During Thomas More's trial, it is reported that Master Secretary played a pivotal role in pressuring the jury. He entered the room where the jurors were deliberating, made it clear that they were expected to find More guilty, and threatened them with hunger until they complied. This act of intimidation underscored the coercive atmosphere surrounding the trial, revealing the extent to which outside influences could sway judicial proceedings.
The jurors, likely motivated by their appetites, quickly concluded that More was guilty. Their longing for a meal became a pivotal factor in their decision-making, highlighting the manipulation and lack of true impartiality in the legal process of the time. This anecdote illustrates the dark humor and political machinations that accompanied the events of the trial, showcasing how justice could be perverted under the pressure of authority.