BISHOP. It is but counterfeit, my gracious lord, And therefore, may it please your majesty To set your hand unto this precept here, By which we'll cause him forthwith to appear, And answer this by order of the law.
KING. Bishop, not only that, but take commission To search, attach, imprison, and condemn This most notorious traitor as you please.
BISHOP. It shall be done, my Lord, without delay.-- So now I hold, Lord Cobham, in my hand, That which shall finish thy disdained life.
KING. I think the iron age begins but now, (Which learned poets have so often taught) Wherein there is no credit to be given, To either words, or looks, or solemn oaths. For if there were, how often hath he sworn, How gently tuned the music of his tongue, And with what amiable face beheld he me, When all, God knows, was but hypocricy.
[Enter Cobham.]
COBHAM. Long life and prosperous reign unto my lord.
KING. Ah, villain, canst thou wish prosperity, Whose heart includeth naught but treachery? I do arrest thee here my self, false knight, Of treason capital against the state.
COBHAM. Of treason, mighty prince? your grace mistakes. I hope it is but in the way of mirth.
KING. Thy neck shall feel it is in earnest shortly. Darst thou intrude into our presence, knowing How heinously thou hast offended us? But this is thy accustomed deceit; Now thou perceivest thy purpose is in vain, With some excuse or other thou wilt come, To clear thy self of this rebellion.
COBHAM. Rebellion, good my Lord? I know of none.
KING. If you deny it, here is evidence. See you these men? you never counseled, Nor offered them assistance in their wars?
COBHAM. Speak, sirs. Not one but all; I crave no favour. Have ever I been conversant with you, Or written letters to encourage you, Or kindled but the least or smallest part Of this your late unnatural rebellion? Speak, for I dare the uttermost you can.
MURLEY. In and out upon occasion, I know you not.
KING. No? didst not say that sir John Old-castle Was one with whom you purposed to have met?
MURLEY. True, I did say so, but in what respect? Because I heard it was reported so.
KING. Was there no other argument but that?
ACTON. To clear my conscience ere I die, my lord, I must confess, we have no other ground But only Rumor, to accuse this lord, Which now I see was merely fabulous.
KING. The more pernitious you to taint him then, Whom you knew not was faulty, yea or no.
COBHAM. Let this, my Lord, which I present your grace, Speak for my loyalty: read these articles, And then give sentence of my life or death.
KING. Earl Cambridge, Scroop, and Gray corrupted With bribes from Charles of France, either to win My Crown from me, or secretly contrive My death by treason? Is this possible?
COBHAM. There is the platform, and their hands, my lord, Each severally subscribed to the same.
KING. Oh never heard of, base ingratitude! Even those I hug within my bosom most Are readiest evermore to sting my heart. Pardon me, Cobham, I have done thee wrong; Hereafter I will live to make amends. Is, then, their time of meeting no near hand? We'll meet with them, but little for their ease, If God permit. Go, take these rebels hence; Let them have martial law: but as for thee, Friend to thy king and country, still be free.
[Exeunt.]
MURLEY. Be it more or less, what a world is this? Would I had continued still of the order of knaves, And never sought knighthood, since it costs so dear. Sir Roger, I may thank you for all.
ACTON. Now tis too late to have it remedied, I prithee, Murley, do not urge me with it.
HUNTINGTON. Will you away, and make no more to do?
MURLEY. Fie, paltry, paltry! to and fro, as occasion serves; If you be so hasty, take my place.
HUNTINGTON. No, good sir knight, you shall begin in your hand.
MURLEY. I could be glad to give my betters place.
[Exeunt.]
ACT IV. SCENE III. Kent. Court before lord Cobham's house.
[Enter Bishop, lord Warden, Cromer the Shrieve, Lady Cob, and attendants.]
BISHOP. I tell ye, Lady, it's not possible But you should know where he conveys himself, And you have hid him in some secret place.