THE RHYMED CHRONICLE OF JOHN HARESTAFFE, 139 



When late he did to her the rent award : 



W th all howe sleightylie she did regard 



Those proffers large were made her mynd to trye, 



And peremptorilye did theim denye : 



Besydes he found that honest Atkinson 



Would not by anie meanes from her be won, 



But constantlie in open Court had say'd 



(Layinge his hand on Edward Vernon's head, 



Her eldest sonne, who by him there did stand) 



This he to whom I will assure the lande. 



These things perhaps the Justice pondered well, 



And therupon to resolution fell, 



That in this cause he would noe more contend, 



If she would harken to a frendlie end. 



Wherefore he shorlie after writt againe, 



W" shewe of marveile that she did demeane 



Herself contemptuouslie against the Court : 



Yet nerethelesse to doe her anie hurt 



He was unwillinge : And did further wryte 



That for his part, he tooke but small delight 



In suites of Lawe his money for to spend 



But rather wish'd some faire & frendlie end 



For all their well-fare might be thought upon, 



And to that purpose made a motion, 



That they should meete next terme for y< intent : 



She had noe reason but to give consent 



Of meetinge : for although he had not moov'd 



She meant to be at Terme, as her behoov'd. 



Meetinge at London, They determine then, 

 To choose on either part some gentlemen 

 Discreete and wyse to treate of this affaire, 

 For nowe to peace they all inclyned were : 



And first of all as ground worke to y e rest, 

 These gentlemen on both sydes thought it best, 



