In "Wolf Hall," a historical novel by Hilary Mantel, the character's spirited exclamation reflects a mix of humor and despair, emphasizing the dramatic consequences of their turbulent world. The phrase captures the essence of the characters' struggles and the weight of their choices in the context of a shifting political landscape.

This quote, steeped in vivid imagery, demonstrates the author's skill in blending the mundane with the profound. It showcases the intensity of emotions experienced by the characters as they navigate the challenges of power, faith, and betrayal during the time of Thomas Cromwell in Renaissance England.