THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE. I 33 



It could not choose but gyve her much offence 

 Yet for all this she still us'd patience. 



The Lent Assizes came, Then she prepar'd 



This Cause before y e Judges might be heard, 



Which by Petition she to theim declar'd : 



When the Lord Anderson did understand 



The truth thereof : he wile'd her out of hand, 



She should end) te theim ali of felonie, 



Protestinge therw th all most earnestlie 



He would not fayle to hange some two or three : 



As necessarie for ensample sake, 



That others might by. theim good warninge take. 



But she was farre from anie s-uch intent 



And in nowyse would therunto consent, 



But said she would much rather be content 



To put up all her losse and injurie, 



And seeke therin noe further remedie 



Then so to put their lyves in jeopardie, 



She cheeflie did desyre by his good meane, 



Such good securitie for to obtayne, 



That she and hers might thenceforth live in peace 



And th' other from their misdemeano r s cease. 



The Judge was earnest she should prosecute 



In point of felonie this present suite 



But she intreated still to be excus'd 



In that to satisfy e him she refus'd : 



Who seeinge her to take revenge soe coole, 



As half offended said she play'd the foole. 



And then he gave directions to endyte 



Upon the Ryott, such as they recyte 



To have beene Acto r s in this lewde attempt, 



Some thirtie two, for manie were exempt 



That had beene also of their companie, 



By follie rather then for enmitie : 



