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;
Where, being but a private man again,
You shall know, many dare accuse you boldly,
More than, I fear, you are provided for.

Cran. 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.
Gard. My lord, my lord, you are a sectary,
That's the plain truth; your painted glass discovers,
To men that understand you, words and weakness.
Crom. My lord of Winchester, you are a little,
By your good favour, too sharp; men so noble,
However faulty, yet should find respect
For that they have been: 'tis a cruelty,
To load a falling man.

Gard. Good master secretary,

I

cry your honour mercy; you may, worst Of all this table, say so.

Crom. Why, my lord?

Gard. Do not I know you for à favourer Of this new sect? ye are not sound. "Crom. Not sound?

Gard. Not sound, I say.

Crom. 'Would you were half so honest! 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.

Gard. 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.

Cran. Is there no other way of mercy,

But I must needs to the Tower, my lords?
Gard. What other

Would you expect? You're strangely troublesome: Let some o' the guard be ready there.

[Rises.

Enter the KEEPER of the Council Chamber.
Cran. For me?

Must I go like a traitor thither?
Gard. Receive him,

And see him safe i' the Tower,
Cran. Stay, good my lord,

I have a little yet to say.

Look there, my lords:

[Exit the KEEPper.

[They all rise, and look at the Ring.

By virtue of that ring, I take my cause
Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it
To a most noble judge, the king, my master.
Gard. Is it the king's ring?

Suf. "Tis no counterfeit.

Sur. 'Tis the right ring, by Heaven: I told ye all, 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 :

How much more is his life in value with him!
Would I were fairly out on't!

Enter the KING, frowning on them; when he takes his Seat, they all sit.

Gard. [Rises.] Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to Heaven,

In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince;
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,
His royal self in judgment comes to hear
The cause betwixt her and this great offender. [Sits.
King. You were ever good at sudden commenda-
tions,

Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not
To hear such flatteries now. Good man, sit down:-
Sit down, I say.-Now let me see the proudest
He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee:
By all that's holy, he had better starve,
Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
Gard. [Rises.] May it please your grace,―
King. No, sir, it does not please me.-

[GARDINER sits. I'd thought, I'd had men of some understanding 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 foot-boy At chamber door? and one as great as you are? Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye Power, as he was a counsellor, to try him, Not as a groom: There's some of ye, I see,

More out of malice than integrity,

Would try him to the utmost, had ye means; shall never have, while I live.

Which ye

Nor. My most dread sovereign, may it like your
grace

To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed,
Concerning his imprisonment, was rather
(If there be faith in men,) meant for his trial,
And fair purgation to the world, than malice;
I am sure, in me.

King. Well, well, my lords, respect him; Take him, and use him well; he's worthy of it. Make me no more ado, but all embrace him; Be friends, for shame, my lords!—

[They embrace Cranmer.

My Lord of Canterbury,
I have a suit which you must not deny me:
There is a fair young maid, that yet wants baptism;
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?

King. Come, come, my lord, you'd spare your spoons: you shall have

Two noble partners with you; the old Duchess of Norfolk,

And Lady Marquis Dorset: Will these please you?— Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you, Embrace and love this man.

Gard. With a true heart,

And brother's love, I do it. [Embraces CRANMER. Cran. And let Heaven

Witness, how dear I hold this confirmation.

King. Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart.

The common voice, I see, is verified

Of thee, which says thus, Do my Lord of Canterbury A shrewd turn, and he's your friend for ever.—

Come, lords, we trifle time away; I long
To have this young one made a Christian.
As I have made ye one, lords, one remain ;
So I grow stronger, you more honour gain.

[Exeunt.

Playing

Drawn Swords.

Sergeant at Arms, with Mace-Sword-bearer-Sword

of State.