“Heavens! that a man cannot repent him of his sins without the Pope's leave.”

Witty observation on papal authority over personal repentance during the divorce crisis · Remark in the presence of Henry VIII, as recorded in historical accounts

• Authority
• Conscience
• Religion

“Never to play upon any man's unhappiness or deformity, for that is inhuman; nor on superiors, for that is saucy and undutiful; nor on holy matters, for that is irreligious.”

Setting bounds of humanity, respect and reverence for humour · On the proper limits of jesting, as commonly attributed

• Decency
• Humour
• Respect

“Let my friend bring me into court; but let my merit and my service keep me there.”

Emphasising personal merit and service over mere patronage for lasting position · Common saying, recorded in biographical accounts

• Court
• Merit
• Service

“Sir, he who would be thought a wise man in the day-time, must not play the fool at night.”

Declining to join a midnight court masque, prioritising daytime reputation over nocturnal folly · Conversation with Henry VIII, as recorded in contemporary accounts

• Conduct
• Court
• Wisdom