Enter the guard
CRANMER.For me?Must I go like a traitor thither?GARDINER.Receive him,And see him safe i'th'Tower.CRANMER.Stay,good my lords,I have a little yet to say.Look there,my lords;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.CHAMBERLAIN.This is the King's ring.SURREY.'Tis no counterfeit.SUFFOLK.'Tis the right ring,by heav'n.I told ye all,When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling,'Twould fall upon ourselves.NORFOLK.Do you think,my lords,The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vex'd?CHAMBERLAIN.'Tis now too certain;How much more is his life in value with him!Would I were fairly out on't!CROMWELL.My mind gave me,In seeking tales and informations Against this man--whose honesty the devil And his disciples only envy at--Ye blew the fire that burns ye.Now have at ye!
Enter the KING frowning on them;he takes his seat
GARDINER.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.KING.You were ever good at sudden commendations,Bishop of Winchester.But know I come not To hear such flattery now,and in my presence They are too thin and bare to hide offences.To me you cannot reach you play the spaniel,And think with wagging of your tongue to win me;But whatsoe'er thou tak'st 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 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.SURREY.May it please your Grace--KING.No,sir,it does not please me.I had thought I had 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 footboy 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 councillor 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 mean;Which ye shall never have while I live.CHANCELLOR.Thus far,My most dread sovereign,may it like your Grace To let my tongue excuse all.What was purpos'd Concerning his imprisonment was rather--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 May be beholding to a subject,Am for his love and service so to him.Make me no more ado,but all embrace him;Be friends,for shame,my lords!My Lord of Canterbury,I have a suit which you must not deny me:That is,a fair young maid that yet wants baptism;You must be godfather,and answer for her.CRANMER.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.GARDINER.With a true heart And brother-love I do it.CRANMER.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