Dr. Stapleton AN Apologie for Sir More 's pleasantnesse of Wit THE HISTORY OF Sr. THO. MORE CHAP. I. 1 Sir Thomas Mores Parentage 2 The place and year of his birth 3 His education first studies and employments of youth SIR Thomas More was the only son of Sir John More Knight and one of the Justices of the Kings Bench a man singular for his many rare perfections which are set down by his son in his Epitaph extant extant among his Latin Works Cambden reports of him for proof of his pleasantnesse of wit that he would compare the great number of women to be chosen for wives unto a bag full of Snakes having amongst them but onâ— Eel now if a man puts his hand into this bag he may chance to light on the Eel but 't is 2 hundred to one if he be not stung with a Snake Many such witty similitudes he used both in his private discourses and publiquâ— auditory by which and many other his perfections of wit and grace one might guess that thiâ— child was likely to prove singular having so worthy a father Sir Thomas More was born at London in Milkstreet where his father for the most part dwel in the year of our Lord one thousand four hundred and eighty and in the twentieth year of Edward the fourth Shortly after whose birth was there this presage of his future eminency His Nurse riding with him over a water the Horse stept aside into a deep place and put both her and the child in great danger of their lives but she endevouring suddenly to prevent the harm of the Infant threw it over a hedge into a field near adjoyning and afterward by Gods assistance escaped safe herself When she came to take him up again to her amazement she found him to have no hurt at all but the Babe sweetly smiled upon her Wherefore his father as supposing him sent into the world for some great end was much the more careful of his education and so put him to the Free-school of London called St. Anthonies where after he had been brought up in the Latine tongue his father shortly after procured him to be recived into the house of the Right Reverend Prelate Cardinal Moorton Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord High Chancellor of England where though he was young of years yet would he in the Christmas time suddenly sometimes step in among the Players and never studying for the matter make a part of his own there presently amongst them which was so witty and full of Jests that he alone made the lookers on more sport then all the Players beside in whose wit and towardnesse the Cardinal much delighting would often say of him to the Nobles that several times dined with him This child here waiting at the Table whosoever shall live to see it will prove a marvellous man Whereupon for his furtherance in learning he placed him in Canterbury Colledge in Oxford now called Christ Church where when he was both in the Greek and Latine tongue sufficiently instructed he was then for the study of the Law put to an Inne of Chancery called New-Inne where for his time he very well prospered And from thence was admitted to Lincolns-Inne with very small allowance continuing his study there until he was made and accounted a worthy Utter Barrister And then to his commendation he for some time read a publique Lecture of S. Austin De Civitate Dei in the Church of S. Laurence in the Old Jury whereunto there resorted Dr. Groyein an excellent man and others of the most learned of the City of London Then was he made Reader of Furnivals-Inne so remaining by the space of three years and more after which time he gave himself to devotion and prayer in the Charter-house of London religiously living there without vow about four year CHAP. II. 1 Sir Thomas Mores marriage 2 His first preferments 3 His danger in King Henry the sevenths Reign NOw about this time there lived a pleasant Gentleman and of an ancient Family of New-hall in Essex by name M. John Colt who several times invited him to his house being much delighted in his company and proffered him the choice of any of his daughters three young Gentlewomen of very good carriage and complexion whose honest conversation and vertuous education enclined him there especially to set his affection and although he most desired the second daughter for that he thought her the fairest and most handsome yet when he considered that it would be both a great grief and some blemish also to the eldest to see her younger sister preferred before her â—he then of a kind compassion framed his fancie toward her and soon after married her never the more discontinuing his study of the Law at Lincolns-Inne but still plying the same until he was called to the Bench and had read twice which is as often as any Judge of the Law doth read and to which few but rare and singular Lawyers do ever attain Before which time he had placed himself and his wife in Bucklersbury in London where he had by her one son and three daughters in vertue and learning brought up from their youth whom he would often exhort to take vertue and learning for their meat and play but for their sauce In the latter end of King Henry the sevenths Reign a Parliament was called wherein Sir Thomas More ere ever he had read in the Court was chosen Burgesse there was then demanded by the King one Subsidie and three Fifteens for the marriage of his eldest daughter the Lady Margaret that then should be as indeeed she was shortly after the Queen of Scots when the consent of the Lower House was demanded to these impositions most of the rest either holding their peace or not daring to speak against them though very unwilling to grant them Sr Thomas making a grave speech argued so strongly why these exactions were not to be granted that thereby the Kings demands were cleer overthrown and his request denyed so that one Mr. Tyler of the Kings Privy Chamber being present thereat went immediately from the House and told his Majesty that a beardless boy had frustrated all his expectations whereupon the King being very much incensed at him would not be satisfied until he had some way revenged it Now forasmuch as he nothing having nothing could lose the King devised a causeless quarrel against Sir John More his father keeping him in the Tower until he had made him pay to him a hundred pounds fine hereupon it sell out that Sir Thomas More coming in a suit to Doctor Fox Bishop of Winchester one of the Kings privie Councel the Bishop called him aside and pretending great favour to him promised him that if he would be ruled by him he would not fail to restore him again into the Kings favour meaning as it was afterward conjectured
have refused it could not for all that fasten any upon him Then they dâ—sired him that they might bestow it upon his Wife and Children Not so My Lords said he I had rather seen all cast into the Thames then I or any of mine should have the worth of one penny of it For though your offer my Lords be indeed very friendly and honourable yet set I so much by my pleasure and so little by my profit that I would not in good faith for so much and much more have lost the rest of so many nights sleep as was spent upon the same and yet wish would I for all that upon condition all Heresies were suppressed that all my books were burned my labour utterly lost Thus departing were they fain to restore unto every man his own again CHAP. X. 1 Sir THOMAS 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 King Henries Divorcement 4 He sues to depose his Office 5 The death of JO. MORE his Father 6 Such incredible poverty in so eminent a Person a sure sign of incomparable Integrity THis Lord Chancellor for the avoiding of singularity would appear no otherwise then other men in his apparell and outward behaviour and though outwardly he appeâ—red honourable like one of his calling yet inwardly he was no such for secretly next his skin he wore a shirt of hair which his daughter More a young Gentle woman in the summer as he sate at supper single in his doublet and hose wearing thereupon a plain shirt without ruff or coller chancing to espy began to laugh at it which her sister Margaret not ignorant of his Custome perceiving privily told him of it and he being sorry that she had seen it presently amended it He used also sometimes to punish his body with whips the cords knotted which was known only to his eldest daughter Margaret Wife to the foresaid Mr. Rooper whom for her secresie a-above all other he especially trusted causing her as need required to wash the same shirt of hair He seldome feasted Noble-men but his poor neighbours often whom he would visit in their houses and bestow upon them his large liberality not groats but crows of Gold and more then that if their wants required it He hired a house also for many aged people in Chelsey whom he daily relieved it was his daughter Margarets charge to see them want nothing when he was a private Lawyer he would take no fees of poor folks widows or pupils Somewhat before he was Lord Chancellor he built a Chappel in his Parish at Chelsey where the parish had all ornaments belonging thereunto abundantly supplied at his charge and he bestowed thereon much Plate often using these words Good men give it and bad men take it away Now shortly upon his entry into the high Office of Chancellorship the King often again importuned him to weigh and consider his great businesse supposing that he had now so strictly obliged him that he could no way have gainsaid him but he valuing more the quiet of his conscience then any Princes favour in the world fell down upon his knees before his Majestly and humbly besought his Highness to stand his gracious Soveraign as ever since his entry into his Graces service he had sound him adding withall that there was nothing in the world had been so grievous unto his heart as to remember he was not able as he willingly would with the loss of one of his limbs to find any thing in that matter whereby with integrity of his Conscience he might truly serve his contentation as he that alwaies bore in mind those godly words that his Highnesse spake unto him when he first admitted him into his Noble service the most vertuous lesson that ever Prince taught his Servant willing him first to look unto God after God unto him as in good faith he said he did and would or else might his Grace well accompt him his most unworthy servant To this the King courteously answered that it he could not therein with his Conscience serve he was content to accept of his Service otherwise and use the advice of other his learned Councell whose consciences would well enough agree with it yet that he would neverthelesse continue his wonted favour towards him and no more molest his conscience with that businesse But Sir Thomas More when afterwards he saw the King sully determined to proceed further in the marriage of Queen Anne and that a Parliament was called for that purpose wherein he with the Bishops and Nobles of the upper House were for the furtherance of that marriage commanded by the King to go down to the Commons to shew unto them both what the Universities as well of other parts beyond the seas as at Oxford and Cambridge had done therein and their seals also testifying the same All which at the Kings request not shewing of what judgment himself was therein he declared unto the lower House yet doubting lest further attempts should after follow which contrary to his Conscience by reason of his Office he was likely to be put unto he made suit unto the Duke of Norfolk his singular dear friend to be a means to the King that he might with his Majesties favour be discharged of that chargeable office of Chancellorship wherein for certain infirmities of his body he pretended himself unable any longer to serve This Duke coming on a time to Chelley to dine with him hapned to find him at the Church singing in the Quire with a Surplice on his back to whom after Service as they went homeward hand in hand together the Duke said Gods body My Lord Chancellor what a Parish Clerk a Parish Clerk You dishon our the King and his Office Nay said Sir Thomas smiling upon the Duke Your Grace may not think your Master and mine will be offended with me for serving of God his Master or thereby count his Office dishonoured When Sir Thomas had behaved himself in his office of the Chancellorship for the space of two years and a half so wisely that none could mend his doings so uprightly that none could take exception against him or his just proceedings and so dexterously that t is to be supposed never any man before or since did that which he did for he had taken such order for the dispatching of all mens causes that on a time sitting as Judge there and having finished one cause he called for the next to be heard whereto answer was made that there was not one cause more depending This he caused to be set down upon Record About this time it hapned Sir John More to fall sick as some say of a Surfeit of grapes in his sicknesse his Son whom he had now seen Lord Chancellor according to his duty often came and visited him using many comfortable words unto him
to cause him thereby to confesse his offence against the King that so his Highnesse might with the better colour have occasion to revenge his displeasure against him But when he came from the Bishop he fell into discourse with one Mr. Whitford his familiar friend then Chaplain to that Bishop and after a Father of Sion and related to him what the Bishop had said desiring his advice therein who for the Passion of God prayed him in no wise to follow his Counsel For my Lord my Master said he to serve the Kings turn will not stick to consent to his own fathers death So Sir Thomas returned to the Bishop no more and had not the King soon after dyed he was determined to have gone over Sea because that being in the Kings indignation he thought he could not live secure in England and therefore he studyed the French tongue at home sometimes recreating his tyred spirits on the Viol where he also got most of the liberal Sciences as Musick Arithmetick Geometrie and Astronomie and grew to be a perfect Historian CHAP. III. 1 His integrity in the profession of the Law 2 The beginning of his favour with King HENRY the eighth 3 The first honors bestowed by King HENRY the eighth upon Sir THO. MORE 4 He is made Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament AFter this he was made one of the Under-Sheriffs of London some say Recorder but most the other by which Office and his learning together as he hath been heard to say he gained without grudge of conscience at the least 400 l. per annum Since there was at that time in none of the Kings Courts any matter of importance in Controversie wherein he was not of Councel with one of the parties choosing the justest side and therefore for the most part he went away victorious and such was the estimation which for his learning wisdom knowledge and experience men had of him that before he was come to the service of King Henry the eighth at the suit and instance of the English Merchants he was by the Kings consent made twice Ambassadour in certain great causes between them and the Merchants of the Steel-yard whose wise and discreet dealing therein to his high commendation when the King understood he caused Cardinal Woolsey then Lord Chancellour to procure him to his service which although the Cardinal according to the Kings request laboured earnestly with him to effect among many other his perswasions alleadging unto him how dear his service must needs be unto his Majesty who could not with his honour allow him lesse then he should yearly lose by changing his former estate but that rather he would enlarge his fortunes and recompense him fully Yet he loath to change his condition made such means unto the King by the Cardinal to the contrary that his Majesty for that time was well satisfied to forbear him Now it fortuned shortly after that a great Ship of the Popes arrived at Southampton which the King claiming for a forfeiture the Popes Embassadour by suit unto his Grace obtained that he might for his Master the Pope have Councel learned in the Laws of this Kingdom and the business in his own presence being himself a singular Civilian in some publique place be openly heard At which time there could none of our Law be found so fit to be of Councel with this Embassador as Sir Thomas More who could report to the Embassadour in Latine all the reasons and arguments by their learned Councel on both sides alleadged Upon this the Counsellors on either part in presence of the Lord Chancellour and other the Judges in the Star-chamber had audience accordingly Where Sir Thomas More not only declared to the Embassadour the whole sense of all their opinions but in defence on the Popes side argued so learnedly that both the foresaid forfeiture was restored to the Pope and himself among all the hearers for his just and commendable demeanor therein so greatly renowned that now for no intreaty would the King any longer be induced to forbear his service at whose first entry thereunto he made him Master of the Requests having then no better place void and within a Month after Knight and one of his privie Councel and so from time to time advanced him continuing still in his singular favour and trusty service twenty years and above during a good part whereof the King used upon Holy days when he had done devotions to send for him into his Travers and there sometimes in Astronomie Geometrie Divinity and such other faculties and sometimes of his worldly affairs to sit and confer with him and at other whiles in the night would he have him up into his leads there to discourse with him of the diversities courses motions and operations of the Planets And because he was of a very pleasant disposition it pleased the King and Queen after the Councel had supt to call for him to be merry with them whom when he perceived so much to delight in his talk that he could not once in a moneth get leave to go home to his wife and children whose company he most desired and that he could not be absent from the Court two days together but that he must be sent for again He much misliking this restraint of his liberty began thereupon somewhat to dissemble his nature and so by little and little to disuse himself from his former mirth that he from thenceforth at such times was no more so ordinarily sent for Then one Mr. Weston Treasurer of the Exchequer dying the King of his own offer without any asking freely gave his office unto Sir Thomas More In the fourteenth year of his Majesties Reign was there a Parliament held whereof Sir Thomas More was chosen Speaker who being very unwilling to take that place upon him made an oration not now extant for his discharge thereof Whereunto when his Highnesse would not consent he spake unto him in manner following A Summary of his First Speech in Parliament SInce I perceive most renowned Soveraign that it is not your Majesties pleasure to reform this Election and cause it to be changed but have by the mouth of the Right Reverend Father in God the Legat your High Chancellour thereunto given your assent and have of your great goodnesse determined far above my deserts or abilities to repute me worthy this so weighty Office rather then you should seem to impute unto your Commons that they had unmeetly chosen me I am therefore and always shall be ready obediently to conform my self to the accomplishment of your high Commands most humbly beseeching your most noble Majesty that â—may with your Graces favour before I further enter thereinto make my humble intercession to your Highness for the grant of two lowly Petitions the one privately concerning my self the other this whole Assembly For my self gracious Soveraign That if I should chance
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
the old holy Doctors and at his coming next to the Court in talking with his Majesty of the foresaid matter he said To be plain with your Grace neither my Lord of Durham nor my Lord of Bath though I know them both to be wise vertuous learned and honourable Prelates nor my self with the rest of your Councel being all of us your Majesties own servants so much bound unto your Highnesse for your great favours daily bestowed upon us be in my judgment meet Councellors for your Grace herein but if your Highnesse please to understand the very truth you may have such Councellors devised as neither for respect of their own worldly profit nor for fear of your Princely authority will be inclined to deceive you and then named S Hierome S. Austine and divers other holy Doctors both Greeks and Latines and also shewed what authority he had gathered out of them which although the King as not agreeing with his desires did not very well like of yet were they by Sir Thomas More who in all his communication with the King in that business had alwaies most discreetly demeaned himself so wisely tempered that both at that present he took them in good part and often afterwards had thereof conference with him again After this were there certain questions propounded among his Councell Whether the King in the case of his first marriage needed to have any scruple at all and if he had what way were best to remove it The most of his Councel were of opinion that there was good cause because Queen Katherine being married before to Prince Arthur King Henrie's elder brother was not to be wife to two brothers and therefore for discharging of this suit was to be made to the See of Rome where the King by liberality hoped to obtain his desires wherein as it appeared afterwards he was much deceived Then was there for the triall and examination of this matrimony procured from Rome a Commission in which Cardinal Campegius and Cardinall VVolfey were joyned Commissioners who for the determination thereof sat at the Black-Friers in London where a Libell was put in for annulling the former Matrimony alledging that marriage between the King and the Queen to be utterly unlawfull but on the other side for proof that it was lawfull there was brought in a Dispensation In which after divers disputations thereupon held there appeared an imperfection which by an instrument or brief upon search found in the Treasury of Spain and sent to the Commissioners into England was supplyed and so judgement should have been given by the Pope accordingly had not the King upon intelligence thereof before the said judgment appealed to the next generall Councel after whose appellation the Cardinal upon that matter sate no longer It fortuned before the businesse of the said Matrimony was brought in question when this foresaid Mr. Rooper in discourse with his father-in-law of a certain joy commanded unto him the happy estare of this Kingdom that had so Catholick a Prince that no Heretick durst shew his face so vertuous and learned a Clergie so grave and sound a Nobility so loving and obedient Subjects all agreeing together in one faith and dutifulnesse as though they had Cor unum Animam unam one Heart and one Soul Sir Thomas replyed In truth it is indeed son Rooper as you say and in commending all degrees and estates of the same far exceeded him and yet son Rooper I pray God said he that some of us as high as we seem to it upon the mountains treading Hereticks under our feet live not the day that we gladly would wish to be at a league and composition with them to let them have their Churches quietly to themselves so that they would be content to let us have ours quietly to our selves When his son had told him many reasons why he had no cause so to expresse himself VVell said he I pray God son Rooper some of us live not till that day yet shewing him no reason why he should put any doubt therein To whom he said By my troth Sir it is very desperately spoken but withall recants that term who by these words perceiving him in some choler said merrily unto him VVel well son Rooper it shall not be so it shall not be so whom as I have said before in all the time of continuall residence with him he could never perceive so much as once disturbed with anger But now to return again where I left after the supplying of the imperfections of the Dispensation sent as is before related to the Commissioners into England the King taking the matter for ended and then intending to proceed no further in it assigned the Bishop of Durham and Sir Thomas More to goe Embassadors to Cambray a place then neither Imperiall nor French to treat of a peace between the Emperour the French King and him In the concluding whereof Sir Thomas More so worthily behaved himself procuring in our league farre more advantages unto this Kingdome then at that time by the King or his Councel was thought possible that for his good service in that employment the King made him Lord Chancellor and caused the Duke of Norfolke openly to declare unto the people as you shall see here hereafter more at large how much all England was bounden unto him CHAP. VIII 1 The Cardinal degraded of his Office 2 Sir THOMAS MORE made Lord High Chancellor of England Now upon the coming home of the Bishop of Durham and Sir Thomas More from Cambray the King was as earnest in perswading Sir Thomas More to agree to his second marriage as before by many and divers wayes provoking him thereunto for which cause as it was thought he the rather soon after made him Lord Chancellor and further told him that though at his going over the sea to Gambray he was in utter despair thereof yet he had conceived since some good hope to bring it about for although his marriage being against the positive Lawes of the Church and the written Lawes God was holpen by the Dispensation yet was there another thing found out of late he said whereby his marriage appeared to be so directly against the Law of Nature that it could in no wife be dispensable by the Church as Dr. Stokely whom he had then preferred to be Bishop of London and in that case chiefly credited was able to inform him with whom he prayed him in that point to conferre But for al his conference with him he saw nothing of such force as could induce him to change his opinion therein yet the Bishop relating to the King their conference so favourably reported of Sir More 's carriage therein that he said he found him very desirous to finde some matter in his Highnesse cause wherein he might truly serve his Grace to his contentation This Bishop Stokely being by the Cardinall not long before openly disgraced and awarded
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
Thomas as it after appeared in all his communications with her had so discreetly demeaned himself that he deserved not to be blamed but contrarily commended and praised After the Divorce was pronounced there was a book put out by authority from the Councel which laid down the reasons why this divorce was done straight after it was rumoured abroad that Sir Thomas More had answered and confuted this Book Of which slander Sir Thomas cleared himself by a letter to Mr. Cromwel then Secretary and in the Kings great favour shewing by many Arguments that he neither would nor could confute that Book whi 〈…〉 large in the latter end 〈…〉 mas his works Butler to But for all his purging in 〈…〉 accusation came thick and 〈…〉 fell upon him and had he not been one of singular integrity that in all his great offices and doings for the King and Kingdome so many years together had from all corruption wrong doing or bribes taking kept himself so clear that no man was able once to blemish him therewith without doubt every light matter in this troublesome time of the Kings indignation to him had been deeply laid to his charge and of the King at that time most favorably accepted as in the Case of one Parnel it most manifestly appeared This Parnel grievously complained against Sir Thomas More because when he was Lord Chancellor at the suit of one Vaughan his adversary he had made a decree against him for which at his wives hand Mr. Vaughan himself being unable for the Gowt to 〈…〉 Sir Thomas had reâ—…eat gilt Cup as a bribe â—…learing of which accusati 〈…〉 Thomas by the Kings appointment being called before the whole Councel where that matter was hainously laid to his charge presently confessed that forasmuch as that Cup was long after the foresaid decree brought him for a newâ— years-gift he upon her importunat pressing on him therefore of courtesie refused not to receive it Then the Lord of Wiltshire Queen Anns father and preferrer of this suit who hated Sir Thomas More because he had not consented to his daughters marriage with much joy said unto the Lords Lo my Lords did not I tell you that you should find the matter true Whereupon Sir Thâ—mas desired their honours that as they had courteously heard him tell the one part of his Tale so they would vouchsafe of their honours indifferently to hear the other which being granted he further declared that although he had indeed with much urging received that Cup yet immediately thereupon he caused his Butler to fill it with Winâ— and therein drank to her and when she had pledged him Then as freely as her husband had given it to him even so freely gave he the same unto her again to give unto her husband for his New-years-gift which at his instant request though much against her will yet at length she was fain to receive as her self and certain others before them there presently deposed Thus was the great mountain converted scarse to a little molehill At another time upon a New-years-day too there came unto him one Mistresse Croaker a very rich Gentlewoman for whom with no small pains he had made a Decree in Chancery against the Lord Arundel never fearing in an act of justice any nobility of bloud or greatnesse of personage who presented him with a pair of Gloves and forty pounds in Angels in them for a New-years-gift of whom he thankfully received the Gloves but refusing the Money said unto her Mistresse Since it were against good manners to forsake a Gentlewomans New-years gift I am content to take your Gloves but as for the lining I utterly refuse it and so caused her to take her gold again though much against her mind And one Mr. Gresham having at the same time a Cause depending in the Chancery against him sent him for a New-years-gift a fair guilded Cup the fashion whereof pleased him so well that he caused one of his own though not in his fancy of so good a fashion yet better in value to be brought out of his Chamber which he desired the messenger in recompence to deliver to his Master and under no other conditions would he in any wise receive it Many things more of like effect for the declaration of this mans innocency and clearnesse from all corruption or evil affectionm might be here rehearsed which for tediousnesse sake are purposely omitted it being referred to the Readers by those few fore-mentioned examples wisely to weigh consider At the Parliament following there was a Bill put into the lower House to attach the Nun and divers other religious persons of high treason and the Bishop of Rochester Sir Thomas More and some other of misprision of treason The King presupposing that this Bill would be so grievous and terrible unto Sir Thomas More that it would force him to relent and condescend to his request wherein his Highnesse as it afterwards appeared was much mistaken for Sir Thomas More sued that he might be admitted into the Parliament to make his own defence personally which the King not liking assigned the Bishop of Canterbury the Lord Chancellor the Duke of Norfolk and Mr. Cromwel at a day and place appointed to call Sir Thomas More before them At whose appearance according to their appointment they entertained him very friendly desiring him to sit down amongst them which in no wise he would do Then began the Lord Chancellor to declare unto him how many wayes the King had shewed his love and favour to him how fain he would have had him continue in his Office how glad he would have been to have heaped more favours upon him and lastly how he could ask no worldly honour and profit at his Highnesse hands that were likely to be denyed him hoping by the declaration of the Kings kindnesse and affection tomards him to cause him to recompense his Grace with the like again and unto those things the Parliament the Bishops and Universities had already subscribed to add his consent also To this Sir Thomas More mildly made answer saying No man living is there My Lords that would with better will do anything that should be acceptable to the Kings Highnesse then my self who must needs confesse his great favours and bountiful goodness most liberally bestowed on me howbeit I verily hoped that I should never have heard of this matter more considering that I have from time to time alwaies from the beginning so plainly and truly declared my mind unto his Grace which his Hignesse to me ever seemed like a most gracious Prince to accept never intending as he then said to molest me more therewith since which time any further thing that was able to move me to any change could I-never find and if I could there is none in all the world could have been gladder of it then I. Many speeches more concerning this were uttered on both sides but in the end
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
when they saw they could by no manner of perswasions remove him from his former determination then began they more terribly to threaten him telling him that the Kings Highnesse had commanded them if they could by no gentlenesse win him in his name to charge him with his great ingratitude that never was there servant to his Soveraign so villanous nor subject to his Prince so traiterous as he For he by his subtile sinister sleights most unnaturally procuring and provoking him to set forth a book of the assertion of the seven Sacraments and maintenance of the Popes Authority had caused him to his dishonour throughout all Christendome to put a sword in the Popes hands tâ— fight against himself When they had thus laid forth all the terrour they could against him My Lords said he These terrours be arguments for Children not for me but to answer that wherewith you do chiefly charge me I believe the Kings Highnesse of his honour will never lay that to my charge for none is there that can in that point say more in mine excuse then his Highnesse himself who right well knoweth that I never was Procurer nor Counsellor of his Majesty thereto but after it was finished by his Graces appointment and consent of the makers of the same I was only a sorter out and placer of the principal matters therein contained wherein I found the Popes Authority highly advanced and with strong Arguments highly defended I said unto his Majesty I must put your Highnesse in remembrance of one thing and that is this The Pope as your Grace knoweth is a Prince as you are and in league with all other Christian Princes it may hereafter so fall out that your Grace and he may vary upon some points of the league whereupon may grow breach of amity and war between you both I think it best that that place be amended and his authority more slenderly touched Nay said his Grace that shall not be we are so much bounden to the See of Rome that we cannot do too much honour unto it Then did I further put him in mind of the Statute of Praemunire whereby a good part of the Popes pastoral cure was pared away To that answered his Highnesse Whatsoever impediment be to the contrary we will set forth that Authority to the uttermost for we received from the See of Rome our Crown imperial Which till his Grace with his own mouth told it me I never heard of before So that I trust when that his Majesty shall be truly informed of this and call to his gracious remembrance my dealing in that behalf his Highnesse will never speak of it more but clear me throughly therein himself With which words in great displeasure they dismissed him and departed Then took Sir Thomas More his Boat towards Chelsey where by the way he was very merry which Mr. Rooper much rejâ—iced at supposing that he had got himself discharg'd out of the Bill When he was landed and come home they walked in his Garden where Mr. Rooper said unto him I trust Sir all is well because you are so merry It is so indeed son I thank God Are you then put out of the Parliament Bill said Mr. Rooper By my troth Son I never remembred that Never remembred it Sir said he a Case that toucheth your self so near and us all for your sake I am very sorry to hear it for I verily trusted when I saw you merry that all had been well Then replyed Sir Thomas wouldst thou know son why I was so merry In good faith I rejoiced that I had given the Divel so foul a fall and that with those Lords I had gone so far as without great shame I coul'd never go back again Now upon the report made by my Lord Chancellor and the other Lords to the King of Sir Thomas Mores examination the King was so much offended with him that he plainly told them he was fully determined that the foresaid Parliament Bill should certainly proceed forth against him to whom the Lord Chancellor and the rest of the Lords said that they perceived the upper house so powerfully bent to hear Sir Thomas make answer in his own defence that if he were not put out of the Bill it would without fail be an utter â—overthrow to all but for all this the King would needs have his own will or else he said he would be personally present himself at the passing of it Then the Lord Audley and the rest seeing he was so vehemently set upon it on their knees most humbly besought his Grace to forbear considering that if he should in his own presence receive an overthrow it would not only encourage his Subjects ever after to contemn him but also redound to his dishonour for ever throughout all Christendome telling him that they doubted not in time to find some better occasion to serve his Graces turn for in this case of the Nun he was accounted they said so innocent and clear that for his dealing therein men thought him worthier of praise then reproof Whereupon at length through their earnest perswasion he was content to condescend to their Petition and on the morrow after Mr. Cromwell meeting M. Rooper in the Parliament House wished him to tell his Father that he was put out of the Parliament Bill who because he had that day appointed to dine in London sent the message by his servant to his Wise at Chelsey whereof when she informd her father In faith Meg said he Quod differtur non aufertur After this the Duke of Norfolk and Sir Thomas More chanced to sal in discourse together and amongst other talk the Duke said unto him By the masse Mr. More it is perilous striving with Princes and therefore I would wish you somewhat to incline to the Kings pleasure for By Gods Body Mr. More Indignatio Principis Mors est Is that all My Lord said Sir Thomas Then in good saith is there no more difference betwixt your Grace and me but that I shall dye to day and you to morrow CHAP. XIII 1 Sir THOMAS MORE refuseth the Oath of Supremacy and succession 2 Sir 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 NOw it fell out within a month or thereabouts after the enacting of the Statute for the Oath of the Supremacy and Matrimony that all the Priests of London and Westminster yet no temporal man but Sir Thomas More were summoned to appear at Lambeth before the Bishop of Canterburry the Lord Chancellor and Secretary Cromwell Commissioners appointed there to tender the Oath unto them Then Sir Thomas More as his custome was alwaies ere he entred into any businesse of importancy as when he was first chosen one of the Kings privy Councel when he
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
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
to the Fleet not brooking this contumelious usage and thinking that forasmuch as the Cardinal for lack of such forwardness in setting forth the Kings Divorce as his Grace expected was out of his Highnesse favour he bad now a good occassion offered him to revenge himself of him He yet more to incense the Kings displeasure against him endevoured all he could to invent some colourable device for the Kings furtherance in that behalf which as is before mentioned he revealed to his Grace hoping thereby to procure the Kings greater affection to himself and disaffection to the Cardinall whom his Highnesse therefore soon after displaced of his Office and the rather to move him to incline to his side committed the same to Sir Thomas More in his stead who between the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk being brought through Westminster-Hall to his place in the Chancery the Duke of Norfolk in audience of all the people there assembled shewed that he was from the King himself streightly charged by speciall commission there openly in presence of them all to make Declaration how much all England was beholding to Sir Thomas More for his good service and how worthy he was of the highest preferment in the Kingdome and how dearly his Grace loved and trusted him A Copy of the Oration THE Kings Majestie which I pray God may prove happy and fortunate to the whole Realm of Engl. hath raised to the most high dignity of Chancellorship Sir Tho. More a man for his extraordinary worth and sufficiency well known to himself and the whole Realm for no other cause or earthly respect but for that he hath plainly perceived all the gifts of Nature and Grace to be heaped upon him which either the people could desire or himself wish for the discharging of so great an Office For the admirable wisdome integrity and innocency joyned with most pleasant facility of wit that this man is indued withall have been sufficiently known unto all English from his youth and for these many years also to the Kings majesty himself This hath the King abundantly found in many and weighty affairs which he hath happily dispatched both at home and abroad in divers Offices which he hath borne in most honourable Embassies which he hath undergone and in his daily Counsells and Advices upon all other occasions He hath perceived no man in this Realm to be more wife in deliberating more sincere in opening to him what he thought nor more eloquent to adorn the matter which he uttered Wherefore because he saw in him such excellent endowments and that of his speciall care he hath a particular desire that this Kingdome and people might be governed with all equity and justice integrity and wisdome he of his own most gratious disposition bath created this singular man Lord Chancellor that by his laudable performance of this Office his people may injoy peace and justice and honour also and fame may redound to the whole kingdome It may perhaps seeme to many a strange and an unusall matter that this Dignity should be bestowed upon a Lay-man none of the Nobility and one that hath wife and Children because heretofore none but singular learned Prelates or men of greatest Nobility have possessed this place But what is wanting in these respects the admirable virtues the matchlesse gifts of wit and wisdome of this man doth most plentifully recomPense the some for the Kings Majesty hath not regarded how great but what a man he was he hath not cost his eyes upon the Nobility of his bloud but on the worth of his Person he hath respected his sufficiency not his profession finally he would shew by this choice that he hath some rare subjects amongst the row of Gentlemen and Lay-men who deserve to manage the highest Offices in the Realm which Bishops and Noblemen think they only can deserve The rarer therefore it was so much both himselfe held it to be the more excellent and â—o his people he thought it would be more gratefull Wherefore receive this your Chancellor with joyfull acclamations at whose hands you may expect all happinesse and content Sir Thomas More according to his wonted modesty was somewhat abashed at this the Dukes Speech in that it sounded so much in his praise but recollecting himself as that place and time would give him leave he answerd in manner following Although most Noble Duke and you Honourable Lords and Worshipful Gentlemen I know all these things which the Kings Majesty it seemeth hath been pleased it should be spoken of me at this time and place and your Grace hath with most eloquent words thus amplified are as far from me as I could wish with all my heart they were in me for the better performance of so great a charge And although this your Speech hath caused in me greater fear then I can well expresse in words yet this incomparable favour of my dread Soveraign by which he sheweth how well yea how highly he conceiveth of my Weaknesse having commanded that my Meanesse should be so greatly commended cannot be but most acceptable unto me And I cannot choose but give your most noble Grace exceeding thanks that what his Majesty hath willed you briefly to utter you of the abundance of your love unto me have in a large and eloquent Oration dilated As for my self I can take it no otherwise but that his Majesties incomparable favour towards me the good will and incredible propension of his Royal mind where with he hath this many years favoured me continually hath alone without any desert of mine at all caused both this my new honour and these your undeserved commendations of me For who am I or what is the House of my Father that the Kings Highnesse should heap upon me by such a perpetuall stream of affection those so high Honours I am far lesse then any the meanest of his benifits bestowed on me how can I then think my self worthy or fit for this so peerlesse dignity I have been drawn by force as the Kings Majesty often professeth to his Highnesse service to be a Courtier but to take this dignity upon me is most of all against my will yet such in his Highnesse benignity such is his bounty that he highty esteemeth the small dutifulnesse of his meanest Subjects and seeketh still magnificently to recompense his Servants not only such as deserve well but even such as have but a desire to deserve well at his hands in which number I have alwaies wished my self to be reckoned because I cannot challenge my self to be one of the former which being so you may all perceive with me how great a burthen is laid upon my back in that I must strive in some sort with my diligence and duty to correspond with his Royall benevolence and to be answerable to that great expectation which he and you seem to have of me Wherefore these so high Praises are by