Father's Despatch of Businesse is such, that, one Morning before the End of Term, he was tolde there was noe other Cause nor Petition to be sett before him; the which, being a Case unparalleled, he desired mighte be formally recorded.
He ne'er commences Businesse in his owne Court without first stepping into the Court of King's Bench, and there kneeling down to receive my Grandfather's Blessing. Will sayth 'tis worth a World to see the Unction with which the deare old Man bestows it on him.
In Rogation-week, following the Rood as usuall round the Parish, Heron counselled him to go a Horseback for the greater Seemlinesse, but he made Answer that 'twoulde be unseemlie indeede for the Servant to ride after his Master going afoot.
His Grace of Norfolk, coming yesterday to dine with him, finds him in the Church-choir, singing, with a Surplice on.
"What?" cries the Duke, as they walk Home together, "my Lord Chancellor playing the Parish-clerk? Sure, you dishonour the King and his Office."
"Nay," says Father, smiling, "your Grace must not deem that the King, your Master and mine, will be offended at my honouring his Master."
Sure, 'tis pleasant to heare Father taking the upper Hand of these great Folks: and to have 'em coming and going, and waiting his Pleasure, because he is the Man whom the King delighteth to honour.
True, indeed, with Wolsey 'twas once the same; but Father neede not feare the same Ruin; because he hath Him for his Friend, whom Wolsey said woulde not have forsaken him had he served Him as he served his earthly Master. 'Twas a misproud Priest; and there's the Truth on't. And Father is not misproud; and I don't believe we are; though proud of him we cannot fail to be.
And I know not why we may not be pleased with Prosperitie, as well as patient under Adversitie; as long as we say, "Thou, Lord, hast made our Hill soe strong." 'Tis more difficult to bear with Comelinesse, doubtlesse; and envious Folks there will be; and we know alle Things have an End, and everie Sweet hath its Sour, and everie Fountain its Fall; but ... 'tis very pleasant for all that.