PROD.  Nothing, my lord; but still appeal to the prince’s mercy.

JUDGE.  Then hearken to thy judgment:  thou,
Prodigality, by that name hast been
Indicted and arraigned here of a robbery,
Murther, and felony, against the laws committed
By thee:  the indictment whereof being read unto thee
Here, thou confessest thyself to be guilty therein: 
Whereupon I judge thee to be had from hence
To the place thou cam’st fro, and from thence to
The place of execution, there to be hanged,
Till thou be dead.  God have mercy on thee!

PROD.  My lord, I most humbly beseech you to hear me.

JUDGE.  Say on.

PROD.  I confess I have run a wanton wicked race,
Which now hath brought me to this woful wretched case: 
I am heartily sorry, and with tears do lament
My former lewd and vile misgovernment. 
I find the brittle stay of trustless Fortune’s state. 
My heart now thirsteth after Virtue all too late: 
Yet, good my lord, of pity condescend
To be a mean for him that meaneth to amend. 
The prince is merciful, of whose great mercy
Full many have largely tasted already;
Which makes me appeal thereto more boldly.

JUDGE.  Prodigality, I not mislike your wailful disposition;
And therefore for you to the prince there shall be made petition,
That though your punishment be not fully remitted,
Yet in some part it may be qualified.

PROD.  God save your life!

    VIRTUE, EQUITY, LIBERALITY, JUDGE, and all come
    down before the QUEEN, and, after reverence made,
    VIRTUE speaketh

THE EPILOGUE.

Most mighty queen, yonder I sat in place,
Presenting show of chiefest dignity;
Here prostrate, lo, before your princely grace
I show myself, such as I ought to be,
Your humble vassal, subject to your will,
With fear and love your grace to reverence still.

FINIS.

GRIM THE COLLIER OF CROYDON.

EDITION.

Grim the Collier of Croyden; or, The Devil and his Dame:  with the Devil and Saint Dunston.  By I.T.  London.  Printed in the year [1662]. 12mo.

INTRODUCTION

The initial letters J.T. are placed before this play as those belonging to the author of it.  What his name was, or what his condition, are alike unknown.  It was printed in 12mo, 1662, with two others, “Thorny Abby; or, The London Maid,” and “The Marriage Broker,” in a volume entitled “Gratiae Theatrales; or, A Choice Ternary of English Plays.”  Chetwood says it was printed in 1599, and Whincop, in the year 1606.[419] I cannot but suspect the fidelity of both these writers in this particular.[420]

PROLOGUE