THE RHYMFD CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFF. 



What was her cause and who for her made way 



She breeflie tould her cause w th out delay : 



But as for makinge way, she there had none 



But God and a good cause to trust upon. 



He shooke his head as though he would expresse 



She had not taen right course for good successe 



And seeminge sorrie for her great distresse 



Gave her cold comfort in her businesse. 



That day y e Maister had in counsell beene, 



And rysinge thence, was gone up to the Queene. 



He was cheefe Secretaire at that day, 



And in affaires of State bare all the sway : 



The tyme runne on and candles nowe were light 



And day had given place unto the night : 



His cominge in ech minute was expected, 



Then she by Harestaffe quicklie was directed, 



To knowe this greate man by his stature small, 



And by his entringe in y e first of all : 



For why, as yet she never had him seeme 



Nor till that tyme had she a sutor beene : 



He will'd her therefore nere y e dore to stand, 



With her Petition readie in her hande, 



And y l so soone as in y e roome he came, 



She should not fayle to offer him y e same : 



Attended w th great troupes he came anon, 



And gentlie took her supplication, 



Which then imediatelye without more stay, 



He did peruse in order as it lay : 



And turninge unto her attendinge nie, 



Why Mistris Vernon would you have (quoth he) 



Me to dissolve nowe an Injunction, 



Out of the terme upon Petition ? 



That nere was heard of. She (God wot) was mute. 



But Harestaffe (who sollicited this sute) 



With humble reverence then for her reply'd, 



I ft please your Hono r she y e Courte hath try'd, 



