Abbot. Knwe then in this small covent, which consysts
Only of 12 in nomber, fryars I meane
And us the Abbat, I have fownde amongst you
Many and grosse abuses; yet for the present
I will insist on fewe. Quarrells, debates,
Whisperinge, supplantinges, private calumnyes,
These ought not bee in such a brotherhood.
Of these Fryar Jhon and thou Fryar Richard are
Accused to bee most guilty, ever jarring
And opposite to peace.
Fr. Jhon. The faults in him.
Fr. Rich. As in all other thinges, so even in this Hee still is apt to wronge mee.
Fr. Jhon. Hee that fyrst gives th'occation, fyrst complaines: It ever was his fashion.
Fr. Rich. Never myne: I appeale to the whole covent.
Abbot. Mallyce rooted,
I finde, is woondrous hard to bee supprest.
But knwe where consell and advise preveyle not,
The fayrest meanes that I can wourk your peace,
I'l take upon mee my authority,
And where I finde in you the least contempt
I shall severely punishe.
Fr. Jhon. I submitt.
Fr. Rich. I yeeld myself to your grave fatherhood.
Abbot. Consider, sonnes, this cloystered place of ours
Is but newe reared; the founder, hee still lyves,
A souldier once and eminent in the feild,
And after many battayles nowe retyrd
In peace to lyve a lyff contemplative.
Mongst many other charitable deedes,
Unto religion hee hathe vowed this howse,
Next to his owne fayre mantion that adjoynes
And parted only by a slender wall.
Who knwes but that hee neighboring us so neare
And havinge doone this unto pious ends,
May carry over us and our behavioures
An austere eye of censure?
Fr. Jhon. Fitt therefore Wee should bee in our actions cautelous.[60]