Lov. [Aside] This is about that which the bishop spake:[756]
I am happily come hither.[757] 85
Re-enter Denny, with Cranmer.
King. Avoid the gallery. [Lovell seems to stay] Ha! I have said. Be gone.[758]
What! [Exeunt Lovell and Denny.
Cran. [Aside] I am fearful: wherefore frowns he thus?[759]
'Tis his aspect of terror. All's not well.
King. How now, my lord! you do desire to know[760]
Wherefore I sent for you.[760]
Cran. [Kneeling] It is my duty[761] 90
To attend your highness' pleasure.[762]
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.[763]
Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, 95
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 consider'd,
Have moved us and our council, that you shall 100
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 105
To make your house our Tower: you a brother of us,[764]
It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness
Would come against you.
Cran. [Kneeling] I humbly thank your highness;[761]
And am right glad to catch this good occasion
Most throughly to be winnow'd, where my chaff 110
And corn shall fly asunder: for, I know,
There's none stands under more calumnious tongues
Than I myself, poor man.[765]
King. Stand up, good Canterbury:
Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted
In us, thy friend: give me thy hand, stand up:[766] 115
Prithee, let's walk. Now, by my holidame,[767]
What manner of man are you? My lord, I look'd
You would have given me your petition, that
I should have ta'en some pains to bring together
Yourself and your accusers, and to have heard you,[768] 120
Without indurance, further.
Cran. Most dread liege,
The good I stand on is my truth and honesty:[769]
If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies,[770]
Will triumph o'er my person; which I weigh not,
Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing 125
What can be said against me.[771]