1ST COL. I'll gee her the lash. Come out, ye bearded witch.
[_Bring forth_ ELY, _with a yard in his hand and linen cloth, dressed like a woman_.
ELY. Good fellows, let me go! there's gold to drink, I am a man, though in woman's weeds. Yonder's Prince John: I pray ye, let me go.
QU. MO. What rude companions have we yonder, Salisbury?
2D COL. No, no; this is the thief that robbed Master Michaels, and came in like a woman in labour, I warrant ye.
2D COL. A monster, a monster! a woman with a beard, a man in a petticoat. A monster, a monster!
SAL. What, my good Lord of Ely, is it you?--Ely is taken, here's the chancellor!
1ST COL. Pray God we be not hanged for this trick.
SAL. What, is your surplice turned to a smock?
ELY. Peace, Salisbury, thou changing weather-cock.
CHES. Alas, my lord! I grieve to see this sight.
ELY. Chester, it will be day for this dark night.
FITZ. Ely, thou wert the foe to Huntington: Robin, thou knew'st, was my adopted son. O Ely, thou to him wert too-too cruel! With him fled hence Matilda, my fair jewel. For their wrong, Ely, and thy haughty pride, I help'd Earl John; but now I see thee low, At thy distress my heart is full of woe.
QU. MO. Needs must I see Fitzwater's overthrow. John, I affect him not, he loves not thee: Remove him, John, lest thou removed be.
JOHN. Mother, let me alone; by one and one I will not leave one that envies our good. My Lord of Salisbury, give these honest colliers For taking Ely each a hundred marks.
COL. Thank ye, [i'] faith. Farewell, monster.
JOHN. Sheriff of Kent, take Ely to your charge. From shrieve to shrieve send him to Nottingham, Where Warman, by our patent, is high shrieve. There, as a traitor, let him be close-kept. And to his trial we will follow straight.
JOHN. Do not expostulate: You at your trial shall have time to prate.
FITZ. God, for thy pity, what a time is here!
JOHN. Right gracious mother, would yourself and Chester Would but withdraw you for a little space, While I confer with my good Lord Fitzwater?
QUEEN. My Lord of Chester, will you walk aside?
CHES. Whither your highness please, thither I will.
JOHN. Soldiers, attend the person of our mother. [_Exeunt_ SOLDIERS. Noble Fitzwater, now we are alone, What oft I have desir'd I will entreat, Touching Matilda, fled with Huntington.