And want of wisdom, you, that best should teach us, Have misdemean'd yourself, and not a little, Toward the king first, then his laws, in filling The whole realm, by your teaching, and your chaplains, Gar. Which reformation must be sudden too, (Out of our easiness, and childish pity To one man's honour) this contagious sickness, Of the whole state: as, of late days, our neighbours, Yet freshly pitied in our memories. Cran. My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress capacity; i. e. while they are capable [in a condition] of being invested with flesh.-Mr. Malone reads thus: “In our own natures frail, incapable : Of our flesh," &c. 3 The upper Germany, &c.] Alluding to the heresy of Thomas Muntzer, which sprung up in Saxony in the years 1521 and 1522. ————— a single heart,] A heart void of duplicity or guile. With less allegiance in it! Men, that make Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships, Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, Suf. Nay, my lord, 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' pleasure, And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower; Where, being but a private man again, You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, More, than I fear, you are provided for. Cran. Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you, 'Tis my undoing: Love, and meekness, lord, 5 • your painted gloss, &c.] Those that understand you, under this painted gloss, this fair outside, discover your empty talk and your false reasoning. VOL. VI. R By your good favour, too sharp; men so noble, For what they have been: 'tis a cruelty, I Gar. Good master secretary, 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. Remember your bold life too. Chan. Forbear, for shame, my lords. Gar. Crom, Do. This is too much; I have done. And I. 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 All. We are. Cran. Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to the Tower, my lords? Gar. What other Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome : Enter Guard. Cran. For me? Must I go like a traitor thither? Gar. Receive him. And see him safe i'the Tower. Cran. Stay, good my lords, I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords; Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it 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. The king will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vex'd? Cham. Do you think, my lords, '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 This is the king's ring.] It seems to have been a custom, begun probably in the dark ages, before literature was generally diffused, and before the regal power experienced the restraints of law, for every monarch to have a ring, the temporary possession of which invested the holder with the same authority as the owner himself could exercise. The production of it was sufficient to suspend the execution of the law; it procured indemnity for offences committed, and imposed acquiescence and submission on whatever was done under its authority. Instances abound in the history of almost every nation. In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince; His royal self in judgment comes to hear That cause betwixt her and this great offender. K. Hen. You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not Thou hast a cruel nature, and a bloody. Good man, [to CRANMER,] sit down. Now let me see the proudest He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee: By all that's holy, he had better starve, Than but once think this place becomes thee not. 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. This good man, (few of you deserve that title,) ye, I see, More out of malice than integrity, Chan. Thus far, |