[Enter Cromwell, they make a lane with their halberts.]
CROMWELL.
What means my Lord of Norfolk by these words?
Sirs, come along.
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?