royal blazon or coat of arms  
❧ By the King.  
❧ A Proclamation for the discovery and apprehension of William Ruthen, and patrick Ruthen, brethren to the late earl of Gowrie.  
WHereas the Kings majesty is informed, that William Ruthen, and patrick Ruthen,( two brethren to the late earl of Gowrie, a dangerous traitor to his Person) haue crept into this kingdom with malicious hearts against him, disguising themselves in secret places, where he is informed, that they do not onely utter cankered speeches against him, but are practising and contriving dangerous plots, and desperate attempts against his royal Person; for effecting whereof, either by themselves, or by such as they can persuade and suborn thereunto, they leave no means vnessayed: Be it therefore known to all men by these Presents, That for the speedy apprehension of these malicious and dangerous persons, William Ruthen and patrick Ruthen aforesaid, The Kings most excellent majesty doth straitly command and charge all and singular Sheriffes, Iustices of the Peace, Mayors, bailiffs, Constables, and all and every other his Highnesse Officers within this his realm of England, That they, and every of them make diligent search and enquiry for the said malicious persons William Ruthen and patrick Ruthen, and to use all their best endeavours, as well within all manner of Liberties, as without, for the discovery, apprehension, and arresting the bodies of them the said William Ruthen and patrick Ruthen, and being apprehended or arrested, forthwith, speedily, and without any delay, to bring them, or cause them to be brought under some safe custody, before some of his Highnesse most honourable privy counsel, there to be proceeded with and ordered, according as Iustice shall require: And herein not to fail, as they and every of them tender their duty to his Highnesse, and will answer the contrary at their uttermost perils.  
And the Kings most Excellent majesty doth moreover straightly charge and command all and every Searcher, Customer and Officer of any Port within this realm, and all other his Highnesse Subiects, of what Nature, quality and condition soever he or they bee, to whose Houses the said William Ruthen, and Patrick Ruthen, or either of them shall resort, or to whose knowledge, notice or understanding it may come, where or in what places they the said William Ruthen, and Patrick Ruthen shall bee, or into whose hands they shall come, to stay, apprehended, and arrest them, and to bring them before some of his majesties privy counsel as aforesaid, Wherein if any shall go about to conceal them, or shall not reveal their abode( if it be in their power to do so) His majesty doth hereby pronounce, that he will for ever after, hold them as partakers and abettors of their malicious practices and intentions, for which they shal feel the weight of his heaviest indignation. And if at any time, any Subiects of his( out of their duty) shall discover the persons aforesaid, or their residence, and yet shall not find themselves able to pursue them, his majesty doth command them, to call for the aid and assistance of his Highnesse Officers, or any other his Subiects, whom his majesty doth also straitly charge and command hereby, to bee aiding and assisting herein, as they will answer to the contrary at their uttermost perils.  
given at Burghley the 27. day of april, 1603. In the first year of our reign. God save the King.   

❧ Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent majesty.  
ANNO DOM 1603: