<P_21>

As soone as his grace was gone , I , reioycing thereat , told Sir
Thomas Moore howe happy he was , whom the king had so familiarly
entertayned , as I neuer had seene him to doe to any $other excepte
Cardinall Wolsey , whom I sawe $his $grace once walke with , arme in
arme . (ROPER-E1-P2,21.2)

" I thancke our lord , sonne , " quoth he , (ROPER-E1-P2,21.3)

" I find his grace my very good lord indeed , (ROPER-E1-P2,21.4)

and I beleeave he dothe as singulerly favour me as any subiecte within
$this realme . (ROPER-E1-P2,21.5)

Howbeit , sonne Roper , I may tell thee I haue no cawse to be prowd
thereof , (ROPER-E1-P2,21.6)

for if my head $could winne him a castle in Fraunce <paren> for than
was there warre betweene vs </paren> it should not faile to goe . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,21.7)

This Sir Thomas Moore , amonge all other his vertues , was of suche
meeknes that if it had fortuned him with any learned men resortinge to
him from Oxford , Cambridge , or els where , as there did divers , some
for desire of his acquaintaunce , some for the famous reporte of his
wisdome and learning , and some for suites of the vniuersityes , to
haue entered into argvment , wherein fewe were comparable vnto him ,
and so farre to have <P_22> discoursed with them therein that he might
perceiue they coulde not , without some inconveiens , hold out much
further disputacion against him : Then , least he should discomforte
them , as he that sought out not his owne glory , but rather wold seeme
conquered then to discourage studentes in their studies , euer shewinge
himself more desirous to learne then to teache , wold he by some witty
devise courteouslye breake of into some other matter , and geeve over .
Of whom , for his wisdome and learninge , had the kinge suche an
opinion , that at suche tyme as he attended vppon his highnes , takinge
his progresse either-12 to oxford or Cambridge , where he was receaved
with very eloquent orations , his grace wold alwaies assigne him , as
one that was prompte and ready therein , ex tempore to make awneswer
therevnto . Whose manner was , whensoeuer he had occasion , either here
or beyond the sea , to be in any vniuersity , not onely to be present
at the readinge and $disputations there comonly vsed , but also
learnedly to dispute amonge them himself . <P_23> Who , beinge
Chauncelour of the duchie , was made Embassador twice , ioyned in
Comission with Cardinall Wolsey , once to $the Emperour Charels into
Flaunders , the other tyme to the French kinge into Fraunce .
(ROPER-E1-P2,22.8)

Not longe after this , the water-baily of London , sometyme his servant
, hearing , where he had bine at dynner , certeine marchantes liberally
to raile against his old maister , waxed so discontented therewith that
he hastely came to him , and told him what he had herd .
(ROPER-E1-P2,22.9)

" And were I , Sir , " quoth he , " in such favour and aucthoryty with
my prince as you are , such men $surelye should not be Suffred so
villainously and falsly to misreporte and slaunder me . Wherefore I
wold wishe you to call them before you , and to their shame for their
lewd malice to punishe them . " (ROPER-E1-P2,22.10)

Who , smilinge vppon him , said : " Why , master Waterbayly , wold you
haue me pvnyshe those by whom I receiue more benefitt then by you all
that $be mye freindes ? (ROPER-E1-P2,22.11)

Let them a gods name speake as lewdly as they list of me , and shoote
neuer so many arrowes at me , (ROPER-E1-P2,22.12)

$as long as they do not hitt me , what am I the worse ?
(ROPER-E1-P2,22.13)

But if they should once hitt me , then wold it indeed not a litle
trowble me . (ROPER-E1-P2,22.14)

Howbeit I trust , by gods helpe , <P_24> there shall none of them all
once be able to touche me . (ROPER-E1-P2,24.15)

I haue more cause , I assure thee , master waterbaily , to pyty them
then to be angry with them . " (ROPER-E1-P2,24.16)

Such fruitefull communicacion had he oftetimes with his familiar
Freindes . (ROPER-E1-P2,24.17)

So on a tyme , walking with me alonge the teames side at Chelsey , in
talking of other things he said vnto me : " Nowe wold to our Lord ,
sonne Rooper , vppon condicion that three things were well established
in Christendome , I were put in a Sack , and here presently caste into
the Thames . " (ROPER-E1-P2,24.18)

" What greate things be those , Sir , " quoth I , " that should moue
you so to wishe ? " (ROPER-E1-P2,24.19)

" Wouldest thou knowe what they be , sonne Roper ? " quoth he . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,24.20)

Yea , marry , with good will , sir , if it please you , " quoth I .
(ROPER-E1-P2,24.21)

" In faith , sonne , they be these , " said he . (ROPER-E1-P2,24.22)

" The first is , that where the $moste part of Christen princes be at
mortall warre , they were $all at an vniuersall peace . The second ,
that wheare the Church of Christe is <P_25> $at $this $presente sore
afflicted with many errors and heresees , it were setled in a perfect
vniformity $of religion . The third , that where the kings matter of
his mariage is nowe come in question , it were to the glory of god and
quietnes of all partes brought to a good conclusion . " Whereby , as I
could gather , he iudged that otherwise it wold be a disturbance to a
greate parte of Christendome . (ROPER-E1-P2,25.23)

Thus did it by his doings throughe out the whole course of his life
appere that all his travaile and paynes , without respecte of erthly
comodities , either-2 to himself , or any of his , were onely vppon the
seruice of god , the prince , and the realme , wholy bestowed and
imploied ; whom I herd in his later tyme to say that he neuer asked the
kinge for himself the valewe of one penye . (ROPER-E1-P2,25.24)

As Sir Thomas Moores cvstome was daily , if he were att home , besides
his private prayers , with his children to say the seuen Psalmes ,
letany and suffrages Folowinge ; So was his guise nightly , before he
went to bed , with his wife , children , and houshold to goe to his
chappel , and there vppon his knees ordinarily to say certeine psalmes
and collectes with them . (ROPER-E1-P2,25.25)

And because he was desirous for godlye purposes sometyme to be solitary
, and sequester himself from worldly company . A good <P_26> distaunce
from his mansion house builded he a place called the newe buildinge ,
wherein there was a Chappell , a library , and a gallery ; In which ,
as his vse was vppon other dayes to occupy himself in prayer and study
together , So on the Fridaie there vsually contynewed he from morning
till evening , spending his time only in devoute praiers and spirituall
exercises . (ROPER-E1-P2,26.26)

And to provoke his wife and Children to the desire of hevenly things ,
he wold sometymes vse thes wordes vnto them : (ROPER-E1-P2,26.27)

" It is nowe no maistry for you children to goe to heaven ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,26.28)

for euery body geueth you good councell , (ROPER-E1-P2,26.29)

euery body geeueth you good example ; (ROPER-E1-P2,26.30)

you see vertue rewarded and vice pvnished . So that you are caried vppe
to heven euen by the chynnes . (ROPER-E1-P2,26.31)

But if you live the tyme that no man will geeue you good councell , nor
no man will geeue you good example , when you shall see vertue punished
and vice rewarded , If you will then stand fast and firmely stick to
god , vppon paine of my life , $thoughe you be but half good , god will
allowe you for whole good . " (ROPER-E1-P2,26.32)

If his wife or any of his children had bine diseased or troubled , he
wold say vnto them : " We may not looke at our pleasure to goe to
heaven in fetherbeds : (ROPER-E1-P2,26.33)

it is not the way , (ROPER-E1-P2,26.34)

for our lord himself went thither <P_27> with greate payne and by many
tribulacions , which was the path wherein he walked thither ;
(ROPER-E1-P2,27.35)

$for the servaunt may not looke to be in better case then his master .
" (ROPER-E1-P2,27.36)

And as he wold in this sort perswade them to take their trowbles
paciently , So wold he in like sorte teach them to withstand the divell
and his temptaciones valiantly , sayeng : " Whosoeuer will marke the
divell and his temptacions , shall find him therein much like to an Ape
. (ROPER-E1-P2,27.37)

For , like as an Ape , not well loked vnto , $will $be {TEXT:wilbe}
busy and bold to do shrewd turnes , and contrarywise , being spied ,
will sodeinely leape back and adventure no farther ; So the divell ,
finding a man idle , slouthfull , and without resistaunce redy to
receiue his temptacions , waxeth so hardy that he will not faile still
to contynue with him , vntill to his purpose he $haue throughly brought
him . (ROPER-E1-P2,27.38)

But on thother side , if he se a man with dilegens perseuer to preuent
and withstand his temptacions , he waxeth so wery that in conclusion he
vtterly forsaketh him . (ROPER-E1-P2,27.39)

For as the divell of disposition is a spirite of so highe a pride that
he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} abide to be mocked , so is he of nature so
envious that he feareth any more to assaulte him , least he should
therby not only catche a fowle fall himself , but also minister to the
man more matter of merite . " (ROPER-E1-P2,27.40)

Thus $delighted he euermore not only in vertuous exercses to be
occupied himself , but also to exhorte his <P_28> wife , children , and
houshold to embrace and followe the same . To whom , for his notable
vertue and godlines , god shewed , as it seemed , a manifest miraculous
token of his speciall favour towardes him , at such tyme as my wife ,
as many other that yeare were , was sick of the sweating sicknes ; who
, lieing in $so great extremity of that disease as by no invention or
devises that phisitions in such $cases comonly vse <paren> of whom she
had diuers both experte , wise and wel learned , then continually
attendant about her </paren> she could be kepte from sleape , So that
both phisitions and all other there dispaired of her recouerye , and
gave her ouer ; her father , as he that most intirely tendred her ,
being in no small hevines for her , by praier at gods hand sought to
get her remedy . Whervppon goinge vppe , after his vsuall maner , into
his foresaid newe buildinge , there in his Chappell , vppon his knees ,
with teares most devoutly besought allmighty god that it wold like his
goodnes , vnto whom nothinge was impossible , if it were his blessed
will , at <P_29> his mediation to voutchsafe gratiously to heare his
$humble petition . Where incontynent came into his mynd that a glister
shold be thonly way to helpe her . Which , when he told the phisitions
, they by and by confessed that , if there were any hope of health ,
that was the very best helpe indead , much marvailinge of themselfes
that they had not before remembred it . (ROPER-E1-P2,28.41)

Then was it ymmediately ministred vnto her sleapinge , which she could
by no meanes haue bine brought vnto wakinge . (ROPER-E1-P2,28.42)

And albeit after $that she was therby throughly awaked , gods markes ,
an evident vndoubted token of death , plainely appeared vppon her ,
yeat she , contrary to all their expectacions , was , as it was thought
, by her fathers fervent prayer myraculously recouerid , and at length
again to perfect health restored . Whom , if it had pleased god at that
tyme to haue taken to his mercye , her father said he wold neuer haue
medled with worldly $matters after . (ROPER-E1-P2,28.43)

{COM:insert_helsinki_sample_here}

<P_71>

And on the morowe after , master Cromewell , meeting me in the
parliamente house , willed me to tell my father that he was put out of
the parliament bill . (ROPER-E1-P2,71.46)

But because I had appointed to dine that day in London , I sente the
message $by $my $servaunte to my wife to Chelsey . Whereof when she
informed her father , " In faith , Megge , " quoth he , " <font> quod
differtur non aufertur . </font> (ROPER-E1-P2,71.47)

After this , as the duke of Norfolke and Sir Thomas Moore chaunced to
falle in familiar talke together , the duke said vnto him : " By the
masse , master Moore , it is perillous stryvinge withe princes .
(ROPER-E1-P2,71.48)

And therefore I wold wishe you somewhat to inclyne to the kings
pleasure ; (ROPER-E1-P2,71.49)

For by god body , master Moore , <font> Indignatio principis mors est .
" </font> (ROPER-E1-P2,71.50)

<P_72>

" Is that all , my Lord ? " quothe he . (ROPER-E1-P2,72.52)

" Then in good faith is there no more differens betweene your grace and
me , but that I shall dye today , and yow tomorowe . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,72.53)

So fell it oute , within a moneth or thereaboutes after the makinge of
the statute for the oathe of the supremacye and matrimonye , that all
the preistes of London and Westminster , and no temporall men but he ,
were sente for to appeare att Lambethe before the Byshoppe of
Canterbury , the lord Chauncelour , and Secretory Cromwell ,
Comissioners appointed there to tender the oathe vnto them .
(ROPER-E1-P2,72.54)

Then Sir Thomas Moore , as his accostomed manner was alwaies , ere he
entered into any matter of importaunce , as when he was firste chosen
of the kings privy Councell , when he was sent Embassadour , appointed
speaker of the parliamente , made Lord Chauncelour , or when he tooke
any like waighty matter vppon him , To goe to church and be confessed ,
to heare masse and be howsled , So did he likewise in the mornynge
earlye the self same day that he was summoned to appeare before the
Lordes at Lambeth . (ROPER-E1-P2,72.55)

And whereas he evermore vsed before , at his departure from his wife
and children , whom he <P_73> tenderly loved , to haue them bring him
to his boate , and there to kisse them all , and bidd them farewell ,
Then wold he Suffer none of them forthe of the gate to followe him ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,73.56)

but pulled the wickatt after him , (ROPER-E1-P2,73.57)

and shutt them all from him ; (ROPER-E1-P2,73.58)

and with an heauy harte , as by his countenaunce it appeared , with me
and our foure servantes there tooke he his boate towards Lambithe .
Wherein sitting still sadly a while , at the last he $sodainely rounded
me in the yeare , and said : " Sonne Roper , I thancke our Lord the
feild is wonne . " (ROPER-E1-P2,73.59)

What he ment thereby I then wist not , (ROPER-E1-P2,73.60)

yeat loth to seeme ignorant , I awneswered : " Sir , I am thereof very
glad . " (ROPER-E1-P2,73.61)

But as I coniectured afterwardes , it was for $that the loue he had to
god wrought in him so effectually that it conquered all his carnall
affections vtterlye . (ROPER-E1-P2,73.62)

$Nowe At his cominge to Lambithe , howe wisely he behaved himself
before the Comissioners , at the ministration of the oathe vnto him ,
may be found in certaine letters of his , sent to my wife , remayning
in a greate booke of his workes . Where , by the space of foure daies ,
he was betaken to the custody of the Abbott of Westminster , <P_74>
during which tyme the king consulted with his councell what order were
meete to be taken with him . (ROPER-E1-P2,74.63)

And albeit in the beginninge they were resolued that with an othe not
to be acknowen whether he had to the supremacye bine sworne , or what
he thoughte thereof , he should be dischardged , yeat did Queene Anne ,
by her impourtunate clamour , so sore exasperate the kinge againste him
, that contrary to his former resolucion , he caused the said othe of
the Supremacye to be ministred unto him . Who , albeit he made a
discreete qualified awnswer , neuertheles was forthwith comitted to the
tower . $Whom , as he was going thitherward , wearing , as he comonly
did , a chayne of gould about his necke , Sir Richard Cromewell , that
had the charge of his conveyans thither , advised him to send home his
chayne to his wife , or to some of his children . (ROPER-E1-P2,74.64)

" Nay , Sir , " quoth he , " that I will not ; (ROPER-E1-P2,74.65)

for if I were taken in the feild by my enemies , I wold they shold
somewhat fare the better by me . " <P_75> At whose landing master
Leiuetenant $at the tower gate was ready to receaue him , wheare the
Porter demaunded of him his vpper garment . (ROPER-E1-P2,75.66)

" Master Porter , " quoth he , " here it is ; " (ROPER-E1-P2,75.67)

and tooke of his cappe , (ROPER-E1-P2,75.68)

and deliuerid it $him , saying , " I am very sory it is no better for
you . " (ROPER-E1-P2,75.69)

" No , Sir , " quoth the Porter , " I must haue your gowne . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,75.70)

And so was he by master Leiuetenaunte convayed to his lodginge , where
he called vnto him one John A wood , his owne servaunte , there
apointed to attend vppon him $who $coulde $neither $write $nor $rede ;
(ROPER-E1-P2,75.71)

and sware him before the Leiuetenaunte that if he should heare or see
him , att any tyme , speake or write any manner of thinge against the
king , the Councell , or the State of the realme , he shoulde open it
to the Leiuetenaunte , that $the $Leiuetenaunte mighte incontinent
reveale it to the Councell . (ROPER-E1-P2,75.72)

Nowe when $he had remayned in the Tower a litle more then a monethe ,
my wife , longinge to see her father , by her ernest suite at length
got leaue to goe to him . At whose cominge , after the seuen psalmes
and <P_76> letany said <paren> which , whensoeuer she came to him , ere
he fell in talke of any worldly matters , he vsed accustomably to say
with her </paren> Amonge other communicacion he said vnto her : " I
beleeve , Megge , that they that have putt me heare , weene they haue
done me a high displeasure . (ROPER-E1-P2,76.73)

But I assure $thee , on my faithe , my owne good daughter , if it had
not byne for my wife and you that be my children , whom I accompte the
cheife parte of my charge , I wold not haue fayled longe ere this to
haue closed my self in as straighte a roome , and straighter too .
(ROPER-E1-P2,76.74)

But since I am come hither without myne owne deserte , I trust that god
of his goodnes will discharge me of my care , and with his graciouse
helpe supply my lack amonge you . (ROPER-E1-P2,76.75)

I find no cause , I thanck god , Megge , to reckon my self in wors case
heare then in my owne house . (ROPER-E1-P2,76.76)

For me thinckethe god makethe me a wanton , and settethe me on his
lappe and dandlethe me . " (ROPER-E1-P2,76.77)

Thus by his gratious demeanour in tribulacion appeared it that all the
$trowbles that euer chaunced $vnto him , by his patient sufferaunce
thereof , were to him no paynefull punishmentes , but of his paciens
profitable exercises . (ROPER-E1-P2,76.78)

And att another tyme , when he had first questioned <P_77> with my wife
a while of the order of his wife , children , and state of his howse in
his absens , he asked her how queene Anne did . (ROPER-E1-P2,77.79)

" In faith , father , " quoth she , " never better . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,77.80)

" Never better ! Megge , " quothe he . (ROPER-E1-P2,77.81)

" Alas ! Megge , alas ! it pitieth me to remember $into what misery ,
poore soule , she shall shortly come . " (ROPER-E1-P2,77.82)

After this , master Lieutenant , cominge into his chamber to visite him
, rehearced the benefittes and freindshipp that he had many waies
receaved at his handes , and howe much bounden he was therefore
freindly to intertayne him , and make him good cheare ; which , since
the case standing as it did , he could not do without the kinges
indignation , he trusted , he said , he wold accepte his good will ,
and suche poore cheare as he had . (ROPER-E1-P2,77.83)

" Maister Leivetenaunt , " quothe he againe , " I veryly beleeve , as
you may , so you are my good freind indeede , and wold , as you say ,
with your best cheare intertaine me , for the which I most hartely
thancke you ; (ROPER-E1-P2,77.84)

and assure your self , master Leivetenant , I doe not myslike my cheare
; (ROPER-E1-P2,77.85)

But whensoeuer I soe doe , then thruste me out of your doores . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,77.86)

Whereas the oath confirminge the supremacye and <P_78> matrimonie was
by the first statute in fewe wordes comprised , The Lord Chauncelor and
Master Secretary did of their owne heads adde more words vnto it , to
make it appeare vnto the kinges eares more pleasaunt and plausible .
(ROPER-E1-P2,78.87)

And that oath , so amplified , caused they to be ministred to Sir
Thomas Moore , and to all other throughout the Realme . Which Sir
Thomas Moore perceyuinge , said vnto my wife : " I may tell thee , Megg
, they that haue committed me hither , for refusinge of $this oath not
agreable with the statute , are not by theyr owne lawe able to iustifye
my imprisonement . (ROPER-E1-P2,78.88)

And surely , daughter , it is greate pitye that any Christian prince
should by a flexible Councell ready to followe his affections , and by
a weake Cleargie lackinge grace constantly to stand to their learninge
, with Flatterye be so shamefully abused . " (ROPER-E1-P2,78.89)

But at length the Lord Chauncelour and master Secretorye , espieng
their $owne ouersight in that behalf , were fayne afterwardes to find
the meanes that another statute shold be made for the confirmacion of
the oath so amplified with their additions . (ROPER-E1-P2,78.90)

<P_79>

After Sir Thomas Moore had geeuen over his office and all other worldly
doings therewith , to thentent he might from thenceforthe the more
quietly $settle himself to the Service of god , Then made he a
conveyaunce for the disposition of all his lands , reseruinge to
himself an estate thereof only for tearme of his owne life ; and after
his decease assuringe some parte of the same to his wife , some to his
sonnes wife for a Joynture in consideracion that she was an inheretrice
in possession of more then an houndred poundes land by the yeare , and
some to me and my wife in recompence of our mariage money , with divers
remaynders ouer ; All which conveyaunce and assurance was parfitelye
finished longe before that matter wheruppon he was attainted was made
an offence , and yeat after by statute clearely avoided .
(ROPER-E1-P2,79.92)

And so were all his landes , that he had to his wife and children by
the said conveyaunce in such sorte assured , contrary to thorder of
lawe , taken away from them , and brought into the kings handes ,
saving that portion $which he had apointed to my wife and me ; $which ,
$although $he $had $in $the $foresaid $conveyaunce $reserued , $as $he
$did $the $reste , $for $tearme $of $life $to $him $self , $neuer $the
$lesse , $vpon $further $consideracion , $two $dayes $after , $by
$another $conveyaunce , $he $gaue $the $same $immediatlye $to <P_80>
$my $wife $and $me in possession . (ROPER-E1-P2,80.93)

And so because the statute had vndone onely the firste conveyaunce ,
geeving no more to the kinge but so much as passed by that , The
seconde conveyaunce , whereby it was geeven to my Wife and me , being
dated two dayes after , was without the compasse of the statute ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,80.94)

And so was our porcion to vs by that meanes clearely reserved .
(ROPER-E1-P2,80.95)

As Sir Thomas Moore in the Tower chaunced on a tyme , lookinge out of
his windowe , to behold one master Reynolds , a religious , learned ,
and vertuous father of Sion , and three Monkes of the Charterhouse ,
for the Matters of the Matrimonye and Supremacye goinge out of the
Tower to execution , He , as one longinge in that iourneye to haue
accompanied them , said vnto my wife , then standinge there besides him
: " Loe , doest thow not see , Megge , that thes blessed fathers be
nowe as chearefully goinge to their deathes as bridegromes {COM:go} to
their Mariage ? Wherefore thereby maiste thow see , myne owne good
daughter , what a greate difference there is betweene such as haue in
effecte spent all their dayes <P_81> in a straight , hard ,
penetentiall , and paynefull life religiously , and such as haue in the
world , like worldly wretches , as thy poore father $hath done ,
consumed all theyr tyme in pleasure and ease licentiouslye .
(ROPER-E1-P2,81.96)

For god , consideringe their longe continued life in most sore and
greavous penaunce , will no longer suffer them to remayne heare in this
vale of Misery and iniquitye , (ROPER-E1-P2,81.97)

but speadily hence taketh them to the fruition of his euerlasting
deitye ; whereas thy syllye father , Megge , that like a most wicked
Caytiffe hath passed forth the whole course of his miserable life most
sinfully , God , thinckinge him not worthy so soone to come to that
eternall felicitye , leaveth him heare yet still in $the world ,
further to be plonged and turmoyled withe miserye . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,81.98)

Within a while after , master Secretorye , cominge to him $into the
tower from the kinge , pretended much freindshipp towardes him ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,81.99)

and for his comforte told him that the kings highnes was his good and
gratious Lorde , and $minded not $with any matter wherein he should
haue any cause of scruple , from henceforthe to trouble his consciens .
(ROPER-E1-P2,81.100)

As soone as master Secretory was gone , to expresse what comforte he
conceaved of his wordes , he wrote with a cole , for Incke then had he
none , thease verses folowinge : {COM:verses_omitted}
(ROPER-E1-P2,81.101)

{COM:insert_helsinki_sample_here}

<P_95>

Wherevppon the Lord Chauncelour said to the rest of the Lordes : " Loe
, my Lordes , loe , you heare what <P_96> my lord cheif Iustice saith ,
" (ROPER-E1-P2,96.104)

and so ymmediately gave he Iudgemente against him . After whiche ended
, the Comissioners yeat further curteouslye offred him , if he had any
thinge els to alleage for his defence , to graunt him favorable
audience . Who awneswered : " More haue I not to say , my Lordes , but
that like as the blessed Apostle St Pawle , as we read in thactes of
the Apostles , was present , and consented to the death of St Stephen ,
and kepte their clothes that stoned him to deathe , and yeat be they
$nowe both twayne holy Sainctes in heaven , and shall continue there
frendes for euer , So I verily $truste , and shall therefore right
hartelye pray , that thoughe your lordshippes haue nowe $here in earthe
bine Judges to my condemnacion , we may yeat hereafter in heaven
meerily all meete together , to our euerlasting saluacion . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,96.105)

Thus much towching Sir Thomas Moores arrainement , being not thereat
present my self , haue I by the credyble reporte , $partely of the
right worshippfull Sir Anthony Seintleger , knight , and partely of
Richard Heywood and John Webbe , gentlemen , withe others of good
creditt , <P_97> at the hearing thereof present themselves , as farre
as my poore witt and memory wold serue me , here truly rehersed vnto
you . (ROPER-E1-P2,97.106)

Nowe , after this arraignement , departed he from the barre to the
Tower againe , ledde by Sir William Kingston , a talle , stronge , and
comely knighte , Constable of the Tower , and his very deare freind .
Who , when he had brought him from westminster to the old Swanne
towards the Tower , there with an heavy harte , the teares runinge
downe by his cheekes , bade him farewell . (ROPER-E1-P2,97.107)

Sir Thomas Moore , seinge him so sorowefull , comforted him with as
good words as he could , sayenge : " Good master Kingston , trouble not
your self , (ROPER-E1-P2,97.108)

but be of good cheare ; (ROPER-E1-P2,97.109)

for I will pray for you , and my good Lady , your wife , that we may
meete in heuen together , where we $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} meery for
ever and ever . " (ROPER-E1-P2,97.110)

Soone after , Sir William Kingston , talking with me of Sir Thomas
Moore , saide : " In good faith , master Roper , I was ashamed of my
self , that , at my departing from your father , I found my harte so
feeble , and his so stronge , that he was fayne to comforte me , which
should rather have comforted him . " (ROPER-E1-P2,97.111)

When Sir Thomas Moore came from westminster to the Towerward againe ,
his daughter , my wife , desirous <P_98> to see her father , whom she
thought she should neuer see in this world after , and also to haue his
Finall blessinge , gaue attendaunce aboute the Tower wharf , where she
knewe he should passe by , before he could enter into the Tower , There
tarienge for his coming home . (ROPER-E1-P2,98.112)

Assone as she sawe him , after his blessing on her knees reuerently
receaued , Shee hastinge towards him , and , without consideracion or
care of her self , pressinge $in amonge $the $middest $of the thronge
and company of the garde that with halberdes and bills wente round
aboute him , hastely ranne to him , (ROPER-E1-P2,98.113)

and there openly , in the sight of them all , imbraced him ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,98.114)

toke him about the neck , (ROPER-E1-P2,98.115)

and kissed him . Who , well liking her moste naturall and deere
daughterlye affection towardes him , gaue her his fatherly blessinge
and many $godly wordes of comforte besides . From whom after she was
departed , she , not satisfied with the former sighte of $him , $and
$like $one $that $had $forgotten $herselfe , $being $all $ravished
$with $the $entyre $loue $of her deere father , having respecte neyther
to her self , nor to the presse of $the people and multitude <P_99>
that were $there aboute him , sodainely torned back againe ,
(ROPER-E1-P2,99.116)

ranne to him as before , (ROPER-E1-P2,99.117)

tooke him about the neck , (ROPER-E1-P2,99.118)

and divers tymes together most lovingly kissed him ;
(ROPER-E1-P2,99.119)

and at last , with a full heavy harte , was fayne to departe from him :
The beholding whereof was to many of them that were present thereat so
lamentable that it made them for very sorowe $therof to mourne and
weape . (ROPER-E1-P2,99.120)

So remayned Sir Thomas Moore in the tower more then a seuennight after
his iudgment ; From whence , the day before he suffred , he sent his
shirte of heare <paren> not willinge to haue it seene </paren> to my
wife , his deerely beloved daughter , and a letter written with a coale
, contayned in the foresaid booke of his workes , plainely expressing
the fervent desire he had to suffer $on the morowe , in these words
folowinge : (ROPER-E1-P2,99.121)

" I comber you , good Margaret , much , (ROPER-E1-P2,99.122)

but I wold be sory if it should be any longer then to morowe ;
(ROPER-E1-P2,99.123)

For to morowe is St Thomas even , and the vtas of St Peeter ;
(ROPER-E1-P2,99.124)

And therefore too morowe longe I to goe to god ; (ROPER-E1-P2,99.125)

it were a daye very meete and convenient for me , etc.
(ROPER-E1-P2,99.126)

I neuer liked your manner $towardes $me better then when you kissed me
last . (ROPER-E1-P2,99.127)

For I like when daughterly <P_100> loue and deere charitye hath no
leysure to looke to worldly curtesye . " (ROPER-E1-P2,100.128)

And so vppon the next morowe , beinge Tuesdaye , St Thomas even , and
the vtas of Saincte Peeter , in the yeare of our lord , one thowsand
five hundreth thirtye and five <paren> according as he in his letter
$the $daye before had wished </paren> earlye in the morninge came to
him Sir Thomas Pope , his singuler freind , on message from the kinge
and his Councell , That he should before nyne of the clock the same
morning suffer death ; and that therefore furthwith he should prepare
him self therunto : " (ROPER-E1-P2,100.129)

Master Pope , " quoth he , " for your good tydings I most hartelye
thancke you . (ROPER-E1-P2,100.130)

I haue bine alwaies much bounden to the Kings highnes for the benefites
and honoures that he hath still from tyme to tyme most bountyfully
heaped vppon me ; (ROPER-E1-P2,100.131)

and yeat more bound am I to his grace for puttinge me into this place ,
where I haue had convenient time and space to haue remembraunce of my
end . (ROPER-E1-P2,100.132)

And so helpe me , god , most of all , master Pope , am I bound to his
highnes that it pleaseath him so shortly to ridde me out of the
miseries of this wretched woorld . (ROPER-E1-P2,100.133)

And therefore will I not faile ernestly <P_101> to pray for his grace ,
bothe heare and also in another world . " (ROPER-E1-P2,101.134)

" The kings pleasure is further , " quoth master Pope , " that at your
execution you shall not vse many words . " (ROPER-E1-P2,101.135)

" Master Pope , " quothe he , " you do well to geeue me warninge of his
graces pleasure , (ROPER-E1-P2,101.136)

for other wise I had purposed at that tyme somewhat to have spoken ,
but of no matter wherewith his grace , or any other , should haue had
cause to be offended . (ROPER-E1-P2,101.137)

Neuertheles , whatsoeuer I intended , I am ready obediently to conforme
my self to his graces commandementes . (ROPER-E1-P2,101.138)

And I beseeke you , good master Pope , to be a meene vnto his highnes
that my daughter Margaret may be at my buriall . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,101.139)

" The kinge is content already , " quoth master Pope , " that your wife
, children and other $your freinds shall haue libertie to be present
thereat . " (ROPER-E1-P2,101.140)

" O howe much beholden then , " said Sir Thomas Moore , " am I to his
grace , that vnto my poore buriall vouchsafeth to haue so graciouse
consideracion . " (ROPER-E1-P2,101.141)

Wherewithall master Pope , takinge his leaue of hym , could not
refrayne from wepinge . Which Sir Thomas Moore perceiuinge , comforted
him in this wise : (ROPER-E1-P2,101.142)

" Quiet your self , good master Pope , (ROPER-E1-P2,101.143)

and be not discomforted ; (ROPER-E1-P2,101.144)

For I trust that we shall , once in heaven , <P_102> see eche other
full merily , where we $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} sure to live and loue
together , in ioyful blisse eternally . " Vppon whose departure , Sir
Thomas Moore , as one that had bine invited to $some solempne feaste ,
chaunged himself into his best apparell ; which master Leiuetenaunt
espienge , advised him to put it of , sayenge that he that should haue
it was but a Javill . (ROPER-E1-P2,102.145)

" What , master Leiuetenaunt , " quoth he , " shall I accompte him a
Javill that shall doe me this day so singuler a benefitt ?
(ROPER-E1-P2,102.146)

Nay , I assure you , were it clothe of gold , I wolde accompt it well
bestowed on him , as St Ciprian did , who gaue his executioner thirtie
peeces of gould . " (ROPER-E1-P2,102.147)

And albeit at length , throughe master Leiuetenauntes importunate
persuasion , he altered his apparell , yeat after thexample of that
holy martir St Ciprian , did he , of that litle money that was lefte
him , send one Angell of gold to his executioner .
(ROPER-E1-P2,102.148)

And so was he by master Leiuetenaunte brought out of the Tower , and
from thence led $towardes the place of execution . Where , goinge vppe
the scaffold , which <P_103> was so weake that it was ready to fall ,
he saide merilye to master Leiuetenaunte : " I pray you , master
Leiuetenaunte , see me salf vppe , (ROPER-E1-P2,103.149)

and for my cominge downe let me shifte for my self . "
(ROPER-E1-P2,103.150)

Then desired he all the people thereaboute to pray for him , and to
beare witnes with him that he should $nowe $there suffer death in and
for the faith of the holy chatholik churche . Whiche done , he kneled
downe , and after his prayers said , turned to thexecutioner , and with
a cheerefull countenaunce spake $thus to him : " Plucke vpp thy
spirites , man , (ROPER-E1-P2,103.151)

and be not afrayde to do thine office ; (ROPER-E1-P2,103.152)

my necke is very shorte ; (ROPER-E1-P2,103.153)

take heede therefore thow strike not awrye , for savinge of thine
honestye . " (ROPER-E1-P2,103.154)

So passed Sir Thomas Moore out of this world to god , vppon the very
same daye in which himself had most desired . Soone after whose deathe
came intelligence thereof to the Emperour Chareles . Whervppon he sent
for Sir Thomas Elliott , our english Embassadour , and said vnto him :
" My Lord Embassador , we vnderstand that the Kinge , your master ,
hath put his faithfull seruaunt and grave , wise Councelour , Sir
Thomas Moore , to deathe . " Wherunto Sir Thomas Elliott awneswered
that he <P_104> vnderstood nothing thereof . (ROPER-E1-P2,104.155)

" Well , " said the Emperour , " it is too true . (ROPER-E1-P2,104.156)

And this will we say , that if we had bine maister of such a servante ,
of whose doings our selfe haue had these many yeares no small
experience , we wold rather haue lost the best city of our dominions
then haue lost such a worthy councellour . " Which matter was by the
same Sir Thomas Eliott to my self , to my wife , to maister Clement and
his wife , to master John Haywood and his wife , and $vnto diuers other
his Freinds accordingly reported . (ROPER-E1-P2,104.157)

Finis . (ROPER-E1-P2,104.158)

Deo gratias . (ROPER-E1-P2,104.159)