<P_44>

And as fewe Iniunctions as he graunted while he was $lorde chauncelour
, yeat were they by some of the Judges of the lawe misliked , which I
vnderstanding , declared the same to Sir Thomas Moore , who aunswered
me that they should have litle cause to find fault with him therefore .
(ROPER-E1-P1,44.2)

And therevppon caused he one master Crooke , cheif of the six clerks ,
to make a docket contayning the whole number and causes of all such
Iniunctions as either in his tyme had alredy passed , or at that
present depended in any of the kings Courtes at westminster before him
. Which done , he invited all the Judges to dyne with him in the
councell chamber at westminster : where , after dynner , when he had
broken with them what complaintes he had heard of his Iniunctions , and
moreouer shewed them bothe the number and causes of euery one of them ,
in order , so <P_45> plainely that , vppon full debating of thos
matters , they were all inforced to confes that they , in like case ,
could haue done no other wise themselfes , Then offred he this vnto
them : that if the Iustices of euery courte <paren> vnto whom the
reformacion of the rigour of the lawe , by reason of their office ,
most especially appertained </paren> wold , vppon resonable
considerations , by their owne discretions <paren> as they were , as he
thought , in consciens bound </paren> mitigate and reforme the rigour
of the lawe themselves , there should from thenceforth by him no more
Iniunctions be graunted . Wherunto when they refused to condiscend ,
then said he vnto them : " Forasmuch as your selves , my lordes , drive
me to that necessity for awardinge out Iniunctions to releive the
peoples iniury , you $can $not {TEXT:canot} hereafter any more justly
blame me . " (ROPER-E1-P1,45.3)

After that he said secreatly vnto me : " I perceive , sonne , why they
like not so to doe , (ROPER-E1-P1,45.4)

for they see that they may by the verdicte of the Iurye cast of all
quarrells from them selves vppon them , which they accompte their cheif
defens ; (ROPER-E1-P1,45.5)

and therefore am I compelled to abide thadventure of all such reportes
. " (ROPER-E1-P1,45.6)

And as litle leysure as he had to be occupied in the study of holy
scripture and controuersies vppon religion <P_46> and such other
vertuous exercises , being in manner contynually busied about
thaffaires of the kinge and the realme , yeat such watche and payne in
setting forth of divers profitable workes , in defens of the true
$Christian religion , against hereseies secreatly sowen abrode in the
Realme , assuredly sustayned he , that the Byshoppes , to whose
pastorall cure $the $reformacione thereof principally appertained ,
thinking themselfes by his travaile , wherein by their owne confession
they were not able with him to make comparison , of their duties in
that behalf discharged , And considering that for all his princes
favour he was no rich man , nor in yearly revenues advaunced as his
worthines deserved ; Therefore , at a convocation among themselfes and
other of the clergie , they agreed together and concluded vppon a some
of foure or five thowsand poundes , at the least , to my remembraunce ,
for his paynes to recompence him . To the payment whereof euery Byshop
, Abbott , and the rest of the Clergye were , after the rate $of $their
$abillityes , liberall contributories , hoping this porcion should be
to his contentation . <P_47> Whervppon Tunstall , Bishopp of Dirham ,
Clark , Bishopp of Bath , and , as farr as I can call to mind , Vaysey
, Bishop of Exeter , repayred vnto him , declaring howe thanckfully for
his travailes , to their discharge , in godes cause bestowed , they
reckned themselves bounden to consider him ; And that albeit they could
not , according to his desertes , so worthily as they gladly wold ,
requite him therefore , but must reserve that only to the goodnes of
god , yeat for a small parte of recompense , in respecte of his estate
so vnequall to his worthines , in the name of their whole convocacion ,
they presented vnto him that some , which they desired him to take in
good parte . Who , forsaking it , said , That like as it was no small
comforte vnto him that so wise and learned men so well accepted his
simple doings , for which he never intended to receiue reward but at
thands of god onlye , to whom alone was the thanck thereof cheefly to
be ascribed , So gaue he most hvmble thanckes to their honours all for
their $so bountiffull $and $freindly consideration . (ROPER-E1-P1,46.7)

When they , for all their importune pressinge vppon him , that fewe
wold haue went he could haue refused it , could by no meanes make him
to take it , Then besought they <P_48> him to be content yeat that they
might bestowe it vppon his wife and children . (ROPER-E1-P1,48.8)

" Not so , my Lordes , " quothe he , (ROPER-E1-P1,48.9)

" I had leuer see it all cast into the Themes , then I , or any of mine
, should haue thereof $the $worthe $of one peny . (ROPER-E1-P1,48.10)

For thoughe your offer , my lordes , be indeede $very $frendly $and
$honorable , yet set I so much by my plesure and so litle by my profitt
, that I wold not , in good faith , for so much , and much more to ,
haue losst the rest of so many nightes sleepe as was spent vppon the
same . (ROPER-E1-P1,48.11)

And yeat wish wold I , for all that , vppon condicion that all
hereseyes were suppressed , that all my bookes were burned and my
labour vtterly lost . " (ROPER-E1-P1,48.12)

Thus departing , were they fayne to restore vnto euery man his owne
agayne . (ROPER-E1-P1,48.13)

This Lord Chauncelour , albeit he was to god and the world well knowen
of notable vertue </paren> thoughe not so of euery man considered
</paren> yeat , for the avoiding of singularity , wold he appeare none
otherwise then other men in his apparell and other behaviour .
(ROPER-E1-P1,48.14)

And albeit outwardly he appeared honorable like one of his callinge ,
yeat inwardly he no such vanityes esteeming , secreatly next his body
ware a shirte of heare ; which my sister <P_49> Moore , a yong
gentlewoman , in the sommer , as he sate at supper , singly in his
doublet and hose , wearing them vppon a plaine shirte , without ruffe
or coller , chauncing to spye , began to laughe at it .
(ROPER-E1-P1,49.15)

My wife , not ignorant of his manner , perceyuinge the same , pryvily
told him of it ; (ROPER-E1-P1,49.16)

And he , beinge sory that she sawe it , presently amended $it .
(ROPER-E1-P1,49.17)

He vsed also sometymes to pvnishe his body with whippes , the cordes
knotted , which was knowen only to my wife , his eldest daughter , whom
for $her secrecy aboue all other he specially trusted , causing her ,
as need required , to washe the same shirte of heare .
(ROPER-E1-P1,49.18)

Nowe shortly vppon his entry into the highe office of the
Chauncelorshipp , the king $yeat eftssoones agayne moved him to waighe
and consider his greate matter ; who , falling downe vppon his knees ,
hvmbly besought his highnes to stand his gratious soueraigne , as $he
euer since his entry into his $graces service had founde him ; sayeng
there was nothing in the world had bine so greiuous vnto his harte as
to remember $that he was not able , as he willingly wold , with the
losse of one of <P_50> his limbes , for that matter any thing to finde
wherby he could , $with $his $consciens , $safely serve his graces
contentacion ; As he that alwaies bare in mynde the most godly wordes
that his highnes spake vnto him at his first coming into his noble
service , the most vertuous lesson that euer prince taught his servant
, willing him first to looke vnto god , and after god to him ; as , in
good faith , he said , he did , or els might his grace well accompt him
his most vnworthy servaunt . (ROPER-E1-P1,50.19)

To this the kinge awneswered , that if he could not $therein with his
consciens serue him , he was content accept his service otherwise ; And
vsing the aduice of other $of his learned councell , whose consciences
could well inough agre therewith , wold neuertheles contynewe his
gratious favour towards him , and neuer with that matter molest his
consciens after . (ROPER-E1-P1,50.20)

But Sir Thomas Moore , in processe of time , seing the king fully
determined to proceede $forthe in the mariage of Queene Anne , and when
he , with the Bishopps and nobles of the higher house of the parliament
, were , for the furtheraunce of that mariage , comaunded by the kinge
to goe downe to the comon house , to shewe vnto them both what the
vniuersities , aswell of other partes beyond the seas as $of Oxford and
Cambridge , had done <P_51> in that behalf , and their seales also
teatifyenge the same - All which matters , at the kings request , not
shewing of what minde himself was therein , he opened to the lower
house of the parliament - Neuertheles , doubtinge least further
attemptes after should followe , which , contrary to his consciens , by
reson of his office , he was likely to be putt vnto , He made sure vnto
the Duke of Norfolk , his singuler deere freind , to be a meane to the
kinge that he might , with his graces favour , be discharged of that
chargeable roome of $the Chauncelourshippe , wherein , for certaine
infirmities of his bodye , he pretended himself vnable any longer to
serve . (ROPER-E1-P1,51.21)

This Duke , cominge on a tyme to Chelsie to dyne with him , fortuned to
find him at the Church , singing in the Quier , with a surplus on his
backe ; To whom , after service , as they went homeward together , arme
in arme , the Duke said : " God body , god body , my lord Chauncelour ,
a parish Clark , a parish clark ! (ROPER-E1-P1,51.22)

you dishonor the king and his office . " (ROPER-E1-P1,51.23)

" Nay , " quoth Sir Thomas Moore , smilinge vppon the Duke ,
(ROPER-E1-P1,51.24)

" Your grace may not thinck that the king , your master and myne , will
with me , for servinge of god , his master , be offended , or therby
count his office dishonoured . " (ROPER-E1-P1,51.25)

When the Duke , beinge therunto often sollicited , by <P_52>
importunate sute had at length of the king obtayned for Sir Thomas
Moore a cleere discharge of his office , Then , at a tyme convenient ,
by his highnes apointment , repayred he to his grace , to yealde vpp
vnto him the greate seale . Which , as his grace , with thancks and
prayse for his worthy service in that office , courteously at his
handes receaved , so pleased it his highnes $further to say vnto him ,
that for the service that he before had done hym , in anye sute which
he should after haue vnto him , that either should concerne his honor
<paren> for that word it liked his highnes to vse vnto him </paren> or
that should appertaine vnto his profitt , he should find his highnes
good and gratious Lord vnto him . (ROPER-E1-P1,52.26)

After he had thus geuen ouer the Chauncelourshipp , and placed all his
gentlemen and yeomen with Byshoppes and noble men , and his eight
watermen with the Lord Awdley , that in the same office succeded him ,
to whom also he gaue his greate barge , Then , calling vs all that were
his children vnto him , and asking our advise howe we mighte nowe , in
this decay of his abilyty <paren> by the surrender of his office so
impaired that he could not , as he was wont , and gladly wold , beare
out the whole <P_53> charges of them all all himself </paren> from
$thencforth be able to liue and contynewe together , as he wished we
should ; when he sawe vs silent , and in that case not redy to shewe
our opinions to him , " Then will I , " said he , " shewe my poore
minde vnto you . (ROPER-E1-P1,53.27)

I haue bine brought vpp , " quoth he , " $at Oxforde , at $an Inne of
Chauncery , at Lyncolnes Inne , and also $in the kings Courte ,
(ROPER-E1-P1,53.28)

and so forth from the lowest degree to the highest ,
(ROPER-E1-P1,53.29)

and yeat haue I in yearely revennewes at this present left me litle
aboue an hundrethe poundes by the yeare , So that nowe muste we
hereafter , if we like to live together , be contented to become
contributaries together . (ROPER-E1-P1,53.30)

But , by my councell , it shall not be best for vs to fall to the
lowest fare firste : (ROPER-E1-P1,53.31)

we will not therefore descend to Oxforde fare , nor $to the fare of
Newe Inne , (ROPER-E1-P1,53.32)

But we will begin with Lyncolnes Inne diet , where many right
worshippfull and of good yeares do live full <P_54> well ; whiche , if
we find not our selves the first yeare able to maynetayne , then will
we the next yeare goe one steppe downe to New Inne Fare , wherewith
many an honest man is well contented . (ROPER-E1-P1,54.33)

If that exceed our ability to , then will we the next yeare after
descend to Oxford fare , where many grave , learned , and auncient
fathers be contynewally conversant ; which , if our $powre stretch not
to mayntayne neyther , then may $we yeat , with baggs and walletes , go
a begging together , and hoping that for pity some good folke will
geeue vs their charytye , at euery mans doore to singe <font> salue
Regina </font> , and so still keepe company and bee mery together . "
(ROPER-E1-P1,54.34)

And whereas you haue herd before , he was by the kinge from a very
worshippfull livinge taken into his graces service , with whom , in all
the greate and waighty causes that concerned his highnes or the realme
, he consvmed and spent with paynefull cares , $travells , and
$troubles , aswell beyond the seas as within the realme , in effecte
the whole substaunce of his life , yeat with all the gayne he gatt
thereby , being never wastfull spender thereof , was he not able ,
after the resignacion of his office of $the Lord Chauncelor , for the
maynetenaunce of him self and such as necessaryly belonged vnto him ,
<P_55> sufficiently to find meate , drinck , fuell , apparell , and
such other necessary charges . (ROPER-E1-P1,55.35)

All the land that euer he purchased , which also he purchased before he
was lord Chauncelour , was not , I am well assured , aboue the valewe
of xx=ti= markes by the yeare . (ROPER-E1-P1,55.36)

And after his dettes paid , he had not , I knowe , his chaine excepted
, in gould and siluer lefte him the worth of one hundreth poundes .
(ROPER-E1-P1,55.37)

And whereas vppon the holidayes during his highe Chauncelourshipp , one
of his gentlemen , when service at the church was done , ordinarily
vsed to come to my lady his wives pue , and say $vnto $her , " Madame ,
my lord is gone , " the next holiday after the surrender of his office
and departure of his gentlemen , he came vnto my lady his $wifes pue
himself , (ROPER-E1-P1,55.38)

and making a lowe curtesye , said vnto her , " Madame , my lord is gone
. " (ROPER-E1-P1,55.39)

In the tyme somewhat before his trouble , he wold talke with his wife
and children of the ioyes of heuen and the paynes of hell , of the
lyves of holy martires , of their greiuous $martirdomes , of their
marvelous patiens , and of their passions and deathes that they suffred
rather <P_56> then they wold offend god ; And what an happie and
blessed thinge it was , for the love of god , to suffer losse of goods
, imprisonement , losse of lands and life also . (ROPER-E1-P1,56.40)

He wold further say vnto them that , vppon his faith , if he might
perceyue his wife and children wold incourage him to dye in a good
cause , it should so comforte him that , for very ioy thereof , it wold
make him merelye runne to deathe . (ROPER-E1-P1,56.41)

He shewed $vnto them afore what trouble might $after fall vnto him ;
wherewith and the like vertuous talke he had so longe before his
$trouble incouraged them , that when he after fell into the trouble
indeede , his trouble to them was a greate deale the lesse :
(ROPER-E1-P1,56.42)

<font> Quia spicula $preuisa minus laedunt . </font>
(ROPER-E1-P1,56.43)

Nowe vppon this resignement of his office , came $Master Thomas
Cromewell , then in the kings highe favour , to Chelsey to him , $with
a message frome the kinge ; Wherein when they had throughly commoned
together : " Master Cromewell , " quoth he , " you are nowe entered
into the service of a most noble , wise and liberall prince .
(ROPER-E1-P1,56.44)

If you will followe my poore advise , you shall , in your councell
gevinge vnto his grace , ever <P_57> tell him what he owght to doe ,
but never what he is able to doe . (ROPER-E1-P1,57.45)

So shall you shewe yourself a true faithfull servant and a right worthy
Councelour . (ROPER-E1-P1,57.46)

For if $a Lion knewe his owne strength , harde were it for any man to
rule him . " (ROPER-E1-P1,57.47)

Shortly therevppon was there a Comission directed to Cranmer , then
$Arch-Bishoppe of Canterbury , to determine the matter of the matrimony
betweene the king and Queene Katherine , at St. Albones , where ,
according to the kings mynd , it was throughly determined : who ,
pretending he had no iustice at the Popes $hands , frome thenceforth
sequestered himself from the Sea of Roome , and so maried the Ladye
Anne Bulleyne ; which Sir Thomas Moore vnderstanding , said vnto me : "
God geeue grace , sonne , that thes matters within a while be not
confirmed with othes . " (ROPER-E1-P1,57.48)

I , at that tyme seing no likelyhoode thereof , yeat fearing least for
his forespeakinge it wold the sooner come to pas , waxed therefore for
his so sayeing much offended with him . (ROPER-E1-P1,57.49)

It Fortuned not longe before the coming of Queene Anne thoroughe $the
streetes $of London frome the Tower to westminster to her Coronation ,
that he receaved a letter frome the $Bishoppes of Dyrham , Bathe and
Winchester , $requestinge $him bothe to keepe them company <P_58> frome
the Tower to the Coronation , and also to take twenty poundes that by
the berer thereof they had sent him to buy him a gowne with ; which he
thanckefully receaving , and at home still tarienge , at their next
meting said meerily vnto them : " My lords , in the letters which you
lately sent me , you required two thinges of me , The tone whereof ,
sith I was so well content to graunt you , The tother therefore I
thought I might be the boulder to denye you . (ROPER-E1-P1,58.50)

And like as the tone , $because I took you for no beggers , and my self
I knewe to be no riche man , I thoghte I might the rather fullfill , So
thother did put me in remembraunce of an Emperour that had ordained a
lawe that whosoever comitted a certaine offence <paren> which I nowe
remember not </paren> excepte it were a virgine , should suffer the
paynes of death , such a reuerens had he to virginity .
(ROPER-E1-P1,58.51)

Nowe so it happened that the first comitter $of $that $offence was
indeed a virgine , whereof themperour hearinge was in no small
perplexity , as he that by some example fayne wold haue had that lawe
to have ben put in execution . Wherevppon when his councell had sate
long , solembly <P_59> debatinge this case , sodenly arose there vpp
one of his councell , a good playne man , among them ,
(ROPER-E1-P1,59.52)

and said ' Why make you so much adoe , my lordes , about so small a
matter ? (ROPER-E1-P1,59.53)

Let her first be deffloured , (ROPER-E1-P1,59.54)

and then after may she be devoured . ' (ROPER-E1-P1,59.55)

And so thoughe your lordshippes haue in the matter of the matrimony
hitherto kepte your selves pure virgines , yeat take good head , my
lordes , that you keepe your virginity still . (ROPER-E1-P1,59.56)

For some there be that by procuringe your lordshippes first at the
coronacion to be present , and next to preach for the setting forth of
it , and Finally to write bookes to all the world in defens therof ,
are desirous to deffloure you ; (ROPER-E1-P1,59.57)

and when they haue defloured you , then will they not faile soone after
to devoure you . (ROPER-E1-P1,59.58)

Nowe my lordes , " quoth he , " it lieth not in my power but that they
maye devoure me ; (ROPER-E1-P1,59.59)

but god being my good lord , I will provide that they shall neuer
deflloure me . " (ROPER-E1-P1,59.60)

In Continewans , when the king sawe that he could by no manner of
benefittes winne him to his side , Then , loe , went he aboute by
terrors and threates to drive him thereunto . The begininge of which
trouble grewe by <P_60> occasion of a certaine Nonne dwelling in
canterbury , for her vertue and holines among the people not a litle
esteemed ; vnto whom , for that cause , many religious persons ,
doctors of Divynity , and divers others of good worshippe of the laity
vsed to resorte ; who , affirming that she had revelations from god to
geeue the king warninge of his wicked life , and of thabuse of the
sword and aucthoryty comitted vnto him by god , And vnderstanding my
lord of Rochester , Byshopp Fisher , to be man of notable vertuos
livinge and learninge , repaired to Rochester , and there disclosed to
him all her revelacions , desiring his advise and councell therein ;
which the Bishoppe perceyvinge might well stand with the Lawes of god
and his holy Churche , advised her <paren> as she before had warninge
and intended </paren> to goe to the kinge her self , and to let him
vnderstand the whole circumstaunce thereof . Whervppon she went to the
kinge and told him all her revelations , and so retourned home againe .
(ROPER-E1-P1,60.61)

And in shorte space after , she , making a voiage to the Nonnes of Sion
, by meanes of one master Raynolds , a father of the same house , there
fortuned concerninge such secretes as had bine revealed vnto her
<paren> some parte wherof seemed to touche the matter of the kings
supremacie and mariage , whiche shortly therevppon folowed </paren> to
enter into talke with Sir Thomas Moore ; who , not withstanding <P_61>
he might well , at that tyme , without daunger of any lawe <paren>
thoughe after , as himself had prognosticated before , $those matters
were stablished by statutes and confirmed $by othes </paren> freely and
saflye have talked with her therein ; Neuertheles , in all the
comunication betweene them <paren> as in proces it appeared </paren>
had alwaye so discreetely demeaned himself that he deserved not to be
blamed , but contrary wise to be comended and praised .
(ROPER-E1-P1,61.62)

And had he not bine one that in all his greate $offices and doings for
the kinge and $the realme , so many yeares together , had from all
curruption of wronge doinge or bribes taking kept him self so cleere
that no man was able therewith once to blemishe him , $or $make $any
$iust $quarrell $agaynst $him , Itt wold , without doubte , in this
troubleous tyme of the kings indignation towardes him , haue bine
deapely laid to his charge , and of the kings highnes most favorably
accepted , As in the case of one Parnell it most manifestly appeared ;
against whom , because Sir Thomas Moore , while he was Lord Chauncelour
, at the suite of one Vaghen , his aduersary , had made a decree , This
Parnell to $his highnes most greiuously complayned that Sir Thomas
Moore , for makinge the $same decree , had of the $same Vaughen <P_62>
<paren> vnable for the gowte to travaile abrode himself </paren> by
thandes of his wife taken a faire greate gilte Cuppe for a bribe . Who
thervppon , by the kings apointment , being called before the whole
Councell , where that matter was haynously laid to his chardge ,
forthwith confessed that forasmuch as that Cuppe was , longe after the
$foresaid decree , brought him for a newyeares gyfte , he , vppon her
importunate pressinge vppon him therefore , of curtesye refused not to
receaue it . (ROPER-E1-P1,62.63)

Then the Lord of Wiltshire <paren> for hatred of his religion preferrer
of this sute </paren> with muche reioycinge said vnto the Lordes , " Lo
, did I not tell you , my lordes , that you shoulde fynd this matter
trewe ? " Wherevppon Sir Thomas Moore desired their lordships that as
they had courteously herd him tell thone parte of his tale , so they
wold vouchsafe of their honors indifferently to hear thother . After
which obtayned , he further declared vnto them That , albeit he had
indeed , with much worke , receaved that cuppe , yeat immediately
theruppon he caused his butler to fill it with wyne , and of that cupp
drancke to her ; and that when $he $had $soe $donne , $and she pleadged
him , then as freely as her husband had geuen it to him , Euen so
freely gave he <P_63> the same vnto her agayne , to geeue vnto her
husband for his neweyeares gifte ; which , at his instant requeste ,
thoughe muche against her will , at length yeat she was $fayne to
receave , as her self , and certayne other there , presently before
them deposed . (ROPER-E1-P1,63.64)

Thus was the greate mountayne turned scant to a litle molehill .
(ROPER-E1-P1,63.65)

So I remember that at an other tyme , vppon a newe yeares day , there
came to him one mistres Crocker , a Rich widowe , for whom , with no
small paine , he had made a decree in the Chauncery against the Lord of
Arondell , to present him with a payre of gloves , and fourty poundes
in Angels in them , for a newe yeares gifte . Of whom he thancfully
receyuing the gloues , but refucing the money , said vnto her : "
Mistres , since it were againste good $manners to forsake a
gentlewomans newe yeares gifte , I am content to take your gloues ,
(ROPER-E1-P1,63.66)

but as for your money I vtterley refuse . " (ROPER-E1-P1,63.67)

So , muche against her mynde , inforced he her to take her gold againe
. (ROPER-E1-P1,63.68)

And one master Gresham likewise , having $at the same tyme a cause
depending in the Chauncerye $before him , sent him for a newe yeares
gifte a faire gilted cuppe , the fashion whereof he very well likinge ,
caused one of <P_64> his owne <paren> thoughe not in his fantasie of so
good a fashion , yeat better in valewe </paren> to be browght $him out
of his chamber , which he willed the messenger , in recompens , to
deliuer to his master ; (ROPER-E1-P1,64.69)

and vnder other $condicione wold he in no wise receave it .
(ROPER-E1-P1,64.70)

Many things moe of like effect , for the declaration of his innocency
and cleerenes from all corruption or evill affection , could I heare
reherse besides ; which , for tedioussnes omyttynge , I refer to the
readers by these fewe before remembred examples , with their owne
iudgmentes wiselye to weighe and consider $the $same .
(ROPER-E1-P1,64.71)

Att $the Parliament folowing , was there put into the lordes house a
bill to attaint the Nonne and divers other religious persons of highe
treson , and the Bishoppe of Rochester , Sir Thomas Moore , and
certaine others of misprision of treason ; The kinge presupposinge of
likelihood that this bill would be to Sir Thomas Moore so troublous and
terrible that it wold force him to relent and condiscend to his request
- wherein his grace was much deceued . To which bill Sir Thomas Moore
was a suter personally to be receaved in his owne defens to make
awnswer . (ROPER-E1-P1,64.72)

But the kinge , not likinge that , assigned <P_65> the Bishoppe of
Canturburye , the lorde Chaunceloure , the Duke of Norffolke , and
master Cromwell , at a day and place appointed , to call Sir Thomas
Moore before them . At which tyme I , thincking $that I had a good
opportunitye , ernestly advised him to labour vnto those Lordes for the
helpe of his discharge out of $that Parliament bill . Who awneswered me
he wold . (ROPER-E1-P1,65.73)

And at his cominge before them , accordinge to theyr appointment , they
intertayned him very freindly , wyllinge him to sitte downe with them ,
which in no wise he wold . (ROPER-E1-P1,65.74)

Then began the Lord Chauncelour to declare vnto him howe many wayes the
kinge had shewed his love and favor towards hym ; howe faine he would
have had hym contynewe in his office ; howe glad he would haue bine to
haue heaped more benefittes vppon him ; and finally howe he could aske
no worldly honour nor profitte at his highnes handes that were likely
to be denyed him ; hopinge , by the declaracion of the kings kindnes
and affection towardes him , to provoke him to recompence his grace
with the like agayne ; and vnto those things that the parliament , the
Bishops , and vniuersities had already passed , to adde his consente .
(ROPER-E1-P1,65.75)

To this Sir Thomas Moore mildlye made awneswer , sayenge : " No man
lyuinge is there , my lordes , that <P_66> woulde with better will doe
the thinge that shoulde be acceptable to the kings highnes then I ,
which must needes confes his manyfold goodnes and bountifull benefites
most benignely bestowed on me . (ROPER-E1-P1,66.76)

Howebeit I veryly hoped that I should neuer have herd of this matter
more , consideringe that I haue , from tyme to tyme , alwayes from the
beginninge , so plainely and truly declared my minde unto his grace ,
which his highnes to me euer seemed , like a most gracious prince ,
very well to accepte , neuer myndinge , as he said , to molest me more
theerewith ; Since which tyme any further thinge that was able to move
me to $any chainge coulde I neuer find ; (ROPER-E1-P1,66.77)

And if I could , there is none in all the world that $would haue bine
gladder of it then I . " (ROPER-E1-P1,66.78)

Many things more were there of like $sorte vttered on bothe sides .
(ROPER-E1-P1,66.79)

But in the ende , when they sawe they could by no manner of perswasions
remove him from his former determinacion , Then began they more
terriblie to touche him ; tellinge him that the kinges highnes had
given them in Commaundment , yf they coulde by noe gentellnes winne him
, in his name with his greate ingratitude to charge him ; That never
was there servaunate to his soveraigne so villaynous , nor subiecte to
<P_67> his prince so trayterous as he ; (ROPER-E1-P1,67.80)

For he , by his subtill synister sleyghtes moste vnnaturallie procuring
and provokinge him to sett forth a booke of the <font> Assertion of the
seuen sacramentes </font> and $mainetaynaunce of the Popes aucthorytie
, had caused him , to his dishonour througheoute all Christendome , to
put a sword in to the Popes handes to fight against hime selfe .
(ROPER-E1-P1,67.81)

When they had thus layd forth all the terrors they coulde ymagine
againste him : " My lordes , " quothe he , " these terrours $be
argumentes for Children , and not for me . (ROPER-E1-P1,67.82)

But to aunswere that wherewith you doe chifly birden me , I beleave the
kinges highnes of his honour will neuer lay that to my charge ;
(ROPER-E1-P1,67.83)

For none is there that can in that pointe say in my excuse more then
his highnes himself , who right well knoweth that I neuer was procurer
nor councelour of his maiestye thereunto ; But after it was finished ,
by his graces apointment and consent of the makers of the same , only a
sorter out and placer of the principall matters therin contayned .
Wherein when I founde the Popes aucthority highly aduaunced , and with
stronge argumentes mightlye defended , I said vnto his grace : ' I must
put your highnes in remembraunce of one thinge , (ROPER-E1-P1,67.84)

and that is this . (ROPER-E1-P1,67.85)

<P_68>

The Pope , as your grace knowethe , is a prince as you are , and in
league with all other Christian princes . (ROPER-E1-P1,68.87)

It may hereafter so fall owte that your grace and he may varye vppon
some pointes of the league , whereuppon may growe breach of amitye and
warre betweene you bothe . (ROPER-E1-P1,68.88)

I thincke it best therefore that that place be amended , and his
aucthority more sclenderly touched . ' (ROPER-E1-P1,68.89)

' Nay , ' quoth his grace , ' that shall it not . (ROPER-E1-P1,68.90)

We are so muche bounden vnto the Sea of Room that we $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} doe to muche Honor vnto it . ' (ROPER-E1-P1,68.91)

Then did I further put him in remembraunce of the statute of Premunire
, whereby a good parte of the Popes pastoral cure here was pared away .
(ROPER-E1-P1,68.92)

To that awneswered his highnes : ' Whatsoever impediment be to the
contrary , we will set forthe that aucthoritye to the vttermost .
(ROPER-E1-P1,68.93)

For we receaued from that Sea our crowne Imperiall ' ; which , till his
grace with his owne mouthe tould it me , I neuer heard of before . So
that I trust , when his grace $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} $once truly
informed of this , and call to his gratious remembraunce my doinge in
that behalf , his highnes will neuer speake of it more , but cleere me
thoroughly therein himself . " (ROPER-E1-P1,68.94)

And thus displeasauntlye departed they . (ROPER-E1-P1,68.95)

Then tooke Sir Thomas Moore his boate towardes his house at Chelsey ,
wherein by the waye he was very <P_69> merye , (ROPER-E1-P1,69.96)

and for that was I nothinge sorye , hopinge that he had gott himself
discharged out of the parliament bill . (ROPER-E1-P1,69.97)

When he was $landed $and come home , then walked we twayne alone into
his garden together ; where I , desirous to knowe howe he had sped ,
said : " I truste , Sir , that all is well because you be so meerye . "
(ROPER-E1-P1,69.98)

" It is so indeede , sonne Roper , I thanck god , " quothe he .
(ROPER-E1-P1,69.99)

" Are you then put out of the parliament bill ? " said I .
(ROPER-E1-P1,69.100)

" By my trothe , sonne Roper , " quothe he , " (ROPER-E1-P1,69.101)

I never remembred it . " (ROPER-E1-P1,69.102)

" Neuer remembred it , Sir , " sayd I , (ROPER-E1-P1,69.103)

" A case that toucheth your self so neere , and vs all for your sake .
(ROPER-E1-P1,69.104)

I am sory to heare it ; (ROPER-E1-P1,69.105)

For I veryly trusted , when I sawe you so meerye , that all had bine
well . " (ROPER-E1-P1,69.106)

Then said he : " Wilte thow knowe , sonne Roper , why I was so meery ?
" (ROPER-E1-P1,69.107)

" That wold I gladly , Sir , " quoth I . (ROPER-E1-P1,69.108)

" In good faithe , I reioyced , sonne , " quothe he , " that I had
geuen the divell a fowle fall , and that with those Lordes I had gone
so farre , as without greate shame I could never goe back agayne . "
<P_70> At which wordes waxed I very sad , (ROPER-E1-P1,70.109)

for thoughe himself liked it well , yet liked it me but a litle .
(ROPER-E1-P1,70.110)

Nowe vppon the reporte made by the Lord Chauncelour and the other
Lordes to the kinge of all their whole discourse had with Sir Thomas
Moore , The kinge was so $higlye offended with him , that he plainely
told them he was fully determined that thaforesaid parliament bill
should vndoubtedly proceede forth against him . To whom the Lord
Chauncelour and the rest of the Lords saide that they perceaved the
lordes of the vpper hous so precisely bente to heare him , in his owne
defence , make awneswere himself , that if he were not put oute of the
bill , it wold without faile be vtterlye an overthrow of all .
(ROPER-E1-P1,70.111)

But , for all this , needes wold the kinge haue his owne will therein ;
(ROPER-E1-P1,70.112)

or els he said that at the passinge thereof , he wold be personally
present himself . (ROPER-E1-P1,70.113)

Then the Lord Awdelye and the rest , seing him so vehemently sett
therevppon , on their knees most humbly besought his grace to forbeare
the same , considering that if he should , in his owne presence ,
receave an over throwe , it wold not only incourage his subiectes euer
after to contemne by hym , But allso throughout all christendome
redound to his dishonour for ever ; Addinge <P_71> therunto that they
mistrusted not in tyme $against $him to find some meeter matter to
serve his turne better . (ROPER-E1-P1,71.114)

For in this case of the Nonne , he was accompted , they said , so
innocent and cleare , that for his dealinge therein , men reckned him
farre worthier of prayse then reproof . Wherevppon at lengthe ,
throughe their ernest persuasion , he was content to condiscend to
their petition . (ROPER-E1-P1,71.115)

