Knox. My Lord Secretary, before I repent I must be taught of my offence.
Lethington. Offence! If there were no more than the convocation of the Queen's lieges, the offence could not be denied.
Knox. Remember yourself, my Lord. There is a difference betwixt a lawful convocation, and an unlawful. If I have been guilty in this, I have often offended since I came last to Scotland: for what convocation of the brethren has ever been to this day in which my pen served not? Before this, no man laid it to my charge as a crime.
Lethington. Then was then, and now is now. We have no need of such convocations as sometimes we have had.
Knox. The time that has been is even now before my eyes; for I see the poor flock in no less danger than it has been at any time before, except that the Devil has gotten a visor upon his face. Before, he came in with his own face, discovered by open tyranny, seeking the destruction of all that refused idolatry: and then, I think ye will confess, the brethren lawfully assembled themselves for defence of their lives. Now the Devil comes under the cloak of justice, to do that which God would not suffer him to do by strength.
Queen. What is this? Methinks ye trifle with him. Who gave him authority to make convocation of my lieges? Is not that treason?
Lord Ruthven. No, Madam, for he makes convocation of the people to hear prayer and sermon almost daily; and, whatever your Grace or others think thereof, we think it no treason.
Queen. Hold your peace, and let him make answer for himself.
Knox. Madam, I began to reason with the Secretary, whom I take to be a far better dialectician than your Grace is, that all convocations are not unlawful. And now my Lord Ruthven has given the instance. If your Grace will deny this, I shall address myself to the proof.