SIR THOMAS MORE.
3
This Sir Thomas More after he had been brought up in the Latin tongue at [1]St. Anthony's in London, was by his Father's procurement received into the house of the right reverend, wise and learned prelate Cardinal [2]Morton,
- ↑ In the parish of Benet-Fink in Threadneedle-Street, London, belonging to the Hospital of St. Anthony. This School was in great request in the reign of K. Henry VI. and since, and at it were divers Persons of great reputation bred; as besides Sir Thomas, Archbp. Heath and Archbp. Whitgift.—Newcourt's Repertorium, Vol. I. p. 286. His schoolmaster's name was Nicholas Holt.
- ↑ 3 Sir Thomas thus speaks of the Cardinal, "The Bp. (Morton of Ely) was a man of great natural wit, very well learned and honourable in behaviour, lacking no wise ways to win favour.K. Henry VII. made him Archbp. of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, whereunto the Pope joined the honour of Cardinal."—History of K. Richard III. And again in the Utopia, Book 7. "In the mean season I was much bound and beholding to John Morton Archbishop and Cardinal of Canterbury, and at that time also Lord Chancellor of England; a man not more honourable for his authority than for his prudence and virtue. He was of mean stature, and though stricken in years, yet bare he his body upright. In his face did shine such an amiable reverence, as was pleasant to behold. Gentle in communication, yet earnest and sage. He had great delight many times with rough speech to his suitors, to prove, but without harm, what prompt wit and what bold spirit were in every man. In the which, as in a virtue much agreeing with his nature, so that therewith were not joined impudency, he took great delectation." And the same person, as apt and meet to have an administration in the weal public, he did lovingly embrace. In his speech he was fine, eloquent, pithy. In the law he had profound knowledge; in wit, he was incomparable; and in memory wonderfully excellent. These qualities which in him were by nature singular, he by learning and use had
