In the dialogue from "Wolf Hall," the king expresses his curiosity about the motivations behind extreme actions, like killing a cardinal or causing divisions within the church and the country. He suggests that these drastic moves may be misunderstood as mere lust for power or desire.

Chapuys responds to the king's inquiry with a hint of skepticism, implying that such extravagant actions seem excessive. This exchange highlights the political tensions and the complexity of motives in the struggle for power during that era, revealing the intricacies of royal ambitions and the weight of their consequences.