Henry Neville's Confession and Shakespeare

Sir Henry Neville's Case - 1601

Although I mean not to justify my self altogether from blame

O, call not me to justify the wrong

That thy unkindness lays upon my heart (Sonnet 139)

but do freely and willingly acknowledge an offense,

He professes to have received no sinister measure

from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself

to the determination of justice (Measure for Measure, 3.2)

and submit my self to her Majesty's Mercy

I do confess my fault;

And do submit me to your highness' mercy. (Henry V, 2.2)

yet my own soul witnessing to her self,

Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice

And could of men distinguish, her election

Hath seal'd thee for herself. (Hamlet, 3.2)

that it was ever loyal and faithful to her Majesty,

As of a man faithful and honourable. (Hamlet, 2.2)

To faithful service of your majesty. (Richard II, 3.3)

and consequently abhorring more than death

I had been drowned, but that the shore was shelvy and shallow,—

a death that I abhor. (Merry Wives of Windsor, 3.5)

the imputation of that fault

I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on

him by them, in his meed he's unfellowed. (Hamlet, 5.2)

and loathsome crime of Falsehood and Treason:

I do only desire, that my fault may not be barely or nakedly censured,

Shall in the general censure take corruption

From that particular fault. (Hamlet, 1.4)

To suffer lawful censure for such faults

As shall be proved upon you? (Coriolanus, 3.3)

but examin'd together with all the circumstances that did accompany it;

which are the best means to try, not only the actions, but the intentions of all men, as far as it is possible to penetrate.