The fanatical priest had gone too far; and, without being aware of it, it was he himself who was that very instant accusing the king.
Earl Douglas felt this.

He read in the king's face that he was just then in one of those moments of contrition which sometimes came over him when his soul held involuntary intercourse with itself.

It was necessary to arouse the sleeping tiger and point out to him some prey, so as to make him again bloodthirsty.
"It would be proper if Cranmer preached only Christian love," said he.
"Then would he be only a faithful servant of his Lord, and a follower of his king.

But he gives to the world an abominable example of a disobedient and perfidious servant; he denies the truth of the six articles, not in words, but in deeds.

You have ordered that the priests of the Church remain single.