That cannot be; you are a counsellor, And, by that virtue, no man dare accuse you. Gar. My lord, because we have business of more moment, We will be short with you. 'Tis his highness' plea sure, And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower; Cran. Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you, You are always my good friend; if your will pass, Gar. My lord, my lord, you are a sectary, Crom. My lord of Winchester, you are a little, Gar. Good master secretary, I cry your honour mercy; you may, worst Of all this table, say so. Crom. Why, my lord? Gar. Do not I know you for a favourer Of this new sect? ye are not sound. Crom. Gar. Not sound, I say. Crom. Not sound? 'Would you were half so honest? Men's prayers then would seek you, not their fears. Gar. I shall remember this bold language. Chan. Then thus for you, my lord, It stands agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forthwith You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner; There to remain, till the king's further pleasure Cran. Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to the Tower, my lords? What other Gar. Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome! Let some o'the guard be ready there, I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords; By virtue of that ring, I take my cause Sur. "Tis no counterfeit. Suf. 'Tis the right ring, by heaven: I told ye all, When we first put this dangerous stone a rolling, 'Twould fall upon ourselves. . Nor. Do you think, my lords, The king will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vex'd? Cham. "Tis now too certain: How much more is his life in value with him? 'Would I were fairly out on't. Crom. My mind gave me, In seeking tales, and informations, Against this man, (whose honesty the devil Ye blew the fire that burns ye: Now have at ye. Enter King, frowning on them; takes his seat. Gar. Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince; Not only good and wise, but most religious : His royal self in judgment comes to hear K. Hen. You were ever good at sudden commen- Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not Good man, [To CRANMER.] sit down. Now let me see the proudest He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee: Than but once think his place becomes thee not. Sur. May it please your grace, K. Hen. No, sir, it does not please me. I had thought, I had had men of some understanding And wisdom, of my council; but I find none. Was it discretion, lords, to let this man, This good man, (few of you deserve that title,) This honest man, wait like a lowsy footboy Power as he was a counsellor to try him, Not as a groom; There's some of ye, I see, More out of malice than integrity, Thus far, Chan. My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace To let my tongue excuse all. What was purpos'd Concerning his imprisonment, was rather (If there be faith in men,) meant for his trial, And fair purgation to the world, than malice; I am sure, in me. K. Hen. Well, well, my lords, respect him; Take him, and use him well, he's worthy of it. I will say thus much for him, If a prince Am, for his love and service, so to him. Make me no more ado, but all embrace him; Be friends, for shame, my lords.-My lord of Canterbury, I have a suit which you must not deny me; Cran. The greatest monarch now alive may glory Two noble partners with you; the old duchess of Norfolk, And lady marquiss Dorset; Will these please you? Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you, 7 It was an ancient custom for sponsors to present spoons to their god-children. |