MORE.
Tis fit thou shouldst wax proud, or else thou’lt ne’er
Be near allied to greatness. Observe me, sirrah.
The learned clark Erasmus is arrived
Within our English court: last night I hear
He feasted with our honored English poet,
The Earl of Surrey; and I learned today
The famous clark of Rotterdam will visit
Sir Thomas More. Therefore, sir, take my seat;
you are Lord Chancellor: dress your behavior
According to my carriage; but beware
You talk not over much, for twill betray thee:
Who prates not much seems wise; his wit few scan;
While the tongue blabs tales of the imperfect man.
I’ll see if great Erasmus can distinguish
Merit and outward ceremony.
RANDALL. If I do not serve a share for playing of your lordship well, let me be yeoman usher to your sumpter, and be banished from wearing of a gold chain forever.
MORE.
Well, sir, I’ll hide our motion: act my part
With a firm boldness, and thou winst my heart.
[Enter the Shrieve, with Faulkner a ruffian, and Officers.]
How now! what’s the matter?
FAULKNER. Tug me not, I’m no bear. ’Sblood, if all the dogs in Paris Garden hung at my tail, I’d shake ’em off with this, that I’ll appear before no king christened but my good Lord Chancellor.
SHRIEVE.
We’ll christen you, sirrah.—Bring him forward.
MORE.
How now! what tumults make you?
FAULKNER.
The azured heavens protect my noble Lord Chancellor!
MORE.
What fellow’s this?