How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
BUCKINGHAM
Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you
As I would be forgiven. I forgive all.
There cannot be those numberless offenses
'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with. No black
envy
Shall mark my grave. (2.1.99-104)
Lovell specifically asks for forgiveness before taking Buckingham to the Tower, and Buckingham's response is top notch. He doesn't throw it back in Lovell's face or act snarkily toward the guy taking him off to his death. Instead, he openly forgives Lovell. We're left thinking that if the executioner is repentant, Buckingham must be innocent.
Quote #5
NORFOLK
A gracious king that pardons all offenses
Malice ne'er meant. Our breach of duty this way
Is business of estate, in which we come
To know your royal pleasure. (2.2.80-83)
When Norfolk tries to butter the king up to ask him about Wolsey, it backfires. Henry has already pardoned the people for the tax; he doesn't want to keep going. Yet forgiveness is valued in this society: Norfolk praises someone who pardons the people, and he wants Henry to be gracious with him as well.
Quote #6
SURREY
Plague of your policy!
You sent me deputy for Ireland,
Far from his succor, from the King, from all
That might have mercy on the fault thou gav'st him,
Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity,
Absolved him with an axe. (3.2.317-322)
Burn. Surrey lays out how Wolsey "forgives" people: it's not through words or kindness, but with an axe. Wolsey hasn't shown anyone else any compassion whatsoever. In fact, he's gone out of his way to make trouble for people, whether they deserved it or not.