into custody in the king's name. (Mrs. Ardenshrieks, and is supported from falling byMadaline.)
ARDEN (catching hold of his Son, to pull him from the men).
You must be mistaken, friends; you can have no warrant against a boy like this!
FIRST MAN.
Read there: it is our warrant against Edmond Arden, junior.
ARDEN (looking at the warrant).
O God! (Rushing upon the men.) Ye shall take my life before ye seize him!
HUMPHRY.
And mine too, before you touch a hair of his head! (Brandishing his stick, and rushing furiously upon the men, who keep hold of Young Arden.)
FIRST MAN.
Dare ye resist the king' s officers? (Drawing a hanger from his side.)
HUMPHRY.
Ay, or the devil's either! What care I for the flashing of your steel?
[A violent struggle ensues betweenHumphryandArdenon one side, and the officers of justice on the other, in whichYoung Arden, between the two parties, is wounded.]