Page:The Library, volume 5, series 3.djvu/326

 3 i2 PROBLEMS OF THE ENGLISH Commandments, though in both cases there was some indication of the matter that was wanting. F was closely followed by the compiler of W, who, however, supplied the missing portions with original composition in a different stanza. F was also used by the compiler either of C itself, or of an earlier C, say K. In respeft of scene 2 and the Commandments he was faced with the same difficulty as the compiler of W, and like him he had recourse to his own invention. But he seems not to have relied upon this alone. If we may trust the evidence, he attended the performances of the play both at Wakefield and at York, and gathered therefrom not only their common matter, but like- wise a few scattered phrases of each. And what of the Chester play ? I have drawn attention to the general evidence in favour of its derivation from C, or from some closely similar source, and also to the paradox in which such an assumption apparently involves us. The de- rivation is placed beyond possible doubt by a more detailed examination of the texts, and it will be sufficient if I quote one remarkable instance : Y : With men of myght can I not mell, Than all my trauayle mon I tyne, I can noght with them, this wate thou wele, They are so gay in furres fyne. 229-32 W has substantially the same text (221-4). C: Ey, Mare, wyff, ye kno ryght well 1037-40 As I haue tolde you many a tyme With men of myght durst I neyuer mell Loo, dame, how the sytt in there furis fyn !