be brought to labour and the end of the world — long I have followed(?) here, and therefore I commend to the loyal Trinity my soul.

A DEVIL. Comrades, be ready, the devils every one — then Adam, passed, let us lead him hence to the deep pit on the nether side.

LUCIFER. No, no — do not so; there is another ordained for him — in Limbo on the upper side there he shall dwell, as is ordained by the Father.

…but he rejoiced very little, and the Father’s anger never in truth did he seek(?); therefore for ever he shall dwell there in earnest, in great pains like a dog — heaven’s joy is lost to him.

[They go to hell with great noise.]

Yes, Cain and his companions — in the same order of life the place is ordained for them in hell on the nether side. And for Adam’s vengeance(?) — Limbo is ordained for him; well for him and his companions — they taste not the great pain.

[An angel conveys Adam’s soul to Limbo.]

A DEVIL. Yes, all our journey — we run — the great devil is not worth a straw(?) — let us lead this churl who is here — let us go together as comrades to hell hence, to the pains that are for ever.

ANGEL. Ah, soul, come with me to hell — there ordained for you is a place by the Father, to you without falsehood, to remain for a season; when the oil of mercy comes, you shall be carried to the joy of high heaven above.

[Let Adam be buried in a fair tomb with some church songs at his burial.]

SETH. My father, when he is dead, I will bury him — let us go hence without fail; let us put the body in earth with solemnity and song. But the earth it was made of, and again to the same earth it shall be turned surely — and as it was before ordained to me, the three kernels are put in his mouth and his nostrils. [The three kernels put in his mouth and nostrils.] As he was the first man that was formed by the Father, in earth he is now. To God the Father be thanks here for His works.

ENOCH. Enoch is my name — a loyal servant to the Trinity; son of Jared I am, without falsehood I am, and very loyal. The seventh degree descended from Adam I am; in age I am in this year three hundred and sixty in proof, and yet five more — as is to my mind this day — I pray the Maker of heaven that I may be always pleasing to be his servant in this world without fail, and so living.

FATHER IN HEAVEN. [Enoch kneels when the Father speaks.] Enoch, I tell you, my will is that you be thus — that you be quick transformed to Paradise hence; I will that you be soon alive in body, and there be ready in my time; and there you shall wait near to the end of the world. The mystery is very great — by me it shall not be disclosed to any man in this world.

[Enoch is carried to Paradise.]

ENOCH. Worshipped be God the Father — to Your blessing be it done. This is a great wonder that I am brought worshipped — I know not where, I know; and loyally I believe — God’s work is it that this is. Come to Paradise, I know truly I am — a place delicious is this; long in it I shall live through the temptation of the evil one(?). My ancestor Adam very truly — Eve believed through the apple — in the glorious place very sure — that no man should taste of it(?).

Therefore, people of the world, do not break the command that is by God given you — doubt to have an evil end, and great mischief on everyone. If you believe me, you shall obtain after this heaven’s joys in one lot(?).

SETH. So much sin is in the world, wrought by men without amends — much is God the Father angered. Never yet was man’s son here — destruction is ordained very surely on all the world, that everything shall be consumed. That is understood by the learning that is needful to me from the Father above: the planets that are above and the stars likewise, pointing much at large.

[Let him point to the sun, the moon, and the firmament.]

The sun and moon likewise all together are agreed to the purpose — much coming — and the destruction shall be great, that the world shall be destroyed by rivers of very great flood, or by fire it shall be burned. Believe me, if it be so — therefore let men fear to offend God the Father in any manner in the world, to avoid that peril.

Written I have everything that began this world, that it may be loyally recorded — of all the things that are done in it, the books I have them here — you see them wondrous large, and everything in this world written is in them. Doubt not lest they be forgotten — two pillars I will point out for that purpose soon: brick shall be made of them, and marble shall be the other, for preservation that shall be made for the books. The brick, that they be not burned by fire — that is made; and the marble, lest it be consumed by flood — that is made(?).

SETH (or ENOCH? — text assigns to ENOCH/SETH). …my right hand when I wrought, when my wife drew(?) — my defence but from Paradise very clean soon the angel put me. The spirit dwells not for ever in the body of man’s son in the world — and reason is, and why: for his being flesh, tender made, and very frail besides. There is no man serving me(?), loyal and just surely always, save Noah in all this world, and his wife and his children likewise.

My will is thus: a deluge over all the world, that everything may be consumed — but surely I will save —

NOAH. Noah, son of Lamech, called I am — great lord, all remember me(?). I am here in this world — substance enough I have and good; I have living(?) — I am esteemed for ever to worship my good Lord, the Trinity above.

[Noah comes before heaven and kneels.]

FATHER IN HEAVEN. Noah, come to me now and hear what I say.

NOAH. Ready I am, high Lord — to Your blessing speak.

FATHER IN HEAVEN. Noah, so filled is the world now with wickedness, that its end is come — one flesh every person(?); with sin very truly it is defiled. I cannot spare any more without making death at a great speed(?). On all people — I mean you, and your wife and your children, and whatever belongs to them.

[Tools and timber ready, with planks to make the ark: a beam, a mallet, a caulking-iron, ropes, masts, pitch and tar.]

Therefore, haste you, go make a vessel of timber of squared planks, and one in which shall be roomy dwellings — they shall be called — without and within them with pitch let them be made staunch. And three hundred cubits good the vessel shall be in length, and fifty cubits also you shall make in breadth, and thirty in height I will — thirty it shall be made(?) — on the second(?) a door — you shall make a port it shall be called — just through it you shall place(?), for that it be not closed.

…of every kind of cattle, male and female also, you shall put into your vessel within — every manner of food in the world that is to eat, keep that it fail not, for man and beast likewise in your vessel keep that it be.

NOAH. Strong Lord, your commands I will do, so mot I go. With hewing tools without fail I will begin to stretch(?) — with my axe new-sharpened I will fell every piece of timber, and will plane all the planks, and set every plank sure.

SHEM. I will caulk you wondrous fine — no water shall get into it, though it be made above — it shall be staunch, I say it.

HAM. I have pitch provided, and ladles of every kind — various sorts of tubs(?) — ready very broad(?).

TUBAL-CAIN. A wonder is to me at one thing — that you are so hasty, Noah. Why are you so building a vessel so worthy in the middle of the country against the sea? I hold your wit is yet to be in the head of the pinna(?); all your labour is not worth a jot — I swear it on my soul; foolish you are.

[Let Tubal fall a-laughing.]

NOAH. My fellow, take no wonder — you see and many a mile hence, sketched in outline(?), in the end without guile or deceit you shall see well quickly — warned I am by God the Father to make this vessel, to save me and my children. To the same vessel also you shall see within it space — by rivers of flood the greatest, all the world shall be drowned.

TUBAL. Better it were that you were hanged, you and all your crazy crew — you old churl, you bald-head! How will you do that — that the world shall be consumed? All the waters in this world, though they were together gathered, will not end the matter — see, you are crazy; all the world can know it.

…vengeance on your bald head! There is no man here in the realm that believes me — evil, I will not. Why — what the matter is that God will drown the world, if you can tell me the occasion — please in good manner.

NOAH. The occasion is this: so much sin is in the world, and none is amending it, that God the Father is angered with all the people of this world; and repentance He has that ever man’s son was made. Therefore do amend your folly before it is too late — in the hour, in good manner, if you be repentant the same plague shall pass.

TUBAL. Who made you a preacher to teach us here? please, tell me that — did God counsel you? Only without any other man here — I know there are in the country many men who say the Father — men perfect I avow them and great states, who have food in God’s favour —

…lord, to his share these — he would disclose the great destruction, the flood. Therefore to believe him I will not any more than a dog(?); nor mend we will not — we know your words are wasted.

NOAH. Well it is for you to be wise and all the people of this world — there shall not be ever very truly found safety — trust to me. Therefore be you advised — if you do not, very great vengeance shall fall on you eefore long, for God will our Father send a flood of very loyal water(?) surely to drown the world. To save myself, also my wife and my children, the vessel shall be by us through God’s help quickly made, to avoid this danger.

TUBAL. Tety valy bram an gathe — I believe you not yet that God will do so. I know — He made not the world and the people that are in it to be so quickly destroyed — impossible it is that that water should be found.

NOAH. Impossible is nothing to the Maker of all this world — though He destroy the world within it by water — for by His word all was made — heaven and earth, all that is here — and by His word again, I believe, He can if He will destroy it by the water.

TUBAL. It amounts not to me to reason with you, Noah, I think. I will go hence, for you are a bad man(?) — never shall it be wise. Where a fool was ever seen, I tell you — why, the vessel is begun — you know there is not a jot of years very many more than twenty(?). Since it is so big begun, never shall it be finished — I swear it on my conscience.

[Let them both depart.]

NOAH. Now the vessel is made, fair and good to my pleasure —

…I will command soon that the rain no more make —

[The culver comes with a branch of olive in her mouth.]

NOAH. To God the Father be thanks — the dove is come, and with her a branch of green olive — let another be delivered(?) — the great raven would not come — some carrion she found. Now it is near a year since the flood began — if it be God’s own will that is Maker of earth and heaven, to slacken this same great flood His will be fulfilled here with us always, both Son and Father likewise.

FATHER IN HEAVEN. Noah, I command you: go out of the vessel soon — you, your wife and your children likewise, fowls, beasts and every creature.

NOAH. Much worship to You, Lord of heaven — You help weak and strong in need surely when need is. Man and beast(?), fair and great, cattle, fowls and beasts, all that were in the vessel —

[An altar ready, very fair.]

NOAH. …in thanksgiving for sins an altar I will make; I will make a fire and a sacrifice now, a part of every sort both of beasts and of fowls — therewith to honour You. [Some good church songs to be sung at the altar — and frankincense.] And therefore let us sing in worship to the Father here.

FATHER IN HEAVEN. A sweet savour is this, and a good sacrifice also very truly, Noah — it is pleasing to me with a full heart. Since it is to me done, therefore surely I will do: henceforth after this in the heavens it shall be seen —

[A rainbow to appear.]

The rainbow in truth, as often as you see it — remembrance of My covenant I will make for ever — trust in Me: destruction shall not of that kind henceforth by flood be wrought to destroy this world. And therefore —

…believe — fulfil likewise — the earth afresh shall come again, every kind and beast in the world, fishes in the sea likewise, shall be your sustenance here — there is nothing in this world made but to you shall do service. Beware that man’s blood be not shed by you any time; and if it be so, I will require it at the hands of that same man who sheds the blood. In likeness to Me here — the image of man I shaped — if you love me as you ought, you shall obey me.

NOAH. We will do so as it is declared to us, and to You worship for ever as it is our duty — this same day is the — to God the Father be thanks. You have seen every degree — many matters played, and the creation of all the world. Also you have all seen this same world consumed by rivers of very great flood — there was not one man’s son spared save Noah, his wife and his children.

Notes #

[Stokes’s philological notes on the Cornish text, retained from the edition.]

• L. 2. dowethva from doweth, deweth = W. diwedd ’end’ and ma, mo, ‘place’ = O. Ir. mag, Gaul. magus. So trig-va l. 15, deberth-va 84, powes-va 416.
• L. 4. avy ‘is’ for a vyth (a+byth) 1914.
• L. 6. idn ‘one’ = ün 11, 1759, 1969, 2145. A fuller form is onyn 34, 343, 2182, wonyn 389.
• The cardinal numbers occurring in this play: 2. deaw (masc.) — deaw vabe 1056, 1234, deaw pillar 2180, deaw gweth 967; dew, dyw, de (fem.) — dew glyen 188, dew wreag 1344, dew la 2521, dew lagas 1647, dew ran 1708, dew ara (sprusan) 1852, dew ha dew 2414, dyw fridg 1853 = dew freyge 1933; plur. devyes 2200; copplow 2412. 3. try masc. 36, 343, 1958, try person 6, try fersons 1960; tayr fern. 1923, tayre 1844, tayer 2087. 5. pymp 1861, 2103, pympe 1894. 6. whea 413 (whegh 4th Commandment). 9. naw 27, 248, 1976, nawe 292, 299. 10. deak 1977, deag 2265. 12. dewthack 1980. 20. egans 1976, ugans 2101, -gans 1980. 30. deakwarnegans 1977, deagwarnygans 2265. 32. dewthack warnygans 1981. 50. hantercans 2262. 60. try ugans 2102. 65. try ugans ha pymp 2102, 2103. 100. cans 1861, 1894, 1915, 2102. 365. try cans try ugans ha pymp 2102, 2103. 900. naw cans 1976. 930. naw cans ha deakwarnegans 1976. 1000. myell 1562, 1861, 1894, 2305; plur. myllyow 740. 5500. pympe myell ha v. cans 1894.