May 22d.
In Answer to our incessant Applications throughout this last Month past, Mother hath at length obtayned Access to dear Father. She returned, her Eyes nigh swollen to closing with weeping.... We crowded round about, burning for her Report, but 'twas some Time ere she coulde fetch Breath or Heart to give it us. At length Daisy, kissing her Hand once and agayn, draws forthe a disjoynted Tale, somewhat after this Fashion.
"Come, give over weeping, dearest Mother, 'twill do neither him, you, nor us anie Goode.... What was your first Speech of him?"
"Oh, my first Speech, Sweetheart, was, 'What, my Goodness, Mr. More! I marvell how that you, who were always counted a wise Man, should now soe play the Fool as to lie here in this close, filthy Prison, shut up with Mice and Rats, when you mighte be abroade and at your Liberty, with the Favour of King and Council, and return to your righte fayr House, your Books and Gallery, and your Wife, Children, and Household, if soe be you onlie woulde but do what the Bishops and best learned of the Realm have, without Scruple, done alreadie.'"
"And what sayd he, Mother, to that?" ...
"Why, then, Sweetheart, he chucks me under the Chin and sayeth, 'I prithee, good Mistress Alice, to tell me one Thing.' ... Soe then I say, 'What Thing?' Soe then he sayeth, 'Is not this House, Sweetheart, as nigh Heaven as mine own?' Soe then I jerk my Head away and say, 'Tilly-valley! Tilly-valley!'"
Sayth Bess, "Sure, Mother, that was cold Comfort.... And what next?"