thomas more

At the last debating whereof he made such arguments and reasons there against, that the King's demands were thereby overthrown. So that one of the King's privy chamber, named Mr. Tyler, being present thereat, brought word to the King out of the Parliament house, that a beardless boy had disappointed all his purposes. Whereupon the King conceiving great indignation towards him could not be satisfied until he had some way revenged it. And forasmuch as …

…you, Master Lieutenant, see me safe up, and for my coming down let me shift for myself." And when the executioner begged his pardon, More embraced him and said to him "pluck up thy spirits, man, and be not afraid to do thine office." Finally, as he was laying his head upon the block, he begged the executioner stay until he had removed his beard, saying that it had never committed any treason. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**