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
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
brought about nine of the clock out of the Tower and from thence led to the place of execution where going up the scaffold which seemed to him so weak that was ready to fal he said merrily to the Lieutenant I pray you Mr. Lieutenant see me safe up and for my coming down let me shift for my self Then desired he all the people to pray for him and to bear witnesse with him that he should then suffer death in and for the faith of the holy Catholique Church a faithful servant both of God and the King Which done he kneeled down and after his prayers ended he turned to the Executioner and with a chearful countenance said Pluck up thy spirits man and be not afraid to do thine office my neck is very short take heed therefore thou strike not awry for saving thine honesty when the executioner would have covered his eyes he said I will cover them my self and presently he did so with a cloth he had brought with him for that purpose then saying his head upon the Block he bad the Executioner stay untill he had removed aside his beard saying That that had never committed any treason So with great alacrity and spiritual joy he received the fatall blow of the Axe which at once severed his head from his body Thus passed Sir Thomas More out of this world on the very same day on which himself had most desired When news of his death was brought to the King who was at that time playing at Tables Queen Anne looking on he cast his eyes upon her and said Thou art the cause of this mans death and presently leaving his play he betook himself to his chamber an there fell into a melancholy fit But whether this were from his heart or to seem lesse cruell then he was indeed it is hard to conjecture for on the one side the remembrance of his faithful service so many years employed for the good of the whole Kingdome could not but make the Kings heart somwhat to relent and on the other side his unmerciful dealing with his son and heir his small allowance to his wife his cruelty against all his children shewed that he had an implacable hatred against him for the cause aforesaid His daughter Margaret was the most gently dealt with and yet very sore threatned both because she kept her fathers head for a relique which being to be thrown off London-Bridge into the Thames she had procured and that she intended to publish her fathers works yet for all that after a short imprisonment she was at last sent home to her husband Sir Thomas More was of a mean stature well proportioned his complexion tending to phlegmatick his colour white and pale his hair neither black nor yellow but between both his eies gray his countenance amiable and chearful his voice neither big nor shrill but speaking plainly and distinctly it was not very tunable though he delighted much in musick his body reasonable healthful only that towards his latter end by using much writing he complained much of his breast In his youth he drank much water wine he only tasted of when he pledged others he loved salt meats especially poudred beef he was a great lover of milk cheese eggs and fruit and usually he did eat of brown bread which he rather used to punish his taste then any love he had unto it Now when intelligence of Sir More 's death was brought to the Emperour Charles the fift he sent for Sir Thomas Eliot Embassador there resident and said unto him My Lord Embassador we understand that the King your Master hath put his faithful Servant and grave Wise Counsellor Sir Thomas More to death but Sir Thomias Eliot seeming to excuse the matter by some doubt of the report the King told him It was too true and this will we say said the Emperour that if we had been Master of such a Servant of whose doings our selves have had these many years no small experience we would rather have lost the best and strongest City of our Dominions then have lost so worthy a Counsellor To conclude if with more care we look into the story of this worthy mans life it will not appear to us that his death could any way redound to the honour of the King for first he was put to death by a statute wherein he had never offended either by word or deed and that too which concern'd not temporal policy but religion only which as being fearful to offend his conscience though he refused to approve of himself yet did he never reprove it or any other mâ—n for taking it Secondly that he would have no respect unto his eminent qualities who was a man of known humanity of mild behaviour affability bounty eloquence wisdome innocency of life wit learning exceedingly beloved and admired of all men all which might be motives sufficient to pardon a guilty offender Thirdly that he would not consider him that had done him so much good service and the whole Kingdome such good offices his faithfull Counsellor for twenty years together his wise Embassador his just Lord Chancellor and indeed the very flower of the Kingdome who at last drawing towards old age obtained an honourable dismission from his Office and lived privately at home with his Wife children and nephews never committing the least offence against any burthensome to no man but of such courtesie to all and of such excellency of nature that he would not suffer any one to part from him if any thing qualified without some gift none was so great a stranger to him whom he would not seek to do some favour for To be short his bounty had so engraven him in every ones hearts that at his death there was a generall lamentation for his losse Nay Erasmus saith that he saw tears come from those men who never had seen Sir Thomas More nor received any benefit from him and he professes that while he was writing of him the tears gushed from him whether he would or no. Now Reader I will keep thy eye no longer upon this dolefull Subject which as it made the Spectators weep so it cannot but fetch a Tear or two from thee if thou art any friend to an innocent worth yet I would not send thee away sad neither wherefore I have after this Tragicall story prepared an entertainment in the following Chapter which looks like a Comedy and may serve as Wine and Bisket at a Funerall to allay thy sadnesse A view of Sir MORE 's Wit and Wisdome SIR Thomas More whose only merry jests and witty sayings were they all together were sufficient to fill a Volume when he lived in the City of London being one of the Justices of peace he used to go to the Sessions at Newgate where it fell out that one of the antientest Justices of the Bench was wont to chide the poor men whose purses had been cut for
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
Martyrs what torments they endured for the love of God of their marvellous patience and of their passions and deaths rather then they would offend God and what a happy and blessed thing it was for the love of God to suffer losse of goods imprisonment losse of lands and life also adding with all that upon his faith if he might perceive his wife and children would incourage him to die in a good cause it would make him merrily run to death He told them afore hand what troubles were like to befal him wherewith and the like vertuous discourse he had so long before his troubles incouraged them that when he after fell into them indeed their afflictions were a great deal the lesse Quia spicula praevisa minus laedunt Within a while after the resignement of his Office came Sir Thomas Cromwel then in the Kings high favour to Ghelsey to him in a message from his Highnesse wherein when they had throughly confâ—r'd together Sir Thomas said unto him Mr. Cromwel You are now entred into the service of a most noble wise and liberal Prince if you will follow my poor advice you shall in your Counsell giving unto his Majesty ever tell him what he ought to do but never what he is able to do so shal you shew your self a true faithful Servant and a right worthy Counsellor for if the Lion knew his own strength hard were it for any man to rule him Shortly hereupon was there a Commission granted under the Great Seal and directed to Cranmer then Bishop of Canterbury to determine the marriage between the King and Queen Katharine at St. Albans where according to the Kings mind it was throughly concluded who pretending he had no justice at the Popes hands from thenceforth sequestred himself and his Kingdome from the See of Rome and so marryed the Lady Anne Bullen which Sir Thomas More understanding said unto Mr. Rooper God give grace son that these matters within a while be not confirm'd with Oaths It fortuned not long before the comming of Queen Anne through the streets of London from the Tower to Westminster to her Coronation that Sir Thomas received a letter from the Bishops of Durham Bath and Winchester desiring him to keep them company from the Tower to the Coronation and also to take twenty pounds that by the Bearer thereof they had sent him to buy him a Gown which he thankfully receiving yet tarrying still at home at their next meeting said merrily unto them My Lords in the letters which you lately sent me you requested two things of me the one whereof sith I was so well content to grant you the other therefore I thought I might be the bolder to deny you And like as the one because I took you for no beggars and my self I knew to be no rich man I thought I might the rather fulfill so the other did put me in remembrance of an Emperour that had ordained a Law that whosoever committed a certain offence which I now remember not except it were a Virgin should suffer death such a reverence had he to Virginity Now so it hapned that the first that violated this Law was a Virgin whereof the Emperour hearing was in no small perplexity as he that by some example would fain have that Law put in execution whereupon when his Councel had sat long solemnly debating this Case suddenly there rose up one of his Councel a good plain man amongst them and said Why make you so much ado my Lords about so small a matter Let her first be deflowred and then after may she be devoured And so though your Lordships have in the matter of the Matrimony hitherto kept your selves pure Virgins yet take good heed My Lords that you keep your Virginity still for some there be that by procuring your Lordships first at the Coronation to be present and next to preach for setting forth of it and lastly to write books to all the World in defence thereof are desirous to deflowr you and then wil they not fail soon after to devour you Now My Lords said he it lieth not in my power but that they may devour me but God being my good Lord I will provide that they shall never deflowr me CHAP. XII 1 The beginning of the Kings indignation 2 Sir THOMAS MORE disposeth himself more immediately to suffer death 3 Divers accusations procured against Sir THO. all easily avoided by his innocencie 4 The Nun of Canterbury first occasion of calling Sir T. M. in Question concerning Qu. Anne 5 His first examination before the Kings Deputies 6 His merry heart and gallant resolution after his Examination IN continuance when the King perceived that he could by no means win him to his side then behold the fair sunshine day of his favours became overcast there followed a notable storm for now he went about by terrour and threats to drive him thereto But see how Sir Thomas prepares himself for this valiant combat having given over his Office of Chancellorship he never medled with State matters any more but gave himself wholy the year before his troubles not only to write books in defence of his Religion as I have said but also addicted himself to great acts of Mortification prayer and piety he lessened his family he fold his houshold stuffe to the value of one hundred pounds he disposed his Children into their own houses and many nights he slept not for thinking the worst that could happen unto him he hired a Pursevant to come suddenly to his house when he was one time at dinner and knocking hastily at his door to warn him the next day to appear before the Commissioners to arm his family the better for future calamities And now begin his troubles first by occasion of a certain Nun dwelling in Canterbury for her vertue and holinesse not a little esteemed of among the people in those daies unto whom for that cause many religious persons Doctors of Divinity and divers Lay-men of good repute used to resort who affirming that she had revelations from God to give the King warning of his wicked life and of the abuse of the sword and authority committed to him and understanding the Lord Rochester Bishop Fisher to be a man famous for his vertuous life and learning went to Rochester and there disclosed unto him all her revelations desiring his advice and counsell therein who thereupon advised her as she before had warning and intended to go to the King her self and to let him understand the whole circumstance thereof whereupon she went to the King and told him all her revelation and so returned home agan to her Cloyster Not long after she making a journey to the Nuns of Sion by means of one Mr. Reynold a Father of that house it hapned that she fell into discourse with Sir Thomas More concerning such secrets as had been revealed unto her Sir
any worldly affairs he used to say with her among other discourse he said unto her I believe Meg that they which have put me here think they have done me a high displeasure But I assure you on my Faith mine own good daughter that if it had not been for my wife and you my children whom I account the chief part of my charge I would not have failed long ere this to have closed my self in as straight a room as this and straighter too But since I am come hither without my own desert I trust that God of his goodnesse will discharge me of my care and by his gratious help supply the want of my presence among you I find no cause I thank God Meg to reckon my self in worse case here then in mine own house For me thinketh God maketh me a wanton and setteth me on his lap and dandleth me Thus by his gracious demeanour in his troubles it evidently appeared that al the calamities that ever befell him by his patient sufferance of them were to him no painfull punishments but rather profitable exercises of his patience And at another time when he had fiâ—st enquired of his daughter concerning the order of his wife and children and state of his family in his absence he asked her how Queen Anne did In faith father said she never better there is nothing else in the Court but dancing and sporting Never better Meg said he Alas Meg Alas it pittiâ—th me to remember into what misery poor soul she shall shortly come but in the mean time these dances of hers will prove such dances that they will spurn our heads off like foothals After this Mr. Lieutenant coming into his Chamber to visit him related unto him the many favours and friendships he had often received at his hands and therefore how ‑ much bound he was friendly and nobly to entertain him which since the Case standing â—s it did he could not do without the Kings displeasure he trusted he said he would accept of his good will and such poor fare as he had Master Lieutenant said Sir Thomas More again I verily believe as you may so are you my good friend indeed and would as you say with your best cheer entertain me for which I most heartily thank you and assure your self Master Lieutenant I do not mislike my cheer but whensoever I do then thrust me out of your doors Now whereas the Oath of Supremacy and Matrimony was in the first statute comprised in few words the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary did of theâ—r own heads adde more words unto it to make it appear unto the Kings ears more pleasant and plausible and that Oath so amplyfied they then caused to be tendred to Sir Thomas More and others throughout the Kingdome which Sir Thomas perceiving said unto his daughter I may tell thee Meg they that have committed me hither for refusing of this Oath not agreeable with the Statute are not able by their own law to justifie my imprisonment and surely daughter it is great pitty that any Christian Prince should by a flexible Councel ready to follow his affections with flattery so shamefully be abused But at length the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary espying their oversight in that business were fain afterwards to cause another Statute to be enacted for the confirmation of the Oath so amplyfied with their additions As Sir Thomas looking out of his window chanced to see one Mr. Raynolds a Father of Sion and three Monks of the Charter-house for the businesse of the Matrimony and Supremacy going out of the Tower to their execution he as longing to accompany them in that journey said unto his daughter then standing by him Loe dost thou not see Meg that these reverend Fathers are as chearfully going to their deaths as bridgrooms to their marriage wherefore hereby maist thou see mine own good daughter what a great difference there is between such as have in effect spent all their daies in a straight hard painful and penitential life religiously and such as have in the world like worldly wretches as thy poor father consumed all their time in pleasure and ease licentiously for God considering their long continued life in most sore and grievous pain will no longer suffer them to remain here in this vale of misery and iniquity but speedily taketh them hence to the fruition of his everlasting Deity whereas thy silly Father Meg that like a most wicked Caitiffe hath passed forth the whole course of his life most sinfully God thinking him not worthy to come so soon to that eternal felicity leaveth him here yet still in the world further to be prolonged and turmoiled with misery A while after Mr. Secretary coming to him into the Tower from the King pretended much friendship towards him and for his comfort told him That the King was his good and gracious Lord and intended not any more to trouble his conscience with any thing wherein he should have cause of scruple As soon as Mr. Secretary was gone to expresse how much comforted he was by his words he wrote with a coal for then he had no inke these verses following Eye flattering fortune look thou ne're so fair Nor ne're so pleasantly begin to smile As though thou wouldst my ruine all repair During my life thou shall not me beguile Trust I shall God to enter in a while Thy haven of Heaven sure and uniform Ever after thy Calm look I for no storm When Sir Thomas More had continued a good while in the Tower his Lady obtained leave to see him who at her first coming thus bluntly saluted him What the good year Master More said she I marvel that you that have been alwaies taken for so wise a man will now so play the fool as to lye here in this close filthy prison and be content thus to be shut up amongst mice and rats and too when you might be abroad at your liberty and with the favour and good will both of the King and his Councell if you would but do as all the Bishops and best learned of the Realm have done and seeing you have at Chelsey a right fair House your Library your Gallery your Garden your Orchard and all other necessaries so handsome about you where you might in the company of me your Wife your Children and houshold bee merry I muse what a Gods name you mean here still thus fondly to tarry After he had a while quietly heard her with a very chearful countenance he said unto her Good Mrs. Alice tell me one thing What is that said she Is not this house as nigh heaven as mine own To whom she as not liking these words answered after her manner Tille valle Tille valle How say you Mrs. Alice said he is it not so Bone Deus Bone Deus man Will this gear never be left said she Well then Mrs. Alice if it be so it is very
modest to expresse such excessive grief as that love should make her shake off all fear and shame which sad fight piercing the hearts of the beholders how do you think it moved the fathers surely his affection and forcible love had now daunted his courage if that a divine spirit of constancy had not inspired him to behold this most generous woman his most worthy daughter endued with all good gifts of Nature all sparks of Piety which are wont to be most acceptable to a loving father O strange to presse unto him at such a time and place where no man could have accesse hanging about his neck ere he was aware of her holding so fast on him as she could scarce be plucked off uttering no other words but O my Father O my Father surely this could not but be a sword to his heart and then at last being drawn away by force to run upon him again without any regard either of the weapons wherewith he was encompassed or of the modesty becoming her own Sexe What comfort did he want what courage did he then stand in need of and yet he resisted all this most valiantly remitting nothing of his steady gravity speaking only what is before recited and at last of all desiring her to pray for her fathers soul Sir Tho. M. remained in the Tower more then a seven-night after his judgment arming himself with prayer and meditation against the day of his execution walking about he chamber with a sheet about him like a corps ready to be buryed In which time came to him one of the Court whose whole disourse was nothing else but urging Sir Thomas to change his mind who at last being wearied with his importunity answered him that he had changed it whereupon presently he went and told the King and being by him commanded to know wherein hâ—s mind was changed Sir Thomas rebuked him for his leightnesse in that he would tell the King every word that he spoke in jest meaning that whereas he had intended to be shaven that he might appear to the people as befor he was wont now he was fully resolved that his beard should take such part as his head did which made the Courtier blank and the King very angry Now last of all the day before he was to suffer being the fifth of July he wrote a most loving letter with a coal to his daughter Margaret sending his Blessing to all his children in which he writeth very affectionately expressing also the great desire he had to suffer on the morrow after in these words I cumber you good Margaret much but I would be sorry if it should be any longer then to morrow for to morrow is S. Thomas Even and the Uras of S Peter and therefore to morrow long I to go to God it were a day very meet and convenient for mee I never liked your manners better then when you kissed me last For I like when daughterly love and dear charity hath no leisure to look unto worldly courtesie Farewel dâ—ar daughter pray for me and I will pray for you and all your friends that we may meet together in Heaven Commend me when you can to my Son John his towardly carriage towards me pleased me very much God-blesse him and his good wife and their Children With this Letter he sent also his shirt of hair and his whip as one that was unwilling the world should know that he used such Austerity For in his life time he by his mirth had hidden from the eyes of others his severity to himself So upon the next day being Tuesday St. Thomas even and the Vtas of his special Patron St. Peter for whose Supremacy he suffered in the year of our Lord God one thousand five hundred thirty and seven according to his desire expressed in his Letter the day before early in the morning came to him Sir Thomas Pope his singular friend with a message from the King and his Councel that he should before nine of the clock the same morning suffer death and that therefore he should presently prepare himself for it Mr. Pope said he I most heartily thank you for your good tidings I have been much bound to the Kings Highnesse for the benefits of his Honours that he hath most bountifully bestowed upon me yet am I more bound to his Grace I assure you for putting me here where I have had convenient time and space to have remembrance of my end And so help me God most of all I am bound unto him that it hath pleased his Majesty so shortly to rid me out of the miseries of this wretched world The Kings pleasure farther is said Sir Thomas Pope That you use not many words at your execution Mr. Pope said he You do well to give me warning of the Kings pleasure herein for otherwise I had purposed at that time somewhat to have spoken but no matter wherewith his Grace or any other should have cause to be offended howheit whatsoever I intended I am ready obediently to conform my self to his Highnesse Command and I beseech you good Mr. Pope be a means to his Majesty that my daughter Margaret may be at my burial The King is contented already said he that your wife Children and all other should have liberty to be present at it O how much beholding then am I said Sir Thomas to his Grace that unto my poor burial voucheth to have so gracious consideration Then Sir Thomas Pope taking his leave of him could not refrain from weeping which Sir Thomas perceiving comforted him in these words Quiet your self good Mr. Pope and be not discomforted for I trust we shall once see each other full merrily where we shall be sure to live and love together in joyful blisse eternally And further to put him out of his melancholy Sir Thomas took his Urinal in his hand and casting his water said merrily I see no danger but that this man might live longer if it had pleased the King After which words they parted and when he was gone Sir Thomas as one that had been invited to a banquet changed himself into his best apparel The Lieutenant of the Tower seeing him prepare himself to his death advised him for his own benefit to put them off again saying he who was to have them was but a Javel What Mr. Lieutenant said Sir Thomas shall I account him a Javel who will do me this day so singular a benefit Nay I assure you were it cloth of God I would think it well bestowed on him But the Lieutenant so pressed him that at last for his friendship sake being loth to deny him so small a matter he altered his apparel and put on a Gown of Freese but yet of that little money that was left him he sent an Angel in gold to his Executioner in token that he maliced him nothing but rather loved him exceedingly for it And so was he