Page:The Life of Sir Thomas More (William Roper, ed by Samuel Singer).djvu/150

 some solemn feast, changed himself into his best apparel. Which Master Lieutenant espying, advised him to put it off, saying, "that he that should have it was but a javill." "What, Master Lieutenant," quoth he, "shall I account him a javill that shall do me this day so singular a benefit? Nay, I assure you, were it cloth of gold, I should think it well bestowed on him, as Sainct Cyprian did, who gave his executioner thirty pieces of gold." And albeit, at length, through Master Lieutenant's importunate persuasion, he altered his apparel; yet, after the example of the holy Martyr Sainct Cyprian, did he, of that little money that was left him, send an angel of gold to his executioner. And so was he, by Master Lieutenant brought out of the Tower, and from thence led towards the place of execution. Where going up the scaffold, which was so weak that it was ready to fall, he said merrily to the Lieutenant, "I pray you, Master Lieutenant, see me safe up, and for my coming down let me shift for myself." Then desired he all the people thereabout to pray for him, and to bear witness with him, that he should now there suffer death in and for the faith of the holy Catholic Church. Which done, he kneeled down, and, after his prayers said, turned to the executioner with a cheerful countenance, and said unto him: "Pluck up thy spirits, man, and be not afraid to do thine office: my neck is very short, take heed, there-