The tragedie of Gorboduc, whereof three actes were wrytten by Thomas Nortone, and the two laste by Thomas Sackuyle. Sett forthe as the same was shewed before the Quenes most excellent Maiestie, in her highnes court of Whitehall, the. xviij. day of Ianuary, anno Domini. 1561. By the Gentlemen of thynner Temple in London

¶The order and signification of the dōme shewe before the second Acte. (Book 2)

¶First the Musicke of Cornettes began to playe, during whiche came in vpon the Stage a kinge accompanied with a nombre of his Nobylytie & Gentlemen. And after he had placed him selfe in a Chaire of estate prepared for him: there came and kneled before him a graue and aged Gentil∣man and offred vp a Cuppe vnto hym of Wyne in a glasse, whiche the kynge refused. After him cōmes, a braue and lustie yong Gentleman and presentes the king with a Cup of Golde filled w^t poison, which the king accepted, & drinkinge the same, immediatly fell down dead vpon y^e stage, & so was carried thence awaye by his Lordes and Gentlemen, & then the Musicke ceased. Hereby was signified, that as Glasse by nature holdeth no payson, but is clere and maye easely be seene throughe, ne boweth by any Arte: So a faithfull

Counsellour holdeth no treason, but is playne & open, ne yeldeth to any vndiscrete affection, but geueth holsome Counsell, whiche the yll aduised Prince refuseth. The delightfull golde filled w^t poyson betokeneth Flattery, whiche vnder faire seeming of pleasaunt words beareth deadly poy∣son, which destroieth the Prince y^t receiueth it. As befell in the two brethrene Ferrex and Porrex who refusing the holsome aduise of graue Coun¦sellours, credited these yonge Paracites, & brou∣ght to them selues death and destruction therby.