Maxwell. No offence! Have ye not written letters desiring the brethren to convene from all parts to Andrew Armstrong and Patrick Cranston's day?
Knox. That I grant, but therein I acknowledge no offence done by me.
Maxwell. No offence, to convocate the Queen's lieges?
Knox. Not for so just a cause: greater things were reputed no offence within these two years past.
Maxwell. The time is now other: then our Sovereign was absent, and now she is present.
Knox. It is neither the absence nor the presence of the Queen that rules my conscience, but God speaking plainly in His Word. What was lawful to me last year is yet lawful, because my God is unchangeable.
Maxwell. Well, I have given you my counsel, do as ye list; but I think ye shall repent it, if ye bow not to the Queen.
Knox. I understand not, Master, what ye mean. I never made myself an adversary to the Queen's Majesty, except in the head of religion, and therein I think ye will not desire me to bow.
Maxwell. Well, ye are wise enough; but ye will find that men will not bear with you in times to come, as they have done in times by-past.
Knox. If God stand my friend, as I am assured He of His mercy will, so long as I depend upon His promise, and prefer His glory to my life and worldly profit, I little regard how men behave themselves towards me; nor yet know I wherein men have borne with me in times past, unless it be that from my mouth they have heard the Word of God. If, in times to come, they refuse it, my heart will be pierced and for a season will lament; but the incommodity will be their own.