Historic%20Yorkshire
Historic%20Yorkshire
Historic%20Yorkshire
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MYSTERY PLAYSIN YORKSHIRE. 41<br />
Then the Second Shepherd has to say —<br />
Benste (Benedicte) and Dominus ! what may this bemean ?<br />
Why fares this world thus of have we not seen.<br />
Lord, these wethers are spiteous, and the weathers full keen,<br />
And the frost so hideous they water my een,<br />
No lie.<br />
Now indry, now in wete,<br />
Now insnow, now insleet,<br />
When my shoon freeze tomy feet,<br />
Itis not all easy!<br />
This playcontinues in a similar strain to the end, when<br />
the shepherds are gladdenedby the tidings of the birth of<br />
the Saviour ofthe world,and they joyfully set out to offer<br />
their gifts for his gracious acceptance.<br />
Another of the Wakefield plays, which is of a notable<br />
description,isthat entitled " Abraham," openingwith an<br />
apostrophe to the Almighty which lacks the ludicrous<br />
character ofthe instances alreadygiven, for which reason<br />
it is quoted here.<br />
Abraham: Adonay (Lord) thou God veray(true)<br />
Thou hear us when we to thee call!<br />
As thou art he that best may,<br />
Thou are most succour and help of all !<br />
Mightful Lord ! to theeIpray,<br />
Let once the oil ofmercy fall!<br />
ShallIne'er abide that day ?<br />
Truly yetIhopeIshall.<br />
Mercy, Lord Omnipotent !<br />
Long since he this world has wrought:<br />
Whither are all ourelders went ?<br />
This muses mickle in my thought.<br />
From Adamunto Eve assent,<br />
Eat of that apple sparedhe nought,<br />
For all the wisdom that he ment,<br />
Full dear that bargain has he bought<br />
From Paradise that bade him gang:<br />
He went mourning with simple cheer,<br />
And after livedhe here full lang,<br />
More than threehundred year,<br />
Insorrow and in travailstrang.