Note 143 — W. CAREW HAZLITT. (continued 2)

i.e., Thou wilt derive no credit from striking off a head so disadvantageously placed for the purpose of decollation. Honnetete, French, anciently signified fame or reputation in the dexterous execution of any undertaking, whether honourable or the contrary. Honesty seems here to be used with the French meaning.—Steevens. In this instance the author appears to have had before him the speech which Sir Thomas More made at his execution. Hall, in his “Chronicle,” p. 226, says, “Also the hangman kneled doune to him askyng him forgiuenes of his death (as the maner is), to whom he sayd I forgeue thee, but I promise thee that thou shalt neuer haue honestie of the strykyng of my head, my necke is so short.”