ciently answered according to the truth, but, as me seemeth, it was much better for me to suffer and dissimule the matter, and the same to remain still as lies, than to reply against their untruth, of whom I might, for my boldness, sooner have kindled a great flame of displeasing, than to quench one spark of their malicious untruth. Therefore I commit the truth to Him that knoweth all truth. For, whatsoever any man hath conceived in him when he lived, or since his death, thus much I dare be bold to say, without displeasure to any person, or of affection, that in my judgment I never saw this realm in better order, quietness, and obedience, than it was in the time of his authority and rule, nor justice better ministered with indifferency; as I could evidently prove, if I should not be accused of too much affection, or else that I set forth more than truth. I will therefore here desist to speak any more in his commendation and proceed first to his original beginning, ascending by fortune's favour up to high honours, dignities, promotions, and riches.
Finis quod G.C.8
