[A1593/9/12]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
And in respect that so many are to be charged to compear before his majesty and his privy council, before the said courts of justiciary and so great number to compear and underlie the law at the same justice courts, as also at the said hosts and armies for pursuit and punishment of the rebellious and contemptuous persons that compears not at the same justice courts, and that it might be dangerous to convene such companies in arms or where justice should be quietly administered, feuds and grudges standing among so many unassured; and seeing the public quietness of the realm and the relief of the poor so miserably oppressed ought to be preferred to the quarrel of private persons, therefore ordains letters to be directed charging the principals of all parties within the said bounds among whom feuds, grudges or quarrels stand, that they and each one of them, taking the burden upon them for all that they may incur, assure each one of them others and all his highness's subjects coming and repairing to his highness's presence at the said diet appointed before his highness and his secret council, or to the said justice courts, or to the said hosts and armies, to be unhurt, unharmed, unmolested, troubled, invaded or pursued otherwise than by order of law and justice, and that none of them take upon hand to make provocation of displeasure to others in word, deed or countenance, either for old feuds or new, under the pain of perjury, defamation and loss of perpetual honour, estimation and credit; and that they subscribe assurances to the effect foresaid, to be presented to them, subscribed by the clerk of secret council, within three days next after the charge under the pain of rebellion etc., and if they fail etc. to denounce etc.