128 THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. 



Possession of those Declarations fyve, 

 In w ch her husband whylst he was alyve 

 Had signified to whom his lands should goe, 

 And did such benefitts and gifts bestowe, 

 As in particular hath beene declar'd : 

 But Harestaffe had of these as great regard, 

 He kept thehn saffe as th' apple of his eye 

 Knowinge their cheefest strength therein did lye. 

 Wherfore when other wrytings in were brought 

 In humble termes he then the Court besought 

 They would not presse him further touchinge these, 

 For though he was unwillinge to displease, 

 Or make contempt even in the least respect, 

 Yet since those wrytings were of such effect, 

 That all their strength in maner on theim stands, 

 He would not part with them out of his handes : 

 But rather would (if soe the Court thought meete) 

 Make choice to take his lodginge in the Fleete. 



The Court did not much disallowe his reason, 

 Yet did they make an Order at that season, 

 That he should shortlie with y e same resort 

 To Maister Hare who then was Clarke oth' Court, 

 And on his oath should theim to him betake : 

 That for the Ward he might true copies take 

 Which done, he should receave them back againe, 

 And in his custodie they should remaine. 



Nowe though their order in this maner past, 



Yet Harestaffe held his resolution fast : 



He fear'd that if they once were disposstst 



Of these wherein their hope and strength did rest 



Their honest Adversaries would not stick 



To shewe them such a feate and jugglinge trick, 



By Wakeringes meane (who never wanted store) 



That from thenceforth they nere should see theim more. 



