To suffer death, and that immediately.
SHERIFF.
It shall be done, sir.
[Exit Messenger.]
—Officers, be speedy;
Call for a gibbet, see it be erected;
Others make haste to Newgate, bid them bring
The prisoners hither, for they here must die:
Away, I say, and see no time be slacked.
OFFICERS.
We go, sir.
[Exit some severally; others set up the gibbet.]
SHERIFF.
That’s well said, fellow; now you do your duty.—
God for his pity help these troublous times!
The streets stopped up with gazing multitudes:
Command our armed officers with halberds
Make way for entrance of the prisoners;
Let proclamation once again be made.
That every householder, on pain of death,
Keep in his prentices, and every man
Stand with a weapon ready at his door,
As he will answer to the contrary.
OFFICER.
I’ll see it done, sir.
[Exit.]
[Enter another Officer.]