How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
WOLSEY
To be thy lord and master. Seek the King;
That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him
What and how true thou art. He will advance thee;
Some little memory of me will stir him—
I know his noble nature—not to let
Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell,
Neglect him not. Make use now, and provide
For thine own future safety. (3.2.493-500)
Here, Wolsey warns Cromwell how to behave with the king. He pays Cromwell a compliment by labeling him as "true" or truthful. That's a rare thing in this play, where everyone is scrambling for the king's affection.
Quote #8
KATHERINE
I dare avow—
And now I should not lie—but will deserve,
For virtue and true beauty of the soul,
For honesty and decent carriage,
A right good husband, let him be a noble;
And sure those men are happy that shall have 'em. (4.2.163-168)
Let's face it: anyone who starts talking about her own eulogy knows she doesn't have long left. Katherine isn't interested in flattery; she just wants to be remembered according to how she lived. In her death, truth is very important to Katherine. Perhaps that's because she's been bad-mouthed all over town and wants to set the record straight. Whatever the reason, Katherine's wishes for her life show us the importance of truth.
Quote #9
CRANMER
Most dread liege,
The good I stand on is my truth and honesty.
If they shall fail, I with mine enemies
Will triumph o'er my person, which I weigh not,
Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing
What can be said against me. (5.1.150-155)
Confident he won't be found guilty, Cranmer holds fast to the truth. It's curious that he's so confident in the truth when it's nowhere to be found in his trial. Indeed, the councilors seem more interested in locking him up and throwing away the key than in finding the real truth behind the accusations.