with Sir Thomas More that had not in this Parliament in all things satisfied his desires suddenly arose and departed and afterwards in his Gallery at White-hall in Westminster uttered unto him all his grief saying Would to God Mr. More you had been at Rome when I made you Speaker Your Grace not offended so would I too my Lord said Sir Thomas and to put it out of the Cardinalls head he began to talk of that Gallery of his saying I like this Gallery of yours my Lord better then your other at Hampton-Court With which so wise digression he broke off the Cardinals displeasant talk so that at that time he said no more to him But yet afterwards in revenge of his displeasure he counselled the King to send him Embassador Lieger into Spain commending unto his Highnesse his wisdome learning and fitnesse for that employment and the difficulty of the Cause considered he said there was none better able to serve his Grace therein which when the King had broken to Sir Tho. More and he had declared unto his Majesty how unfit a journey it was for him to undertake the nature of the Countrey and disposition of his complexion so disagreeing that he was never likely to do his Grace acceptable service therein knowing for certain that if his Grace sent him thither he should send him to his grave yet neverthelesse shewing in himself a readinesse according to his duty although with the peril of his life to fulfill his Majesties pleasure therein the King allowing well his answer said unto him It is not our meaning Mr. More to do you hurt but to do you good we would be glad we therefore will think of some other and imploy your service otherwise And such entire favour did the King bear him that he made him Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster upon the death of Sir Richard Wingfield who had that office before King Henry took so great pleasure in Sir Thomas his company that he would suddenly sometimes come to his house at Chelsey to be merry with him whither on a time unlooked for he came and dined with him and after dinner in a fair garden of his walked about an hour holding his arm about his neck As soon as his Grace was gone his son-in-law Mr. Rooper rejoycing thereat told him how happy he was whom the King had so familiarly entertained as he had never seen him do to any before except Cardinall Wolsey whom he saw his Majesty once walk with arm in arm I thank our Lord son Rooper said he I finde his Grace my very good Lord indeed and I beleeve he doth as singularly favour me as any subject within this Kingdome yet sonne Rooper I may tell thee I have no cause to be proud of it for if my Head would winne him a Castle in France for then there was war between us it would not fail to go off By which words he evidently shewed how little he joyed either in the Kings favour or in his worldly honour who knew well King Henrie's nature that what shew of friendship soever he made to any yet he loved none but for his own ends Sir Thomas More though in great honour and favour with his Prince was not therefore puft up with pride disdain or arrogancy but was of such a milde behaviour and excellent temper that he could never be moved to any passion or anger as his son-in-law witnesseth who affirms that in sixteen years time and more that he dwelt in his house and was continually conversant with him he could never perceive him so much as once in a passion and one Margaret Gigs who was brought up with Sir Thomas his children and used no otherwise then one of them being a singular learned woman saith that sometimes she would commit a fault for the nonce to hear Sir Thomas chide her he did it with such gravity such moderation such love and compassion His meeknesse also was very perspicuous in this if it had fortuned him with any learned men resorting to him from Oxford Cambridge or elsewhere as there did divers come for desire of his acquaintance some for the famous report of his wisdome and learning and some for suits of the Universities to have entred into disputation wherein few were comparable to him and so far to have discoursed with him therein that he might perceive they could not without some inconvenience hold out much further argument against him then lest lie should discourage them as he that sought not his own glory ever shewing himself more desirous to learn then to teach he would by some witty invention break off into some other matter and give over Upon a time the Water-bailiffe of London sometime his servant hearing where he had been at dinner certain Merchants liberally to rail against his old Master was so discontented at it that he hastily came to him and told him what he had heard and Were I said he in such favour and authority with my Prince as you are such men surely should not be suffered so villainously and falsely to misreport and slander me wherefore I could wish you would call them before you and to their shame for their malice punish them who smiling on him said Why Mr. Water bailiffe would you have me punish those by whom I receive more benefit then by you all that be my friends let them a Gods name speak as basely as they please of me and shoot never so many arrowes at me so long as they do not hit me what am I the worse but if they should once hit me then indeed would it not a little trouble me yet I trust by Gods help there shall none of them all be able to touch me I have more cause I assure thee Mr. Water-bailiffe to pity them then to be angry with them Such height of perfection had he now attained that he was neither allured by hopefull gains nor deterr'd one whit from his duty by evil tongues still carrying one and the same alacrity in all crosses and adversities as in the following discourse it will more appear CHAP. V. 1. Sir Thomas Mores prompt and ready wit 2. His charity to his neighbours 3. His friendship with learned men at home and abroad SIR Thomas More was a man of such readinesse of Wit that at such time as he attended upon his Highnesse in his progresse either to Oxford or Cambridge where he was received with very eloquent Orations his Majesty alwayes appointed him to answer them extempore as he that was most prompt and ready for it Sir Thomas being Chancellour of the Dutchy was made Embassador twice joyned in commission with Cardinall Wolsey once to the Emperour Charls into Flanders the other time to the French King into France whose manner was whensoever he had occasion to be in any University not only to be present at their Readings and Disputations but also learnedly to dispute himself amongst them to the great
admiration of all the Auditory for his knowledge in all sciences who being once at Burgesse in Flanders an arrogant fellow had set up a Thesis that he would answer any question could be propounded unto him in what Art soever Sir Thomas made this question to be put up for him to answer whether Averia capta in Withernamia sunt irreplegebilia adding that there was one of the English Embassadors retinue that would dispute with him thereof This. Thraso or Braggadochio not so much as understanding those terms of our common Law knew not what to answer to it and so he became ridiculous to the whole City for his presumptuous bragging On a time whilest the divorce was so hotly pursued by the King as you shall understand hereafter he walking with his son-in-law Mr. Rooper along the Thames side neer Chelsey among other discourse said unto him Now would to our Lord sonne Rooper upon condition that three things were well established in Christendome I were put into a sack and here presently cast into the Thames What great things be those Sir said he that should move you so to wish Wouldst thou know what they be son Rooper said he in saith they be these The first is That where most part of Christian Princes be now at mortall warre they were at an universal peace The second That where the Church of Christ is at this time sore afflicted with many errors and Heresies it were setled in a perfect uniformity of Religion The third is That whereas the Kings marriage is now brought in question it were to the glory of God and quietnesse of all parties well concluded whereby as this Mr. Rooper thought he judged that otherwise it would be a disturbance to a great part of Christendome Thus did it by his doings throughout the whole course of his life appear that all his labour and pains without respect of earthly profit either to himself or any of his were onely and wholly bestowed and employed to the service of God the Prince and the Kingdome who as this Mr. Rooper hath heard him in his latter time to say never asked of the King for himself the value of one penny Now as he did not regard proud and vain men so was he an intire and speciall good friend to all the learned men in Christendome with whom almost he had continuall intercourse of Letters but of all strangers Erasmus challengeth unto himself his love most especially which had long continued between them by mutual letters expressing great affection it encreased so much that he took a journey on purpose into England to see and enjoy his personall acquaintance at which time it is reported how that he who conducted him in his passage procured that Sir Thomas More and he should first meet together in London at the Lord Maiors Table neither of them knowing each other where in the dinner time they chanced to fall into disputation Erasmus still endeavouring to defend the worser part but he was so sharply set upon and opposed by Sir Thomas More that perceiving he was now to argue with a readier wit then ever before he had met withall he broke forth into these words not without some choler Autâ—tues Morus aut nullus whereto Sir Thomas readily replyed Aut tu es Erasmus aut Diabolus because at that time he was strangely disguised and had endeavoured to defend impious propositions for although he was a singular Humanist and one that could utter his minde in most eloquent phrase yet had he alwayes a delight to scoffe at religious matters and finde fault with all sorts of Clergy-men which is the reason that he is called by some Errans-mus CHAP. VI. 1 Sir More 's home-entertainments and devotions 2 His behaviour to his Wife and Children 3 His miraculous cure upon his daughter Margaret by prayer NOw although Sir Thomas More lived a Courtier yet when he came home as his daily custome was besides his private prayers with his Wife and Children to say the seven Psalms and the Letany so was he wont also every night to go to his Chappell with his wife children and houshold and there upon his knees ordinarily to say certain Psalms and Collects with them And because he was desirous for godly purposes to be solitary and sequester himselfe from worldly affairs he builded a good distance from his mansion house a place which he called the New-building wherein there was a Chappell a Library and a Gallery in which as his custome was upon other dayes to busie himselfe in prayer and meditation so on Fridayes he used to continue there from morning till evening spending his time only in devout prayers and spirituall exercises He would not suffer any of his servants either to be idle or to give themselves to games but some of them he appointed to look to the Garden assigning to every man his severall plat some he set to sing and some to play on the Organs the men abode on one side of the house and the women on the other seldome conversing together Erasmus saith that there was a fatall felicity fallen on the servants of that house that none lived but in better estate after Sir Thomas Mores death then before and none of them touched with the least aspersion of any evil fame He used to have one read every day at his table which being ended he would ask some of them how they understood such and such a place whereupon proceeded friendly communication recreating all men that were present with some jest or other When he observed any of his to spend much time in dressing themselves to be fine in their apparell he would tell them That if God gave them not Hell he should do them much wrong for they took more pains to please the world and the Devill then many even vertuous men did to cleanse their souls and please God And to stir up his Wife and Children to the desire of heavenly things he would sometimes use these words unto them It is now no mastery for you Children to goe to heaven for every body giveth you good counsell and good example you see vertue rewarded and vice punished so that you are carryed up to heaven as it were by the Chins but if you live the time that no man will give you good counsell nor good example when you shall see vertue punished and vice rewarded if you will then stand fast and firmly stick to God upon pain of my life though you be but half good God will allow you for whole good If his Wife or any of his Children had been diseased or troubled he would say unto them We may not look at our pleasure to goe to heaven in feather-beds that is not the way for our Lord himself went thither through great pain and by many tribulations and the servant may not look to be in better condition then his Master And as
seemeth to make it then do I my Lord see little cause why that thing in my conscience should make any change for I do not doubt but of the learned and vertuous men that are yet alive I speak not only of this Realm but of all Christendome about there aâ—e ten to one that are of my mind in this matter But if I should speak of those learned Doctors and vertuous Fathers that are already dead of whom many are Saints in Heaven I am sure that there are far more who all the while they lived thought in this Case as I think now And therefore my Lord I think my self not bound to conform my conscience to the Councell of one Realm against the generall consent of all Christendome Now when Sir Thomas had taken as many exceptions as he thought fit for the avoiding of this Inditement the Lord Chancellor having bethought himself being unwilling now to have the whole burthen of his condemnation to lye upon himself asked openly there the advice of the Lord Chief Justice of England Sir John Fitz James whether this Inditement were sufficient or no who answered thus My Lords all by S. Gillian that was ever his Oath I must needs confesse that if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then in my Conscience the inditement is not insufficient Whereupon the Lord Chancellor said to the rest of the Lords Loe my Lords loe You hear what my Lord Chief Justice saith and so immediately he pronounced this Sentence THat he should be brought back to the Tower of London by the help of Will. Bingston Sheriffe and from thence drawn on a hurdle through the City of London to Tiburn there to be hanged till he be half dead after that cut down yet alive his privie parts cut off his belly ripped his bowels burnt and his four quarters set up over four Gates of the City his head upon London bridge This Sentence was by the Kings pardon changed afterwards into only beheading because he had born the highest Office in the Kingdome Of which mercy of the Kings word being brought to Sir Thomas he answered merrily God forbid the King should use any more such to any of my friends and God blesse all my posterity from such pardons After his Sentence pronounced the Judges courteously offered him that if he had any thing else to alleadge in his defence they would grant him favourable audience who answered I have nothing to say my Lords butthat Like as the Blessed Apostle St. Paul as we read of in the Acts of the Apostles was present and consented to the death of S. Stephen and kept their cloaths that stoned him to death yet be they now both twain holy Saints in Heaven and shal continue there friends for ever So I verily trust shal therefore right heartily pray that though your Lordships have been now judges on Earth to my condemnation we may yet hereafter all meet together in Heaven merrily to our everlasting salvation And so I pray God preserve you all and especially my Soveraign Lord the King and send him faithful Counsellors CHAP. XV. 1 The manner how Sir THOMAS MORE was led back to the Tower 2 His daughter Margarets great expression of love to him now condemned 3 How devoutly and resolutely Sir T. expected his execution 4 Notice of the time of his death sent him by the King 5 The manner and form of his death 6 The Kings sadnesse there pon 7 Physiognomy of Sir THOMAS MORE NOW after his condemnation he was conducted from the Bar to the Tower again an Axe being carried before with the edge towards him and was led by Sir William Kingston who was then Constable of the Tower and his very dear friend who when he had brought him from Westminster to the old Swan on his way to the Tower he there with a sad heart the tears running down his cheeks took his leave of him Sir Thomas M. seeing him so sorrowful with a cheerful countenance began to comfort him saying Good Mr. Kingstone trouble not your self but be of good chear for I will pray for you and my good Lady your Wife that we may meet in Heaven together where we shall be merry for ever and ever A little after this Sir William talking with Mr. Rooper thereof said In good faith Mr. Rooper I was ashamed of my self that at parting with your Father I found my heart so weak and his so stout that he was fain to comfort me who should rather at that time have comforted him But a conscience clear and at ease is a comfort which no earthly power can either give or take away the which by his demeanour and expressions it doth plainly appear he had Now that I may not omit what before I should have spoken of I will here mention a great experiment of love in the only Son of Sir Thomas More who upon his fathers landing at the old Swan like a most dutifull child did cast himself down at his feet humbly craving his blessing not without tears whom he therefore blessed and kissed most lovingly When Sir Thomas More was now come to the Tower wharf his best beloved daughter Margaret wife to Mr. Rooper being very desirous to see her father whom she thought she should never see in this world more diligently attended his comming at the Tower-wharf where she was certain he must pass by whom as soon as she had espied after she had on her knees received his fatherly blessing she ran hastily unto him and without consideration or care of her self passing through the midst of the throng and guard who with Bils and Halberts compassed him about there openly in the sight of them all embraced him took him about the neck and kissed him not able to expresse any words but these My Father O my Father He liking well this most naturall and dear affection of hers towards him gave her his blessing and told her That whatsoever he should suffer though he were innocent yet it was not without the will of God and that she knew well enough all the secrets of his heart counselling her to conform her will to Gods blessed pleasure and bad her be patient for her losse From whom after she was departed she not satisfied with the former Farewell like one who had forgotten her self ravished with the entire love of so worthy a father having neither respect to her self nor the presse of people about him suddenly ran to him took him about the neck and many times together most lovingly kissed him whereat he spake not one word but carrying still his gravity tears also fell from his eyes nay they were but sew in all the throng who at the sight of this could refrain from weeping no not the guard themselves yet at last with a most sorrowful heart she was forced to depart from him O what singular act of affection was this for a woman of nature bashful by education
against School Divinity because truth is there called in doubt not without danger we inveigh against you because false matters are held by you undoubtedly for truth it self NOw because there is an English Chronologer that terms him a scoffing man because his writings and doings were full of witty jests calling him a wise foolish man or a foolish wise man I think it very fit to set down in this place the reason out of his own writings why he hath used so many pleasant passages in his books it is this Even as some sick men saith he will take no medecines unlesse some pleasant thing be put among their potions although perhaps it be somewhat hurtful yet the Physitian suffereth them to have it So because many will not willingly hearken to serious and grave documents except they be mingled with some fable or jest therefore reason willeth us to do the like And in his great volume page 1048 he saith that jests are as it were sawce whereby we are recreated that we may eat with more appetite but as that were an absurd Banquet in which there were few dishes of meat and much variety of sawces and that an unpleasant one where there were no sawce at all even so that life were spent idly where nothing were but mirth and jollity and again that tedious and uncomfortable wherein no pleasure or mirth were to be expected Which mirth as it may well become all men so most especially did it become such a one as Sir Thomas M. being a marryed man nay a Courtier and companion to his Prince of whom I suppose that may worthily be spoken which Titus Livius recounteth of Cato thus In this man there was such excellency of wit and wisdome that he seemeth to have been able to make his fortune in what place soever he had been born he wanted no 〈…〉 for the managing of private or publique businesses he was experienced both in Countrey and City affairs some are raised to honour either because they are excellent Lawyers singularly eloquent or of admirable vertues but the towardlinesse of this mans understanding framed him so to all employments that you would suppose him for to be born for one alone In the practise of vertues you would judg him rather a Monk then a Courtier in learning a most famous writer if you would ask his counsell in the Law he was most ready to advise you the best if he were to make an Oration he would shew wonderfull eloquence he was admirable in all kind of Learning Latine Greek Prophane Divine if there were an Embassie to be undertook none more expert to finish it in giving solid and sound counsell in doubtful Cases none more prudent to tel the truth without fear none more free as farre from all flattery as he was open and pleasant full of grace in delivering his judgment and that which Cato had not he was most happy in For Livie saith that he had a sowre behaviour and a tongue immoderately free and full of taunting but Sir Thomas was mild and of an humble heart neither sad nor turbulent and besides of a pleasant conversation never stern but out of zeal for his Religion a great contemner either of unlawful pleasures or of inordinate riches anâ— glory And as Cato had much enmity with divers Senators so many of them on the other side did exercise his patience that one can hardly discern whether the nobility did presse him more or he the nobility but on the contrary Sir Thomas More never had any private or publique grudge with any man nay surely no man can suppose any to have been his enemy being born wholly to friendship and affability and as he was nothing inferiour to Cato for gravity integrity and innocency being as exact a hater of all vice and as stern to all wicked men as he so did he fâ—rre excell him in meeknesse sweetnesse of behaviour and pleasantnesse of wit nay I fear I do him too much injury to compare him with any the best of morall Philosophers who was indued with such supernaturall perfections and no doubt notwithstanding his judgment high in the favour of God FINIS S. Thomas Mores parentage The place and time of his birth An evident danger strangly escaped in his infancy His first studies employment In S. Anthonies School in London In Cardinal Moortons house His towardliness in the Cardinals retinue The Cadinal sendeth him to Oxford He is sent to New-Inne To Lincolus-Inne His publique Lectures upon S. Austin De Civitate Dei Sir Thomas More his marriage and first wife Chosen out of a charitable compassion against his own inclination His rare knowledge in the law His children by her K. Henry the 7. offended with Sir Tho. More He crosseth the K. in Parliament in an unjust imposition Sir John More the father imprisoned to be revenged on the son Bad counsel given by a politique Bishop Avoided by counsell of the Bishops Chaplain He retires to his quieter studies He is made one of the Under-Sheriffs of London His plentifull but honest gains His integrity in his profession of the Law The beginning of Sir Tho. More 's favour with K. Henry the 8. Warily ae the first declined by S. Tho. More By pleading for the Pope against the King he makes him one of his Privy Councell Sir Thomas More knighted The familiarity of K. Henry with Sir Thomas Discreetly lessened by Sir Thomas himself Sir Thomas made Treasurer of the Exchequer He is by the K. chosen Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Who was then Cardinal wolsey His first request to the King His second request Cardinal Wolsey's entry into the Parliament His motion to the lower House Frustrated by Sir Th. More Who pleasantly and wittily diverteth the Cardinals displeasure He obtaineth against him not to be sent Lieger Embassador into Spain He is made Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster Sir More 's judgement of K Henrie's extraordinary favour His courteous behaviour in the midst of his honours His meeknesse in reprehending Patience joyned to perfection His readinesse of wit upon all occasions His charity to his neighbours His three wishes for the good of Christendome Unity in Peace Unity in Religion An end of the Kings controversie He never asked any thing of the King His friendship with learned men Sir More 's acquaintance with Dr. Erasmus Roterodamus Sir More 's home entertainments and devotions His servants discipline His table talk Against too much curiosity in dressing His counsell given to his wife and Children To desire heavenly things To bear afflictions patiently To resist the temptations of the Devil A happy houshold Their ordinary recreations His miraculous cure upon his daughter Margaret Cardinal Wolsey his ambition Pope Adrian's humility Longland B. of Wolsy's instrument K. Henry communicateth with Sit Thomas More his scruple concerning his first marriage The beginning of K. Henrie's separation from the Church of Rome Scruple of his marriage with Queen Katharine Commissioners from
Rome about it The dispensation questioned And supplyed by a new confirmation He foresaw the fal of his Religion in England Sir Thomas More 's Embassie for peace and his happy successe therein Bishop Stokely his quirk in Queen Katharines marriage His conference with Sir Thomas about it Stokely undermines the Cardinal The Cardinals fal Sir Thomas More elected Lord Chancellor The honorable Ceremony with which he was enstald The Duke of Norfolk's Oration in behalf of Sir Thomas More Of his worthiness for so great an employment The first Lay-man that ever was made Lord Chancellor Good reasons why that old custome was now salt red Sir Tho. Mores modest and discrete reply He acknowledgeth his own unworthiness The Dukes love The Kings favour bounty Which he esteems beyond his deserts All which increase in him a resolution to discharge well this so great charge He desireth favourable interpretation of his endeavours A wise consideration of his predecessors example The dangeâ—s of high honours A warning to use them well Sir Thomas Mores behaviour to all suitors especially to the poorer sort No access to Bribery Means how great men may do favours in justice Notable integrity Even against his own kindred * Long delaies in Law the misery of poor Clients remedied by Sir Tho. More A pleasant Tale of a Tub. Sir Thomas More 's humble behaviour towards his Father the antientest Judg of the Kingdome His admirable zeal in the cause of his Religion A liberal reward proffered him nobly by the Bishops of England As nobly and magnanimously refused by him only for Gods caused Sir Thomas More his penances Hair-shirt His merâ—ciful works to his poor neighbours Liberality to his parish Church K. Henry desires Sir Thomas to allow his divorce Sir Thomas Mores refusal for the time accepted by the King A Parliament called for Q. Annes marriage Sir Thomas sues to depose his Office Sir More 's humbleness in the height of his Honours A remarkable Record that no Cause was left undecided in the Chancery The death of Sir John More Sir Tho. never enjoied his Fathers inheritance Rare poverty in a Lord High Chancellor Upon Sir Thomas his suite to resign up his Office the King graciously accepteth his desire Of his Children living with him All his Children hitherto dwelt with him An incomparable resolution after so great an honour to bear chearfully so low an estate Honourable poverty in so great a personage A pleasant jest to divert his wife from sorrow His remote preparations for suffering Continual talking of spiritual matters A good lesson for a Statesman The marriage concluded at St. Albans to be lawfull Sir Thomas More refuseth to be at Q Anns marriag His counfell and prediction to the Bishops his friends A notable story prophetically applyed His resolution rather to be devoured then deflowred The kings displeasure Sir Thomas his more immediate preparation for death A Christian stratagem The first occasion of calling him in question for Q. Anne The Nun of Kent warned by revelation to rebuke K. Henry She conferreth her revelation with Bish Fisher Her talk with Sir Tho. More Accusatians procuredagainst Sir Tho. More That he impugned the Kings marriage â—…rrels picked against his Chancellorship A supposed Bribe pleasantly confuted A courteous refususal of an honest reward Another of like nature Sir Thomas his first examinations The kings Deputies to attach Sir Thomas More Their fair words to win him Fairly answered with a mild and constant refusal The Deputies threats Sir Thomas More accused for Author of the Kings Boâ—k for the Pope His evident refutation Wise and wary counsel of Sir Tho. to the King the King acknowledgeth the obligation of his Crown to Rome His merry heart after his examination A fall given to the Devil The Kings indignation against Sir Tho. More Prudent and politique advine in so bad a Cause Proceeding against Sir Tho. More deferred A gallant answer to a friends fear The Oath of supremacy Sir Tho. cited to take it His preparation before his going His discreet behaviour in that cause He resuseth the Oath for conscience sake All the Clergie but Bish Fisher and D. Wilson did take the Oath Upon what conditions Sir Tho. offered to set down his reasons of refusal Sir More 's offer proceedeth not of uncertainty but because he was sure his reasons were unaswerable All Christendome of more authority then all England The Oath of succession Sir More 's imprisonment first in Westminster Then by Q. Annes importunity in the Tower The upper garment the Porters Fee His mans Oath His discourse with his daughter Margaret Prevented with Prayers The comfort he found in his impriâ—onment Sir Thomas More foretelleth Q Annes death His pleasant answer to his Keepers honest excuse The ignorance of the Oath makers His meditation on death upon the execution of 24 Religious men Secretary Cromwel hiâ— visit A pretty dialogue between Sir Tho. More and his Lady His answer The prisâ—n as neer heaven as his own house Eternity to be preferred before Temporality Another visit Mr. Rich his Case Surely a poor ground for an Inditement of Treason An accident very remarkable if true at the taking away of his Books His merry jest upon it The substance of the inditement The Arraignment of Sir Tho. More His Inditement The Judges charges His resolution Sir Thomas his answer to the inditement 1. How sincerely he had alwaies told the King his mind concerning the marriage The continuation of his imprisonment and afflictions 2. Why he refused to tell his judgment of the law of Supremacy Lay-men not concerned in this Law No law can punish silence that is without malice Whether his silence were malicious Obedience first to God then to man 3. That he never counselled or induced B. Fisher The contents of his letters to the said Bishop 4. The law of Supremacy like a two-edged sword Mr. Rich his Oath against Sir Tho. More Disproved by Sir Th. Oath to the contrary His exception against the witnesse as unworthy of credit If it had been true there had been no Malice Malice in Law The improbability of Mr. Rich's deposition Mr. Rich his witnesses do fail him The Jury verdict guilty Excepted against by Sir Tho. The Act of Parliament against Gods Law No Lay-man may be head of the Church Against the Laws of the Kingdom Against the Kings own Oath Against the peculiar Obligation of England to Rome The Lord Chancellors reply The condemnation of Sir Th. More The Sentence Mitigated by the King Sir More 's charity to his Judges The manner of Sir Th. his return to the Tower Great constancy courtesie and chariâ—y A great experiment of love in the only son of Sir Th. More The great passion of his daughter Margaret A consideration of this mutuall passion of father daughter How devoutly and cheerfully he attended his execution His pleasant comceit upon a Courtier His last letter to his daughter Margaret His blessing to his heir His hair-shirt and Discipline Notice given him from the King of of the day of his death Most welcome unto him He must use but few words at his execution His wife and children permitted to be at his burial His comfortable courage He puts on his best apparell that day His liberality to his executioner The manner of his death His words at his death His prayers Words to the Executioner He covereth his eyes himself His death The K. sadnesse at the news of his execution The imprisonment of his daughter Margaret The favour and physiognomy of Sir Thomas More The judgment of Charles the fifth Emperour and King of Spain concerning Sir Th. More 's death Circumstances worthy some consideration in his death A witty reprehension An unmannerly reprehension mannerlyreturned on the reprehender A bold debter handsomly told his own A pleasant arbitrament between his Lady and a begger A witty censure of a witlesse writing A merry mistake Sinners distasted Why few fear death No man sure of long life Worlds vanity Worldly losses hurt not The folly of old misers How fond it is to love this world Affliction more profitable then pleasure Against deferring of amendment Pusillanimity a dangerous temptation Danger of prosperity Of riches and honours All riches of this world none of our own Covetousnesse Bad Merchants Riches are not goods The worst affection Almes-deeds The world a prison To suffer for God Prayer Detraction Ingratitude Faith the mistresseâ— of reason Better prevent then redresse Desire of heaven Bad life no miracle School Divinity An Apologie for Sir Tho. M pleasantnesse of wit
THE HISTORY OF THE Life and Death OF Sr. THOMAS MORE Lord High Chancellor OF ENGLAND IN King HENRY the Eights time Collected by J. H. Gent. LONDON Printed for George Eversden and Henry Eversden and are to be sold at the Maiden-head and Grayhound in St. Pauls Church-yard 1662. To my worthily most honoured Kinsman C. HODDESDON Esq DEAR SIR BEsides the Obligation I have to you by Nature your Goodnesse hath given you the greatest interest that may be in my Time and Studies of which if I have made any improvement it is purely the Product and Influence of your Favour The sense hereof hath made me prefix your Name to this Endeavour of mine upon no other design then to make a publick profession that my self and studies hold of you as of the chief Lord. And if the pettinesse of what I tendr you here be apt to disable the justice of mine acknowledgments you can inform your self that a Rose or a pound of Cummin hath often been all the Rent-service that hath been reserved upon Estates of no inconsiderable value That that I here present you with is the Life of Sir Thomas More one of the greatest Ornaments of the Law a man of those high employments and so great parts to go through them that he can be no stranger to you nor doubt of a kind reception especially seeing you are of as eminent courtesie as parts I shall not venture to give any further Character of him or commend him to you but rather on the contrary expect that he will plead the boldness of my Dedication and assure my self a favourable acceptance of my poor labours from his vast worth Sir I have dealt with him as his Nurse did thrown him over the hedge into your Armes lest his memory should perish in the waters of Lethe Or as some common Souldier who if he have but common civility finding some person of great quality lying amongst the dead bodies and ready to become one of them will make a shift with a rude charity to lugger him out of the field und think himself sufficiently rewarded with the honour of preserving his life I as I travelled over the Memorials of the ancient Heroes met with this worthy Knight breathing his last in the field of honour and an ordinary sense of humanity ingaged me though unworthy that office to rescue him from oblivion unhandsomely I confesse but excusably because I could no better my weak capacity in the very beginning of this enterprize being overwhelmed with the plenty and copiousnesse of the subject I am confident King Henry the Eighth was not so much his enemy as to forbid posterity to think well of him nor his Sentence so severe as to condemne his Name as well as his Body to an execution his Name no more deserved to die then my pen does to preserve it yet which affords me some comfort what the Reader wants in this Book hee 'l find in his Life with which also I hope I have a good plea for the inconsiderablenesse of any thing which I can offer in return of all those obligations you have been pleased to lay upon mee which since I am never able to wipe off by strict and punctual satisfaction I presume your goodnesse will by a favourable acceptation hold me discharg'd in Chancery I am Sir your most affectionate Kinsman to serve and honor you J. H. The Heads of the following Chapters CHAP. I 1 SIr More 's parentage 2 The place and year of his birth 3 His education first studies and employments of youth CHAP. II 1 SIr Thomas More his Marriage 2 His first preferment 3 His danger in King Hen. 7. Reign CHAP. III 1 His integrity in his profession of the Law 2 The beginning of his favour with King Henry the eight 3 The first honours bestowed by K. Henry the eight on Sir Thomas More 4 He is made Speaker of the lower House of Par. CHAP. IV 1 CArdinal Wolsey his preposition in Parliament frustrated by Sir Thomas More 2 Sir Thomas More made Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster 3 His gentle disposition on all occasions CHAP. V 1 SIr Th. M. prompt and ready Wit 2 His Charity to his Neighbours 3 His friendship with learned men at home and abroad CHAP. VI 1 SIr More 's home entertainments and devotions 2 His behaviour to his Wife and Children 3 His miraculous cure upon his daughter Mâ—rgaret by prayer CHAP. VII 1 THe ambition of Cardinal Wolsey 2 King H soruple concerning his marriage communicated to Sir Th. More 3 Sir More 's prediction of the alteration of his Religion in England 4 His Embassie for peace and happy success therein CHAP. VIII 1 THe Cardinal degraded of his Office 2 Sir Thomas More made Lord Chancellor of England CHAP. IX 1 SIr Thomas More 's affable behaviour and integrity in his Chancellorship 2 His wise remedying of long delaies in suits of law 3 His humble behaviour towards his Father 4 His admirable zeal in the cause of his Religion CHAP. X 1 SIr More 's penances continued in the midst of his honours 2 His charity to his poor neighbours of Chelsey 3 He refuseth to allow of Kin. Hen. divorcement 4 He sues to depose his Office 5 The death of Sir John More his Father 6 Such incredible poverty in so eminent a person a sure sign of incomparable integrity CHAP. XI 1 SIr More 's contempt of honour declared in deposing the great dignity of Chancellorship 2 His resolution to live poorly 3 He prepareth himself for his sufferings as foreseeing them 4 He refuseth to be present at Q. Annes marriage CHAP. XII 1 THe beginning of the Kings indignation 2 Sir Th. More disposeth himself more immediately to suffer death 3 Divers accusations procured against Sir Thomas alleâ—sily avoided by his innocency 4 The Nun of Canterbury first occasion of calling Sir Thomas More in question concerning Queen Anne 5 His first examination before the Kings Deputies 6 His merry heart and gallant â—esolution after his examination CHAP. XIII 1 SIr Tho. More refuseth the Oath of Supremacy and succession 2 Sir Th. More 's imprisonment first in Westminster then in the Tower 3 His discourse with his daughter Margaret 4 A Dialogue between him and his Wife the Lady More 5 Mr. Rich his Case 6 His Books taken from him CHAP. XIV 1 SIr More 's Arraignment 2 His answer to their inditement 3 Mr. Rich's Oath against Sir Tho. clearly rejected 4 Sentence of death pronounced against Sir Thomas More CHAP. XV 1 THe manner how Sir Th. More was led back to the Tower 2 His daughter Margarets great expression of love to him now condemned 3 How devoutly and resolutely Sir Tho. expected his execution 4 Notice of the time of his death sent him by the King 5 The manner and form of his Death 6 The Kings sadnesse thereupon 7 Physiognomy of Sir Tho. More AView of Sir More 's Wit and Wisdome SOme few of Sir Tho. Apothegms collected out of
he would thus animate and incourage them to bear their afflictions patiently so would he also perswade them to withstand the Devil and his temptations valiantly comparing that our ghostly enemy to an Ape for as the Ape not well looked to will be busie and bold to do shrewd turns and contrarily being spyed and checkt for them will suddenly leap back and adventure no further so the Devill finding a man idle and slothfull and without resistance ready to receive his temptations groweth so hardy that he will not fail to follow him untill he hath throughly brought him to his purpose but on the other side if he see man with diligence persevere to prevent and withstand his temptations he groweth so weary that in conclusion he utterly forsaketh him for as the Devil in his disposition is a spirit of so high a pride that he cannot endure to be mocked so is he of nature so envious that he is more afraid any should assault him lest he should thereby not onely be shamefully foiled himself but also procure more matter of merit to his opposer Many such words tending to devotion and care of their souls had he every day at dinner and supper after the aforesaid reading was done and without all doubt waving their principles such a family as this might be a fit pattern of imitation for the most religious Protestant where every one was busied about somewhat or other no carding no dicing no wanton company keeping but as it were some in religious house all chaste all courteous all devout Their recreations was either musick of voices or Viols for which cause he procured his Wife to play thereon to draw her minde from the world to which by nature he perceived her to be much addicted Thus delighted he evermore not only in vertuous exercise to be employed himself but also to exhort his Wife and Children to follow the same On a time his daughter Margaret Wife to Mr. William Rooper fell sick of the sweating sicknesse of which many that year dyed who lying in so great extremity of that disease as by no inventions or devises of Physitians of whom she had divers both expert wise and well learned continually attendant about her she could be kept from sleep so that both Physitians and every one about her despaired of her recovery and gave her utterly over her father as he that most intirely tendred her being in no small heavinesse for her sought to get her remedy from God by Prayer whereupon going up as his custome was into hit foresaid New-building he there in his Chappel upon his knees most devoutly and with many tears besought Almighty God that it would please him of his goodnesse unto whom nothing was impossible if it were his blessed will at his mediation to vouchsafe graciously to hear his petition where presently it came into his minde that a Glyster was her only remedy which when he told the Physitians they by and by confessed if there were any hope of health that that was the very best help indeed much wondring that of themselves they had not before remembred it Then was it immediately applyed unto her sleeping which she by no means could have been brought unto waking and although after she was thereby throughly awaked Gods marks and evident undoubted tokens of death plainly appeared upon her yet she contrary to all their expectations miraculously recovered and shortly after was restored to perfect health again whom if it had pleased God at that time to have taken to his mercy her father solemnly protested that he would never have medled with worldly affairs more CHAP. VII 1 The Ambition of Cardinall Wolsey 2 King Henrie's scruple about his marriage communicated to Sir Thomas More 3 Sir More 's Prediction of the alteration of Religion in England 4 His Embassie for peace and happy successe therein WHile Sir Thomas More was Chancellor of the Dutchy the Sea of Rome chanced to be void which was cause of much trouble for Cardinall Wolsey a man of unsatiable ambition having crept up in favour of Charles the first hoped now by his means to aspire to that dignity but perceiving himself disappointed of his expectations by means of the Emperor Charles so highly commending one Cardinal Adrian sometime his Schoolmaster to the Cardinals of Rome in the time of their Election for his vertue and worthinesse that thereupon he was chosen Pope who from Spain where he was then resident coming on foot to Rome before his entry into the City did put off his hose and shooes barefooted and bareleg'd passing through the streets towards his Palace with such humblenesse that all the people had him in great reverence But Cardinall Wolsey was so inraged at it and so stomach'd the Emperor for ever after that he studied all wayes how he might possibly revenge himself against him which as it was the beginning of a lamentable Tragedy so some part thereof as not impertinent to my present purpose I suppose requisite here to insert This Cardinal therefore not ignorant of the Kings unconstant and fickle disposition upon every light occasion soon inclined to withdraw his devotion from his own wife Queen Katherine to fixit upon others who either in nobility wisdome vertue favour or beauty were nothing comparable unto her intending this fickleness of his an instrument to bring about his ungodly designe endevoured all he could to allure the King to fansie one of the French Kings sisters the King being already though unknown to the Cardinall fallen in love with the Lady Anne Bullen which thing because of the enmity and war that was at that time between the French King and the Emperor whom for the cause afore mentioned he mortally maligned he was desirous to procure And for the better accomplishing thereof he requested Longland Bishop of London and ghostly father to the King to put a scruple into the Kings head thâ— it was not lawfull for him to marry his brothers wife which thâ— King not sorry to hear of openeâ— it first to Sir Thomas More whosâ— counsel he required therein shewing certain places of Scripture thaâ— somewhat seemed to serve hiâ— turn which when he had seriouslâ— perused and thereupon excuseâ— himself as one that never hâ—â— profest the study of Divinity tâ— be many wayes unfit to meddle iâ— such matters The King not satâ—â—fied with this answer still presseâ— upon him so sore for it that iâ— conclusion he condescended to hâ—â— Graces request And further because the businesse was of sucâ— weight and importance as required good advisement and deliberation he besought his Grace thaâ— he would give him sufficient tiâ—â— serioâ—â—ly to consider it where with the Kng very well contented told him that Tunstall anâ— Clark Bishops of Durham and Bath with other the most learned of his privy Councell should also confer with him therein So Sir Thomas More departing compared those places of Scripture with the expositions of divers of
was sent Embassadour appointed Speaker of the Parliament made Lord Chancellour or took any such weighty matter upon him first to go to Church and be confessed to hear Masse and receive the Sacrament so did he likewise in the morning early the very day that he was summoned to appear before the Lords at Lambeth and whereas he used alwaies before at his departure from his Wife and Children whom he tenderly loved to have them bring him to his Boat and there he kissing them all bad them sarewell now he would suffer none of them to come forth of the Gate but pulled the wicket after him and with a heavy heart as by his countenance it appeared with his Son Rooper and their four servants he took boat towards Lambeth wherein sitting still sadly a while at last he rounded his Son in the ear and said Son Rooper I thank our Lord the field is Won What he meant thereby his Son wist not yet loth to seem ignorant he answered Sir I am very glad of it How wisely he demeaned himself before the Comissioners at the ministration of the Oath unto him may be found in certain letters of his sent to his Daughter Margaret which are printed at the latter end of his English works the effect whereof is this After he was called before them he requested of them to see the Oath which when he had read unto himself he answered That he neither would find fault with the Oath nor with the Authors of it nor would blame the Conscience of any man that had taken it but for himself he could not take it without endangering his soul of eternal damnation which if they doubted of he would swear unto them that that was the chief cause of his refusal in which second Oath if they doubted to trust him how could they then trust him in the former Which he having said my Lord Chancellor replyed That all there were heartily sorry he should make such an answer for they constantly affirmed that he was the first man that denyed to take it which would greatly aggravate the Kings displeasure against him And forthwith they shewed him a Catalogue of the Nobility and many others who had taken it and had subscribed their names thereunto Yet because he would not blame any mans conscience therein he was commanded to walk into the Garden a while then presently all the Clergy men some Bishops many Doctors and Priests were called in who all took it except Bishop Fisher and one Doctor Wilson without any scruple at all After all these had soon dispatched the businesse for which they were sent for Sir Thomas was called in again and the names of all that had taken the Oath were shewed him whereunto for himself he answered as before then they often objected unto him obstinacy because he would neither take it nor give any reason why he refused it to which he replyed That his denial only would provoke the Kings indignation sufficiently against him and therefore he was loth any further to aggravate his displeasure shewing what urgent necessity drew him unto it howbeit if his Majesty would testifie that his expressing the Causes wherefore he refused it would not provoke against him his further anger he would not stick to set them down in writing and if any man could satisfie those reasons to the content of his conscience he would take the Oath most willingly Then Cranmer Lord Archbishop urged unto him that seeing he was not certain of his Conscience but that it was a thing certain he must obey his Prince therefore was he to reject that doubtful conscience of his and stick to the latter which was undoubted And when the Abbot of Westminster had said that he might very well suspect his own conscience to be erroneous because he alone would seem to controll all the Wisdome of the whole Realm who had made and taken it Thereto Sir Thomas answered That if he alone should stand against so worthy a Kingdome he had great cause to fear his own conscience but if that on his side he could produce a farre greater number of as learned men as they he thought himself then not bound to reform his conscience by following the consent of one Kingdome against a general received opinion of the whole Christian world Then asked they him whether he would swear to the succession to which he answered That he was willing enough to do that if the Oath were set down in such words as he might safely take it Then said the Lord Chancellor See Mr. Secretary he will not swear to that neither but under a certain form of words No truly replyed Sir Thomas except I find that I may swear it without danger of perjury and with a safe Conscience When he had thus behaved himself he was committed to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster for four daies during which time the King consulted with his Councel what order were best to be taken with him and although at first they resolved he should be discharged with an Oath not to be known whether he had sworn to the Supremacy or no or what he thought thereof yet Queen Anne by her importunate clamour did so sore exasperate the King against him that contrary to his former resolution he caused the said Oath of the Supremacy to be ministred unto him who although he made a discreet qualified answer neverthelesse was presently committed to the Tower who as he was going thither wearing as he commonly did a chain of Gold about his neck Sir Rich. Wink field that had the charge of his conveyance thither advised him to send home his Chain to his Wife or some of his children Nay Sir said he that I will not for if I were taken in the field by mine enemies I would they should somewhat fare the better for me At his landing Mr. Lieutenant at the Tower-gate was ready to receive him where the Porter demanded of him his upper garment Mr. Porter said he here it is and took off his Câ—p and gave it him saying I am sorry it is no better for thee No Sir said the Porter I must have your Gown which he gave him And so was he by Mr. Lieutenant conveyed to his lodging where he called unto him one John Wood his servant there appointed to attend him who could neither write nor read and sware him before the Lieutenant that if he should hear or see him at any time speak or write any manner of thing against the King the Councell or the State of the Realm he should tell it to the Lieutenant that he might presantly reveal it to the Councel Now when Sir Thomas had remained in the Tower something more then a month his daughter Margaret longing to see him at length got leave to go to him at whose comming after the seven Psalmes and Letany said which whensoever she came to him before he would talk of