Page:The Lamentable and True Tragedie of M. Arden of Feversham in Kent (1592).pdf/37

 Two Ruffer Ruffins neuer liued in Kent, Haue sworne my death, if I infrindge my vow, A dreadfull thing to be considred of, Me thinks I see them with their bolstred haire, Staring and grinning in thy gentle face, And in their ruthles hands, their dagers drawne, Insulting ore there with a peck of oathes. Whilest thou submissiue pleading for releefe, Art mangled by their irefull instruments. Me thinks I heare them aske where Michaell is And pittiles black Will, cryes stab the slaue. The Pesant will detect the Tragedy. The wrincles in his fowle death threatning face, Gapes open wide, lyke graues to swallow men. My death to him is but a merryment, And he will murther me to make him sport. He comes he comes, ah M. Francklin helpe, Call vp the neighbors or we are but dead

Fran. What dismall outcry cals me from my rest?

Ard. What hath occasiond such a fearefull crye? Speake Michaell, hath any iniurde thee?

Mic. Nothing sir, but as I fell a sleepe, Upon the thresholde leaning to the staires. I had a fearefull dreame that troubled me, And in my slumber thought I was beset, With murtherer theeues that came to rifle me. My trembling ioints witnes my inward feare. I craue your pardons for disturbing you.

Ard. So great a cry for nothing, I nere heard. What, are the doores fast lockt? and al things safe?

Mic. I cannot tel, I think I lockt the doores.

Ard. I like not this, but Ile go see my selfe, Nere trust me, but the dores were all vnlockt. This negligence not halfe contenteth me. Get you to bed, and if you loue my fauour, Let