sir John Old-castle.
Let me intreate you to dispence awhile
With your high title of preheminence. in scorne.
Report did neuer yet condemne him so,
But he hath alwayes beene reputed loyall:
And in my knowledge I can say thus much,
That he is vertuous, wise, and honourable:
If any way his conscience be seduc'de,
To wauer in his faith: Ile send for him,
And schoole him priuately, if that serue not,
Then afterward you may proceede against him.
Butler, be you the messenger for vs,
And will him presently repaire to court. exeunt.
sir IohnHow now my lord, why stand you discontent?
In sooth, me thinkes the King hath well decreed.
BishopYea, yea, sir Iohn, if he would keepe his word,
But I perceiue he fauours him so much,
As this will be to small effect, I feare.
sir IohnWhy then Ile tell you what y'are best to do:
If you suspect the King will be but cold
In reprehending him, send you a processe too
To serue vpon him: so you may be sure
To make him answer't, howsoere it fall.
BishopAnd well remembred, I will haue it so,
A Sumner shall be sent about it strait Exit.
sir IohnYea, doe so, in the meane space this remaines
For kinde sir Iohn of Wrotham honest Iacke.
Me thinkes the purse of gold the Bishop gaue,
Made a good shew, it had a tempting looke,
Beshrew me, but my fingers ends do itch
To be vpon those rudduks: well, tis thus:
I am not as the worlde does take me for:
If euer woolfe were cloathed in sheepes coate,
Then I am he, olde huddle and twang, yfaith,
A priest in shew, but in plaine termes, a theefe,
Yet let me tell you too, an honest theefe.
One that will take it where it may besp.
