LADY RAMSAY

Although to Gentlemen and Citizens, They have been so rash, yet to so graven a man, Of whom none speak but speak with reverence, Whose words are gathered in by every ear As flowers receive the Due that comfort them, They will be more attentive: pray take it in hand, 'Tis a good deed, will with your virtue stand. I thank you heartily, and by the hour I know. They will be presently here on the Lombard, Whither I drew you for this intent: And see, sir Thomas is come: pray break with him. Which Osterley before he dealt therein, Sir Thomas my husband here did think to buy, And had given earnest for it. I'll bring the tother. Nay, M. Doctor Nowell join their hands, I know the reverent regard of you Hath tempered both their hearts. Good M. Dean, I pray you show it us. This was the Picture of sir John Philpot sometime Mayor, This man at one time, at his own charge, Levied ten thousand soldiers, guarded the Realm From the incursions of our enemies: And in the year a thousand three hundred and eighty, When Thomas of Woodstock, Thomas Percy with other noble Were sent to aid the Duke of Britanny, (men, This said John Filpot furnished out four ships At his own charges and did release the armour That the poor soldiers had for victuals paw'nd. This man did live when Walworth was Lord Mayor That provident, valiant, and learned Citizen, That both attached, and killed the traitor Tyler, For which good service Walworth the Lord Mayor, This Filpot, and four other Aldermen, Were knighted in the field. Thus did he live, and yet before he died Assured relief for thirteen poor for ever. Among the Stories of these blessed men, So many that enrich your Gallary, There are two women's Pictures: what were they? Oh what a charitable deed was this! This Ave Gibson who in her husbands life, Being a Grocer, and a sheriff of London, Founded a free School at Ratcliffe, There to instruct threescore poor children, Built fourteen Almshouses for fourteen poor Leaving for Tutors 50. li. a year, And Quarterly for every one a Noble. Why should not I live so, that being dead My name might have a register with theirs. He is plain and honest, how many great professors Live in this populous City, that make show Of greater zeal, yet will not pay so deer For a transgressors life: but few are found, To save a man would lose a hundred pound. Heaven prosper his intent: now M. Doctor, And M. Rouland, let me crave your companies, To see my crazy husband, who hath made you One of his executors, and would use your pains In these extremes of sickness. I thank your courtesy, good M. Dean. M. Dean. Do you know this Gentleman's business to me. This Gentleman thinks that to be a matter of nothing. But do you love me as you do protest? M. Dean, I protest, never since I was widow, Never did man make so much love to me. Sir for your love, I am much beholding to you. Sir, you shall not say the love you showed to me, Was entertained but with kind courtesy: This for your love, unto your health I drink. Pledge me. Yes, when I mean to marry any one, And that not while I live. What men are these? What does he owe you? What you? I'll pay you both: and sir to do you good, To all your Creditors I'll do the Like. Good Master Doctor Nowell, let your love Now show it self unto me: such as they, Men of the chiefest note within this City To be at such a jar, does make me blush Whom it does scarce concern: you are a good man, Take you the course in hand and make them friends, 'Twill be a good days work, if so it end. The impatience both of the one and other, Will not permit to hear each other speak: I'll tell the cause for both, and thus it is. There is a Lordship called Osterley, That M. Gresham hath both bought and built upon. How will you maintain me Sir, if I should marry you? Now for your pains there is twenty pound in gold. Nay, take the Cup too sir, thanks for your love: And were my thought's bent unto marriage, I rather would with you that seem thus wild, Then one that hath worse thoughts and seems more mild. Withal my heart, and for the Love you have shown, Wish it to thrive with you even as mine own. What think you of my Husband master Dean, I have known old Hobson, Fit with his neighbour Gunter a good man, In Christ's Church morn by morn, to watch poor couples That come there to be married, and to be Their common father's, and give them in the Church, And some few Angels for a dower to boot, Beside they two are called the common Gossops To witness at the Funt for poor men's Children, Nor they refuse that on their help do call, And to speak truth, they're bountiful to all. Fill me a large cup full of Hippocrist, And bring me hither 20. li. in gold. Amongst these, I hold old Hobson well deserves To be ranked equal with the bountiful'st: He hath raised many falling, but especially One master Roland, one called Tawnicote: But now and able Citizen late chosen A Master of the Hospital. It cheer's my heart, now in his deep of sickness, He is so charitable, and so well addicted Unto the poor's relief. It touches all the City; for those pictures Had doubly graced this royal edifice. You are and honour to all English Merchant's As bountiful as rich, as Charitable As rich as renowned as any of all. We have been dealing of our charity This morning, to poor soldiers such as want. And from these women I will take a way, To guide my life for a more blessed stay. Would you any business with me sir? You are very forward sir.