[1] But now being better persuaded, and vnderstand|ing the great commoditie & honor which the realme should receiue by this marriage:Wiat altereth his mind tou|ching the quéenes ma|riage. I stand firme and fast in this opinion, that if it should please the queene to be mercifull vnto me, there is no subiect in this land that should more trulie and faithfullie serue hir highnes than I shall; nor no sooner die at hir graces féet in defense of hir quarrell. I serued hir highnesse against the duke of Northumberland, as my lord of Arundell can witnesse. My grandfather serued most truelie hir graces grandfather, and for his sake was set vpon the racke in the tower. My father also serued king Henrie the eight to his good conten|tation, and I also serued him, and king Edward his son. And in witnesse of my bloud spent in his ser|uice, I carrie a name. I alledge not all this to set foorth my seruice by waie of merit, which I confesse but dutie: but to declare to the whole world, that by abusing my wits, in pursuing my misaduised opini|on, I haue not onelie ouerthrowne my house,The fruits of rebellion by Wiats confes|sion. and defaced all the well dooings of me and my ancestors (if euer there were anie) but also haue béene the cause of mine owne death and destruction. Neither doo I alledge this to iustifie my selfe in anie point, neither for an excuse of mine offense: but most humblie sub|mit my selfe to the queenes maiesties mercie and pi|tie, desiring you my lord of Sussex, and you maister Hastings, with all the rest of this honorable bench, to be meanes to the quéenes highnesse for hir mercie, which is the greatest treasure that maie be giuen to anie prince from God, such a vertue as God hath ap|propriate to himselfe. Which if hir highnesse vouch|safe to extend vnto me, she shall bestow it on him, who shall be most glad to serue truelie, and not re|fuse to die in hir quarrell. For I protest before the iudge of all iudges, I neuer meant hurt against hir highnesse person.