LEMDO Classroom: Fair Em (Modern)

Edition: Fair EmFair Em (Modern)

Fair Em, the Miller’s Daughter of Manchester

Scene 1

Enter William the Conqueror, Marquis Lübeck with a picture, Mountney, Manville, Valingford, and Duke Dirot.

1.Sp1Lübeck

What means fair Britain’s mighty conqueror

So suddenly to cast away his staff

And, all in passion, to forsake the tilt?

1.Sp2Dirot

My lord, this triumph we solemnise here

Is of mere love to your increasing joys,

Only expecting cheerful looks for all.

What sudden pangs then moves your majesty

To dim the brightness of the day with frowns?

1.Sp3William

Ah, good my lords, misconster not the cause.

At least suspect not my displeasèd brows;

I amorously do bear to your intent.

For thanks and all that you can wish I yield,

But that which makes me blush and shame to tell

Is cause why thus I turn my conquering eyes

To cowards’ looks and beaten fantasies.

1.Sp4Mountney

Since we are guiltless, we the less dismay

To see this sudden change possess your cheer.

For if it issue from your own conceits,

Bred by suggestion of some envious thoughts,

Your highness’ wisdom may suppress it straight.

Yet tell us, good my lord, what thought it is

That thus bereaves you of your late content,

That in advice we may assist your grace

Or bend our forces to revive your spirits.

1.Sp5William

Ah, Marquis Lübeck, in thy power it lies

To rid my bosom of these thrallèd dumps.

And therefore, good my lords, forbear a while

That we may parley of these private cares,

Whose strength subdues me more than all the world.

1.Sp6Valingford

We go, and wish thee private conference,

Public affects, in this accustomed peace.

Exit all but William and the Marquis Lübeck.

1.Sp7William

Now, Marquis, must a conqueror-at-arms

Disclose himself thralled to unarmèd thoughts

And, threatened of a shadow, yield to lust.

(Indicating Lübeck’s shield.) No sooner had my sparkling eyes beheld

The flames of beauty blazing on this piece,

But suddenly a sense of miracle

Imagined on thy lovely mistress’ face

Made me abandon bodily regard

And cast all pleasures on my wounded soul.

Then, gentle Marquis, tell me what she is

That thus thou honour’st on thy warlike shield,

And if thy love and interest be such

As justly may give place to mine.

That, if it be, my soul with honour’s wings

May fly into the bosom of my dear;

If not, close them and stoop into my grave.

1.Sp8Lübeck

If this be all, renownèd conqueror,

Advance your drooping spirits and revive

The wonted courage of your conquering mind,

For this fair picture painted on my shield

Is the true counterfeit of lovely Blanche,

Princess and daughter to the King of Danes,

Whose beauty and excess of ornaments

Deserves another manner of def’rence,

Pomp, and high person to attend her state

Than Marquis Lübeck any way presents.

Therefore, her virtues I resign to thee,

Already shrined in thy religious breast

To be advanced and honoured to the full.

Nor bear I this an argument of love,

But to renown fair Blanche, my sovereign’s child,

In every place where I by arms may do it.

1.Sp9William

Ah, Marquis, thy words bring heaven unto my soul

And had I heaven to give for thy reward,

Thou shouldst be throned in no unworthy place.

But let my uttermost wealth suffice thy worth,

Which here I vow, and to aspire the bliss

That hangs on quick achievement of my love,

Thyself and I will travel in disguise

To bring this lady to our Britain court.

1.Sp10Lübeck

Let William but bethink what may avail,

And let me die if I deny my aid.

1.Sp11William

Then thus: the Duke Dirot and th’Earl Demarch

Will I leave substitutes to rule my realm

While mighty love forbids my being here,

And in the name of Sir Robert of Windsor

Will go with thee unto the Danish court.

Keep William’s secrets, Marquis, if thou love him.

Bright Blanche, I come. Sweet Fortune favour me,

And I will laud thy name eternally.

Exeunt.

Scene 2

Enter Goddard disguised as the Miller and Em, his daughter.

2.Sp1Goddard

Come, daughter, we must learn to shake off pomp,

To leave the state that erst beseemed a knight

And gentleman of no mean descent,

To undertake this homely miller’s trade.

Thus must we mask to save our wretched lives,

Threatened by conquest of this hapless isle,

Whose sad invasions by the Conqueror

Have made a number such as we subject

Their gentle necks unto their stubborn yoke

Of drudging labour and base peasantry.

Sir Thomas Goddard now “Old Goddard” is,

“Goddard the miller of fair Manchester”.

Why should not I content me with this state,

As good Sir Edmund Trafford did the flail?

And thou, sweet Em, must stoop from high estate

To join with mine, that thus we may protect

Our harmless lives, which led in greater port

Would be an envious object to our foes

That seek to root all Britain’s gentry

From bearing countenance against their tyranny.

2.Sp2Em

Good father, let my full resolvèd thoughts

With settled patience to support this chance

Be some poor comfort to your agèd soul.

For therein rests the height of my estate,

That you are pleased with this dejection

And that all toils my hands may undertake

May serve to work your worthiness’ content.

2.Sp3Goddard

Thanks, my dear daughter. These, thy pleasant words,

Transfer my soul into a second heaven

And in thy settled mind my joys consist,

My state revived, and I in former plight.

Although our outward pomp be thus abased

And thralled to drudging, stay-less of the world,

Let us retain those honorable minds

That lately governed our superior state,

Wherein true gentry is the only mean

That makes us differ from base millers born.

Though we expect no knightly delicates

Nor thirst in soul for former sovereignty,

Yet may our minds as highly scorn to stoop

To base desires of vulgars’ worldliness,

As if we were in our precèdent way.

And, lovely daughter, since thy youthful years

Must needs admit as young affectiòns,

And that sweet love unpartially receives

Her dainty subjects through every part,

In chief receive these lessons from my lips

(The true discoverers of a virgin’s due

Now requisite). Now that I know thy mind

Something inclined to favour Manville’s suit

(A gentleman, thy lover in protest),

And that thou mayst not be by love deceived,

But try his meaning fit for thy desert:

In pursuit of all amorous desires,

Regard thine honour. Let not vehement sighs

Nor earnest vows importing fervent love

Render thee subject to the wrath of lust.

For that, transformed to former sweet delight,

Will bring thy body and thy soul to shame.

Chaste thoughts and modest conversations

Of proof to keep out all enchanting vows,

Vain sighs, forced tears, and pitiful aspects

Are they that make deformèd ladies fair,

Poor rich. And such enticing men,

That seek of all but only present grace,

Shall in perseverance of a virgin’s due

Prefer the most refusers to the choice

Of such a soul as yielded what they sought.

But ho! Where is Trotter?

Here enters Trotter, the Miller’s man, to them; and customers within call to him for their grist.

2.Sp4Trotter

Where’s Trotter? Why, Trotter is here. I’faith, you and your daughter go up and down weeping and waymenting, and keeping of a waymentation, as who should say, “The mill would go with your waymenting”.

2.Sp5Goddard

How now, Trotter? Why complain’st thou so?

2.Sp6Trotter

Why, yonder is a company of young men and maids keep such a stir for their grist, that they would have it before my stones be ready to grind it. But i’faith, I would I could break wind enough backward!

Customers call within for their grist.

(Answering) You should not tarry for your grist, I warrant you.

2.Sp7Goddard

Content thee, Trotter. I will go pacify them.

2.Sp8Trotter

Iwis you will, when I cannot. Why look, you have a mill. Why, what’s your mill without me? (Here he taketh Em about the neck.) Or rather, mistress, what were I without you?

2.Sp9Em

Nay, Trotter, if you fall a-chiding, I will give you over.

2.Sp10Trotter

I chide you, dame, to amend you. You are too fine to be a miller’s daughter, for if you should but stoop to take up the tole-dish you will have the cramp in your finger at least ten weeks after.

2.Sp11Goddard

Ah, well said, Trotter. Teach her to play the good huswife, and thou shalt have her to thy wife, if thou canst get her good will.

2.Sp12Trotter

Ah, words wherein I see matrimony come loaden with kisses to salute me. Now let me alone to pick the mill, to fill the hopper, to take the toll, to mend the sails, yea, and to make the mill to go with the very force of my love.

Here they must call for their grist within.

(Answering) I come, I come! I’faith, now you shall have your grist, or else Trotter will trot and amble himself to death.

They call him again. Exeunt.

Scene 3

Flourish. Enter Sweno, King of Denmark, with some attendants; Blanche, his daughter; Mariana; Marquis Lübeck; and William, disguised as Sir Robert of Windsor.

3.Sp1Sweno

Lord Marquis Lübeck, welcome home.—

Welcome, brave knight, unto the Denmark king.

For William’s sake, the noble Norman duke,

So famous for his fortunes and success

That graceth him wi’th’ name of “Conqueror”,

Right double welcome must thou be to us.

3.Sp2William

And to my lord the king shall I recount

Your grace’s courteous entertainment

That, for his sake, vouchsafe to honour me,

A simple knight attendant on his grace.

3.Sp3Sweno

But say, Sir Knight, what may I call your name?

3.Sp4William

Robert Windsor, an like your majesty.

3.Sp5Sweno

I tell thee, Robert, I so admire the man

As that I count it heinous guilt in him

That honours not Duke William with his heart.—

Blanche, bid this stranger welcome, good my girl.

3.Sp6Blanche

Sir,

Should I neglect your highness’ charge herein

It might be thought a base discourtesy.—

Welcome, Sir Knight, to Denmark heartily.

3.Sp7William

Thanks, gentle lady. (Aside to Lübeck) Lord Marquis, what is she?

3.Sp8Lübeck

(Aside to William) That same is Blanche, daughter to the king,

The substance of the shadow that you saw.

3.Sp9William

(Aside) May this be she for whom I crossed the seas?

I am ashamed to think I was so fond

In whom there’s nothing that contends my mind:

Ill head, worse featured, uncomely, nothing courtly,

Swart and ill-favoured, a collier’s sanguine skin.

I never saw a harder-favoured slut.

Love her? For what? I can no whit abide her.

3.Sp10Sweno

Mariana, I have this day received letters

From Swethia that lets me understand

Your ransom is collecting there with speed,

And shortly shall be hither sent to us.

3.Sp11Mariana

Not that I find occasion of mislike

My entertainment in your grace’s court,

But that I long to see my native home.

3.Sp12Sweno

And reason have you, madam, for the same.—

Lord Marquis, I commit unto your charge

The entertainment of Sir Robert here.

Let him remain with you within the court,

To spend the time in solace and disport.

3.Sp13William

I thank your highness, whose bounden I remain.

Exit Sweno, King of Denmark and attendants. Blanche speaketh this secretly at one end of the stage.

3.Sp14Blanche

Unhappy Blanche, what strange effects are these

That works within my thoughts confusedly,

That still methinks affection draws me on

To take, to like, nay more, to love this knight?

3.Sp15William

(Aside, looking at Mariana) A modest countenance, no heavy, sullen look.

Not very fair, but richly decked with favour.

A sweet face, an exceeding dainty hand.

A body, were it framed of wax

By all the cunning artists of the world,

It could not better be proportionèd.

3.Sp16Lübeck

How now, Sir Robert? In a study, man?

Here is no time for contemplation.

3.Sp17William

My lord, there is a certain odd conceit

Which on the sudden greatly troubles me.

3.Sp18Lübeck

How like you Blanche? I partly do perceive

The little boy hath played the wag with you.

3.Sp19William

The more I look, the more I love to look.

Who says that Mariana is not fair?

I’ll gauge my gauntlet ’gainst the envious man

That dares avow there liveth her compare.

3.Sp20Lübeck

Sir Robert, you mistake your counterfeit.

(Indicating Blanche) This is the lady which you came to see.

3.Sp21William

Yea, my lord, she is counterfeit indeed,

(Indicating Mariana) For there is the substance that best contents me.

3.Sp22Lübeck

That is my love, Sir Robert. You do wrong me.

3.Sp23William

The better for you, sir, she is your love;

As for the wrong, I see not how it grows.

3.Sp24Lübeck

In seeking that which is another’s right.

3.Sp25William

As who should say your love were privileged,

That none might look upon her but yourself?

3.Sp26Lübeck

These jars become not our familiar’ty,

Nor will I stand on terms to move your patience.

3.Sp27William

Why, my lord, am not I of flesh and blood

As well as you?

Then give me leave to love as well as you.

3.Sp28Lübeck

To love, Sir Robert? But whom? Not she I love?

Nor stands it with the honour of my state

To brook corrivals with me in my love.

3.Sp29William

So, sir, we are thorough for that lady.—

Ladies, farewell.— Lord Marquis, will you go?

(Aside) I will find a time to speak with her, I trow.

3.Sp30Lübeck

With all my heart.— Come ladies, will you walk?

Exeunt.

Scene 4

Enter Manville alone, disguised.

4.Sp1Manville

Ah, Em, the subject of my restless thoughts,

The anvil whereupon my heart doth beat,

Framing thy state to thy desert.

Full ill this life becomes thy heavenly look,

Wherein sweet love and virtue sits enthroned.

Bad world, where richness ’steemed above them both,

In whose base eyes nought else is bountiful.

“A miller’s daughter”, says the multitude,

“Should not be loved of a gentleman”.

But let them breathe their souls into the air!

Yet will I still affect thee as myself,

So thou be constant in thy plighted vow.

Enter Valingford at another door, disguised.

But here comes one. I will listen to his talk.

Manville stays, hiding himself.

4.Sp2Valingford

Go, William Conqueror, and seek thy love,

Seek thou a minion in a foreign land,

Whilst I draw back and court my love at home.

The miller’s daughter of fair Manchester

Hath bound my feet to this delightsome soil,

And from her eyes do dart such golden beams

That holds my heart in her subjectiòn.

4.Sp3Manville

(Aside) He ruminates on my belovèd choice.

God grant he come not to prevent my hope!

Enter Mountney, disguised, at another door.

But here’s another. Him I’ll listen to.

4.Sp4Mountney

Nature unjust, in utterance of thy art,

To grace a peasant with a prince’s fame!

(Peasant am I, so to misterm my love.)

Although a miller’s daughter by her birth,

Yet may her beauty and her virtues well suffice

To hide the blemish of her birth in hell,

Where neither envious eyes nor thought can pierce

But endless darkness ever smother it.

Go, William Conqueror, and seek thy love,

Whilst I draw back and court mine own the while,

Decking her body with such costly robes

As may become her beauty’s worthiness,

That so thy labours may be laughed to scorn

And she thou seek’st in foreign regiòns

Be darkened and eclipsed when she arrives

By one that I have chosen nearer home.

4.Sp5Manville

(Aside) What, comes he too to intercept my love?

Then hie thee, Manville, to forestall such foes.

Exit Manville.

4.Sp6Mountney

What now, Lord Valingford, are you behind?

The king had chosen you to go with him.

4.Sp7Valingford

So chose he you. Therefore I marvel much

That both of us should linger in this sort.

What may the king imagine of our stay?

4.Sp8Mountney

The king may justly think we are to blame,

But I imagined I might well be spared

And that no other man had borne my mind.

4.Sp9Valingford

The like did I. In friendship then resolve,

What is the cause of your unlooked-for stay?

4.Sp10Mountney

Lord Valingford, I tell thee as a friend,

Love is the cause why I have stayed behind.

4.Sp11Valingford

Love, my lord? Of whom?

4.Sp12Mountney

Em, the miller’s daughter of Manchester.

4.Sp13Valingford

But may this be?

4.Sp14Mountney

Why not, my lord? I hope full well you know

That love respects no difference of state,

So beauty serve to stir affectiòn.

4.Sp15Valingford

But this it is that makes me wonder most,

That you and I should be of one conceit

In such a strange unlikely passiòn.

4.Sp16Mountney

But is that true? My lord, I hope you do but jest.

4.Sp17Valingford

I would I did. Then were my grief the less.

4.Sp18Mountney

Nay, never grieve. For if the cause be such

To join our thoughts in such a sympathy,

All envy set aside. Let us agree

To yield to either’s fortune in this choice.

4.Sp19Valingford

Content, say I, and what so e’er befall

Shake hands, my lord, and fortune thrive at all.

They shake hands. Exeunt.

Scene 5

Enter Em, and Trotter the Miller’s man, with a kerchief on his head and a urinal in his hand.

5.Sp1Em

Trotter, where have you been?

5.Sp2Trotter

Where have I been? (Showing the kerchief) Why, what signifies this?

5.Sp3Em

A kerchief, doth it not?

5.Sp4Trotter

(Showing the urinal) What call you this, I pray?

5.Sp5Em

I say it is a urinal.

5.Sp6Trotter

Then this is mystically to give you to understand I have been at the physmicary’s house.

5.Sp7Em

How long hast thou been sick?

5.Sp8Trotter

I’faith, even as long as I have not been half well, and that hath been a long time.

5.Sp9Em

A loitering time, I rather imagine.

5.Sp10Trotter

It may be so, but the physmicary tells me that you can help me.

5.Sp11Em

Why, anything I can do for recovery of thy health be right well assured of.

5.Sp12Trotter

Then give me your hand.

5.Sp13Em

To what end?

5.Sp14Trotter

That the ending of an old indenture is the beginning of a new bargain.

5.Sp15Em

What bargain?

5.Sp16Trotter

That you promised to do anything to recover my health.

5.Sp17Em

On that condition I give thee my hand.

Em offers Trotter her hand.

5.Sp18Trotter

Ah, sweet Em.

Here he offers to kiss her.

5.Sp19Em

How now, Trotter? Your master’s daughter?

5.Sp20Trotter

I’faith, I aim at the fairest.

Ah Em, sweet Em,

Singing

Fresh as the flower

That hath power

To wound my heart,

And ease my smart;

Of me, poor thief,

In prison bound—

5.Sp21EmSinging

So all your rhyme

Lies on the ground.

But what means this?

5.Sp22Trotter

Ah, mark the device:

Singing

For thee, my love,

Full sick I was,

In hazard of my life;

Thy promise was

To make me whole,

And for to be my wife.

Let me enjoy my love, my dear,

And thou possess thy Trotter here.

5.Sp23Em

But I meant no such matter!

5.Sp24Trotter

Yes, woos, but you did. I’ll go to our parson, Sir John, and he shall mumble up the marriage out of hand.

5.Sp25Em

But here comes one that will forbid the banns.

Here enters Manville to them.

5.Sp26Trotter

Ah, sir, you come too late.

5.Sp27Manville

What remedy, Trotter?

Goddard calls for Trotter within.

5.Sp28Em

Go, Trotter, my father calls.

5.Sp29Trotter

Would you have me go in, and leave you two here?

5.Sp30Em

Why, dar’st thou not trust me?

5.Sp31Trotter

Yes, ’faith, even as long as I see you.

5.Sp32Em

Go thy ways, I pray thee heartily.

5.Sp33Trotter

(Aside) That same word “heartily” is of great force. (Aloud) I will go, but I pray, sir, beware you come not too near the wench.

5.Sp34Manville

I am greatly beholding to you.—

Exit Trotter.

Ah,

“Mistress”, sometime I might have said, “my love”,

But time and fortune hath b’reaved me of that.

And I, an abject in those gracious eyes

That with remorse erst saw into my grief,

May sit and sigh the sorrows of my heart.

5.Sp35Em

Indeed, my Manville hath some cause to doubt

When such a swain is rival in his love.

5.Sp36Manville

Ah, Em, were he the man that causeth this mistrust,

I should esteem of thee as at the first.

5.Sp37Em

But is my love in earnest all this while?

5.Sp38Manville

Believe me, Em, it is not time to jest

When others ’joys what lately I possessed.

5.Sp39Em

If touching love my Manville charge me thus,

Unkindly must I take it at his hands,

For that my conscience clears me of offence.

5.Sp40Manville

Ah, impudent and shameless in thy ill,

That with thy cunning and defraudful tongue

Seek’st to delude the honest-meaning mind!

Was never heard in Manchester before

Of truer love than hath been betwixt us twain?

And, for my part, how I have hazarded

Displeasure of my father and my friends

Thyself can witness. Yet, not withstanding this,

Two gentlemen attending on Duke William,

Mountney and Valingford (as I heard them named),

Oft times resort to see and to be seen

Walking the streets fast by thy father’s door,

Whose glancing eyes up to the windows cast

Gives testes of their master’s amorous heart.

This, Em, is noted and too much talked on.

Some see it without mistrust of ill;

Others there are that, scorning, grin thereat

And saith, “there goes the miller’s daughter’s wooers”.

Ah, me, whom chiefly and most of all it doth concern,

To spend my time in grief and vex my soul!

To think my love should be rewarded thus,

And for thy sake abhor all womankind.

5.Sp41Em

May not a maid look upon a man

Without suspicious judgment of the world?

5.Sp42Manville

If sight do move offence, it is the better not to see.

But thou didst more, unconstant as thou art,

For with them thou hadst talk and conference.

5.Sp43Em

May not a maid talk with a man without mistrust?

5.Sp44Manville

Not with such men suspected amorous.

5.Sp45Em

I grieve to see my Manville’s jealousy.

5.Sp46Manville

Ah, Em, faithful love is full of jealousy.

So did I love thee true and faithfully,

For which I am rewarded most unthankfully.

Exit Manville in a rage. Manet Em.

5.Sp47Em

And so away? What, in displeasure gone,

And left me such a bitter sweet to gnaw

Upon? Ah, Manville, little wottest thou

How near this parting goeth to my heart.

Uncourteous love, whose followers reap reward

Of hate, disdain, reproach, and infamy,

The fruit of frantic, bedlam jealousy!

Here enters Mountney to Em.

(Aside) But here comes one of these suspicious men.

Witness, my God, without desert of me,

For only Manville honour I in heart,

Nor shall unkindness cause me from him to start.

5.Sp48Mountney

(Aside) For this good fortune, Venus be thou blessed,

To meet my love, the mistress of my heart,

Where time and place gives opportunity

At full to let her understand my love.

He turns to Em.

(Aloud) Fair mistress, since my fortune sorts so well,

Hear you a word.

He offers to take her by the hand, and she goes from him.

What meaneth this?

Nay, stay, fair Em.

5.Sp49Em

I am going homewards, sir.

5.Sp50Mountney

Yet stay, sweet love, to whom I must disclose

The hidden secrets of a lover’s thoughts,

Not doubting but to find such kind remorse

As naturally you are inclined to.

5.Sp51Em

The gentleman, your friend, sir, I’ve not seen him

This four days at the least.

5.Sp52Mountney

What’s that to me?

I speak not, sweet, in person of my friend,

But for myself, whom if that love deserve

To have regard, being honourable love,

Not base affects of loose lasciv’ous love

Whom youthful wantons play and dally with,

But that unites in honourable bands

Of holy rites, and knits the sacred knot that gods—

Here Em cuts him off.

5.Sp53Em

(Feigning deafness) What mean you, sir, to keep me here so long?

I cannot understand you by your signs.

You keep a-prattling with your lips, I see,

But ne’er a word you speak that I can hear.

5.Sp54Mountney

(Aside) What, is she deaf? A great impediment!

Yet remedies there are for such defects.

(Aloud) Sweet Em, it is no little grief to me

To see where Nature in her pride of art

Hath wrought perfections rich and admirable—

5.Sp55Em

Speak you to me, sir?

5.Sp56Mountney

To thee, my only joy.

5.Sp57Em

I cannot hear you.

5.Sp58Mountney

Oh, plague of Fortune! Oh, hell without compare!

What boots it us to gaze and not enjoy?

5.Sp59Em

Fare you well, sir.

Exit Em. Manet Mountney.

5.Sp60Mountney

Farewell, my love. Nay, farewell life and all!

Could I procure redress for this infirmity,

It might be means she would regard my suit.

I am acquainted with the king’s physicians,

Amongst the which there’s one mine honest friend,

Signor Alberto, a very learned man;

His judgment will I have to help this ill.

Ah Em, fair Em, if art can make thee whole,

I’ll buy that sense for thee, although it cost me dear.

But Mountney, stay. This may be but deceit,

A matter feigned only to delude thee,

And not unlike, perhaps by Valingford.

He loves fair Em as well as I.

(As well as I? Ah no, not half so well.)

Put case, yet may he be thine enemy,

And give her counsel to dissemble thus.

I’ll try the event, and if it fall out so,

Friendship farewell, love makes me now a foe.

Exit Mountney.

Scene 6

Enter Marquis Lübeck and Mariana.

6.Sp1Mariana

Trust me, my lord, I am sorry for your hurt.

6.Sp2Lübeck

Gramercy, madam, but it is not great.

Only a thrust, pricked with a rapier’s point.

6.Sp3Mariana

How grew the quarrel, my lord?

6.Sp4Lübeck

Sweet lady, for thy sake. There was this last night two masks, in one company myself the foremost, the other strangers were. Amongst the which, when the music began to sound the measures, each masker made choice of his lady, and one more forward than the rest stepped towards thee, which I perceiving, thrust him aside and took thee myself. But this was taken in so ill part that at my coming out of the court gate, with justling together, it was my chance to be thrust into the arm. The doer thereof, because he was the original cause of the disorder at that inconvenient time, was presently committed and is this morning sent for to answer the matter.— And I think here he comes.

Here enters William as Sir Robert of Windsor with a Jailer.

What? Sir Robert of Windsor! How now?

6.Sp5William

I’faith, my lord, a prisoner. But what ails your arm?

6.Sp6Lübeck

Hurt the last night by mischance.

6.Sp7William

What, not in the masque at the court gate?

6.Sp8Lübeck

Yes, trust me, there.

6.Sp9William

Why then, my lord, I thank you for my night’s lodging.

6.Sp10Lübeck

And I you for my hurt, if it were so.— Keeper, away, I discharge you of your prisoner.

Exit the Jailer.

6.Sp11William

Lord Marquis, you offered me disgrace to shoulder me.

6.Sp12Lübeck

Sir, I knew you not, and therefore you must pardon me; and the rather it might be alleged to me of mere simplicity to see another dance with my mistress disguised, and I myself in presence. But seeing it was our haps to damnify each other unwillingly, let us be content with our harms and lay the fault where it was and so become friends.

6.Sp13William

I’faith, I am content with my night’s lodging, if you be content with your hurt.

6.Sp14Lübeck

Not content that I have it, but content to forget how I came by it.

6.Sp15William

My lord, here comes Lady Blanche. Let’s away.

Enter Blanche.

6.Sp16Lübeck

With good will. (To Mariana) Lady, you will stay?

Exit Lübeck and William.

6.Sp17Mariana

Madam.

6.Sp18Blanche

Mariana, as I am grieved with thy presence, so am I not offended for thy absence, and were it not a breach to modesty, thou shouldst know before I left thee.

6.Sp19Mariana

How near is this humour to madness. If you hold on as you begin, you are in a pretty way to scolding.

6.Sp20Blanche

To scolding, huswife?

6.Sp21Mariana

Madam, here comes one.

Here enters one Messenger with a letter.

6.Sp22Blanche

There doth indeed. Fellow, wouldst thou have anything with anybody here?

6.Sp23Messenger

I have a letter to deliver to the Lady Mariana.

6.Sp24Blanche

Give it me.

6.Sp25Messenger

There must none but she have it.

Blanche snatcheth the letter from him.

6.Sp26Blanche

Go to, foolish fellow.

Exit Messenger.

And therefore, to ease the anger I sustain, I’ll be so bold to open it. What’s here? (Reads) “Sir Robert greets you well”? You, mistress, his “love”, his “life”? Oh, amorous man, how he entertains his new mistress! And bestows on Lübeck, his odd friend, a horn nightcap to keep in his wit.

6.Sp27Mariana

Madam, though you have discourteously read my letter, yet I pray you give it me.

6.Sp28Blanche

Then take it.

She tears it.

There, and there, and there!

Exit Blanche.

6.Sp29Mariana

How far doth this differ from modesty! Yet will I gather up the pieces, which happily may show to me the intent thereof, though not the meaning.

She gathers up the pieces and joins them.

(Reading) “Your servant and love, Sir Robert of Windsor, alias William the Conqueror, wisheth long health and happiness”. Is this William the Conqueror, shrouded under the name of “Sir Robert of Windsor”? Were he the monarch of the world, he should not dispossess Lübeck of his love. Therefore, I will to the court and there, if I can, close to be friends with Lady Blanche and thereby keep Lübeck, my love, for myself and further the Lady Blanche in her suit as much as I may.

Exit.

Scene 7

Enter Em alone.

7.Sp1Em

Jealousy, that sharps the lover’s sight

And makes him conceive and conster his intent,

Hath so bewitched my lovely Manville’s senses

That he misdoubts his Em that loves his soul.

He doth suspect corrivals in his love,

Which how untrue it is, be judge, my God.

But now no more: here cometh Valingford;

Shift him off now, as thou hast done the other.

Enter Valingford.

7.Sp2Valingford

(Aside) See how Fortune presents me with the hope I looked for. (Aloud) Fair Em!

7.Sp3Em

(Feigning blindness) Who is that?

7.Sp4Valingford

I am Valingford, thy love and friend.

7.Sp5Em

I cry you mercy, sir, I thought so by your speech.

7.Sp6Valingford

What aileth thy eyes?

7.Sp7Em

O, blind, sir, blind, stricken blind by mishap on a sudden.

7.Sp8Valingford

But is it possible you should be taken on such a sudden? (Aside) Infortunate Valingford, to be thus crossed in thy love! (Aloud) Fair Em, I am not a little sorry to see this thy hard hap. Yet, nevertheless, I am acquainted with a learned physician that will do anything for thee at my request. To him will I resort and enquire his judgment as concerning the recovery of so excellent a sense.

7.Sp9Em

O lord, sir, and of all things I cannot abide physic; the very name thereof to me is odious.

7.Sp10Valingford

No? Not the thing will do thee so much good? Sweet Em, hither I came to parley of love, hoping to have found in thee thy wonted prosperity. And have the gods so unmercifully thwarted my expectation by dealing so sinisterly with thee, sweet Em?

7.Sp11Em

Good sir, no more: it fits not me to have respect to such vain fantasies as idle love presents my ears withall; more reason I should ghostly give myself to sacred prayers for this, my former sin, for which this plague is justly fallen upon me, than to hearken to the vanities of love.

7.Sp12Valingford

(Offering her a jewel) Yet, sweet Em, accept this jewel at my hand, which I bestow on thee in token of my love.

7.Sp13Em

A jewel, sir? What pleasure can I have in jewels, treasure, or any worldly thing that want my sight that should discern thereof? Ah, sir, I must leave you. The pain of mine eyes is so extreme I cannot long stay in a place. I take my leave.

Exit Em.

7.Sp14Valingford

Zounds, what a cross is this to my conceit! But, Valingford, search the depth of this device. Why, may not this be feigned subtlety, by Mountney’s invention, to the intent that I, seeing such occasion, should leave off my suit and not any more persist to solicit her of love? I’ll try the event: if I can by any means perceive the effect of this deceit to be procured by his means, friend Mountney, the one of us is like to repent our bargain.

Exit.

Scene 8

Enter Mariana and Marquis Lübeck.

8.Sp1Lübeck

Lady,

Since that occasion, forward in our good,

Presenteth place and opportunity,

Let me entreat your wonted kind consent

And friendly furtherance in a suit I have.

8.Sp2Mariana

My lord, you know you need not to entreat,

But may command Mariana to her power,

Be it no impeachment to my honest fame.

8.Sp3Lübeck

Free are my thoughts from such base villainy

As may in question, lady, call your name.

Yet is the matter of such consequence,

Standing upon my honourable credit

To be effected with such zeal and secrecy,

As should I speak and fail my expectation

’Twould redound greatly to my prejudice.

8.Sp4Mariana

My lord, wherein hath Mariana

Given you occasion that you should mistrust,

Or else be jealous of my secrecy?

8.Sp5Lübeck

Mariana, do not misconster of me:

I not mistrust thee, nor thy secrecy,

Nor let my love misconster my intent,

Nor think thereof but well and honourable.

Thus stands the case:

Thou know’st from England hither came with me

Robert of Windsor, a nobleman at arms,

Lusty and valiant, in springtime of his years;

No marvel then though he prove amorous.

8.Sp6Mariana

True, my lord, he came to see fair Blanche.

8.Sp7Lübeck

No, Mariana, that is not it. His love to Blanche

Was then extinct when first he saw thy face.

’Tis thee he loves, yea, thou art only she

That is mistress and commander of his thoughts.

8.Sp8Mariana

Well, well, my lord, I like you, for such drifts

Put silly ladies often to their shifts.

Oft have I heard you say you loved me well,

Yea, sworn the same, and I believed you, too.

Can this be found an action of good faith,

Thus to dissemble where you found true love?

8.Sp9Lübeck

Mariana,

I not dissemble, on mine honour,

Nor fails my faith to thee. But for my friend,

For princely William, by whom thou shalt possess

The title of estate and majesty,

Fitting thy love and virtues of thy mind,

For him I speak, for him I do entreat,

And with thy favour fully do resign

To him the claim and interest of my love.

Sweet Mariana, then, deny me not;

Love William, love my friend, and honour me,

Who else is clean dishonoured by thy means.

8.Sp10Mariana

Born to mishap, myself am only she

On whom the sun of Fortune never shined,

But planets ruled by retrograde aspèct

Foretold mine ill in my nativity.

8.Sp11Lübeck

Sweet lady, cease. Let my entreaty serve

To pacify the passion of thy grief,

Which well I know proceeds of ardent love.

8.Sp12Mariana

But Lübeck now regards not Mariana.

8.Sp13Lübeck

Even as my life, so love I Mariana.

8.Sp14Mariana

Why do you post me to another, then?

8.Sp15Lübeck

He is my friend, and I do love the man.

8.Sp16Mariana

Then will Duke William rob me of my love?

8.Sp17Lübeck

No, as his life Mariana he doth love.

8.Sp18Mariana

Speak for yourself, my lord; let him alone.

8.Sp19Lübeck

So do I, madam, for he and I am one.

8.Sp20Mariana

Then loving you I do content you both.

8.Sp21Lübeck

In loving him you shall content us both:

Me, for I crave that favour at your hands,

He, for he hopes that comfort at your hands.

8.Sp22Mariana

Leave off, my lord; here comes the lady Blanche.

Enter Blanche to them.

8.Sp23Lübeck

Hard hap to break us of our talk so soon;

Sweet Mariana, do remember me.

Exit Lübeck.

8.Sp24Mariana

Thy Mariana cannot choose but remember thee.

8.Sp25Blanche

Mariana, well met. You are very forward in your love!

8.Sp26Mariana

Madam, be it in secret spoken to yourself: if you will but follow the complot I have invented, you will not think me so forward, as yourself shall prove fortunate.

8.Sp27Blanche

As how?

8.Sp28Mariana

Madam, as thus. It is not unknown to you that Sir Robert of Windsor, a man that you do not little esteem, hath long importuned me of love; but rather than I will be found false or unjust to the Marquis Lübeck, I will (as did the constant lady Penelope) undertake to effect some great task.

8.Sp29Blanche

What of all this?

8.Sp30Mariana

The next time that Sir Robert shall come in his wonted sort to solicit me with love, I will seem to agree and like of anything that the knight shall demand, so far forth as it be no impeachment to my chastity. And, to conclude, point some place for to meet the man for my conveyance from the Denmark court; which determined upon, he will appoint some certain time for our departure, whereof you having intelligence, you may soon set down a plot to wear the English crown. And then—

8.Sp31Blanche

What then?

8.Sp32Mariana

If Sir Robert prove a king, and you his queen, how then?

8.Sp33Blanche

Were I assured of the one, as I am persuaded of the other, there were some possibility in it. But here comes the man.

8.Sp34Mariana

Madam, begone, and you shall see I will work to your desire and my content.

Exit Blanche. Enter William (as Sir Robert).

8.Sp35William

Lady, this is well and happily met.

Fortune hitherto hath been my foe,

And though I have oft sought to speak with you,

Yet still I have been crossed with sinister haps.

I cannot, madam, tell a loving tale,

Or court my mistress with fabulous discourses

That am a soldier sworn to follow arms;

Nor may I make my love the Siege of Troy

That am a stranger in this country.

But this I bluntly let you understand:

I honour you with such religious zeal

As may become an honourable mind.

First, what I am, I know you are resolved,

For that my friend hath let you that to understand,

The Marquis Lübeck, to whom I am so bound,

That, whilst I live, I count me only his.

8.Sp36Mariana

Surely you are beholding to the Marquis,

For he hath been an earnest spokesman in your cause.

8.Sp37William

And yields my lady then at his request,

To grace Duke William with her gracious love?

8.Sp38Mariana

My lord, I am a prisoner,

And hard it were to get me from the court.

8.Sp39William

An easy matter to get you from the court,

If case that you will thereto give consent.

8.Sp40Mariana

Put case I should, how would you use me then?

8.Sp41William

Not otherwise but well and honourably.

I have at sea a ship that doth attend,

Which shall forthwith conduct us into England,

Where, when we are, I straight will marry thee.

We may not stay deliberating long,

Lest that suspicion, envious of our weal,

Set in a foot to hinder our pretence.

8.Sp42Mariana

(Producing a veil) But this I think were most convenient,

To mask my face the better to scape unknown.

8.Sp43William

A good device. Till then, farewell, fair love.

8.Sp44Mariana

But this I must entreat your grace:

You would not seek by lust unlawfully

To wrong my chaste determinatiòns.

8.Sp45William

I hold that man most shameless in his sin

That seeks to wrong an honest lady’s name,

Whom he thinks worthy of his marriage bed.

8.Sp46Mariana

In hope your oath is true,

I leave your grace till the appointed time.

Exit Mariana.

8.Sp47William

O happy William, blessèd in thy love,

Most fortunate in Mariana’s love!

Well, Lübeck, well, this courtesy of thine

I will requite if God permit me life.

Exit.

Scene 9

Enter Valingford and Mountney at two sundry doors, looking angrily each on the other, with rapiers drawn.

9.Sp1Mountney

Valingford, so hardly I digest

An injury thou hast profferèd me,

As were it not that I detest to do

What stands not with the honour of my name,

Thy death should pay thy ransom of thy fault.

9.Sp2Valingford

And Mountney, had not my revenging wrath,

Incensed with more than ordinary love,

Been such for to deprive thee of thy life,

Thou hadst not lived to brave me as thou dost.

Wretch as thou art,

Wherein hath Valingford offended thee?

That honourable bond which late we did

Confirm in presence of the gods,

When with the Conqueror we arrivèd here,

For my part hath been kept inviolably,

Till now, too much abused by thy villainy,

I am enforced to cancel all those bands

By hating him which I so well did love.

9.Sp3Mountney

Subtle thou art, and cunning in thy fraud,

That giving me occasion of offence,

Thou pick’st a quarrel to excuse thy shame.

Why, Valingford, was it not enough for thee

To be a rival ’twixt me and my love,

But counsel her, to my no small disgrace,

That when I came to talk with her of love

She should seem deaf, as feigning not to hear?

9.Sp4Valingford

But hath she, Mountney, used thee as thou say’st?

9.Sp5Mountney

Thou know’st too well she hath, wherein

Thou couldst not do me greater injury.

9.Sp6Valingford

Then I perceive we are deluded both.

For when I offered many gifts

Of gold and jewels to entreat for love,

She hath refused them with a coy disdain,

Alleging that she could not see the sun.

The same conjectured I to be thy drift,

That feigning so she might be rid of me.

9.Sp7Mountney

The like did I by thee. But are not these

Natural impediments?

9.Sp8Valingford

In my conjecture merely counterfeit.

Therefore let’s join hands in friendship once again,

Since that the jar grew only by conjecture.

9.Sp9Mountney

With all my heart. Yet let’s try the truth hereof.

They sheathe their rapiers and shake hands.

9.Sp10Valingford

With right good will. We will straight unto her father,

And there to learn whether it be so or no.

Exeunt.

Scene 10

Enter William (as Sir Robert) and Blanche disguised (as Mariana), with a mask over her face.

10.Sp1William

Come on, my love, the comfort of my life,

Disguisèd thus we may remain unknown,

And get we once to seas, I force not then,

We quickly shall attain the English shore.

10.Sp2Blanche

But this I urge you with your former oath:

You shall not seek to violate mine honour

Until our marriage rites be all performed.

10.Sp3William

Mariana, here I swear to thee by heaven,

And by the honour that I bear to arms,

Never to seek or crave at hands of thee

The spoil of honourable chastity

Until we do attain the English coast,

Where thou shalt be my right-espousèd queen.

10.Sp4Blanche

In hope your oath proceedeth from your heart,

Let’s leave the court, and betake us to his power

That governs all things to his mighty will,

And will reward the just with endless joy,

And plague the bad with most extreme annoy.

10.Sp5William

Lady, as little tarriance as we may,

Lest some misfortune happen by the way.

Exit Blanche and William.

Scene 11

Enter Goddard the miller, his man Trotter, and Manville.

11.Sp1Goddard

I tell you, sir, it is no little grief to me you should so hardily conceit of my daughter, whose honest report, though I say it, was never blotted with any title of defamation.

11.Sp2Manville

Father Miller, the repair of those gentlemen to your house hath given me great occasion to mislike.

11.Sp3Goddard

As for those gentlemen, I never saw in them any evil entreaty. But should they have proffered it, her chaste mind hath proof enough to prevent it.

11.Sp4Trotter

Those gentlemen are as honest as ever I saw, for i’faith, one of them gave me sixpence to fetch a quart of sack. See, master, here they come.

Enter Mountney and Valingford.

11.Sp5Goddard

Trotter, call Em; now they are here together, I’ll have this matter throughly debated.

Exit Trotter.

11.Sp6Mountney

Father, well met. We are come to confer with you.

11.Sp7Manville

(Aside) Nay, with his daughter, rather.

11.Sp8Valingford

Thus it is, father, we are come to crave your friendship in a matter.

11.Sp9Goddard

Gentlemen, as you are strangers to me, yet by the way of courtesy you shall demand any reasonable thing at my hands.

11.Sp10Manville

(Aside) What, is the matter so forward they came to crave his good will?

11.Sp11Valingford

It is given us to understand that your daughter is suddenly become both blind and deaf.

11.Sp12Goddard

Marry, God forbid! I have sent for her. Indeed, she hath kept her chamber this three days. It were no little grief to me if it should be so!

11.Sp13Manville

(Aside) This is God’s judgment for her treachery.

Enter Trotter, leading Em.

11.Sp14Goddard

Gentlemen, I fear your words are too true: see where Trotter comes leading of her. What ails my Em, not blind, I hope?

11.Sp15Em

(Aside) Mountney and Valingford both together? And Manville, to whom I have faithfully vowed my love? Now, Em, suddenly help thyself.

11.Sp16Mountney

This is no dissembling, Valingford.

11.Sp17Valingford

If it be, it is cunningly contrived of all sides.

11.Sp18Em

Trotter, lend me thy hand. (Aside to Trotter) And, as thou lov’st me, keep my counsel and justify whatsoever I say, and I’ll largely requite thee.

11.Sp19Trotter

(Aside to Em) Ah, that’s as much as to say you would tell a monstrous, terrible, horrible, outrageous lie, and I shall sooth it. (Aloud) No, by’rlady!

11.Sp20Em

My present extremity wills me. (Aside to Trotter) If thou love me, Trotter—

11.Sp21Trotter

(Aside to Em) That same word “love” makes me to do anything.

11.Sp22Em

Trotter, where’s my father?

He thrusts Em upon her father.

11.Sp23Trotter

Why, what a blind dunce are you! Can you not see? He standeth right before you.

11.Sp24Em

Is this my father? Good father, give me leave to sit where I may not be disturbed, sith God hath visited me both of my sight and hearing.

11.Sp25Goddard

Tell me, sweet Em, how came this blindness? Thy eyes are lovely to look on, and yet have they lost the benefit of their sight. What a grief is this to thy poor father!

11.Sp26Em

Good father, let me not stand as an open gazing-stock to every one, but in a place alone as fits a creature so miserable.

11.Sp27Goddard

Trotter, lead her in, the utter overthrow of poor Goddard’s joy and only solace.

Exit Goddard the miller, Trotter and Em.

11.Sp28Manville

(Aside) Both blind and deaf? Then is she no wife for me,

And glad am I so good occasion is happened.

Now will I away to Westchester

And leave these gentlemen to their blind fortune.

Exit Manville.

11.Sp29Mountney

Since fortune hath thus spitefully crossed our hope,

Let us leave this quest and hearken after our king,

Who’s at this day landed at Liverpool.

11.Sp30Valingford

Go, my lord, I’ll follow you.

Exit Mountney.

Well, now Mountney is gone, I’ll stay behind to solicit my love, for I imagine that I shall find this but a feigned invention thereby to have us leave off our suits.

Exit Valingford.

Scene 12

Enter Marquis Lübeck, and Sweno the King of Denmark angrily, with some attendants, guards, and Rosilio.

12.Sp1Sweno

Well, Lübeck, well; it is not possible

But you must be consenting to this act.

Is this the man so highly you extolled,

And play a part so hateful with his friend?

Since first he came with thee into the court,

What entertainment and what countenance

He hath received none better knows than thou.

In recompense whereof he quites me well

To steal away fair Mariana, my prisoner,

Whose ransom being lately ’greed upon,

I am deluded of by this escape.

Besides, I know not how to answer it

When she shall be demanded home to Swethia.

12.Sp2Lübeck

My gracious lord, conjecture not, I pray,

Worser of Lübeck than he doth deserve.

Your highness knows Mariana was my love,

Sole paragon and mistress of my thoughts.

Is it likely I should know of her departure,

Wherein there is no man injured more than I?

12.Sp3Sweno

That carries reason, Marquis, I confess.

(To Rosilio) Call forth my daughter.

Exit Rosilio.

Yet I am persuaded

That she, poor soul, suspected not her going,

For, as I hear, she likewise loved the man,

Which he, to blame, did not at all regard.

Enter Rosilio and Mariana.

12.Sp4Rosilio

My lord, here is the Princess Mariana:

It is your daughter is conveyed away.

12.Sp5Sweno

What, my daughter gone?

Now, Marquis, your villainy breaks forth.

This match is of your making, gentle sir,

And you shall dearly know the price thereof.

12.Sp6Lübeck

Knew I thereof, or that there was intent

In Robert thus to steal your highness’ daughter,

Let heavens in justice presently confound me.

12.Sp7Sweno

Not all the protestations thou canst use

Shall save thy life. Away with him to prison!

Exit Lübeck with a guard.

(To Mariana) And, minion, otherwise it cannot be

But you are an agent in this treachery,

I will revenge it throughly on you both.

Away with her to prison!

Exit Mariana, a guard, and Rosilio.

Here’s stuff indeed! My daughter stolen away?

It booteth not thus to disturb myself,

But presently to send to English William,

To send me that proud knight of Windsor hither,

Here in my court to suffer for his shame,

Or at my pleasure to be punished there;

Withal, that Blanche be sent me home again,

Or I shall fetch her unto Windsor’s cost,

Yea, and William’s too if he deny her me!

Exit Sweno and attendants.

Scene 13

Enter William (as Sir Robert) taken, with soldiers.

13.Sp1William

Could any cross, could any plague, be worse?

Could heaven or hell, did both conspire in one

To afflict my soul, invent a greater scourge

Than presently I am tormented with?

Ah, Mariana, cause of my lament,

Joy of my heart, and comfort of my life.

For thee I breathe my sorrows in the air

And tire myself, for silently I sigh:

My sorrow afflicts my soul with equal passion.

13.Sp2Soldier

Go to, sirrah, put up. It is to small purpose.

13.Sp3William

Hence, villains, hence! Dare you lay your hands

Upon your sovereign?

13.Sp4Soldier

Well, sir, we will deal for that.

But here comes one will remedy all this.

Enter Demarch.

My lord, watching this night in the camp

We took this man and know not what he is,

And in his company was a gallant dame,

A woman fair in outward show she seemed,

But that her face was masked we could not see

The grace and favour of her countenance.

13.Sp5Demarch

(To William) Tell me, good fellow, of whence and what thou art?

13.Sp6Soldier

Why do you not answer my lord?— He takes scorn to answer.

13.Sp7Demarch

And tak’st thou scorn to answer my demand?

Thy proud behaviour very well deserves

This misdemeanour at the worst be construed.

Why, dost thou neither know, nor hast thou heard,

That in the absence of the Saxon duke,

Demarch is his especial substitute

To punish those that shall offend the laws?

13.Sp8William

In knowing this, I know thou art a traitor,

A rebel, and mutinous conspirator.

Why, Demarch, know’st thou who I am?

William removes his disguise.

13.Sp9Demarch

Pardon, my dread lord, the error of my sense,

And misdemeanour to your princely excellency.

The soldiers release him.

13.Sp10William

Why, Demarch,

What is the cause my subjects are in arms?

13.Sp11Demarch

Free are my thoughts, my dread and gracious lord,

From treason to your state and commonweal.

Only revengement of a private grudge

By Lord Dirot lately proffered me,

That stands not with the honour of my name,

Is cause I have assembled for my guard

Some men in arms that may withstand his force,

Whose settled malice aimeth at my life.

13.Sp12William

Where is Lord Dirot?

13.Sp13Demarch

In arms, my gracious lord,

Not past two miles from hence, as credibly

I am ascertained.

13.Sp14William

Well, come, let us go.

I fear I shall find traitors of you both.

Exeunt.

Scene 14

Enter the Citizen of Westchester and his daughter Elinor, and Manville.

14.Sp1Citizen

Indeed, sir, it would do very well if you could entreat your father to come hither; but if you think it be too far, I care not much to take horse and ride to Manchester. I am sure my daughter is content with either;— how say’st thou, Elinor, art thou not?

14.Sp2Elinor

As you shall think best, I must be contented.

14.Sp3Manville

Well, Elinor, farewell. Only thus much I pray: make all things in a readiness, either to serve here or to carry thither with us.

14.Sp4Citizen

As for that, sir, take you no care, and so I betake you to your journey.

Exit Manville.Enter Valingford.

But soft, what gentleman is this?

14.Sp5Valingford

God speed, sir. Might a man crave a word or two with you?

14.Sp6Citizen

God forbid else, sir. I pray you speak your pleasure.

14.Sp7Valingford

The gentleman that parted from you, was he not of Manchester, his father living there of good account?

14.Sp8Citizen

Yes, marry, is he, sir. Why do you ask? Belike you have had some acquaintance with him?

14.Sp9Valingford

I have been acquainted in times past, but through his double-dealing I am grown weary of his company. For be it spoken to you, he hath been acquainted with a poor miller’s daughter, and diverse times hath promised her marriage. But what with his delays and flouts, he hath brought her into such a taking that I fear me it will cost her her life.

14.Sp10Citizen

To be plain with you, sir, his father and I have been of old acquaintance, and a motion was made between my daughter and his son, which is now throughly agreed upon, save only the place appointed for the marriage, whether it shall be kept here or at Manchester; and for no other occasion he is now ridden.

14.Sp11Elinor

What hath he done to you, that you should speak so ill of the man?

14.Sp12Valingford

Oh, gentlewoman, I cry you mercy: he is your husband that shall be!

14.Sp13Elinor

If I knew this to be true, he should not be my husband, were he never so good. And therefore, good father, I would desire you to take the pains to bear this gentleman company to Manchester to know whether this be true or no.

14.Sp14Citizen

Now trust me, gentleman, he deals with me very hardily, knowing how well I meant to him. But I care not much to ride to Manchester to know whether his father’s will be he should deal with me so badly. Will it please you, sir, to go in? We will presently take horse and away.

14.Sp15Valingford

If it please you to go in, I’ll follow you presently.

Exit Elinor and the Citizen, her father.

Now shall I be revenged on Manville, and by this means get Em to my wife. And, therefore, I will straight to her father’s and inform them both of all that is happened.

Exit.

Scene 15

Enter William, the Ambassador of Denmark, Demarch, and other attendants.

15.Sp1William

What news with the Denmark Ambassador?

15.Sp2Ambassador

Marry, thus:

The King of Denmark and my sovereign

Doth send to know of thee what is the cause

That injuriously, against the law of arms,

Thou hast stolen away his only daughter, Blanche,

The only stay and comfort of his life.

Therefore, by me,

He willeth thee to send his daughter Blanche,

Or else forthwith he will levy such an host

As soon shall fetch her in despite of thee.

15.Sp3William

Ambassador, this answer I return thy king:

He willeth me to send his daughter Blanche,

Saying I conveyed her from the Danish court,

That never yet did once as think thereof.

As for his menacing and daunting threats,

I nil regard him nor his Danish power;

For if he come to fetch her forth my realm,

I will provide him such a banquet here

That he shall have small cause to give me thanks.

15.Sp4Ambassador

Is this your answer, then?

15.Sp5William

It is, and so begone.

15.Sp6Ambassador

I go, but to your cost.

Exit Ambassador.

15.Sp7William

Demarch,

Our subjects, erst-levied in civil broils,

Muster forthwith for to defend the realm.

In hope whereof that we shall find you true,

We freely pardon this thy late offence.

15.Sp8Demarch

Most humble thanks I render to your grace.

Exeunt.

Scene 16

Enter Goddard the miller, and Valingford.

16.Sp1Goddard

Alas, gentleman, why should you trouble yourself so much, considering the imperfections of my daughter, which is able to withdraw the love of any man from her, as already it hath done in her first choice. Master Manville hath forsaken her, and at Westchester shall be married to a man’s daughter of no little wealth. But if my daughter knew so much, it would go very near her heart, I fear me.

16.Sp2Valingford

Father Miller, such is my entire affection to your daughter as no misfortune whatsoever can alter. My fellow, Mountney, thou see’st gave quickly over, but I, by reason of my good meaning, am not so soon to be changed, although I am borne off with scorns and denial.

Enter Em to them.

16.Sp3Goddard

Trust me, sir, I know not what to say. My daughter is not to be compelled by me. But here she comes herself; speak to her and spare not, for I never was troubled with love matters so much before.

16.Sp4Em

(Aside) Good lord, shall I never be rid of this importunate man? Now must I dissemble blindness again. Once more for thy sake, Manville, thus I am enforced, because I shall complete my full-resolved mind to thee. (Aloud) Father, where are you?

16.Sp5Goddard

Here, sweet Em. Answer this gentleman that would so fain enjoy thy love.

16.Sp6Em

Where are you, sir? Will you never leave this idle and vain pursuit of love? Is not England stored enough to content you, but you must still trouble the poor contemptible maid of Manchester?

16.Sp7Valingford

None can content me but the fair maid of Manchester.

16.Sp8Em

I perceive love is vainly described, that being blind himself would have you likewise troubled with a blind wife, having the benefit of your eyes, but neither follow him so much in folly but love one in whom you may better delight.

16.Sp9Valingford

Father Miller, thy daughter shall have honour by granting me her love. I am a gentleman of King William’s court, and no mean man in King William’s favour.

16.Sp10Em

If you be a lord, sir, as you say, you offer both yourself and me great wrong: yours, as apparent in limiting your love to unorderly, for which you rashly endure reproachment; mine, as open and evident, when being shut from the vanities of this world, you would have me as an open gazing-stock to all the world. For lust, not love, leads you into this error; but from the one I will keep me as well as I can, and yield the other to none but my father, as I am bound by duty.

16.Sp11Valingford

Why, fair Em, Manville hath forsaken thee, and must at Westchester be married, which, if I speak otherwise than true, let thy father speak what credibly he hath heard.

16.Sp12Em

(Aside) But can it be Manville will deal so unkindly to reward my justice with such monstrous ungentleness? Have I dissembled for thy sake, and dost thou now thus requite it? Indeed, these many days I have not seen him, which hath made me marvel at his long absence. (Aloud) But, father, are you assured if the words he spake were concerning Manville?

16.Sp13Goddard

In sooth, daughter, now it is forth I must needs confirm it. Master Manville hath forsaken thee, and at Westchester must be married to a man’s daughter of no little wealth. His own father procures it, and therefore I dare credit it and do thou believe it, for trust me, daughter, it is so.

16.Sp14Em

Then, good father, pardon the injury that I have done to you, only causing your grief, by over-fond affecting a man so truthless.— And you likewise, sir, I pray hold me excused, as I hope this cause will allow sufficiently for me. My love to Manville, thinking he would requite it, hath made me double with my father and you, and many more besides, which I will no longer hide from you. That enticing speeches should not beguile me, I have made myself deaf to any but to him, and lest any man’s person should please me more than his, I have dissembled the want of my sight, both which shadows of my irrevocable affections I have not spared to confirm before him, my father, and all other amorous solicitors. Wherewith not made acquainted, I perceive my true intent hath wrought mine own sorrow, and seeking by love to be regarded am cut off with contempt and despised.

16.Sp15Goddard

Tell me, sweet Em, hast thou but feigned all this while for his love, that hath so discourteously forsaken thee?

16.Sp16Em

Credit me, father, I have told you the truth, wherewith I desire you and Lord Valingford not to be displeased. For ought else I shall say, let my present grief hold me excused. But, may I live to see that ungrateful man justly rewarded for his treachery, poor Em would think herself not a little happy. Favour my departing at this instant, for my troubled thought desires to meditate alone in silence.

Exit Em.

16.Sp17Valingford

Will not Em show one cheerful look on Valingford?

16.Sp18Goddard

Alas, sir, blame her not. You see she hath good cause, being so handled by this gentleman. And so I’ll leave you, and go comfort my poor wench as well as I may.

Exit Goddard the miller.

16.Sp19Valingford

Farewell, good father.

Exit Valingford.

Scene 17

Enter Sweno, King of Denmark, with Rosilio, a Captain, soldiers, and other attendants at one door.

17.Sp1Sweno

Rosilio, is this the place whereas

The Duke Williàm should meet me?

17.Sp2Rosilio

It is,

And like your grace.

17.Sp3Sweno

Go, captain, away; regard the charge I gave:

See all our men be marshalled for the fight,

Dispose the wards as lately was devised,

And let the prisoners under several guards

Be kept apart until you hear from us.

Let this suffice, you know my resolution.

If William, Duke of Saxon, be the man

That by his answer sent us, he would send

Not words but wounds. Not parleys, but alarums

Must be decider of this controversy.—

Rosilio, stay with me; the rest begone.

Exeunt all but Sweno and Rosilio. Enter at another door William, and Demarch, with other attendants.

17.Sp4William

All but Demarch go shroud you out of sight,

For I will go parley with the prince myself.

17.Sp5Demarch

Should Sweno by this parley call you forth

Upon intent injuriously to deal,

This off’reth too much opportunity.

17.Sp6William

No, no, Demarch,

That were a breach against the law of arms.

(To attendants) Therefore begone, and leave us here alone.

Exeunt attendants.

(To Demarch) I see that Sweno is master of his word.—

Sweno, William of Saxony greeteth thee,

Either well or ill, according to thy intent.

If well thou wish to him and Saxony,

He bids thee friendly well as he can;

If ill thou wish to him and Saxony,

He must withstand thy malice as he may.

17.Sp7Sweno

William,

For other name and title give I none

To him, who, were he worthy of those honours

That Fortune and his predecessors left,

I ought by right and humane courtesy

To grace his style with “Duke of Saxony”,

But, for I find a base, degenerate mind,

I frame my speech according to the man,

And not the state that he unworthy holds.

17.Sp8William

Herein, Sweno, dost thou abase thy state:

To break the peace which by our ancestors

Hath heretofore been honourably kept.

17.Sp9Sweno

And should that peace forever have been kept,

Had not thyself been author of the breach.

Nor stands it with the honour of my state,

Or nature of a father to his child,

That I should so be robbèd of my daughter,

And not unto the utmost of my power

Revenge so intolerable an injury.

17.Sp10William

Is this the colour of your quarrel, Sweno?

I well perceive the wisest men may err.

And think you I conveyed away your daughter Blanche?

17.Sp11Sweno

Art thou so impudent to deny thou didst,

When that the proof thereof is manifest?

17.Sp12William

What proof is there?

17.Sp13Sweno

Thine own confession is sufficient proof.

17.Sp14William

Did I confess I stole your daughter Blanche?

17.Sp15Sweno

Thou didst confess thou hadst a lady hence.

17.Sp16William

I have and do.

17.Sp17Sweno

Why, that was Blanche, my daughter.

17.Sp18William

Nay, that was Mariana,

Who wrongfully thou detain’st prisoner.

17.Sp19Sweno

Shameless, persisting in thy ill,

Thou dost maintain a manifest untruth,

As she shall justify unto thy teeth.—

Rosilio, fetch her and the Marquis hither.

Exit Rosilio for Mariana and the Marquis Lübeck.

17.Sp20William

It cannot be I should be so deceived!

17.Sp21Demarch

I heard this night among the soldiers

That in their watch they took a pensive lady,

Who, at th’appointment of the Lord Dirot

Is yet in keeping. What she is I know not;

Only thus much I overheard by chance.

17.Sp22William

And what of this?

17.Sp23Demarch

It may be Blanche, the King of Denmark’s daughter.

17.Sp24William

It may be so, but on my life, it is not!

Yet, Demarch, go and fetch her straight.

Exit Demarch. Enter Rosilio with the Marquis Lübeck and Mariana.

17.Sp25Rosilio

Pleaseth your highness,

Here is the Marquis and Mariana.

17.Sp26Sweno

See here, Duke William, your competitors

That were consenting to my daughter’s scape.

Let them resolve you of the truth herein.

And here I vow and solemnly protest,

That in thy presence they shall lose their heads

Unless I hear whereas my daughter is.

17.Sp27William

Oh, Marquis Lübeck, how it grieveth me

That for my sake thou shouldst endure these bonds.

Be judge, my soul, that feels the martyrdom.

17.Sp28Lübeck

Duke William, you know it is for your cause

It pleaseth thus the King to misconceive of me,

And for his pleasure doth me injury.

Enter Demarch with the Lady Blanche.

17.Sp29Demarch

(To William) May it please your highness,

Here is the lady you sent me for.

17.Sp30William

Away, Demarch, what tell’st thou me of ladies?

I so detest the dealing of their sex,

As that I count a lover’s state to be

The base and vilest slavery in the world.

17.Sp31Demarch

(Aside) What humours are these? Here’s a strange alteration!

17.Sp32Sweno

See, Duke William, is this Blanche or no?

You know her if you see her, I am sure.

17.Sp33William

Sweno, I was deceived, yea, utterly deceived.

Yet this is she: the same is Lady Blanche.

And for mine error, here I am content

To do whatsoe’er Sweno shall set down.

Ah, cruèl Mariana, thus to use

The man which loved and honoured thee with his heart.

17.Sp34Mariana

When first I came into your highness’ court,

And William often importing me of love,

I did devise

To ease the grief your daughter did sustain:

She should meet Sir William masked, as it were.

This put in proof, did take so good effect,

As yet it seems his grace is not resolved

But it was I which he conveyed away.

17.Sp35William

May this be true? It cannot be but true.

Was it Lady Blanche which I conveyed away?

Unconstant Mariana, thus to deal

With him which meant to thee nought but faith.

17.Sp36Blanche

(Kneeling) Pardon, dear father, my follies that are past,

Wherein I have neglected my duty

Which I in reverence ought to show your grace.

For, led by love, I thus have gone astray,

And now repent the errors I was in.

17.Sp37Sweno

Stand up, dear daughter.

Blanche rises.

Though thy fault deserves

For to be punished in the extremest sort,

Yet love that covers multitude of sins

Makes love in parents wink at children’s faults.

Sufficeth, Blanche, thy father loves thee so,

Thy follies past he knows but will not know.

And here, Duke William, take my daughter to thy wife,

For well I am assured she loves thee well.

17.Sp38William

A proper conjunction!

As who should say, lately come out of the fire,

I would go thrust myself into the flame.

Let Mistress Nice go saint it where she list,

And coyly quaint it with dissembling face.

I hold in scorn the fooleries that they use;

I, being free, will never subject myself

To any such as she is underneath the sun.

17.Sp39Sweno

Refuseth thou to take my daughter to thy wife?

I tell thee, Duke, this rash denial may bring

More mischief on thee than thou canst avoid.

17.Sp40William

Conceit hath wrought such general dislike

Through the false dealing of Mariana

That utterly I do abhor their sex.

They are all disloyal, unconstant; all unjust.

Who tries as I have tried, and finds as I have found,

Will say there’s no such creatures on the ground.

17.Sp41Blanche

Unconstant knight, though some deserve no trust,

There’s others faithful, loving, loyal, and just.

Enter to them Valingford, with Em and Goddard the miller, and Mountney, and Manville, and Elinor.

17.Sp42William

How now, Lord Valingford, what makes these women here?

17.Sp43Valingford

Here be two women, may it please your grace,

That are contracted to one man, and are

In strife whether shall have him to their husband.

17.Sp44William

Stand forth, women, and say

To whether of you did he first give his faith.

17.Sp45Em

To me, forsooth.

17.Sp46Elinor

To me, my gracious lord.

17.Sp47William

Speak, Manville, to whether didst thou give thy faith?

17.Sp48Manville

(Indicating Em) To say the truth, this maid had first my love.

17.Sp49Elinor

Yea, Manville, but there was no witness by.

17.Sp50Em

Thy conscience, Manville, a hundred witnesses!

17.Sp51Elinor

She hath stolen a conscience to serve her own turn.

But you are deceived, i’faith he will none of you.

17.Sp52Manville

Indeed, dread lord, so dear I held her love,

As in the same I put my whole delight.

But some impediments, which at that instant happen’d,

Made me forsake her quite.

For which I had her father’s frank consent.

17.Sp53William

What were the impediments?

17.Sp54Manville

Why, she could neither hear nor see.

17.Sp55William

Now she doth both.— Maiden, how were you cured?

17.Sp56Em

Pardon, my lord, I’ll tell your grace the truth,

Be it not imputed to me as discredit.

I loved this Manville so much that still my thought

When he was absent did present to me

The form and feature of that countenance,

Which I did shrine an idol in mine heart.

And never could I see a man, methought,

That equaled Manville in my partial eye.

Nor was there any love between us lost,

But that I held the same in high regard,

Until repair of some unto our house,

Of whom my Manville grew thus jealoùs

As if he took exception I vouchsafed

To hear them speak, or saw them when they came.

On which I straight took order with myself

To void the scruple of his conscience

By counterfeiting that I neither saw nor heard;

Any ways to rid my hands of them.

All this I did to keep my Manville’s love,

Which he unkindly seeks for to reward.

17.Sp57Manville

And did my Em, to keep her faith with me,

Dissemble that she neither heard nor saw?

Pardon me, sweet Em, for I am only thine.

He offers to embrace her.

17.Sp58Em

Lay off thy hands, disloyal as thou art!

Nor shalt thou have possession of my love

That canst so finely shift thy matters off.

Put case I had been blind and could not see,

As often times such visitations falls

That pleaseth God, which all things doth dispose:

Shouldst thou forsake me in regard of that?

I tell thee, Manville,

Hadst thou been blind, or deaf, or dumb, or else

What impediments might befall to man,

Em would have loved, and kept, and honoured thee,

Yea, begged if wealth had failed for thy relief.

17.Sp59Manville

Forgive me, sweet Em.

17.Sp60Em

I do forgive thee with my heart,

And will forget thee too, if case I can.

But never speak to me, nor seem to know me.

17.Sp61Manville

Then farewell, frost, well fare a wench that will!—

Now, Elinor, I am thine own, my girl.

17.Sp62Elinor

Mine, Manville? Thou never shalt be mine!

I so detest thy villainy, that whilst

I live I will abhor thy company.

17.Sp63Manville

Is it come to this? Of late I had choice of twain

On either side to have me to her husband,

And now am utterly rejected of them both.

17.Sp64Valingford

(Aside to Mountney) My lord,

This gentleman, when time was, stood something

In our light, and now I think it not amiss

To laugh at him that some time scorned at us.

17.Sp65Mountney

(To Valingford) Content, my lord, invent the form.

17.Sp66Valingford

(To Mountney) Then thus:—

17.Sp67William

(Aside) I see that women are not general evils.

Blanche is fair; methinks I see in her

A modest countenance, a heavenly blush.

(Aloud) Sweno, receive a reconcilèd foe,

Not as thy friend, but as thy son-in-law,

If so that thou be thus content.

17.Sp68Sweno

I joy to see your grace so tractable.

Here, take my daughter Blanche,

And, after my decease, the Denmark crown.

17.Sp69William

(To Manville) Now, sir, how stands the case with you?

17.Sp70Manville

I partly am persuaded, as your grace is,

My lord, he is best at ease that meddleth least.

17.Sp71Valingford

(To Manville) Sir, may a man be so bold as to crave

A word with you?

17.Sp72Manville

Yea, two or three. What are they?

17.Sp73Valingford

I say, this maid will have thee to her husband.

17.Sp74Mountney

And I say this: and thereof will I lay

An hundred pound.

17.Sp75Valingford

And I say this: whereon I will lay as much.

17.Sp76Manville

And I say neither: what say you to that?

17.Sp77Mountney

If that be true, then are we both deceived.

17.Sp78Manville

Why, it is true, and you are both deceived.

17.Sp79Lübeck

In mine eyes, this is the proper’st wench.

Might I advise thee, take her unto thy wife.

17.Sp80Sweno

It seems to me she hath refusèd him.

17.Sp81Lübeck

Why, there’s the spite.

17.Sp82Sweno

If one refuse him, yet may he have the other.

17.Sp83Lübeck

He will ask but her good will, and all her friends’.

17.Sp84Sweno

Might I advise thee, let them both alone.

17.Sp85Manville

Yea, that’s the course, and thereon will I stand.

Such idle love henceforth I will detest.

17.Sp86Valingford

(To Mountney) The fox will eat no grapes, and why?

17.Sp87Mountney

(To Valingford) I know full well: because they hang too high!

17.Sp88William

And may it be a miller’s daughter by her birth?

I cannot think but she is better born.

17.Sp89Valingford

Sir Thomas Goddard hight this reverend man,

Famed for his virtues and his good success,

Whose fame hath been renownèd through the world.

17.Sp90William

Sir Thomas Goddard, welcome to thy prince,

And fair Em, frolic with thy good father.

As glad am I to find Sir Thomas Goddard

As good Sir Edmund Trafford on the plains,

He like a shepherd, and thou our country miller.

17.Sp91Goddard

And longer let not Goddard live a day

Than he in honour loves his sovereign.

17.Sp92William

But say, Sir Thomas, shall I give thy daugher?

17.Sp93Goddard

Goddard and all that he hath doth rest at the pleasure of your majesty.

17.Sp94William

And what says Em to lovely Valingford?

It seemed he loved you well, that for your sake

Durst leave his king.

17.Sp95Em

Em rests at the pleasure of your highness,

And would I were a wife for his desert.

17.Sp96William

Then here, Lord Valingford, receive fair Em.

Here take her, make her thy espousèd wife.

Then go we in, that preparation may be made

To see these nuptials solemnly performed.

Exeunt all. Sound drums and trumpets.

FINIS

Annotations

picture

painting

i.e., the depiction of Blanche on Lübeck’s ecranche or jousting shield.

conqueror

William the Conqueror

Characters

Prosopography

Anonymous

Brett Greatley-Hirsch

Brett Greatley-Hirsch is Professor of Renaissance Literature and Textual Studies at the University of Leeds. He is a coordinating editor of Digital Renaissance Editions, co-editor of the Routledge journal Shakespeare, and a Trustee of the British Shakespeare Association. He is the author (with Hugh Craig) of Style, Computers, and Early Modern Drama: Beyond Authorship (Cambridge, 2017), which brings together his interests in early modern drama, computational stylistics, and literary history. His current projects include editions of Hyde Park for the Oxford Shirley (with Mark Houlahan) and Fair Em for DRE, a history of the editing and publishing of Renaissance drama from the eighteenth century to the present day, and several computational studies of early modern dramatic authorship and genre. For more details, see notwithoutmustard.net.

James D. Mardock

James Mardock is Associate Professor of English at the University of Nevada, Associate General Editor for the Internet Shakespeare Editions, and a dramaturge for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Reno Little Theater. In addition to editing quarto and folio Henry V for the ISE, he has published essays on Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and other Renaissance literature in The Seventeenth Century, Ben Jonson Journal, Borrowers and Lenders, and contributed to the collections Representing the Plague in Early Modern England (Routledge 2010) and Shakespeare Beyond Doubt (Cambridge 2013). His book Our Scene is London (Routledge 2008) examines Jonson’s representation of urban space as an element in his strategy of self-definition. With Kathryn McPherson, he edited Stages of Engagement (Duquesne 2013), a collection of essays on drama in post-Reformation England, and he is currently at work on a monograph on Calvinism and metatheatrical awareness in early modern English drama.

Janelle Jenstad

Janelle Jenstad is a Professor of English at the University of Victoria, Director of The Map of Early Modern London, and Director of Linked Early Modern Drama Online. With Jennifer Roberts-Smith and Mark Beatrice Kaethler, she co-edited Shakespeare’s Language in Digital Media: Old Words, New Tools (Routledge). She has edited John Stow’s A Survey of London (1598 text) for MoEML and is currently editing The Merchant of Venice (with Stephen Wittek) and Heywood’s 2 If You Know Not Me You Know Nobody for DRE. Her articles have appeared in Digital Humanities Quarterly, Elizabethan Theatre, Early Modern Literary Studies, Shakespeare Bulletin, Renaissance and Reformation, and The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies. She contributed chapters to Approaches to Teaching Othello (MLA); Teaching Early Modern Literature from the Archives (MLA); Institutional Culture in Early Modern England (Brill); Shakespeare, Language, and the Stage (Arden); Performing Maternity in Early Modern England (Ashgate); New Directions in the Geohumanities (Routledge); Early Modern Studies and the Digital Turn (Iter); Placing Names: Enriching and Integrating Gazetteers (Indiana); Making Things and Drawing Boundaries (Minnesota); Rethinking Shakespeare Source Study: Audiences, Authors, and Digital Technologies (Routledge); and Civic Performance: Pageantry and Entertainments in Early Modern London (Routledge). For more details, see janellejenstad.com.

Joost Daalder

Joost Daalder (1939–2023) taught in the English Department at Flinders University, Adelaide, from 1976 until his retirement in 2001. Joost was a gifted teacher, discerning critic, and conscientious editor. His scholarship was meticulous but never dull, and his editorial work reflected a deep passion for art and culture. It also signalled a commitment to making English Renaissance literature more accessible to modern readers, even if this bristled against more conservative peers. After producing an edition of Sir Thomas Wyatt’s poems for the prestigious Oxford Standard Authors series (1975), Joost turned his attention to the drama of the period, editing Jasper Heywood’s translation of Seneca’s Thyestes (1982) and Thomas Middleton and William Rowley’s The Changeling (1990), both for the New Mermaids series.

Kate LeBere

Project Manager, 2020–2021. Assistant Project Manager, 2019–2020. Textual Remediator and Encoder, 2019–2021. Kate LeBere completed her BA (Hons.) in History and English at the University of Victoria in 2020. During her degree she published papers in The Corvette (2018), The Albatross (2019), and PLVS VLTRA (2020) and presented at the English Undergraduate Conference (2019), Qualicum History Conference (2020), and the Digital Humanities Summer Institute’s Project Management in the Humanities Conference (2021). While her primary research focus was sixteenth and seventeenth century England, she completed her honours thesis on Soviet ballet during the Russian Cultural Revolution. She is currently a student at the University of British Columbia’s iSchool, working on her masters in library and information science.

Martin Holmes

Martin Holmes has worked as a developer in the UVic’s Humanities Computing and Media Centre for over two decades, and has been involved with dozens of Digital Humanities projects. He has served on the TEI Technical Council and as Managing Editor of the Journal of the TEI. He took over from Joey Takeda as lead developer on LEMDO in 2020. He is a collaborator on the SSHRC Partnership Grant led by Janelle Jenstad.

Navarra Houldin

Training and Documentation Lead 2025–present. LEMDO project manager 2022–2025. Textual remediator 2021–present. Navarra Houldin (they/them) completed their BA with a major in history and minor in Spanish at the University of Victoria in 2022. Their primary research was on gender and sexuality in early modern Europe and Latin America. They are continuing their education through an MA program in Gender and Social Justice Studies at the University of Alberta where they will specialize in Digital Humanities.

Sarah Neville

Sarah Neville is an associate professor of English and Theatre, Film and Media Arts at the Ohio State University. She specializes in early modern English literature, bibliography, theories of textuality and Shakespeare in performance, chiefly examining the ways that authority is negotiated in print, digital and live media. She is an assistant editor of the New Oxford Shakespeare (2016-17), for which she edited five plays in both old and modern-spelling editions, as well as an associate coordinating editor of the Digital Renaissance Editions. She regularly publishes on textual theory, digital humanities, pedagogy, and scholarly editing. Neville’s book, Early Modern Herbals and the Book Trade: English Stationers and the Commodification of Botany (Cambridge, 2022), demonstrates the ways that printers and booksellers of herbals enabled the construction of scientific and medical authority in early modern England. A theatre director and film artist who is a great believer in experiential learning, Neville is the founder and creative director of Ohio State’s Lord Denney’s Players, an academic theatre company that enables students to see how technologies of textual transmission have shaped the reception of Shakespeare’s plays.

Tracey El Hajj

Junior Programmer 2019–2020. Research Associate 2020–2021. Tracey received her PhD from the Department of English at the University of Victoria in the field of Science and Technology Studies. Her research focuses on the algorhythmics of networked communications. She was a 2019–2020 President’s Fellow in Research-Enriched Teaching at UVic, where she taught an advanced course on Artificial Intelligence and Everyday Life. Tracey was also a member of the Map of Early Modern London team, between 2018 and 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, she was a fellow in residence at the Praxis Studio for Comparative Media Studies, where she investigated the relationships between artificial intelligence, creativity, health, and justice. As of July 2021, Tracey has moved into the alt-ac world for a term position, while also teaching in the English Department at the University of Victoria.

Will Sharpe

Will Sharpe is a full-time Teaching Fellow in Shakespeare at the University of Birmingham, and has held postdoctoral fellowships at the Universities of Warwick and Leeds. He contributed a monograph-length study on Authorship and Attribution to the RSC volume William Shakespeare and Others: Collaborative Plays (2013), and edited All Is True: Or, King Henry VIII for The New Oxford Shakespeare (2016). He is a revising editor of the updated Oxford Companion to Shakespeare (2015), and is editing 3 Henry VI for the Arden 4 Shakespeare Series.

Orgography

LEMDO Team (LEMD1)

The LEMDO Team is based at the University of Victoria and normally comprises the project director, the lead developer, project manager, junior developers(s), remediators, encoders, and remediating editors.

University of Victoria (UVIC1)

https://www.uvic.ca/

Metadata

Authority title	Fair Em (Modern)
Type of text	Primary Source Text
Publisher	University of Victoria on the Linked Early Modern Drama Online Platform
Series
Source	This file has been converted from IML, the SGML markup language of the Internet Shakespeare Editions platform. IML files do not indicate the copy or copytext transcribed. LEMDO acknowledges that we are not the main source of transcription, and that we do not know the witness transcribed in this transcription. As time permits, we will compare this transcription to an open-access digital surrogate and align the transcription that surrogate. If you have worked on ISE and/or may have an idea as to the source of this file, please contact lemdo@uvic.ca.
Editorial declaration	No editorial declaration available at this time.
Edition	Released with LEMDO Classroom 0.3
Sponsor(s)	Digital Renaissance Editions Anthology Leads and Co-Coordinating Editors: Brett Greatley-Hirsch, Janelle Jenstad, James Mardock, and Sarah Neville.
Encoding description
Document status	IML-TEI_INP
Funder(s)	Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Insight Grant awarded to Janelle Jenstad) Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (Partnership Development Grant) University of Western Australia
License/availability	Intellectual copyright in this edition is held by the editor, Brett Greatley-Hirsch. Copyright on the TEI-XML markup is held by the University of Victoria on behalf of the LEMDO Team. The content and TEI-XML markup in this file are licensed under a CC BY-NC_ND 4.0 license. This file is freely downloadable without permission under the following conditions: (1) credit must be given to the editor, DRE, and LEMDO in any subsequent use of the files and/or data; (2) this availability statement must remain in the file; (3) the content cannot be adapted or repurposed (except for quotations for the purposes of academic review and citation); and (4) commercial uses are not permitted without the knowledge and consent of the editor, DRE, and LEMDO. Neither the content nor the code in this file is licensed for training large language models (LLMs), ingestion into an LLM, or any use in any artificial intelligence applications; such uses are considered to be commercial uses and are strictly prohibited.