Il8 THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 



To make faire tale he somtyme spar'd y e sooth, 

 His labour had beene lost, had he tould truth. 



The grave and learned Metropolitan. 



(It seem'dl gave noe great credit to the man : 



Yet lovinge Justice, and still favouringe right, 



He writt his letters to th'accused Knight 



And sent the Priest's Petition to y e same, 



Requyringe him if there were cause of blame, 



Such reformacon might be had therfore, 



That lyke complaynts should need be made no more. 



Sir Edward then himself for to discharge, 



By letters did inform e his Grace at large 



The truth of these affaires. And of this case 



Did Atkinson lykewise informe his Grace : 



Who was his Patrone, & to whom ere longe 



The Parson came complayninge of his wronge : 



Who checkt him foule for keepinge such a coyle, 



In that wherein himself would have the foyle : 



Ad vy singe him to frame himselfe to peace 



Wherby both frendes and wealth he might increase. 



The fickle headed fellowe then gave eare, 



Unto his wordes and admonitions faire : 



And promis'd resolutely he would stand 



Unto such ende as by his Patrones hande 



Should be sett downe betwene theim for all things 



And cominge home his Patrones letters bringes, 



To her directed in his comendation 



Requyringe he be us'd in frendlie fashion. 



And of this Reference makinge faire relation. 



She promis'd also to abyde the same : 



Which shortlie after with his letters came, 



To this effect : That she should have the thinge, 



And pay all charges thereout issuinge : 



Allowinge him his chamber and his fyer, 



His horse-grasse too when he should it desyre, 



