- . . . These gambols (my sonnes) are implements for the Stage, and
beseeme Iesters, and Plaiers, but are not fit for Church plotters. . . . Afterwards ensued his bequestes, in manner and forme following . . . Item, all my foolerie I bequeath to my good friend Lanam; and his consort, of whom I first had it.'
(f)
[From A Countercuffe giuen to Martin Iunior: . . . by Pasquill of England
(Aug. 1589), in McKerrow, Nashe, i. 59 (Anti-Martinist).]
The Anotamie latelie taken of him, the blood and the humors that
were taken from him, by launcing and worming him at London vpon
the common Stage . . . are euident tokens, that beeing thorow soust
in so many showres, hee had no other refuge but to runne into a hole,
and die as he liued, belching.
(g)
[From The Protestatyon of Martin Marprelat (1589, before 20 Oct.), 25
(Martinist).]
Then among al the rimers and stage plaiers, which my Ll. of the
cleargy had suborned against me I remember Mar-Martin, Iohn a Cant.
his hobbie-horse, was to his reproche, newly put out of the Morris,
take it how he will; with a flat discharge for euer shaking his shins
about a May-pole againe while he liued.
(h)
[From The Returne of the renowned Caualiero Pasquill of England (c. 20 Oct.
1589) in McKerrow, Nashe, i. 82, 92, 100 (Anti-Martinist).]
Howe whorishlie Scriptures are alleaged by them, I will discouer
(by Gods helpe) in another new worke which I haue in hand, and
intituled it, The May-game of Martinisme. Verie defflie set out, with
Pompes, Pagents, Motions, Maskes, Scutchions, Emblems, Impreases,
strange trickes, and deuises, betweene the Ape and the Owle, the like
was neuer yet seene in Paris-garden. Penry the welchman is the
foregallant of the Morrice, with the treble belles, shot through the
wit with a Woodcocks bill: I woulde not for the fayrest horne-beast
in all his Countrey, that the Church of England were a cup of Methe-*glin,
and came in his way when he is ouer-heated; euery Bishopricke
woulde prooue but a draught, when the Mazer is at his nose. Martin
himselfe is the Mayd-marian, trimlie drest vppe in a cast Gowne, and
a Kercher of Dame Lawsons, his face handsomlie muffled with a Diaper-*napkin
to couer his beard, and a great Nosegay in his hande, of the
principalest flowers I could gather out of all hys works. Wiggenton
daunces round about him in a Cotten-coate, to court him with
a Leatherne pudding, and a woodden Ladle. Paget marshalleth the
way, with a couple of great clubbes, one in his foote, another in his
head, & he cryes to the people with a loude voice, Beware of the Man
whom God hath markt. I can not yet find any so fitte to come lagging
behind, with a budget on his necke, to gather the deuotion of the
lookers on, as the stocke-keeper of the Bridewel-house of Canterburie;
