ParlamentHowse Your Grace not offended I would I had beene there my Lord quoth Syr Thomas And to wynd these quarrels out of the Cardinalls head he began to commend that Gallery and said I like this Gallery of yours my Lord much better theÌ„ your Gallery at Hampton-Court wherewith he so wisely brake off the Cardinalls displeasant talke that the Cardinall at that â—…yme as it seemed knew not what more for the present to â—…ay vnto him But yet for a Reuenge of his displeasure the Cardinall counselled the king to send Syr Thoâ—…is More Embassadour ouer inâ—… Spayne commending vnto 〈◊〉 his wisdome learning â—…tnes for the voyage and furâ—…er told the King that the diffiâ—…ulty of the cause considered â—…ere is none quoth the Cardiâ—…all so meete or able to perâ—…rme your Maiestyes seruice â—…rin as he Which when the â—…ing had broken to Syr Thomas More and that he had satisfied â—…is Maiesty how vnfit a voyage 〈◊〉 was for him the nature of the â—…ountrey and disposition of his â—…omplexion considered that he â—…hould neuer be able nor likely â—…o do his Grace acceptable seruiâ—…e there knowing right well â—…hat if his Maiesty sent him thiâ—…her he should send him to his Graue yet shewing himselfe â—…uerthelesse ready according 〈◊〉 his duty although it were wiâ—… the losse of his life to fullfill 〈◊〉 Graces pleasure in that behalfâ—… the King well allowing of hâ—… answere said vnto him It is nâ—… our meaning M. More to 〈◊〉 you the least hurt but rather thâ—… best good we will therefore fâ—… this purpose deuise vpon somâ—… other and imploy your seruiâ—… otherwise And indeed such entire affâ—… ction did the King at that tymâ—… beare vnto him that he madâ—… him Chancellour of the Duchâ—… of Lancastâ—…r vpon the death 〈◊〉 Syr Richard Wingfield who haâ—… that Office before And the kinâ—… tooke so much pleasure in hiâ—… company that oftentymes 〈◊〉 Maiesty would on the suddaine go vp to his howse at Chelsey to be merry with him whither on a tyme comming to dynner he walked in Syr Thomas Mores garden by the space of an houre and held his arme about Syr Thomas Mores necke As soone as his Maiesty was gone M. William Roper a Gentleman of Grayes Inne who had married Syr Thomas Mores eldest daughter said vnto him Father how happy a man are you whome the King hath thus familiarly entertayned for he neuer was seene to do the like vnto any man except Cardinall Wolsâ—…y with whome the King did often walke arme in arme I thanke our Lord God Sonne Roper quoth he I find his Grace my very good Lord indeed And I thinke he doth as singularly fauour me as any subiect within this Realme Howbeit Sonne Roper I may tell thee 〈◊〉 haue no great cause to be proud thereof But if my Head could wyn his Maiesty a Castle in France for then there was warre with France it should not fayle to goe Amongst many other his vertues he was of such Mâ—…kenes that if he happened to enter into argument or dispute with any learned man resorting to him from Oxford Cambridge or other place as there did diuers some for desyre of his acquaintaÌ„ce some for the famous report of his wisdome and learning and some about suites for â—…he Vniuersityes although very few were comparable vnto him as well witnesseth Erasmus â—…f 〈◊〉 discourse he so pressed â—…heÌ„ that they cold not well hold 〈◊〉 it longer disputation agaynst â—…im then least he should discouâ—…age theÌ„ as one that sought not â—…is owne Glory he wold seeme â—…onquered by some wise deâ—…se courteously breake off into â—…me other matter giue ouer Of whome for his wisdome and earning the king had such an oâ—…ion that at such tymes as he â—…ttended his person in his proâ—…resse either to Oxford or Camâ—…ridge where he was receiued with very eloquent Orations â—…is Maiesty would alwayes asâ—…gne Syr Thomas More as one â—…rompt and ready therein to make Answere thereunto ex tempore His custome also was that wheÌ„soeuer he came to any Vniuersity eyther heere or beyond the Seas not only to be present at Disputations and Readinges but also to dispute very learnedly himselfe to his high Commendations and generall applause of all the assembly During the tyme of his ChauÌ„cellorship for the Duchy of Lancaster he was sent twice Embassador ioyned in coÌ„mission with Cardinall Wolsey once vnto the Emperour Charles into Flanders the other tyme vnto the French King at Paris About this tyme it hapned that the Water-bayly of London who had somtimes byn Syr Thomas Mores seruant hearing certayne Merchants to speake soâ—… what lauishly agaynst his old 〈◊〉 was so displeased therat that he came with all speed to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 More told him what he hâ—… heard of whom Syâ—… quoth he if I were in such 〈◊〉 and authority with my Prâ—…ce as you are such men as these should not surely be 〈◊〉 so vncharitably falsly to misreport sâ—…under me Wherfore I with you to call theÌ„ befor you punish them Syr Thomas 〈◊〉 smyling vpon him sayd Why M. Water-bayly would you haue me punish them by whome I receyue more benefit then by all you that are my â—…riends Let them a Gods Name â—…peake as lewdly of me as they list and shoote neuer so many darts at me So long as they do not hit me what am I the worâ—… But if they should once hit me then would it not indeed a little trouble me Howbeit I trust by Gods helpe there shall none of them all be able to touch me Therefore I haue more cause 〈◊〉 assure thee M. Water-baily to pitty thâ—…n to be angry with them Such sruitefull communication would he often tymes haue with his familiar Friends So on a tyme walking a loÌ„g the Thames syde at Chelsâ—…y with his Sonne in law M. Roper and discoursing of many things amongst other speaches he sayd thus vnto him Now I would to our Lord God Sonne Roper that three things were well established in Christendome vpon coÌ„â—…itioÌ„ that I were heer presently â—…ut into a sacke cast into the 〈◊〉 of the Thames What great â—…hings be those Sir quoth M. Roâ—…er that moue you so to wish â—…ouldest thou know Sonne Roâ—…er quoth he May it so please â—…ou Syr with a very good will â—…yd M. Roper In â—…ayth Sonne 〈◊〉 they be these First that where the most parte of Chriâ—…tian Princes are now at mortal â—…arres I would they were all â—…tan vniuersall peace The secoÌ„d 〈◊〉 that where the Church is at â—…his present sore afflicted with Errors Heresyes that it were â—…etled in a perfect vniformity â—…f Religion The third is that where the Kings matter of his â—…arriage is now come into question I wish it were to the glory of God and 〈◊〉 of all parties brought to a good conclusion By which three things as M. Ropâ—… supposed he â—…ged that there would be a great disturbance through the moâ—… paâ—… of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus diâ—… Syâ—… Thâ—… More
deuised to allure his Maiesty who was alâ—… ready contrary to the Cardinaâ—… mynd and knowledge fallen iâ—… loue with the Lady Anne Bullen to affect the French Kings Sister Which thing because of thâ—… wars and hatred that was theâ—… â—…etweene the French King and â—…e Emperour whome the Carâ—…inall now mortally hated he eryâ—… earnestly indeauoured to â—…rocure And for the better furâ—…ering this his purpose he reâ—…uested one Langland Bishop of â—…incolne and Ghostly Father to 〈◊〉 Henâ—…y to put a scruple into â—…he K. head that it was not lawâ—… for him to mary his Brothers â—…ife which thing the King not â—…ry to heare of related first to 〈◊〉 Thomas More required his â—…ounsell therein and with all â—…ewed himsome places of Scriture which seemed somewhat 〈◊〉 serue his purpose Syr Thomaâ—…â—…ore perusing the said places â—…ereupon as one that had neâ—…r professed Diuinity excused â—…mselfe vnto his Maiesty and said he was farre vnfit to meddle with such affaires The King not satisfied with this answere pressed and vrged him the more which he perceauing said vnto his Maiesty that for asmuch as such a busines required good aduise and deliberation he besought his Highnes to giue him sufficient respit to coÌ„sider aduisedly of the same Wherwith the King well contented replyed That Tonstall Clark Bishops of Durham Bath with others learned of his priuy CouÌ„sell should also be dealers therin So Syr Thomas More departed and conferred those places of Scripture with the Expositions of diuers of the ancient Fathers and Doctours of the Church and at his comming to Court talking with the King of the aforesaid matter he said To be playne with your Grace neither my Lord of Durham nor my Lord of Bath though I hold â—…hem to be both learned verâ—…uous holy Prelates nor my â—…elfe with any other of your Counsell being all your Maieâ—…ties owne seruants so greatâ—…y bound vnto you for your maâ—…ifold benefits dayly bestowed vpon vs be in my iudgment fit Counsellors for your Grace heâ—…ein But if your Maiesty desyre â—…o vnderstand the Truth such Counsellors may be found as â—…either for respect of worldâ—… commodity nor for feare of â—…our Princely authority will â—…ny way be drawne to deceiuâ—…â—…ou And then he named vnto the King S. Hierome S. Augustine and diuers others auncient Fathers Doctors of the Church both Greeke an Latin and further shewed his Maiesty what authority he had gathered forth of them of which although the King as not fitting to his purpose did not very well like yet were they by Syr Thomas Moreâ—… so wisely alleaged and so tempred with discretion that the King at that tyme tooke it in good part and had oftentimes conference with him againe about the same matter After this there were certayne questions propounded to thâ—… Kings Counsell whether in this case the King needed to haue any scruple at all and if he had what was the best way to freâ—… him of it The greater part of the Counsell were of opinion that there was good cause of scruple and that for his Maiesties discharge therin it was fit suite should be made vnto the Sea of Rome where the King thought that by his liberality he might with ease obtayne his purpose TheÌ„ was there procured from Rome a commission for the try all of this Mariage wherein Cardinall Campegius and Cardinall Wolsey were ioyned commissioners who for the determination therof sate at the Blacke-Fryers in London where a Libell was put in for the anulling of the said Mâ—…triomony affirming the Mariage betweene the King and Qâ—…eene to be vnlawfull Then againe for proofe therof to be lawfull there was produced 〈◊〉 dispensation in which after diuers disputations thereupoÌ„ holden there appeared an imperfection which notwithstanding by an other instrument or Breuâ—… found out vpon search in thâ—… Treasury of Spayne sent oueâ—… to the commissioners in EnglaÌ„dâ—… was supplyed so should iudgmeÌ„t haue ben giuen by the Popâ—… accordingly had not the King vpon intelligence therof beforâ—… the same Iudgment appealed to a Generall CouÌ„cell After whose Appellation the Cardinalls satâ—… no more vpon that businesse It happened before the saâ—… matter of Mariage brought in Question that M. Roper being one day in discourse with Syâ—… Tho. More did with a kind of â—…oy congratulate with his said Father for the happy Estate of the Realme that had so Cathoâ—…ique a Prince as no Heretique durst shew his face so vertuous and learned a Clergy so graue and sound a Nobility and so loâ—…ing and obedient Subiects all â—…n one fayth agreeing togeather Troth it is so indeed Sonne Roâ—…er quoth he and then commended all degrees and estates of the same far beyond M. Roper And yet Sonne Roper quoth he I pray God that some of vs as high as we seeme to sit vpon the Mountaynes treading Heretiâ—…ques vnder our feete like Ants â—…ue not to see the day when we gladly would wish to be in league and composition with those whome you call Heretiques to let them haue their Churchâ—… quietly to themselues vpon coÌ„â—… dition that they would be content to let vs haue ours quieâ—… to our selues Then M. Roper produceâ—… many reasons to the contrary saw no cause why any shoulâ—… say so Well well Sonne Ropâ—… quoth he I pray God some 〈◊〉 vs liue not till that day and 〈◊〉 no more To whome M. 〈◊〉 replyed By my troth Syr thâ—…s 〈◊〉 desperatly spoken seeming 〈◊〉 be halfe angry with Syr 〈◊〉 More who perceiuing the 〈◊〉 said merily vnto him Well 〈◊〉 SoÌ„ne Ropâ—…r It shall not be then since you will not haue it soâ—… Thus was he of so excellent 〈◊〉 temper that those who liued were coÌ„tinually coÌ„uersant with him in his house for the space 〈◊〉 twenty yeares and vpwardes â—…ould neuer perceiue him to be â—…nce moued or to make the â—…ast shew of anger But to returne agayne where â—…eft After the supplying of the â—…spensation sent vnto the comâ—…ioners into England as is â—…efore rehearsed the King taâ—…ng the businesse to himselfe as â—…t then mynding to proceed â—…y further in the matter assiâ—…ed the Bishop of Durham and 〈◊〉 Thomas More to go Embassaâ—…urs to Cambray a place neiâ—…er Imperiall nor French to â—…eat a Peace betweene the Emâ—…rour the FreÌ„ch King himâ—…fe in the concluding wherof â—…r Tho. More so worthily manâ—…ged the busines that he procured therby much more benefit for the Kingdome then was at that tyme by the King and his CouÌ„sell thought possible could be coÌ„passed For whose good seruice in that Embassy the King when he after made him Lord Chauncellour caused the Duke of Norfolke to declare openly to the people how much all â—…ngland was bounden vnto him as you shall see heeâ—…after more 〈◊〉 large Now vpon the coÌ„ming home of the Bishop of Durham and Syâ—… Thomas More from Cambray aforsayd the King began to reneâ—… agayne his old suite and waâ—… very earnest in persuading Syâ—… Thomas More to agree vnto thâ—…
matter of his marriage vsinâ—… all the wayes and meanes 〈◊〉 could deuise to draw him to his part and as it was thought did the rather for that end soone afâ—…er create him Lord Chauncelâ—…our of England And the King said further vnto him that alâ—…hough at his going to Cambray he was in vtter despaire to obâ—…ne dispensation thereof yet â—…ow he had conceiued some goâ—…d hope to coÌ„passe the same â—…eaging that albeâ—…t his Marâ—…iage as being agaynst the posiâ—…ue Law of the Church the â—…itten Law of God was holâ—…en by the dispensation yet is â—…here another thing found out â—…flate quoth the King wherby â—…his Marriage appeareth so direâ—…tly agaynst the law of Nature â—…hat it can in no wise by the Church be dispensable as Doâ—…or Stokesley whome he had then preferred to the Bishopricke of London can well instruct you with whome vpon this point I would haue you to confer So they conferred togeatherâ—… But for all this Conference Syr Thomas More could not be induced to change his opinion therein Yet notwithstanding did the Bishop in his Report oâ—… him to the King affirme falsely that he found Syr Thomas More in the Kings cause very forward as being desirous to find some good matter wherewith he might serue the Kings contentment in that case Now this Bishop Stokesley hauing a litle before byn by Cardinall Wolsey openly rebuked in the Sarre-chamber awarded 〈◊〉 the Flecte he not well brooâ—…ing this contumelious vsage â—…nd knowing that forasmuch 〈◊〉 the Cardinall for his backeâ—…ardnes in pursuing the Kings â—…uorse was falling out of his â—…ghnes fauour and that he had â—…ow espied a fit opportunity to â—…euenge his quarell agaynst the â—…ardinall and to incense the â—…ing further agaynst him at â—…ast preuayled so far that the Cardinall was soone after disâ—…laced from his office of high Chancellorship and the same was conferred vpon Syr Thomas â—…ore hoping therby so to win â—…im to his syde that he would â—…ield his consent for the matter â—…f diuorse Then was Syr Thomas More betweene the Dukes of 〈◊〉 and Nâ—…rfolke brought througâ—… 〈◊〉 Hall to his place 〈◊〉 the Chancery and the Duke 〈◊〉 Norfolkâ—… in the audience of 〈◊〉 the people there assembled 〈◊〉 wed that he was from the 〈◊〉 himselfe straitley charged 〈◊〉 speciall commiâ—…ion to 〈◊〉 theâ—…e openly in the presence 〈◊〉 them all how much all 〈◊〉 was beholding to Syr 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for his good seruice anâ—… how worthily he deâ—…erued thâ—… highest roome in the Kingdom and further how deere his Maiesty loued trusted him wherâ—…in quoth the Duke he hatâ—… great cause to reioyce praysâ—… Almighty God Whereunto Syr Thomas Morâ—… amongst diuers other wise and â—…arned speches made answere â—…nd replyed that allthough he â—…ad good cause to take comfort 〈◊〉 his Highnes singular fauour â—…wards him to whome thereâ—…ore he acknowledged himselfe â—…ost deeply bounden yet neâ—…erthelesse he must for his owne â—…art needes confesse that in all â—…ose things by thâ—… Duks Grace â—…here alleaged he had done noâ—…hing but what was his duty â—…nd furthermore said That he â—…as very vnfit for that dignity â—…herein considering how wise â—…nd worthy a Prelate had lately â—…efore taken so great a fall he â—…aid he had no great cause to reâ—…oyce And as they had before in â—…he Kings behalfe charged him 〈◊〉 minister Iustice vprightly â—…ndiffereÌ„tly to the people without corruption or affection 〈◊〉 did he likewise charge them agayne that if they saw him at any time to digresse in the least thing touching any part of hiâ—… duty in that honourable Office euen as they would discharg their owne duty and fidelity 〈◊〉 God and the King they would not fayle to declaâ—…e the same to his Maâ—…esty who otherwise might haue iust caùse to lay the fault wholy vpon them and to their charge Now when he was Lord Chauncellour on a tyme being at leasure as seldome he was a Sonne in law of his who had marryed one of his daughters spake merrily vnto him saying When Cardinall Wolsey was Lord Chancellour not onely â—…iuers of his priuy ChaÌ„ber but â—…uch also as were but his very â—…oor-keepers got much proffit â—…nd now sith I haue maryed one â—…f your daughters and giue my â—…ayly attendance vpon youâ—… I â—…hinke I might of reason looke â—…or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…oyle all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 you be so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to heare euery 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pâ—…re as rich beâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no doores shut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is to me no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and discouraâ—…eÌ„t whereas otherwise some â—…or friendshippe some for kynâ—…red but most for profit would 〈◊〉 glad to haue my furtherance 〈◊〉 bring them to your presence And now as the case stands if 〈◊〉 should take any thing of them know I should do them much wrong for that they may do 〈◊〉 much for themselues as I 〈◊〉 able to do for theÌ„ Which thinâ—… though it be in you very comâ—… mendable yet to me your Sonâ—… I find it nothing profitable You say well Sonne quoâ—… Syr Thomas More I do not mâ—… like that you are so scrupuloâ—… of conscience for there be mâ—…ny other wayes wherein I maâ—… both do you good and pleasurâ—… your friend also for sometymâ—… may I by my word stand yoâ—… friend insteed and sometimâ—… I may by my letters help hiâ—… or if he haue a cause dependiâ—… before me at your request I mâ—… heare him before another oâ—… his cause be not altogether 〈◊〉 the best yet may I moue the paâ—… tyes to fall to some reasonabâ—… end or compound by arbitrement Howbeit this one thing Sonne I assure thee on my Fayth that if the parties will at my hands call for iustice then if â—…it were my Father that stood on the one side and the Diuell on the other side his cause being good the Diuell surely should haue right So offered he to his Sonne as much fauour as he thought he could in reason require And that he would for no respect digresse neuer so litle froÌ„ iustice did plainely appeare by another of his Sonns in law one M. Giles Hâ—…ron who had a sorry suite depending before him in the ChaÌ„cery yet presuming much vpon his Fathers fauour would in no wayes be perswaded by him to come to an indifferent compositioÌ„ with his aduersary wherevpon in triall of the matter Syr Thomas Mâ—…re pronounced sentence agaynst him He vsed euery afternoone to sit in his open Hall to the end that whosoeuer had any suit vnto him they might the more boulder come to his presence and there to open theyr Complayints before him Also his manner was to read euery Bill himselfe before he would grant any Sub poena and hauing read it he would either set his hand vnto it or else cancell it Whensoeuer he passed throgh Westminster Hall to his place in Chancery by the Court of Kings BeÌ„â—…h if his Father one of the Iudges therof had bin there set before he came he would go into the same Court there most reuerently vpon his
knees before the whole Assembly aske his Father blessing As likewise if his Father and he chanced to meet at the Lecture in Lincolnes Inâ—…e as oftentymes they did yet notwithstanding his high place Office would he offer in Argument the preheminence vnto his Father nor would himselfe accept thereof vntill his Father had refused it And for further declaration of his naturall affection loue towardes his Father when he lay sicke vpon his death bed he did not only according to his duty oftentymes come and visit him with all manner of comfort but also at his departure out of the world he tooke him about the Necke kissed imbraced him commending his soule into mercyfull hands of Almighty God and so departed Whilest he was Lord Chancellour he graunted but few Iniunctions yet were they by some of the Iudges of the Law misliked which M. Roper vnderstanding declared the same vnto Syr Thomas More who answered that they should haue litle cause to find fault with him therfore Whereupon he caused one M. Crooke chiefe of the six Clarkes to make a Docket conteyning the whole number and causes of all such Iniunctions as either in his tyme had already passed or at the present depended in any of the Kings Courts at Westminster before â—…im which done he one day inâ—… all the Iudges to dinner with him in the Counsell ChaÌ„â—…er at Westminster and after â—…ynner when he had broken with them what coÌ„playnts he had heard of his Iniunctions moreouer had shewed them the â—…umber and causes of euery one â—…n order truly playnely they were all inforced to confesse â—…hat themselues in like cases could haue done no otherwise Then made he this offer vnto â—…hem That if the Iudges of eueâ—…y Court vnto whome the reformation of the rigour of the Law by reason of their Office most especially appertayned would vpon reasonable considerations in their owne discretions as he thought they werâ—… bound to do in conscience mitigate and reforme the rigor of the law themselues there should from thenceforth be no more Iniunctions graunted out by him Whereunto when they refused to condescend then said he vnto them For asmuch as your selues my Lordes force me to that necessity of granting out Iniunctions for reliefe of the peoples iniuries you cannot hereafter any more iustly blame me After that he spake priuatly to M. Roper saying I perciue why they liked not so to do for they see that they may by the verdict of the Iury cast all quarrels vpon those whome they account their chiefe defence and therefore am I compelled to abide the aduenture of all such Reports Now in the tyme of his Chancellourshippe allthough he had but litle leasure to busy himselfe in the study of holy Scriptures and Controuersies in Religion with other such like Exercises being in a manner continually imployed about the affaires of the King and Kingdome yet did he take many watchfull paines in setting forth diuers profitable workes in the defence of Christian Religion agaynst Heresies that then were blowne abroad In so much that the Bishops to whose Pastorall care that Reformation chiefly beloÌ„ged seeing themselues by his trauell wherein by their owne confession they were not any way able to compare with him in great part discharged of theâ—…r dutyes in that behalse considering that for all the Princes fauor his great Office he was no rich man nor had in yearly reuenewes aduaÌ„ced himselfe as his worthynes deserued therefore at a Conuocation holden amongst themselues and others of the Clergy they agreed to recompence him with a summe of fiue thousand pounds for his paynes taken in their behalfe To the payment wherof euery Bishop Abbot and others of the Clergy according to the rates of their abilityes became liberall Contributaries hoping that this their liberality would giue him good content Wherevpon Bishop Tonstall of DurhaÌ„ Bishop Clarke of Bath D. Voysey Biâ—…hop of Exceter repayred vnto 〈◊〉 Tho. More declaring how â—…hankefully to their discharge â—…n Gods cause they reckoned â—…hemselues vnto him and albeit â—…hey could not according to his deserts so worthily requite his â—…ours therefore must refer â—…he same to Gods gracious goodâ—…esse yet for a small gratuity in â—…espect of his Estate so vneqúall â—…o his Worth in the Name of their whole Conuocation they presented vnto him the forsaid â—…umme desiring him to accept of it in good part But Syr Thoâ—…as More refusing this their tenâ—…er said vnto them That as it was no small comfort vnto him â—…hat so wise and learned men accepted of his weake labours for which he neuer intended to receiue any other reward but at the hands of God to whome alone all the thankes therof were chiefly to be ascribed So gaue he most humble thankes vnto all their Honours for their so friendly and honourable consideration and earnestly intreated them to returne euery man his money agayne Wherfore when after much pressing him to accept therof cold not preuaile they besought him that they might bestow it vpon his Wife and Children Not so my Lords quoth he had rather see it cast into the Thames then either I or any 〈◊〉 myne should haue the value 〈◊〉 one penny therof For my Lordes though your offer indeed be very fayre and friendly yet set I so much by my pleasure so litle by my profit that I would not in good fayth for so much and much more to haue lost so many a good nights sleepe as I spent vpon the same And yet I would wish for all that vpon conditioÌ„ that Heresies were suppressed that all my Bookes were burned my labour lost Thus departed they from him and were driuen to returne euery man his owne money agayne This Lord Chancellour although he was well knowne both to God and the world to be a man of most eminent Vertue though not so considered of euery man yet for the auoyding of singularity would he appeare to the ey of the world no otherwise then other men as well in his apparell as behauiour And albeit he appeared outwardly Honourable like to one of his Dignity Calling yet inwardly did he esteme all such thingâ—… for meere vanity for next to hiâ—… naked body he wore almost coÌ„tinually a shirt of hayre the 〈◊〉 a young Gentlewoman named M. rs More by chance on day 〈◊〉 pying as he sat in his doublet hose at dynner in the soÌ„mer tyme and seemed to smile therat his daughter Roper perceiuing the same being not ignorant of this his austerity gaue him priuate notice thereof and he did presently amend the fault seeming withall sorry that she had feene it He also wore another playne course shirt without ruffe or collar vpon his shirt of hayre And many tymes he likewise punished his body with whips made of knotted cordes the which thing was only knowne to his daughter Roper who for her secresy aboue all the râ—…st he especially trusted for that as need required she did alwayes wash
Church 〈◊〉 vnto her Madame my Lord â—…gone The next Sunday after thé surrender of his Office departure of his Gentlemen he went vnto his Ladyes pew himselfe and with his Cap in hand he made her low Courtesy saying vnto her Madame My Lord is gone In the tyme before his troubles he would talke with hiâ—… Wife and Children of the ioyes of heauen the paynes of helâ—… of the liues of the Holy Martyrs of their grieuous Martyrdomes of their meruailous Patience and of their sufferings deathes that they died mosâ—… willingly rather theÌ„ they woulâ—… offeÌ„d God also what a happy blessed thing it was for the louâ—… of God to suffer losse of goods imprisonment losse of life anâ—… landes Moreouer he would fâ—…r ther say vnto them That vpon his Fayth if he could but perceiue that his wife Children would encourage him to dye in a good cause it would be such a comfort vnto him that for very ioy therof he would runne merrily to his death By this discourse and other such like he gaue them feeling what troubles might afterwardes chance to happen vnto him wherby he had so farre encouraged them before the tyme that afterwardes when thâ—…y happened vnto him indeed they seemed a great deale the lesse Now after the Resignation of his Office there came vnto him to Chelsâ—…y M. Thomas Cromwell then in the Kings his fauour with a message from his Maiesty about which when they had fully coÌ„ferred togeather priuatly M. Cromwell quoth Syr Thomas More you are now newly entred into the â—…eruice of a mosâ—… Royals Wise liberall Prince and if you follow my poore aduise you shall in your Counsellâ—… giuing euer tell him what hâ—… ought to do but neuer what hâ—… is able to do So shall you shew your selfe a true and faythful seruant a right worthy CouÌ„ sellour for if a Lyon knew hiâ—… owne strength it were hard foâ—… any man to rule him Within a short tyme afteâ—… his there was a Commissioâ—… graunted forth and directed 〈◊〉 M. Cranmer then Archbishop 〈◊〉 Canterbury to determyne thâ—… matter of the Mariage between the King Queene Katharine at S. Albans Where at last it was fully determined and concluded according to the Kings desire and then began he to coÌ„playne that since he could haue no Iustice at the Popes handes he would therfore from thenceforth separate himselfe from the Sea of Rome and thereupon he presently maried the Lady Anne Bullen Which when Syr Tho. More vnderstood he sayd to M. Roper God graunt God graunt Sonne Roper that these matters within a while be not confirmed by Oath About this tyme Queene Anne was to passe through London froÌ„ the Tower to Westminster to her Coronation some few dayes before Syr Thomas More receiued a letter frâ—… the Bishops of Durham Bath Winchester requesting him both to keep them company from the Tower to Westminster to the said Coronation and withall to accept of Twenty Poundes which by the Bearer thereof they had sent vnto him to buy him a gowne which he thankfully receiued but yet went not staying still at home vntill the Coronation was past At his next meeting with the said Bishops he spake merrily vnto them saying My Lordes by the letter which you sent lately vnto me you required of me two things one wherof since I was well contented to graunt therefore I thought I might be the boulder to deny you the other â—…nd also because I tooke you â—…r no Beggars and my selfe I â—…ow to be no rich man I â—…ought I might the rather acâ—…pt of your liberality with the â—…ore honesty But indeed your â—…her Request put me in mynd 〈◊〉 a certaine Emperour I haue â—…ow forgotten his name that â—…ade a law that whosoeuer coÌ„â—…itted a certayne offeÌ„ce which do not now neyther rememâ—…er should suffer death by beâ—…g deuoured of wild beastes exâ—…ept it were a Virgin that ofâ—…ended against the same such â—…euerence did he beare vnto Virâ—…inity Now it so fell out that â—…he first who committed the ofâ—…ence was indeed a Virgin â—…her of the Emperour hearing ruption by doing wrong or taking bribes it would without doubt in this so troublesome a tyme of the Kings displeasure agaynst him haue beene deeply layd to his charge therby to haue found any the least hole in his coate But he alwayes kept himselfe so cleare euen of suspition of any such thing that no man was once able therwith to blemish him although the same was shrewdly many times attempted speciaâ—…y in the case of one Parneâ—… against whome Syr Thomas More whilst he was Lord Chancellour in the suite of one Vaugham Parnels aduerary had passed a sentence or decree by way of Iustice. Whereupon Parnell made a most grieuous complaynt vnto the King that Syr Thomas More 〈◊〉 for passing of the forsaid 〈◊〉 taken from the said Vauâ—… vnable for the Gowte to trauell abroad himselfe by the handes of his wife a fayre great gilded cup for a bribe VpoÌ„ this aâ—…ulation Syr Thomas More was by the Kings appointment called before the whole body of the Counsell where this matter 〈◊〉 heynously laid to his charge He forthwith confessed that for asmuch as that cup was loÌ„g after the passing of a foresaid decree brought vnto him for a new yeares gift he at the GentlewomaÌ„s importune pressing it vpon him of courtesy refused not to-receiue it Then the Earle of Wiltshire Syr Thomas Bullen Father to Queene Anne a verý great enemy to Syr Thomas Mâ—…re and chiefe complayner of this busines agaynst him to the King with much reioycing said vnto the Lords there present Loe did I not tell you my Lordes that you shold find this matter true Whereupon when Syr Thomas More had stood silent a while smyling vpon the Lord of Wâ—…shire he at length earnestly desired their Lordships that as they had courteously heard him tell the one part of his Tale so they would be pleased to vouchsafe him the indifferent hearing of the other Then he further declared vnto their Honours That albert indeed he had with much intreaty receyued the cup yet immediatly thereupon he caused his Butler to fill it with wyne and of that cup he dranke vnto her and she pledged him Then as freely as her husband had giuen it vnto him euen so freely gaue he the same backe agayne to her to giue vnto her husband for his New-yeares gift which at his request though much against her will she receyued agayne as herself and diuers others there present were deposed before them So was this great Mountayne was turned presently into Molehill So likewise at another time vpon a New yeares day there câ—…me vnto Syr Thomas More one 〈◊〉 Croker a rich widdow for whome with no small paynes he had passed a Decree in the Chauncery agaynst the Lord Arundell to present him with a payre of gloues and fourty pouÌ„ds in Angells within them for a New yeares gift Of whom he thankefully receiuing the Gloues
but refusing the money said vnto her Mistresse sinâ—… 〈◊〉 were agaynst good manners to refuse a Gentlewomans New-yeares gift I am content to take your Gloues but for your Money I vtterly refuse it much against her mynd he restored her the Gold backe agayne Another tyme also one 〈◊〉 Gresham hauing a cause â—…ding before him in the Châ—…ncery sent him for a New 〈◊〉 gift a fayre Gilded cup The â—…shon whereof he very well â—…king caused one of his owne cups though not to his mynd of so good a fashon yet much better in value to be brought forth of his Chamber which he willed the Messenger in recompence to redeliuer vnto his Mistresse for with other condition he would in no wise receiue it Now when the King plainly saw that he could not by any meanes wyn Syr Thomas More to his syde he went about by terror and threates to inforce him thereunto the beginning wherof was occasioned in this manner There was a certaynâ—… Nunne dwelling in Canterbury commonly called The holy Mayd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who for the exteriour shew of her Vertue and Holinâ—…e grew into great esteeme amongst the common People first and then amongst others and for that cause many Religious persons many Doctors of Diuinity and diuers others of very great accompt of the Layty vsed to resort vnto her This holy woman affirmed to haue had a Reuelation from heauen to giue the King warning of his wicked life and of the abuse of the Sword and Authority committed vnto him by God and vnderstanding the Bishop of Rochester Doctour Fisher to be a man of notable vertuous life great learning she repayred to Rochester and there disclosed to him her sayd Reuelation desiring his aduice and counsell therein which the Bishop well perceiuing might stand with the lawes of God and holy Chuâ—…h â—…uised her as she before intenâ—…ed and had warning to do to 〈◊〉 vnto the King herselfe and â—…are vnto him all the cirâ—…stances therof Whereupon 〈◊〉 wâ—…nt and told vnto his Maâ—… her said Reuelation and so 〈◊〉 home to Cantâ—…rbury Within a short tyme after this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…oly Nunne made a â—…orney to the Monastery of Sion 〈◊〉 vpoÌ„ the Thames a litle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by meanes of 〈◊〉 M. Râ—…old a Father of the â—…ame house 〈◊〉 the Religious â—…erof At which tyme it hapâ—… Syr Thomas More to be at 〈◊〉 visiting some of his aquainâ—…ance there talking with the â—…nne about some of her Reâ—…lations especially that which did concerne the Kings Supremacy and Marriage which he said he might freely and safely do without any daunger of the law by reason the same was then neither established by Statute nor confirmed by Oath as he himselfe had loÌ„g before prognosticated neuerthelesse in all the discourse and passages of speach which he had with the said Nunne as it after ward appeared he had carried himselfe so discreetly that he rather deserued coÌ„mendatioÌ„s theÌ„ blame At the Parlament following there was a bill put vp for the attaynting of the forsaid Nunne of Cantâ—…ury of some other Monasticall persons of High Treason as also Bishop Fishâ—… of 〈◊〉 Sâ—…r Thomas More and diuers others of 〈◊〉 of Treason With which the King veriâ—…y thought Syr Thomas More would be so terrified that it would inforce him to relent coÌ„descend to his purpose wherin as it seemed his Grace was much mistaken To this Bill Syr Thomas More was sâ—…ter to be receiued personâ—…ly to make answere for himâ—… in his owne defence But the King not liking that assignâ—…d the Bishop of Canterbury 〈◊〉 Lord ChaÌ„cellour the Duke of No folke and M. Cromwell at a day and place appoynted to 〈◊〉 Syr Thomas More before them At which tyme M. Roper thinking his Father had now fit opportunity aduised him to labour thâ—…se Lordes for the help of his dischaâ—…ge forth of the Parlament Bill who answered M. Roper that he would At his comming before the Lordes according to theyr appoyntment they intertaâ—…ned him very â—…iendly and willed him to 〈◊〉 downe with them which in no wise he would 〈◊〉 began the Lord Chancellour to declare vnto him how many wayes the â—…ing had sheweâ—… his loue and fauour towards him how gladly he would haue had him continue in his Office and how willing he would haue ben to haue heaped more Benefits vpon him how he could aske no worldly Honour or Profit at the Kings handes that was likely to be â—…enyed him hoping by this declaration of the Kinâ—… fauours towards him to 〈◊〉 â—…im to fauour his Highnes buâ—… of the mariage And lastly he requested his consent vnto no more but what the Parlament the Bishops and 〈◊〉 had allready admitted and 〈◊〉 To this Syr Tâ—…omas Mâ—…re 〈◊〉 maâ—…e answere sâ—…ying There is no man liuâ—…ng my Lordes that would with better will do the thing that might be aâ—…table to the Kings Highnes then my selfe who neeâ—…es must coÌ„fesse his manifold gooâ—…nesse and bountifull benefits mâ—…st 〈◊〉 bestowed vpon me Howbeit I verily thought that I should neuer haue heard more of this matter considering that from time to time euen from the first beginning heer of I haue declareâ—… my mind playnly truly to his 〈◊〉 which his â—…ighnes eueâ—… 〈◊〉 to me like a most graciouâ—… 〈◊〉 very well to aâ—…ept â—…uer mynding as he said to 〈◊〉 me further therewith â—…nce 〈◊〉 tyme I could neuâ—…r 〈◊〉 further matter that was 〈◊〉 to moue me to any other 〈◊〉 whâ—…ch if I could there is nâ—…t a man in all the word that would haue bâ—…ne more glad thâ—…of then my selfe Mâ—…ny thinges more of like sort were heere vttered on both sides and in the end when they saw they could not by any manner of persuasion remoue him from his former determination then they began to touch him more neâ—…rely telling him that â—…he Kinges Maiesty had giuen â—…hem in commandemet 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 by no gentle meanâ—…s wyn 〈◊〉 to charge him in his Name with great â—…gratitude that â—…here was neuer found seruant â—…o his Soueraigne so vngrateâ—… nor subieâ—…t to his Prince so 〈◊〉 as he for tâ—…at by his 〈◊〉 sinister 〈◊〉 he had moâ—…t vnnaturally vrged procuâ—…ed his 〈◊〉 to set forth â—…a Booke Of the Asertion of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and maynâ—…nance of the Popes Authoriâ—… and therby caused him to 〈◊〉 great dishonour throughout 〈◊〉 to put a sword into the Popâ—…s handes to fight agaynst himselfe Now whâ—…n thâ—…y had thus laid 〈◊〉 these and all other such like terrours 〈◊〉 which they cold imagine agâ—…ynst him My Lordes quoth he these be but Bugbeares only to 〈◊〉 Children and not me Bâ—…t to answere that wherewith you do 〈◊〉 accuse me I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the Kings 〈◊〉 out of his Honour wilâ—…â—…euer lay any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to my châ—…rge for thâ—…e is no man in the world thâ—…t can in that 〈◊〉 sâ—…y 〈◊〉 in my excuse thâ—…n his 〈◊〉 himselfe who knoweth right well that 〈◊〉 uer was his procurer or Counsellour therevnto but after it was
Syr I am very glad thereof And as they after coÌ„iectured it was for that the loue he had to God wrought in him so effectually that it vtterly conquered all his â—…arnall affections At his comming to Lambetâ—… he behaued himselfe so discreetly before the Commissioners at the ministration of the forsaid Oath as may be seene at large in certayne Letters of his sent to M. rs Roper extant in a printed volume of his works as they had litle or nothing to lay vnto his charge yet durst they not as it seemed dismisse him but coÌ„mitted him to the cuâ—…tody of the Abbot of Westminster for 4. or 5. dayes during with tyme the King consulted with his Counsell what order were best to be taken with him â—…nd albeit in the beginning it was resolued that he should vpoÌ„ his oath be discharged yet did Queene Anne through her importunate clamours so farre preuaile with the King against him that contrary to the Commissioners expectation he was committed to the Tower Now as he was conducted thitherward by water wearing as he commonly did a chayne of gold about his Nâ—…cke M. â—…chard Crâ—…mwell who had the charge of conueying him to prison aduised him to send home his Chayne to his wife or to some of his ChildreÌ„ Nay quoth he that will I not for if I were taken in the field by myne enemy I would he should fare somwhat the better for me At his landing at the Tower gate M. Lieutenant was ready there to receiue him where the Gentleman Porter demanded of him his vpper garmeÌ„t Why heere it is quoth he presently tooke oâ—…f his Cap and deliuered it vnto him saying I am very sorry M. Porter that it is no better for you Nay quoth the Porter I must haue your Gowne Syr. OI cry you mercy good M. Porter for now indeed I remember that my Cappe is not my vpper garmeÌ„t but only the thatch of my poore old Tenement So then was he by M. Lieutenant conueyed to his Lodging where he called vnto him one Iohn Wood his owne seruant appoynted there to attend him who could neither write nor reade and swore him before the Lieutenant that if he should heare or see at any time his Maister write or speake any manner of thing agaynst the King Councell or State of the land he should reueale it to the LieutenaÌ„t that the LieutenaÌ„t might make the same knowne to the Counsell After he had remayned in the Tower about a moneth his daughter Roper hauing greatly desired to see her Father made earnest suite got leaue to visit him at whose coÌ„ming after the saying of the seauen Psalmes Letanyes which he was euer accustomed to say with her before they fell into discourse of any other matter among other speaches he said vnto her I belieue Megge that they who haue put me heere thinke they haue done me a great displeasure But I assure thee on my fayth myne owne good daughter if it had not ben for my wife you my Children whome I accoÌ„pt the chiefe part of my charge I would not haue failed long ere now to haue inclosed my selfe in a straiter roome then this But since I am come hither without myne owne desert I trust that God of his goodnes will disburden me of my care and with his gracious help supply my want amongst you And I find no cause I thanke God Megge to reckon my selfe in worse case heere then in myne owne house For me thinkes in this case God maketh me euen a wanton setting me vpon his knee and dandling me Thus by his patient suffering and cheerfull demeanour in all his tribulations and disasters it plainly appeared that nothing seemed painfull vnto him but rather a profitable Exercise for the good of his soule Then wheÌ„ he had questioned a while with his daughter about his wife Children and houshold state in his absence he asked her how Queene Anne did Neuer better Father quoth she Neuer better Megge quoth he Alas alas it pittieth me to remember into what misery poore Soule she will shortly come After this M. Lieutenant coÌ„ming one to day his chamber to visit him recouÌ„ting the many courtesies and benefits that he had heertofore receiued at his hands and therfore how much the more bound he was to entâ—…ertayne him friendly make him good chere which the case standing as it did he could not as he would do without the Kings high displeasure therfore hoped he would accept of his good will and of such poore cheere as he had Maâ—…ster Lieuâ—…nant quoth Syr Thomas More now verily I belieue all you haue said to be true for which I do most hartily thanke you And assure your selfe M Lieutenant when you see me mislike my cheere then thrust me out of your doores as a very vnthankefull Guest Now wheras the Oath aboue mentioned made to confiâ—…me the K. Supremacy mariage was coÌ„prised in very few woâ—…des the Lord Chauncâ—…llour Secretary Cromwâ—… 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 owne heads adde more woâ—…s vâ—…to it to make it appeaâ—…e of more force and to 〈◊〉 better in the Kings eare whiâ—…h Oath so amplified they had caused to be ministred to Syâ—… Tâ—…mas More to al others throghout the Kingdome The which Syr Thomas More perceiuing said one day to his daughter Roper I may tell thee Mâ—…gge they that committed me hither for refusing the Oath not agreable to the Statute are not by their own law able to iustify my imprisoment And surely Daughter it is great piâ—…y that any ChristiaÌ„ Prince should by so flexible a Counsell ready to follow his affeâ—…tions by so weake a Clergy wanting grace to stand constantly to their Religion with â—…attery be so grosâ—…ely abused But at length the Lord Chancellour M. Secretary espying their owne ouersight in that behalfe were glad afterwards to sind a meanes that another Staâ—… should be made for the conâ—…mation of the sayd Oath so amplifyed with theyr additions And wheras Syr Thomas More had made a conueyance for the disposing of his laÌ„des reseruing onely vnto himselfe an estate for terme of life and after his descease some part therof to his wife children other some to his Sonne Ropers wife for a ioynture in consideration she was an 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 of more then a hundred 〈◊〉 by the yeare And likeâ—…se other some to M. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in recompence of then 〈◊〉 money with diuerâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ouer and besides All which coÌ„ueyances and asâ—…urances being made and finished longe before any matter wherof he was attaynted could be made an offence yet by Statute were they now all clearely auovded and all the lanâ—…s that he had in such sort assured vpon his wife and children by the sayd 〈◊〉 coÌ„trary to order of the lawes taken from them and forfaytâ—…d into the Kings handes except only that poâ—…tion which he had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his wife by reasoÌ„ that after the 〈◊〉 conueyaÌ„ce which was 〈◊〉 to â—…selfe for the terme of
his life he had vpon further consideration wâ—…thin two â—…ayes afâ—…r by another conu yance giuen the same immediatly to M. 〈◊〉 and his wâ—…e in present posseâ—…on So as the Staâ—… had only auoyded the fiâ—…st câ—…nueyance for faâ—…ting no more vnto the King theÌ„ had byn passed therâ—…n and the secoâ—…d conneyance passed to M. 〈◊〉 and his wife being dated two daâ—…es after falling without the compasse of the law was adâ—…dged good and valide Syr Thomas More being now prisoner in the Tower and one day looking fâ—…th at his window saw a Father of Syon named M. Râ—…ynolds and three monkes of the Châ—…rter house going out of the Tower to exâ—…cution for that they had refused the Oath of Supremaâ—… wherupo he languiâ—…hing it were with desyre to beare them compâ—…ny sayâ—… vnto his daâ—…ghter 〈◊〉 then preâ—…nt Looâ—…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thou not see that these blessed Fathers be now going as cherefully to their deathes as Bâ—…degromes to their marriages By whiâ—…h thou mâ—…yst see myne owne dâ—…re daughter what a great differenâ—…e there is between sâ—…ch as haue spent all theyr dayes in a religious hâ—…rd and penitentiall life and such as haue in this world like wretches as thy poore Father heere hath done consume all their tyme in pleasure and ease For which God oâ—…t of his gracious Gooâ—…nes wâ—…l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them to remayâ—…e 〈◊〉 in this vale of misery aâ—…d 〈◊〉 but wiâ—…l speedâ—…y 〈◊〉 them hece into the 〈◊〉 of his euer lasting Dâ—…ty Wâ—…ras â—…ny siâ—…ly Fatheâ—… 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 a moâ—…t wickeâ—… 〈◊〉 hath 〈◊〉 the whole course of his â—…serable life most 〈◊〉 God tâ—…king him not worthy to 〈◊〉 so â—…oone thereunto lâ—…ueth here him 〈◊〉 the world to be furthâ—…r tryed plungeâ—… and turmoyled in misery Within a whyâ—…e after M. Secretary came to him from the King and pretending much friendship towardes him said that the Kings Highnes was his good and gracious Lord not mynding any matter thence forward wherein he should haue cause of scruple to trouble his consâ—…ience As soone as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was departed to expresse what comfoâ—…t the 〈◊〉 of his speaches he tooke a coale for pen inke tâ—…en he had none wrote theâ—…e lynes following 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 looke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pleasantly begin to 〈◊〉 As 〈◊〉 thou wouldst my ruines all 〈◊〉 During my life thou shalt not me 〈◊〉 Truâ—…t I shall God to enter in a while Thy 〈◊〉 of Heauens sure and vniforme Euâ—…r after a calme looke I for a sterme Now Syr Thomas More had continued almost six weekes in the Tower before the Lady his wife could obteyne licence to visit him Who at her first comming to him like a good simple worldly woman bluntly saluted him in this manner What a good-care M. More I meruaâ—…le that you who haue ben alwayes hitherto taken for so wise a man will now so play the foole to ly here in this close filthy prison and be content to be thus shut vp amongst mice and rats when you mâ—…ght be abroad at your liberty with the fauour and good will both of the King and his Counsell if you would buâ—… do as all the Bishops best leaâ—…ned of the Realme haue done And since you haue at Chelsey a right fayre house your Library your Bookes your Garden your Orchard all other necessaryes haÌ„dsome about you where also you might in the coÌ„pany of me your wife Children and houshold be merry 〈◊〉 muse what a Gods Name you meane thus foÌ„dly to tarry here After he had a while quietly heard her with a cheerefull couÌ„tenance he said vnto her I pray thee good 〈◊〉 Alice tell me one thinge What is that quoth she Is not this house as neere Heauen as myne owne whereto after her accustomed homely fashion not liking such speaâ—…hes she answered Tille-valle â—…valle How say you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is it not so quoth he 〈◊〉 Deus bone 〈◊〉 man will your old Tricks neuer be left quoth she againe Well then M. rs Alice said he if it be so it is very well for I see no great cause why I should ioy much either in my gay house or in any thing belonging thereunto when as if I should but liue seauen yeares vnder ground and then rise againe and come thither I should not fayle to find some dwelling therein that would bid me get out of doores tell me it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 myne What cause then haue I to loue such a house as would so soonâ—… forget his old Master So as her perswasions moued him nothing at all Not loÌ„g after this there came vnto him the Lord Chancellour the Dukes of Norfolke and Suâ—…folke with Maister Secretary and diuers of the priuy Counsell at two seuer all tymes whâ—… vsed all possible policy to procure him either precisely to coÌ„â—…fesse the Supremacy or directly to deny it Whereunto 〈◊〉 appeareth by the booke of hiâ—… Examinations they could ne uer bring him or iustly taxe him for the contrary Shortly heereupon one M 〈◊〉 created after wardes Lorâ—… Rich that then was newly madâ—… the Kings Soâ—…citour Syr Richard Southwell one M. Paâ—…mer seruant to the Secretary were sent vnto Syr Thomas More vnder colour of fetching hiâ—… Bookes away from him Anâ—… whilst Syr Richard Southwell anâ—… M. Palmer were busy in pâ—…king them vp M. Rich pretending frieÌ„dly discourse with him amogst other things of set purpose as it seemed said thus vnto him For as much as it is well knowne M. More that you are a man both wise and well learned aswell in the lawes of the Realme as otherwise I pray you therefore let me in courtesy and good will be so bold to put you this case Admit there were Syr quoth he an Act of Parlament that all the Kingdome should take me for King would not you then M. More take me for King Yes marry quoth Syr Thomas More that would I Then I put case further quoth M. Rich Admit there were an Act of Parlament that all the Realme should take me for Pope would not you theâ—… M. More take me for Pope For answere quoth Syr Thomas More to your first case the Parlament may well M. Rich meddle with the state of temporal Princes but to make answere to your later case Suppose the Parlament would make a law that God should not be God would you M. Rich then say that God were not God No Syr quoth he that would I not No more quoth Syr Thomas More as M. Rich after reported of him could the Parlament make the King supreme head of the Church And so M. Rich with the rest departed Now vpon the only report of this speach Syr Thomas More was indited of Treason vpon the Statute whereby it was made Treason to deny the King to be supreme head of the Church into which Inditement were put these heynous words 〈◊〉 Traitrously and 〈◊〉 Whereupon presently after he was brought froÌ„ the Tower 〈◊〉 answere the Inditement at the Kings Bench barre being there arraigned before the