'No! no! For indeed his Highness hath given all he could give. It is the hard world that hath pushed him against you and against his good will. Believe me, his Highness loveth good doctrine better than you, I, or the Bishop of Rome. So that....'
He paused, and concluded:
'This Lord Cromwell moves in the shadow of a little thing that casts hardly any shadow. You have seen it?'
She shook her head negligently, and he laughed:
'Why, you will see it yet. A small, square thing upon a green hill. The noblest of our land kneel before it, by his Highness' orders. Yet the worship of idols is contemned now.' He let his malicious eyes wander over her relaxed, utterly resting figure.
'I would ye would suffer me to kiss you on the mouth,' he sighed.
'Why, get you gone,' she said, without anger.
'Oh, aye,' he said, with some feeling. 'It is pleasant to be desired as I desire you. But it is true that ye be meat for my masters.'
'I will take help from none of your lies.' She returned to her main position.
He removed his bonnet, and bowed so low to her that his great and shining beard hung far away from his chest.