ACT I.
Act I. PROLOGUE.
Enter Ate with thunder and lightning all in black, with a burning
torch in one hand, and a bloody sword in the other hand, and presently let
there come forth a Lion running after a Bear or any other beast; then come
forth an Archer who must kill the Lion in a dumb show, and then depart.
Remain Ate.
ATE. In paenam sectatur & umbra. A Mighty Lion, ruler of the woods,
Of wondrous strength and great proportion, With hideous noise scaring the
trembling trees, With yelling clamors shaking all the earth, Traverst the
groves, and chased the wandering beasts. Long did he range amid the
shady trees, And drave the silly beasts before his face, When suddenly
from out a thorny bush, A dreadful Archer with his bow ybent, Wounded
the Lion with a dismal shaft. So he him stroke that it drew forth the blood,
And filled his furious heart with fretting ire; But all in vain he threatened
teeth and paws, And sparkleth fire from forth his flaming eyes, For the
sharp shaft gave him a mortal wound. So valiant Brute, the terror of the
world, Whose only looks did scare his enemies, The Archer death brought
to his latest end. Oh what may long abide above this ground, In state of
bliss and healthful happiness.