Gard.
Halberts, stand close unto the water-side;
Serjeant at arms, be you bold in your office;
Herald, deliver your proclamation. Her.

This is to give notice to all the king's subjects, the late lord Cromwell, lord chancellor of England, vicar-general over the realm, him to hold and esteem as a traitor against the crown and dignity of England. So God save the king.

Gard.

Amen.

Bed.
Amen, and root thee from the land!
For whilst thou livest, the truth cannot stand.

Nor.
Make a lane there, the traitor is at hand.
Keep back Cromwell's men; drown them, if they come on.
Serjeant, your office. Enter Cromwell, attended. The halbert-men make a lane.

Crom.
What means my lord of Norfolk, by these words?
Sirs, come along.

Gard.
Kill them, if they come on.

Ser.
Lord Thomas Cromwell, in king Henry's name,
I do arrest your honour of high treason.

Crom.
Serjeant, me of treason? [Cromwell's attendants offer to draw.

Suf.
Kill them, if they draw a sword.

Crom.
Hold; I charge you, as you love me, draw not a sword.
Who dares accuse Cromwell of treason now?

Gard.
This is no place to reckon up your crime;
Your dove-like looks were view'd with serpents' eyes.

Crom.
With serpents' eyes indeed, by thine they were.
But, Gardiner, do thy worst; I fear thee not.
My faith compar'd with thine, as much shall pass
As doth the diamond excell the glass.
Attach'd of treason, no accusers by!
Indeed what tongue dares speak so foul a lie?

Nor.
My lord, my lord, matters are too well known;
And it is time the king had note thereof.

Crom.
The king! let me go to him face to face;
No better trial I desire than that.
Let him but say, that Cromwell's faith was feign'd,
Then let my honour and my name be stain'd.
If e'er my heart against the king was set,
O let my soul in judgment answer it!
Then if my faith's confirmed with his reason,
'Gainst whom hath Cromwell then committed treason?

Suf.
My lord, my lord, your matter shall be tried;
Mean time with patience content yourself.

Crom.
Perforce I must with patience be content:—
O dear friend Bedford, dost thou stand so near?
Cromwell rejoyceth one friend sheds a tear.
And whither is't? Which way must Cromwell now?

Gard.
My lord, you must unto the Tower. Lieutenant,
Take him unto your charge.

Crom.
Well, where you please: but yet before I part,
Let me confer a little with my men.

Gard.
Ay, as you go by water, so you shall.

Crom.
I have some business present to impart.

Nor.
You may not stay: lieutenant, take your charge.

Crom.
Well, well, my lord, you second Gardiner's text.
Norfolk, farewel! thy turn will be the next. [Exeunt Cromwell and Lieutenant.

Gard.
His guilty conscience makes him rave, my lord.

Nor.
Ay, let him talk; his time is short enough.

Gard.
My lord of Bedford, come; you weep for him
That would not shed even half a tear for you.

Bed.
It grieves me for to see his sudden fall.

Gard.
Such success wish I unto traitors all. [Exeunt.

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