APPENDIX A 325 



Huntsman 



Alas poor Hare we pity thee, 



If with our nature 'twould agree, 



But all thy doubling shifts I fear. 



Will not prevail, thy death's so near 

 then make thy Will, it may be that, 

 may save thee, or I know not what. 



(The Hare makes her Will) 



Then I bequethe my body free, 

 Unto your Masters courtesie : 

 And if he please my hfe to grant. 

 He be his game when sport is scant : 



but if I dye each greedy Hound, 



divides my entrals on the ground. 



■ • • H • • • 



Item, I do give and bequeathe, 

 To men in debt (after my death 

 My subtle scent, that so they may, 

 Beware of such as would betray, 



them to a miserable fate 



by blood-hounds from the Compter-gate, 



Item, I do a turn-coat give 



(That he may more obscurely live) 



My swift and sudden doublings which. 



Will make politick and rich, 



though at the last with many wounds 

 I wish him kill'd by his own hounds. 



Item, I give into their hands. 



That purchase Dean and Chapter lands, 



My wretched jealousies and fears, 



Mixt with salt of Orphans' tears, 

 that long vexations may persever, 

 to plague them and their heirs for ever. 



Before I dye (for breath is scant) 

 I would supply mens proper want, 

 And therefore I bequeath(e) unto, 

 The Scrivener (give the Devil his due) 



that Forgeth, Swears, and then forswears 



(to save his credit) both my Ears. 



