GARDINER.
Kill them, if they come on.
SARGEANT.
Lord Cromwell, in king Henry's name,
I do arrest your honour of high treason.
CROMWELL.
Sargeant, me of treason?
[Cromwell's men offer to draw.]
SUFFOLK.
Kill them, if they draw a sword.
CROMWELL.
Hold; I charge you, as you love me, draw not a sword.
Who dares accuse Cromwell of treason now?
GARDINER.
This is no place to reckon up your crime;
Your Dove-like looks were viewed with serpent's eyes.
CROMWELL.
With serpent's eyes, indeed, by thine they were;
But Gardiner do thy worst, I fear thee not.
My faith, compared with thine, as much shall pass,
As doth the Diamond excel the glass.
Attached of treason, no accusers by!
Indeed, what tongue dares speak so foul a lie?
NORFOLK.
My Lord, my Lord, matters are too well known,
And it is time the king had note thereof.
CROMWELL.
The king! let me go to him face to face;
No better trial I desire than that:
Let him but say that Cromwell's faith was feigned,
Then let my honour and my name be stained.
If ever my heart against my king was set,
O let my soul in Judgement answer it:
Then, if my faith's confirmed with his reason,
Gainst whom hath Cromwell, then, committed treason?