THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARF.STAFFE. 95 



For divers debts which did amount in all 

 Above nine hundred poundes, but most not due 

 Until y e first yeares end that should ensewe 

 From Vernon's death. And further at y l day 

 An other Towne called Rodsley mortgaged lay 

 To one Ralph Allen of whose debte was founde 

 As then arrere above three hundred pounde. 



First therfore he desyr'd his honest frende 

 That w th these parties he would make an end : 

 And satisfye them all y 1 should appeare 

 Upon their true accompts to be arrere 

 And for y 1 purpose then did him requyre 

 To sell some landes y< lay in Staffordshire. 



Then he appoynted and requyr'd that they 



By good estate these lands should reconvay 



To Atkinson his trustie faythfull frende, 



Whom he had chosen to y e onelye end 



He might sole seiz'd of all from thenceforth stande 



To th' uses and intents that undet's hand 



And seale in wrytinge Vernon should declare 



Wherof to treate in parte I nowe prepare : 



For worthie memorie (me thinkes) they are. 



How M' Vernon appointed his Landes to be assured and dis- 

 posed of after his decease, and howe he rewarded his servants, and 

 gratifyed his frendes, enseweth, in parte. 



His Wyffe. 



His greatest care was for his lovinge wyffe, 

 To whom at first he gave for terme of lyffe, 

 All those faire landes in Broughton & in Bankes 

 Which (had he done noe more) deserved thankes. 

 Beinge worth (as by his Rentalls did appeare) 

 Above three hundred thirtie pounds by yeare. 



