GARDINER.
Kneel down, and I will here absolve you both.
This Crucifix I lay upon your head,
And sprinkle holy-water on your brows.
The deed is meritorious that you do,
And by it shall you purchase grace from heaven.
FIRST WITNESS.
Now, sir, we’ll undertake it, by our souls.
SECOND WITNESS.
For Cromwell never loved none of our sort.
GARDINER.
I know he doth not, and for both of you,
I will prefer you to some place of worth:
Now get you in, until I call for you,
For presently the Dukes means to be here.
[Exit witnesses.]
Cromwell, sit fast, thy time’s not long to reign.
The Abbeys that were pulled down by thy means
Is now a mean for me to pull thee down:
Thy pride also thy own head lights upon,
For thou art he hath changed religion:—
But now no more, for here the Dukes are come.
[Enter Suffolk, Norfolk, and the Earl of Bedford.]
SUFFOLK.
Goodden to my Lord Bishop.
NORFOLK.
How fares my Lord? what, are you all alone?
GARDINER.
No, not alone, my Lords; my mind is troubled;
I know your honours muse wherefore I sent,
And in such haste. What, came you from the King?