Gar. Crom. I have done. And I. Chan. Then thus for you, my lord :-it stands agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forth with You be conveyed to the Tower a prisoner, 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. 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. Stay, good my lords; Chan. This is the King's ring. Sur. "T is no counterfeit. Suf. 'Tis the right ring, by Heaven! I told ye all, When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling, "T would fall upon ourselves. Nor. Do you think, my lords, The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vexed? Chan. "T is now too certain: How much more is his life in value with him! 'Would I were fairly out on 't! Crom. In seeking tales and informations My mind gave me, 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 the KING, frowning on them; he 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 judgment comes to hear The cause betwixt her and this great offender. K. Hen. You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not To hear such flatteries now, and in my presence; 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 tak'st me for, I'm sure, Thou hast a cruel nature, and a bloody.— [To CRANMER.] Good man, sit down. see the proudest, Now let me He that dares most, but wag his finger at thee: Than but once think this 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 under standing And wisdom of my Council; but I find none. This good man,-few of you deserve that title,— Why, what a shame was this! mission Did my com 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; shall never have while I live. Which ye Thus far, My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace If there be faith in men-meant for his trial 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; That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism, You must be god-father, and answer for her. Cran. The greatest monarch now alive may glory In such an honour: how may I deserve it, Two noble partners with you; the old Duchess of And Lady Marquess Dorset : will these please you? Once more, my Lord of Winchester, I charge you, Embrace, and love this man. Gar. And brother-love, I do it. Cran. With a true heart, And let Heaven Witness, how dear I hold this confirmation. K. Hen. Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart. The common voice, I see, is verified Of thee, which says thus, 'Do my Lord of Canter bury A shrewd turn, and he is your friend for ever.’— [Exeunt. |