THE CUTLERS
Pylatus, Cayphas, duo milites, tres Judei, Judas vendens Jesum.
PILATE¶Under the royalest ruler of rank and renown,
Now am I regent to rule this region in rest.
Obey unto bidding must bishops be bound,
And bold men that in battle meet breast to breast.
In my charge is the care of this tower-builded town;
For traitors straight I attaint, the truth for to trust.
The dressing of my dignity may not be done down
Neither with dukes nor doughty peers, my deeds are so
drest.
My desire must daily be done
By them that are greatest of game,
And there again find I but few
Wherefore I shall better their boon;
But he that me grieves, full soon
Be he ware, for furious I am.
Pounce Pilate of three parts That is my proper name
I am a perilous prince To prove where I appear.
Among the philosophers first, There found I my fame,
Wherefore I fall to affect I find not my peer;
If all my bloom be as bright As blossom on briar.
He shall full bitterly ban That shall bide my blame,
For soon his life shall he lose Or be left for lame,
That lowts not to me low, Nor lists not to learn.
And since we thus stand in our state,
As lords with all liking in land,
Come now, let us wit if ye wot
Either, sirs, of blight or debate,
That needs to be handled full hot,
Since all your help hangs in my hand.
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