Page:The First Part of the True and Honorable Historie of the Life of Sir John Old-castle (1600).pdf/12

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The first part of

1. IudgeTo Iayle with them, and the Lord Herberts men,
Weele talke with them, when the Assise is done,Exeunt.
Riotous, audacious, and vnruly Groomes,
Must we be forced to come from the Bench,
To quiet brawles, which euery Constable
In other ciuill places can suppresse?

2. IudgeWhat was the quarrel that causde all this stirre?

Sher.About religion (as I heard) my Lord.
Lord Powesse detracted from the power of Rome,
Affirming Wickliffes doctrine to be true,
And Romes erroneous: hot reply was made
By the lord Herbert, they were traytors all
That would maintaine it: Powesse answered,
They were as true, as noble, and as wise
As he, that would defend it with their liues,
He namde for instance sir Iohn Old-castle
The Lord Cobham: Herbert replide againe,
He, thou, and all are traitors that so hold.
The he was giuen, the seuerall factions drawne,
And so enragde, that we could not appease it.

1. IudgeThis case concernes the Kings prerogatiue,
And's dangerous to the State and common wealth.
Gentlemen, Iustices, master Maior, and master Shrieue,
It doth behoue vs all, and each of vs
In generall and particular, to haue care
For the suppressing of all mutinies,
And all assemblies, except souldiers musters
For the Kings preparation into France.
We heare of secret conuenticles made,
And there is doubt of some conspiracies,
Which may breake out into rebellious armes
When the King's gone, perchance before he go:
Note as an instance, this one perillous fray,
What factions might haue growne on either part,
To the destruction of the King and Realme,
Yet, in my conscience, sir Iohn Old-castle

Innocent