124 THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 



The Earle in London could noe helpe obtaine 

 Wherfore to Essex House he came againe 

 Where he was soone besett for fleeinge thence, 

 And stood awhyle upon his owne defence : 

 Yet did he yeald himself ere midnight hower 

 And shortlie was sent Prisoner to the Tower. 



Next day betimes were manie such sought out, 

 As followed him, but wist not wherabout : 

 Of these, S r Edward Littleton was one, 

 To whom (beinge at her lodginge) came anon 

 A Pensioner S r Herbert Croft by name, 

 Who by y e Counsells warrant thither came 

 On whose behalf he quicklie did him greete 

 Comittinge him close prisoner in the Fleete. 



This touch't her nere indeede &: greev'd her sore, 

 She never was in such distresse before : 

 Stronge apprehension of her brothers danger, 

 Made her respect her owne but as a stranger, 

 For she avouch't she cared not what befell 

 Touchinge her own affaires : So he did well ; 

 For why her losse were but of goodes & lands, 

 But he of lyffe and all in danger stands. 



Yet for all this she lett not downe her hart, 

 But what God sent tooke ever in goode part, 

 Knowinge y' he alone dispos'd of all, 

 Without whose providence could nothinge fall. 

 Wherfore she did provyde him then w th speede 

 All necessaries for his present neede : 

 And everie day some good thinge to him sent, 

 To comfort him in his imprisonment, 

 Duringe y e tyme of his more close restraint. 



But nowe I will goe on w" 1 her affaires, 

 Next morning came & she herself prepares 



