Volume Viii Part 20 (1/2)

[_Bring forth_ ELY, _with a yard in his hand and linen cloth, dressed like a woman_.

ELY. Good fellows, let me go! there's gold to drink, I am a man, though in woman's weeds.

Yonder's Prince John: I pray ye, let me go.

QU. MO. What rude companions have we yonder, Salisbury?

1ST COL. Shall we take his money?

2D COL. No, no; this is the thief that robbed Master Michaels, and came in like a woman in labour, I warrant ye.

SAL. Who have ye here, honest colliers?

2D COL. A monster, a monster! a woman with a beard, a man in a petticoat.

A monster, a monster!

SAL. What, my good Lord of Ely, is it you?--Ely is taken, here's the chancellor!

1ST COL. Pray G.o.d we be not hanged for this trick.

QU. MO. What, my good lord!

ELY. Ay, ay, ambitious lady.

JOHN. Who? My lord chancellor?

ELY. Ay, you proud usurper.

SAL. What, is your surplice turned to a smock?

ELY. Peace, Salisbury, thou changing weather-c.o.c.k.

CHES. Alas, my lord! I grieve to see this sight.

ELY. Chester, it will be day for this dark night.

FITZ. Ely, thou wert the foe to Huntington: Robin, thou knew'st, was my adopted son.

O Ely, thou to him wert too-too cruel!

With him fled hence Matilda, my fair jewel.

For their wrong, Ely, and thy haughty pride, I help'd Earl John; but now I see thee low, At thy distress my heart is full of woe.

QU. MO. Needs must I see Fitzwater's overthrow.

John, I affect him not, he loves not thee: Remove him, John, lest thou removed be.

JOHN. Mother, let me alone; by one and one I will not leave one that envies our good.

My Lord of Salisbury, give these honest colliers For taking Ely each a hundred marks.

SAL. Come, fellows; go with me.

COL. Thank ye, [i'] faith. Farewell, monster.

[_Exeunt_ SALISBURY, _with_ COLLIERS.