The Croxton Play of the Sacrament

[Please note: this trot is intended solely to help with student comprehension of the original Middle English text. Starred items are taken verbatim from glosses in Bevington, Medieval Drama and all other translation relies heavily on Bevington’s annotation. Please do not cite or circulate beyond our class].

The Banns:

1 Vexillator:

Now the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost

Who has created all this wide world

Save all these fair people, all those of low and high degree, and bring you to the bliss that he has wholly purchased for you.*

We fully intend, with heart and with thought

To tell of our subject

Of all of the marvels that were wonderfully wrought by the holy and blessed sacrament.

2 Vexillator:

Citizens, if it please you to hear the intent of this play that is now represented before you, the events of which actually took place, to tell the truth in the famous city of Heraclea in Aragon (Spain)

In that city there lives a merchant of great might

His name was Sir Aristorius

He was known far and wide by many a person* and his fame was far spread in the world

Anon a Jew came to him, who had great riches, and who lived in the city of Syria, this is completely true, who had plenty of precious stones

He entreated this Christian merchant sorely

When the Jew wished to achieve his intent (22)*

Twenty pounds, merchandise and more, he offered for the holy sacrament.

2. But the Christian merchant said no to that because his offer was of little value.

Unless the Jew would pay 100 pounds, he (the merchant) would go no further in the matter.*

But the Jews began to speak more of their purpose, to buy the holy sacrament. And just because the Jews wanted to be avenged (on the sacrament, representing Christ)* they began to lay down a a great sum of gold.

Line 33:

1. This Christian merchant consented to tell the truth, and in the night after, made delivery to the Jew. These Jews all made great job. From this occurred a stranger chance; they grieved Our Lord greatly on the earth and put him to a new Passion. With daggers they made him many a grievous wound, nailed him to a pillar, and with pincers plucked him down.

And then they took that blessed bread so good and they did boil him in a cauldron, in a full cloth exactly they wounded it, and they did make him seethe in oil.

And then they put him to a new torment and shut him in a hot oven.

There he appeared with bloody wounds, the oven split asunder and burst to pieces.

1. Thus in our law they [the Jews] were made steadfast; the holy sacrament showed him great favor. Their hearts were cast in contrition and went and showed their lives to a confessor.

Thus by miracle of the King of Heaven,

And by might and power given to the priest’s mouth,

In a household 11 were certainly converted.

At Rome this miracle is well known.

This miracle at Rome was presented

in the year of our Lord 1461

That the Jews did injury to the Holy Sacrament

in the said forest of Aragon.

Lo, thus God at a time showed himself there

Through his mercy and his great might:

He appeared onto the Jews

That they should not lose his heavenly light.

1. Therefore, friends, with all your might

Onto your heavenly Father show your sin.

Be not in despair, day nor night;

Do not entertain any manner of doubt concerning that Lord!

It was because the Jews doubted whether the sacrament was really flesh and blood

that they subjected it to such torture–as you will see acted, all you of both high and low degree*

And if it please you, this gathering that is here

Will be seen at Croxton on Monday

To see the story of this little process

You will be heartily welcome

Now Jesus save you from pain and harm,

To send us his high joys of heaven–

There may we (remain), beyond the power of the intellect to describe or imagine.*

Now minstrel, blow a merry sound!

Here Follows the play of the conversion of sir Jonathas the Jew by miracles of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Names and number of the players [See Original]

[On the stage the Christian merchant, Aristorius, the merchant is attended by his clerk, Peter Paul, and his chaplain, Sir Isodore]

Aristorius Merchant: Now may Christ, who is our creator, preserve us from sin, and keep us all in joy who dwell (lit: move about) on earth.*

Onto his endless joy mightily may he restore us,

All those who in his name conduct themselves well in peace, peaceably.*

For a merchant most of might, thereof my tale is told;

In Heraclea is none such, whoever would understand.

For of all Aragon I most mighty of silver and of gold–

For I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a whole country.*

Sir Aristorius is my name,

A mighty merchant, of a royal array.

Full wide in this world springs my fame,

Far known, the truth to t

In all manner of lands, without any doubt,

My merchandise travels the truth to tell

In Genoa, in Gevena and [?]

In Syrian, and in Saba, and in Salerno, I sell

In Antioch and in Germany much is my might,

In Brabant and in Britain I am full bold,

In Calabria and in Cologne there reign I full right,

In Dordrecht and in Denmark, by the cold cliffs,

In Alexander I have abundance in the wide world.

In France and Faeroe (?) fresh are my flowers,

In Guelderland and Galicia have I bought and sold,

In Hamburg and in Holland much merchandise is ours,

In Jerusalem and Jerico among the Jews gentle,

Among the Chaldees and Catalans known is my coming,

In Rheims and in Rome to St. Peter’s temple

I am known certain for buying and selling;

In Maine and in Milan full merry have I been,

Out of Navarre to Naples I bring much good,

In Pondere and in Portingale much is my glee,

In Spain and in Spruce much is my prospering

In Lombardy and Luxembourg, there led is my pleasure;

In Tharisa and in Turkey, there told is my tale;

And in the Dukedom of Orleans I have much control;

And this throughout the world my sail is set.

No man in this world may wield more riches

For all I thank God of his grace, for he it me sent–

And as a lord’s peer thus I live in worthiness

My curate waits upon me to know my intent

And men are at my bidding, and all is lent me

To work my will in this wide world

They dare not displease me in no way.

And whoever does displease me, he cannot withstand me.

Priest: No many shall hinder or trouble me,

But every man will diligently do your pleasure;

And I, to the best of my ability, shall exhort them to serve you at your command, in order to please God.*

For you are worthy and notable in wealth

Of Aragonese merchants you have no peer

And thereof thank God that died on the cross,

Who was your maker and holds you dear.

Aristorius: Forsooth, sir priest, your talking is good-

And therefore after your talking, I will attain

To worship my God that died on the cross.

Never, while I live, will I speak against that*

But, Peter Paul, my clerk, I pray thee go well directly

Throughout all Heraclea, without delay,

And know if any merchant comes to this realm

From Syria or from Saba or from Chelidonia.

Clerk:

At your pleasure will I walk, I will not say no,

Promptly to go search at the waterside

If any pleasant bargain be for your profit,

As swiftly as I can, I shall guide him to you.

Now will I walk these wide paths

And search the harbor, both up and down,

To know if any unknown ships to ride therein

From Syria, Saba or Chelidonia.

[Stage Directions: Now shall the merchants man (Peter Paul) withdraw him, and the Jew Jonathas (on his stage attended by his servants Jason, Jasdon, Masphat, and Malcus) shall make his boast]

Jonathas: Now all mighty Mahommed, distinguished in your majesty,

Whose laws tenderly I have to fulfill,

After my death bring me to your high throne

To save my soul, if it be your will!

For my intent is for to fulfill,

And my glorious god, you, to honor.

To do again your intention, it should grieve me ill,

Or to speak against your law.

For I think you exceedingly, that has sent me

Gold, silver, and precious stones;

And you have given me an abundance of spices

As I shall recite before you cone

I have amethysts, rich for the occasion

And beryls that be bright of countenance,

And sapphires seemly I may show you at once,

And crystals clear for to see.

I have precious diamonds to set in position,

And emeralds, rich I trust they be,

Onyx and agates, both large and small,

Topazes, emeralds of great degree,

Pearls precious of great plenty,

Of rubies rich I have great renown,

Toadstones and calcedonies seemly to see,

And curious carbuncles here you can find.

Spices I have both great and small,

in my ships, to tell the truth,

Ginger, licorice and galingale,

And figs fat to please you to pay,

Pepper and saffron and small spices,

And very sweet dates to prepare,

Almonds and rice, for every sack,

And raisins both more and less.

Cloves, grains and green ginger,

Mace, Mastik that is strong,

Cinnamon, sugar, as you may see,

Long peper and Indian licorice

Oranges and apples of great price,

To tell you all I have now, indeed,

And much more other merchandise of sundry spices.

Jonathas the Jew is my name;

Jason and Jasdon they wait on my will,

Masfat and Malchus they do the same,

As you may know, it is both right and reason.

I tell you all, by dale and by hill

In Heraclea is none so much of might.

Wherefore, you ought to heed me carefully,

For I am chief merchant of Jews, I tell you, by right.

But Jason and Jasdon, a matter will I mention.

Marvelously it is remembered in mind,

The belief of these Christian men is false, I believe,

For they believe in a cake, I think it is unnatural,

And they all say how the priest does bind it,

And by the might of his word makes it flesh and blood–

And this through a fanciful notion they would make us blind–

And how that it should be He that died on the cross.

Jason: Yes, yes, master, a straw for such stories!

That may not enter into my belief!

But, might we get it once within our pales,

I trust we should soon put it to the test.

Jasdon: Now by Mahommed so mighty, that you do what you do what you’ve suggested!

I wish I knew how we could get it!

I swear by my great god, and else may I not prosper

Unless quickly thereon I would be avenged.

Masphat: Yes, I dare say faithfully that their faith is false:

That He never was killed at Calvary!

Or bread to be blood, it is also untrue.

But yet with their wiles they would that we were deceived.

Malchus: Yes, I am mighty Malchus, that boldly am built.

I’m bent on beating that bread

Once out of their hands and if removed to help case it in sorrow I would consent.

Jonathas: Well, sirs, than keep counsel, I command you all,

And no word of all this be known.

But let us walk to see Aristorius’ hall,

And afterward we’ll deliberate

With him to buy and sell I am ready

I will try to make a bargain with him.

For gold and silver I don’t doubt

But that we hall get that cake to our pleasure.

Here shall sir Isidore, the priest, speak on to Sir Aristorius, [on his scaffold] speaking to him, and Jonathas goes down off his stage with his fellows.

Priest: Sir, by your leave, I may no longer dwell.

It is far past noon; it is time to go to church,

There to say my evensong–truly as I tell you–

And then come home again, as I am accustomed to do.

[The priest retires to the church. On the platform, here shall the merchant’s man, [Peter Paul who has been looking for newly arrived merchants] meet with the Jews.]

Jonathas: A, Peter Paul, good day and well met!

Where is they master, as I thee pray?

Clerk: I have not been long from him, to tell the truth,

What tiding with you, sir, I pray you,

That you ask after my master?

Have you any bargain that would be to his profit?

Let me have some knowledge; I’ll be able to tell him.

Jonathas; I have bargains royal and rich

To buy and sell with a merchant

In all this land there is none like

His abundance of Good, as I will tell.

Here shall the clerk go to sir Aristorius [at his scaffold] saluting him thus:

Clerk: All hail, master, and well may you be!

Now I can tell you tidings:

The greatest merchant in all Surrey

Is come to buy and sell with you–

This tale right well he told me.

Sir Jonathas is his name,

A merchant of right great fame;

He would sell you, without blame,

Plenty of cloth of gold.

Aristorius: Peter Paul, I can thank thee!

I pray you, richly array my hall

As beseems a merchant of the bank.

Let no lack be found at all.

Clerk: Surely, master, no more there shall!

Resolutely I think to stir about,

Hastily to hang your parlor with rich cloths

As befits a lord’s peer.

[The clerk sets to work.] Here shall the Jewe merchant and his men come to the Christian merchant].

Jonathas: All hail, Sir Aristorius, seemly to see,

The mightiest merchant of Aragon!

Of your welfare we’ll gladly know,

And I am ready to bargain with you this day.

Aristorius: Sir Jonathas, ye be welcome into my hall!

I pray you come up and sit by me,

And tell me what goods you have to sell,

And if any bargain may be made.

[The Jews ascent to Aristorius’s scaffold].

Jonathas: I have cloth of gold, precious stone, and plenty of spices.

With you I would make a bargain.

I would barter with you in privacy.

(I desire that) you steal one little thing for me*

Secretly at this time;

And I will assure you, by this light,

Never to betray you, day or night,

But be sword to you full right–

And give you twenty pound.

Aristorius: Sir Jonathas, say to me for my sake:

What manner of merchandise do you mean?

Jonathas: Your God, that is full of might, in a cake!

And this good anon shall you see.

[Jonathas displays 20 pounds in gold].

[Aristorius]: No, in faith, that shall not be:

I will not for a hundred pounds,

Stand in fear of my Lord to offend

And for so little a value stand bound in my conscience.

Jonathas: Sir, the intent is, if I might know or understand

If he were God almighty;

Of all my misdeeds I will make amends

And do him worship both day and night.

Aristorius: Jonathas, I shall tell you the truth:

I stand in great doubt to do that deed;

To you that loved one all for to sell,

I fear me that I should stand in dread!

For, and I onto the church went,

And priest and clerk might me see,

To the bishop they would go tell that deed,

And impeach me of heresy.

Jonathas: Sir, as for that, you may be expedient,

And for concealment walk at night,

When the priest and clerk are at rest.

Then you shall be seen by no one.

Aristorius: Now tell me, Jonathas, by this light (and oath)

What payment would you make for this?

Jonathas: Forty pounds, and pay for it fully

Even for that Lord’s sake.

A: No, no, Jonathas, there again.

I would not for a hundred pounds.

J: Sir he is your asking counted in full. I shall it count in this hour.

[Counts out the money].

Here is a hundred pound, neither more nor less,

Of ducats good, I dare well say.

Count it before you leave me.

I think it is a royal array.

But first, I pray you, tell me this, when will I have safe deliverance of this thing?

A: Tomorrow early. I shall not miss;

This night therefore I shall make arrangements.

Sir Isidore he is now at church,

There saying his evensong.

At it is devout duty to do.

He shall soon come home–he will not be long–

In order to eat his supper.

And when he is readied for his bed.

Right soon thereafter it will be accomplished.

No speech among you be there spread!

Don’t fail to hold your tongues!

J: Sir, almighty Mohammed be with you!

And I shall come again right soon!

A: Jonathas, ye know what I have said, and I shall go about doing what has to be done.*

Here the Jews go away, and the priest comes home [from the church to A’s scaffold]

Priest: Sir, may almighty God be your guide! And gladden you were you rest!

A: Sir, you are welcome home this time.

Now, Peter, get us the best wine.

[Peter Paul brings wine and bread].

Clerk: Sir, here is a draught of Romney Red–

There is no better in Aragon–

And a loaf of light bread;

It is wholesome, as the physician says.

[Peter Paul retires].

A: Drink up, Sir Isidore, and be of good cheer!

This Romney is good to go with the rest.

There is none more precious, far or near,

For all indigestible foods it will digest.

[The priest drinks]

Priest: Sir, this wine is good at a taste,

And thereof I have drunk right well.

I have thus resolved to go to bed right after this merry meal.

Now, sir, I pray to God send you good night,

For now I will go to my chamber.

A: Sir, God almighty be with you,

And shield you ever from you foes!

[The priest goes off to bed]. Here shall Aristorius call his clerk to his presence]

How Peter! In thee is all my trust,

In especial to keep my secret,

For a little way I must walk.

I will not be long. Keep trust as I thee tell.

[He crosses the plateau toward the church].

Now privately will I try my pace,

My bargain this might for to fulfill.

Sir Isidore shall not know of this case,

For he often consecrated the bread, as is reasonable [and thus he won’t miss what is taken].*

The church key is at my will;

There is nothing that shall delay me.

I will not linger, by dale nor hill,

Till it by done, by St. Mary!

Here he shall enter the church and take the host.

Ah, now I have all my intent.

I will now go onto Jonathas.

To fill my bargain I intend.

For that money will improve my condition, as thinketh me.

Exit church to the plateau.

But now will I pass by these plain paths.

I would meet with Jonathas.

Ah, yonder he comes certainly.

I think I see him.

Jonathas comes forward.

Welcome, Jonathas, gentle and true!

For well and truly you keep your hours.

Here is the host, sacred new.

Now will I home to hall and bower.

Jonathas: And I shall keep this trust treasure

As I would do my god and fee! [To the host].

Now in this clothe I shall the[e] covere,

That no man shall the[e] see.

Here shall Aristory go his way; and Jonathas [returning to his stage] and his servants shall go to the table, thus saying:

J: Now, Jason and Jasdon, you are gentle Jews,

Masphat and Malchus, that are mighty in mind,

This merchant from the Christian temple

Has gotten us this bread that hoodwinks us.

Now, Jason, as gentle as ever was the linden tree,

Into the foresaid dining room privately take your step.

Spread a cloth on the table as you shall find there.

And we shall follow after to talk of this case.

Here the Jews go and lay the host on the table saying:

J: Sirs, I pray you all, harken to my speech:

These Christian men speak of a marvelous case.

They say that this is Jesus that was condemned in our law,

And that this is he that crucified was.

On these words their law he established.

That he said on Shrove Tues at his supper:

He broke his bread and said “Take”

And gave his disciples to cheer them.

And more he said to them there

While there were all together.

Sitting at the table so clear:

“Eat this is my body” [Matthew 26:26]

And this power he gave to Peter to proclaim,

And how the same should be sufficient to all his progenitors.

Jason: Yes, some men recite another tenent in that law:*

They say he was born of a maiden,

And how Joachim’s daughter should be his mother,

And how Gabriel appeared and said “Ave.”

And with that word she should be conceived.

And that in her the Holy Ghost should light.

Against our laws this is false heresy.

And yet they say he is of the mightiest power.

Jasdon: They say that Jesus is our king.

But I believe he paid for that dearly.

But they make a royal array of his resurrection;

And that in every place is preached far and near

How he appeared again to his disciples,

To Thomas, and to Mary Magdalene,

And then ascended (to heaven) by his own power–

And this, ye know well, is plainly heresy.

Masphat: Yes, and also they say he sent them wit and wisdom

For to understand every language,

When the Holy Ghost came to them–

They fared as men drunk on spiced drink

And then how that he likened himself to a lord of high birth:

On this Father’s right hand he set himself.

They hold him were than ever was the wise Sybill.

And stronger than Alexander, that did conquer all the wide world.

Malchus: Yes, yet they speak falsely, as I wager.

How they that are dead will again come to Judgment,

And our dreadful Judge shall be this same bread,

And how life everlasting shall be given to them.

And thus they maintain, with one mind,

Because Philip said for a little lie:

To turn us from our belief is their intention–

For that he said “To judge the living and the dead.”

Jonathas: Now, sirs, you have rehearsed the substance of their law,

But this bread I would might be put to a test

Whether this be he that in Bozrah of us had awe.

There stained were his clothes, this we may believe,

This may we know, there he had grief,

For our old books verify thus:

Thereupon he was judged to be hanged as a thief–

“With dyed garments from Bosra.”

Jason: If that this be he that on Calvary was made red,

I’ll tell you a clever idea that seems good to my way of thinking.*

Surely with our daggers we shall pierce this bread.

And so with blows we shall know if he has any blood.

Jasdon: Now, by Mohammed so mighty, that seems like a good idea to me! It is masterfully conceived to propose such an idea! And with our blows we’ll assault him as though he were on the cross, so that he will be destroyed, with great disgrace.*

Maspaht: Yes, I pray you, smite you in the middle of the cake,

And so shall we smite thereon five wounds!

We will not spare to do it injury

To test whether there is any life in this bread.

Malchus: Yes, we go forward, then and take our places,

And make sure our daggers are sharp and keen!

And when each man a stroke has smitten,

In the middle part thereof our master will be.

Jonathas: When you have all smitten, my stroke will be seen:

With this same dagger this is so stiff and strong

in the middle of this cake I think to prick.

One lash I shall give him ere it be long.

Here shall the four Jews prick their daggers in the four quarters, thus saying:

Jason: Have at it! Have at it, with all my might!

This side I hope for to seize!

Jasdon: And I shall freshly strike the blade so bright on this other side.

Masphat: And I you tell I shall him to please,

For with this punch I shall prick him.

Malchus: And with this augur I shall him not ease:

Another buffet shall he experience.

J: Now am I bold with battle to make him pale,

This middle part to prick,

A sought stroke also for to strke:

In the middle it shall be seen! [He strikes in the middle] Here the host must bleed.

Ah out, out harrow! What devil is this?

Of this work I am afraid!

It bleeds as though it were mad!

Unless you help, I shall despair!

Jason: A fire, a fire, and that in haste!

Get anon a cauldron full of oil!

Jasdon: And I’ll help to see that the host is cast in!*

To boil for all the three hours!

[Malchu goes for the oil].

Masphat: Yes, here is a furnace stout and strong,

And a cauldron there hangs,

Malchus, where are thou so long,

To that this deed were done?

Malcus: Lo, here is three gallons of clear oil.

Be quick about it, blow up the fire!

Sir, bring that same cake near,

Manfully with all your might.

Jonathas: And I shall bring that same cake,

And throw it in, I undertake.

[He seizes the host, which clings to his hand].

Out, out, it does me injury! I may not get it out of my hand.

I will go drench me in a lake.

I’m aroused to madness.

I run, I leap over this land!

Here he runs crazy, with the host in his hand.

Jason: Run, fellows, run, for Christ’s pain,

So we quickly have our master again.

They catch Jonathas.

Hold quickly on this flat place.

And bind him fast to a post.

Jasdon: Here is a hammer and three nails, I say.

Lift up his arms, fellows on high,

While I drive these nails, I pray you,

With strong strokes fast.

[They nail the sacrament to the post].

Masphat: Now set on, fellows, with main and might,

And pluck his arms away in fight!

They try to pull Jonathas from the host].

What’s this? I see that Jonathas is being hurt by this tugging, sure enough. Alas, sorrows increase most terribly.*

Here shall they pluck the arm, and the hand shall hang still with the sacrament.

Malchus: Alas, alas, what the devil is this?

Now he has but one hand.

Forsooth, master, right woe is me

that you have had this harm.

Jonathas: There is no more; I must endure!

Now hastily to our chamber let us go,

Until I may get me some recovery.

And therefore I command you everyone

That what we’ve done be secret.

They withdraw. Here shall the doctor’s man come into the place, saying:

Colle: Aha! Here is a fair fellowship!

Though I have no plan I want to slip away.*

He’s a man wise in all things except in profitable occupation–I can do without you! (Or, I can excuse you, or compound with you for an offense). He sits with some female tapster in the room where wines were dispensed; he’d sell the very hood off his back there (to buy wine).*

Master Brundyche of Brabant,

I tell you, he is that same man,

Called the most famous physician

That ever saw urine.

He sees as well at noon as at night,

And sometime by a candlelight

Can give a right judgment–

As he that has no eyes.

He is also a bone setter;

I know no man better–

In every tavern he’s the debtor-

That is a good sign!

But ever I wonder he is so delayed;

I fear that something has gone wrong,

For he has deserved to be hanged

God never send worse news! (I.e. it wouldn’t be bad news to me).

He had a lady late in his care:

I know by now she is taken care of

There will never be a Christian creature to hear her tell the tale

If I stood here until midnight

I could not declare aright

My master’s cunning insight–

That he hath in good ale.

But what devil ails him so long to tarry?

A sick man might soon come to grief.

Now all the devils of hell curse him!

God grant me my boon!

I rust, it is best we make a cry,

If any man can him see,

Lead him to the pillory–

In faith, it shall be done.

Here shall he stand up and make proclamation, saying this:

Colle: If there be either man or woman

That saw Master Brundlich of Brabant,

Or aught of can tell of him,

He’ll be well rewarded.

He has a a cut beard and a flat nose,

A thread bare gown and a torn hose

He never speaks good matter or purpose.

Lead him to the pillory!

Enter behind him, and unobserved, Master Brundliche.

Master Brundiche: You boy, what are you chattering here?

Colle: Ah, master, master, but to your reverence! I thought never to see a man of such goodly countenance. You tarried hence so long.

Master Brundyche-: What have you said in my absence?

Colle: Nothing, master, but to your reverence,

I have told all this audience–

And some lies among.

But master, I pray you, how is your patient doing–

the one you last had under care?

Master Brundiche: I warrant she never feels annoyance

Colle: Why is she in her grave?

Master Brundiche: I have given her a drink made full well with scammonhy and with oxymell, lettuce, sage, and pimpernelle.

Colle: Now, than she is fully out of danger.

For, how you are come, I dare well say

Between Dover and Calais the right way

Dwells no one so cunning, by my faith.

Master Brundiche: Cunning? Yes, yes, and with practice have I saved many a man’s life.

Colle: On widows, maids and wife

You cunning you’ve nearly spent.

Master Brundiche: Where is my bag with profitable drink?

He takes a bottle form his bag and drinks.

Colle: Here, master, master, beware how you tug?

The devil, I believe, crouches within,

For it makes a gurgling sound.

Master Brundiche: Here is a great congregation,

And all be not in health doubtless.

I would have certification:

Stand up and make a proclamation.

Do it fast, and make no pause,

But quickly make a declaration

To all people that would have help.

Here for a time he will make proclamation.

Colle: All manner of men that have any sickness,

To Master Brundiche address yourselves!

Whatsoever disease or sickness that you ever have,

He will never leave you until you’re in your grave.

Whoever has the canker, the colic or diarrhea,

The tercian, the quartan or the burning fever;

For worms, for gnawing, brinding in the womb or in the [boldyro?]

All manner of red eyes, blearly eyes, and the migraine

For headache, boneache, and thereto the toothache;

He will undertake to treat swollen genitals and men burst (herniated) and all those who have the catarrh, head cold, or phthistic (a lung consumption or asthma).

Though a man were right healthy, he could soon make him sick!

Inquire to the coal shed for his lodging,

A little beside Babwell Mill, if you will have understanding.

Master Brundyche: Now if there be either man or woman

That needs a physician’s help–

Colle: Mary, master, that I can tell,

And you will understand.

Master Brundiche: Do any know about this place?

Colle: Yes, that I do, master, so have I grace!

Here is a Jew, named Jonathas,

Who has lost his right hand.

Master B.: I will inquire to him immediately

Colle: Before God, master, the gate is here.

Master B: Then to him I will go near.

He ascends to the stage of the Jews and greets Jonathas.

My master may you be well!

Jonathas: What is happening here fellow? What you have?

Master B: Sir, if you need any surgeon or physician

Of your disease I can well help you,

Whatever hurts or harms there may be.

Jonathas: Sir, though art ignorant to come in so rudely,

Or to appear in my presence so saucily.

Vanish from my sight, and quickly

For you are mis-advised!

Colle: Sir, the hurt of your hand is known commonly

And my master has saved many a man’s life.

Jonathas: I know you are come to make some strife.

Go hence fast, lest you be chastised.

Colle: Sir, you know well it cannot miss;

Men that be masters of science be profitable.

If it please you to piss in a pot,

He can tell you if you are curable.

Jonathas: Away, fellows, I love not your babble. To his servants:

Brush them both hence, and quickly.

Give them there reward so they are gone.

Here shall the four Jews beat away the doctor and his man.

Jonathas: Now have done, fellows and that anon.

For doubt of dread what after befall.

I am near dazed–my wit is gone.

Therefor, of help I pray you all.

And take you pincers that are so sure,

And pluck out the nails, one by one,

Also in a cloth wrap it

And throw it in a cauldron and that quickly.

Here shall Jason pluck out the nails and shake the hand into the cauldron.

Jason: And I shall hasten at once

To pluck out the nails that stand so fast.

And bear this bread and also this bone,

And into the cauldron I will it cast.

Jasdon: And I shall with this dagger so stout

Put it down that it might boil,

And stir the cloth round about

That nothing thereof shall be raw.

Masphat: And I shall manly, with all my might,

Make the fire to burn,

And set thereunder such a light

That it shall make right scanty

Here the cauldron shall boil, appearing to be as blood.

Malchas: Out and harrow, what devil is herein?

All this oil becomes as red as blood,

And out of the cauldron it begins to run!

I am so afraid I am near crazy.

Here shall Jason and his company go to sir Jonathaas, saying:

Jason: Ah master, master, how are you?

I cannot see our work will avail.

I beseech you, come forward

Somewhat with you counsel!

Jonathas: The best counsel that I now know,

That I can deem, far and ear,

Is to an oven as red hot

As ever can be made with fire,

And when you see it appear so hot,

then throw it quickly in the oven.

Soon shall he staunch his flow of blood.

When you have done, stop it, be not aghast.

Jasdon: By my faith, it shall be done,

And that right away, in great haste.

Bring on the kindling, sirs? Hear you not?

To heat this oven be not aghast.

Masphat. Here is straw and sharp thornes.

Come on Malchas, and bring on fire,

For that shall heat it well, I believe.

Here they kindle the fire.

Blow on it fast, that it is done!

Malchas: Ah, how this fire begins to burn clear!

I think to make this oven right hot!

Now, Jason, go to the cauldron,

And quickly fetch that cake hither.

Here shall Jason go to the cauldron and take out the host with his pincers and cast it into the oven.

Jason: I shall with these pincers, without doubt,

Shake this cake out of this clothe,

And to the oven I shall it cast,

And stop him there, though he be loathe to do it–

The cake I caught here, in truth,

The hand is boiled the flesh from the bone–

Now into the oven I will therewith.

Plug the oven, Jasdon, for the nones!

Jasdon: I plug this oven, without doubt;

With clay I plaster it up right fast,

That no heat shall come out.

I trust there shall be heat and drye in haste!

Here the oven must rive asunder and bleed out and the crannies, and an image appear out with wounds bleeding.

Masphat: Out, out, here is a great wonder!

This oven bleeds out at ever side!

Malchas: yes, the oven in pieces begins to rive asunder!

This is a marvelous case this tide!

Here shall the image speak to the Jews, saying thus:

Jesus: O ye strange Jews, behold and see if there is any sorrow like unto my sorrow*

Oh ye marvelous Jews,

Why are you so unkind to your king,

When I so ransomed you with bitter pain?

Why do you behave so foully to your friend?

Why do you cause me pain and narrowly confine me,

When I bought your love so dearly?

Why are you so unsteadfast in your mind?

Why are you angry with me? I have not grieved you.

Why will you not believe that which I have taught,

And forsake your foul negligence

And keep my commandments in your thought,

And take credence onto my Godhead?

Why do you blaspheme me? Why do you do this?

Why do you put me to a new torment,

When I died for you on the cross?

Why do you not consider what I cried?

While I was with you, you did me villainy.

Why do you not remember my bitter fortune,

How your kin did help me

In claiming my inheritance?

I show you the rigor of my grievance,

And all to move you to my mercy.

Jonathas: You are the protector of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

O thou Lord, who is my defender,

For fear of you I tremble and quake!

Of your great mercy let us receive the shower;

And meekly I ask mercy, amends to make.

Here shall they kneel down all on their knees, saying:

Jason: Ah, Lord, with sorrow and care and great weeping.

All we fellows, let us say thus

With sorrowful heart and great sorrowing:

With our tears may we baptize our conscience.

Jasdon: Oh thou blessed Lord of great might,

Of your great mercy you have showed us the path,

Lord, out of grievous sleep and out of darkness to light,

Lest grievous sleep seize upon us.*

Masphat: Oh Lord, I was very cursed, for I would know they creed.

I can no amends make, but cry to thee thus:

O gracious Lord, forgive me my misdeed!

With lamentable heart: have mercy on me God.

Malchus: Lord, I have offended thee in many sundry ways.

That sticks at my heart as hard as hard as a core.

Lord, by the water of contrition let me arise:

Sprinkle me, Lord with hyssop, and I will be cleansed.

Jesus: All you that desire to be my servants

And to fulfill the precepts of my laws,

Know the intent of my commandment:

Go and present yourselves to my priests.

To all you that desire in any way

To ask mercy, I am ready to grant it to you.

Remember and let your wits suffice,

And then I will not turn away from you my face.

Sir Jonathas, in your hand you are but lame,

And this through your own cruelness.

For your hurt you may blame yourself:

You wanted to prove your power to oppress me.

But now I consider your necessity;

You wash your heart with great contrition.

Go to the cauldron–your care will be the less–

And touch your hand, to your salvation.

Here shall sir Jonathas put his hand into the cauldron,

and it shall be whole again; and then saw as follows:

Jonathas: Oh you my Lord God and Savior, osanna,

You king of Jews of and Jerusalem!

O you mighty, Strong lion of Juda,

Blessed be the time that you were in Bethlehem!

Oh you mighty, strong, glorious and gracious stream of oil,

You mighty conqueror of infernal injury,

I am quite of much cumbrance through thy mediation,

That ever blessed may you be!

Alas that ever I did against thy will,

In my wit to be so mad

That I should behave so wickedly and cruelly! In response to my evil you have gladdened me with goodness.*

I was so proud to test you on the cross,

And you have sent relief to me who lately was lame.

To beat you and boil you I was mighty in mood,

And now you have put me in duress and ignominy.

But, Lord, I take my leave at your high presence,

And put me in your mighty mercy.

The bishop will I go fetch to see our offense,

And unto him show our life, how that we are guilty.

Here shall the master Jew go to the bishop [at his stage],

and his men knell still [before the image].

Jonathas: Hail, father of grace! I kneel upon my knee,

Heartily and entirely beseeching you,

A sorrowful sight for all to see

In my house truly appearing:

The holy sacrament, to which we have made torments–

And there we have put him to a new Passion–

A child appearing with bloody wounds:

A sorrowful sight it is to look upon!

Episcopus/Bishop: Oh Jesus, Lord, full of goodness!

With you I will walk with all my might.

Now, all my people, with me prepare yourselves

To go see that sorrowful sight.

Now, all you people that are here,

I command you, every man,

To go on your bare feet,

In the devoutest way that you can.

[They go in solemn procession to the Jew’s house. Here shall the bishop enter the Jew’s house, and say.]

Oh, Jesus, son of God,

How this painful Passion wrenches my heart!

Lord, I cry to you, have mercy on me,

From this rueful sight you will turn back!

Lord, we all smart with sorrows,

For this unlawful work we live in languor.

Now, good Lord, in you grace let us be clothed,

And of this sovereign mercy send us they help,

And for your holy grace forgive us our error.

Now let my pity spring and spread!

Though we have been wrong, forgive us our cruelty,

And of our lamentable hearts, good Lord, take heed!

Here shall the image change again into bread.

Oh you bountiful Lord, most full of light,

You have taken heed of our prayers!

You have received them with great sweetness;

For all our dreadful deeds, you have not denied us.

Full much ought your name be magnified

With gentle mirth and great sweetness,

And as our gracious God [you deserve] to be glorified,

For you have showed us great gladness.

Now will I take this holy sacrament

With humble heart and great devotion,

And all we will go with one consent

And bear it to church with solemn procession.

Now follow me, all and some!

And all those that are here, both rich and poor,

This holy song, O sacrum convivium [O Sacred feast]

Let us sing with great sweetness.

[A singing procession escorts the host toward the church].

[On the stage of Aristorius,] here shall the priest, sir Isidore, asks his master what this means.

Presbiter: Sir Aristorius, I pray you, what does all this mean?

Some miracle, I hope, is wraught by God’s might.

The bishop comes in procession with a great throng of Jews:

I hope some miracle is shown to his sight.

To church in haste I will run full rightly,

For there, I think he begins to take his pace.

The sacrament so seemly is borne in sight.

I hope that God has showed his grace.

Aristorius: To tell you the truth I will not delay–

Alas that ever this deed was done.

As unlawful bargain I began to strike

I sold these same Jews our Lord full right

For covetous of wealth, as a cursed man.

Woe the while that I ever made that bargain.

Unless you be my defender in our bishop’s sight,

I fear he will take me for a heretic.

Presbiter: Forsooth, your wit was not at all well-advised;

Strangely was it done by a man of discretion

To put your soul in such peril.

But I will work for your absolution.

Let us got quickly hence,

And beseech him of his benign grace

That he will show us his benevolence

To make amends for your trespass.

Here shall the merchant and his priest go to the church, and the bishop [attended by the procession] shall enter the church and lay the host upon the altar, saying thus:

Episcopus: Be strong in battle and fight with the old serpent, and receive the eternal kingdom, and so on.

My children, be you strong in spiritual battle

To fight against the cruel serpent

That night and day is ever busy;

To destroy our souls is his intention.

Look you be not slow or negligent

To arm yourself in the seven virtues.

Think upon forgotten sings,

and acknowledge them fully to your confessor.

For that serpent, the devil is very strong

Prodigious mischief he intends for man,

Except that the Passion of Christ is communicated among us,

And that is in spite of the devil’s injury.

Beseech our Lord and Savior so great

To put down that serpent, ensnarer of men

To revoke his furious perverse doctrine completely

Fulfilled by the fiend Leviathan.

Give praise to that Lord of Might

That he may bring us to the joyous fruition:

From us put the fiend to flight,

That he may never destroy us by temptation.

Presbiter: My father under God, I kneel unto your knee,

In your mighty mercy to take us in remembrance!

As you are essential to our spiritual existence*

We mut us in your gentle authority

If it please you to hear our grievance.

We have offended sorrowfully in a mortal sin,

Wherefore we fear that our Lord will take vengeance

For our sins, both great and small.

Episcopus: And in fatherhood, that belongs to my dignity,

I will give credence to your grief.

Say what you will, in the name of the trinity,

Against God if you have done any impropriety.

Aristorius: Holy father, I knell to your under blessing!

I have offended in the sin of covetousness:

I sold our Lord’s body for greed of money

And delivered to the wicked, ill-advisedly.

And for the presumption, I am horrified

That I presumed to go to the altar,

There to handle the holy sacrifice.

I deserve to be put in burning fire.

But, gracious lord, I can no more.

Other than to God’s mercy and to your grace.

To make restitution for my cursed works,

I ask penance now in this place.

Episcopus: now, for this offense that you have done

Against the King of Heaven and Emperor of Hell,

Ever will you live to do good deeds

And nevermore to buy or sell;

Chastize your body as I instruct you

With fasting and praying and other good works,

To withstand the temptation of the fiends of hell;

And never be reluctant to cal to god for grace.

Also, you priest, for your negligence,

That you were no wise in your offense,

You are worthy of imprisonment for your offense.

But beware ever hereafter, and be more wise.

And all you vicars and preachers that are here,

Take example of this deed, so that your pyxes be locked,

And beware of the key of God’s temple.

Jonathas: And I ask Christendom with great devotion,

With repentant heart in every way

I ask for us all a general absolution—

Here the Jews may all kneel down.

For that we kneel all upon our knees–

For we have grieved our Lord on earth

And put him to a new painful Passion,

With daggers sticked him with grievous wound,

Nailed him anew to a post, and with pincers plucked him down.

Jason: And then we took that blessed bread so sound

And in a cauldron we boiled him.

In a cloth we wound him fully

And so did we boil him in oil.

Jasdon: And for that we might overcome him with torture,

in a hot oven we thrust him shut.

There he appeared with wounds all bloody;

The oven burst to pieces!

Masphat: In his law make us steadfast,

There he spoke to us words of great favor.

He cast our hearts into contrition

And bade us betake ourselves to a confessor.

Malchus: And there we all with one consent

Knell unto your high sovereignty’

For out intent is to be baptized.

Now all our deed we have shown to you.

Here shall the bishop christen the Jews with great solemnity.

Episcopus: Now may the Holy Ghost bless you at this time

As you all kneel now in his name!

And with the water of baptism I will bless you

To shave you all from the devil’s guilt.

Now in order to make the devil’s power lame

I christen you all both rich and poor, in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost,

To save you from the devil’s flame.

Sir Jonathas: Now, our father and bishop that we well know,

We that you entirely, both least and most.

Now are we bound to keep Christ’s law.

And to serve the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Now we will walk by country and by coast

In order to restore our wicked living,

And trust in God, of most might,

Never to offend as we have done before.

Now we take our leave at less and more:

Forward on our voyage we will dress.

God send you all as good welfare

As heart can think or tongue express.

Aristorius: Into my country I will now fare

For to amend my wicked life;

And to keep the people out of care,

I will teach this lesson to man and wife.

Now I take my leave in this place.

I will go walk, to fulfill my penance.

Now God, against whom I have done my trespass,

Grant me forgiveness if it is your will!

Presbiter: For joy of this, I think my heart weeps,

That you have given yourselves to be Christ’s servants,

To serve him with a fully meek heart–

God–full of patience and humility.

And the behavior of all these fair men,

With hearts steadfastly knit in one,

God’s laws to keep and him to serve completely,

As faithful Christians to go evermore.

Episcopus: See that you serve god omnipotent evermore

With devotion and prayer, while you can.

Doubt not that he will preserve you

For each good prayer that you say to his pleasure.

And therefore in due time look that you do not delay

To serve the Holy Trinity,

And also Mary, that sweet maid;

And keep you in perfect love and charity.

Christ’s commandments number ten.

Keep them well–do as I tell you.

You shall please almighty God in every way.

And so you shall save your souls from hell.

For there is pain and sorrow cruel,

And in heaven there is both joy and bliss

more than any tongue can tell!

There angels sing with great sweetness.

To which may he bring us

He whose name is Jesus,

And in worship of this glorious name

To sing to his honor, We praise you, O God.

End.

Thus ends the play of the blessed sacrament, which miracle occurred in the forest of Aragon, in the famous city of Heraclea, the year of Lord God 1461, to be honor, Amen.