BEDFORD.
Where is sir Thomas Cromwell? is he knighted?
SUFFOLK.
He is, my Lord.
BEDFORD.
Then to add honour to his name,
The King creates him Lord keeper of
His privy Seal, and master of the Rules,
Which you sir Christopher do now enjoy;
The King determines higher place for you.
CROMWELL.
My Lords,
These honors are too high for my desert.
MORE.
O content thee, man; who would not choose it?
Yet thou art wise in seeming to refuse it.
GARDINER.
Here’s honors, titles, and promotions:
I fear this climbing will have a sudden fall.
NORFOLK.
Then come, my Lords; let’s altogether bring
This new made Counselor to England’s King.
[Exit all but Gardiner.]
GARDINER.
But Gardiner means his glory shall be dimmed.
Shall Cromwell live a greater man than I?
My envy with his honour now is bred;
I hope to shorten Cromwell by the head.
[Exit.]