20.1. The words of the lord Cromwell spo|ken at his death.

The words of the lord Cromwell spo|ken at his death.

[1] _I Am come hither to die, and not to purge my selfe, as may happen some thinke that I will, for if I should so doo, I were a verie wretch and a miser. I am by the law con|demned to die, and thanke my Lord God, that hath appointed me this death for mine offense. For since the time that I came to yeares of discretion I haue liued a sinner, and offended my Lord God, for the which I aske him hartilie forgiuenesse. And it is not vnknowne to manie of you, that I haue beene a great traueller in the world, and being but of a base degree, was called to high estate. And since the time I came therevnto, I haue offended my prince, for the which I aske him hartilie forgiuenesse, and beseech you all to praie to God with me, that he will forgiue me. O Father forgiue me, O Sonne forgiue me, O Holie ghost forgiue me, O three persons and one God forgiue me. And now I praie you that be here, to beare me record, I die in the catholike faith, not doubting in anie article of my faith, no nor doubting in anie sacrament of the church. Manie haue slan|dered me, and reported that I haue beene a bearer of such as haue mainteined euill o|pinions, which is vntrue: but I confesse, that like as God by his holie spirit dooth instruct vs in the truth, so the diuell is rea|die to seduce vs, and I haue beene seduced: but beare me witnesse, that I die in the ca|tholike faith of the holie church, and I har|tilie desire you to praie for the kings grace, that he may long liue with you in health and prosperitie, & after him that his sonne prince Edward, that goodlie impe may long reigne ouer you. And once againe I desire you to praie for me, that so long as life remaineth in this flesh, I wauer no|thing in my faith.