… this extract sums him up beautifully, by Erasmus: To begin then with what is least known to you, in stature he is not tall, though not remarkably short. His limbs are formed with such perfect symmetry as to leave nothing to be desired. His complexion is white, his face rather than pale and though by no means ruddy, a faint flush of pink appears beneath the whiteness of his skin. His hair is dark brown or brownish black. The eyes are grayish blue, with some spots, a kind which betokens singular talent, and among the English is considered attractive, whereas Germans generally prefer black. It is said that none are so free of vice.
His countenance is in harmony with his character, being always expressive of an amiable joyousness, and even an incipient laughter and, to speak candidly, it is better framed for gladness than for gravity or dignity, though without any approach to folly or buffoonery. The right shoulder is a little higher than the left, especially when he walks. This is not a defect of birth, but the result of habit such as we often contract. In the rest of his person there is nothing to offend…He seems born and framed for friendship, and is a most faithful and enduring friend… When he finds any sincere and according to his heart, he so delights in their society and conversation as to place in it the principal charm of life…In a word, if you want a perfect model of friendship, you will find it in no one better than in More…In human affairs there is nothing from which he does not extract enjoyment, even from things that are most serious.
If he converses with the learned and judicious, he delights in their talent, if with the ignorant and foolish, he enjoys their stupidity. He is not even offended by professional jesters. With a wonderful dexterity he accommodates himself to every disposition. As a rule, in talking with women, even with his own wife, he is full of jokes and banter. No one is less led by the opinions of the crowd, yet no one departs less from common sense…
Saint, knight, Lord Chancellor of England, author and martyr, born in London 7th February 1477-78 – executed at Tower Hill 6th July 1535. This man is our Patron Saint.
Valletta