[Exit Denny.]
LOVELL.
[Aside.] This is about that which the Bishop spake.
I am happily come hither.
Enter Cranmer and Denny.
KING.
Avoid the gallery. [Lovell seems to stay.]
Ha! I have said. Be gone.
What!
[Exeunt Lovell and Denny.]
CRANMER.
[Aside.] I am fearful. Wherefore frowns he thus?
’Tis his aspect of terror. All’s not well.
KING.
How now, my lord? You do desire to know
Wherefore I sent for you.
CRANMER.
[Kneeling.] It is my duty
T’ attend your Highness’ pleasure.
KING.
Pray you, arise,
My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury.
Come, you and I must walk a turn together.
I have news to tell you. Come, come, give me your hand.
Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak,
And am right sorry to repeat what follows.
I have, and most unwillingly, of late
Heard many grievous—I do say, my lord,
Grievous—complaints of you, which, being considered,
Have moved us and our Council that you shall
This morning come before us, where I know,
You cannot with such freedom purge yourself
But that, till further trial in those charges
Which will require your answer, you must take
Your patience to you and be well contented
To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us,
It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness
Would come against you.
CRANMER.
[Kneeling.] I humbly thank your Highness,
And am right glad to catch this good occasion
Most throughly to be winnowed, where my chaff
And corn shall fly asunder. For I know
There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues
Than I myself, poor man.