“Well, good Sir Thomas,” continued Henry, always indulging in badinage, “what would you have with us?”
“I would speak with your majesty alone for a few moments,” replied More.
“A reasonable request,” answered the king; “and you know we always grant anything you ask.”
He made a sign to Cromwell, who immediately withdrew, his heart fired with rage at the welcome always extended by the king to More.
“If ever I come into power,” murmured he in his heart, “More, thou shalt know me!”
“What, then, is it, More?” asked the king, and he regarded him with an impatient expression.
“Your majesty,” replied More, “this morning sent me an order to present myself in the House of Commons, and carry thither the decisions of the universities. Up to this time I have been loath to speak; but to-day, at the moment of giving
such authenticity to these documents, I consider it my duty to make known to your majesty that they have been extorted by force and are far from being regular; a great many of the signatures are wanting, while others are counterfeit.”
“Counterfeit!” exclaimed the king angrily.” Who has told you that?”
“I am sure of it,” replied Sir Thomas quietly and in the calmest of tones; “and I have thought it my duty to inform the king of the fact before asking his permission to retire.”