t of them
to settle their differences--this would be cheaper. If he failed to
achieve this, he would then show them a method of going to law at the
least possible expense--some people here are so minded that they
actually enjoy litigation. In the City of London, where he was born, he
acted for some years as a judge in civil causes.[88] This office is not
at all onerous--the court sits only on Thursday mornings--but is
regarded as one of the most honourable. None dealt with so many cases as
he, nor behaved with such integrity; he usually remitted the charge
customarily due from litigants (as before the formal entering of the
suit the plaintiff pays into court three shillings, the defendant
likewise, and it is incorrect to demand more). By this behaviour he won
the deep affection of the City.

He had made up his mind to rest content with this position, which was
sufficiently influential and yet not exposed to grave dangers. Twice he
was forced into embassies; as he acted in these with great sagacity.
King Henry VIII would not rest until he could drag More to Court. Why
not call it 'drag'? No man ever worked so assiduously to gain admission
to the Court as he studied to escape it. But when the King decided to
fill his household with men of weight, learning, sagacity and integrity,
More was one of the first among many summoned by him: he regards More so
much as one of his intimate circle that he never lets him depart from
him. If serious matters are to be discussed, there is none more skilled
than he; or if the King decides to relax in pleasant gossiping, there is
no merrier companion. Often difficult affairs require a weighty and
sagacious arbitrator; More solves these matters with such success that
both parties are grateful. Yet no one has ever succeeded in persuading
him to accept a present from anyone. How happy the states would be if
the ruler everywhere put magistrates like More in office! Meanwhile he
has acquired no trace of haughtiness.

Amid all these official burdens he does not forget his old friends and
from time to time returns to his beloved literature. All the authority
of his office, all his influence with the King, is devoted to the
service of the State and of his friends. His mind, eager to serve all
and wondrously prone to pity, has ever been present to help: he will now
be better able to help others, as he has greater power. Some he assists
with money, some he protects with his authority, others he adv