Volume I Part 4 (2/2)

Between John the Husband and Tib the Wife.

Between the Pardoner and the Fryer, the Curate and neighbouring Pratt.

Play of Gentleness and n.o.bility, in two parts.

The Pindar of Wakefield, a comedy.

Philotas Scotch, a comedy.

This author also wrote a dialogue, containing the number in effect of all the proverbs in the English tongue, compact in a matter concerning two manner of marriages. London 1547, and 1598, in two parts in quarto, all writ in old English verse, and printed in an English character.

Three hundred epigrams upon three hundred proverbs, in old English character.

A fourth hundred of epigrams, printed in quarto, London 1598.

A fifth hundred of epigrams, printed in quarto, London 1598.

The Spider and Fly. A Parable of the Spider and Fly, London 1556, in a pretty thick quarto, all in old English verse. Before the t.i.tle is the picture of John Heywood at full length, printed from a wooden cut, with a fur gown on, almost representing the fas.h.i.+on of that, belonging to a master of arts, but the bottom of the sleeve reach no lower than his knees; on his head is a round cap, his chin and lips are close shaved, and hath a dagger hanging to his girdle.[2]

Dr. Fuller mentions a book writ by our author,[3] ent.i.tled Monumenta Literaria, which are said to Non tam labore, condita, quam Lepore condita: The author of English poetry, speaking of several of our old English bards, says thus of our poet. ”John Heywood for the mirth and quickness of conceit, more than any good learning that was in him, came to be well rewarded by the king.”

That the reader may judge of his epigrams, to which certainly the writer just mentioned alludes, I shall present him with one writ by him on himself.

Art thou Heywood, with thy mad merry wit?

Yea for sooth master, that name is even hit.

Art thou Heywood, that apply's mirth more than thrift?

Yes sir, I take merry mirth, a golden gift.

Art thou Heywood, that hast made many mad plays?

Yea many plays, few good works in my days.

Art thou Heywood, that hath made men merry long?

Yea, and will, if I be made merry among.

Art thou Heywood, that would'st be made merry now?

Yes, Sir, help me to it now, I beseech you.

He died at Mechlin, in the year 1565, and was buried there, leaving behind him several children, to whom he had given liberal education, one of whom is Jasper, who afterwards made a considerable figure, and became a noted Jesuit.

[Footnote 1: Wood Athen, Oxon.]

[Footnote 2: Wood ubi supra.]

[Footnote 3: Worthies of London, p. 221.]

GEORGE FERRARS,

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