THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 93 



In Atkinson's Receipts five hundred pounde 



And twentie sixe, more then he had defraied : 



Soe that of thirtene hundred to be paid, 



Seaven hundred Seaventie foure did then remaine 



And thus he made their Reckonings straight & plaine. 



Then Articles to this effect he frames, 



To which both parties doe subscrybe their names : 



But yet for good respects it was thought best, 



That in his handes those Articles should rest : 



And either partie should a Transcript have 



Therof, w ch unto them next day he gave. 



But Maister Vernon soone himself repented, 



And was at this Accord much discontented. 



The cause (if I mistake it not) was this, 



He thought in conscience he had done amisse, 



In seekinge thus for to reduce the landes 



(By this Agreement made) out of the handes 



Of Atkinson, contrarie to his word 



And Protestation at their first Accord. 



This (I beleeve) his long delays did breed, 



And was y e cause he did not soe proceed, 



As by those Articles it was agreed, 



For in y e same a day was limmitted, 



Before y e w ch thinges should be finished 



But of the same he had soe small respect, 



Both tyme and busines he did quyte neglect : 



Perhaps that Atkinson might soe be free 



From th' Articles to w ch he did agree. 



At Upton then in Essex he did lye 

 Where he fell sicke, and beinge lyke to dye, 

 His wyfTe in hast for Atkinson did send, 

 (Who ever shew'd himself an honest frende,) 

 And promis'd allwaies that he would provyde, 

 She should be used well, what ere betyde. 

 He came although himself was then not well : 

 And into private conference there they fell, 



