The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. I., Part C.: From Henry VII. to Mary
David Hume · en
The earl of Northumberland received, orders, without regard to Wolsey’s
ecclesiastical character, to arrest him for high treason, and to conduct
him to London, in order to his trial. The cardinal, partly from the
fatigues of his journey, partly from the agitation of his anxious mind,
was seized with a disorder which turned into a dysentery; and he was
able, with some difficulty, to reach Leicester Abbey. When the abbot and
the monks advanced to receive him with much respect and reverence,
he told them that he was come to lay his bones among them; and he
immediately took to his bed, whence he never rose more. A little before
he expired, he addressed himself in the following words to Sir William
Kingston, constable of the Tower, who had him in custody. “I pray you
have me heartily recommended unto his royal majesty, and beseech him
on my behalf to call to his remembrance all matters that have passed
between us from the beginning, especially with regard to his business
with the queen; and then will he know in his conscience whether I have
offended him.
“He is a prince of a most royal carriage, and hath a princely heart; and
rather than he will miss or want any part of his will, he will endanger
the one half of his kingdom.
“I do assure you, that I have often kneeled before him, sometimes three
hours together, to persuade him from his will and appetite; but could
not prevail: had I but served God as diligently as I have served the
king, he would not have given me over in my gray hairs. But this is the
just reward that I must receive for my indulgent pains and study, not
regarding my service to God, but only to my prince. Therefore, let me
advise you, if you be one of the privy council, as by your wisdom you
are fit, take care what you put into the king’s head; for you can never
put it out again.”[*]
* Cavendish.
[Illustration: 1-376-tower.jpg THE TOWER OF LONDON]