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

Be known unto us: are you all agreed, lords? 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 trouble

some.

Let some o' the guard be ready there.

Cran.

Stay, good my lords, I have a little yet to say. Look there, my

lords;

By virtue of that ring, I take my cause
Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it
To a most noble judge, the king my master.

Cham. This is the king's ring.

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?

My mind gave me,

In seeking tales and informations

Against this man, whose honesty the devil And his disciples only envy at,

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:

One that, in all obedience, makes the church The chief aim of his honour; and, to strengthen

That holy duty, out of dear respect,

His royal self in judgement comes to hear The cause betwixt her and this great offender.

King. You were ever good at sudden commendations,

Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come

not

To hear such flattery now, and in my pres

ence

They are too thin and bare to hide offences. To me you cannot reach you play the spaniel, And think with wagging of your tongue to

win me ;

But, whatsoe'er thou takest me for, I'm sure Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody. [to Cranmer] Good man, 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.

Sur. May it please your grace,

King.

No, sir, it does not please me. I had thought I had had men of some under

standing

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 lousy footboy At chamber-door? and one as great as you

are?

Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission

Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye
Power as he was a councillor to try him,
Not as a groom: there's some of ye, I see,
More out of malice than integrity,

Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean;
Which ye shall never have while I live.
Thus far,

Chan.
My most dread sovereign, may it like your

grace

To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed

Concerning his imprisonment, was rather, If there be faith in men, meant for his trial