Page:The Lamentable and True Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent (1592).pdf/34

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

The Tragedy of M.Arden

This night come to his house at Aldersgate,
The dores Ile leaue vnlockt against you come.
No sooner shall ye enter through the latch,
Ouer the thresholde to the inner court.
But on your left hand shall you see the staires.
That leads directly to my M. chamber.
There take him and dispose him as ye please,
Now it were good we parted company,
What I haue promised, I will performe.

Wil.
Should you deceiue vs, twould go wrong wt you,

Mic.
I will accomplish al I haue reuealde,

Wil.
Come let's go drinke, choller makes me as drye as a dog

Exeunt Will, Gre. and Shak.
Manet Michaell.


Mic.
Thus feedes the Lambe securely on the downe,
Whilst through the thicket of an arber brake,
The hunger bitten Woulfe orepryes his hant,
And takes aduantage to eat him vp.
Ah harmeles Arden how, how hast thou misdone,
That thus thy gentle lyfe is leueld at,
The many good turnes that thou hast don to me,
Now must I quitance with betraying thee.
I that should take the weapon in my hand,
And buckler thee from ill intending foes.
Do lead thee with a wicked fraudfull smile,
As vnsuspected, to the slaughterhouse:
So haue I sworne to Mosby and my mistres.
So haue I promised to the slaughtermen.
And should I not deale currently with them,
Their lawles rage would take reuenge on me,
Tush I will spurne at mercy for this once.
Let pittie lodge where feeble women ly,
I am resolued, and Arden needs must die. Exit Michaell.

Here enters Arden & Fran.


Arden.
No Francklin no, if feare or stormy threts,
If loue of me, or care of womanhoode,

If