Page:The Life of Sir Thomas More (William Roper, ed by Samuel Singer).djvu/69

 Then died one Master Weston treasurer of the Exchequer, whose office, after his death, the king of his own offer, without any asking, freely gave unto Sir Thomas More.

In the fourteenth year of his grace's reign there was a parliament holden, whereof Sir Thomas More was chosen speaker. Who being very loath to take this room upon him, made an oration, not now extant, to the king's highness for his discharge thereof. Whereunto when the king would not consent, he spoke unto his grace in form following.

"Sith, I perceive, most redoubted sovereign, that it standeth not with your pleasure to reform this election, and cause it to be changed, but