Wolf Hall quotes

Jane Seymour: Bess put heart into me. She said, "Say an Ave, Jane, and the King will soon spend." She says she did not take pleasure in her own marriage bed. With her late husband, it was like a military manoeuvre. Brisk.

Thomas Cromwell: He did not beat the drum, I hope!

Jane Seymour: No, no. But she always knew when he was on his way.

Master Treasurer FitzWilliam: [during a council session regarding a potential uprising] Lord Cromwell's head is their chief demand. They believe my lord has practised some device or sorcery on the King. As they claim the Cardinal did before him.

Thomas Cromwell: Well, I am offended for my prince, that they deem him no more than a child to be led.

King Henry VIII: And, by God, I am offended too! I take it ill to be instructed by the folk of Lincolnshire, one of the most brute and beastly shires in all the realm. How do they presume to dictate which men I keep about me? And who will advise me when Lord Cromwell is put down? Will these rebels do it? Colin Clump and Peter Pisspiddle, and old Grandpa Gaphead and his goat? Let them remember this. When I choose a humble man for my councillor, he is no more humble. I made my minister, and by God I will maintain him. If I say Cromwell is a lord, then he is a lord. And if I say Cromwell's heirs will follow me and rule England, then by God they will do it!

Princess Mary: [after Cromwell questions her expenses, specifically her giving Elizabeth daily presents] She has lost two mothers in a year. She is quite alone in the world. You assisted me to return, my lord. You instructed the court to treat me as a princess in all but name. You must not be surprised if I behave like one.

Thomas Howard: [after Cromwell orders the closure of his family priory] That's my country. I told you, my forebears lie there! My father lies there! "Flodden Norfolk," they called him. Named after the battle! Now, where is he to go? It's an insult to the Howard name. My father must be prayed for, damn you!

Thomas Cromwell: Your old dad. Why don't you let him take his chances?

Thomas Howard: You dare hold me in contempt? I'll have your guts, you filthy ingrate! What were you when you came to court? Wolsey owned the shirt on your back. Now you stir yourself, and you show your gratitude to me and to the King, who have done so much for you! You keep your hands out of my affairs, and you take your fucking Germans, and you kick 'em out the door!

Thomas Cromwell: The whole Council approved that match! You signed it, Thomas Howard. You did, as well as I! As for that lady, the King couldn't get her here fast enough.

Thomas Howard: And I tell you, he wants to be free. Have you not seen him looking at my niece? He cast a fantasy to Catherine the first time he ever did see her.

Thomas Cromwell: If you want power, why don't you get it like a man instead of pandering your fucking nieces?

Richard Rich: You had secret dealings with Katherine, dealings to do with Mary. And that evening, you confessed as much to all present.

Thomas Cromwell: Even if I did, my, you've known about this a long time, Riche. What stopped you from speaking out? I'll tell you what. Advantage. Your own advantage kept you mute until advantage was greater on the other side. What promise have I made ... Look at me! What promise have I made to you, Riche, that I have not kept? And what promises have you made to me?