JUS. No matter; fetch him, fetch him, bring him
To answer to this matter at the bar.
Hugh, take these officers and apprehend him.
BRA. I'll aid him too; the schoolmaster, I see,
Perhaps may hang with him for company.
Enter ANSELM and FULLER.
ANS. This is the day of Arthur's examination
And trial for the murder of his wife;
Let's hear how Justice Reason will proceed,
In censuring of his strict punishment.
FUL. Anselm, content; let's thrust in 'mong the throng.
Enter AMINADAB, brought in with OFFICERS.
AMIN. O Domine! what mean these knaves,
To lead me thus with bills and glaves?
O, what example would it be
To all my pupils for to see,
To tread their steps all after me,
If for some fault I hanged be;
Somewhat surely I shall mar,
If you bring me to the bar.
But peace; betake thee to thy wits,
For yonder Justice Reason sits.
JUS. Sir Dab, Sir Dab, here's one accuseth you,
To give him poison, being ill-employ'd:
Speak, how in this case you can clear yourself.
AMIN. Hei mihi! what should I say? the poison given I deny;
He took it perforce from my hands, and, Domine, why not?
I got it of a gentleman; he most freely gave it,
As he knew me; my meaning was only to have it.[24]
Y. ART. 'Tis true, I took it from this man perforce,
And snatch'd it from his hand by rude constraint,
Which proves him in this act not culpable.