Let us, lo,
mark and consider this, and weigh it well withal: Our master Christ
(who is not only the master, but the maker too, of all this whole
world) was not so proud as to disdain for our sakes the most
villainous and most shameful death, after the worldly count, that
then was used in the world. And he endured the most despiteful
mocking therewith, joined to the most grievous pain, as crowning
him with sharp thorn, so that the blood ran down about his face.
Then they gave him a reed in his hand for a sceptre, and kneeled
down to him and saluted him like a king in scorn, and beat then the
reed upon the sharp thorns about his holy head. Now our Saviour
saith that the disciple or servant is not above his master. And
therefore, since our master endured so many kinds of painful shame,
very proud beasts may we well think ourselves if we disdain to do
as our master did. And whereas he through shame ascended into
glory, we would be so mad that we would rather fall into
everlasting shame, both before heaven and hell, than for fear of a
short worldly shame to follow him to everlasting glory.
XXIV
VINCENT: In good faith, uncle, as for the shame, you shall need to
take no more pains. For I suppose surely that any man who hath
reason in his head shall hold himself satisfied with this.
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