Page 1735 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

To one man’s honour, this contagious sickness, [60]
Farewell all physic − and what follows then?
Commotions, uproars, with a general taint
Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbours,

The upper Germany, can dearly witness,
Yet freshly pitied in our memories. [65]

CRANMER
My good lords, hitherto in all the progress
Both of my life and office, I have laboured,

And with no little study, that my teaching
And the strong course of my authority
Might go one way, and safely; and the end [70]
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 public peace than I do. [75]

Pray heaven the King may never find a heart
With less allegiance in it. Men that make
Envy and crookèd malice nourishment
Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships
That, in this case of justice, my accusers, [80]

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 Councillor,

And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.

GARDINER
My lord, because we have business of more moment, [85]
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, [90]