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 a crafty gentleman who was prominent in affairs under Henry the Eighth. He is a member of the select council. His influence is so predominant that the other ministers dare not breathe in his presence, save the Chancellor, Lord Gardiner, who detests him. A man of violent temper, this Gardiner, and very well-born. As for Paget, he 's a mere nobody—a cobbler's son. He 's to be created Baron Paget of Beaudesert in Staffordshire.

Gilbert.How trippingly he doth tell all these things, doth this Joshua!

Joshua.Good lack! by dint of hearing the prisoners of state converse.

[ appears at the back of the stage.

Look you, Gilbert, the man who best knows the history of these days is the gaoler of the Tower of London.

Renard [who has overheard the last words.]You are wrong, my good man, 'tis the headsman.

Joshua [to ' and ', in an undertone.]Let us stand apart.

[ walks slowly across the stage and exit.

'Tis Master Simon Renard himself.

Gilbert.All these people prowling about my house anger me.

Joshua.What the deuce is he doing here? I must return at once. I think that he 's preparing work for me. Fare you well, Gilbert. Fare you well, Jane.—I saw you both when you were no taller than that.

Gilbert.Fare you well, Joshua.—But, tell me, what is that you are hiding under your cloak?

Joshua.Oh! I have my own little plot.

Gilbert.What is it?

Joshua.Oh! you lovers who forget everything!