Page:The First Part of the True and Honorable Historie of the Life of Sir John Old-castle (1600).pdf/60

 That all the cinque Ports whereof you are chiefe Be laid forthwith, that he escape vs not, Shew him his highnesse warrant M.Shrieue.

L. War.I am sorie for the noble gentleman,

Bish.Peace, he comes here, now do your office.

Old-castleHarpoole what businesse haue we here in hand? VVhat makes the Bishop and the Sheriffe here, I feare my comming home is dangerous, I would I had not made such haste to Cobham.

Harp.Be of good cheere my Lord, if they be foes weele scramble shrewdly with them, if they be friends they are welcome: one of them (my Lord, Warden) is your friend, but me thinkes my ladie weepes, I like not that.

Croo.Sir Iohn Old-castle Lord Cobham, in the Kings maiesties name, I arrest ye of high treason.

'Oldca.'Treason M.Croomes?

Harp.Treason M.Shrieue, sbloud what treason?

'Oldca.'Harpoole I charge thee stirre not, but be quiet still, Do ye arrest me M.Shrieue for treason?

Bish.Yea of high treason, traitor, heretike.

Oldca.Defiance in his face that calls me so, I am as true a loyall gentleman Vnto his highnesse, as my prowdest enemie, The King shall witnesse my late faithfull seruice, For safety of his sacred maiestie.

Bish.VVhat thou art, the kings hand shall testifie, Shewt him Lord Warden.

Old.Iesu defend me, Is't possible your cunning could so temper The princely disposition of his mind, To signe the damage of a royall subiect? Well, the best is, it beares an ancedate, Procured by my absence, and your malice, But I, since that, haue shewd my selfe as true, As any churchman that dare challenge me, Let me be brought before his maiestie, If