"Resistance must not be offered," said the latter, in a low tone. "You
will only make a bad matter worse."
The serjeant-at-arms, a tall, thin man, with a sinister aspect, advanced
towards the young knight, and touching him with his wand, said--"I
attach your person, Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey, in virtue of a warrant,
which I hold from the High Court of Star-Chamber."
"I yield myself your prisoner, Sir," replied Sir Jocelyn. "Whither am I
to be taken?"
"You will be taken before the Lords of the Council in the first
instance, and afterwards, in all probability, be consigned to the
custody of the wardens of his Majesty's gaol of the Fleet," replied the
serjeant-at-arms.
"I would fain know the nature of my offence?" said Sir Jocelyn.
"You will learn that when the interrogatories are put to you," replied
the official. "But I am told you have disparaged the dignity of the High
Court, and that is an offence ever severely punished. Your accuser is
Sir Giles Mompesson."
Having said thus much, the serjeant-at-arms turned to the promoter, and
inquired, "Are you not Clement Lanyere?"
"Why do you ask?" rejoined the other.
"Because if you are he, I must request you to accompany me to Sir Giles
Mompesson."
"Lanyere is my name," replied the other; "and if I decline to attend
you, as you request, it is from no disrespect to you, but from distaste
to the society into which you propose to bring me.
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