QueenʼsMen Editions

About this text

  • 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.
    2060sure his friende wil not stick to make a iade of himselfe, but I pray
    you goodman friend let me moue a question to you.
    Deuil. Whats that?
    Miles. I pray you whether is your pace a trot or an amble?
    Deuil. An amble.
    2065Miles. Tis well, but take heede it be not a trot,
    But tis no matter Ile preuent it.
    Deuil. What doost?
    Miles. Marry friend I put on my spurs, for if I find your pace
    either a trot or els vneasie, Ile put you to a false gallop, Ile make
    2070you feele the benefit of my spurs.
    Deuil. Get vp vpon my back.
    Miles. Oh Lord heres euen a goodly meruaile, when a man
    rides to hell on the Deuils backe. Exeunt roring.

    Enter the Emperour with a pointles sword, next the King of
    2075 Castile, carrying a sword with a point, Lacie carying the
    globe Ed. Warr. carrying a rod of gold with a doue on it,
    Ermsby with a crowne and Scepter, The queene with the
    faire maide of Frisingfield on her left hand, Henry, Bacon
    with other Lords attending.

    2080Edward. Great potentates earths miracles for state,
    Thinke that prince Edward humbles at your feet,
    And for these fauours on his martiall sword,
    He vowes perpetuall homage to your selues,
    Yeelding these honours vnto Ellinour.
    2085Henrie. Gramercies Lordlings, old Plantagenet,
    That rules and swayes the Albion diademe,
    With teares discouers these conceaued ioyes,
    And vowes requitall, if his men at armes,
    The wealth of England, or due honours done
    2090To Ellinour, may quite his fauorites.
    But all this while what say you to the Dames,
    That shine like to the cristall lampes of heauen?
    Empe.
    I