Sir Thomas More. (Cromwell looks up and smiles)
Sir Thomas. (rises)
Mr. Secretary.
Please be seated. This is- er- quite an informal occasion. (picks up a pitcher) A little ale, perhaps?
(stiffly) No, thank you.
(smiles and shakes his head)... I'm sure we both know the object that has brought us together. It is very widely rumored, Sir Thomas, that you will refuse to take the Oath of Succession. Now, I say this to you very openly and sincerely, that I wish no harm to come to a great man who has, for years, enjoyed and deserved His Majesty's good graces. I would rather lose my own son, than to see any hurt come to you. (More smiles slightly) May I ask your opinion of the King's new marriage?
(bluntly) I have no opinion. I neither murmur at it, nor dispute upon it. I never did- never will.
Then, what of His Majesty's claim to supremacy over the Church of England?
(nods thoughtfully) Mmm... I was... unsure about this matter. (pause) Until I re-read His Majesty's own pamphlet, the Assertio Septum Sacramentorum. (Cromwell frowns inquiringly) In fact, I, um, have a copy of it here. (sets the pamphlet on Cromwell's desk) Of course, in the pamphlet, the King asserts the divine origin of the Papacy. The Pope's supremacy descends directly from the Rock of Saint Peter. I think you'll find His Majesty's arguments are as... persuasive and powerful now, as they were when he first wrote them.
... Will you take the Oath? I need hardly remind you of the consequences of not doing so.
(quietly, coldly) Mr. Secretary, I am the King's loyal subject. I say no harm, I think no harm- but I wish everybody good. And, if this be not enough to keep a man alive, in good faith- then, I long not to live. (stands to leave)
(exasperated) Sir Thomas. You should know that the King himself has no mind to coerce you. He simply asks that you relent- and condescend to his request that you take the Oath.
(turns back)... Mr. Cromwell, please impart to the King my utter faithfulness, truthfulness and loyalty to him. (leaves)
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