SHERIFF.
Bring them away to execution:
The writ is come above two hours since:
The city will be fined for this neglect.
OFFICER.
There’s such a press and multitude at Newgate,
They cannot bring the carts onto the stairs,
To take the prisoners in.
SHERIFF.
Then let them come on foot;
We may not dally time with great command.
OFFICER.
Some of the bench, sir, think it very fit
That stay be made, and give it out abroad
The execution is deferred till morning,
And, when the streets shall be a little cleared,
To chain them up, and suddenly dispatch it.
SHERIFF.
Stay; in mean time me thinks they come along:
See, they are coming. So, tis very well:
[The prisoners are brought in, well guarded.]
Bring Lincoln there the first unto the tree.
CLOWN.
I, for I cry lug, sir.
LINCOLN.
I knew the first, sir, did belong to me:
This the old proverb now complete doth make,
That Lincoln should be hanged for London’s sake.
[He goes up.]