2nd Soldier._ Eh! brother, such tales may we not tell,
Wherefore to the king let us go,
For he is like to bear the bell,
Which was the cause that we did so;
Yet must they all be brought him to
With wains and waggons full freight.
I trow there will be a careful sight.

[_They come before Herod._

_1st Soldier._ Lo! Herod, king! here must thou see
How many thousands that we have slain.

_2nd Soldier._ And needs thy will fulfilled must be,
There may no man say there again.[269]

_Herald._ Herod, king! I shall thee tell,
All thy deeds is come to nought.
This child is gone into Egypt to dwell,
Lo! Sir, in thine own land what wonders byn[270] wrought.

_Herod._ Into Egypt? Alas! for woe,
Longer in land here I cannot abide.
Saddle my palfry, for in haste will I go
After yon traitors now will I ride
Them for to sloo.[271]
Now all men hie fast
Into Egypt in haste:
All that country will I tast[272]
Till I may come them to.

THE WAKEFIELD MIRACLE-PLAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION

[_From the Towneley Collection_]

CHARACTERS

Jesus
Mary
John
Joseph
Pilate
Longeus
Nicodemus
Four Torturers

THE CRUCIFIXION

_Pilate._ Peace I bid every wight;
Stand as still as stone in wall,
Whiles ye are present in my sight,
That none of ye clatter nor call;
For if ye do, your death is dight.
I warn it you both great and small,
With this brand burnished so bright,
Therefore in peace look ye be all.

What? peace, in the devil's name!
Harlots and dastards all bedene[273]
On gallows ye be made full tame.
Thieves and michers ken[274]
Will ye not peace when I bid you?
By Mahoun's blood! if ye me teyn,[275]
I shall ordain soon for you
Pains that never e'er was seen,
And that anon:
Be ye so bold beggars, I warn you,
Full boldly shall I beat you,
To hell the de'il shall draw you,
Body, back, and bone.

I am a lord that mickle is of might,
Prince of all Jewry, Sir Pilate I hight.
Next bring Herod, greatest of all,
Bow to my bidding, both great and small,
Or else be ye shent;[276]
Therefore keep your tongues, I warn you all
And unto us take tent.[277]

_1st Torturer._ All peace, all peace, among you all!
And hearken now what shall befall
To this false chuffer[278] here.
That with his false quantyse[279]
Has made himself as God wise
Among us many a year.
He calls himself a prophet,
And says that he can bales[280] beat[281]
And make all things amend,
But e'er long know we shall,
Whether h