Page:The Life of Sir Thomas More (William Roper, ed by Samuel Singer).djvu/118

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62
THE LIFE OF

them for a new year's gift. Of whom he thankfully receiving the gloves; but refusing the money, said unto her, Mistress, since it were against good manners to forsake a gentlewoman's new year's gift, I am content to take your gloves, but as for your money I utterly refuse. So, much against her mind, enforced he her to take her gold again. And one Master Gresham likewise at the same time, having a cause depending in the Chancery before him, sent him for a new year's gift a fair gilt cup, the fashion whereof he very well liking, caused one of his own, though not in his fantasy of so good a fashion yet better in value, to be brought out of his chamber, which he willed the messenger, in recompense, to deliver unto his master, and under other conditions would he in no wise receive it. Many things more of like effect, for the declaration of his innocency and clearness from all corruption or evil affection, could I here rehearse besides, which for tediousness omitting, I refer to the readers by these few fore-remembered examples with their own judgments wisely to weigh and consider.

At the parliament following was there put into the lords house a bill to attaint the nun, and divers other religious persons of high treason, and the Bishop of Rochesfer, Sir Thomas More, and certain others of misprision of treason: the king presupposing of likelihood that this bill