Page:The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey.pdf/9

 The Life of Cardinal Wolsey

TRUTH it is, Cardinal Wolsey, sometime Archbishop of York, was an honest poor man's son, born in Ipswich, within the county of Suffolk; and being but a child, was very apt to learning; by means whereof his parents, or his good friends and masters, conveyed him to the University of Oxford, where he prospered so in learning that (as he told me in his own person) he was called the boy-bachelor, forasmuch as he was made Bachelor of Arts at fifteen years of age, which was a rare thing, and seldom seen.

Thus prospering and increasing in learning, he was made Fellow of Magdalen College, and after appointed, for his learning, to be schoolmaster there; at which time the Lord Marquess Dorset had three of his sons at school there with him, committing as well unto him their virtuous education, as their instruction and learning. It pleased the said marquess, against a Christmas season, to send as well for the schoolmaster as for his children, home to his house, for their recreation in that pleasant and honourable feast. They being then there, my lord their father perceived them to be right well employed in learning, for their time: which contented him so well, that he having a benefice in his gift, being at that time void, gave the same to the schoolmaster, in reward for his diligence, at his departing after Christmas upon his return to the University. And having the presentation thereof, he repaired to the ordinary for his institution and induction. Then being fully furnished of all necessary instruments at the ordinary‟s hands for his preferment, he made speed without any farther delay to the said benefice to take thereof possession. And being there for that intent, one Sir Amyas Paulet, knight, dwelling in the country thereabout, took an occasion of displeasure against him, upon what ground I know not: but, sir, by your leave, he was so bold to set the schoolmaster by the feet during his pleasure; the which was afterward neither forgotten nor forgiven; for when the schoolmaster mounted the dignity of Chancellor of England, he was not oblivious of the old displeasure ministered unto him by Master Paulet, but sent for him, and after many sharp and heinous words, enjoined him to attend upon the council until he were by them dismissed, and not to depart without license, upon an urgent pain and forfeiture: so that he continued within the Middle Temple, the space of five or six years or more; whose lodging there was in the gate-house next 9