by Sir Thomas More and his Daughter Margaret 1

Note: This dialogue was written in letter form, occasioned by a real event that occurred on August 16-17, 1534. Lord Chancellor Audley, More’s successor, went to More’s step-daughter’s home, ostensibly to hunt, but he also had a message to be delivered to his imprisoned friend. Audley was indeed More’s friend, and he had taken considerable risks to defend Sir Thomas against King Henry’s wrath. Now, however, he wanted More to stop acting foolishly. The rest of the story is told in the following two letters. Alice Alington, daughter of Lady Alice (More’s second wife), writes to Margaret Roper (More’s eldest daughter) to deliver Audley’s message so that Margaret could relate it to their father.

Letter from Alice Alington to Margaret Roper 2

17 August 1534

Sister Roper, with all my heart I recommend myself unto you, thanking you for all your kindness.