[In the previous scene, a riot inspired by the corrupt activities of aliens living in London is dispelled by the stirring words of SHERIFF THOMAS MORE.  For defusing the crisis and avoiding bloodshed, he is knighted and becomes SIR THOMAS MORE.  Although the rioters were given the hope of clemency if they surrendered, a new SHERIFF is given orders to execute them.]

Act 2, Scene 4

Enter Sheriff and meet a Messenger.

Sheriff.  Messenger, what news?

Messenger.  Is execution yet performed?

Sheriff.  Not yet, the carts stand ready at the stairs,
And they shall presently away to Tyburn.

Messenger.  Stay master shrieve, it is the Council's pleasure,
For more example in so bad a case,
A gibbet be erected in Cheapside,
Hard by the Standard, whither you must bring
Lincoln, and those that were the chief with him
To suffer death, and that immediately.

Enter Officers.

Sheriff.  It shall be done sir.

Exit Messenger.

                    Officers, be speedy,
Call for a gibbet, see it be erected;
Others make haste to Newgate, bid them bring
The prisoners hither, for they here must die.
Away I say, and see no time be slacked.

Officers.  We go sir.

Exeunt some severally,
other set up the gibbet.

Sheriff.  That's well said, fellows; now you do your duty.
God for his pity help these troubled times.
The street's stopped up with gaxing multitudes:
Command our armèd officers with halberds
Make way for entrance of the prisoners.
Let proclamation once again be made
That every housekeeper, on pain of death,
Keep in his prentices, and every man
Stand with a weapon ready at his door,
As he will answer to the contrary.

Officer.  I'll see it done, sir.

Exit.

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