The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-01

From Fronde's Short Studies on Great
 Subjects.
 | At daybreak More was awoke by the entrance of Sir Thomas Pope, who had come to confirm his anticipations. and to tell him it was the kings pleasure that he should suffer at o'clock that morn- ing. He received the news with utter composure I am much bounden to the king" he said, flor the benefits and honors he has bestowed on me; and, so help me God most of all l am bounden to him that it pleasest his majesty to rid me shortly out of the miseries of this present world.
 Pope told him the king desired that scaffold." "dr. Pope" he answered, you do well to give me warning, for otherwise l had purposed somewhat to have spok- en; but no matter wherewith his grace should have cause to be offended. How belt, whatever I intended, I shall obey his hishness' command"
 He afterwards discussed the arrange ments for the funeral, at which he begged that his family might be present; and, W leave him. He was an old friend. He took More's hand ad wrung II and, quite overcome, burst into te1rs.
 "Quite yourself, MT Pope" More said, ''and be not discounted, for I trust we shall once see each other full merrily, when we shall live and love together in eternal bliss"
 AS soon as he was alone he dressed in his most elaborate costume. It was for the benefit, he said, of the executioner, who was to do him so great a service. Sir William Kingston remonstrated and with some difficulty induced him to put on palmer suit; but that his intended liberalty should not fail, he sent the man a gold angel in compensation, "as a token that he maliced him nothing but rather loved him extremely"
 So about O clock he was brought by the lieutenant out of the tower; his beard being long, which fashion he had never before used. his face pale and lean, car rying in his hands red cross, casting his eyes often toward heaven. He had been unpopular as a judge, and one ol two persons in the crowd were insolent tc him; but the distance was short and soor over, as all else was nearly over now.
 The scaffold had been awkwardly erect ed, and shook as he placed his foot or the ladder. See me safe up,' the sait to Kingston. For my coming down can shift for myself" He began tC speak to the people, but the sheriff begged him not to proceed, and he contented him. for afY a If desiring them to bear witness that nt died in the faith of the Holy Catholil church, and faithful servant of Goo and the king.
 He then repeated the Miserere Psalm on his knees; and when ne had ended and had risen, the executioner, with al emotion which promised i'll for the man. ner in which his part of the tragedy would be accomplished, begged his for giveness. More kissed him. "Thou ari to do me the greatest benefit that I car receive he said. Pluck up thy spirit man, and be not afraid to do thine Of flee. My neck Is very short. Take heed therefore, that thou strike not awry, fol saving of thine honesty" The execu- l tioneer offered to tie his eyes. q will cover them myself,' he said; and bind ing them in a cloth which he had brought with him, he knelt and laid his head or the block. The fatal stroke was about to fall, when he signed for moment: delay, while he moved aside his beard Pity that should be cut,' he murmured that has not committed treason" With which strange words, the strangest, per haps, ever uttered at such time, the lip' | most famous through Europe for e1o- 4uence and wisdom closed forever.