In Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall," Thomas More expresses horror at the brutal actions of imperial troops, alleging that they roast babies alive for their entertainment. This shocking claim underscores the brutality of war and raises moral questions about humanity's capacity for cruelty in conflicts.

In response, Thomas Cromwell sharply counters More's assertion, arguing that soldiers are primarily concerned with looting valuables for profit rather than indulging in sadistic pastimes. His perspective shifts the focus from moral outrage to a pragmatic understanding of soldiers' motivations and the harsh realities of warfare.