THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 



The Court lay at Whitehall and thither shee 



Went w th her sister* in her companie, 



And Atkinson her ever constant frende, 



Harestaffe and other servants theim attend : 



But by y e way hapt such an accident, 



As Atkinson's assistance did prevent : 



Yet went she on, in hope some good to win, 



Although her cheefe assistant fayl'd herein 



She was desyrous for to putt in tryall 



This newe attempt, since worst was but den) all. 



And cominge to y e Court for this intent 



Unto the Maister's Lodgings straight she went : 



He was not there whom she came to intreate 



Yet in the Lobbie manie Sutors waite, 



And wish for his retorne. Where iheim amonge 



These Gentlewomen had not stayed longe 



Ere that by favo r of a chamber groome 



They were admitted to an inner roome : 



(Where as it seem'd the Maister us'tl to heare 



The Sutors y' did unto him repaire.) 



Two Groomes because y e weather then was colde 



Did sooner make their fyres than els they would 



To pleasure theim, for w ch their kind regard, 



They did receave foure shillings for reward. 



It chanced y* whyle here she did attende, 

 One Maister Ferrerst (who was both her frend 

 And kindsman nere) cam himj and did salute her, 

 And then inquir'd if she was there as Sutor 



* Lad)' Repington. [Note in MS.] 



Sir John Repington, of Amington, married Margaret, daughter of Sir 

 Edward Littleton, of Pillaton Hall. 



+ Richard Littleton, the first of Pillaton Hall, was the second son of Judge 

 Littleton (ob. 1481) ; his sister Ellen was married to Edward Ferrers, uf 

 Tamworth. Richard Littleton was great-greatgrandfather of Mistress Vernon, 

 but we knowof no more recent alliance that could make her akin to any Ferrers. 



£ Sic, query, " came in." 



