King.
Doubt it not. Yes, ye shall have ample justice.
Why that vile Masham is deceit itself.
I thought I should have sham'd him to confession:
But he is proof I see 'gainst all remorse.

Are these the asps I've cherish'd in my breast
And warm'd to life to thank me with their stings!
Go, uncle Exeter, and see them safe. [Exit Exeter.
My brother Gloucester, thou, to Sir John Falstaff;
And promise him our favour and protection.

Glos.

Falstaff, my liege, the slave who sought your life?

King.
That, my good brother, was indeed his errand;
Hir'd to that end by Cambridge, Scroop, and Grey:
But he, tho' nothing but an outcast robber,
One that I banish'd for his vicious courses,
Yet how much better than these bosom friends!
He, brother Gloster, play'd the villains false,
And told me all their purpose. Bring him hither. [Exit Gloster. [Enter a Page.]

Page.
My liege, a reverend friar, post haste from London,
Desires admittance to your majesty.

King.
'Tis father Paul: conduct him in. [Enter Friar Paul.]
Good father Paul, thrice welcome to Southampton.
We thank thee for th' advices thou hast sent us.
Thy love and zeal shall not go unrepaid.

Friar.
My liege, if ought my poor abilities
Can serve your majesty, I'm bound in duty;
And in those services am well repaid.

King.
Friar, we thank thee. Thou hast brought that scrowl,
Of which thou gav'st us notice in thy letters.

Friar.
I have, my liege, and with your gracious leave,
I would unfold the characters before you;
And show your majesty whereon I grounded
My information 'gainst the censur'd peers.

King.
Another time we'll listen to 't at large:
But providence in their own toils hath caught 'em,
And there remains no doubt of their defection.

Friar.
Be all such traitors timely thus betray'd.

King.
Give us the scroll. We'll see how this will work.
My uncle York, go fetch the traitors in. [Exit York.

Heav'ns what a worthy seeming wore these men!
How smooth a face of innocence and loyalty!
All-gracious Providence, what thanks are due
To thy preventing pow'r for our deliv'rance!.

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