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IV
THE FULLERS’ PLAY
GOD
Adam and Eve, this is the place
That I have granted of my grace,
To have your dwelling in.
Herbs, spice, and fruit on tree,
Beasts, fowls, all that ye see,
Shall bow to you herein.
It is called Paradise;
Here all your joys begin,
And if that ye be wise.
From this ye ne'er need part.
All your will here ye have,
Whether to eat or save
Flesh fowl or fish,
And for to take whene'er ye will
All other creatures at your wish;
Your subjects shall they be.
Adam, of great and small
Lordships on earth here grant I thee;
This place most worthy of all,
Keep it in honesty.
ADAM
Ah Lord, now loved be thy grace;
For this is a right joyful place,
Where we are brought to be;
Full of solace calm, and mirth,
Herbs, and trees, and fruits of earth,
And spices plenteously.
Lo, Eve, now are we brought
Both unto calm and rest.
We need to take no thought,
But look to do our best.
GOD
All for thy profit I create;
All things shall bow in subject state
That here is made earthly;
In earth I make thee lord of all.
The beasts shall unto thee be thrall;
Be fruitful, multiply.
But this one tree alone.
Adam, I set aside
The fruit of it take none.
For if ye take, ye die.
ADAM
Ah lord, that we should do so ill!
Thy blessed bidding we fulfil,
Both in thought or in deed.
We shall touch neither tree nor bough,
Nor yet the fruits that on it grow.
Therewith our flesh to feed.
EVA
We shall thy word obey;
We have no other need.
This fruit untouched shall stay,
Lord, that thou hast forbid. |
York Mystery Plays