THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 85 



Into his Studie, when she did desyre, 

 And for that purpose had a crooked wyer, 

 Whenvith she easlie could unlock y c door, 

 And leave it in such order as before : 

 And when in private she resorted thither 

 Both pen and inke sometymes she did take with her, 

 And sett a maid to watch whyle she staid there 

 Where both his Will and other wrytings were, 

 Some servants too who were acquaynted best 

 With both their handes, did on their oath protest, 

 They thought it not his hand, but hers much rather, 

 As by the forme oth' letters they did gather. 



These things and manie other being brought 

 In evidence on John's behalf, who sought 

 To right himself herein against his mother 

 Who helde y e Farme and also gainst his brother 

 (Whom she defended) gave such satisfaction 

 Unto a Jury (charg'd to trye the Action) 

 Ith' Court of Coraon Pleas) that they had greed 

 On John's behalf their Verdict should proceede. 



But too much cunninge all the cause did marre : 

 For as the Jurie came unto to the Barre, 

 A Juror (by a compact underhand) 

 In private lett a servant understand 

 Gainst Vernon would their present Verdict passe : 

 But Goodman Blockhead, lyke a drunken Asse 

 Forgetting that his Maisters right was tryed 

 Ith' name of Buck against Vernon forthw th hyed 

 And tould his Maister y' the truth was soe 

 A present Verdict would against him goe : 

 Who caused Buck be non-suite* thereupon : 

 And lost the cause which els w" 1 him had gone. 



" " Non Suite is a renouncing of the suit by the plaintiff or demandant, 

 most commonly upon the discovery of some error or defect, when the matter is 

 so far proceeded in, as the jury is ready at the bar to deliver their verdict." — 

 Cowel's Interpreter. 



