In "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel, the character Cromwell addresses his visitors with a blunt directive regarding the monks. He instructs them to convey a simple message: each monk should have one bed, and each bed should be designated for only one monk. Cromwell’s frustration is evident as he questions whether this straightforward concept is difficult for the monks to grasp.
This statement reflects Cromwell's pragmatic approach to governance and reform within the church. It underscores his belief in order and efficiency, as well as his growing impatience with the existing practices of the monastic life, which he views as inefficient and outdated. The quote encapsulates the tension between the old religious order and the new reforms Cromwell seeks to implement.