Page 1715 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

His promises were as he then was, mighty,
But his performance as he is now, nothing.
Of his own body he was ill, and gave
The clergy ill example.

GRIFFITH
Noble madam,

Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues [45]
We write in water. May it please your highness
To hear me speak his good now?

KATHERINE
Yes, good Griffith,

I were malicious else.

GRIFFITH
This Cardinal,
Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly
Was fashioned to much honour from his cradle. [50]
He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one,

Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading;
Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,
But, to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.

And though he were unsatisfied in getting − [55]
Which was a sin − yet in bestowing, madam,
He was most princely: ever witness for him
Those twins of learning that he raised in you,
Ipswich and Oxford − one of which fell with him,

Unwilling to outlive the good that did it; [60]
The other, though unfinished, yet so famous,
So excellent in art, and still so rising,

That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue.
His overthrow heaped happiness upon him,
For then, and not till then, he felt himself, [65]
And found the blessèdness of being little;
And, to add greater honours to his age

Than man could give him, he died fearing God.