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?
SUFFOLK.
My Lord, your matter shall be tried;
Mean time, with patience content your self.
CROMWELL.
Perforce I must with patience be content.
O dear friend Bedford, doest thou stand so near?
Cromwell rejoiceth one friend sheds a tear.
And whether ist? which way must Cromwell now?
GARDINER.
My Lord, you must unto the tower. Lieutenant,
Take him to your charge.
CROMWELL.
Well, where you please; yet before I part,
Let me confer a little with my men.
GARDINER.
As you go by water, so you shall.
CROMWELL.
I have some business present to impart.
NORFOLK.
You may not stay. Lieutenant, take your charge.
CROMWELL.
Well, well, my Lord, you second Gardiner’s text.
Norfolk, farewell; thy turn will be the next.