Act 5. Scene III - Page 2

Be what they will, may stand forth face to face,
And freely urge against me.

SUFFOLK
Nay, my lord,
That cannot be: you are a counsellor,
And, by that virtue, no man dare accuse you.

GARDINER
My lord, because we have business of more moment,
We will be short with you. 'Tis his highness' pleasure,
And our consent, for better trial of you,
From hence you be committed to the Tower;
Where, being but a private man again,
You shall know many dare accuse you boldly,
More than, I fear, you are provided for.

CRANMER
Ah, my good Lord of Winchester, I thank you;
You are always my good friend; if your will pass,
I shall both find your lordship judge and juror,
You are so merciful: I see your end;
'Tis my undoing: love and meekness, lord,
Become a churchman better than ambition:
Win straying souls with modesty again,
Cast none away. That I shall clear myself,
Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience,
I make as little doubt, as you do conscience
In doing daily wrongs. I could say more,
But reverence to your calling makes me modest.

GARDINER
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.

CROMWELL
My Lord of Winchester, you are a little,
By your good favour, too sharp; men so noble,
However faulty, yet should find respect
For what they have been: 'tis a cruelty
To load a falling man.

GARDINER
Good master secretary,
I cry your honour mercy; you may, worst
Of all this table, say so.

CROMWELL
Why, my lord?

GARDINER
Do not I know you for a favourer
Of this new sect? ye are not sound.

CROMWELL
Not sound?

GARDINER
Not sound, I say.

CROMWELL
Would you were half so honest!
Men's prayers then would seek you, not their fears.

GARDINER
I shall remember this bold language.

CROMWELL
Do.
Remember your bold life too.

Chancellor
This is too much;
Forbear, for shame, my lords.

GARDINER
I have done.

CROMWELL
And I.

Chancellor
Then thus for you, my lord: it stands agreed,
I take it, by all voices, that forthwith
You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner;
There to remain till the king's further pleasure
Be known unto us: are you all agreed, lords?

All
We are.

CRANMER
Is there no other way of mercy,
But I must needs to the Tower, my lords?

GARDINER
What other
Would you expect? you are strangely troublesome.
Let some o' the guard be ready there.

Enter Guard

CRANMER
For me?
Must I go like a