His blows were effective just because he chose his victims from among the noblest and the best.

If he struck at the Church, it was through the Carthusians, the holiest and the most renowned of English Churchmen.

If he struck at the baronage, it was through Lady Salisbury, in whose veins flowed the blood of kings.

If he struck at the New Learning, it was through the murder of Sir Thomas More.

But no personal vindictiveness mingled with his crime.