Enter King, frowning on them; takes his seat.
Gar. Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven[830]
In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince, 115
Not only good and wise, but most religious:
One that, in all obedience, makes the church
The chief aim of his honour; and, to strengthen
That holy duty, out of dear respect,[831]
His royal self in judgement comes to hear 120
The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
King. You were ever good at sudden commendations,[832]
Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not
To hear such flattery now, and in my presence[833][834]
They are too thin and bare to hide offences.[834][835] 125
To me you cannot reach you play the spaniel,[836]
And think with wagging of your tongue to win me;
But, whatsoe'er thou takest me for, I'm sure
Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody.
[To Cranmer] Good man, sit down. Now let me see the proudest[837][838]130
He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee:[837]
By all that's holy, he had better starve
Than but once think this place becomes thee not.[839]
Sur. May it please your grace,—
King. No, sir, it does not please me.
I had thought I had had men of some understanding[840] 135
And wisdom of my council; but I find none.
Was it discretion, lords, to let this man,
This good man,—few of you deserve that title,—
This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy
At chamber-door? and one as great as you are? 140
Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission
Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye
Power as he was a councillor to try him,
Not as a groom: there's some of ye, I see,
More out of malice than integrity, 145
Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean:[841]
Which ye shall never have while I live.
Chan. Thus far,[842]
My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace
To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed
Concerning his imprisonment, was rather, 150
If there be faith in men, meant for his trial
And fair purgation to the world, than malice,
I'm sure, in me.
King. Well, well, my lords, respect him;
Take him and use him well; he's worthy of it.
I will say thus much for him, if a prince 155
May be beholding to a subject, I[843]
Am, for his love and service, so to him.
Make me no more ado, but all embrace him:[844]
Be friends, for shame, my lords! My Lord of Canterbury,
I have a suit which you must not deny me; 160
That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism;[845]
You must be godfather, and answer for her.
Cran. The greatest monarch now alive may glory
In such an honour: how may I deserve it,
That am a poor and humble subject to you? 165
King. Come, come, my lord, you'ld spare your[846]
spoons: you shall have two noble partners with you; the[846]
old Duchess of Norfolk, and Lady Marquess Dorset: will[846][847][848]
these please you?[846][848]
Once more, my Lord of Winchester, I charge you, 170
Embrace and love this man.[849]
Gar. With a true heart
And brother-love I do it.[850]