Henry VIII

1612–1613

William Shakespeare

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Title: Henry VIII (published 1613)
Author: William Shakespeare (died 1616)

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Summary

Henry VIII is a collaborative history play, written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, based on the life of Henry VIII. An alternative title, All Is True, is recorded in contemporary documents, with the title Henry VIII not appearing until the play's publication in the First Folio of 1623. Stylistic evidence indicates that individual scenes were written by either Shakespeare or his collaborator and successor, John Fletcher. It is also somewhat characteristic of the late romances in its structure. It is noted for having more stage directions than any of Shakespeare's other plays.

During a performance of Henry VIII at the Globe Theatre in 1613, a cannon shot employed for special effects ignited the theatre's thatched roof (and the beams), burning the original Globe building to the ground.

Source: Wikipedia

Dramatis Personæ

King Henry the Eighth

Duke of Norfolk

Duke of Suffolk

Cardinal Wolsey, Archbishop of Canterbury

Secretaries to Wolsey

Cromwell, servant to Wolsey, later secretary to the Privy Council

Cardinal Campeius, Papal Legate

Gardiner, secretary to the king, later Bishop of Winchester

Page to Gardiner

Queen Katherine, Henry’s first wife, later Princess Dowager

Griffith, attendant on Katherine

Patience, woman to Katherine

Queen’s Gentleman Usher

Capuchius, ambassador from the Emperor Charles

Duke of Buckingham

Lord Abergavenny, Buckingham’s son-in-law

Earl of Surrey, Buckingham’s son-in-law

Sir Nicholas Vaux

Knevet, former Surveyor to Buckingham

Brandon

Sergeant at Arms

First Gentleman

Second Gentleman

Anne Bullen, Katherine’s lady-in-waiting, later Henry’s second wife and queen

Old Lady, with Anne Bullen

Lord Chamberlain

Lord Sands (also Sir Walter Sands)

Sir Thomas Lovell

Sir Henry Guilford

Bishop of Lincoln

Cranmer, later Archbishop of Canterbury

Lord Chancellor

Garter King of Arms

Third Gentleman

Sir Anthony Denny

Doctor Butts

Keeper

Porter and his Man

Scribes

Crier

Prologue

Epilogue

Spirits, Princess Elizabeth as an infant, Duchess of Norfolk, Marquess and Marchioness of Dorset, Lords, Nobles, Countesses, Bishops, Judges, Priests, Ladies, Gentlemen, Gentlemen Ushers, Lord Mayor, Four Representatives of the Cinque Ports, Aldermen, Women, Musicians, Choristers, Guards, Tipstaves, Halberds, Vergers, Attendants, Servants, Messenger, Pages, Footboys, Grooms

Enter Prologue.

PROLOGUE
line 0001I come no more to make you laugh. Things now
line 0002That bear a weighty and a serious brow,
line 0003Sad, high, and working, full of state and woe,
line 0004Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,
5line 0005We now present. Those that can pity here
line 0006May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;
line 0007The subject will deserve it. Such as give
line 0008Their money out of hope they may believe
line 0009May here find truth too. Those that come to see
10line 0010Only a show or two, and so agree
line 0011The play may pass, if they be still and willing,
line 0012I’ll undertake may see away their shilling
line 0013Richly in two short hours. Only they
line 0014That come to hear a merry, bawdy play,
15line 0015A noise of targets, or to see a fellow
line 0016In a long motley coat guarded with yellow,
line 0017Will be deceived. For, gentle hearers, know
line 0018To rank our chosen truth with such a show
line 0019As fool and fight is, besides forfeiting
20line 0020Our own brains and the opinion that we bring
line 0021To make that only true we now intend,
line 0022Will leave us never an understanding friend.
line 0023Therefore, for goodness’ sake, and as you are known
line 0024The first and happiest hearers of the town,
25line 0025Be sad, as we would make you. Think you see
line 0026The very persons of our noble story
line 0027As they were living. Think you see them great,
line 0028And followed with the general throng and sweat
line 0029Of thousand friends. Then, in a moment, see
30line 0030How soon this mightiness meets misery.
line 0031And if you can be merry then, I’ll say
line 0032A man may weep upon his wedding day.

He exits.

ACT 1

Scene 1

Enter the Duke of Norfolk at one door; at the other, the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny.

BUCKINGHAM
line 0033Good morrow, and well met. How have you done
line 0034Since last we saw in France?
line 0035NORFOLKI thank your Grace,
line 0036Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer
5line 0037Of what I saw there.
line 0038BUCKINGHAMAn untimely ague
line 0039Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when
line 0040Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,
line 0041Met in the vale of Andren.
10line 0042NORFOLK’Twixt Guynes and Arde.
line 0043I was then present, saw them salute on horseback,
line 0044Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung
line 0045In their embracement, as they grew together—
line 0046Which had they, what four throned ones could have
15line 0047weighed
line 0048Such a compounded one?
line 0049BUCKINGHAMAll the whole time
line 0050I was my chamber’s prisoner.
line 0051NORFOLKThen you lost
20line 0052The view of earthly glory. Men might say
line 0053Till this time pomp was single, but now married
line 0054To one above itself. Each following day
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 11 line 0055Became the next day’s master, till the last
line 0056Made former wonders its. Today the French,
25line 0057All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods,
line 0058Shone down the English, and tomorrow they
line 0059Made Britain India: every man that stood
line 0060Showed like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were
line 0061As cherubins, all gilt. The madams too,
30line 0062Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear
line 0063The pride upon them, that their very labor
line 0064Was to them as a painting. Now this masque
line 0065Was cried incomparable; and th’ ensuing night
line 0066Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings,
35line 0067Equal in luster, were now best, now worst,
line 0068As presence did present them: him in eye
line 0069Still him in praise; and being present both,
line 0070’Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner
line 0071Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns—
40line 0072For so they phrase ’em—by their heralds challenged
line 0073The noble spirits to arms, they did perform
line 0074Beyond thought’s compass, that former fabulous story,
line 0075Being now seen possible enough, got credit
line 0076That Bevis was believed.
45line 0077BUCKINGHAMO, you go far.
NORFOLK
line 0078As I belong to worship, and affect
line 0079In honor honesty, the tract of everything
line 0080Would by a good discourser lose some life
line 0081Which action’s self was tongue to. All was royal;
50line 0082To the disposing of it naught rebelled.
line 0083Order gave each thing view. The office did
line 0084Distinctly his full function.
line 0085BUCKINGHAMWho did guide,
line 0086I mean who set the body and the limbs
55line 0087Of this great sport together, as you guess?
NORFOLK
line 0088One, certes, that promises no element
line 0089In such a business.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 13 line 0090BUCKINGHAMI pray you who, my lord?
NORFOLK
line 0091All this was ordered by the good discretion
60line 0092Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.
BUCKINGHAM
line 0093The devil speed him! No man’s pie is freed
line 0094From his ambitious finger. What had he
line 0095To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder
line 0096That such a keech can with his very bulk
65line 0097Take up the rays o’ th’ beneficial sun
line 0098And keep it from the Earth.
line 0099NORFOLKSurely, sir,
line 0100There’s in him stuff that puts him to these ends;
line 0101For, being not propped by ancestry, whose grace
70line 0102Chalks successors their way, nor called upon
line 0103For high feats done to th’ crown, neither allied
line 0104To eminent assistants, but spiderlike,
line 0105Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note
line 0106The force of his own merit makes his way—
75line 0107A gift that heaven gives for him which buys
line 0108A place next to the King.
line 0109ABERGAVENNYI cannot tell
line 0110What heaven hath given him—let some graver eye
line 0111Pierce into that—but I can see his pride
80line 0112Peep through each part of him. Whence has he that?
line 0113If not from hell, the devil is a niggard,
line 0114Or has given all before, and he begins
line 0115A new hell in himself.
line 0116BUCKINGHAMWhy the devil,
85line 0117Upon this French going-out, took he upon him,
line 0118Without the privity o’ th’ King, t’ appoint
line 0119Who should attend on him? He makes up the file
line 0120Of all the gentry, for the most part such
line 0121To whom as great a charge as little honor
90line 0122He meant to lay upon; and his own letter,
line 0123The honorable board of council out,
line 0124Must fetch him in he papers.
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 15 line 0125ABERGAVENNYI do know
line 0126Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have
95line 0127By this so sickened their estates that never
line 0128They shall abound as formerly.
line 0129BUCKINGHAMO, many
line 0130Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em
line 0131For this great journey. What did this vanity
100line 0132But minister communication of
line 0133A most poor issue?
line 0134NORFOLKGrievingly I think
line 0135The peace between the French and us not values
line 0136The cost that did conclude it.
105line 0137BUCKINGHAMEvery man,
line 0138After the hideous storm that followed, was
line 0139A thing inspired and, not consulting, broke
line 0140Into a general prophecy: that this tempest,
line 0141Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded
110line 0142The sudden breach on ’t.
line 0143NORFOLKWhich is budded out,
line 0144For France hath flawed the league and hath attached
line 0145Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux.
line 0146ABERGAVENNYIs it therefore
115line 0147Th’ ambassador is silenced?
line 0148NORFOLKMarry, is ’t.
ABERGAVENNY
line 0149A proper title of a peace, and purchased
line 0150At a superfluous rate!
line 0151BUCKINGHAMWhy, all this business
120line 0152Our reverend cardinal carried.
line 0153NORFOLKLike it your Grace,
line 0154The state takes notice of the private difference
line 0155Betwixt you and the Cardinal. I advise you—
line 0156And take it from a heart that wishes towards you
125line 0157Honor and plenteous safety—that you read
line 0158The Cardinal’s malice and his potency
line 0159Together; to consider further that
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 17 line 0160What his high hatred would effect wants not
line 0161A minister in his power. You know his nature,
130line 0162That he’s revengeful, and I know his sword
line 0163Hath a sharp edge; it’s long, and ’t may be said
line 0164It reaches far, and where ’twill not extend,
line 0165Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel;
line 0166You’ll find it wholesome. Lo where comes that rock
135line 0167That I advise your shunning.

Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse borne before him, certain of the Guard, and two Secretaries with papers. The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye on Buckingham, and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain.

WOLSEYaside to a Secretary
line 0168The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor, ha?
line 0169Where’s his examination?
line 0170SECRETARYHere, so please you.

He hands Wolsey a paper.

WOLSEY
line 0171Is he in person ready?
140line 0172SECRETARYAy, please your Grace.
WOLSEY
line 0173Well, we shall then know more, and Buckingham
line 0174Shall lessen this big look.

Cardinal Wolsey and his train exit.

BUCKINGHAM
line 0175This butcher’s cur is venomed-mouthed, and I
line 0176Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best
145line 0177Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar’s book
line 0178Outworths a noble’s blood.
line 0179NORFOLKWhat, are you chafed?
line 0180Ask God for temp’rance. That’s th’ appliance only
line 0181Which your disease requires.
150line 0182BUCKINGHAMI read in ’s looks
line 0183Matter against me, and his eye reviled
line 0184Me as his abject object. At this instant
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 19 line 0185He bores me with some trick. He’s gone to th’ King.
line 0186I’ll follow and outstare him.
155line 0187NORFOLKStay, my lord,
line 0188And let your reason with your choler question
line 0189What ’tis you go about. To climb steep hills
line 0190Requires slow pace at first. Anger is like
line 0191A full hot horse who, being allowed his way,
160line 0192Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England
line 0193Can advise me like you; be to yourself
line 0194As you would to your friend.
line 0195BUCKINGHAMI’ll to the King,
line 0196And from a mouth of honor quite cry down
165line 0197This Ipswich fellow’s insolence, or proclaim
line 0198There’s difference in no persons.
line 0199NORFOLKBe advised.
line 0200Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot
line 0201That it do singe yourself. We may outrun
170line 0202By violent swiftness that which we run at
line 0203And lose by overrunning. Know you not
line 0204The fire that mounts the liquor till ’t run o’er
line 0205In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised.
line 0206I say again there is no English soul
175line 0207More stronger to direct you than yourself,
line 0208If with the sap of reason you would quench
line 0209Or but allay the fire of passion.
line 0210BUCKINGHAMSir,
line 0211I am thankful to you, and I’ll go along
180line 0212By your prescription. But this top-proud fellow—
line 0213Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but
line 0214From sincere motions—by intelligence,
line 0215And proofs as clear as founts in July when
line 0216We see each grain of gravel, I do know
185line 0217To be corrupt and treasonous.
line 0218NORFOLKSay not “treasonous.”
BUCKINGHAM
line 0219To th’ King I’ll say ’t, and make my vouch as strong
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 21 line 0220As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,
line 0221Or wolf, or both—for he is equal rav’nous
190line 0222As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief
line 0223As able to perform ’t, his mind and place
line 0224Infecting one another, yea reciprocally—
line 0225Only to show his pomp as well in France
line 0226As here at home, suggests the King our master
195line 0227To this last costly treaty, th’ interview
line 0228That swallowed so much treasure and like a glass
line 0229Did break i’ th’ rinsing.
line 0230NORFOLKFaith, and so it did.
BUCKINGHAM
line 0231Pray give me favor, sir. This cunning cardinal
200line 0232The articles o’ th’ combination drew
line 0233As himself pleased; and they were ratified
line 0234As he cried “Thus let be,” to as much end
line 0235As give a crutch to th’ dead. But our Count Cardinal
line 0236Has done this, and ’tis well, for worthy Wolsey,
205line 0237Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows—
line 0238Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy
line 0239To th’ old dam treason: Charles the Emperor,
line 0240Under pretense to see the Queen his aunt—
line 0241For ’twas indeed his color, but he came
210line 0242To whisper Wolsey—here makes visitation;
line 0243His fears were that the interview betwixt
line 0244England and France might through their amity
line 0245Breed him some prejudice, for from this league
line 0246Peeped harms that menaced him; privily
215line 0247Deals with our cardinal and, as I trow—
line 0248Which I do well, for I am sure the Emperor
line 0249Paid ere he promised, whereby his suit was granted
line 0250Ere it was asked. But when the way was made
line 0251And paved with gold, the Emperor thus desired
220line 0252That he would please to alter the King’s course
line 0253And break the foresaid peace. Let the King know—
line 0254As soon he shall by me—that thus the Cardinal
Act 1 Scene 1 - Pg 23 line 0255Does buy and sell his honor as he pleases
line 0256And for his own advantage.
225line 0257NORFOLKI am sorry
line 0258To hear this of him, and could wish he were
line 0259Something mistaken in ’t.
line 0260BUCKINGHAMNo, not a syllable.
line 0261I do pronounce him in that very shape
230line 0262He shall appear in proof.

Enter Brandon, a Sergeant-at-Arms before him, and two or three of the Guard.

BRANDON
line 0263Your office, Sergeant: execute it.
line 0264SERGEANTto Buckingham Sir,
line 0265My lord the Duke of Buckingham and Earl
line 0266Of Hertford, Stafford, and Northampton, I
235line 0267Arrest thee of high treason, in the name
line 0268Of our most sovereign king.
line 0269BUCKINGHAMto Norfolk Lo you, my lord,
line 0270The net has fall’n upon me. I shall perish
line 0271Under device and practice.
240line 0272BRANDONI am sorry
line 0273To see you ta’en from liberty, to look on
line 0274The business present. ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure
line 0275You shall to th’ Tower.
line 0276BUCKINGHAMIt will help me nothing
245line 0277To plead mine innocence, for that dye is on me
line 0278Which makes my whit’st part black. The will of heaven
line 0279Be done in this and all things. I obey.
line 0280O my Lord Abergavenny, fare you well.
BRANDON
line 0281Nay, he must bear you company.—The King
250line 0282Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower, till you know
line 0283How he determines further.
line 0284ABERGAVENNYAs the Duke said,
line 0285The will of heaven be done, and the King’s pleasure
line 0286By me obeyed.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 25 255line 0287BRANDONHere is a warrant from
line 0288The King t’ attach Lord Mountacute, and the bodies
line 0289Of the Duke’s confessor, John de la Car,
line 0290One Gilbert Peck, his counselor—
line 0291BUCKINGHAMSo, so;
260line 0292These are the limbs o’ th’ plot. No more, I hope.
BRANDON
line 0293A monk o’ th’ Chartreux.
line 0294BUCKINGHAMO, Michael Hopkins?
line 0295BRANDONHe.
BUCKINGHAM
line 0296My surveyor is false. The o’ergreat cardinal
265line 0297Hath showed him gold. My life is spanned already.
line 0298I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,
line 0299Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on
line 0300By dark’ning my clear sun. To Norfolk. My lord,
line 0301farewell.

They exit.

Scene 2

Cornets. Enter King Henry, leaning on the Cardinal’s shoulder, with the Nobles, Sir Thomas Lovell, and Attendants, including a Secretary of the Cardinal. The Cardinal places himself under the King’s feet on his right side.

KINGto Wolsey
line 0302My life itself, and the best heart of it,
line 0303Thanks you for this great care. I stood i’ th’ level
line 0304Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks
line 0305To you that choked it.—Let be called before us
5line 0306That gentleman of Buckingham’s; in person
line 0307I’ll hear him his confessions justify,
line 0308And point by point the treasons of his master
line 0309He shall again relate.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 27

A noise within crying “Room for the Queen!” Enter the Queen Katherine, ushered by the Duke of Norfolk, and the Duke of Suffolk. She kneels. The King riseth from his state.

QUEEN KATHERINE
line 0310Nay, we must longer kneel; I am a suitor.
KING
10line 0311Arise, and take place by us.

He takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him.

line 0312Half your suit
line 0313Never name to us; you have half our power.
line 0314The other moiety ere you ask is given;
line 0315Repeat your will, and take it.
15line 0316QUEEN KATHERINEThank your Majesty.
line 0317That you would love yourself, and in that love
line 0318Not unconsidered leave your honor nor
line 0319The dignity of your office, is the point
line 0320Of my petition.
20line 0321KINGLady mine, proceed.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 0322I am solicited, not by a few,
line 0323And those of true condition, that your subjects
line 0324Are in great grievance. There have been commissions
line 0325Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart
25line 0326Of all their loyalties, wherein, although
line 0327My good Lord Cardinal, they vent reproaches
line 0328Most bitterly on you as putter-on
line 0329Of these exactions, yet the King our master,
line 0330Whose honor heaven shield from soil, even he
30line 0331escapes not
line 0332Language unmannerly—yea, such which breaks
line 0333The sides of loyalty and almost appears
line 0334In loud rebellion.
line 0335NORFOLKNot “almost appears”—
35line 0336It doth appear. For, upon these taxations,
line 0337The clothiers all, not able to maintain
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 29 line 0338The many to them longing, have put off
line 0339The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
line 0340Unfit for other life, compelled by hunger
40line 0341And lack of other means, in desperate manner
line 0342Daring th’ event to th’ teeth, are all in uproar,
line 0343And danger serves among them.
line 0344KINGTaxation?
line 0345Wherein? And what taxation? My Lord Cardinal,
45line 0346You that are blamed for it alike with us,
line 0347Know you of this taxation?
line 0348WOLSEYPlease you, sir,
line 0349I know but of a single part in aught
line 0350Pertains to th’ state, and front but in that file
50line 0351Where others tell steps with me.
line 0352QUEEN KATHERINENo, my lord?
line 0353You know no more than others? But you frame
line 0354Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome
line 0355To those which would not know them, and yet must
55line 0356Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions
line 0357Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are
line 0358Most pestilent to th’ hearing, and to bear ’em
line 0359The back is sacrifice to th’ load. They say
line 0360They are devised by you, or else you suffer
60line 0361Too hard an exclamation.
line 0362KINGStill exaction!
line 0363The nature of it? In what kind, let’s know,
line 0364Is this exaction?
line 0365QUEEN KATHERINEI am much too venturous
65line 0366In tempting of your patience, but am boldened
line 0367Under your promised pardon. The subjects’ grief
line 0368Comes through commissions which compels from
line 0369each
line 0370The sixth part of his substance, to be levied
70line 0371Without delay, and the pretense for this
line 0372Is named your wars in France. This makes bold
line 0373mouths.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 31 line 0374Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze
line 0375Allegiance in them. Their curses now
75line 0376Live where their prayers did; and it’s come to pass
line 0377This tractable obedience is a slave
line 0378To each incensèd will. I would your Highness
line 0379Would give it quick consideration, for
line 0380There is no primer baseness.
80line 0381KINGBy my life,
line 0382This is against our pleasure.
line 0383WOLSEYAnd for me,
line 0384I have no further gone in this than by
line 0385A single voice, and that not passed me but
85line 0386By learnèd approbation of the judges. If I am
line 0387Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know
line 0388My faculties nor person, yet will be
line 0389The chronicles of my doing, let me say
line 0390’Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake
90line 0391That virtue must go through. We must not stint
line 0392Our necessary actions in the fear
line 0393To cope malicious censurers, which ever,
line 0394As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
line 0395That is new trimmed, but benefit no further
95line 0396Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
line 0397By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is
line 0398Not ours or not allowed; what worst, as oft,
line 0399Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up
line 0400For our best act. If we shall stand still
100line 0401In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at,
line 0402We should take root here where we sit,
line 0403Or sit state-statues only.
line 0404KINGThings done well,
line 0405And with a care, exempt themselves from fear;
105line 0406Things done without example, in their issue
line 0407Are to be feared. Have you a precedent
line 0408Of this commission? I believe, not any.
line 0409We must not rend our subjects from our laws
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 33 line 0410And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each?
110line 0411A trembling contribution! Why, we take
line 0412From every tree lop, bark, and part o’ th’ timber,
line 0413And though we leave it with a root, thus hacked,
line 0414The air will drink the sap. To every county
line 0415Where this is questioned send our letters with
115line 0416Free pardon to each man that has denied
line 0417The force of this commission. Pray look to ’t;
line 0418I put it to your care.
line 0419WOLSEYaside to his Secretary A word with you.
line 0420Let there be letters writ to every shire
120line 0421Of the King’s grace and pardon. The grievèd commons
line 0422Hardly conceive of me. Let it be noised
line 0423That through our intercession this revokement
line 0424And pardon comes. I shall anon advise you
line 0425Further in the proceeding.Secretary exits.

Enter Buckingham’s Surveyor.

QUEEN KATHERINEto the King
125line 0426I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham
line 0427Is run in your displeasure.
line 0428KINGIt grieves many.
line 0429The gentleman is learnèd and a most rare speaker;
line 0430To nature none more bound; his training such
130line 0431That he may furnish and instruct great teachers
line 0432And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see,
line 0433When these so noble benefits shall prove
line 0434Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt,
line 0435They turn to vicious forms ten times more ugly
135line 0436Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,
line 0437Who was enrolled ’mongst wonders, and when we
line 0438Almost with ravished list’ning could not find
line 0439His hour of speech a minute—he, my lady,
line 0440Hath into monstrous habits put the graces
140line 0441That once were his, and is become as black
line 0442As if besmeared in hell. Sit by us. You shall hear—
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 35 line 0443This was his gentleman in trust—of him
line 0444Things to strike honor sad.—Bid him recount
line 0445The fore-recited practices, whereof
145line 0446We cannot feel too little, hear too much.
WOLSEY
line 0447Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you
line 0448Most like a careful subject have collected
line 0449Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
line 0450KINGSpeak freely.
SURVEYOR
150line 0451First, it was usual with him—every day
line 0452It would infect his speech—that if the King
line 0453Should without issue die, he’ll carry it so
line 0454To make the scepter his. These very words
line 0455I’ve heard him utter to his son-in-law,
155line 0456Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced
line 0457Revenge upon the Cardinal.
line 0458WOLSEYPlease your Highness, note
line 0459This dangerous conception in this point:
line 0460Not friended by his wish to your high person,
160line 0461His will is most malignant, and it stretches
line 0462Beyond you to your friends.
line 0463QUEEN KATHERINEMy learnèd Lord Cardinal,
line 0464Deliver all with charity.
line 0465KINGto Surveyor Speak on.
165line 0466How grounded he his title to the crown
line 0467Upon our fail? To this point hast thou heard him
line 0468At any time speak aught?
line 0469SURVEYORHe was brought to this
line 0470By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton.
KING
170line 0471What was that Henton?
line 0472SURVEYORSir, a Chartreux friar,
line 0473His confessor, who fed him every minute
line 0474With words of sovereignty.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 37 line 0475KINGHow know’st thou this?
SURVEYOR
175line 0476Not long before your Highness sped to France,
line 0477The Duke being at the Rose, within the parish
line 0478Saint Laurence Poultney, did of me demand
line 0479What was the speech among the Londoners
line 0480Concerning the French journey. I replied
180line 0481Men fear the French would prove perfidious,
line 0482To the King’s danger. Presently the Duke
line 0483Said ’twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted
line 0484’Twould prove the verity of certain words
line 0485Spoke by a holy monk “that oft,” says he,
185line 0486“Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit
line 0487John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour
line 0488To hear from him a matter of some moment;
line 0489Whom after under the confession’s seal
line 0490He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke
190line 0491My chaplain to no creature living but
line 0492To me should utter, with demure confidence
line 0493This pausingly ensued: ‘Neither the King, nor ’s heirs—
line 0494Tell you the Duke—shall prosper. Bid him strive
line 0495To gain the love o’ th’ commonalty; the Duke
195line 0496Shall govern England.’”
line 0497QUEEN KATHERINEIf I know you well,
line 0498You were the Duke’s surveyor, and lost your office
line 0499On the complaint o’ th’ tenants. Take good heed
line 0500You charge not in your spleen a noble person
200line 0501And spoil your nobler soul. I say, take heed—
line 0502Yes, heartily beseech you.
line 0503KINGLet him on.—
line 0504Go forward.
line 0505SURVEYOROn my soul, I’ll speak but truth.
205line 0506I told my lord the Duke, by th’ devil’s illusions
line 0507The monk might be deceived, and that ’twas dangerous
line 0508For him to ruminate on this so far until
line 0509It forged him some design, which, being believed,
Act 1 Scene 2 - Pg 39 line 0510It was much like to do. He answered “Tush,
210line 0511It can do me no damage,” adding further
line 0512That had the King in his last sickness failed,
line 0513The Cardinal’s and Sir Thomas Lovell’s heads
line 0514Should have gone off.
line 0515KINGHa! What, so rank? Ah ha!
215line 0516There’s mischief in this man! Canst thou say further?
SURVEYOR
line 0517I can, my liege.
line 0518KINGProceed.
line 0519SURVEYORBeing at Greenwich,
line 0520After your Highness had reproved the Duke
220line 0521About Sir William Blumer—
KING
line 0522I remember of such a time, being my sworn servant,
line 0523The Duke retained him his. But on. What hence?
SURVEYOR
line 0524“If,” quoth he, “I for this had been committed,”
line 0525As to the Tower, I thought, “I would have played
225line 0526The part my father meant to act upon
line 0527Th’ usurper Richard, who, being at Salisbury,
line 0528Made suit to come in ’s presence; which if granted,
line 0529As he made semblance of his duty, would
line 0530Have put his knife into him.”
230line 0531KINGA giant traitor!
WOLSEY
line 0532Now, madam, may his Highness live in freedom
line 0533And this man out of prison?
line 0534QUEEN KATHERINEGod mend all.
KINGto Surveyor
line 0535There’s something more would out of thee. What sayst?
SURVEYOR
235line 0536After “the Duke his father” with “the knife,”
line 0537He stretched him, and with one hand on his dagger,
line 0538Another spread on ’s breast, mounting his eyes,
line 0539He did discharge a horrible oath whose tenor
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 41 line 0540Was, were he evil used, he would outgo
240line 0541His father by as much as a performance
line 0542Does an irresolute purpose.
line 0543KINGThere’s his period,
line 0544To sheathe his knife in us! He is attached.
line 0545Call him to present trial. If he may
245line 0546Find mercy in the law, ’tis his; if none,
line 0547Let him not seek ’t of us. By day and night,
line 0548He’s traitor to th’ height!

They exit.

Scene 3

Enter Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands.

CHAMBERLAIN
line 0549Is ’t possible the spells of France should juggle
line 0550Men into such strange mysteries?
line 0551SANDSNew customs,
line 0552Though they be never so ridiculous—
5line 0553Nay, let ’em be unmanly—yet are followed.
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0554As far as I see, all the good our English
line 0555Have got by the late voyage is but merely
line 0556A fit or two o’ th’ face; but they are shrewd ones,
line 0557For when they hold ’em, you would swear directly
10line 0558Their very noses had been counselors
line 0559To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so.
SANDS
line 0560They have all new legs and lame ones; one would
line 0561take it,
line 0562That never see ’em pace before, the spavin
15line 0563Or springhalt reigned among ’em.
line 0564CHAMBERLAINDeath! My lord,
line 0565Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to ’t,
line 0566That, sure, they’ve worn out Christendom.
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 43

Enter Sir Thomas Lovell.

line 0567How now?
20line 0568What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?
line 0569LOVELLFaith, my lord,
line 0570I hear of none but the new proclamation
line 0571That’s clapped upon the court gate.
line 0572CHAMBERLAINWhat is ’t for?
LOVELL
25line 0573The reformation of our traveled gallants
line 0574That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors.
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0575I’m glad ’tis there; now I would pray our monsieurs
line 0576To think an English courtier may be wise
line 0577And never see the Louvre.
30line 0578LOVELLThey must either—
line 0579For so run the conditions—leave those remnants
line 0580Of fool and feather that they got in France,
line 0581With all their honorable points of ignorance
line 0582Pertaining thereunto, as fights and fireworks,
35line 0583Abusing better men than they can be
line 0584Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean
line 0585The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings,
line 0586Short blistered breeches, and those types of travel,
line 0587And understand again like honest men,
40line 0588Or pack to their old playfellows. There, I take it,
line 0589They may cum privilegio “oui” away
line 0590The lag end of their lewdness and be laughed at.
SANDS
line 0591’Tis time to give ’em physic, their diseases
line 0592Are grown so catching.
45line 0593CHAMBERLAINWhat a loss our ladies
line 0594Will have of these trim vanities!
line 0595LOVELLAy, marry,
line 0596There will be woe indeed, lords. The sly whoresons
Act 1 Scene 3 - Pg 45 line 0597Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies.
50line 0598A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.
SANDS
line 0599The devil fiddle ’em! I am glad they are going,
line 0600For sure there’s no converting of ’em. Now
line 0601An honest country lord, as I am, beaten
line 0602A long time out of play, may bring his plainsong,
55line 0603And have an hour of hearing, and, by ’r Lady,
line 0604Held current music too.
line 0605CHAMBERLAINWell said, Lord Sands.
line 0606Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet?
line 0607SANDSNo, my lord,
60line 0608Nor shall not while I have a stump.
line 0609CHAMBERLAINSir Thomas,
line 0610Whither were you a-going?
line 0611LOVELLTo the Cardinal’s.
line 0612Your Lordship is a guest too.
65line 0613CHAMBERLAINO, ’tis true.
line 0614This night he makes a supper, and a great one,
line 0615To many lords and ladies. There will be
line 0616The beauty of this kingdom, I’ll assure you.
LOVELL
line 0617That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,
70line 0618A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us.
line 0619His dews fall everywhere.
line 0620CHAMBERLAINNo doubt he’s noble;
line 0621He had a black mouth that said other of him.
SANDS
line 0622He may, my lord. ’Has wherewithal. In him,
75line 0623Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine.
line 0624Men of his way should be most liberal;
line 0625They are set here for examples.
line 0626CHAMBERLAINTrue, they are so,
line 0627But few now give so great ones. My barge stays.
80line 0628Your Lordship shall along.—Come, good Sir Thomas,
line 0629We shall be late else, which I would not be,
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 47 line 0630For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guilford
line 0631This night to be comptrollers.
line 0632SANDSI am your Lordship’s.

They exit.

Scene 4

Hautboys. A small table under a state for the Cardinal, a longer table for the guests. Then enter Anne Bullen and divers other ladies and gentlemen as guests at one door; at another door enter Sir Henry Guilford.

GUILFORD
line 0633Ladies, a general welcome from his Grace
line 0634Salutes you all. This night he dedicates
line 0635To fair content and you. None here, he hopes,
line 0636In all this noble bevy has brought with her
5line 0637One care abroad. He would have all as merry
line 0638As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome
line 0639Can make good people.

Enter Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and Sir Thomas Lovell.

line 0640O, my lord, you’re tardy!
line 0641The very thought of this fair company
10line 0642Clapped wings to me.
line 0643CHAMBERLAINYou are young, Sir Harry Guilford.
SANDS
line 0644Sir Thomas Lovell, had the Cardinal
line 0645But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these
line 0646Should find a running banquet, ere they rested,
15line 0647I think would better please ’em. By my life,
line 0648They are a sweet society of fair ones.
LOVELL
line 0649O, that your Lordship were but now confessor
line 0650To one or two of these!
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 49 line 0651SANDSI would I were.
20line 0652They should find easy penance.
line 0653LOVELLFaith, how easy?
SANDS
line 0654As easy as a down bed would afford it.
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0655Sweet ladies, will it please you sit?—Sir Harry,
line 0656Place you that side; I’ll take the charge of this.

The guests are seated.

25line 0657His Grace is ent’ring. Nay, you must not freeze;
line 0658Two women placed together makes cold weather.
line 0659My Lord Sands, you are one will keep ’em waking.
line 0660Pray sit between these ladies.
line 0661SANDSBy my faith,
30line 0662And thank your Lordship.—By your leave, sweet ladies.

He sits between Anne Bullen and another lady.

line 0663If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
line 0664I had it from my father.
line 0665ANNEWas he mad, sir?
SANDS
line 0666O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too;
35line 0667But he would bite none. Just as I do now,
line 0668He would kiss you twenty with a breath.

He kisses Anne.

line 0669CHAMBERLAINWell said,
line 0670my lord.
line 0671So, now you’re fairly seated, gentlemen,
40line 0672The penance lies on you if these fair ladies
line 0673Pass away frowning.
line 0674SANDSFor my little cure,
line 0675Let me alone.

Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, with Attendants and Servants, and takes his state.

WOLSEY
line 0676You’re welcome, my fair guests. That noble lady
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 51 45line 0677Or gentleman that is not freely merry
line 0678Is not my friend. This to confirm my welcome,
line 0679And to you all good health.He drinks to them.
line 0680SANDSYour Grace is noble.
line 0681Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks
50line 0682And save me so much talking.
line 0683WOLSEYMy Lord Sands,
line 0684I am beholding to you. Cheer your neighbors.—
line 0685Ladies, you are not merry.—Gentlemen,
line 0686Whose fault is this?
55line 0687SANDSThe red wine first must rise
line 0688In their fair cheeks, my lord. Then we shall have ’em
line 0689Talk us to silence.
line 0690ANNEYou are a merry gamester,
line 0691My Lord Sands.
60line 0692SANDSYes, if I make my play.
line 0693Here’s to your Ladyship, and pledge it, madam,

He drinks to her.

line 0694For ’tis to such a thing—
line 0695ANNEYou cannot show me.
SANDS
line 0696I told your Grace they would talk anon.

Drum and Trumpet. Chambers discharged.

65line 0697WOLSEYWhat’s that?
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0698Look out there, some of you.Servants exit.
line 0699WOLSEYWhat warlike voice,
line 0700And to what end, is this?—Nay, ladies, fear not.
line 0701By all the laws of war you’re privileged.

Enter a Servant.

CHAMBERLAIN
70line 0702How now, what is ’t?
line 0703SERVANTA noble troop of strangers,
line 0704For so they seem. They’ve left their barge and landed,
line 0705And hither make, as great ambassadors
line 0706From foreign princes.
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 53 75line 0707WOLSEYGood Lord Chamberlain,
line 0708Go, give ’em welcome—you can speak the French
line 0709tongue—
line 0710And pray receive ’em nobly, and conduct ’em
line 0711Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty
80line 0712Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.

Lord Chamberlain exits, with Attendants.

All rise, and tables removed.

line 0713You have now a broken banquet, but we’ll mend it.
line 0714A good digestion to you all; and once more
line 0715I shower a welcome on you. Welcome all!

Hautboys. Enter King and others as masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain. They pass directly before the Cardinal and gracefully salute him.

line 0716A noble company! What are their pleasures?
CHAMBERLAIN
85line 0717Because they speak no English, thus they prayed
line 0718To tell your Grace: that, having heard by fame
line 0719Of this so noble and so fair assembly
line 0720This night to meet here, they could do no less,
line 0721Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,
90line 0722But leave their flocks and, under your fair conduct,
line 0723Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
line 0724An hour of revels with ’em.
line 0725WOLSEYSay, Lord Chamberlain,
line 0726They have done my poor house grace, for which I
95line 0727pay ’em
line 0728A thousand thanks and pray ’em take their pleasures.

The masquers choose Ladies. The King chooses Anne Bullen.

KING
line 0729The fairest hand I ever touched! O beauty,
line 0730Till now I never knew thee.

Music, Dance.

WOLSEY
line 0731My lord!
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 55 100line 0732CHAMBERLAINYour Grace?
line 0733WOLSEYPray tell ’em thus much
line 0734from me:
line 0735There should be one amongst ’em by his person
line 0736More worthy this place than myself, to whom,
105line 0737If I but knew him, with my love and duty
line 0738I would surrender it.
line 0739CHAMBERLAINI will, my lord.

Whisper with the masquers.

WOLSEY
line 0740What say they?
line 0741CHAMBERLAINSuch a one they all confess
110line 0742There is indeed, which they would have your Grace
line 0743Find out, and he will take it.
line 0744WOLSEYLet me see, then.

He leaves his state.

line 0745By all your good leaves, gentlemen.

He bows before the King.

line 0746Here I’ll make
115line 0747My royal choice.
line 0748KINGunmasking You have found him, cardinal.
line 0749You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord.
line 0750You are a churchman, or I’ll tell you, cardinal,
line 0751I should judge now unhappily.
120line 0752WOLSEYI am glad
line 0753Your Grace is grown so pleasant.
line 0754KINGMy Lord Chamberlain,
line 0755Prithee come hither. What fair lady’s that?
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0756An ’t please your Grace, Sir Thomas Bullen’s daughter,
125line 0757The Viscount Rochford, one of her Highness’ women.
KING
line 0758By heaven, she is a dainty one.—Sweetheart,
line 0759I were unmannerly to take you out
line 0760And not to kiss you. He kisses Anne. A health,
line 0761gentlemen!
130line 0762Let it go round.He drinks a toast.
Act 1 Scene 4 - Pg 57 WOLSEY
line 0763Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready
line 0764I’ th’ privy chamber?
line 0765LOVELLYes, my lord.
line 0766WOLSEYYour Grace,
135line 0767I fear, with dancing is a little heated.
KING
line 0768I fear, too much.
line 0769WOLSEYThere’s fresher air, my lord,
line 0770In the next chamber.
KING
line 0771Lead in your ladies ev’ry one.—Sweet partner,
140line 0772I must not yet forsake you.—Let’s be merry,
line 0773Good my Lord Cardinal. I have half a dozen healths
line 0774To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure
line 0775To lead ’em once again, and then let’s dream
line 0776Who’s best in favor. Let the music knock it.

They exit, with Trumpets.

ACT 2

Scene 1

Enter two Gentlemen at several doors.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0777Whither away so fast?
line 0778SECOND GENTLEMANO, God save you.
line 0779E’en to the Hall to hear what shall become
line 0780Of the great Duke of Buckingham.
5line 0781FIRST GENTLEMANI’ll save you
line 0782That labor, sir. All’s now done but the ceremony
line 0783Of bringing back the prisoner.
line 0784SECOND GENTLEMANWere you there?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0785Yes, indeed was I.
10line 0786SECOND GENTLEMANPray speak what has happened.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0787You may guess quickly what.
line 0788SECOND GENTLEMANIs he found guilty?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0789Yes, truly, is he, and condemned upon ’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 0790I am sorry for ’t.
15line 0791FIRST GENTLEMANSo are a number more.
line 0792SECOND GENTLEMANBut pray, how passed it?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0793I’ll tell you in a little. The great duke
line 0794Came to the bar, where to his accusations
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 63 line 0795He pleaded still not guilty and alleged
20line 0796Many sharp reasons to defeat the law.
line 0797The King’s attorney on the contrary
line 0798Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions
line 0799Of divers witnesses, which the Duke desired
line 0800To him brought viva voce to his face;
25line 0801At which appeared against him his surveyor,
line 0802Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor, and John Car,
line 0803Confessor to him, with that devil monk,
line 0804Hopkins, that made this mischief.
line 0805SECOND GENTLEMANThat was he
30line 0806That fed him with his prophecies?
line 0807FIRST GENTLEMANThe same.
line 0808All these accused him strongly, which he fain
line 0809Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not.
line 0810And so his peers upon this evidence
35line 0811Have found him guilty of high treason. Much
line 0812He spoke, and learnèdly, for life, but all
line 0813Was either pitied in him or forgotten.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 0814After all this, how did he bear himself?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0815When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear
40line 0816His knell rung out, his judgment, he was stirred
line 0817With such an agony he sweat extremely
line 0818And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty.
line 0819But he fell to himself again, and sweetly
line 0820In all the rest showed a most noble patience.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
45line 0821I do not think he fears death.
line 0822FIRST GENTLEMANSure he does not;
line 0823He never was so womanish. The cause
line 0824He may a little grieve at.
line 0825SECOND GENTLEMANCertainly
50line 0826The Cardinal is the end of this.
line 0827FIRST GENTLEMAN’Tis likely,
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 65 line 0828By all conjectures; first, Kildare’s attainder,
line 0829Then Deputy of Ireland, who, removed,
line 0830Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too,
55line 0831Lest he should help his father.
line 0832SECOND GENTLEMANThat trick of state
line 0833Was a deep envious one.
line 0834FIRST GENTLEMANAt his return
line 0835No doubt he will requite it. This is noted,
60line 0836And generally: whoever the King favors,
line 0837The Card’nal instantly will find employment,
line 0838And far enough from court too.
line 0839SECOND GENTLEMANAll the commons
line 0840Hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience,
65line 0841Wish him ten fathom deep. This duke as much
line 0842They love and dote on, call him bounteous
line 0843Buckingham,
line 0844The mirror of all courtesy.
line 0845FIRST GENTLEMANStay there, sir,
70line 0846And see the noble ruined man you speak of.

Enter Buckingham from his arraignment, Tipstaves before him, the ax with the edge towards him, Halberds on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir Walter Sands, and Common People, etc.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 0847Let’s stand close and behold him.
line 0848BUCKINGHAMAll good people,
line 0849You that thus far have come to pity me,
line 0850Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.
75line 0851I have this day received a traitor’s judgment,
line 0852And by that name must die. Yet heaven bear witness,
line 0853And if I have a conscience, let it sink me
line 0854Even as the ax falls, if I be not faithful!
line 0855The law I bear no malice for my death;
80line 0856’T has done, upon the premises, but justice.
line 0857But those that sought it I could wish more Christian.
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 67 line 0858Be what they will, I heartily forgive ’em.
line 0859Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief,
line 0860Nor build their evils on the graves of great men,
85line 0861For then my guiltless blood must cry against ’em.
line 0862For further life in this world I ne’er hope,
line 0863Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies
line 0864More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me
line 0865And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,
90line 0866His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave
line 0867Is only bitter to him, only dying,
line 0868Go with me like good angels to my end,
line 0869And as the long divorce of steel falls on me,
line 0870Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice,
95line 0871And lift my soul to heaven.—Lead on, a’ God’s name.
LOVELL
line 0872I do beseech your Grace, for charity,
line 0873If ever any malice in your heart
line 0874Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.
BUCKINGHAM
line 0875Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you
100line 0876As I would be forgiven. I forgive all.
line 0877There cannot be those numberless offenses
line 0878’Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black
line 0879envy
line 0880Shall make my grave. Commend me to his Grace.
105line 0881And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him
line 0882You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers
line 0883Yet are the King’s and, till my soul forsake,
line 0884Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live
line 0885Longer than I have time to tell his years.
110line 0886Ever beloved and loving may his rule be;
line 0887And when old Time shall lead him to his end,
line 0888Goodness and he fill up one monument!
LOVELL
line 0889To th’ waterside I must conduct your Grace,
line 0890Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,
115line 0891Who undertakes you to your end.
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 69 line 0892VAUXcalling as to Officers offstage Prepare there!
line 0893The Duke is coming. See the barge be ready,
line 0894And fit it with such furniture as suits
line 0895The greatness of his person.
120line 0896BUCKINGHAMNay, Sir Nicholas,
line 0897Let it alone. My state now will but mock me.
line 0898When I came hither, I was Lord High Constable
line 0899And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun.
line 0900Yet I am richer than my base accusers,
125line 0901That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it,
line 0902And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for ’t.
line 0903My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,
line 0904Who first raised head against usurping Richard,
line 0905Flying for succor to his servant Banister,
130line 0906Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed,
line 0907And, without trial, fell. God’s peace be with him.
line 0908Henry the Seventh, succeeding, truly pitying
line 0909My father’s loss, like a most royal prince
line 0910Restored me to my honors and out of ruins
135line 0911Made my name once more noble. Now his son,
line 0912Henry the Eighth, life, honor, name, and all
line 0913That made me happy at one stroke has taken
line 0914Forever from the world. I had my trial,
line 0915And must needs say a noble one, which makes me
140line 0916A little happier than my wretched father.
line 0917Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both
line 0918Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most—
line 0919A most unnatural and faithless service.
line 0920Heaven has an end in all; yet, you that hear me,
145line 0921This from a dying man receive as certain:
line 0922Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels
line 0923Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends
line 0924And give your hearts to, when they once perceive
line 0925The least rub in your fortunes, fall away
150line 0926Like water from you, never found again
Act 2 Scene 1 - Pg 71 line 0927But where they mean to sink you. All good people,
line 0928Pray for me. I must now forsake you. The last hour
line 0929Of my long weary life is come upon me.
line 0930Farewell. And when you would say something that
155line 0931is sad,
line 0932Speak how I fell. I have done; and God forgive me.

Duke and train exit.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 0933O, this is full of pity, sir! It calls,
line 0934I fear, too many curses on their heads
line 0935That were the authors.
160line 0936SECOND GENTLEMANIf the Duke be guiltless,
line 0937’Tis full of woe. Yet I can give you inkling
line 0938Of an ensuing evil, if it fall,
line 0939Greater than this.
line 0940FIRST GENTLEMANGood angels keep it from us!
165line 0941What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 0942This secret is so weighty ’twill require
line 0943A strong faith to conceal it.
line 0944FIRST GENTLEMANLet me have it.
line 0945I do not talk much.
170line 0946SECOND GENTLEMANI am confident;
line 0947You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear
line 0948A buzzing of a separation
line 0949Between the King and Katherine?
line 0950FIRST GENTLEMANYes, but it held not;
175line 0951For when the King once heard it, out of anger
line 0952He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight
line 0953To stop the rumor and allay those tongues
line 0954That durst disperse it.
line 0955SECOND GENTLEMANBut that slander, sir,
180line 0956Is found a truth now, for it grows again
line 0957Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain
line 0958The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal,
line 0959Or some about him near, have, out of malice
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 73 line 0960To the good queen, possessed him with a scruple
185line 0961That will undo her. To confirm this too,
line 0962Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately,
line 0963As all think, for this business.
line 0964FIRST GENTLEMAN’Tis the Cardinal;
line 0965And merely to revenge him on the Emperor
190line 0966For not bestowing on him at his asking
line 0967The archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 0968I think you have hit the mark. But is ’t not cruel
line 0969That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal
line 0970Will have his will, and she must fall.
195line 0971FIRST GENTLEMAN’Tis woeful.
line 0972We are too open here to argue this.
line 0973Let’s think in private more.

They exit.

Scene 2

Enter Lord Chamberlain, reading this letter.

line 0974CHAMBERLAINMy lord, the horses your Lordship sent
line 0975for, with all the care I had I saw well chosen, ridden,
line 0976and furnished. They were young and handsome and
line 0977of the best breed in the north. When they were ready
5line 0978to set out for London, a man of my Lord Cardinal’s,
line 0979by commission and main power, took ’em from me
line 0980with this reason: his master would be served before
line 0981a subject, if not before the King, which stopped our
line 0982mouths, sir.
10line 0983I fear he will indeed; well, let him have them.
line 0984He will have all, I think.

Enter to the Lord Chamberlain, the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk.

line 0985NORFOLKWell met, my Lord Chamberlain.
line 0986CHAMBERLAINGood day to both your Graces.
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 75 SUFFOLK
line 0987How is the King employed?
15line 0988CHAMBERLAINI left him private,
line 0989Full of sad thoughts and troubles.
line 0990NORFOLKWhat’s the cause?
CHAMBERLAIN
line 0991It seems the marriage with his brother’s wife
line 0992Has crept too near his conscience.
20line 0993SUFFOLKNo, his conscience
line 0994Has crept too near another lady.
line 0995NORFOLK’Tis so;
line 0996This is the Cardinal’s doing. The king-cardinal,
line 0997That blind priest, like the eldest son of Fortune,
25line 0998Turns what he list. The King will know him one day.
SUFFOLK
line 0999Pray God he do! He’ll never know himself else.
NORFOLK
line 1000How holily he works in all his business,
line 1001And with what zeal! For, now he has cracked the
line 1002league
30line 1003Between us and the Emperor, the Queen’s
line 1004great-nephew,
line 1005He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters
line 1006Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,
line 1007Fears and despairs—and all these for his marriage.
35line 1008And out of all these to restore the King,
line 1009He counsels a divorce, a loss of her
line 1010That like a jewel has hung twenty years
line 1011About his neck, yet never lost her luster;
line 1012Of her that loves him with that excellence
40line 1013That angels love good men with; even of her
line 1014That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls,
line 1015Will bless the King. And is not this course pious?
CHAMBERLAIN
line 1016Heaven keep me from such counsel! ’Tis most true:
line 1017These news are everywhere, every tongue speaks ’em,
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 77 45line 1018And every true heart weeps for ’t. All that dare
line 1019Look into these affairs see this main end,
line 1020The French king’s sister. Heaven will one day open
line 1021The King’s eyes, that so long have slept upon
line 1022This bold bad man.
50line 1023SUFFOLKAnd free us from his slavery.
line 1024NORFOLKWe had need pray,
line 1025And heartily, for our deliverance,
line 1026Or this imperious man will work us all
line 1027From princes into pages. All men’s honors
55line 1028Lie like one lump before him, to be fashioned
line 1029Into what pitch he please.
line 1030SUFFOLKFor me, my lords,
line 1031I love him not nor fear him; there’s my creed.
line 1032As I am made without him, so I’ll stand,
60line 1033If the King please. His curses and his blessings
line 1034Touch me alike: they’re breath I not believe in.
line 1035I knew him and I know him; so I leave him
line 1036To him that made him proud, the Pope.
line 1037NORFOLKLet’s in,
65line 1038And with some other business put the King
line 1039From these sad thoughts that work too much upon
line 1040him.—
line 1041My lord, you’ll bear us company?
line 1042CHAMBERLAINExcuse me;
70line 1043The King has sent me otherwhere. Besides,
line 1044You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him.
line 1045Health to your Lordships.
line 1046NORFOLKThanks, my good Lord
line 1047Chamberlain.

Lord Chamberlain exits; and the King draws the curtain and sits reading pensively.

SUFFOLKto Norfolk
75line 1048How sad he looks! Sure he is much afflicted.
KING
line 1049Who’s there? Ha?
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 79 line 1050NORFOLKto Suffolk Pray God he be not angry.
KING
line 1051Who’s there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves
line 1052Into my private meditations? Who am I, ha?
NORFOLK
80line 1053A gracious king that pardons all offenses
line 1054Malice ne’er meant. Our breach of duty this way
line 1055Is business of estate, in which we come
line 1056To know your royal pleasure.
line 1057KINGYou are too bold.
85line 1058Go to; I’ll make you know your times of business.
line 1059Is this an hour for temporal affairs, ha?

Enter Wolsey and Campeius, with a commission.

line 1060Who’s there? My good Lord Cardinal? O my Wolsey,
line 1061The quiet of my wounded conscience,
line 1062Thou art a cure fit for a king. To Campeius. You’re
90line 1063welcome,
line 1064Most learnèd reverend sir, into our kingdom.
line 1065Use us and it.—My good lord, have great care
line 1066I be not found a talker.
line 1067WOLSEYSir, you cannot.
95line 1068I would your Grace would give us but an hour
line 1069Of private conference.
line 1070KINGto Norfolk and Suffolk We are busy. Go.
NORFOLKaside to Suffolk
line 1071This priest has no pride in him?
line 1072SUFFOLKaside to Norfolk Not to speak of.
100line 1073I would not be so sick, though for his place.
line 1074But this cannot continue.
line 1075NORFOLKaside to Suffolk If it do,
line 1076I’ll venture one have-at-him.
line 1077SUFFOLKaside to Norfolk I another.

Norfolk and Suffolk exit.

WOLSEY
105line 1078Your Grace has given a precedent of wisdom
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 81 line 1079Above all princes in committing freely
line 1080Your scruple to the voice of Christendom.
line 1081Who can be angry now? What envy reach you?
line 1082The Spaniard, tied by blood and favor to her,
110line 1083Must now confess, if they have any goodness,
line 1084The trial just and noble; all the clerks—
line 1085I mean the learnèd ones in Christian kingdoms—
line 1086Have their free voices; Rome, the nurse of judgment,
line 1087Invited by your noble self, hath sent
115line 1088One general tongue unto us, this good man,
line 1089This just and learnèd priest, Cardinal Campeius,
line 1090Whom once more I present unto your Highness.
KING
line 1091And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome,
line 1092And thank the holy conclave for their loves.
120line 1093They have sent me such a man I would have wished
line 1094for.He embraces Campeius.
CAMPEIUShanding the King a paper
line 1095Your Grace must needs deserve all strangers’ loves,
line 1096You are so noble. To your Highness’ hand
line 1097I tender my commission—by whose virtue,
125line 1098The court of Rome commanding, you, my Lord
line 1099Cardinal of York, are joined with me their servant
line 1100In the unpartial judging of this business.
KING
line 1101Two equal men. The Queen shall be acquainted
line 1102Forthwith for what you come. Where’s Gardiner?
WOLSEY
130line 1103I know your Majesty has always loved her
line 1104So dear in heart not to deny her that
line 1105A woman of less place might ask by law:
line 1106Scholars allowed freely to argue for her.
KING
line 1107Ay, and the best she shall have, and my favor
135line 1108To him that does best. God forbid else. Cardinal,
Act 2 Scene 2 - Pg 83 line 1109Prithee call Gardiner to me, my new secretary.
line 1110I find him a fit fellow.Wolsey goes to the door.

Enter Gardiner to Wolsey.

WOLSEYaside to Gardiner
line 1111Give me your hand. Much joy and favor to you.
line 1112You are the King’s now.
140line 1113GARDINERaside to Wolsey But to be commanded
line 1114Forever by your Grace, whose hand has raised me.
line 1115KINGCome hither, Gardiner.

The King and Gardiner walk and whisper.

CAMPEIUS
line 1116My lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace
line 1117In this man’s place before him?
145line 1118WOLSEYYes, he was.
CAMPEIUS
line 1119Was he not held a learnèd man?
line 1120WOLSEYYes, surely.
CAMPEIUS
line 1121Believe me, there’s an ill opinion spread, then,
line 1122Even of yourself, Lord Cardinal.
150line 1123WOLSEYHow? Of me?
CAMPEIUS
line 1124They will not stick to say you envied him
line 1125And, fearing he would rise—he was so virtuous—
line 1126Kept him a foreign man still, which so grieved him
line 1127That he ran mad and died.
155line 1128WOLSEYHeav’n’s peace be with him!
line 1129That’s Christian care enough. For living murmurers,
line 1130There’s places of rebuke. He was a fool,
line 1131For he would needs be virtuous. That good fellow
line 1132If I command him follows my appointment.
160line 1133I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother:
line 1134We live not to be griped by meaner persons.
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 85 KINGto Gardiner
line 1135Deliver this with modesty to th’ Queen.

Gardiner exits.

line 1136The most convenient place that I can think of
line 1137For such receipt of learning is Blackfriars.
165line 1138There you shall meet about this weighty business.
line 1139My Wolsey, see it furnished. O, my lord,
line 1140Would it not grieve an able man to leave
line 1141So sweet a bedfellow? But, conscience, conscience!
line 1142O, ’tis a tender place, and I must leave her.

They exit.

Scene 3

Enter Anne Bullen and an old Lady.

ANNE
line 1143Not for that neither. Here’s the pang that pinches:
line 1144His Highness having lived so long with her, and she
line 1145So good a lady that no tongue could ever
line 1146Pronounce dishonor of her—by my life,
5line 1147She never knew harm-doing!—O, now, after
line 1148So many courses of the sun enthroned,
line 1149Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the which
line 1150To leave a thousandfold more bitter than
line 1151’Tis sweet at first t’ acquire—after this process,
10line 1152To give her the avaunt! It is a pity
line 1153Would move a monster.
line 1154OLD LADYHearts of most hard temper
line 1155Melt and lament for her.
line 1156ANNEO, God’s will! Much better
15line 1157She ne’er had known pomp; though ’t be temporal,
line 1158Yet if that quarrel, Fortune, do divorce
line 1159It from the bearer, ’tis a sufferance panging
line 1160As soul and body’s severing.
line 1161OLD LADYAlas, poor lady,
20line 1162She’s a stranger now again!
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 87 line 1163ANNESo much the more
line 1164Must pity drop upon her. Verily,
line 1165I swear, ’tis better to be lowly born
line 1166And range with humble livers in content
25line 1167Than to be perked up in a glist’ring grief
line 1168And wear a golden sorrow.
line 1169OLD LADYOur content
line 1170Is our best having.
line 1171ANNEBy my troth and maidenhead,
30line 1172I would not be a queen.
line 1173OLD LADYBeshrew me, I would,
line 1174And venture maidenhead for ’t; and so would you,
line 1175For all this spice of your hypocrisy.
line 1176You, that have so fair parts of woman on you,
35line 1177Have too a woman’s heart, which ever yet
line 1178Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty;
line 1179Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts,
line 1180Saving your mincing, the capacity
line 1181Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive
40line 1182If you might please to stretch it.
line 1183ANNENay, good troth.
OLD LADY
line 1184Yes, troth, and troth. You would not be a queen?
ANNE
line 1185No, not for all the riches under heaven.
OLD LADY
line 1186’Tis strange. A threepence bowed would hire me,
45line 1187Old as I am, to queen it. But I pray you,
line 1188What think you of a duchess? Have you limbs
line 1189To bear that load of title?
line 1190ANNENo, in truth.
OLD LADY
line 1191Then you are weakly made. Pluck off a little.
50line 1192I would not be a young count in your way
line 1193For more than blushing comes to. If your back
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 89 line 1194Cannot vouchsafe this burden, ’tis too weak
line 1195Ever to get a boy.
line 1196ANNEHow you do talk!
55line 1197I swear again, I would not be a queen
line 1198For all the world.
line 1199OLD LADYIn faith, for little England
line 1200You’d venture an emballing. I myself
line 1201Would for Carnarvanshire, although there longed
60line 1202No more to th’ crown but that. Lo, who comes here?

Enter Lord Chamberlain.

CHAMBERLAIN
line 1203Good morrow, ladies. What were ’t worth to know
line 1204The secret of your conference?
line 1205ANNEMy good lord,
line 1206Not your demand; it values not your asking.
65line 1207Our mistress’ sorrows we were pitying.
CHAMBERLAIN
line 1208It was a gentle business, and becoming
line 1209The action of good women. There is hope
line 1210All will be well.
line 1211ANNENow, I pray God, amen!
CHAMBERLAIN
70line 1212You bear a gentle mind, and heav’nly blessings
line 1213Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,
line 1214Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note’s
line 1215Ta’en of your many virtues, the King’s Majesty
line 1216Commends his good opinion of you to you, and
75line 1217Does purpose honor to you no less flowing
line 1218Than Marchioness of Pembroke, to which title
line 1219A thousand pound a year annual support
line 1220Out of his grace he adds.
line 1221ANNEI do not know
80line 1222What kind of my obedience I should tender.
line 1223More than my all is nothing, nor my prayers
line 1224Are not words duly hallowed, nor my wishes
Act 2 Scene 3 - Pg 91 line 1225More worth than empty vanities. Yet prayers and
line 1226wishes
85line 1227Are all I can return. ’Beseech your Lordship,
line 1228Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience,
line 1229As from a blushing handmaid, to his Highness,
line 1230Whose health and royalty I pray for.
line 1231CHAMBERLAINLady,
90line 1232I shall not fail t’ approve the fair conceit
line 1233The King hath of you. Aside. I have perused her
line 1234well.
line 1235Beauty and honor in her are so mingled
line 1236That they have caught the King. And who knows yet
95line 1237But from this lady may proceed a gem
line 1238To lighten all this isle?—I’ll to the King
line 1239And say I spoke with you.
line 1240ANNEMy honored lord.

Lord Chamberlain exits.

line 1241OLD LADYWhy, this it is! See, see!
100line 1242I have been begging sixteen years in court,
line 1243Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could
line 1244Come pat betwixt too early and too late
line 1245For any suit of pounds; and you—O, fate!—
line 1246A very fresh fish here—fie, fie, fie upon
105line 1247This compelled fortune!—have your mouth filled up
line 1248Before you open it.
line 1249ANNEThis is strange to me.
OLD LADY
line 1250How tastes it? Is it bitter? Forty pence, no.
line 1251There was a lady once—’tis an old story—
110line 1252That would not be a queen, that would she not,
line 1253For all the mud in Egypt. Have you heard it?
ANNE
line 1254Come, you are pleasant.
line 1255OLD LADYWith your theme, I could
line 1256O’ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke?
115line 1257A thousand pounds a year for pure respect?
line 1258No other obligation? By my life,
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 93 line 1259That promises more thousands; honor’s train
line 1260Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time
line 1261I know your back will bear a duchess. Say,
120line 1262Are you not stronger than you were?
line 1263ANNEGood lady,
line 1264Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy,
line 1265And leave me out on ’t. Would I had no being
line 1266If this salute my blood a jot. It faints me
125line 1267To think what follows.
line 1268The Queen is comfortless and we forgetful
line 1269In our long absence. Pray do not deliver
line 1270What here you’ve heard to her.
line 1271OLD LADYWhat do you think me?

They exit.

Scene 4

Trumpets, sennet, and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habit of doctors; after them, the Bishop of Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lincoln, Ely, Rochester, and Saint Asaph; next them, with some small distance, follows a Gentleman bearing the purse with the great seal, and a cardinal’s hat. Then two Priests, bearing each a silver cross; then a Gentleman Usher bare-headed, accompanied with a Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing a silver mace; then two Gentlemen, bearing two great silver pillars. After them, side by side, the two Cardinals, and two Noblemen with the sword and mace. The King takes place under the cloth of state. The two Cardinals sit under him as judges. The Queen takes place some distance from the King. The Bishops place themselves on each side the court, in manner of a consistory; below them the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the Attendants including a Crier and the Queen’s Gentleman Usher stand in convenient order about the stage.

Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 95 WOLSEY
line 1272Whilst our commission from Rome is read,
line 1273Let silence be commanded.
line 1274KINGWhat’s the need?
line 1275It hath already publicly been read,
5line 1276And on all sides th’ authority allowed.
line 1277You may then spare that time.
line 1278WOLSEYBe ’t so. Proceed.
line 1279SCRIBESay “Henry King of England, come into the
line 1280court.”
10line 1281CRIERHenry King of England, come into the court.
line 1282KINGHere.
line 1283SCRIBESay “Katherine Queen of England, come into
line 1284the court.”
line 1285CRIERKatherine Queen of England, come into the
15line 1286court.

The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks.

QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1287Sir, I desire you do me right and justice,
line 1288And to bestow your pity on me; for
line 1289I am a most poor woman and a stranger,
line 1290Born out of your dominions, having here
20line 1291No judge indifferent nor no more assurance
line 1292Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,
line 1293In what have I offended you? What cause
line 1294Hath my behavior given to your displeasure
line 1295That thus you should proceed to put me off
25line 1296And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness
line 1297I have been to you a true and humble wife,
line 1298At all times to your will conformable,
line 1299Ever in fear to kindle your dislike,
line 1300Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry
30line 1301As I saw it inclined. When was the hour
line 1302I ever contradicted your desire,
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 97 line 1303Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends
line 1304Have I not strove to love, although I knew
line 1305He were mine enemy? What friend of mine
35line 1306That had to him derived your anger did I
line 1307Continue in my liking? Nay, gave notice
line 1308He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind
line 1309That I have been your wife in this obedience
line 1310Upward of twenty years, and have been blessed
40line 1311With many children by you. If, in the course
line 1312And process of this time, you can report,
line 1313And prove it too, against mine honor aught,
line 1314My bond to wedlock or my love and duty
line 1315Against your sacred person, in God’s name
45line 1316Turn me away and let the foul’st contempt
line 1317Shut door upon me, and so give me up
line 1318To the sharp’st kind of justice. Please you, sir,
line 1319The King your father was reputed for
line 1320A prince most prudent, of an excellent
50line 1321And unmatched wit and judgment. Ferdinand,
line 1322My father, King of Spain, was reckoned one
line 1323The wisest prince that there had reigned by many
line 1324A year before. It is not to be questioned
line 1325That they had gathered a wise council to them
55line 1326Of every realm, that did debate this business,
line 1327Who deemed our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly
line 1328Beseech you, sir, to spare me till I may
line 1329Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel
line 1330I will implore. If not, i’ th’ name of God,
60line 1331Your pleasure be fulfilled.
line 1332WOLSEYYou have here, lady,
line 1333And of your choice, these reverend fathers, men
line 1334Of singular integrity and learning,
line 1335Yea, the elect o’ th’ land, who are assembled
65line 1336To plead your cause. It shall be therefore bootless
line 1337That longer you desire the court, as well
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 99 line 1338For your own quiet as to rectify
line 1339What is unsettled in the King.
line 1340CAMPEIUSHis Grace
70line 1341Hath spoken well and justly. Therefore, madam,
line 1342It’s fit this royal session do proceed
line 1343And that without delay their arguments
line 1344Be now produced and heard.
line 1345QUEEN KATHERINELord Cardinal,
75line 1346To you I speak.
line 1347WOLSEYYour pleasure, madam.
line 1348QUEEN KATHERINESir,
line 1349I am about to weep; but thinking that
line 1350We are a queen, or long have dreamed so, certain
80line 1351The daughter of a king, my drops of tears
line 1352I’ll turn to sparks of fire.
line 1353WOLSEYBe patient yet.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1354I will, when you are humble; nay, before,
line 1355Or God will punish me. I do believe,
85line 1356Induced by potent circumstances, that
line 1357You are mine enemy, and make my challenge
line 1358You shall not be my judge; for it is you
line 1359Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me—
line 1360Which God’s dew quench! Therefore I say again,
90line 1361I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul
line 1362Refuse you for my judge, whom, yet once more,
line 1363I hold my most malicious foe and think not
line 1364At all a friend to truth.
line 1365WOLSEYI do profess
95line 1366You speak not like yourself, who ever yet
line 1367Have stood to charity and displayed th’ effects
line 1368Of disposition gentle and of wisdom
line 1369O’ertopping woman’s power. Madam, you do me
line 1370wrong.
100line 1371I have no spleen against you, nor injustice
line 1372For you or any. How far I have proceeded,
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 101 line 1373Or how far further shall, is warranted
line 1374By a commission from the Consistory,
line 1375Yea, the whole Consistory of Rome. You charge me
105line 1376That I “have blown this coal.” I do deny it.
line 1377The King is present. If it be known to him
line 1378That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound,
line 1379And worthily, my falsehood, yea, as much
line 1380As you have done my truth. If he know
110line 1381That I am free of your report, he knows
line 1382I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him
line 1383It lies to cure me, and the cure is to
line 1384Remove these thoughts from you, the which before
line 1385His Highness shall speak in, I do beseech
115line 1386You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking
line 1387And to say so no more.
line 1388QUEEN KATHERINEMy lord, my lord,
line 1389I am a simple woman, much too weak
line 1390T’ oppose your cunning. You’re meek and
120line 1391humble-mouthed;
line 1392You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,
line 1393With meekness and humility, but your heart
line 1394Is crammed with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.
line 1395You have by fortune and his Highness’ favors
125line 1396Gone slightly o’er low steps, and now are mounted
line 1397Where powers are your retainers, and your words,
line 1398Domestics to you, serve your will as ’t please
line 1399Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you,
line 1400You tender more your person’s honor than
130line 1401Your high profession spiritual, that again
line 1402I do refuse you for my judge, and here,
line 1403Before you all, appeal unto the Pope
line 1404To bring my whole cause ’fore his Holiness,
line 1405And to be judged by him.

She curtsies to the King, and offers to depart.

135line 1406CAMPEIUSThe Queen is obstinate,
line 1407Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 103 line 1408Disdainful to be tried by ’t. ’Tis not well.
line 1409She’s going away.
line 1410KINGCall her again.
140line 1411CRIERKatherine, Queen of England, come into the
line 1412court.
line 1413GENTLEMAN USHERMadam, you are called back.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1414What need you note it? Pray you, keep your way.
line 1415When you are called, return. Now, the Lord help!
145line 1416They vex me past my patience. Pray you, pass on.
line 1417I will not tarry; no, nor ever more
line 1418Upon this business my appearance make
line 1419In any of their courts.

Queen and her Attendants exit.

line 1420KINGGo thy ways, Kate.
150line 1421That man i’ th’ world who shall report he has
line 1422A better wife, let him in naught be trusted,
line 1423For speaking false in that. Thou art, alone—
line 1424If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness,
line 1425Thy meekness saintlike, wifelike government,
155line 1426Obeying in commanding, and thy parts
line 1427Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out—
line 1428The queen of earthly queens. She’s noble born,
line 1429And like her true nobility she has
line 1430Carried herself towards me.
160line 1431WOLSEYMost gracious sir,
line 1432In humblest manner I require your Highness
line 1433That it shall please you to declare in hearing
line 1434Of all these ears—for where I am robbed and bound,
line 1435There must I be unloosed, although not there
165line 1436At once and fully satisfied—whether ever I
line 1437Did broach this business to your Highness, or
line 1438Laid any scruple in your way which might
line 1439Induce you to the question on ’t, or ever
line 1440Have to you, but with thanks to God for such
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 105 170line 1441A royal lady, spake one the least word that might
line 1442Be to the prejudice of her present state,
line 1443Or touch of her good person?
line 1444KINGMy Lord Cardinal,
line 1445I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honor,
175line 1446I free you from ’t. You are not to be taught
line 1447That you have many enemies that know not
line 1448Why they are so but, like to village curs,
line 1449Bark when their fellows do. By some of these
line 1450The Queen is put in anger. You’re excused.
180line 1451But will you be more justified? You ever
line 1452Have wished the sleeping of this business, never
line 1453desired
line 1454It to be stirred, but oft have hindered, oft,
line 1455The passages made toward it. On my honor
185line 1456I speak my good Lord Cardinal to this point
line 1457And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to ’t,
line 1458I will be bold with time and your attention.
line 1459Then mark th’ inducement. Thus it came; give heed
line 1460to ’t:
190line 1461My conscience first received a tenderness,
line 1462Scruple, and prick on certain speeches uttered
line 1463By th’ Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador,
line 1464Who had been hither sent on the debating
line 1465A marriage ’twixt the Duke of Orleans and
195line 1466Our daughter Mary. I’ th’ progress of this business,
line 1467Ere a determinate resolution, he,
line 1468I mean the Bishop, did require a respite
line 1469Wherein he might the King his lord advertise
line 1470Whether our daughter were legitimate,
200line 1471Respecting this our marriage with the dowager,
line 1472Sometime our brother’s wife. This respite shook
line 1473The bosom of my conscience, entered me,
line 1474Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble
line 1475The region of my breast; which forced such way
205line 1476That many mazed considerings did throng
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 107 line 1477And pressed in with this caution. First, methought
line 1478I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had
line 1479Commanded nature that my lady’s womb,
line 1480If it conceived a male child by me, should
210line 1481Do no more offices of life to ’t than
line 1482The grave does to th’ dead, for her male issue
line 1483Or died where they were made, or shortly after
line 1484This world had aired them. Hence I took a thought
line 1485This was a judgment on me, that my kingdom,
215line 1486Well worthy the best heir o’ th’ world, should not
line 1487Be gladded in ’t by me. Then follows that
line 1488I weighed the danger which my realms stood in
line 1489By this my issue’s fail, and that gave to me
line 1490Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in
220line 1491The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer
line 1492Toward this remedy whereupon we are
line 1493Now present here together. That’s to say,
line 1494I meant to rectify my conscience, which
line 1495I then did feel full sick, and yet not well,
225line 1496By all the reverend fathers of the land
line 1497And doctors learnèd. First, I began in private
line 1498With you, my Lord of Lincoln. You remember
line 1499How under my oppression I did reek
line 1500When I first moved you.
230line 1501LINCOLNVery well, my liege.
KING
line 1502I have spoke long. Be pleased yourself to say
line 1503How far you satisfied me.
line 1504LINCOLNSo please your Highness,
line 1505The question did at first so stagger me,
235line 1506Bearing a state of mighty moment in ’t
line 1507And consequence of dread, that I committed
line 1508The daring’st counsel which I had to doubt,
line 1509And did entreat your Highness to this course
line 1510Which you are running here.
240line 1511KINGI then moved you,
Act 2 Scene 4 - Pg 109 line 1512My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave
line 1513To make this present summons. Unsolicited
line 1514I left no reverend person in this court,
line 1515But by particular consent proceeded
245line 1516Under your hands and seals. Therefore go on,
line 1517For no dislike i’ th’ world against the person
line 1518Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points
line 1519Of my allegèd reasons drives this forward.
line 1520Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life
250line 1521And kingly dignity, we are contented
line 1522To wear our mortal state to come with her,
line 1523Katherine our queen, before the primest creature
line 1524That’s paragoned o’ th’ world.
line 1525CAMPEIUSSo please your Highness,
255line 1526The Queen being absent, ’tis a needful fitness
line 1527That we adjourn this court till further day.
line 1528Meanwhile must be an earnest motion
line 1529Made to the Queen to call back her appeal
line 1530She intends unto his Holiness.
260line 1531KINGaside I may perceive
line 1532These cardinals trifle with me. I abhor
line 1533This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome.
line 1534My learnèd and well-belovèd servant Cranmer,
line 1535Prithee return. With thy approach, I know,
265line 1536My comfort comes along.—Break up the court.
line 1537I say, set on.

They exit, in manner as they entered.

ACT 3

Scene 1

Enter Queen and her Women, as at work.

QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1538Take thy lute, wench. My soul grows sad with troubles.
line 1539Sing, and disperse ’em if thou canst. Leave working.
WOMANsings song.

line 1540Orpheus with his lute made trees
line 1541And the mountaintops that freeze
5line 1542Bow themselves when he did sing.
line 1543To his music plants and flowers
line 1544Ever sprung, as sun and showers
line 1545There had made a lasting spring.

line 1546Everything that heard him play,
10line 1547Even the billows of the sea,
line 1548Hung their heads and then lay by.
line 1549In sweet music is such art,
line 1550Killing care and grief of heart
line 1551Fall asleep or, hearing, die.

Enter a Gentleman.

15line 1552QUEEN KATHERINEHow now?
GENTLEMAN
line 1553An ’t please your Grace, the two great cardinals
line 1554Wait in the presence.
line 1555QUEEN KATHERINEWould they speak with me?
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 115 GENTLEMAN
line 1556They willed me say so, madam.
20line 1557QUEEN KATHERINEPray their Graces
line 1558To come near.Gentleman exits.
line 1559What can be their business
line 1560With me, a poor weak woman, fall’n from favor?
line 1561I do not like their coming, now I think on ’t.
25line 1562They should be good men, their affairs as righteous.
line 1563But all hoods make not monks.

Enter the two Cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius.

line 1564WOLSEYPeace to your Highness.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1565Your Graces find me here part of a housewife;
line 1566I would be all, against the worst may happen.
30line 1567What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords?
WOLSEY
line 1568May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw
line 1569Into your private chamber, we shall give you
line 1570The full cause of our coming.
line 1571QUEEN KATHERINESpeak it here.
35line 1572There’s nothing I have done yet, o’ my conscience,
line 1573Deserves a corner. Would all other women
line 1574Could speak this with as free a soul as I do.
line 1575My lords, I care not, so much I am happy
line 1576Above a number, if my actions
40line 1577Were tried by ev’ry tongue, ev’ry eye saw ’em,
line 1578Envy and base opinion set against ’em,
line 1579I know my life so even. If your business
line 1580Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,
line 1581Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing.
45line 1582WOLSEYTanta est erga te mentis integritas, regina
line 1583serenissima—
line 1584QUEEN KATHERINEO, good my lord, no Latin!
line 1585I am not such a truant since my coming
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 117 line 1586As not to know the language I have lived in.
50line 1587A strange tongue makes my cause more strange,
line 1588suspicious.
line 1589Pray speak in English. Here are some will thank you,
line 1590If you speak truth, for their poor mistress’ sake.
line 1591Believe me, she has had much wrong. Lord Cardinal,
55line 1592The willing’st sin I ever yet committed
line 1593May be absolved in English.
line 1594WOLSEYNoble lady,
line 1595I am sorry my integrity should breed—
line 1596And service to his Majesty and you—
60line 1597So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.
line 1598We come not by the way of accusation,
line 1599To taint that honor every good tongue blesses,
line 1600Nor to betray you any way to sorrow—
line 1601You have too much, good lady—but to know
65line 1602How you stand minded in the weighty difference
line 1603Between the King and you, and to deliver,
line 1604Like free and honest men, our just opinions
line 1605And comforts to your cause.
line 1606CAMPEIUSMost honored madam,
70line 1607My Lord of York, out of his noble nature,
line 1608Zeal, and obedience he still bore your Grace,
line 1609Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure
line 1610Both of his truth and him—which was too far—
line 1611Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace,
75line 1612His service and his counsel.
line 1613QUEEN KATHERINEaside To betray me.—
line 1614My lords, I thank you both for your good wills.
line 1615You speak like honest men; pray God you prove so.
line 1616But how to make you suddenly an answer
80line 1617In such a point of weight, so near mine honor—
line 1618More near my life, I fear—with my weak wit,
line 1619And to such men of gravity and learning,
line 1620In truth I know not. I was set at work
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 119 line 1621Among my maids, full little, God knows, looking
85line 1622Either for such men or such business.
line 1623For her sake that I have been—for I feel
line 1624The last fit of my greatness—good your Graces,
line 1625Let me have time and counsel for my cause.
line 1626Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless.
WOLSEY
90line 1627Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears;
line 1628Your hopes and friends are infinite.
line 1629QUEEN KATHERINEIn England
line 1630But little for my profit. Can you think, lords,
line 1631That any Englishman dare give me counsel,
95line 1632Or be a known friend, ’gainst his Highness’ pleasure,
line 1633Though he be grown so desperate to be honest,
line 1634And live a subject? Nay, forsooth. My friends,
line 1635They that must weigh out my afflictions,
line 1636They that my trust must grow to, live not here.
100line 1637They are, as all my other comforts, far hence
line 1638In mine own country, lords.
line 1639CAMPEIUSI would your Grace
line 1640Would leave your griefs and take my counsel.
line 1641QUEEN KATHERINEHow, sir?
CAMPEIUS
105line 1642Put your main cause into the King’s protection.
line 1643He’s loving and most gracious. ’Twill be much
line 1644Both for your honor better and your cause,
line 1645For if the trial of the law o’ertake you,
line 1646You’ll part away disgraced.
110line 1647WOLSEYHe tells you rightly.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1648You tell me what you wish for both: my ruin.
line 1649Is this your Christian counsel? Out upon you!
line 1650Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge
line 1651That no king can corrupt.
115line 1652CAMPEIUSYour rage mistakes us.
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 121 QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1653The more shame for you! Holy men I thought you,
line 1654Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues;
line 1655But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear you.
line 1656Mend ’em, for shame, my lords. Is this your comfort?
120line 1657The cordial that you bring a wretched lady,
line 1658A woman lost among you, laughed at, scorned?
line 1659I will not wish you half my miseries;
line 1660I have more charity. But say I warned you:
line 1661Take heed, for heaven’s sake, take heed, lest at once
125line 1662The burden of my sorrows fall upon you.
WOLSEY
line 1663Madam, this is a mere distraction.
line 1664You turn the good we offer into envy.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1665You turn me into nothing! Woe upon you
line 1666And all such false professors. Would you have me—
130line 1667If you have any justice, any pity,
line 1668If you be anything but churchmen’s habits—
line 1669Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me?
line 1670Alas, has banished me his bed already,
line 1671His love, too, long ago. I am old, my lords,
135line 1672And all the fellowship I hold now with him
line 1673Is only my obedience. What can happen
line 1674To me above this wretchedness? All your studies
line 1675Make me a curse like this.
line 1676CAMPEIUSYour fears are worse.
QUEEN KATHERINE
140line 1677Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself,
line 1678Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one—
line 1679A woman, I dare say without vainglory,
line 1680Never yet branded with suspicion—
line 1681Have I with all my full affections
145line 1682Still met the King, loved him next heav’n, obeyed him,
line 1683Been, out of fondness, superstitious to him,
line 1684Almost forgot my prayers to content him,
Act 3 Scene 1 - Pg 123 line 1685And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords.
line 1686Bring me a constant woman to her husband,
150line 1687One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure,
line 1688And to that woman, when she has done most,
line 1689Yet will I add an honor: a great patience.
WOLSEY
line 1690Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1691My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty
155line 1692To give up willingly that noble title
line 1693Your master wed me to. Nothing but death
line 1694Shall e’er divorce my dignities.
line 1695WOLSEYPray hear me.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1696Would I had never trod this English earth
160line 1697Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!
line 1698You have angels’ faces, but heaven knows your hearts.
line 1699What will become of me now, wretched lady?
line 1700I am the most unhappy woman living.
line 1701To her Women. Alas, poor wenches, where are now
165line 1702your fortunes?
line 1703Shipwracked upon a kingdom where no pity,
line 1704No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me,
line 1705Almost no grave allowed me, like the lily
line 1706That once was mistress of the field and flourished,
170line 1707I’ll hang my head and perish.
line 1708WOLSEYIf your Grace
line 1709Could but be brought to know our ends are honest,
line 1710You’d feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady,
line 1711Upon what cause, wrong you? Alas, our places,
175line 1712The way of our profession, is against it.
line 1713We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow ’em.
line 1714For goodness’ sake, consider what you do,
line 1715How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly
line 1716Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 125 180line 1717The hearts of princes kiss obedience,
line 1718So much they love it. But to stubborn spirits
line 1719They swell and grow as terrible as storms.
line 1720I know you have a gentle, noble temper,
line 1721A soul as even as a calm. Pray think us
185line 1722Those we profess: peacemakers, friends, and servants.
CAMPEIUS
line 1723Madam, you’ll find it so. You wrong your virtues
line 1724With these weak women’s fears. A noble spirit,
line 1725As yours was put into you, ever casts
line 1726Such doubts, as false coin, from it. The King loves
190line 1727you;
line 1728Beware you lose it not. For us, if you please
line 1729To trust us in your business, we are ready
line 1730To use our utmost studies in your service.
QUEEN KATHERINE
line 1731Do what you will, my lords, and pray forgive me
195line 1732If I have used myself unmannerly.
line 1733You know I am a woman, lacking wit
line 1734To make a seemly answer to such persons.
line 1735Pray do my service to his Majesty.
line 1736He has my heart yet and shall have my prayers
200line 1737While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers,
line 1738Bestow your counsels on me. She now begs
line 1739That little thought, when she set footing here,
line 1740She should have bought her dignities so dear.

They exit.

Scene 2

Enter the Duke of Norfolk, Duke of Suffolk, Lord Surrey, and Lord Chamberlain.

NORFOLK
line 1741If you will now unite in your complaints
line 1742And force them with a constancy, the Cardinal
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 127 line 1743Cannot stand under them. If you omit
line 1744The offer of this time, I cannot promise
5line 1745But that you shall sustain more new disgraces
line 1746With these you bear already.
line 1747SURREYI am joyful
line 1748To meet the least occasion that may give me
line 1749Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke,
10line 1750To be revenged on him.
line 1751SUFFOLKWhich of the peers
line 1752Have uncontemned gone by him, or at least
line 1753Strangely neglected? When did he regard
line 1754The stamp of nobleness in any person
15line 1755Out of himself?
line 1756CHAMBERLAINMy lords, you speak your pleasures;
line 1757What he deserves of you and me I know;
line 1758What we can do to him—though now the time
line 1759Gives way to us—I much fear. If you cannot
20line 1760Bar his access to th’ King, never attempt
line 1761Anything on him, for he hath a witchcraft
line 1762Over the King in ’s tongue.
line 1763NORFOLKO, fear him not.
line 1764His spell in that is out. The King hath found
25line 1765Matter against him that forever mars
line 1766The honey of his language. No, he’s settled,
line 1767Not to come off, in his displeasure.
line 1768SURREYSir,
line 1769I should be glad to hear such news as this
30line 1770Once every hour.
line 1771NORFOLKBelieve it, this is true.
line 1772In the divorce his contrary proceedings
line 1773Are all unfolded, wherein he appears
line 1774As I would wish mine enemy.
35line 1775SURREYHow came
line 1776His practices to light?
line 1777SUFFOLKMost strangely.
line 1778SURREYO, how, how?
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 129 SUFFOLK
line 1779The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried
40line 1780And came to th’ eye o’ th’ King, wherein was read
line 1781How that the Cardinal did entreat his Holiness
line 1782To stay the judgment o’ th’ divorce; for if
line 1783It did take place, “I do,” quoth he, “perceive
line 1784My king is tangled in affection to
45line 1785A creature of the Queen’s, Lady Anne Bullen.”
SURREY
line 1786Has the King this?
line 1787SUFFOLKBelieve it.
line 1788SURREYWill this work?
CHAMBERLAIN
line 1789The King in this perceives him how he coasts
50line 1790And hedges his own way. But in this point
line 1791All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic
line 1792After his patient’s death: the King already
line 1793Hath married the fair lady.
line 1794SURREYWould he had!
SUFFOLK
55line 1795May you be happy in your wish, my lord,
line 1796For I profess you have it.
line 1797SURREYNow, all my joy
line 1798Trace the conjunction!
line 1799SUFFOLKMy amen to ’t.
60line 1800NORFOLKAll men’s.
SUFFOLK
line 1801There’s order given for her coronation.
line 1802Marry, this is yet but young and may be left
line 1803To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords,
line 1804She is a gallant creature and complete
65line 1805In mind and feature. I persuade me, from her
line 1806Will fall some blessing to this land which shall
line 1807In it be memorized.
line 1808SURREYBut will the King
line 1809Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s?
70line 1810The Lord forbid!
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 131 line 1811NORFOLKMarry, amen!
line 1812SUFFOLKNo, no.
line 1813There be more wasps that buzz about his nose
line 1814Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius
75line 1815Is stol’n away to Rome, hath ta’en no leave,
line 1816Has left the cause o’ th’ King unhandled, and
line 1817Is posted as the agent of our cardinal
line 1818To second all his plot. I do assure you
line 1819The King cried “Ha!” at this.
80line 1820CHAMBERLAINNow God incense him,
line 1821And let him cry “Ha!” louder.
line 1822NORFOLKBut, my lord,
line 1823When returns Cranmer?
SUFFOLK
line 1824He is returned in his opinions, which
85line 1825Have satisfied the King for his divorce,
line 1826Together with all famous colleges
line 1827Almost in Christendom. Shortly, I believe,
line 1828His second marriage shall be published, and
line 1829Her coronation. Katherine no more
90line 1830Shall be called queen, but princess dowager
line 1831And widow to Prince Arthur.
line 1832NORFOLKThis same Cranmer’s
line 1833A worthy fellow, and hath ta’en much pain
line 1834In the King’s business.
95line 1835SUFFOLKHe has, and we shall see him
line 1836For it an archbishop.
line 1837NORFOLKSo I hear.
line 1838SUFFOLK’Tis so.

Enter Wolsey and Cromwell, meeting.

line 1839The Cardinal!
NORFOLK
100line 1840Observe, observe; he’s moody.They stand aside.
line 1841WOLSEYThe packet, Cromwell;
line 1842Gave ’t you the King?
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 133 line 1843CROMWELLTo his own hand, in ’s bedchamber.
WOLSEY
line 1844Looked he o’ th’ inside of the paper?
105line 1845CROMWELLPresently
line 1846He did unseal them, and the first he viewed,
line 1847He did it with a serious mind; a heed
line 1848Was in his countenance. You he bade
line 1849Attend him here this morning.
110line 1850WOLSEYIs he ready
line 1851To come abroad?
line 1852CROMWELLI think by this he is.
line 1853WOLSEYLeave me awhile.Cromwell exits.
line 1854Aside. It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon,
115line 1855The French king’s sister; he shall marry her.
line 1856Anne Bullen? No, I’ll no Anne Bullens for him.
line 1857There’s more in ’t than fair visage. Bullen?
line 1858No, we’ll no Bullens. Speedily I wish
line 1859To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
NORFOLK
120line 1860He’s discontented.
line 1861SUFFOLKMaybe he hears the King
line 1862Does whet his anger to him.
line 1863SURREYSharp enough,
line 1864Lord, for thy justice!
WOLSEYaside
125line 1865The late queen’s gentlewoman, a knight’s daughter,
line 1866To be her mistress’ mistress? The Queen’s queen?
line 1867This candle burns not clear. ’Tis I must snuff it;
line 1868Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous
line 1869And well-deserving? Yet I know her for
130line 1870A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to
line 1871Our cause that she should lie i’ th’ bosom of
line 1872Our hard-ruled king. Again, there is sprung up
line 1873An heretic, an arch-one, Cranmer, one
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 135 line 1874Hath crawled into the favor of the King
135line 1875And is his oracle.
line 1876NORFOLKHe is vexed at something.
SURREY
line 1877I would ’twere something that would fret the string,
line 1878The master-cord on ’s heart.
line 1879SUFFOLKThe King, the King!

Enter King, reading of a schedule, with Lovell and Attendants.

KING
140line 1880What piles of wealth hath he accumulated
line 1881To his own portion! And what expense by th’ hour
line 1882Seems to flow from him! How i’ th’ name of thrift
line 1883Does he rake this together? Seeing the nobles. Now,
line 1884my lords,
145line 1885Saw you the Cardinal?
line 1886NORFOLKindicating Wolsey My lord, we have
line 1887Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion
line 1888Is in his brain. He bites his lip, and starts,
line 1889Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground,
150line 1890Then lays his finger on his temple, straight
line 1891Springs out into fast gait, then stops again,
line 1892Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts
line 1893His eye against the moon. In most strange postures
line 1894We have seen him set himself.
155line 1895KINGIt may well be
line 1896There is a mutiny in ’s mind. This morning
line 1897Papers of state he sent me to peruse,
line 1898As I required, and wot you what I found?
line 1899There—on my conscience, put unwittingly—
160line 1900Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing
line 1901The several parcels of his plate, his treasure,
line 1902Rich stuffs and ornaments of household, which
line 1903I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks
line 1904Possession of a subject.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 137 165line 1905NORFOLKIt’s heaven’s will!
line 1906Some spirit put this paper in the packet
line 1907To bless your eye withal.
line 1908KINGstudying Wolsey If we did think
line 1909His contemplation were above the Earth
170line 1910And fixed on spiritual object, he should still
line 1911Dwell in his musings, but I am afraid
line 1912His thinkings are below the moon, not worth
line 1913His serious considering.

King takes his seat, whispers Lovell, who goes to the Cardinal.

line 1914WOLSEYHeaven forgive me!
175line 1915Ever God bless your Highness.
line 1916KINGGood my lord,
line 1917You are full of heavenly stuff and bear the inventory
line 1918Of your best graces in your mind, the which
line 1919You were now running o’er. You have scarce time
180line 1920To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span
line 1921To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that
line 1922I deem you an ill husband, and am glad
line 1923To have you therein my companion.
line 1924WOLSEYSir,
185line 1925For holy offices I have a time; a time
line 1926To think upon the part of business which
line 1927I bear i’ th’ state; and Nature does require
line 1928Her times of preservation, which perforce
line 1929I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal,
190line 1930Must give my tendance to.
line 1931KINGYou have said well.
WOLSEY
line 1932And ever may your Highness yoke together,
line 1933As I will lend you cause, my doing well
line 1934With my well saying.
195line 1935KING’Tis well said again,
line 1936And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well.
line 1937And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you;
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 139 line 1938He said he did, and with his deed did crown
line 1939His word upon you. Since I had my office
200line 1940I have kept you next my heart, have not alone
line 1941Employed you where high profits might come home,
line 1942But pared my present havings to bestow
line 1943My bounties upon you.
line 1944WOLSEYaside What should this mean?
SURREYaside
205line 1945The Lord increase this business!
line 1946KINGHave I not made you
line 1947The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me
line 1948If what I now pronounce you have found true;
line 1949And, if you may confess it, say withal
210line 1950If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
WOLSEY
line 1951My sovereign, I confess your royal graces,
line 1952Showered on me daily, have been more than could
line 1953My studied purposes requite, which went
line 1954Beyond all man’s endeavors. My endeavors
215line 1955Have ever come too short of my desires,
line 1956Yet filed with my abilities. Mine own ends
line 1957Have been mine so, that evermore they pointed
line 1958To th’ good of your most sacred person and
line 1959The profit of the state. For your great graces
220line 1960Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I
line 1961Can nothing render but allegiant thanks,
line 1962My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty,
line 1963Which ever has and ever shall be growing
line 1964Till death—that winter—kill it.
225line 1965KINGFairly answered.
line 1966A loyal and obedient subject is
line 1967Therein illustrated. The honor of it
line 1968Does pay the act of it, as, i’ th’ contrary,
line 1969The foulness is the punishment. I presume
230line 1970That, as my hand has opened bounty to you,
line 1971My heart dropped love, my power rained honor, more
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 141 line 1972On you than any, so your hand and heart,
line 1973Your brain, and every function of your power
line 1974Should—notwithstanding that your bond of duty
235line 1975As ’twere in love’s particular—be more
line 1976To me, your friend, than any.
line 1977WOLSEYI do profess
line 1978That for your Highness’ good I ever labored
line 1979More than mine own, that am, have, and will be—
240line 1980Though all the world should crack their duty to you
line 1981And throw it from their soul, though perils did
line 1982Abound as thick as thought could make ’em, and
line 1983Appear in forms more horrid—yet my duty,
line 1984As doth a rock against the chiding flood,
245line 1985Should the approach of this wild river break,
line 1986And stand unshaken yours.
line 1987KING’Tis nobly spoken.—
line 1988Take notice, lords: he has a loyal breast,
line 1989For you have seen him open ’t.

He hands Wolsey papers.

250line 1990Read o’er this,
line 1991And after, this; and then to breakfast with
line 1992What appetite you have.

King exits, frowning upon the Cardinal; the nobles throng after him smiling and whispering, and exit.

line 1993WOLSEYWhat should this mean?
line 1994What sudden anger’s this? How have I reaped it?
255line 1995He parted frowning from me, as if ruin
line 1996Leaped from his eyes. So looks the chafèd lion
line 1997Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him,
line 1998Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper—
line 1999I fear, the story of his anger.

He reads one of the papers.

260line 2000’Tis so.
line 2001This paper has undone me. ’Tis th’ accompt
line 2002Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 143 line 2003For mine own ends—indeed, to gain the popedom
line 2004And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence,
265line 2005Fit for a fool to fall by! What cross devil
line 2006Made me put this main secret in the packet
line 2007I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this?
line 2008No new device to beat this from his brains?
line 2009I know ’twill stir him strongly; yet I know
270line 2010A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune
line 2011Will bring me off again.He looks at another paper.
line 2012What’s this? “To th’ Pope”?
line 2013The letter, as I live, with all the business
line 2014I writ to ’s Holiness. Nay then, farewell!
275line 2015I have touched the highest point of all my greatness,
line 2016And from that full meridian of my glory
line 2017I haste now to my setting. I shall fall
line 2018Like a bright exhalation in the evening
line 2019And no man see me more.

Enter to Wolsey the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain.

NORFOLK
280line 2020Hear the King’s pleasure, cardinal, who commands
line 2021you
line 2022To render up the great seal presently
line 2023Into our hands, and to confine yourself
line 2024To Asher House, my Lord of Winchester’s,
285line 2025Till you hear further from his Highness.
line 2026WOLSEYStay.
line 2027Where’s your commission, lords? Words cannot carry
line 2028Authority so weighty.
line 2029SUFFOLKWho dare cross ’em,
290line 2030Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly?
WOLSEY
line 2031Till I find more than will or words to do it—
line 2032I mean your malice—know, officious lords,
line 2033I dare and must deny it. Now I feel
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 145 line 2034Of what coarse metal you are molded, envy;
295line 2035How eagerly you follow my disgraces,
line 2036As if it fed you, and how sleek and wanton
line 2037You appear in everything may bring my ruin.
line 2038Follow your envious courses, men of malice;
line 2039You have Christian warrant for ’em, and no doubt
300line 2040In time will find their fit rewards. That seal
line 2041You ask with such a violence, the King,
line 2042Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me;
line 2043Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honors,
line 2044During my life; and to confirm his goodness,
305line 2045Tied it by letters patents. Now, who’ll take it?
SURREY
line 2046The King that gave it.
line 2047WOLSEYIt must be himself, then.
SURREY
line 2048Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
line 2049WOLSEYProud lord, thou liest.
310line 2050Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
line 2051Have burnt that tongue than said so.
line 2052SURREYThy ambition,
line 2053Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land
line 2054Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law.
315line 2055The heads of all thy brother cardinals,
line 2056With thee and all thy best parts bound together,
line 2057Weighed not a hair of his. Plague of your policy!
line 2058You sent me Deputy for Ireland,
line 2059Far from his succor, from the King, from all
320line 2060That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him,
line 2061Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity,
line 2062Absolved him with an ax.
line 2063WOLSEYThis, and all else
line 2064This talking lord can lay upon my credit,
325line 2065I answer, is most false. The Duke by law
line 2066Found his deserts. How innocent I was
line 2067From any private malice in his end,
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 147 line 2068His noble jury and foul cause can witness.—
line 2069If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you
330line 2070You have as little honesty as honor,
line 2071That in the way of loyalty and truth
line 2072Toward the King, my ever royal master,
line 2073Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be,
line 2074And all that love his follies.
335line 2075SURREYBy my soul,
line 2076Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel
line 2077My sword i’ th’ life blood of thee else.—My lords,
line 2078Can you endure to hear this arrogance?
line 2079And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely,
340line 2080To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet,
line 2081Farewell, nobility. Let his Grace go forward
line 2082And dare us with his cap, like larks.
line 2083WOLSEYAll goodness
line 2084Is poison to thy stomach.
345line 2085SURREYYes, that goodness
line 2086Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one,
line 2087Into your own hands, card’nal, by extortion;
line 2088The goodness of your intercepted packets
line 2089You writ to th’ Pope against the King. Your goodness,
350line 2090Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious.—
line 2091My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble,
line 2092As you respect the common good, the state
line 2093Of our despised nobility, our issues,
line 2094Whom, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen,
355line 2095Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles
line 2096Collected from his life.—I’ll startle you
line 2097Worse than the sacring bell when the brown wench
line 2098Lay kissing in your arms, Lord Cardinal.
WOLSEY
line 2099How much, methinks, I could despise this man,
360line 2100But that I am bound in charity against it!
NORFOLK
line 2101Those articles, my lord, are in the King’s hand;
line 2102But thus much, they are foul ones.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 149 line 2103WOLSEYSo much fairer
line 2104And spotless shall mine innocence arise
365line 2105When the King knows my truth.
line 2106SURREYThis cannot save you.
line 2107I thank my memory I yet remember
line 2108Some of these articles, and out they shall.
line 2109Now, if you can blush and cry “Guilty,” cardinal,
370line 2110You’ll show a little honesty.
line 2111WOLSEYSpeak on, sir.
line 2112I dare your worst objections. If I blush,
line 2113It is to see a nobleman want manners.
SURREY
line 2114I had rather want those than my head. Have at you:
375line 2115First, that without the King’s assent or knowledge,
line 2116You wrought to be a legate, by which power
line 2117You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops.
NORFOLK
line 2118Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else
line 2119To foreign princes, “ego et rex meus”
380line 2120Was still inscribed, in which you brought the King
line 2121To be your servant.
line 2122SUFFOLKThen, that without the knowledge
line 2123Either of king or council, when you went
line 2124Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold
385line 2125To carry into Flanders the great seal.
SURREY
line 2126Item, you sent a large commission
line 2127To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude,
line 2128Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance,
line 2129A league between his Highness and Ferrara.
SUFFOLK
390line 2130That out of mere ambition you have caused
line 2131Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin.
SURREY
line 2132Then, that you have sent innumerable substance—
line 2133By what means got I leave to your own conscience—
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 151 line 2134To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways
395line 2135You have for dignities, to the mere undoing
line 2136Of all the kingdom. Many more there are
line 2137Which, since they are of you, and odious,
line 2138I will not taint my mouth with.
line 2139CHAMBERLAINO, my lord,
400line 2140Press not a falling man too far! ’Tis virtue.
line 2141His faults lie open to the laws; let them,
line 2142Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him
line 2143So little of his great self.
line 2144SURREYI forgive him.
SUFFOLK
405line 2145Lord Cardinal, the King’s further pleasure is—
line 2146Because all those things you have done of late
line 2147By your power legative within this kingdom
line 2148Fall into th’ compass of a praemunire—
line 2149That therefore such a writ be sued against you,
410line 2150To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements,
line 2151Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be
line 2152Out of the King’s protection. This is my charge.
NORFOLK
line 2153And so we’ll leave you to your meditations
line 2154How to live better. For your stubborn answer
415line 2155About the giving back the great seal to us,
line 2156The King shall know it and, no doubt, shall thank
line 2157you.
line 2158So, fare you well, my little good Lord Cardinal.
WOLSEY
line 2159So, farewell to the little good you bear me.

All but Wolsey exit.

420line 2160Farewell? A long farewell to all my greatness!
line 2161This is the state of man: today he puts forth
line 2162The tender leaves of hopes; tomorrow blossoms
line 2163And bears his blushing honors thick upon him;
line 2164The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
425line 2165And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 153 line 2166His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,
line 2167And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,
line 2168Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
line 2169This many summers in a sea of glory,
430line 2170But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride
line 2171At length broke under me and now has left me,
line 2172Weary and old with service, to the mercy
line 2173Of a rude stream that must forever hide me.
line 2174Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate you.
435line 2175I feel my heart new opened. O, how wretched
line 2176Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favors!
line 2177There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to,
line 2178That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
line 2179More pangs and fears than wars or women have;
440line 2180And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
line 2181Never to hope again.

Enter Cromwell, standing amazed.

line 2182Why, how now, Cromwell?
CROMWELL
line 2183I have no power to speak, sir.
line 2184WOLSEYWhat, amazed
445line 2185At my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder
line 2186A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep,
line 2187I am fall’n indeed.
line 2188CROMWELLHow does your Grace?
line 2189WOLSEYWhy, well.
450line 2190Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell.
line 2191I know myself now, and I feel within me
line 2192A peace above all earthly dignities,
line 2193A still and quiet conscience. The King has cured me—
line 2194I humbly thank his Grace—and from these shoulders,
455line 2195These ruined pillars, out of pity, taken
line 2196A load would sink a navy: too much honor.
line 2197O, ’tis a burden, Cromwell, ’tis a burden
line 2198Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 155 CROMWELL
line 2199I am glad your Grace has made that right use of it.
WOLSEY
460line 2200I hope I have. I am able now, methinks,
line 2201Out of a fortitude of soul I feel,
line 2202To endure more miseries and greater far
line 2203Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer.
line 2204What news abroad?
465line 2205CROMWELLThe heaviest and the worst
line 2206Is your displeasure with the King.
line 2207WOLSEYGod bless him.
CROMWELL
line 2208The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen
line 2209Lord Chancellor in your place.
470line 2210WOLSEYThat’s somewhat sudden.
line 2211But he’s a learnèd man. May he continue
line 2212Long in his Highness’ favor and do justice
line 2213For truth’s sake and his conscience, that his bones,
line 2214When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings,
475line 2215May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him.
line 2216What more?
line 2217CROMWELLThat Cranmer is returned with welcome,
line 2218Installed Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
WOLSEY
line 2219That’s news indeed.
480line 2220CROMWELLLast, that the Lady Anne,
line 2221Whom the King hath in secrecy long married,
line 2222This day was viewed in open as his queen,
line 2223Going to chapel, and the voice is now
line 2224Only about her coronation.
WOLSEY
485line 2225There was the weight that pulled me down.
line 2226O Cromwell,
line 2227The King has gone beyond me. All my glories
line 2228In that one woman I have lost forever.
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 157 line 2229No sun shall ever usher forth mine honors,
490line 2230Or gild again the noble troops that waited
line 2231Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell.
line 2232I am a poor fall’n man, unworthy now
line 2233To be thy lord and master. Seek the King;
line 2234That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him
495line 2235What and how true thou art. He will advance thee;
line 2236Some little memory of me will stir him—
line 2237I know his noble nature—not to let
line 2238Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell,
line 2239Neglect him not. Make use now, and provide
500line 2240For thine own future safety.
line 2241CROMWELLweeping O, my lord,
line 2242Must I then leave you? Must I needs forgo
line 2243So good, so noble, and so true a master?
line 2244Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron,
505line 2245With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord.
line 2246The King shall have my service, but my prayers
line 2247Forever and forever shall be yours.
WOLSEYweeping
line 2248Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear
line 2249In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me,
510line 2250Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman.
line 2251Let’s dry our eyes. And thus far hear me, Cromwell,
line 2252And when I am forgotten, as I shall be,
line 2253And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention
line 2254Of me more must be heard of, say I taught thee;
515line 2255Say Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory
line 2256And sounded all the depths and shoals of honor,
line 2257Found thee a way, out of his wrack, to rise in,
line 2258A sure and safe one, though thy master missed it.
line 2259Mark but my fall and that that ruined me.
520line 2260Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition!
line 2261By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then,
line 2262The image of his maker, hope to win by it?
Act 3 Scene 2 - Pg 159 line 2263Love thyself last; cherish those hearts that hate thee.
line 2264Corruption wins not more than honesty.
525line 2265Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace
line 2266To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not.
line 2267Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s,
line 2268Thy God’s, and truth’s. Then if thou fall’st, O Cromwell,
line 2269Thou fall’st a blessèd martyr.
530line 2270Serve the King. And, prithee, lead me in.
line 2271There take an inventory of all I have
line 2272To the last penny; ’tis the King’s. My robe
line 2273And my integrity to heaven is all
line 2274I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell,
535line 2275Had I but served my God with half the zeal
line 2276I served my king, He would not in mine age
line 2277Have left me naked to mine enemies.
CROMWELL
line 2278Good sir, have patience.
line 2279WOLSEYSo I have. Farewell,
540line 2280The hopes of court! My hopes in heaven do dwell.

They exit.

ACT 4

Scene 1

Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another, the First Gentleman carrying a paper.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2281You’re well met once again.
line 2282SECOND GENTLEMANSo are you.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2283You come to take your stand here and behold
line 2284The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?
SECOND GENTLEMAN
5line 2285’Tis all my business. At our last encounter,
line 2286The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2287’Tis very true. But that time offered sorrow,
line 2288This general joy.
line 2289SECOND GENTLEMAN’Tis well. The citizens
10line 2290I am sure have shown at full their royal minds,
line 2291As, let ’em have their rights, they are ever forward
line 2292In celebration of this day with shows,
line 2293Pageants, and sights of honor.
line 2294FIRST GENTLEMANNever greater,
15line 2295Nor, I’ll assure you, better taken, sir.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 2296May I be bold to ask what that contains,
line 2297That paper in your hand?
line 2298FIRST GENTLEMANYes, ’tis the list
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 165 line 2299Of those that claim their offices this day
20line 2300By custom of the coronation.
line 2301The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims
line 2302To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,
line 2303He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest.

He offers him the paper.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 2304I thank you, sir. Had I not known those customs,
25line 2305I should have been beholding to your paper.
line 2306But I beseech you, what’s become of Katherine,
line 2307The Princess Dowager? How goes her business?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2308That I can tell you too. The Archbishop
line 2309Of Canterbury, accompanied with other
30line 2310Learnèd and reverend fathers of his order,
line 2311Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off
line 2312From Ampthill, where the Princess lay, to which
line 2313She was often cited by them, but appeared not;
line 2314And, to be short, for not appearance and
35line 2315The King’s late scruple, by the main assent
line 2316Of all these learnèd men she was divorced,
line 2317And the late marriage made of none effect;
line 2318Since which she was removed to Kymmalton,
line 2319Where she remains now sick.
40line 2320SECOND GENTLEMANAlas, good lady!

Hautboys. A lively flourish of trumpets.

line 2321The trumpets sound. Stand close. The Queen is coming.

Then, enter two Judges; Lord Chancellor, with purse and mace before him. Choristers singing. Music. Enter Mayor of London, bearing the mace. Then Garter, in his coat of arms, and on his head he wore a gilt copper crown.

line 2322A royal train, believe me! These I know.
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 167

Enter Marques Dorset, bearing a scepter of gold; on his head a demi-coronal of gold. With him, the Earl of Surrey, bearing the rod of silver with the dove, crowned with an earl’s coronet. Collars of S’s.

line 2323Who’s that that bears the scepter?
line 2324FIRST GENTLEMANMarques Dorset,
45line 2325And that the Earl of Surrey with the rod.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 2326A bold brave gentleman.

Enter Duke of Suffolk, in his robe of estate, his coronet on his head, bearing a long white wand, as High Steward. With him, the Duke of Norfolk, with the rod of Marshalship, a coronet on his head. Collars of S’s.

line 2327That should be
line 2328The Duke of Suffolk.
line 2329FIRST GENTLEMAN’Tis the same: High Steward.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
50line 2330And that my Lord of Norfolk?
line 2331FIRST GENTLEMANYes.

Enter a canopy, borne by four of the Cinque-ports, under it the Queen in her robe, in her hair, richly adorned with pearl, crowned. On each side her, the Bishops of London and Winchester.

line 2332SECOND GENTLEMANHeaven bless thee!
line 2333Thou hast the sweetest face I ever looked on.—
line 2334Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel.
55line 2335Our king has all the Indies in his arms,
line 2336And more, and richer, when he strains that lady.
line 2337I cannot blame his conscience.
line 2338FIRST GENTLEMANThey that bear
line 2339The cloth of honor over her are four barons
60line 2340Of the Cinque-ports.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 2341Those men are happy, and so are all are near her.
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 169

Enter the Old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of gold wrought with flowers, bearing the Queen’s train. Certain Ladies or Countesses, with plain circlets of gold without flowers.

line 2342I take it she that carries up the train
line 2343Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2344It is, and all the rest are countesses.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
65line 2345Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2346And sometimes falling ones.
line 2347SECOND GENTLEMANNo more of that.

The Coronation procession exits, having passed over the stage in order and state, and then a great flourish of trumpets.

Enter a third Gentleman.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
line 2348God save you, sir. Where have you been broiling?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
line 2349Among the crowd i’ th’ Abbey, where a finger
70line 2350Could not be wedged in more. I am stifled
line 2351With the mere rankness of their joy.
line 2352SECOND GENTLEMANYou saw
line 2353The ceremony?
line 2354THIRD GENTLEMANThat I did.
75line 2355FIRST GENTLEMANHow was it?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
line 2356Well worth the seeing.
line 2357SECOND GENTLEMANGood sir, speak it to us!
THIRD GENTLEMAN
line 2358As well as I am able. The rich stream
line 2359Of lords and ladies, having brought the Queen
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 171 80line 2360To a prepared place in the choir, fell off
line 2361A distance from her, while her Grace sat down
line 2362To rest awhile, some half an hour or so,
line 2363In a rich chair of state, opposing freely
line 2364The beauty of her person to the people.
85line 2365Believe me, sir, she is the goodliest woman
line 2366That ever lay by man, which when the people
line 2367Had the full view of, such a noise arose
line 2368As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest—
line 2369As loud and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks,
90line 2370Doublets, I think, flew up, and had their faces
line 2371Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy
line 2372I never saw before. Great-bellied women
line 2373That had not half a week to go, like rams
line 2374In the old time of war, would shake the press
95line 2375And make ’em reel before ’em. No man living
line 2376Could say “This is my wife there,” all were woven
line 2377So strangely in one piece.
line 2378SECOND GENTLEMANBut what followed?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
line 2379At length her Grace rose, and with modest paces
100line 2380Came to the altar, where she kneeled and saintlike
line 2381Cast her fair eyes to heaven and prayed devoutly,
line 2382Then rose again and bowed her to the people.
line 2383When by the Archbishop of Canterbury
line 2384She had all the royal makings of a queen—
105line 2385As, holy oil, Edward Confessor’s crown,
line 2386The rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems—
line 2387Laid nobly on her; which performed, the choir,
line 2388With all the choicest music of the kingdom,
line 2389Together sung Te Deum. So she parted,
110line 2390And with the same full state paced back again
line 2391To York Place, where the feast is held.
line 2392FIRST GENTLEMANSir,
line 2393You must no more call it “York Place”; that’s past,
Act 4 Scene 1 - Pg 173 line 2394For since the Cardinal fell, that title’s lost.
115line 2395’Tis now the King’s and called “Whitehall.”
line 2396THIRD GENTLEMANI know it,
line 2397But ’tis so lately altered that the old name
line 2398Is fresh about me.
line 2399SECOND GENTLEMANWhat two reverend bishops
120line 2400Were those that went on each side of the Queen?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
line 2401Stokeley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester,
line 2402Newly preferred from the King’s secretary,
line 2403The other London.
line 2404SECOND GENTLEMANHe of Winchester
125line 2405Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s,
line 2406The virtuous Cranmer.
line 2407THIRD GENTLEMANAll the land knows that.
line 2408However, yet there is no great breach. When it comes,
line 2409Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
130line 2410Who may that be, I pray you?
line 2411THIRD GENTLEMANThomas Cromwell,
line 2412A man in much esteem with th’ King, and truly
line 2413A worthy friend. The King has made him
line 2414Master o’ th’ Jewel House,
135line 2415And one already of the Privy Council.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
line 2416He will deserve more.
line 2417THIRD GENTLEMANYes, without all doubt.
line 2418Come, gentlemen, you shall go my way,
line 2419Which is to th’ court, and there you shall be my
140line 2420guests,
line 2421Something I can command. As I walk thither,
line 2422I’ll tell you more.
line 2423BOTHYou may command us, sir.

They exit.

Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 175

Scene 2

Enter Katherine Dowager, sick, led between Griffith, her gentleman usher, and Patience, her woman.

GRIFFITH
line 2424How does your Grace?
line 2425KATHERINEO Griffith, sick to death.
line 2426My legs like loaden branches bow to th’ earth,
line 2427Willing to leave their burden. Reach a chair.

She sits.

5line 2428So. Now, methinks, I feel a little ease.
line 2429Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou ledst me,
line 2430That the great child of honor, Cardinal Wolsey,
line 2431Was dead?
line 2432GRIFFITHYes, madam, but I think your Grace,
10line 2433Out of the pain you suffered, gave no ear to ’t.
KATHERINE
line 2434Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died.
line 2435If well, he stepped before me happily
line 2436For my example.
line 2437GRIFFITHWell, the voice goes, madam;
15line 2438For after the stout Earl Northumberland
line 2439Arrested him at York and brought him forward,
line 2440As a man sorely tainted, to his answer,
line 2441He fell sick suddenly and grew so ill
line 2442He could not sit his mule.
20line 2443KATHERINEAlas, poor man!
GRIFFITH
line 2444At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester,
line 2445Lodged in the abbey, where the reverend abbot
line 2446With all his convent honorably received him;
line 2447To whom he gave these words: “O Father Abbot,
25line 2448An old man, broken with the storms of state,
line 2449Is come to lay his weary bones among you.
line 2450Give him a little earth, for charity.”
line 2451So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 177 line 2452Pursued him still; and three nights after this,
30line 2453About the hour of eight, which he himself
line 2454Foretold should be his last, full of repentance,
line 2455Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows,
line 2456He gave his honors to the world again,
line 2457His blessèd part to heaven, and slept in peace.
KATHERINE
35line 2458So may he rest. His faults lie gently on him!
line 2459Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him,
line 2460And yet with charity. He was a man
line 2461Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking
line 2462Himself with princes; one that by suggestion
40line 2463Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair play.
line 2464His own opinion was his law. I’ th’ presence
line 2465He would say untruths, and be ever double
line 2466Both in his words and meaning. He was never,
line 2467But where he meant to ruin, pitiful.
45line 2468His promises were, as he then was, mighty,
line 2469But his performance, as he is now, nothing.
line 2470Of his own body he was ill, and gave
line 2471The clergy ill example.
line 2472GRIFFITHNoble madam,
50line 2473Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues
line 2474We write in water. May it please your Highness
line 2475To hear me speak his good now?
line 2476KATHERINEYes, good Griffith;
line 2477I were malicious else.
55line 2478GRIFFITHThis cardinal,
line 2479Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly
line 2480Was fashioned to much honor. From his cradle
line 2481He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one:
line 2482Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading;
60line 2483Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,
line 2484But, to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.
line 2485And though he were unsatisfied in getting,
line 2486Which was a sin, yet in bestowing, madam,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 179 line 2487He was most princely. Ever witness for him
65line 2488Those twins of learning that he raised in you,
line 2489Ipswich and Oxford, one of which fell with him,
line 2490Unwilling to outlive the good that did it;
line 2491The other, though unfinished, yet so famous,
line 2492So excellent in art, and still so rising,
70line 2493That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue.
line 2494His overthrow heaped happiness upon him,
line 2495For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
line 2496And found the blessedness of being little.
line 2497And, to add greater honors to his age
75line 2498Than man could give him, he died fearing God.
KATHERINE
line 2499After my death I wish no other herald,
line 2500No other speaker of my living actions,
line 2501To keep mine honor from corruption
line 2502But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.
80line 2503Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me,
line 2504With thy religious truth and modesty,
line 2505Now in his ashes honor. Peace be with him!—
line 2506Patience, be near me still, and set me lower.
line 2507I have not long to trouble thee.—Good Griffith,
85line 2508Cause the musicians play me that sad note
line 2509I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating
line 2510On that celestial harmony I go to.

Sad and solemn music.

GRIFFITH
line 2511She is asleep. Good wench, let’s sit down quiet,
line 2512For fear we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience.

They sit.

The Vision.
Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six Personages clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their faces, branches of bays or palm in their hands. They (cont’d)

Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 181

(cont’d) first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head, at which the other four make reverent curtsies. Then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes and holding the garland over her head; which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two, who likewise observe the same order. At which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing and holdeth up her hands to heaven; and so, in their dancing, vanish, carrying the garland with them.

The music continues.

KATHERINEwaking
90line 2513Spirits of peace, where are you? Are you all gone,
line 2514And leave me here in wretchedness behind you?
GRIFFITH
line 2515Madam, we are here.
line 2516KATHERINEIt is not you I call for.
line 2517Saw you none enter since I slept?
95line 2518GRIFFITHNone, madam.
KATHERINE
line 2519No? Saw you not, even now, a blessed troop
line 2520Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces
line 2521Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun?
line 2522They promised me eternal happiness
100line 2523And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel
line 2524I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, assuredly.
GRIFFITH
line 2525I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams
line 2526Possess your fancy.
line 2527KATHERINEBid the music leave.
105line 2528They are harsh and heavy to me.Music ceases.
line 2529PATIENCEaside to Griffith Do you note
line 2530How much her Grace is altered on the sudden?
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 183 line 2531How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks,
line 2532And of an earthy cold? Mark her eyes.
GRIFFITHaside to Patience
110line 2533She is going, wench. Pray, pray.
line 2534PATIENCEHeaven comfort her!

Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGERto Katherine
line 2535An ’t like your Grace—
line 2536KATHERINEYou are a saucy fellow.
line 2537Deserve we no more reverence?
115line 2538GRIFFITHto Messenger You are to blame,
line 2539Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness,
line 2540To use so rude behavior. Go to. Kneel.
MESSENGERkneeling
line 2541I humbly do entreat your Highness’ pardon.
line 2542My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying
120line 2543A gentleman sent from the King to see you.
KATHERINE
line 2544Admit him entrance, Griffith.Messenger rises.
line 2545But this fellow
line 2546Let me ne’er see again.Messenger exits.

Enter Lord Capuchius.

line 2547If my sight fail not,
125line 2548You should be Lord Ambassador from the Emperor,
line 2549My royal nephew, and your name Capuchius.
CAPUCHIUS
line 2550Madam, the same. Your servant.
line 2551KATHERINEO my lord,
line 2552The times and titles now are altered strangely
130line 2553With me since first you knew me. But I pray you,
line 2554What is your pleasure with me?
line 2555CAPUCHIUSNoble lady,
line 2556First, mine own service to your Grace; the next,
line 2557The King’s request that I would visit you,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 185 135line 2558Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me
line 2559Sends you his princely commendations,
line 2560And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
KATHERINE
line 2561O, my good lord, that comfort comes too late;
line 2562’Tis like a pardon after execution.
140line 2563That gentle physic given in time had cured me.
line 2564But now I am past all comforts here but prayers.
line 2565How does his Highness?
line 2566CAPUCHIUSMadam, in good health.
KATHERINE
line 2567So may he ever do, and ever flourish,
145line 2568When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name
line 2569Banished the kingdom.—Patience, is that letter
line 2570I caused you write yet sent away?
line 2571PATIENCENo, madam.

She presents a paper to Katherine, who gives it to Capuchius.

KATHERINE
line 2572Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver
150line 2573This to my lord the King—
line 2574CAPUCHIUSMost willing, madam.
KATHERINE
line 2575In which I have commended to his goodness
line 2576The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter—
line 2577The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her!—
155line 2578Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding—
line 2579She is young and of a noble, modest nature;
line 2580I hope she will deserve well—and a little
line 2581To love her for her mother’s sake that loved him,
line 2582Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition
160line 2583Is that his noble Grace would have some pity
line 2584Upon my wretched women, that so long
line 2585Have followed both my fortunes faithfully,
line 2586Of which there is not one, I dare avow—
line 2587And now I should not lie—but will deserve,
Act 4 Scene 2 - Pg 187 165line 2588For virtue and true beauty of the soul,
line 2589For honesty and decent carriage,
line 2590A right good husband. Let him be a noble;
line 2591And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em.
line 2592The last is for my men—they are the poorest,
170line 2593But poverty could never draw ’em from me—
line 2594That they may have their wages duly paid ’em,
line 2595And something over to remember me by.
line 2596If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life
line 2597And able means, we had not parted thus.
175line 2598These are the whole contents. And, good my lord,
line 2599By that you love the dearest in this world,
line 2600As you wish Christian peace to souls departed,
line 2601Stand these poor people’s friend, and urge the King
line 2602To do me this last right.
180line 2603CAPUCHIUSBy heaven, I will,
line 2604Or let me lose the fashion of a man!
KATHERINE
line 2605I thank you, honest lord. Remember me
line 2606In all humility unto his Highness.
line 2607Say his long trouble now is passing
185line 2608Out of this world. Tell him in death I blessed him,
line 2609For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell,
line 2610My lord.—Griffith, farewell.—Nay, Patience,
line 2611You must not leave me yet. I must to bed;
line 2612Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench,
190line 2613Let me be used with honor. Strew me over
line 2614With maiden flowers, that all the world may know
line 2615I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me,
line 2616Then lay me forth. Although unqueened, yet like
line 2617A queen and daughter to a king inter me.
195line 2618I can no more.

They exit, leading Katherine.

ACT 5

Scene 1

Enter Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, a Page with a torch before him, met by Sir Thomas Lovell.

GARDINER
line 2619It’s one o’clock, boy, is ’t not?
line 2620PAGEIt hath struck.
GARDINER
line 2621These should be hours for necessities,
line 2622Not for delights; times to repair our nature
5line 2623With comforting repose, and not for us
line 2624To waste these times.—Good hour of night, Sir
line 2625Thomas.
line 2626Whither so late?
line 2627LOVELLCame you from the King, my lord?
GARDINER
10line 2628I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero
line 2629With the Duke of Suffolk.
line 2630LOVELLI must to him too,
line 2631Before he go to bed. I’ll take my leave.
GARDINER
line 2632Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell. What’s the matter?
15line 2633It seems you are in haste. An if there be
line 2634No great offense belongs to ’t, give your friend
line 2635Some touch of your late business. Affairs that walk,
line 2636As they say spirits do, at midnight have
line 2637In them a wilder nature than the business
20line 2638That seeks dispatch by day.
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 193 line 2639LOVELLMy lord, I love you,
line 2640And durst commend a secret to your ear
line 2641Much weightier than this work. The Queen’s in
line 2642labor—
25line 2643They say in great extremity—and feared
line 2644She’ll with the labor end.
line 2645GARDINERThe fruit she goes with
line 2646I pray for heartily, that it may find
line 2647Good time and live; but for the stock, Sir Thomas,
30line 2648I wish it grubbed up now.
line 2649LOVELLMethinks I could
line 2650Cry the amen, and yet my conscience says
line 2651She’s a good creature and, sweet lady, does
line 2652Deserve our better wishes.
35line 2653GARDINERBut, sir, sir,
line 2654Hear me, Sir Thomas. You’re a gentleman
line 2655Of mine own way. I know you wise, religious;
line 2656And let me tell you, it will ne’er be well,
line 2657’Twill not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take ’t of me,
40line 2658Till Cranmer, Cromwell—her two hands—and she
line 2659Sleep in their graves.
line 2660LOVELLNow, sir, you speak of two
line 2661The most remarked i’ th’ kingdom. As for Cromwell,
line 2662Besides that of the Jewel House, is made Master
45line 2663O’ th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary; further, sir,
line 2664Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments,
line 2665With which the time will load him. Th’ Archbishop
line 2666Is the King’s hand and tongue, and who dare speak
line 2667One syllable against him?
50line 2668GARDINERYes, yes, Sir Thomas,
line 2669There are that dare, and I myself have ventured
line 2670To speak my mind of him. And indeed this day,
line 2671Sir—I may tell it you, I think—I have
line 2672Incensed the lords o’ th’ Council that he is—
55line 2673For so I know he is, they know he is—
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 195 line 2674A most arch heretic, a pestilence
line 2675That does infect the land; with which they, moved,
line 2676Have broken with the King, who hath so far
line 2677Given ear to our complaint, of his great grace
60line 2678And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs
line 2679Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded
line 2680Tomorrow morning to the Council board
line 2681He be convented. He’s a rank weed, Sir Thomas,
line 2682And we must root him out. From your affairs
65line 2683I hinder you too long. Goodnight, Sir Thomas.
LOVELL
line 2684Many good nights, my lord. I rest your servant.

Gardiner and Page exit.

Enter King and Suffolk.

KING
line 2685Charles, I will play no more tonight.
line 2686My mind’s not on ’t; you are too hard for me.
SUFFOLK
line 2687Sir, I did never win of you before.
70line 2688KINGBut little, Charles,
line 2689Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play.—
line 2690Now, Lovell, from the Queen what is the news?
LOVELL
line 2691I could not personally deliver to her
line 2692What you commanded me, but by her woman
75line 2693I sent your message, who returned her thanks
line 2694In the great’st humbleness, and desired your Highness
line 2695Most heartily to pray for her.
line 2696KINGWhat sayst thou, ha?
line 2697To pray for her? What, is she crying out?
LOVELL
80line 2698So said her woman, and that her suff’rance made
line 2699Almost each pang a death.
line 2700KINGAlas, good lady!
SUFFOLK
line 2701God safely quit her of her burden, and
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 197 line 2702With gentle travail, to the gladding of
85line 2703Your Highness with an heir!
line 2704KING’Tis midnight, Charles.
line 2705Prithee, to bed, and in thy prayers remember
line 2706Th’ estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone,
line 2707For I must think of that which company
90line 2708Would not be friendly to.
line 2709SUFFOLKI wish your Highness
line 2710A quiet night, and my good mistress will
line 2711Remember in my prayers.
line 2712KINGCharles, good night.

Suffolk exits.

Enter Sir Anthony Denny.

95line 2713Well, sir, what follows?
DENNY
line 2714Sir, I have brought my lord the Archbishop,
line 2715As you commanded me.
line 2716KINGHa! Canterbury?
DENNY
line 2717Ay, my good lord.
100line 2718KING’Tis true. Where is he, Denny?
DENNY
line 2719He attends your Highness’ pleasure.
line 2720KINGBring him to us.

Denny exits.

LOVELLaside
line 2721This is about that which the Bishop spake.
line 2722I am happily come hither.

Enter Cranmer and Denny.

KING
105line 2723Avoid the gallery.Lovell seems to stay.
line 2724Ha! I have said. Be gone!
line 2725What!Lovell and Denny exit.
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 199 line 2726CRANMERaside I am fearful. Wherefore frowns he thus?
line 2727’Tis his aspect of terror. All’s not well.
KING
110line 2728How now, my lord? You do desire to know
line 2729Wherefore I sent for you.
line 2730CRANMERkneeling It is my duty
line 2731T’ attend your Highness’ pleasure.
line 2732KINGPray you arise,
115line 2733My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury.
line 2734Come, you and I must walk a turn together.
line 2735I have news to tell you. Come, come, give me your
line 2736hand.Cranmer rises.
line 2737Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak,
120line 2738And am right sorry to repeat what follows.
line 2739I have, and most unwillingly, of late
line 2740Heard many grievous—I do say, my lord,
line 2741Grievous—complaints of you, which, being
line 2742considered,
125line 2743Have moved us and our Council that you shall
line 2744This morning come before us, where I know
line 2745You cannot with such freedom purge yourself
line 2746But that, till further trial in those charges
line 2747Which will require your answer, you must take
130line 2748Your patience to you and be well contented
line 2749To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us,
line 2750It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness
line 2751Would come against you.
line 2752CRANMERkneeling I humbly thank your
135line 2753Highness,
line 2754And am right glad to catch this good occasion
line 2755Most throughly to be winnowed, where my chaff
line 2756And corn shall fly asunder. For I know
line 2757There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues
140line 2758Than I myself, poor man.
line 2759KINGStand up, good Canterbury!
line 2760Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 201 line 2761In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand. Stand up.

Cranmer rises.

line 2762Prithee, let’s walk. Now by my halidom,
145line 2763What manner of man are you? My lord, I looked
line 2764You would have given me your petition that
line 2765I should have ta’en some pains to bring together
line 2766Yourself and your accusers and to have heard you
line 2767Without endurance further.
150line 2768CRANMERMost dread liege,
line 2769The good I stand on is my truth and honesty.
line 2770If they shall fail, I with mine enemies
line 2771Will triumph o’er my person, which I weigh not,
line 2772Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing
155line 2773What can be said against me.
line 2774KINGKnow you not
line 2775How your state stands i’ th’ world, with the whole
line 2776world?
line 2777Your enemies are many and not small; their practices
160line 2778Must bear the same proportion, and not ever
line 2779The justice and the truth o’ th’ question carries
line 2780The due o’ th’ verdict with it. At what ease
line 2781Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt
line 2782To swear against you? Such things have been done.
165line 2783You are potently opposed, and with a malice
line 2784Of as great size. Ween you of better luck,
line 2785I mean in perjured witness, than your master,
line 2786Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived
line 2787Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to.
170line 2788You take a precipice for no leap of danger
line 2789And woo your own destruction.
line 2790CRANMERGod and your Majesty
line 2791Protect mine innocence, or I fall into
line 2792The trap is laid for me.
175line 2793KINGBe of good cheer.
line 2794They shall no more prevail than we give way to.
Act 5 Scene 1 - Pg 203 line 2795Keep comfort to you, and this morning see
line 2796You do appear before them. If they shall chance,
line 2797In charging you with matters, to commit you,
180line 2798The best persuasions to the contrary
line 2799Fail not to use, and with what vehemency
line 2800Th’ occasion shall instruct you. If entreaties
line 2801Will render you no remedy, this ring
line 2802Deliver them, and your appeal to us
185line 2803There make before them.He gives Cranmer a ring.
line 2804Aside. Look, the good man weeps!
line 2805He’s honest, on mine honor! God’s blest mother,
line 2806I swear he is truehearted, and a soul
line 2807None better in my kingdom.—Get you gone,
190line 2808And do as I have bid you.Cranmer exits.
line 2809He has strangled
line 2810His language in his tears.
line 2811LOVELLwithin Come back! What mean you?

Enter Old Lady, followed by Lovell.

OLD LADY
line 2812I’ll not come back! The tidings that I bring
195line 2813Will make my boldness manners.—Now, good angels
line 2814Fly o’er thy royal head and shade thy person
line 2815Under their blessèd wings!
line 2816KINGNow by thy looks
line 2817I guess thy message. Is the Queen delivered?
200line 2818Say “Ay, and of a boy.”
line 2819OLD LADYAy, ay, my liege,
line 2820And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven
line 2821Both now and ever bless her! ’Tis a girl
line 2822Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen
205line 2823Desires your visitation, and to be
line 2824Acquainted with this stranger. ’Tis as like you
line 2825As cherry is to cherry.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 205 line 2826KINGLovell.
line 2827LOVELLSir.
KING
210line 2828Give her an hundred marks. I’ll to the Queen.

King exits.

OLD LADY
line 2829An hundred marks? By this light, I’ll ha’ more.
line 2830An ordinary groom is for such payment.
line 2831I will have more or scold it out of him.
line 2832Said I for this the girl was like to him?
215line 2833I’ll have more or else unsay ’t. And now,
line 2834While ’tis hot, I’ll put it to the issue.

Old Lady exits, with Lovell.

Scene 2

Enter Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. (Pages, Footboys, Grooms, and other servants attend at the Council door.)

CRANMER
line 2835I hope I am not too late, and yet the gentleman
line 2836That was sent to me from the Council prayed me
line 2837To make great haste.He tries the door.
line 2838All fast? What means this? Ho!
5line 2839Who waits there?

Enter Keeper.

line 2840Sure you know me!
line 2841KEEPERYes, my lord,
line 2842But yet I cannot help you.
line 2843CRANMERWhy?
KEEPER
10line 2844Your Grace must wait till you be called for.
line 2845CRANMERSo.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 207

Enter Doctor Butts.

BUTTSaside
line 2846This is a piece of malice. I am glad
line 2847I came this way so happily. The King
line 2848Shall understand it presently.Butts exits.
15line 2849CRANMERaside ’Tis Butts,
line 2850The King’s physician. As he passed along
line 2851How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
line 2852Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace. For certain
line 2853This is of purpose laid by some that hate me—
20line 2854God turn their hearts! I never sought their malice—
line 2855To quench mine honor. They would shame to make me
line 2856Wait else at door, a fellow councillor,
line 2857’Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures
line 2858Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience.

Enter the King and Butts at a window above.

BUTTS
25line 2859I’ll show your Grace the strangest sight.
line 2860KINGWhat’s that,
line 2861Butts?
BUTTS
line 2862I think your Highness saw this many a day.
KING
line 2863Body o’ me, where is it?
30line 2864BUTTSThere, my lord:
line 2865The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury,
line 2866Who holds his state at door, ’mongst pursuivants,
line 2867Pages, and footboys.
line 2868KINGHa! ’Tis he indeed.
35line 2869Is this the honor they do one another?
line 2870’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought
line 2871They had parted so much honesty among ’em—
line 2872At least good manners—as not thus to suffer
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 209 line 2873A man of his place, and so near our favor,
40line 2874To dance attendance on their Lordships’ pleasures,
line 2875And at the door, too, like a post with packets.
line 2876By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery!
line 2877Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close.
line 2878We shall hear more anon.They draw the curtain.

A council table brought in with chairs and stools and placed under the state. Enter Lord Chancellor, places himself at the upper end of the table on the left hand, a seat being left void above him, as for Canterbury’s seat. Duke of Suffolk, Duke of Norfolk, Surrey, Lord Chamberlain, Gardiner seat themselves in order on each side, Cromwell at lower end as secretary.

CHANCELLOR
45line 2879Speak to the business, Master Secretary.
line 2880Why are we met in council?
line 2881CROMWELLPlease your honors,
line 2882The chief cause concerns his Grace of Canterbury.
GARDINER
line 2883Has he had knowledge of it?
50line 2884CROMWELLYes.
line 2885NORFOLKto Keeper Who waits there?
KEEPER
line 2886Without, my noble lords?
line 2887GARDINERYes.
line 2888KEEPERMy lord Archbishop,
55line 2889And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.
CHANCELLOR
line 2890Let him come in.
line 2891KEEPERat door Your Grace may enter now.

Cranmer approaches the council table.

CHANCELLOR
line 2892My good lord Archbishop, I’m very sorry
line 2893To sit here at this present and behold
60line 2894That chair stand empty. But we all are men,
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 211 line 2895In our own natures frail, and capable
line 2896Of our flesh—few are angels—out of which frailty
line 2897And want of wisdom you, that best should teach us,
line 2898Have misdemeaned yourself, and not a little,
65line 2899Toward the King first, then his laws, in filling
line 2900The whole realm, by your teaching and your
line 2901chaplains’—
line 2902For so we are informed—with new opinions,
line 2903Divers and dangerous, which are heresies
70line 2904And, not reformed, may prove pernicious.
GARDINER
line 2905Which reformation must be sudden too,
line 2906My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses
line 2907Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle,
line 2908But stop their mouths with stubborn bits, and spur ’em
75line 2909Till they obey the manage. If we suffer,
line 2910Out of our easiness and childish pity
line 2911To one man’s honor, this contagious sickness,
line 2912Farewell, all physic. And what follows then?
line 2913Commotions, uproars, with a general taint
80line 2914Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbors,
line 2915The upper Germany, can dearly witness,
line 2916Yet freshly pitied in our memories.
CRANMER
line 2917My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress
line 2918Both of my life and office, I have labored,
85line 2919And with no little study, that my teaching
line 2920And the strong course of my authority
line 2921Might go one way and safely; and the end
line 2922Was ever to do well. Nor is there living—
line 2923I speak it with a single heart, my lords—
90line 2924A man that more detests, more stirs against,
line 2925Both in his private conscience and his place,
line 2926Defacers of a public peace than I do.
line 2927Pray heaven the King may never find a heart
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 213 line 2928With less allegiance in it! Men that make
95line 2929Envy and crookèd malice nourishment
line 2930Dare bite the best. I do beseech your Lordships
line 2931That, in this case of justice, my accusers,
line 2932Be what they will, may stand forth face to face
line 2933And freely urge against me.
100line 2934SUFFOLKNay, my lord,
line 2935That cannot be. You are a councillor,
line 2936And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.
GARDINER
line 2937My lord, because we have business of more moment,
line 2938We will be short with you. ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure,
105line 2939And our consent, for better trial of you
line 2940From hence you be committed to the Tower,
line 2941Where, being but a private man again,
line 2942You shall know many dare accuse you boldly—
line 2943More than, I fear, you are provided for.
CRANMER
110line 2944Ah, my good Lord of Winchester, I thank you.
line 2945You are always my good friend. If your will pass,
line 2946I shall both find your Lordship judge and juror,
line 2947You are so merciful. I see your end:
line 2948’Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord,
115line 2949Become a churchman better than ambition.
line 2950Win straying souls with modesty again;
line 2951Cast none away. That I shall clear myself,
line 2952Lay all the weight you can upon my patience,
line 2953I make as little doubt as you do conscience
120line 2954In doing daily wrongs. I could say more,
line 2955But reverence to your calling makes me modest.
GARDINER
line 2956My lord, my lord, you are a sectary.
line 2957That’s the plain truth. Your painted gloss discovers,
line 2958To men that understand you, words and weakness.
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 215 CROMWELL
125line 2959My Lord of Winchester, you’re a little,
line 2960By your good favor, too sharp. Men so noble,
line 2961However faulty, yet should find respect
line 2962For what they have been. ’Tis a cruelty
line 2963To load a falling man.
130line 2964GARDINERGood Master Secretary—
line 2965I cry your Honor mercy—you may worst
line 2966Of all this table say so.
line 2967CROMWELLWhy, my lord?
GARDINER
line 2968Do not I know you for a favorer
135line 2969Of this new sect? You are not sound.
line 2970CROMWELLNot sound?
GARDINER
line 2971Not sound, I say.
line 2972CROMWELLWould you were half so honest!
line 2973Men’s prayers then would seek you, not their fears.
GARDINER
140line 2974I shall remember this bold language.
line 2975CROMWELLDo.
line 2976Remember your bold life too.
line 2977CHANCELLORThis is too much!
line 2978Forbear, for shame, my lords.
145line 2979GARDINERI have done.
line 2980CROMWELLAnd I.
CHANCELLORto Cranmer
line 2981Then thus for you, my lord: it stands agreed,
line 2982I take it, by all voices, that forthwith
line 2983You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner,
150line 2984There to remain till the King’s further pleasure
line 2985Be known unto us.—Are you all agreed, lords?
ALL
line 2986We are.
line 2987CRANMERIs there no other way of mercy
line 2988But I must needs to th’ Tower, my lords?
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 217 155line 2989GARDINERWhat other
line 2990Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome.
line 2991Let some o’ th’ guard be ready there.

Enter the Guard.

line 2992CRANMERFor me?
line 2993Must I go like a traitor thither?
160line 2994GARDINERReceive him,
line 2995And see him safe i’ th’ Tower.
line 2996CRANMERStay, good my lords,
line 2997I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords.

He holds out the ring.

line 2998By virtue of that ring, I take my cause
165line 2999Out of the grips of cruel men and give it
line 3000To a most noble judge, the King my master.
CHAMBERLAIN
line 3001This is the King’s ring.
line 3002SURREY’Tis no counterfeit.
SUFFOLK
line 3003’Tis the right ring, by heaven! I told you all,
170line 3004When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling,
line 3005’Twould fall upon ourselves.
line 3006NORFOLKDo you think, my lords,
line 3007The King will suffer but the little finger
line 3008Of this man to be vexed?
175line 3009CHAMBERLAIN’Tis now too certain.
line 3010How much more is his life in value with him!
line 3011Would I were fairly out on ’t!
line 3012CROMWELLMy mind gave me,
line 3013In seeking tales and informations
180line 3014Against this man, whose honesty the devil
line 3015And his disciples only envy at,
line 3016You blew the fire that burns you. Now, have at you!

Enter King, frowning on them; takes his seat.

Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 219 GARDINER
line 3017Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven
line 3018In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince,
185line 3019Not only good and wise, but most religious;
line 3020One that in all obedience makes the Church
line 3021The chief aim of his honor, and to strengthen
line 3022That holy duty out of dear respect,
line 3023His royal self in judgment comes to hear
190line 3024The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
KING
line 3025You were ever good at sudden commendations,
line 3026Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not
line 3027To hear such flattery now, and in my presence
line 3028They are too thin and base to hide offenses.
195line 3029To me you cannot reach. You play the spaniel,
line 3030And think with wagging of your tongue to win me;
line 3031But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for, I’m sure
line 3032Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody.—
line 3033Good man, sit down.Cranmer takes his seat.
200line 3034Now let me see the proudest
line 3035He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee.
line 3036By all that’s holy, he had better starve
line 3037Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
SURREY
line 3038May it please your Grace—
205line 3039KINGNo, sir, it does not please
line 3040me.
line 3041I had thought I had had men of some understanding
line 3042And wisdom of my Council, but I find none.
line 3043Was it discretion, lords, to let this man,
210line 3044This good man—few of you deserve that title—
line 3045This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy
line 3046At chamber door? And one as great as you are?
line 3047Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission
line 3048Bid you so far forget yourselves? I gave you
215line 3049Power as he was a councillor to try him,
Act 5 Scene 2 - Pg 221 line 3050Not as a groom. There’s some of you, I see,
line 3051More out of malice than integrity,
line 3052Would try him to the utmost, had you mean,
line 3053Which you shall never have while I live.
220line 3054CHANCELLORThus far,
line 3055My most dread sovereign, may it like your Grace
line 3056To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed
line 3057Concerning his imprisonment was rather,
line 3058If there be faith in men, meant for his trial
225line 3059And fair purgation to the world than malice,
line 3060I’m sure, in me.
line 3061KINGWell, well, my lords, respect him.
line 3062Take him, and use him well; he’s worthy of it.
line 3063I will say thus much for him: if a prince
230line 3064May be beholding to a subject, I
line 3065Am, for his love and service, so to him.
line 3066Make me no more ado, but all embrace him.
line 3067Be friends, for shame, my lords.

They embrace Cranmer.

line 3068My Lord of Canterbury,
235line 3069I have a suit which you must not deny me:
line 3070That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism.
line 3071You must be godfather and answer for her.
CRANMER
line 3072The greatest monarch now alive may glory
line 3073In such an honor. How may I deserve it,
240line 3074That am a poor and humble subject to you?
line 3075KINGCome, come, my lord, you’d spare your spoons.
line 3076You shall have two noble partners with you: the
line 3077old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquess Dorset.
line 3078Will these please you?—
245line 3079Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you,
line 3080Embrace and love this man.
line 3081GARDINERWith a true heart
line 3082And brother-love I do it.He embraces Cranmer.
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 223 line 3083CRANMERweeping And let heaven
250line 3084Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.
KING
line 3085Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart.
line 3086The common voice, I see, is verified
line 3087Of thee, which says thus: “Do my Lord of Canterbury
line 3088A shrewd turn, and he’s your friend forever.”—
255line 3089Come, lords, we trifle time away. I long
line 3090To have this young one made a Christian.
line 3091As I have made you one, lords, one remain.
line 3092So I grow stronger, you more honor gain.

They exit.

Scene 3

Noise and tumult within. Enter Porter and his Man,carrying cudgels.

line 3093PORTERYou’ll leave your noise anon, you rascals! Do
line 3094you take the court for Parish Garden? You rude
line 3095slaves, leave your gaping!
line 3096ONE, within Good Master Porter, I belong to th’
5line 3097larder.
line 3098PORTERBelong to th’ gallows and be hanged, you rogue!
line 3099Is this a place to roar in?—Fetch me a dozen crab-tree
line 3100staves, and strong ones. These are but switches
line 3101to ’em.—I’ll scratch your heads! You must be seeing
10line 3102christenings? Do you look for ale and cakes here,
line 3103you rude rascals?
PORTER’S MAN
line 3104Pray, sir, be patient. ’Tis as much impossible—
line 3105Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons—
line 3106To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep
15line 3107On May Day morning, which will never be.
line 3108We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em.
line 3109PORTERHow got they in, and be hanged?
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 225 PORTER’S MAN
line 3110Alas, I know not. How gets the tide in?
line 3111As much as one sound cudgel of four foot—
20line 3112You see the poor remainder—could distribute,
line 3113I made no spare, sir.
line 3114PORTERYou did nothing, sir.
PORTER’S MAN
line 3115I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand,
line 3116To mow ’em down before me; but if I spared any
25line 3117That had a head to hit, either young or old,
line 3118He or she, cuckold or cuckold-maker,
line 3119Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again—
line 3120And that I would not for a cow, God save her!
line 3121ONE, within Do you hear, Master Porter?
30line 3122PORTERI shall be with you presently, good master
line 3123puppy.— Keep the door close, sirrah.
line 3124PORTER’S MANWhat would you have me do?
line 3125PORTERWhat should you do but knock ’em down by
line 3126th’ dozens? Is this Moorfields to muster in? Or have
35line 3127we some strange Indian with the great tool come to
line 3128court, the women so besiege us? Bless me, what a
line 3129fry of fornication is at door! On my Christian conscience,
line 3130this one christening will beget a thousand;
line 3131here will be father, godfather, and all together.
40line 3132PORTER’S MANThe spoons will be the bigger, sir. There is
line 3133a fellow somewhat near the door—he should be a
line 3134brazier by his face, for, o’ my conscience, twenty of
line 3135the dog days now reign in ’s nose. All that stand
line 3136about him are under the line; they need no other
45line 3137penance. That fire-drake did I hit three times on the
line 3138head, and three times was his nose discharged
line 3139against me. He stands there like a mortar-piece, to
line 3140blow us. There was a haberdasher’s wife of small
line 3141wit near him that railed upon me till her pinked
50line 3142porringer fell off her head for kindling such a
line 3143combustion in the state. I missed the meteor once
Act 5 Scene 3 - Pg 227 line 3144and hit that woman, who cried out “Clubs!” when I
line 3145might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to
line 3146her succor, which were the hope o’ th’ Strand, where
55line 3147she was quartered. They fell on; I made good my
line 3148place. At length they came to th’ broomstaff to me;
line 3149I defied ’em still, when suddenly a file of boys behind
line 3150’em, loose shot, delivered such a shower of
line 3151pibbles that I was fain to draw mine honor in and
60line 3152let ’em win the work. The devil was amongst ’em, I
line 3153think, surely.
line 3154PORTERThese are the youths that thunder at a playhouse
line 3155and fight for bitten apples, that no audience
line 3156but the tribulation of Tower Hill or the limbs of
65line 3157Limehouse, their dear brothers, are able to
line 3158endure. I have some of ’em in Limbo Patrum, and
line 3159there they are like to dance these three days, besides
line 3160the running banquet of two beadles that is to come.

Enter Lord Chamberlain.

CHAMBERLAIN
line 3161Mercy o’ me, what a multitude are here!
70line 3162They grow still too. From all parts they are coming,
line 3163As if we kept a fair here! Where are these porters,
line 3164These lazy knaves?—You’ve made a fine hand, fellows!
line 3165There’s a trim rabble let in. Are all these
line 3166Your faithful friends o’ th’ suburbs? We shall have
75line 3167Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies,
line 3168When they pass back from the christening!
line 3169PORTERAn ’t please
line 3170your Honor,
line 3171We are but men, and what so many may do,
80line 3172Not being torn a-pieces, we have done.
line 3173An army cannot rule ’em.
line 3174CHAMBERLAINAs I live,
line 3175If the King blame me for ’t, I’ll lay you all
line 3176By th’ heels, and suddenly, and on your heads
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 229 85line 3177Clap round fines for neglect. You’re lazy knaves,
line 3178And here you lie baiting of bombards, when
line 3179You should do service.Trumpets.
line 3180Hark, the trumpets sound!
line 3181They’re come already from the christening.
90line 3182Go break among the press, and find a way out
line 3183To let the troop pass fairly, or I’ll find
line 3184A Marshalsea shall hold you play these two months.
PORTER
line 3185Make way there for the Princess!
line 3186PORTER’S MANYou great fellow,
95line 3187Stand close up, or I’ll make your head ache.
PORTER
line 3188You i’ th’ camlet, get up o’ th’ rail!
line 3189I’ll peck you o’er the pales else.

They exit.

Scene 4

Enter Trumpets, sounding. Then two Aldermen, Lord Mayor, Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolk with his marshal’s staff, Duke of Suffolk, two Noblemen bearing great standing bowls for the christening gifts; then four Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which the Duchess of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child richly habited in a mantle, etc., train borne by a Lady. Then follows the Marchioness Dorset, the other godmother, and Ladies. The troop pass once about the stage, and Garter speaks.

line 3190GARTERHeaven, from thy endless goodness, send
line 3191prosperous life, long, and ever happy, to the high
line 3192and mighty princess of England, Elizabeth.

Flourish. Enter King and Guard.

CRANMERkneeling
line 3193And to your royal Grace and the good queen,
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 231 5line 3194My noble partners and myself thus pray
line 3195All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady
line 3196Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy
line 3197May hourly fall upon you!
line 3198KINGThank you, good lord
10line 3199Archbishop.
line 3200What is her name?
line 3201CRANMERElizabeth.
line 3202KINGStand up, lord.

Cranmer stands.

line 3203With this kiss take my blessing.King kisses infant.
15line 3204God protect thee,
line 3205Into whose hand I give thy life.
line 3206CRANMERAmen.
KINGto the two godmothers
line 3207My noble gossips, you’ve been too prodigal.
line 3208I thank you heartily; so shall this lady
20line 3209When she has so much English.
line 3210CRANMERLet me speak, sir,
line 3211For heaven now bids me; and the words I utter
line 3212Let none think flattery, for they’ll find ’em truth.
line 3213This royal infant—heaven still move about her!—
25line 3214Though in her cradle, yet now promises
line 3215Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings,
line 3216Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be—
line 3217But few now living can behold that goodness—
line 3218A pattern to all princes living with her
30line 3219And all that shall succeed. Saba was never
line 3220More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue
line 3221Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces
line 3222That mold up such a mighty piece as this is,
line 3223With all the virtues that attend the good,
35line 3224Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her;
line 3225Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her.
line 3226She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her;
line 3227Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 233 line 3228And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with
40line 3229her.
line 3230In her days every man shall eat in safety
line 3231Under his own vine what he plants and sing
line 3232The merry songs of peace to all his neighbors.
line 3233God shall be truly known, and those about her
45line 3234From her shall read the perfect ways of honor
line 3235And by those claim their greatness, not by blood.
line 3236Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but, as when
line 3237The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix,
line 3238Her ashes new create another heir
50line 3239As great in admiration as herself,
line 3240So shall she leave her blessedness to one,
line 3241When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness,
line 3242Who from the sacred ashes of her honor
line 3243Shall starlike rise as great in fame as she was
55line 3244And so stand fixed. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror,
line 3245That were the servants to this chosen infant,
line 3246Shall then be his, and like a vine grow to him.
line 3247Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine,
line 3248His honor and the greatness of his name
60line 3249Shall be, and make new nations. He shall flourish,
line 3250And like a mountain cedar reach his branches
line 3251To all the plains about him. Our children’s children
line 3252Shall see this and bless heaven.
line 3253KINGThou speakest wonders.
CRANMER
65line 3254She shall be to the happiness of England
line 3255An agèd princess; many days shall see her,
line 3256And yet no day without a deed to crown it.
line 3257Would I had known no more! But she must die,
line 3258She must, the saints must have her; yet a virgin,
70line 3259A most unspotted lily, shall she pass
line 3260To th’ ground, and all the world shall mourn her.
Act 5 Scene 4 - Pg 235 line 3261KINGO lord
line 3262Archbishop,
line 3263Thou hast made me now a man. Never before
75line 3264This happy child did I get anything.
line 3265This oracle of comfort has so pleased me
line 3266That when I am in heaven I shall desire
line 3267To see what this child does and praise my Maker.—
line 3268I thank you all.—To you, my good lord mayor
80line 3269And you, good brethren, I am much beholding.
line 3270I have received much honor by your presence,
line 3271And you shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords.
line 3272You must all see the Queen, and she must thank you;
line 3273She will be sick else. This day, no man think
85line 3274’Has business at his house, for all shall stay.
line 3275This little one shall make it holiday.

They exit.

Page 237 - Henry VIII - EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Enter Epilogue.

EPILOGUE
line 3276’Tis ten to one this play can never please
line 3277All that are here. Some come to take their ease
line 3278And sleep an act or two—but those, we fear,
line 3279We’ve frighted with our trumpets; so, ’tis clear,
5line 3280They’ll say ’tis naught—others, to hear the city
line 3281Abused extremely and to cry “That’s witty!”—
line 3282Which we have not done neither—that I fear
line 3283All the expected good we’re like to hear
line 3284For this play at this time is only in
10line 3285The merciful construction of good women,
line 3286For such a one we showed ’em. If they smile
line 3287And say ’twill do, I know within a while
line 3288All the best men are ours; for ’tis ill hap
line 3289If they hold when their ladies bid ’em clap.

He exits.

Henry VIII

Copyright Notice

Contents

Summary

Dramatis Personæ

Dramatis Personæ

ACT 1

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

ACT 2

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

ACT 3

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT 4

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT 5

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

EPILOGUE

Title

Notes & Highlights

Reading History

Settings

Typography

Colour scheme

Tap zones