Page:The First Part of the True and Honorable Historie of the Life of Sir John Old-castle (1600).pdf/55

 Har.Bring in those traitors, whose aspiring minds, Thought to haue triumpht in our ouerthrow, But now ye see, base villaines, what successe Attends ill actions wrongfully attempted. Sir Roger Acton, thou retainst the name Of knight, and shouldst be more discreetly temperd, Than ioyne with peasants, gentry is diuine, But thou hast made it more then popular.

Act.Pardon my Lord, my conscience vrg'd me to it,

Har.Thy conscience? then thy conscience is corrupt, For in thy conscience thou art bound to vs, And in thy conscience thou shouldst loue thy country, Else what s the difference twixt a Christian, And the vnciuil manners of the Turke?

Beuer.We meant no hurt vnto your maiesty, But reformation of Religion.

Har.Reforme Religion? was it that ye sought? I pray who gaue you that authority? Belike then we do hold the scepter vp, And sit within the throne but for a cipher, Time was, good subiects would make knowne their griefe, And pray amendment, not inforce the same, Vnlesse their King were tyrant, which I hope You cannot iustly say that Harry is, What is that other?

Suff.A mault-man my Lord, And dwelling in Dunstable as he saies.

Har.Sirra what made you leaue your barly broth, To come in armour thus against your King?

Mur.Fie paltry, paltry to and fro, in and out vpon occasion, what a worlde's this? knight-hood (my liege) twas knight∣hood brought me hither, they told me I had wealth enough to make my wife a lady.

Har.And so you brought those horses which we saw, Trapt all in costly furniture, and meant To weare these spurs when you were knighted once.