The form of subpoena to a witness shall be substantially as follows:
Sc.
To . .................... of ................ Greeting:
You are hereby required, in the name of the state of Rhode Island, to make your appearance before .......... holden at .......... on the .......... day of .......... to give evidence of what you know relative to an action or plea of .......... then and there are to be heard and tried between .......... plaintiff and .......... defendant.
Hereof fail not, as you will answer your default under the penalty of the law in that behalf made and provided.
Dated at .......... the ....... day of .......... in the year ......
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-17-1