n passing this law,
had overlooked all the principles by which a civilized, much more a free
people, should be governed: but the violence of changing so suddenly the
whole system of government, and making it treason to deny what during
many ages it had been heresy to assert, is an event which may appear
somewhat extraordinary. Even the stern, unrelenting mind of Henry was at
first shocked with these sanguinary measures; and he went so far as to
change his garb and dress; pretending sorrow for the necessity by which
he was pushed to such extremities. Still impelled, however, by his
violent temper, and desirous of striking a terror into the whole nation,
he proceeded, by making examples of Fisher and More, to consummate his
lawless tyranny.

John Fisher, bishop of Rochester, was a prelate eminent for learning and
morals, still more than for his ecclesiastical dignities, and for the
high favor which he had long enjoyed with the king; When he was thrown
into prison, on account of his refusing the oath which regarded the
succession, and his concealment of Elizabeth Barton's treasonable
speeches, he had not only been deprived of all his revenues, but
stripped of his very clothes, and, without consideration of his extreme
age, he was allowed nothing but rags, which scarcely sufficed to
cover his nakedness.[*] In this condition he lay in prison above a
twelvemonth; when the pope, willing to recompense the sufferings of
so faithful an adherent, created him a cardinal though Fisher was so
indifferent about that dignity, that, even if the purple were lying at
his feet, he declared that he would not stoop to take it. This promotion
of a man merely for his opposition to royal authority, roused the
indignation of the king; and he resolved to make the innocent person
feel the effects of his resentment. Fisher was indicted for denying the
king's supremacy, was tried, condemned, and beheaded.

* Fuller's Church Hist. book v. p. 203.

The execution of this prelate was intended as a warning to More, whose
compliance, on account of his great authority both abroad and at home,
and his high reputation for learning and virtue, was anxiously desired
by the king. That prince also bore as great personal affection and
regard to More, as his imperious mind, the sport of passions, was
susceptible of towards a man who in any particular opposed his violent
inclinations. But More could never be prevailed on to acknowledge any
opinion so contra