THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OK JOHN HARESTAFKE. 131 



This made her at y e first somwhat dismay'd 



But Atkinson who well this poynt had way'd 



Bid her take courage, and be not affraid 



For sure (quoth he) had Justice Townshend ought 



A right good turne, and seven yeares had sought 



To doe y' for you 'tis perform'd this day, 



By undertakinge that great sume to pay 



W ch we ourselves by noe meanes could defray. 



And though he gett possession of some ground, 



Yet are our tytles nere y e more unsound, 



In tyme there may some helpe for this be found. 



Thus Atkinson her frend did cheare her well : 

 When presentlie an other crosse befell 

 W cb though it was not of so great import, 

 But well might be deryded in disport, 

 Yet did she take y e same in worser sort. 

 Because she thought her credit touch't therein, 

 W ch she esteemed more than lands to win : 

 To th' Court Prerogative then by Citacion 

 They call her t' answere 'bout th' administration, 

 W ch of her husbands goods she late did take, 

 Wherto ith' Wards behalf they tytle make. 

 A sence-les thinge for theim to put in stryfe 

 Unles they thought she had not beene his wyffe. 

 And peradventure some such fonde conceite 

 Might cause this suite wherof I nowe intreate : 

 For lyke enough they had such intimation 

 By y e lewde speeches and false information 

 Of Mistris Buck, who did affirme noe lesse, 

 In th' hearinge of an hundred witnesses : 

 Utteringe foule wordes of slander & defame, 

 Against her Sisters credit and good name : 

 What time y e Ryott late before exprest 

 Was by y e Sheriffe and Justices redrest : 



