THE MESSENGER "Who makes all this tumult ?" shouted the Commissioner.

"Why do I see blood and wounds and dead men?
And how were you about to handle these women, one of whom by her mien is of no low degree ?" and he stared at Cicely.
"The tumult," answered the Abbot, "was caused by yonder fool, Thomas Bolle, a lay-brother of my monastery, who rushed among us armed and shouting 'In the King's name, stay.'" "Then why did you not stay, Sir Abbot?
Is the King's name one to be mocked at?
Know that I sent on the man." "He had no warrant, Sir Commissioner, unless his bull's voice and great axe are a warrant, and I did not stay because we were doing justice upon the three foulest witches in the realm." "Doing justice?
Whose justice and what justice?
Say, had you a warrant for your justice?
If so, show it me." "These witches have been condemned by a Court Ecclesiastic, the judges being a bishop, a prior and myself, and in pursuance of that judgment were about to suffer for their sins by fire," replied Maldon.
"A Court Ecclesiastic!" roared Dr.Legh.

"Can Courts Ecclesiastic, then, toast free English folk to death?
If you would not stand your trial for attempted murder, show me your warrant signed by his Grace the King, or by his Justices of Assize.

What! You do not answer.

Have you none?
I thought as much.