Enter the Abbott, Fryar Richard, Shreeve and officers.
Abb. Upon thy trewe confession I have given thee
Such absolution as the churche allowes.
What hast thou else to saye ere thou art made
To all men heare a wofull spectacle?
Fr. R. This only, that betwixt Fryar Jhon and mee
Was ever hate and mallyce; and althoughe
With no entent of murder, this my hand
This most unfortnate hand, beereft his lyff,
For which vile deede I mercy begge of Heaven,
Next of the woorld, whom I offended too,
Pardon and pitty. More to saye I have not:
Heaven of my sowle take chardge, and of my body
Dispose thou, honest hangeman.
Clown. Lasse, poore Fryar, and yet there's great hope of his sowle, for I canot spye one heyre betwixt him and heaven.
Fisher. And yet I dowbt hee will make but a bald reckninge of it.
Enter the Lord De Averne and his man Dennis.
Av. Staye the execution.
Abb. Our noble fownder out of his greate charity And woonted goodnes begg'd him a reprieve!
Av. Brought a reprieve I have: lett go the Fryar, And take from mee your warrant; I dischardge him.
Sherif. And yet, my Lord, 'tis fitt for our dischardge That the Kinge's hand bee seene.