06.03.2019 Views

In England from Wicliffe to Henry VIII - James Aitken Wylie

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

prince put on the crown he put off his former self.<br />

He dismissed his old associates, called around him<br />

the counsellors of his father, bes<strong>to</strong>wed the honors<br />

and offices of the State upon men of capacity and<br />

virtue; and, pensioning his former companions, he<br />

forbade them <strong>to</strong> enter his presence till they had<br />

become better men. He made, in short, a<br />

commendable effort <strong>to</strong> effect a reformation in<br />

manners and religion. "Now placed on the royal<br />

seat of the realm," says the chronicler, "he<br />

determined <strong>to</strong> begin with something acceptable <strong>to</strong><br />

the Divine Majesty, and therefore commanded the<br />

clergy sincerelie and trulie <strong>to</strong> preach the Word of<br />

God, and <strong>to</strong> live accordinglie, that they might be<br />

lanterns of light <strong>to</strong> the temporalitie, as their<br />

profession required. The laymen he willed <strong>to</strong> serve<br />

God and obey their prince, prohibiting them, above<br />

all things, breach of matrimonie, cus<strong>to</strong>m in<br />

swearing, and wilful perjurie."<br />

It was the unhappiness of <strong>Henry</strong> V., who meant<br />

so well by his people, that he knew not the true<br />

source whence alone a real reformation can<br />

proceed. The astute Arundel was still by his side,<br />

69

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!