QUEEN. Such upright rule is in each realm allow'd.
JOHN. Chester, you once were Ely's open friend,
And yet are doubtful whether he deserve
A public trial for his private wrongs.
CHES. I still am doubtful whether it be fit
To punish private faults with public shame
In such a person as Lord Ely is.
PRIOR. Yes, honourable Chester, more it fits
To make apparent sins of mighty men,
And on their persons sharply to correct
A little fault, a very small defect,
Than on the poor to practise chastisement:
For if a poor man die, or suffer shame,
Only the poor and vile respect the same;
But if the mighty fall, fear then besets
The proud heart of the mighty ones, his mates:
They think the world is garnished with nets,
And traps ordained to entrap their states;
Which fear in them begets a fear of ill,
And makes them good, contrary to their will.
JOHN. Your lordship hath said right. Lord Salisbury,
Is not your mind as ours concerning Ely?
SAL. I judge him worthy of reproof and shame.
JOHN. Warman, bring forth your prisoner, Ely, the chancellor;
And with him bring the seal that he detains.
Warman, why goest thou not?
WAR. Be good to me, my lord.
JOHN. What hast thou done?
WAR. Speak for me, my Lord Prior:
All my good lords entreat his grace for me.
Ely, my lord—