Page 373
The Sin of Bribery condemned. [ 1333]
IT is reported of Sir Thomas More, (then Lord Chancellor of England, that when two great silver Flaggons were sent him by a Knight,* 1.1 that had a Suit depending in Chancery, (though gilded with the specious pretence of gratuity) sent them back again filled with his best Wine, saying; If your Master likes it, let him send for more: And when his Lady at another time offered him a great bribe in the behalf of a suppliant, he turned away with these words; Gentle Eve, I will none of your apple.* 1.2 An upright Man he was in the place of Judicature: And it were to be wished, That all those who succeed him on the Bench, were not al∣most, but altogether like him in the matter of Iustice distributive: but so it is, (and which is to be lamented) the Rulers love to say with shame, Bring ye,* 1.3 their right hands are full of bribes,* 1.4 they are ready to transgresse for a piece of bread; they love gifts,* 1.5 and follow after rewards, and like the Horse-leeches daughter they cry, Give, give; so that by woful experience,* 1.6 the ballance of Equity is tited too too often on the one side,* 1.7 and the cause of the poor out-vyed with power and greatnesse.