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  • Title: Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (Quarto)
  • Editors: Christopher Hicklin, Christopher Matusiak

  • Copyright Queen's Men Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Robert Greene
    Editors: Christopher Hicklin, Christopher Matusiak
    Peer Reviewed

    Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (Quarto)

    The honourable historie of Frier Bacon.
    No sooner had I pried into the yard,
    But straight a whirlewind hoisted me from thence,
    And mounted me aloft vnto the cloudes:
    310As in a trance I thought nor feared nought,
    Nor know I where or whether I was tane:
    Nor where I am, nor what these persons be.
    Bacon. No, know you not maister Burden.
    Hostesse. Oh yes good sir, he is my daily guest,
    315What maister Burden, twas but yesternight,
    That you and I at Henly plaid at cardes.
    Burden. I knowe not what we did, a poxe of all coniuring
    Friers.
    Clement. Now iolly Frier tell vs, is this the booke
    320that Burden is so carefull to looke on?
    Bacon. It is, but Burden tell me now,
    Thinkest thou that Bacons Nicromanticke skill,
    Cannot performe his head and wall of Brasse,
    When he can fetch thine hostesse in such post.
    325Miles. Ile warrant you maister, if maister Burden could con-
    iure as well as you, hee would haue his booke euerie night from
    Henly to study on at Oxford.
    Mason. Burden what are you mated by this frolicke Frier,
    Looke how he droops, his guiltie conscience
    330Driues him to bash and makes his hostesse blush.
    Bacon. Well mistres for I wil not haue you mist,
    You shall to Henly to cheere vp your guests
    Fore supper ginne, Burden bid her adew,
    Say farewell to your hostesse fore she goes,
    335Sirha away, and set her safe at home.
    Hostesse. Maister Burden, when shall we see you at Henly.
    Exeunt Hostesse and the Deuill.

    Burden. The deuill take thee and Henly too.
    Miles. Maister shall I make a good motion.
    340Bacon. Whats that?
    Miles. Marry sir nowe that my hostesse is gone to prouide
    supper,