A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Harry Percy: I was pledged to Anne. She allowed me such freedom with herself as only a betrothed woman would allow. The Cardinal bullied me out of saying anything last time, but I'm not afraid to speak the truth now.

Thomas Cromwell: My lord, you've said what you have to say. Now listen to me. You're a man whose money is almost spent. I'm a man who knows how you've spent it. You're a man who has borrowed all over Europe. I'm a man who knows your creditors. One word from me and all your debts will be called in.

Henry Percy: What are they going to do? Bankers don't have armies.

Thomas Cromwell: Neither will you, without any money. My lord, you hold your earldom from the king. Your task is to secure the north, to defend us against Scotland. If you cannot ensure these things, the king will take your land and your titles and give them to someone who will do the job that you cannot do.

Henry Percy: No, he won't. He respects all ancient titles.

Thomas Cromwell: How can I explain this to you? The world is not run from where you think it is. From border fortresses. Even from Whitehall. The world is run from Antwerp, from Florence, from Lisbon. From wherever the merchant ships set sail off into the west. Not from castle walls, from counting houses. From the pens that scrape out your promissory notes. So believe me when I say that my banker friends and I will rip your life apart. And then, when you are without money and title, yes, I can picture you living in a hovel, wearing homespun, bringing home a rabbit for the pot. Your lawful wife, Anne Boleyn, skinning and jointing that rabbit. Yes, I wish you all happiness. You were never pre-contracted. Any understanding you think you have, you didn't have it. And if you think Lady Anne loves you, well, you couldn't be more mistaken. I've just come from her. She hates you. She despises you. She wants you gone. So if you say one more word about Lady Anne's freedom with you, I will come and drag you out of whatever hole you are cowering in, and the Duke of Norfolk will bite your bollocks off. I do hope that's clear, my lord.