At a second interview Tyndale went further, and said, “with water in his eyes,” as Vaughan observed, “If it would stand with the King’s most gracious pleasure to grant only a bare text of Scripture to be put forth among his people, like as is put forth among the subjects of the Emperor in these parts, and of other Christian princes, _be it of the translation of what person soever shall please his Majesty_, I shall immediately make faithful promise _never to write more, nor abide two days_ in these parts after the same; but immediately to repair into his realm, and there most humbly submit myself at the feet of his Royal Majesty, _offering my body to suffer what pain or torture, yea, what death his Grace will, so that this be obtained_. And till that time I will abide the asperity of all chances, whatsoever shall come, and endure my life, in as much pains as it is able to bear and suffer.” A third time Vaughan met Tyndale, and again the envoy attempted in vain to induce him to venture back into England. Tyndale knew Henry too well to do so, and he was providentially kept from making this rash experiment, for his work was not as yet finished. It is somewhat difficult to believe, with Demaus, that King Henry was quite honourable in approving or in permitting these negotiations. The almost unanimous opinion of all, until quite recently, was, that Henry was at least a consenting party to Tyndale’s murder. To a man like Henry the life of Tyndale was but of little moment; and, from his treatment of others, it is probable that, had Tyndale ventured to return home, even with the promised security of the Royal word, he would have suffered the fate that befell many good men about this time. The rumours that reached Tyndale from time to time would make him chary of trusting Henry’s promise; and at the very period that Vaughan was endeavouring to persuade Tyndale to confide in the King, Tyndale knew that a fierce persecution was racing in England against those who did not believe and act in religious matters as the King and Convocation were pleased to appoint. For example, Tyndale would have heard that William Tracy, a Gloucestershire gentleman, and a former friend of his, had just before died, and that his will, instead of the usual invocation of Mary and of the saints, began thus:--