majesty, Let him have all the rigor of the law. Alas, my lord, hang me, if ever I spake the words. My accuser is my 'prentice; and when I did correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow upon his knees he would be even with me: I have good witness of this: therefore I beseech your majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a villain's accusation. Uncle, what shall we say to this in law? This doom, my lord, if I may judge: Let Somerset be regent over the French, Because in York this breeds suspicion: And let these have a day appointed them For single combat in convenient place, For he hath witness of his servant's malice: This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey's doom. I humbly thank your royal majesty. And I accept the combat willingly. Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God's sake, pity my case. The spite of man prevaileth against me. O Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to fight a blow. O Lord, my heart! Sirrah, or you must fight, or else be hang'd. Away with them to prison; and the day of combat shall be the last of the next month. Come, Somerset, we'll see thee sent away. Come, my masters; the duchess, I tell you, expects performance of your promises. Master Hume, we are therefore provided: will her ladyship behold and hear our exorcisms? Ay, what else? fear you not her courage. I have heard her reported to be a woman of an invincible spirit: but it shall be convenient, Master Hume, that you be by her aloft, while we be busy below; and so, I pray you, go, in God's name, and leave us. Mother Jourdain, be you prostrate and grovel on the earth; John Southwell, read you; and let us to our work. Well said, my masters; and welcome all. To this gear the sooner the better. Patience, good lady; wizards know their times: Deep night, dark night, the silent of the night, The time of night when Troy was set on fire; The time when screech-owls cry and ban-dogs howl, And spirits walk and ghosts break up their graves, That time best fits the work we have in hand. Madam, sit you and fear not: whom we raise, We will make fast within a hallow'd verge. Adsum. Asmath, By the eternal God, whose name and power Thou tremblest at, answer that I shall ask; For, till thou speak, thou shalt not pass