126 THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARLSTAFFE. 



Both to discharge her husband's funerall, 

 And to maintain herself and those w th all ; 

 This said, forthw th out of y e court he went. 

 As though of only purpose and intent 

 To doe her favour he had come that day : 

 For manye thought & some did playnlye say 

 That for y e same she did full soundlie pay. 

 Oft are they wrong'd y l such a state live under, 

 Wherin true justice shall be held a wonder : 

 As in this case befell for 'tis most sure 

 That other meanes she never did procure, 

 But onely by Petition as aforesaid 

 And by good Counsell w ch her cause did pleade. 



Touchinge \ e Ryott w ch of late was done 



She did informe Sir Edmond Anderson, 



Then Lord Cheefe Justice of y e Comon Pleas, 



And Judge at Derby Syzes in those daies, 



Intreatinge his assistance in the same 



Who therupon his letters straight did frame 



Unto the Justices of Derby Shire : 



Wherin he did theim earnestlie require 



They should with diligence their warrants send, 



The Malefactors for to apprehend, 



That they might be forthcominge at th' Assises, 



There to make answere to their enterpryzes. 



Her adversaries did but ill digest, 



That of the Rents she should be soe possest : 



It seem'd they did begin to doubt th' event, 



For underhand a Friend of theirs was sent, 



To make a tryall of her disposition, 



Yf she would listen to a composition : 



Who offerr'd her soe she would not w th stand 



She should receave three thousand pounds in hand 



And duringe lyffe she should enjoy the lande. 



