It takes the breath away; and it was meant to.

But what I wish to point out is that a much more extravagant view of Cranmer was, in Cobbett's day, the accepted view of Cranmer; not as a momentary image, but as an immovable historical monument.

Thousands of parsons and penmen dutifully set down Cranmer among the saints and martyrs; and there are many respectable people who would do so still.

This is not an exaggerated truth, but an established lie.

Cranmer was not such a monstrosity of meanness as Cobbett implies; but he was mean.