Alas, alas, how are the Commons oppressed By that vile judge, Sisamnes by name? I do not know, how it should be redressed; To amend his life no whit he doth frame. We are undone, and thrown out of door, His damnable dealing doth us so torment: At his hand we can find no relief nor succour. God grant him grace for to repent. [_Run away crying._ KING. What doleful cries be these, my lord, That sound do in my ear? Intelligence if you can give, Unto your king declare. To me it seemeth my Commons all They do lament and cry Out at[236] Sisamnes judge most chief, Even now standing us by. PRAXASPES. Even so (O king) it seem’d to me, As you rehearsal made; I doubt the judge culpable be In some respect or trade. SISAMNES. Redoubted king, have no mistrust, No whit your mind dismay; There is not one that can me charge, Or ought against me lay. _Enter_ COMMONS’ COMPLAINT, _with_ PROOF _and_ TRIAL. COMMONS’ COMPLAINT. Commons’ Complaint I represent, With thrall of doleful state, By urgent cause erected forth My grief for to dilate. Unto the king I will prepare My misery to tell, To have relief of this my grief, And fettered feet so fell. Redoubted prince and mighty king, Myself I prostrate here; Vouchsafe (O king) with me to bear For this that I appear. With humble suit I pardon crave Of your most royal grace, To give me leave my mind to break, Before you in this place. KING. Commons’ Complaint, keep nothing back, Fear not thy tale to tell; Whate’er he be within this land That hath not used thee well, As prince’s mouth shall sentence give, He shall receive the same; Unfold the secrets of thy breast, For I extinguish blame. COMMONS’ COMPLAINT. God preserve your royal grace, And send you blissful days, That all your deeds might still accord To give to[237] God the praise. My complaint is (O mighty king) Against that judge you by; Whose careless deeds, gain to receive, Hath made the Commons cry: He, by taking bribes and gifts, The poor he doth oppress, Taking relief from infants young, Widows and fatherless. KING. Untruthful traitor and corrupt judge, How likest thou this complaint? Forewarning I to thee did give, Of this to make restraint: And hast thou done this devilish deed, Mine ire for to augment? I sentence give, thou Judas judge; Thou shalt thy deed repent. SISAMNES. O puissant prince, it is not so, His complaint I deny. COMMONS’ COMPLAINT.