The whole realm, by your teaching, and your chap lains' (For so we are inform'd), with new opinions, Divers, and dangerous; which are heresies, And, not reform'd, may prove pernicious. Gard. Which reformation must be sudden too, My noble lords: for those, that tame wild horses, Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle; But stop their mouths with stubborn bits, and spur 'em, 'Till they obey the manage. If we suffer To one man's honour) this contagious sickness, Commotions, uproars, with a general taint 280 Of the whole state: as, of late days, our neighbours, The upper Germany, can dearly witness, Yet freshly pitied in our memories. 290 Cran. My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress Both of my life and office, I have labour'd, And with no little study, that my teaching, And the strong course of my authority, Might go one way, and safely; and the end Was ever, to do well: nor is there living (I speak it with a single heart, my lords) A man, that more detests, more stirs against, Both in his private conscience, and his place, Defacers of a publick peace, than I do. Pray heaven, the king may never find a heart With less allegiance in it! Men, that make Envy, and crooked malice, nourishment, Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships, 300 Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, Suf. Nay, my lord, That cannot be; you are a counsellor, And, by that virtue, no man dare accuse you. Gard. My lord, because we have business of more moment, We will be short with you. 'Tis his highness' plea sure, And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower; 310 You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, Cran. Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you, You are always my good friend; if your will pass, Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, 320 Gard. Gard. My lord, my lord, you are a sectary, That's the plain truth; your painted gloss discovers, To men that understand you, words and weakness. Crom. My lord of Winchester, you are a little, For what they have been: 'tis a cruelty, Gard. Good master secretary, I cry your honour mercy; you may, worst Crom. Why, my lord? Gard. Do not I know you for a favourer Of this new sect? ye are not sound. Crom. Not sound? Gard. Not sound, I say. Crom. 'Would you were half so honest! 340 Men's prayers then would seek you, not their fears. Gard. I shall remember this bold language. Crom. Do: Remember your bold life too. Cham. This is too much; Forbear, for shame, my lords. Gard. I have done. Crom. And I. Cham. Then thus for you, my lord agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forthwith 350 It stands You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner ; Be Be known unto us: Are you all agreed, lords? All. We are. Cran. Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to the Tower, my lords? Gard. What other Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome. Let some o' the guard be ready there. 361 Enter Guard. Cran. For me? Must I go like a traitor thither? Gard. Receive him, And see him safe i' the Tower. Cran. Stay, good my lords, I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords; Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it To a most noble judge, the king my master. 370 Sur. 'Tis no counterfeit. Suf. 'Tis the right ring, by heaven: I told ye When we first put this dangerous stone a rolling, 'Twould fall upon ourselves. Nor. Do you think, my lords, The king will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vex'd? Cham. 'Tis now too certain: all, How much more is his life in value with him? 380 'Would I were fairly out on't. Crom. My mind gave me, In seeking tales, and informations, Against this man (whose honesty the devil Ye blew the fire that burns ye: Now have at ye. Enter King, frowning on them; takes his Seat. Gard. Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince; 390 His royal self in judgment comes to hear Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not Good man, sit down. Now let me see the proudest He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee: King• |