THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HAKESTAFFE. 137 



For w ch he had beene prisoner in y e gaole, 



With others moe till they were loos'd by Baile : 



At next Assyzes when they did appeare, 



Indictments were preferr'd against theim there : 



The Bills were found, yet Tryall was suspended, 



Through Maister Vernon's purse they were befrended 



For with the Vicar he made composition, 



And yet because he had him in suspition, 



Least he should prosecute as he stoode bounde, 



He gave unto a Courtier* Twentie pounde, 



And used Atkinson's assistance too, 



(Who in this cause had both inough a doe) 



To gett the Counsells letters in this case 



To stay their Tryall for a certayne space. 



And many a pound it cost his purse besyde, 



In their behalf to keepe this cause untry'd 



From Syze to Syze untill y e tyme he dyed. 



W cb cause ith' Court defendinge at that day, 



Procur'd the Judge those angrie words to say : 



And me to treate thereof thus much by the way. 



Our Ladies day was come, tyme did require 



To sett such grounds as past from yeare to yeare : 



W ch Justice Townshend did not then neglect, 



(For private profitt he did much respect) 



Two of his men he sent to Sudburie, 



Of purpose, (as his Order did decree) 



Possession to receave of all those landes 



W ch late had beene redeem'd from Harvey's handes : 



With his authoritie for to dispose 



And sett the same for yearlye rent to those 



That would gyve most. It seem'd he made noe doubt, 



That gainst his Order any durst stand out. 



Nor did there of y e Tenantes anie one 



W th stand : but all agreed to theim anon : 



* Mr. Ferdinando. [Note in the MS.] 



