sir John Old-castle.
If out of holy Scripture they can proue,
That I am in an errour, I will yeeld,
And gladly take instruction at their hands,
But otherwise, I do beseech your grace,
My conscience may not be incroacht vpon.
Har.We would be loath to presse our subiects bodies,
Much lesse their soules, the deere redeemed part,
Of him that is the ruler of vs all,
Yet let me counsell ye, that might command,
Do not presume to tempt them with ill words,
Nor suffer any meetings to be had
Within your house, but to the vttermost,
Disperse the flockes of this new gathering sect.
CobhamMy liege, if any breathe, that dares come forth,
And say, my life in any of these points
Deserues th'attaindor of ignoble thoughts
Here stand I, crauing no remorce at all,
But euen the vtmost rigor may be showne.
Har.Let it suffice we know your loyaltie,
What haue you there?
Cob.A deed of clemencie,
Your Highnesse pardon for Lord Powesse life,
Which I did beg, and you my noble Lord,
Of gracious fauour did vouchsafe to grant.
Har.But yet it is not signed with our hand.
Cob.Not yet my Liege. one ready with pen and incke.
Har.The fact, you say, was done,
Not of prepensed malice, but by chance.
Cob.Vpon mine honor so, no otherwise.
Har.There is his pardon, bid him make amends, writes.
And cleanse his soule to God for his offence,
What we remit, is but the bodies scourge, Enter Bishop.
How now Lord Bishop?
Bishop.Iustice dread Soueraigne.
As thou art King, so graunt I may haue iustice.
Har.What meanes this exclamation, let vs know?
