I say he shall not speak:
What need have we of further evidence?
Was he not taken in the house at night
In Guilt’s own bloody livery?
Lord Justice [showing her the statute]
Your Grace
Can read the law.
Duchess [waiving book aside]
Bethink you, my Lord Justice,
Is it not very like that such a one
May, in the presence of the people here,
Utter some slanderous word against my Lord,
Against the city, or the city’s honour,
Perchance against myself.
Lord Justice
My liege, the law.
Duchess
He shall not speak, but, with gags in his mouth,
Shall climb the ladder to the bloody block.
Lord Justice