Page:The Life of Sir Thomas More (William Roper, ed by Samuel Singer).djvu/169

 matter. And if that in your so doing, your owne verteous minde shal giueyou, that notwithstanding the manifold and excellent goodnes that your gracious Highnes hath by so many maner wayes used vnto me, I were a wretche of such a monstruouse ingratitude, as coulde with anye of them all, or any other person liuing, digresse from my bounden dutye of allegeans toward your good Grace, than desire I no ferther fauour at your graciouse hand, than the losse of all that euer I may lese, goodes, landes, liberty, and finally my lyfe with all; wherof the keping of any part vnto my self, could neuer do me peniworth of pleasuse, but only should my comfort be, that after my short life and your long (which with continnual prosperite to Godde's pleasure our Lord of his mercy send you) I shold ones mete your Grace againe in heauen, and there be mery with you: where amonge mine other pleasures this shoulde yet be one, that your Grace shold surely se there than, that howsoeuer you take me, I am your true bedeman now, and euer haue ben, and wil be til I die, howsoeuer your pleasure be to do by me. Howbeit, if in the considering of my cause, your high wisdome, and gracious goodnes, perceue (as I verily trust in God you shall) that I none otherwise haue demeaned my self, than well may stande with my bounden duty of faithfulnes toward your royal majesty, than in my most humble wise, I besech your most noble Grace, that the knowledge of your true gracious perswasion in that behalfe, mave releue the torment of my present heauines conceued of the dread and feare (by that I here such a greuous bill put by your lerned counsaile into your high court of parlement against me,) lest your Grace might by some sinister informacion, be moued any thynge to thinke the contrary. Which if your Highnes do not, as I trust in God and your gret goodnes (the matter by your own high prudence examined and considered,) ye wil not, than in my most humble manner, I beseche your Highnes ferther, (albeit that in respect of my former request this other thing is very si; ight) yet sith your Highnes hath here before of your mere abundant goodnes heped and accumilate vpon me (tho I was therto farre unworthy) from time to time both worship and great honour to: sith I now haue left al such thinges, and nothing seke or desire, but the life to come,