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Henry the 8th

William Shakespeare (1623)

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

I come no more to make you laugh . Things now

That bear a weighty and a serious brow ,

Sad , high , and working , full of state and woe ,

Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow ,

We now present . Those that can pity here

May , if they think it well , let fall a tear ;

The subject will deserve it . Such as give

Their money out of hope they may believe

May here find truth too . Those that come to see

Only a show or two , and so agree

The play may pass , if they be still and willing ,

I’ll undertake may see away their shilling

Richly in two short hours . Only they

That come to hear a merry , bawdy play ,

A noise of targets , or to see a fellow

In a long motley coat guarded with yellow ,

Will be deceived . For , gentle hearers , know

To rank our chosen truth with such a show

As fool and fight is , besides forfeiting

Our own brains and the opinion that we bring

To make that only true we now intend ,

Will leave us never an understanding friend .

Therefore , for goodness’ sake , and as you are known

The first and happiest hearers of the town ,

Be sad , as we would make you . Think you see

The very persons of our noble story

As they were living . Think you see them great ,

And followed with the general throng and sweat

Of thousand friends . Then , in a moment , see

How soon this mightiness meets misery .

And if you can be merry then , I’ll say

A 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

Good morrow , and well met . How have you done

Since last we saw in France ?

NORFOLK

I thank your Grace ,

Healthful , and ever since a fresh admirer

Of what I saw there .

BUCKINGHAM

An untimely ague

Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when

Those suns of glory , those two lights of men ,

Met in the vale of Andren .

NORFOLK

’Twixt Guynes and Arde .

I was then present , saw them salute on horseback ,

Beheld them when they lighted , how they clung

In their embracement , as they grew together —

Which had they , what four throned ones could have weighed

Such a compounded one ?

BUCKINGHAM

All the whole time

I was my chamber’s prisoner .

NORFOLK

Then you lost

The view of earthly glory . Men might say

Till this time pomp was single , but now married

To one above itself . Each following day

Became the next day’s master , till the last

Made former wonders its . Today the French ,

All clinquant , all in gold , like heathen gods ,

Shone down the English , and tomorrow they

Made Britain India : every man that stood

Showed like a mine . Their dwarfish pages were

As cherubins , all gilt . The madams too ,

Not used to toil , did almost sweat to bear

The pride upon them , that their very labor

Was to them as a painting . Now this masque

Was cried incomparable ; and th’ ensuing night

Made it a fool and beggar . The two kings ,

Equal in luster , were now best , now worst ,

As presence did present them : him in eye

Still him in praise ; and being present both ,

’Twas said they saw but one , and no discerner

Durst wag his tongue in censure . When these suns —

For so they phrase ’em — by their heralds challenged

The noble spirits to arms , they did perform

Beyond thought’s compass , that former fabulous story ,

Being now seen possible enough , got credit

That Bevis was believed .

BUCKINGHAM

O , you go far .

NORFOLK

As I belong to worship , and affect

In honor honesty , the tract of everything

Would by a good discourser lose some life

Which action’s self was tongue to . All was royal ;

To the disposing of it naught rebelled .

Order gave each thing view . The office did

Distinctly his full function .

BUCKINGHAM

Who did guide ,

I mean who set the body and the limbs

Of this great sport together , as you guess ?

NORFOLK

One , certes , that promises no element

In such a business .

BUCKINGHAM

I pray you who , my lord ?

NORFOLK

All this was ordered by the good discretion

Of the right reverend Cardinal of York .

BUCKINGHAM

The devil speed him ! No man’s pie is freed

From his ambitious finger . What had he

To do in these fierce vanities ? I wonder

That such a keech can with his very bulk

Take up the rays o’ th’ beneficial sun

And keep it from the Earth .

NORFOLK

Surely , sir ,

There’s in him stuff that puts him to these ends ;

For , being not propped by ancestry , whose grace

Chalks successors their way , nor called upon

For high feats done to th’ crown , neither allied

To eminent assistants , but spiderlike ,

Out of his self-drawing web , he gives us note

The force of his own merit makes his way —

A gift that heaven gives for him which buys

A place next to the King .

ABERGAVENNY

I cannot tell

What heaven hath given him — let some graver eye

Pierce into that — but I can see his pride

Peep through each part of him . Whence has he that ?

If not from hell , the devil is a niggard ,

Or has given all before , and he begins

A new hell in himself .

BUCKINGHAM

Why the devil ,

Upon this French going-out , took he upon him ,

Without the privity o’ th’ King , t’ appoint

Who should attend on him ? He makes up the file

Of all the gentry , for the most part such

To whom as great a charge as little honor

He meant to lay upon ; and his own letter ,

The honorable board of council out ,

Must fetch him in he papers .

ABERGAVENNY

I do know

Kinsmen of mine , three at the least , that have

By this so sickened their estates that never

They shall abound as formerly .

BUCKINGHAM

O , many

Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em

For this great journey . What did this vanity

But minister communication of

A most poor issue ?

NORFOLK

Grievingly I think

The peace between the French and us not values

The cost that did conclude it .

BUCKINGHAM

Every man ,

After the hideous storm that followed , was

A thing inspired and , not consulting , broke

Into a general prophecy : that this tempest ,

Dashing the garment of this peace , aboded

The sudden breach on ’t .

NORFOLK

Which is budded out ,

For France hath flawed the league and hath attached

Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux .

ABERGAVENNY

Is it therefore

Th’ ambassador is silenced ?

NORFOLK

Marry , is ’t .

ABERGAVENNY

A proper title of a peace , and purchased

At a superfluous rate !

BUCKINGHAM

Why , all this business

Our reverend cardinal carried .

NORFOLK

Like it your Grace ,

The state takes notice of the private difference

Betwixt you and the Cardinal . I advise you —

And take it from a heart that wishes towards you

Honor and plenteous safety — that you read

The Cardinal’s malice and his potency

Together ; to consider further that

What his high hatred would effect wants not

A minister in his power . You know his nature ,

That he’s revengeful , and I know his sword

Hath a sharp edge ; it’s long , and ’t may be said

It reaches far , and where ’twill not extend ,

Thither he darts it . Bosom up my counsel ;

You’ll find it wholesome . Lo where comes that rock

That 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 .

WOLSEY

, aside to a Secretary

The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor , ha ?

Where’s his examination ?

SECRETARY

Here , so please you .

He hands Wolsey a paper .

WOLSEY

Is he in person ready ?

SECRETARY

Ay , please your Grace .

WOLSEY

Well , we shall then know more , and Buckingham

Shall lessen this big look .

Cardinal Wolsey and his train exit .

BUCKINGHAM

This butcher’s cur is venomed-mouthed , and I

Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore best

Not wake him in his slumber . A beggar’s book

Outworths a noble’s blood .

NORFOLK

What , are you chafed ?

Ask God for temp’rance . That’s th’ appliance only

Which your disease requires .

BUCKINGHAM

I read in ’s looks

Matter against me , and his eye reviled

Me as his abject object . At this instant

He bores me with some trick . He’s gone to th’ King .

I’ll follow and outstare him .

NORFOLK

Stay , my lord ,

And let your reason with your choler question

What ’tis you go about . To climb steep hills

Requires slow pace at first . Anger is like

A full hot horse who , being allowed his way ,

Self-mettle tires him . Not a man in England

Can advise me like you ; be to yourself

As you would to your friend .

BUCKINGHAM

I’ll to the King ,

And from a mouth of honor quite cry down

This Ipswich fellow’s insolence , or proclaim

There’s difference in no persons .

NORFOLK

Be advised .

Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot

That it do singe yourself . We may outrun

By violent swiftness that which we run at

And lose by overrunning . Know you not

The fire that mounts the liquor till ’t run o’er

In seeming to augment it wastes it ? Be advised .

I say again there is no English soul

More stronger to direct you than yourself ,

If with the sap of reason you would quench

Or but allay the fire of passion .

BUCKINGHAM

Sir ,

I am thankful to you , and I’ll go along

By your prescription . But this top-proud fellow —

Whom from the flow of gall I name not , but

From sincere motions — by intelligence ,

And proofs as clear as founts in July when

We see each grain of gravel , I do know

To be corrupt and treasonous .

NORFOLK

Say not “ treasonous . ”

BUCKINGHAM

To th’ King I’ll say ’t , and make my vouch as strong

As shore of rock . Attend . This holy fox ,

Or wolf , or both — for he is equal rav’nous

As he is subtle , and as prone to mischief

As able to perform ’t , his mind and place

Infecting one another , yea reciprocally —

Only to show his pomp as well in France

As here at home , suggests the King our master

To this last costly treaty , th’ interview

That swallowed so much treasure and like a glass

Did break i’ th’ rinsing .

NORFOLK

Faith , and so it did .

BUCKINGHAM

Pray give me favor , sir . This cunning cardinal

The articles o’ th’ combination drew

As himself pleased ; and they were ratified

As he cried “ Thus let be , ” to as much end

As give a crutch to th’ dead . But our Count Cardinal

Has done this , and ’tis well , for worthy Wolsey ,

Who cannot err , he did it . Now this follows —

Which , as I take it , is a kind of puppy

To th’ old dam treason : Charles the Emperor ,

Under pretense to see the Queen his aunt —

For ’twas indeed his color , but he came

To whisper Wolsey — here makes visitation ;

His fears were that the interview betwixt

England and France might through their amity

Breed him some prejudice , for from this league

Peeped harms that menaced him ; privily

Deals with our cardinal and , as I trow —

Which I do well , for I am sure the Emperor

Paid ere he promised , whereby his suit was granted

Ere it was asked . But when the way was made

And paved with gold , the Emperor thus desired

That he would please to alter the King’s course

And break the foresaid peace . Let the King know —

As soon he shall by me — that thus the Cardinal

Does buy and sell his honor as he pleases

And for his own advantage .

NORFOLK

I am sorry

To hear this of him , and could wish he were

Something mistaken in ’t .

BUCKINGHAM

No , not a syllable .

I do pronounce him in that very shape

He shall appear in proof .

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

BRANDON

Your office , Sergeant : execute it .

SERGEANT

, to Buckingham

Sir ,

My lord the Duke of Buckingham and Earl

Of Hertford , Stafford , and Northampton , I

Arrest thee of high treason , in the name

Of our most sovereign king .

BUCKINGHAM

, to Norfolk

Lo you , my lord ,

The net has fall’n upon me . I shall perish

Under device and practice .

BRANDON

I am sorry

To see you ta’en from liberty , to look on

The business present . ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure

You shall to th’ Tower .

BUCKINGHAM

It will help me nothing

To plead mine innocence , for that dye is on me

Which makes my whit’st part black . The will of heaven

Be done in this and all things . I obey .

O my Lord Abergavenny , fare you well .

BRANDON

Nay , he must bear you company . — The King

Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower , till you know

How he determines further .

ABERGAVENNY

As the Duke said ,

The will of heaven be done , and the King’s pleasure

By me obeyed .

BRANDON

Here is a warrant from

The King t’ attach Lord Mountacute , and the bodies

Of the Duke’s confessor , John de la Car ,

One Gilbert Peck , his counselor —

BUCKINGHAM

So , so ;

These are the limbs o’ th’ plot . No more , I hope .

BRANDON

A monk o’ th’ Chartreux .

BUCKINGHAM

O , Michael Hopkins ?

BRANDON

He .

BUCKINGHAM

My surveyor is false . The o’ergreat cardinal

Hath showed him gold . My life is spanned already .

I am the shadow of poor Buckingham ,

Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on

By dark’ning my clear sun .

To Norfolk .

My lord , farewell .

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 .

KING

, to Wolsey

My life itself , and the best heart of it ,

Thanks you for this great care . I stood i’ th’ level

Of a full-charged confederacy , and give thanks

To you that choked it . — Let be called before us

That gentleman of Buckingham’s ; in person

I’ll hear him his confessions justify ,

And point by point the treasons of his master

He shall again relate .

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

Nay , we must longer kneel ; I am a suitor .

KING

Arise , and take place by us .

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

Half your suit

Never name to us ; you have half our power .

The other moiety ere you ask is given ;

Repeat your will , and take it .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Thank your Majesty .

That you would love yourself , and in that love

Not unconsidered leave your honor nor

The dignity of your office , is the point

Of my petition .

KING

Lady mine , proceed .

QUEEN KATHERINE

I am solicited , not by a few ,

And those of true condition , that your subjects

Are in great grievance . There have been commissions

Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart

Of all their loyalties , wherein , although

My good Lord Cardinal , they vent reproaches

Most bitterly on you as putter-on

Of these exactions , yet the King our master ,

Whose honor heaven shield from soil , even he escapes not

Language unmannerly — yea , such which breaks

The sides of loyalty and almost appears

In loud rebellion .

NORFOLK

Not “ almost appears ” —

It doth appear . For , upon these taxations ,

The clothiers all , not able to maintain

The many to them longing , have put off

The spinsters , carders , fullers , weavers , who ,

Unfit for other life , compelled by hunger

And lack of other means , in desperate manner

Daring th’ event to th’ teeth , are all in uproar ,

And danger serves among them .

KING

Taxation ?

Wherein ? And what taxation ? My Lord Cardinal ,

You that are blamed for it alike with us ,

Know you of this taxation ?

WOLSEY

Please you , sir ,

I know but of a single part in aught

Pertains to th’ state , and front but in that file

Where others tell steps with me .

QUEEN KATHERINE

No , my lord ?

You know no more than others ? But you frame

Things that are known alike , which are not wholesome

To those which would not know them , and yet must

Perforce be their acquaintance . These exactions

Whereof my sovereign would have note , they are

Most pestilent to th’ hearing , and to bear ’em

The back is sacrifice to th’ load . They say

They are devised by you , or else you suffer

Too hard an exclamation .

KING

Still exaction !

The nature of it ? In what kind , let’s know ,

Is this exaction ?

QUEEN KATHERINE

I am much too venturous

In tempting of your patience , but am boldened

Under your promised pardon . The subjects’ grief

Comes through commissions which compels from each

The sixth part of his substance , to be levied

Without delay , and the pretense for this

Is named your wars in France . This makes bold mouths .

Tongues spit their duties out , and cold hearts freeze

Allegiance in them . Their curses now

Live where their prayers did ; and it’s come to pass

This tractable obedience is a slave

To each incensèd will . I would your Highness

Would give it quick consideration , for

There is no primer baseness .

KING

By my life ,

This is against our pleasure .

WOLSEY

And for me ,

I have no further gone in this than by

A single voice , and that not passed me but

By learnèd approbation of the judges . If I am

Traduced by ignorant tongues , which neither know

My faculties nor person , yet will be

The chronicles of my doing , let me say

’Tis but the fate of place , and the rough brake

That virtue must go through . We must not stint

Our necessary actions in the fear

To cope malicious censurers , which ever ,

As ravenous fishes , do a vessel follow

That is new trimmed , but benefit no further

Than vainly longing . What we oft do best ,

By sick interpreters , once weak ones , is

Not ours or not allowed ; what worst , as oft ,

Hitting a grosser quality , is cried up

For our best act . If we shall stand still

In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at ,

We should take root here where we sit ,

Or sit state-statues only .

KING

Things done well ,

And with a care , exempt themselves from fear ;

Things done without example , in their issue

Are to be feared . Have you a precedent

Of this commission ? I believe , not any .

We must not rend our subjects from our laws

And stick them in our will . Sixth part of each ?

A trembling contribution ! Why , we take

From every tree lop , bark , and part o’ th’ timber ,

And though we leave it with a root , thus hacked ,

The air will drink the sap . To every county

Where this is questioned send our letters with

Free pardon to each man that has denied

The force of this commission . Pray look to ’t ;

I put it to your care .

WOLSEY

, aside to his Secretary

A word with you .

Let there be letters writ to every shire

Of the King’s grace and pardon . The grievèd commons

Hardly conceive of me . Let it be noised

That through our intercession this revokement

And pardon comes . I shall anon advise you

Further in the proceeding .

Secretary exits .

Enter Buckingham’s Surveyor .

QUEEN KATHERINE

, to the King

I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham

Is run in your displeasure .

KING

It grieves many .

The gentleman is learnèd and a most rare speaker ;

To nature none more bound ; his training such

That he may furnish and instruct great teachers

And never seek for aid out of himself . Yet see ,

When these so noble benefits shall prove

Not well disposed , the mind growing once corrupt ,

They turn to vicious forms ten times more ugly

Than ever they were fair . This man so complete ,

Who was enrolled ’mongst wonders , and when we

Almost with ravished list’ning could not find

His hour of speech a minute — he , my lady ,

Hath into monstrous habits put the graces

That once were his , and is become as black

As if besmeared in hell . Sit by us . You shall hear —

This was his gentleman in trust — of him

Things to strike honor sad . — Bid him recount

The fore-recited practices , whereof

We cannot feel too little , hear too much .

WOLSEY

Stand forth , and with bold spirit relate what you

Most like a careful subject have collected

Out of the Duke of Buckingham .

KING

Speak freely .

SURVEYOR

First , it was usual with him — every day

It would infect his speech — that if the King

Should without issue die , he’ll carry it so

To make the scepter his . These very words

I’ve heard him utter to his son-in-law ,

Lord Abergavenny , to whom by oath he menaced

Revenge upon the Cardinal .

WOLSEY

Please your Highness , note

This dangerous conception in this point :

Not friended by his wish to your high person ,

His will is most malignant , and it stretches

Beyond you to your friends .

QUEEN KATHERINE

My learnèd Lord Cardinal ,

Deliver all with charity .

KING

, to Surveyor

Speak on .

How grounded he his title to the crown

Upon our fail ? To this point hast thou heard him

At any time speak aught ?

SURVEYOR

He was brought to this

By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton .

KING

What was that Henton ?

SURVEYOR

Sir , a Chartreux friar ,

His confessor , who fed him every minute

With words of sovereignty .

KING

How know’st thou this ?

SURVEYOR

Not long before your Highness sped to France ,

The Duke being at the Rose , within the parish

Saint Laurence Poultney , did of me demand

What was the speech among the Londoners

Concerning the French journey . I replied

Men fear the French would prove perfidious ,

To the King’s danger . Presently the Duke

Said ’twas the fear indeed , and that he doubted

’Twould prove the verity of certain words

Spoke by a holy monk “ that oft , ” says he ,

“ Hath sent to me , wishing me to permit

John de la Car , my chaplain , a choice hour

To hear from him a matter of some moment ;

Whom after under the confession’s seal

He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke

My chaplain to no creature living but

To me should utter , with demure confidence

This pausingly ensued : ‘ Neither the King , nor ’s heirs —

Tell you the Duke — shall prosper . Bid him strive

To gain the love o’ th’ commonalty ; the Duke

Shall govern England . ’ ”

QUEEN KATHERINE

If I know you well ,

You were the Duke’s surveyor , and lost your office

On the complaint o’ th’ tenants . Take good heed

You charge not in your spleen a noble person

And spoil your nobler soul . I say , take heed —

Yes , heartily beseech you .

KING

Let him on . —

Go forward .

SURVEYOR

On my soul , I’ll speak but truth .

I told my lord the Duke , by th’ devil’s illusions

The monk might be deceived , and that ’twas dangerous

For him to ruminate on this so far until

It forged him some design , which , being believed ,

It was much like to do . He answered “ Tush ,

It can do me no damage , ” adding further

That had the King in his last sickness failed ,

The Cardinal’s and Sir Thomas Lovell’s heads

Should have gone off .

KING

Ha ! What , so rank ? Ah ha !

There’s mischief in this man ! Canst thou say further ?

SURVEYOR

I can , my liege .

KING

Proceed .

SURVEYOR

Being at Greenwich ,

After your Highness had reproved the Duke

About Sir William Blumer —

KING

I remember of such a time , being my sworn servant ,

The Duke retained him his . But on . What hence ?

SURVEYOR

“ If , ” quoth he , “ I for this had been committed , ”

As to the Tower , I thought , “ I would have played

The part my father meant to act upon

Th’ usurper Richard , who , being at Salisbury ,

Made suit to come in ’s presence ; which if granted ,

As he made semblance of his duty , would

Have put his knife into him . ”

KING

A giant traitor !

WOLSEY

Now , madam , may his Highness live in freedom

And this man out of prison ?

QUEEN KATHERINE

God mend all .

KING

, to Surveyor

There’s something more would out of thee . What sayst ?

SURVEYOR

After “ the Duke his father ” with “ the knife , ”

He stretched him , and with one hand on his dagger ,

Another spread on ’s breast , mounting his eyes ,

He did discharge a horrible oath whose tenor

Was , were he evil used , he would outgo

His father by as much as a performance

Does an irresolute purpose .

KING

There’s his period ,

To sheathe his knife in us ! He is attached .

Call him to present trial . If he may

Find mercy in the law , ’tis his ; if none ,

Let him not seek ’t of us . By day and night ,

He’s traitor to th’ height !

They exit .

Scene 3

Enter Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands .

CHAMBERLAIN

Is ’t possible the spells of France should juggle

Men into such strange mysteries ?

SANDS

New customs ,

Though they be never so ridiculous —

Nay , let ’em be unmanly — yet are followed .

CHAMBERLAIN

As far as I see , all the good our English

Have got by the late voyage is but merely

A fit or two o’ th’ face ; but they are shrewd ones ,

For when they hold ’em , you would swear directly

Their very noses had been counselors

To Pepin or Clotharius , they keep state so .

SANDS

They have all new legs and lame ones ; one would take it ,

That never see ’em pace before , the spavin

Or springhalt reigned among ’em .

CHAMBERLAIN

Death ! My lord ,

Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to ’t ,

That , sure , they’ve worn out Christendom .

Enter Sir Thomas Lovell .

How now ?

What news , Sir Thomas Lovell ?

LOVELL

Faith , my lord ,

I hear of none but the new proclamation

That’s clapped upon the court gate .

CHAMBERLAIN

What is ’t for ?

LOVELL

The reformation of our traveled gallants

That fill the court with quarrels , talk , and tailors .

CHAMBERLAIN

I’m glad ’tis there ; now I would pray our monsieurs

To think an English courtier may be wise

And never see the Louvre .

LOVELL

They must either —

For so run the conditions — leave those remnants

Of fool and feather that they got in France ,

With all their honorable points of ignorance

Pertaining thereunto , as fights and fireworks ,

Abusing better men than they can be

Out of a foreign wisdom , renouncing clean

The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings ,

Short blistered breeches , and those types of travel ,

And understand again like honest men ,

Or pack to their old playfellows . There , I take it ,

They may cum privilegio “ oui ” away

The lag end of their lewdness and be laughed at .

SANDS

’Tis time to give ’em physic , their diseases

Are grown so catching .

CHAMBERLAIN

What a loss our ladies

Will have of these trim vanities !

LOVELL

Ay , marry ,

There will be woe indeed , lords . The sly whoresons

Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies .

A French song and a fiddle has no fellow .

SANDS

The devil fiddle ’em ! I am glad they are going ,

For sure there’s no converting of ’em . Now

An honest country lord , as I am , beaten

A long time out of play , may bring his plainsong ,

And have an hour of hearing , and , by ’r Lady ,

Held current music too .

CHAMBERLAIN

Well said , Lord Sands .

Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet ?

SANDS

No , my lord ,

Nor shall not while I have a stump .

CHAMBERLAIN

Sir Thomas ,

Whither were you a-going ?

LOVELL

To the Cardinal’s .

Your Lordship is a guest too .

CHAMBERLAIN

O , ’tis true .

This night he makes a supper , and a great one ,

To many lords and ladies . There will be

The beauty of this kingdom , I’ll assure you .

LOVELL

That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed ,

A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us .

His dews fall everywhere .

CHAMBERLAIN

No doubt he’s noble ;

He had a black mouth that said other of him .

SANDS

He may , my lord . ’Has wherewithal . In him ,

Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine .

Men of his way should be most liberal ;

They are set here for examples .

CHAMBERLAIN

True , they are so ,

But few now give so great ones . My barge stays .

Your Lordship shall along . — Come , good Sir Thomas ,

We shall be late else , which I would not be ,

For I was spoke to , with Sir Henry Guilford

This night to be comptrollers .

SANDS

I 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

Ladies , a general welcome from his Grace

Salutes you all . This night he dedicates

To fair content and you . None here , he hopes ,

In all this noble bevy has brought with her

One care abroad . He would have all as merry

As , first , good company , good wine , good welcome

Can make good people .

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

O , my lord , you’re tardy !

The very thought of this fair company

Clapped wings to me .

CHAMBERLAIN

You are young , Sir Harry Guilford .

SANDS

Sir Thomas Lovell , had the Cardinal

But half my lay thoughts in him , some of these

Should find a running banquet , ere they rested ,

I think would better please ’em . By my life ,

They are a sweet society of fair ones .

LOVELL

O , that your Lordship were but now confessor

To one or two of these !

SANDS

I would I were .

They should find easy penance .

LOVELL

Faith , how easy ?

SANDS

As easy as a down bed would afford it .

CHAMBERLAIN

Sweet ladies , will it please you sit ? — Sir Harry ,

Place you that side ; I’ll take the charge of this .

The guests are seated .

His Grace is ent’ring . Nay , you must not freeze ;

Two women placed together makes cold weather .

My Lord Sands , you are one will keep ’em waking .

Pray sit between these ladies .

SANDS

By my faith ,

And thank your Lordship . — By your leave , sweet ladies .

He sits between Anne Bullen and another lady .

If I chance to talk a little wild , forgive me ;

I had it from my father .

ANNE

Was he mad , sir ?

SANDS

O , very mad , exceeding mad , in love too ;

But he would bite none . Just as I do now ,

He would kiss you twenty with a breath .

He kisses Anne .

CHAMBERLAIN

Well said , my lord .

So , now you’re fairly seated , gentlemen ,

The penance lies on you if these fair ladies

Pass away frowning .

SANDS

For my little cure ,

Let me alone .

Hautboys .

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

WOLSEY

You’re welcome , my fair guests . That noble lady

Or gentleman that is not freely merry

Is not my friend . This to confirm my welcome ,

And to you all good health .

He drinks to them .

SANDS

Your Grace is noble .

Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks

And save me so much talking .

WOLSEY

My Lord Sands ,

I am beholding to you . Cheer your neighbors . —

Ladies , you are not merry . — Gentlemen ,

Whose fault is this ?

SANDS

The red wine first must rise

In their fair cheeks , my lord . Then we shall have ’em

Talk us to silence .

ANNE

You are a merry gamester ,

My Lord Sands .

SANDS

Yes , if I make my play .

Here’s to your Ladyship , and pledge it , madam ,

He drinks to her .

For ’tis to such a thing —

ANNE

You cannot show me .

SANDS

I told your Grace they would talk anon .

Drum and Trumpet . Chambers discharged .

WOLSEY

What’s that ?

CHAMBERLAIN

Look out there , some of you .

Servants exit .

WOLSEY

What warlike voice ,

And to what end , is this ? — Nay , ladies , fear not .

By all the laws of war you’re privileged .

Enter a Servant .

CHAMBERLAIN

How now , what is ’t ?

SERVANT

A noble troop of strangers ,

For so they seem . They’ve left their barge and landed ,

And hither make , as great ambassadors

From foreign princes .

WOLSEY

Good Lord Chamberlain ,

Go , give ’em welcome — you can speak the French tongue —

And pray receive ’em nobly , and conduct ’em

Into our presence , where this heaven of beauty

Shall shine at full upon them . Some attend him .

Lord Chamberlain exits , with Attendants .

All rise , and tables removed .

You have now a broken banquet , but we’ll mend it .

A good digestion to you all ; and once more

I 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 .

A noble company ! What are their pleasures ?

CHAMBERLAIN

Because they speak no English , thus they prayed

To tell your Grace : that , having heard by fame

Of this so noble and so fair assembly

This night to meet here , they could do no less ,

Out of the great respect they bear to beauty ,

But leave their flocks and , under your fair conduct ,

Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat

An hour of revels with ’em .

WOLSEY

Say , Lord Chamberlain ,

They have done my poor house grace , for which I pay ’em

A thousand thanks and pray ’em take their pleasures .

The masquers choose Ladies . The King chooses Anne Bullen .

KING

The fairest hand I ever touched ! O beauty ,

Till now I never knew thee .

Music ,

Dance .

WOLSEY

My lord !

CHAMBERLAIN

Your Grace ?

WOLSEY

Pray tell ’em thus much from me :

There should be one amongst ’em by his person

More worthy this place than myself , to whom ,

If I but knew him , with my love and duty

I would surrender it .

CHAMBERLAIN

I will , my lord .

Whisper with the masquers .

WOLSEY

What say they ?

CHAMBERLAIN

Such a one they all confess

There is indeed , which they would have your Grace

Find out , and he will take it .

WOLSEY

Let me see , then .

He leaves his state .

By all your good leaves , gentlemen .

He bows before the King .

Here I’ll make

My royal choice .

KING

, unmasking

You have found him , cardinal .

You hold a fair assembly ; you do well , lord .

You are a churchman , or I’ll tell you , cardinal ,

I should judge now unhappily .

WOLSEY

I am glad

Your Grace is grown so pleasant .

KING

My Lord Chamberlain ,

Prithee come hither . What fair lady’s that ?

CHAMBERLAIN

An ’t please your Grace , Sir Thomas Bullen’s daughter ,

The Viscount Rochford , one of her Highness’ women .

KING

By heaven , she is a dainty one . — Sweetheart ,

I were unmannerly to take you out

And not to kiss you .

He kisses Anne .

A health , gentlemen !

Let it go round .

He drinks a toast .

WOLSEY

Sir Thomas Lovell , is the banquet ready

I’ th’ privy chamber ?

LOVELL

Yes , my lord .

WOLSEY

Your Grace ,

I fear , with dancing is a little heated .

KING

I fear , too much .

WOLSEY

There’s fresher air , my lord ,

In the next chamber .

KING

Lead in your ladies ev’ry one . — Sweet partner ,

I must not yet forsake you . — Let’s be merry ,

Good my Lord Cardinal . I have half a dozen healths

To drink to these fair ladies , and a measure

To lead ’em once again , and then let’s dream

Who’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

Whither away so fast ?

SECOND GENTLEMAN

O , God save you .

E’en to the Hall to hear what shall become

Of the great Duke of Buckingham .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

I’ll save you

That labor , sir . All’s now done but the ceremony

Of bringing back the prisoner .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Were you there ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes , indeed was I .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Pray speak what has happened .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

You may guess quickly what .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Is he found guilty ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes , truly , is he , and condemned upon ’t .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I am sorry for ’t .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

So are a number more .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

But pray , how passed it ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

I’ll tell you in a little . The great duke

Came to the bar , where to his accusations

He pleaded still not guilty and alleged

Many sharp reasons to defeat the law .

The King’s attorney on the contrary

Urged on the examinations , proofs , confessions

Of divers witnesses , which the Duke desired

To him brought viva voce to his face ;

At which appeared against him his surveyor ,

Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor , and John Car ,

Confessor to him , with that devil monk ,

Hopkins , that made this mischief .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

That was he

That fed him with his prophecies ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

The same .

All these accused him strongly , which he fain

Would have flung from him , but indeed he could not .

And so his peers upon this evidence

Have found him guilty of high treason . Much

He spoke , and learnèdly , for life , but all

Was either pitied in him or forgotten .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

After all this , how did he bear himself ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear

His knell rung out , his judgment , he was stirred

With such an agony he sweat extremely

And something spoke in choler , ill and hasty .

But he fell to himself again , and sweetly

In all the rest showed a most noble patience .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I do not think he fears death .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Sure he does not ;

He never was so womanish . The cause

He may a little grieve at .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Certainly

The Cardinal is the end of this .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis likely ,

By all conjectures ; first , Kildare’s attainder ,

Then Deputy of Ireland , who , removed ,

Earl Surrey was sent thither , and in haste too ,

Lest he should help his father .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

That trick of state

Was a deep envious one .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

At his return

No doubt he will requite it . This is noted ,

And generally : whoever the King favors ,

The Card’nal instantly will find employment ,

And far enough from court too .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

All the commons

Hate him perniciously and , o’ my conscience ,

Wish him ten fathom deep . This duke as much

They love and dote on , call him bounteous Buckingham ,

The mirror of all courtesy .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Stay there , sir ,

And 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

Let’s stand close and behold him .

BUCKINGHAM

All good people ,

You that thus far have come to pity me ,

Hear what I say , and then go home and lose me .

I have this day received a traitor’s judgment ,

And by that name must die . Yet heaven bear witness ,

And if I have a conscience , let it sink me

Even as the ax falls , if I be not faithful !

The law I bear no malice for my death ;

’T has done , upon the premises , but justice .

But those that sought it I could wish more Christian .

Be what they will , I heartily forgive ’em .

Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief ,

Nor build their evils on the graves of great men ,

For then my guiltless blood must cry against ’em .

For further life in this world I ne’er hope ,

Nor will I sue , although the King have mercies

More than I dare make faults . You few that loved me

And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham ,

His noble friends and fellows , whom to leave

Is only bitter to him , only dying ,

Go with me like good angels to my end ,

And as the long divorce of steel falls on me ,

Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice ,

And lift my soul to heaven . — Lead on , a’ God’s name .

LOVELL

I do beseech your Grace , for charity ,

If ever any malice in your heart

Were hid against me , now to forgive me frankly .

BUCKINGHAM

Sir Thomas Lovell , I as free forgive you

As I would be forgiven . I forgive all .

There cannot be those numberless offenses

’Gainst me that I cannot take peace with . No black envy

Shall make my grave . Commend me to his Grace .

And if he speak of Buckingham , pray tell him

You met him half in heaven . My vows and prayers

Yet are the King’s and , till my soul forsake ,

Shall cry for blessings on him . May he live

Longer than I have time to tell his years .

Ever beloved and loving may his rule be ;

And when old Time shall lead him to his end ,

Goodness and he fill up one monument !

LOVELL

To th’ waterside I must conduct your Grace ,

Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux ,

Who undertakes you to your end .

VAUX

, calling as to Officers offstage

Prepare there !

The Duke is coming . See the barge be ready ,

And fit it with such furniture as suits

The greatness of his person .

BUCKINGHAM

Nay , Sir Nicholas ,

Let it alone . My state now will but mock me .

When I came hither , I was Lord High Constable

And Duke of Buckingham ; now , poor Edward Bohun .

Yet I am richer than my base accusers ,

That never knew what truth meant . I now seal it ,

And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for ’t .

My noble father , Henry of Buckingham ,

Who first raised head against usurping Richard ,

Flying for succor to his servant Banister ,

Being distressed , was by that wretch betrayed ,

And , without trial , fell . God’s peace be with him .

Henry the Seventh , succeeding , truly pitying

My father’s loss , like a most royal prince

Restored me to my honors and out of ruins

Made my name once more noble . Now his son ,

Henry the Eighth , life , honor , name , and all

That made me happy at one stroke has taken

Forever from the world . I had my trial ,

And must needs say a noble one , which makes me

A little happier than my wretched father .

Yet thus far we are one in fortunes : both

Fell by our servants , by those men we loved most —

A most unnatural and faithless service .

Heaven has an end in all ; yet , you that hear me ,

This from a dying man receive as certain :

Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels

Be sure you be not loose ; for those you make friends

And give your hearts to , when they once perceive

The least rub in your fortunes , fall away

Like water from you , never found again

But where they mean to sink you . All good people ,

Pray for me . I must now forsake you . The last hour

Of my long weary life is come upon me .

Farewell . And when you would say something that is sad ,

Speak how I fell . I have done ; and God forgive me .

Duke and train exit .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

O , this is full of pity , sir ! It calls ,

I fear , too many curses on their heads

That were the authors .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

If the Duke be guiltless ,

’Tis full of woe . Yet I can give you inkling

Of an ensuing evil , if it fall ,

Greater than this .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Good angels keep it from us !

What may it be ? You do not doubt my faith , sir ?

SECOND GENTLEMAN

This secret is so weighty ’twill require

A strong faith to conceal it .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Let me have it .

I do not talk much .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I am confident ;

You shall , sir . Did you not of late days hear

A buzzing of a separation

Between the King and Katherine ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes , but it held not ;

For when the King once heard it , out of anger

He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight

To stop the rumor and allay those tongues

That durst disperse it .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

But that slander , sir ,

Is found a truth now , for it grows again

Fresher than e’er it was , and held for certain

The King will venture at it . Either the Cardinal ,

Or some about him near , have , out of malice

To the good queen , possessed him with a scruple

That will undo her . To confirm this too ,

Cardinal Campeius is arrived , and lately ,

As all think , for this business .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis the Cardinal ;

And merely to revenge him on the Emperor

For not bestowing on him at his asking

The archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I think you have hit the mark . But is ’t not cruel

That she should feel the smart of this ? The Cardinal

Will have his will , and she must fall .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis woeful .

We are too open here to argue this .

Let’s think in private more .

They exit .

Scene 2

Enter Lord Chamberlain , reading this letter .

CHAMBERLAIN

My lord , the horses your Lordship sent for , with all the care I had I saw well chosen , ridden , and furnished . They were young and handsome and of the best breed in the north . When they were ready to set out for London , a man of my Lord Cardinal’s , by commission and main power , took ’em from me with this reason : his master would be served before a subject , if not before the King , which stopped our mouths , sir .

I fear he will indeed ; well , let him have them .

He will have all , I think .

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

NORFOLK

Well met , my Lord Chamberlain .

CHAMBERLAIN

Good day to both your Graces .

SUFFOLK

How is the King employed ?

CHAMBERLAIN

I left him private ,

Full of sad thoughts and troubles .

NORFOLK

What’s the cause ?

CHAMBERLAIN

It seems the marriage with his brother’s wife

Has crept too near his conscience .

SUFFOLK

No , his conscience

Has crept too near another lady .

NORFOLK

’Tis so ;

This is the Cardinal’s doing . The king-cardinal ,

That blind priest , like the eldest son of Fortune ,

Turns what he list . The King will know him one day .

SUFFOLK

Pray God he do ! He’ll never know himself else .

NORFOLK

How holily he works in all his business ,

And with what zeal ! For , now he has cracked the league

Between us and the Emperor , the Queen’s great-nephew ,

He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters

Dangers , doubts , wringing of the conscience ,

Fears and despairs — and all these for his marriage .

And out of all these to restore the King ,

He counsels a divorce , a loss of her

That like a jewel has hung twenty years

About his neck , yet never lost her luster ;

Of her that loves him with that excellence

That angels love good men with ; even of her

That , when the greatest stroke of fortune falls ,

Will bless the King . And is not this course pious ?

CHAMBERLAIN

Heaven keep me from such counsel ! ’Tis most true :

These news are everywhere , every tongue speaks ’em ,

And every true heart weeps for ’t . All that dare

Look into these affairs see this main end ,

The French king’s sister . Heaven will one day open

The King’s eyes , that so long have slept upon

This bold bad man .

SUFFOLK

And free us from his slavery .

NORFOLK

We had need pray ,

And heartily , for our deliverance ,

Or this imperious man will work us all

From princes into pages . All men’s honors

Lie like one lump before him , to be fashioned

Into what pitch he please .

SUFFOLK

For me , my lords ,

I love him not nor fear him ; there’s my creed .

As I am made without him , so I’ll stand ,

If the King please . His curses and his blessings

Touch me alike : they’re breath I not believe in .

I knew him and I know him ; so I leave him

To him that made him proud , the Pope .

NORFOLK

Let’s in ,

And with some other business put the King

From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him . —

My lord , you’ll bear us company ?

CHAMBERLAIN

Excuse me ;

The King has sent me otherwhere . Besides ,

You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him .

Health to your Lordships .

NORFOLK

Thanks , my good Lord Chamberlain .

Lord Chamberlain exits ;

and the King draws the curtain and sits reading pensively .

SUFFOLK

, to Norfolk

How sad he looks ! Sure he is much afflicted .

KING

Who’s there ? Ha ?

NORFOLK

, to Suffolk

Pray God he be not angry .

KING

Who’s there , I say ? How dare you thrust yourselves

Into my private meditations ? Who am I , ha ?

NORFOLK

A gracious king that pardons all offenses

Malice ne’er meant . Our breach of duty this way

Is business of estate , in which we come

To know your royal pleasure .

KING

You are too bold .

Go to ; I’ll make you know your times of business .

Is this an hour for temporal affairs , ha ?

Enter Wolsey and Campeius , with a commission .

Who’s there ? My good Lord Cardinal ? O my Wolsey ,

The quiet of my wounded conscience ,

Thou art a cure fit for a king .

To Campeius .

You’re welcome ,

Most learnèd reverend sir , into our kingdom .

Use us and it . — My good lord , have great care

I be not found a talker .

WOLSEY

Sir , you cannot .

I would your Grace would give us but an hour

Of private conference .

KING

, to Norfolk and Suffolk

We are busy . Go .

NORFOLK

, aside to Suffolk

This priest has no pride in him ?

SUFFOLK

, aside to Norfolk

Not to speak of .

I would not be so sick , though for his place .

But this cannot continue .

NORFOLK

, aside to Suffolk

If it do ,

I’ll venture one have-at-him .

SUFFOLK

, aside to Norfolk

I another .

Norfolk and Suffolk exit .

WOLSEY

Your Grace has given a precedent of wisdom

Above all princes in committing freely

Your scruple to the voice of Christendom .

Who can be angry now ? What envy reach you ?

The Spaniard , tied by blood and favor to her ,

Must now confess , if they have any goodness ,

The trial just and noble ; all the clerks —

I mean the learnèd ones in Christian kingdoms —

Have their free voices ; Rome , the nurse of judgment ,

Invited by your noble self , hath sent

One general tongue unto us , this good man ,

This just and learnèd priest , Cardinal Campeius ,

Whom once more I present unto your Highness .

KING

And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome ,

And thank the holy conclave for their loves .

They have sent me such a man I would have wished for .

He embraces Campeius .

CAMPEIUS

, handing the King a paper

Your Grace must needs deserve all strangers’ loves ,

You are so noble . To your Highness’ hand

I tender my commission — by whose virtue ,

The court of Rome commanding , you , my Lord

Cardinal of York , are joined with me their servant

In the unpartial judging of this business .

KING

Two equal men . The Queen shall be acquainted

Forthwith for what you come . Where’s Gardiner ?

WOLSEY

I know your Majesty has always loved her

So dear in heart not to deny her that

A woman of less place might ask by law :

Scholars allowed freely to argue for her .

KING

Ay , and the best she shall have , and my favor

To him that does best . God forbid else . Cardinal ,

Prithee call Gardiner to me , my new secretary .

I find him a fit fellow .

Wolsey goes to the door .

Enter Gardiner to Wolsey .

WOLSEY

, aside to Gardiner

Give me your hand . Much joy and favor to you .

You are the King’s now .

GARDINER

, aside to Wolsey

But to be commanded

Forever by your Grace , whose hand has raised me .

KING

Come hither , Gardiner .

The King and Gardiner walk and whisper .

CAMPEIUS

My lord of York , was not one Doctor Pace

In this man’s place before him ?

WOLSEY

Yes , he was .

CAMPEIUS

Was he not held a learnèd man ?

WOLSEY

Yes , surely .

CAMPEIUS

Believe me , there’s an ill opinion spread , then ,

Even of yourself , Lord Cardinal .

WOLSEY

How ? Of me ?

CAMPEIUS

They will not stick to say you envied him

And , fearing he would rise — he was so virtuous —

Kept him a foreign man still , which so grieved him

That he ran mad and died .

WOLSEY

Heav’n’s peace be with him !

That’s Christian care enough . For living murmurers ,

There’s places of rebuke . He was a fool ,

For he would needs be virtuous . That good fellow

If I command him follows my appointment .

I will have none so near else . Learn this , brother :

We live not to be griped by meaner persons .

KING

, to Gardiner

Deliver this with modesty to th’ Queen .

Gardiner exits .

The most convenient place that I can think of

For such receipt of learning is Blackfriars .

There you shall meet about this weighty business .

My Wolsey , see it furnished . O , my lord ,

Would it not grieve an able man to leave

So sweet a bedfellow ? But , conscience , conscience !

O , ’tis a tender place , and I must leave her .

They exit .

Scene 3

Enter Anne Bullen and an old Lady .

ANNE

Not for that neither . Here’s the pang that pinches :

His Highness having lived so long with her , and she

So good a lady that no tongue could ever

Pronounce dishonor of her — by my life ,

She never knew harm-doing ! — O , now , after

So many courses of the sun enthroned ,

Still growing in a majesty and pomp , the which

To leave a thousandfold more bitter than

’Tis sweet at first t’ acquire — after this process ,

To give her the avaunt ! It is a pity

Would move a monster .

OLD LADY

Hearts of most hard temper

Melt and lament for her .

ANNE

O , God’s will ! Much better

She ne’er had known pomp ; though ’t be temporal ,

Yet if that quarrel , Fortune , do divorce

It from the bearer , ’tis a sufferance panging

As soul and body’s severing .

OLD LADY

Alas , poor lady ,

She’s a stranger now again !

ANNE

So much the more

Must pity drop upon her . Verily ,

I swear , ’tis better to be lowly born

And range with humble livers in content

Than to be perked up in a glist’ring grief

And wear a golden sorrow .

OLD LADY

Our content

Is our best having .

ANNE

By my troth and maidenhead ,

I would not be a queen .

OLD LADY

Beshrew me , I would ,

And venture maidenhead for ’t ; and so would you ,

For all this spice of your hypocrisy .

You , that have so fair parts of woman on you ,

Have too a woman’s heart , which ever yet

Affected eminence , wealth , sovereignty ;

Which , to say sooth , are blessings ; and which gifts ,

Saving your mincing , the capacity

Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive

If you might please to stretch it .

ANNE

Nay , good troth .

OLD LADY

Yes , troth , and troth . You would not be a queen ?

ANNE

No , not for all the riches under heaven .

OLD LADY

’Tis strange . A threepence bowed would hire me ,

Old as I am , to queen it . But I pray you ,

What think you of a duchess ? Have you limbs

To bear that load of title ?

ANNE

No , in truth .

OLD LADY

Then you are weakly made . Pluck off a little .

I would not be a young count in your way

For more than blushing comes to . If your back

Cannot vouchsafe this burden , ’tis too weak

Ever to get a boy .

ANNE

How you do talk !

I swear again , I would not be a queen

For all the world .

OLD LADY

In faith , for little England

You’d venture an emballing . I myself

Would for Carnarvanshire , although there longed

No more to th’ crown but that . Lo , who comes here ?

Enter Lord Chamberlain .

CHAMBERLAIN

Good morrow , ladies . What were ’t worth to know

The secret of your conference ?

ANNE

My good lord ,

Not your demand ; it values not your asking .

Our mistress’ sorrows we were pitying .

CHAMBERLAIN

It was a gentle business , and becoming

The action of good women . There is hope

All will be well .

ANNE

Now , I pray God , amen !

CHAMBERLAIN

You bear a gentle mind , and heav’nly blessings

Follow such creatures . That you may , fair lady ,

Perceive I speak sincerely , and high note’s

Ta’en of your many virtues , the King’s Majesty

Commends his good opinion of you to you , and

Does purpose honor to you no less flowing

Than Marchioness of Pembroke , to which title

A thousand pound a year annual support

Out of his grace he adds .

ANNE

I do not know

What kind of my obedience I should tender .

More than my all is nothing , nor my prayers

Are not words duly hallowed , nor my wishes

More worth than empty vanities . Yet prayers and wishes

Are all I can return . ’Beseech your Lordship ,

Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience ,

As from a blushing handmaid , to his Highness ,

Whose health and royalty I pray for .

CHAMBERLAIN

Lady ,

I shall not fail t’ approve the fair conceit

The King hath of you .

( Aside . )

I have perused her well .

Beauty and honor in her are so mingled

That they have caught the King . And who knows yet

But from this lady may proceed a gem

To lighten all this isle ? — I’ll to the King

And say I spoke with you .

ANNE

My honored lord .

Lord Chamberlain exits .

OLD LADY

Why , this it is ! See , see !

I have been begging sixteen years in court ,

Am yet a courtier beggarly , nor could

Come pat betwixt too early and too late

For any suit of pounds ; and you — O , fate ! —

A very fresh fish here — fie , fie , fie upon

This compelled fortune ! — have your mouth filled up

Before you open it .

ANNE

This is strange to me .

OLD LADY

How tastes it ? Is it bitter ? Forty pence , no .

There was a lady once — ’tis an old story —

That would not be a queen , that would she not ,

For all the mud in Egypt . Have you heard it ?

ANNE

Come , you are pleasant .

OLD LADY

With your theme , I could

O’ermount the lark . The Marchioness of Pembroke ?

A thousand pounds a year for pure respect ?

No other obligation ? By my life ,

That promises more thousands ; honor’s train

Is longer than his foreskirt . By this time

I know your back will bear a duchess . Say ,

Are you not stronger than you were ?

ANNE

Good lady ,

Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy ,

And leave me out on ’t . Would I had no being

If this salute my blood a jot . It faints me

To think what follows .

The Queen is comfortless and we forgetful

In our long absence . Pray do not deliver

What here you’ve heard to her .

OLD LADY

What 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 .

WOLSEY

Whilst our commission from Rome is read ,

Let silence be commanded .

KING

What’s the need ?

It hath already publicly been read ,

And on all sides th’ authority allowed .

You may then spare that time .

WOLSEY

Be ’t so . Proceed .

SCRIBE

Say “ Henry King of England , come into the court . ”

CRIER

Henry King of England , come into the court .

KING

Here .

SCRIBE

Say “ Katherine Queen of England , come into the court . ”

CRIER

Katherine Queen of England , come into the court .

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

Sir , I desire you do me right and justice ,

And to bestow your pity on me ; for

I am a most poor woman and a stranger ,

Born out of your dominions , having here

No judge indifferent nor no more assurance

Of equal friendship and proceeding . Alas , sir ,

In what have I offended you ? What cause

Hath my behavior given to your displeasure

That thus you should proceed to put me off

And take your good grace from me ? Heaven witness

I have been to you a true and humble wife ,

At all times to your will conformable ,

Ever in fear to kindle your dislike ,

Yea , subject to your countenance , glad or sorry

As I saw it inclined . When was the hour

I ever contradicted your desire ,

Or made it not mine too ? Or which of your friends

Have I not strove to love , although I knew

He were mine enemy ? What friend of mine

That had to him derived your anger did I

Continue in my liking ? Nay , gave notice

He was from thence discharged ? Sir , call to mind

That I have been your wife in this obedience

Upward of twenty years , and have been blessed

With many children by you . If , in the course

And process of this time , you can report ,

And prove it too , against mine honor aught ,

My bond to wedlock or my love and duty

Against your sacred person , in God’s name

Turn me away and let the foul’st contempt

Shut door upon me , and so give me up

To the sharp’st kind of justice . Please you , sir ,

The King your father was reputed for

A prince most prudent , of an excellent

And unmatched wit and judgment . Ferdinand ,

My father , King of Spain , was reckoned one

The wisest prince that there had reigned by many

A year before . It is not to be questioned

That they had gathered a wise council to them

Of every realm , that did debate this business ,

Who deemed our marriage lawful . Wherefore I humbly

Beseech you , sir , to spare me till I may

Be by my friends in Spain advised , whose counsel

I will implore . If not , i’ th’ name of God ,

Your pleasure be fulfilled .

WOLSEY

You have here , lady ,

And of your choice , these reverend fathers , men

Of singular integrity and learning ,

Yea , the elect o’ th’ land , who are assembled

To plead your cause . It shall be therefore bootless

That longer you desire the court , as well

For your own quiet as to rectify

What is unsettled in the King .

CAMPEIUS

His Grace

Hath spoken well and justly . Therefore , madam ,

It’s fit this royal session do proceed

And that without delay their arguments

Be now produced and heard .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Lord Cardinal ,

To you I speak .

WOLSEY

Your pleasure , madam .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Sir ,

I am about to weep ; but thinking that

We are a queen , or long have dreamed so , certain

The daughter of a king , my drops of tears

I’ll turn to sparks of fire .

WOLSEY

Be patient yet .

QUEEN KATHERINE

I will , when you are humble ; nay , before ,

Or God will punish me . I do believe ,

Induced by potent circumstances , that

You are mine enemy , and make my challenge

You shall not be my judge ; for it is you

Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me —

Which God’s dew quench ! Therefore I say again ,

I utterly abhor , yea , from my soul

Refuse you for my judge , whom , yet once more ,

I hold my most malicious foe and think not

At all a friend to truth .

WOLSEY

I do profess

You speak not like yourself , who ever yet

Have stood to charity and displayed th’ effects

Of disposition gentle and of wisdom

O’ertopping woman’s power . Madam , you do me wrong .

I have no spleen against you , nor injustice

For you or any . How far I have proceeded ,

Or how far further shall , is warranted

By a commission from the Consistory ,

Yea , the whole Consistory of Rome . You charge me

That I “ have blown this coal . ” I do deny it .

The King is present . If it be known to him

That I gainsay my deed , how may he wound ,

And worthily , my falsehood , yea , as much

As you have done my truth . If he know

That I am free of your report , he knows

I am not of your wrong . Therefore in him

It lies to cure me , and the cure is to

Remove these thoughts from you , the which before

His Highness shall speak in , I do beseech

You , gracious madam , to unthink your speaking

And to say so no more .

QUEEN KATHERINE

My lord , my lord ,

I am a simple woman , much too weak

T’ oppose your cunning . You’re meek and humble-mouthed ;

You sign your place and calling , in full seeming ,

With meekness and humility , but your heart

Is crammed with arrogancy , spleen , and pride .

You have by fortune and his Highness’ favors

Gone slightly o’er low steps , and now are mounted

Where powers are your retainers , and your words ,

Domestics to you , serve your will as ’t please

Yourself pronounce their office . I must tell you ,

You tender more your person’s honor than

Your high profession spiritual , that again

I do refuse you for my judge , and here ,

Before you all , appeal unto the Pope

To bring my whole cause ’fore his Holiness ,

And to be judged by him .

She curtsies to the King , and offers to depart .

CAMPEIUS

The Queen is obstinate ,

Stubborn to justice , apt to accuse it , and

Disdainful to be tried by ’t . ’Tis not well .

She’s going away .

KING

Call her again .

CRIER

Katherine , Queen of England , come into the

court .

GENTLEMAN USHER

Madam , you are called back .

QUEEN KATHERINE

What need you note it ? Pray you , keep your way .

When you are called , return . Now , the Lord help !

They vex me past my patience . Pray you , pass on .

I will not tarry ; no , nor ever more

Upon this business my appearance make

In any of their courts .

Queen and her Attendants exit .

KING

Go thy ways , Kate .

That man i’ th’ world who shall report he has

A better wife , let him in naught be trusted ,

For speaking false in that . Thou art , alone —

If thy rare qualities , sweet gentleness ,

Thy meekness saintlike , wifelike government ,

Obeying in commanding , and thy parts

Sovereign and pious else , could speak thee out —

The queen of earthly queens . She’s noble born ,

And like her true nobility she has

Carried herself towards me .

WOLSEY

Most gracious sir ,

In humblest manner I require your Highness

That it shall please you to declare in hearing

Of all these ears — for where I am robbed and bound ,

There must I be unloosed , although not there

At once and fully satisfied — whether ever I

Did broach this business to your Highness , or

Laid any scruple in your way which might

Induce you to the question on ’t , or ever

Have to you , but with thanks to God for such

A royal lady , spake one the least word that might

Be to the prejudice of her present state ,

Or touch of her good person ?

KING

My Lord Cardinal ,

I do excuse you ; yea , upon mine honor ,

I free you from ’t . You are not to be taught

That you have many enemies that know not

Why they are so but , like to village curs ,

Bark when their fellows do . By some of these

The Queen is put in anger . You’re excused .

But will you be more justified ? You ever

Have wished the sleeping of this business , never desired

It to be stirred , but oft have hindered , oft ,

The passages made toward it . On my honor

I speak my good Lord Cardinal to this point

And thus far clear him . Now , what moved me to ’t ,

I will be bold with time and your attention .

Then mark th’ inducement . Thus it came ; give heed to ’t :

My conscience first received a tenderness ,

Scruple , and prick on certain speeches uttered

By th’ Bishop of Bayonne , then French ambassador ,

Who had been hither sent on the debating

A marriage ’twixt the Duke of Orleans and

Our daughter Mary . I’ th’ progress of this business ,

Ere a determinate resolution , he ,

I mean the Bishop , did require a respite

Wherein he might the King his lord advertise

Whether our daughter were legitimate ,

Respecting this our marriage with the dowager ,

Sometime our brother’s wife . This respite shook

The bosom of my conscience , entered me ,

Yea , with a spitting power , and made to tremble

The region of my breast ; which forced such way

That many mazed considerings did throng

And pressed in with this caution . First , methought

I stood not in the smile of heaven , who had

Commanded nature that my lady’s womb ,

If it conceived a male child by me , should

Do no more offices of life to ’t than

The grave does to th’ dead , for her male issue

Or died where they were made , or shortly after

This world had aired them . Hence I took a thought

This was a judgment on me , that my kingdom ,

Well worthy the best heir o’ th’ world , should not

Be gladded in ’t by me . Then follows that

I weighed the danger which my realms stood in

By this my issue’s fail , and that gave to me

Many a groaning throe . Thus hulling in

The wild sea of my conscience , I did steer

Toward this remedy whereupon we are

Now present here together . That’s to say ,

I meant to rectify my conscience , which

I then did feel full sick , and yet not well ,

By all the reverend fathers of the land

And doctors learnèd . First , I began in private

With you , my Lord of Lincoln . You remember

How under my oppression I did reek

When I first moved you .

LINCOLN

Very well , my liege .

KING

I have spoke long . Be pleased yourself to say

How far you satisfied me .

LINCOLN

So please your Highness ,

The question did at first so stagger me ,

Bearing a state of mighty moment in ’t

And consequence of dread , that I committed

The daring’st counsel which I had to doubt ,

And did entreat your Highness to this course

Which you are running here .

KING

I then moved you ,

My Lord of Canterbury , and got your leave

To make this present summons . Unsolicited

I left no reverend person in this court ,

But by particular consent proceeded

Under your hands and seals . Therefore go on ,

For no dislike i’ th’ world against the person

Of the good queen , but the sharp thorny points

Of my allegèd reasons drives this forward .

Prove but our marriage lawful , by my life

And kingly dignity , we are contented

To wear our mortal state to come with her ,

Katherine our queen , before the primest creature

That’s paragoned o’ th’ world .

CAMPEIUS

So please your Highness ,

The Queen being absent , ’tis a needful fitness

That we adjourn this court till further day .

Meanwhile must be an earnest motion

Made to the Queen to call back her appeal

She intends unto his Holiness .

KING

, aside

I may perceive

These cardinals trifle with me . I abhor

This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome .

My learnèd and well-belovèd servant Cranmer ,

Prithee return . With thy approach , I know ,

My comfort comes along . — Break up the court .

I say , set on .

They exit , in manner as they entered .

ACT 3

Scene 1

Enter Queen and her Women , as at work .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Take thy lute , wench . My soul grows sad with troubles .

Sing , and disperse ’em if thou canst . Leave working .

WOMAN

sings song .

Orpheus with his lute made trees

And the mountaintops that freeze

Bow themselves when he did sing .

To his music plants and flowers

Ever sprung , as sun and showers

There had made a lasting spring .

Everything that heard him play ,

Even the billows of the sea ,

Hung their heads and then lay by .

In sweet music is such art ,

Killing care and grief of heart

Fall asleep or , hearing , die .

Enter a Gentleman .

QUEEN KATHERINE

How now ?

GENTLEMAN

An ’t please your Grace , the two great cardinals

Wait in the presence .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Would they speak with me ?

GENTLEMAN

They willed me say so , madam .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Pray their Graces

To come near .

Gentleman exits .

What can be their business

With me , a poor weak woman , fall’n from favor ?

I do not like their coming , now I think on ’t .

They should be good men , their affairs as righteous .

But all hoods make not monks .

Enter the two Cardinals , Wolsey and Campeius .

WOLSEY

Peace to your Highness .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Your Graces find me here part of a housewife ;

I would be all , against the worst may happen .

What are your pleasures with me , reverend lords ?

WOLSEY

May it please you , noble madam , to withdraw

Into your private chamber , we shall give you

The full cause of our coming .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Speak it here .

There’s nothing I have done yet , o’ my conscience ,

Deserves a corner . Would all other women

Could speak this with as free a soul as I do .

My lords , I care not , so much I am happy

Above a number , if my actions

Were tried by ev’ry tongue , ev’ry eye saw ’em ,

Envy and base opinion set against ’em ,

I know my life so even . If your business

Seek me out , and that way I am wife in ,

Out with it boldly . Truth loves open dealing .

WOLSEY

Tanta est erga te mentis integritas , regina serenissima —

QUEEN KATHERINE

O , good my lord , no Latin !

I am not such a truant since my coming

As not to know the language I have lived in .

A strange tongue makes my cause more strange , suspicious .

Pray speak in English . Here are some will thank you ,

If you speak truth , for their poor mistress’ sake .

Believe me , she has had much wrong . Lord Cardinal ,

The willing’st sin I ever yet committed

May be absolved in English .

WOLSEY

Noble lady ,

I am sorry my integrity should breed —

And service to his Majesty and you —

So deep suspicion , where all faith was meant .

We come not by the way of accusation ,

To taint that honor every good tongue blesses ,

Nor to betray you any way to sorrow —

You have too much , good lady — but to know

How you stand minded in the weighty difference

Between the King and you , and to deliver ,

Like free and honest men , our just opinions

And comforts to your cause .

CAMPEIUS

Most honored madam ,

My Lord of York , out of his noble nature ,

Zeal , and obedience he still bore your Grace ,

Forgetting , like a good man , your late censure

Both of his truth and him — which was too far —

Offers , as I do , in a sign of peace ,

His service and his counsel .

QUEEN KATHERINE

, aside

To betray me . —

My lords , I thank you both for your good wills .

You speak like honest men ; pray God you prove so .

But how to make you suddenly an answer

In such a point of weight , so near mine honor —

More near my life , I fear — with my weak wit ,

And to such men of gravity and learning ,

In truth I know not . I was set at work

Among my maids , full little , God knows , looking

Either for such men or such business .

For her sake that I have been — for I feel

The last fit of my greatness — good your Graces ,

Let me have time and counsel for my cause .

Alas , I am a woman friendless , hopeless .

WOLSEY

Madam , you wrong the King’s love with these fears ;

Your hopes and friends are infinite .

QUEEN KATHERINE

In England

But little for my profit . Can you think , lords ,

That any Englishman dare give me counsel ,

Or be a known friend , ’gainst his Highness’ pleasure ,

Though he be grown so desperate to be honest ,

And live a subject ? Nay , forsooth . My friends ,

They that must weigh out my afflictions ,

They that my trust must grow to , live not here .

They are , as all my other comforts , far hence

In mine own country , lords .

CAMPEIUS

I would your Grace

Would leave your griefs and take my counsel .

QUEEN KATHERINE

How , sir ?

CAMPEIUS

Put your main cause into the King’s protection .

He’s loving and most gracious . ’Twill be much

Both for your honor better and your cause ,

For if the trial of the law o’ertake you ,

You’ll part away disgraced .

WOLSEY

He tells you rightly .

QUEEN KATHERINE

You tell me what you wish for both : my ruin .

Is this your Christian counsel ? Out upon you !

Heaven is above all yet ; there sits a judge

That no king can corrupt .

CAMPEIUS

Your rage mistakes us .

QUEEN KATHERINE

The more shame for you ! Holy men I thought you ,

Upon my soul , two reverend cardinal virtues ;

But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear you .

Mend ’em , for shame , my lords . Is this your comfort ?

The cordial that you bring a wretched lady ,

A woman lost among you , laughed at , scorned ?

I will not wish you half my miseries ;

I have more charity . But say I warned you :

Take heed , for heaven’s sake , take heed , lest at once

The burden of my sorrows fall upon you .

WOLSEY

Madam , this is a mere distraction .

You turn the good we offer into envy .

QUEEN KATHERINE

You turn me into nothing ! Woe upon you

And all such false professors . Would you have me —

If you have any justice , any pity ,

If you be anything but churchmen’s habits —

Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me ?

Alas , has banished me his bed already ,

His love , too , long ago . I am old , my lords ,

And all the fellowship I hold now with him

Is only my obedience . What can happen

To me above this wretchedness ? All your studies

Make me a curse like this .

CAMPEIUS

Your fears are worse .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Have I lived thus long — let me speak myself ,

Since virtue finds no friends — a wife , a true one —

A woman , I dare say without vainglory ,

Never yet branded with suspicion —

Have I with all my full affections

Still met the King , loved him next heav’n , obeyed him ,

Been , out of fondness , superstitious to him ,

Almost forgot my prayers to content him ,

And am I thus rewarded ? ’Tis not well , lords .

Bring me a constant woman to her husband ,

One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure ,

And to that woman , when she has done most ,

Yet will I add an honor : a great patience .

WOLSEY

Madam , you wander from the good we aim at .

QUEEN KATHERINE

My lord , I dare not make myself so guilty

To give up willingly that noble title

Your master wed me to . Nothing but death

Shall e’er divorce my dignities .

WOLSEY

Pray hear me .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Would I had never trod this English earth

Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it !

You have angels’ faces , but heaven knows your hearts .

What will become of me now , wretched lady ?

I am the most unhappy woman living .

To her Women .

Alas , poor wenches , where are now your fortunes ?

Shipwracked upon a kingdom where no pity ,

No friends , no hope , no kindred weep for me ,

Almost no grave allowed me , like the lily

That once was mistress of the field and flourished ,

I’ll hang my head and perish .

WOLSEY

If your Grace

Could but be brought to know our ends are honest ,

You’d feel more comfort . Why should we , good lady ,

Upon what cause , wrong you ? Alas , our places ,

The way of our profession , is against it .

We are to cure such sorrows , not to sow ’em .

For goodness’ sake , consider what you do ,

How you may hurt yourself , ay , utterly

Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage .

The hearts of princes kiss obedience ,

So much they love it . But to stubborn spirits

They swell and grow as terrible as storms .

I know you have a gentle , noble temper ,

A soul as even as a calm . Pray think us

Those we profess : peacemakers , friends , and servants .

CAMPEIUS

Madam , you’ll find it so . You wrong your virtues

With these weak women’s fears . A noble spirit ,

As yours was put into you , ever casts

Such doubts , as false coin , from it . The King loves you ;

Beware you lose it not . For us , if you please

To trust us in your business , we are ready

To use our utmost studies in your service .

QUEEN KATHERINE

Do what you will , my lords , and pray forgive me

If I have used myself unmannerly .

You know I am a woman , lacking wit

To make a seemly answer to such persons .

Pray do my service to his Majesty .

He has my heart yet and shall have my prayers

While I shall have my life . Come , reverend fathers ,

Bestow your counsels on me . She now begs

That little thought , when she set footing here ,

She 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

If you will now unite in your complaints

And force them with a constancy , the Cardinal

Cannot stand under them . If you omit

The offer of this time , I cannot promise

But that you shall sustain more new disgraces

With these you bear already .

SURREY

I am joyful

To meet the least occasion that may give me

Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke ,

To be revenged on him .

SUFFOLK

Which of the peers

Have uncontemned gone by him , or at least

Strangely neglected ? When did he regard

The stamp of nobleness in any person

Out of himself ?

CHAMBERLAIN

My lords , you speak your pleasures ;

What he deserves of you and me I know ;

What we can do to him — though now the time

Gives way to us — I much fear . If you cannot

Bar his access to th’ King , never attempt

Anything on him , for he hath a witchcraft

Over the King in ’s tongue .

NORFOLK

O , fear him not .

His spell in that is out . The King hath found

Matter against him that forever mars

The honey of his language . No , he’s settled ,

Not to come off , in his displeasure .

SURREY

Sir ,

I should be glad to hear such news as this

Once every hour .

NORFOLK

Believe it , this is true .

In the divorce his contrary proceedings

Are all unfolded , wherein he appears

As I would wish mine enemy .

SURREY

How came

His practices to light ?

SUFFOLK

Most strangely .

SURREY

O , how , how ?

SUFFOLK

The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried

And came to th’ eye o’ th’ King , wherein was read

How that the Cardinal did entreat his Holiness

To stay the judgment o’ th’ divorce ; for if

It did take place , “ I do , ” quoth he , “ perceive

My king is tangled in affection to

A creature of the Queen’s , Lady Anne Bullen . ”

SURREY

Has the King this ?

SUFFOLK

Believe it .

SURREY

Will this work ?

CHAMBERLAIN

The King in this perceives him how he coasts

And hedges his own way . But in this point

All his tricks founder , and he brings his physic

After his patient’s death : the King already

Hath married the fair lady .

SURREY

Would he had !

SUFFOLK

May you be happy in your wish , my lord ,

For I profess you have it .

SURREY

Now , all my joy

Trace the conjunction !

SUFFOLK

My amen to ’t .

NORFOLK

All men’s .

SUFFOLK

There’s order given for her coronation .

Marry , this is yet but young and may be left

To some ears unrecounted . But , my lords ,

She is a gallant creature and complete

In mind and feature . I persuade me , from her

Will fall some blessing to this land which shall

In it be memorized .

SURREY

But will the King

Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s ?

The Lord forbid !

NORFOLK

Marry , amen !

SUFFOLK

No , no .

There be more wasps that buzz about his nose

Will make this sting the sooner . Cardinal Campeius

Is stol’n away to Rome , hath ta’en no leave ,

Has left the cause o’ th’ King unhandled , and

Is posted as the agent of our cardinal

To second all his plot . I do assure you

The King cried “ Ha ! ” at this .

CHAMBERLAIN

Now God incense him ,

And let him cry “ Ha ! ” louder .

NORFOLK

But , my lord ,

When returns Cranmer ?

SUFFOLK

He is returned in his opinions , which

Have satisfied the King for his divorce ,

Together with all famous colleges

Almost in Christendom . Shortly , I believe ,

His second marriage shall be published , and

Her coronation . Katherine no more

Shall be called queen , but princess dowager

And widow to Prince Arthur .

NORFOLK

This same Cranmer’s

A worthy fellow , and hath ta’en much pain

In the King’s business .

SUFFOLK

He has , and we shall see him

For it an archbishop .

NORFOLK

So I hear .

SUFFOLK

’Tis so .

Enter Wolsey and Cromwell , meeting .

The Cardinal !

NORFOLK

Observe , observe ; he’s moody .

They stand aside .

WOLSEY

The packet , Cromwell ;

Gave ’t you the King ?

CROMWELL

To his own hand , in ’s bedchamber .

WOLSEY

Looked he o’ th’ inside of the paper ?

CROMWELL

Presently

He did unseal them , and the first he viewed ,

He did it with a serious mind ; a heed

Was in his countenance . You he bade

Attend him here this morning .

WOLSEY

Is he ready

To come abroad ?

CROMWELL

I think by this he is .

WOLSEY

Leave me awhile .

Cromwell exits .

Aside .

It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon ,

The French king’s sister ; he shall marry her .

Anne Bullen ? No , I’ll no Anne Bullens for him .

There’s more in ’t than fair visage . Bullen ?

No , we’ll no Bullens . Speedily I wish

To hear from Rome . The Marchioness of Pembroke !

NORFOLK

He’s discontented .

SUFFOLK

Maybe he hears the King

Does whet his anger to him .

SURREY

Sharp enough ,

Lord , for thy justice !

WOLSEY

, aside

The late queen’s gentlewoman , a knight’s daughter ,

To be her mistress’ mistress ? The Queen’s queen ?

This candle burns not clear . ’Tis I must snuff it ;

Then out it goes . What though I know her virtuous

And well-deserving ? Yet I know her for

A spleeny Lutheran , and not wholesome to

Our cause that she should lie i’ th’ bosom of

Our hard-ruled king . Again , there is sprung up

An heretic , an arch-one , Cranmer , one

Hath crawled into the favor of the King

And is his oracle .

NORFOLK

He is vexed at something .

SURREY

I would ’twere something that would fret the string ,

The master-cord on ’s heart .

SUFFOLK

The King , the King !

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

KING

What piles of wealth hath he accumulated

To his own portion ! And what expense by th’ hour

Seems to flow from him ! How i’ th’ name of thrift

Does he rake this together ?

Seeing the nobles .

Now , my lords ,

Saw you the Cardinal ?

NORFOLK

, indicating Wolsey

My lord , we have

Stood here observing him . Some strange commotion

Is in his brain . He bites his lip , and starts ,

Stops on a sudden , looks upon the ground ,

Then lays his finger on his temple , straight

Springs out into fast gait , then stops again ,

Strikes his breast hard , and anon he casts

His eye against the moon . In most strange postures

We have seen him set himself .

KING

It may well be

There is a mutiny in ’s mind . This morning

Papers of state he sent me to peruse ,

As I required , and wot you what I found ?

There — on my conscience , put unwittingly —

Forsooth , an inventory , thus importing

The several parcels of his plate , his treasure ,

Rich stuffs and ornaments of household , which

I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks

Possession of a subject .

NORFOLK

It’s heaven’s will !

Some spirit put this paper in the packet

To bless your eye withal .

KING

, studying Wolsey

If we did think

His contemplation were above the Earth

And fixed on spiritual object , he should still

Dwell in his musings , but I am afraid

His thinkings are below the moon , not worth

His serious considering .

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

WOLSEY

Heaven forgive me !

Ever God bless your Highness .

KING

Good my lord ,

You are full of heavenly stuff and bear the inventory

Of your best graces in your mind , the which

You were now running o’er . You have scarce time

To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span

To keep your earthly audit . Sure , in that

I deem you an ill husband , and am glad

To have you therein my companion .

WOLSEY

Sir ,

For holy offices I have a time ; a time

To think upon the part of business which

I bear i’ th’ state ; and Nature does require

Her times of preservation , which perforce

I , her frail son , amongst my brethren mortal ,

Must give my tendance to .

KING

You have said well .

WOLSEY

And ever may your Highness yoke together ,

As I will lend you cause , my doing well

With my well saying .

KING

’Tis well said again ,

And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well .

And yet words are no deeds . My father loved you ;

He said he did , and with his deed did crown

His word upon you . Since I had my office

I have kept you next my heart , have not alone

Employed you where high profits might come home ,

But pared my present havings to bestow

My bounties upon you .

WOLSEY

, aside

What should this mean ?

SURREY

, aside

The Lord increase this business !

KING

Have I not made you

The prime man of the state ? I pray you tell me

If what I now pronounce you have found true ;

And , if you may confess it , say withal

If you are bound to us or no . What say you ?

WOLSEY

My sovereign , I confess your royal graces ,

Showered on me daily , have been more than could

My studied purposes requite , which went

Beyond all man’s endeavors . My endeavors

Have ever come too short of my desires ,

Yet filed with my abilities . Mine own ends

Have been mine so , that evermore they pointed

To th’ good of your most sacred person and

The profit of the state . For your great graces

Heaped upon me , poor undeserver , I

Can nothing render but allegiant thanks ,

My prayers to heaven for you , my loyalty ,

Which ever has and ever shall be growing

Till death — that winter — kill it .

KING

Fairly answered .

A loyal and obedient subject is

Therein illustrated . The honor of it

Does pay the act of it , as , i’ th’ contrary ,

The foulness is the punishment . I presume

That , as my hand has opened bounty to you ,

My heart dropped love , my power rained honor , more

On you than any , so your hand and heart ,

Your brain , and every function of your power

Should — notwithstanding that your bond of duty

As ’twere in love’s particular — be more

To me , your friend , than any .

WOLSEY

I do profess

That for your Highness’ good I ever labored

More than mine own , that am , have , and will be —

Though all the world should crack their duty to you

And throw it from their soul , though perils did

Abound as thick as thought could make ’em , and

Appear in forms more horrid — yet my duty ,

As doth a rock against the chiding flood ,

Should the approach of this wild river break ,

And stand unshaken yours .

KING

’Tis nobly spoken . —

Take notice , lords : he has a loyal breast ,

For you have seen him open ’t .

He hands Wolsey papers .

Read o’er this ,

And after , this ; and then to breakfast with

What appetite you have .

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

WOLSEY

What should this mean ?

What sudden anger’s this ? How have I reaped it ?

He parted frowning from me , as if ruin

Leaped from his eyes . So looks the chafèd lion

Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him ,

Then makes him nothing . I must read this paper —

I fear , the story of his anger .

He reads one of the papers .

’Tis so .

This paper has undone me . ’Tis th’ accompt

Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together

For mine own ends — indeed , to gain the popedom

And fee my friends in Rome . O negligence ,

Fit for a fool to fall by ! What cross devil

Made me put this main secret in the packet

I sent the King ? Is there no way to cure this ?

No new device to beat this from his brains ?

I know ’twill stir him strongly ; yet I know

A way , if it take right , in spite of fortune

Will bring me off again .

He looks at another paper .

What’s this ? “ To th’ Pope ” ?

The letter , as I live , with all the business

I writ to ’s Holiness . Nay then , farewell !

I have touched the highest point of all my greatness ,

And from that full meridian of my glory

I haste now to my setting . I shall fall

Like a bright exhalation in the evening

And no man see me more .

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

NORFOLK

Hear the King’s pleasure , cardinal , who commands you

To render up the great seal presently

Into our hands , and to confine yourself

To Asher House , my Lord of Winchester’s ,

Till you hear further from his Highness .

WOLSEY

Stay .

Where’s your commission , lords ? Words cannot carry

Authority so weighty .

SUFFOLK

Who dare cross ’em ,

Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly ?

WOLSEY

Till I find more than will or words to do it —

I mean your malice — know , officious lords ,

I dare and must deny it . Now I feel

Of what coarse metal you are molded , envy ;

How eagerly you follow my disgraces ,

As if it fed you , and how sleek and wanton

You appear in everything may bring my ruin .

Follow your envious courses , men of malice ;

You have Christian warrant for ’em , and no doubt

In time will find their fit rewards . That seal

You ask with such a violence , the King ,

Mine and your master , with his own hand gave me ;

Bade me enjoy it , with the place and honors ,

During my life ; and to confirm his goodness ,

Tied it by letters patents . Now , who’ll take it ?

SURREY

The King that gave it .

WOLSEY

It must be himself , then .

SURREY

Thou art a proud traitor , priest .

WOLSEY

Proud lord , thou liest .

Within these forty hours Surrey durst better

Have burnt that tongue than said so .

SURREY

Thy ambition ,

Thou scarlet sin , robbed this bewailing land

Of noble Buckingham , my father-in-law .

The heads of all thy brother cardinals ,

With thee and all thy best parts bound together ,

Weighed not a hair of his . Plague of your policy !

You sent me Deputy for Ireland ,

Far from his succor , from the King , from all

That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him ,

Whilst your great goodness , out of holy pity ,

Absolved him with an ax .

WOLSEY

This , and all else

This talking lord can lay upon my credit ,

I answer , is most false . The Duke by law

Found his deserts . How innocent I was

From any private malice in his end ,

His noble jury and foul cause can witness . —

If I loved many words , lord , I should tell you

You have as little honesty as honor ,

That in the way of loyalty and truth

Toward the King , my ever royal master ,

Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be ,

And all that love his follies .

SURREY

By my soul ,

Your long coat , priest , protects you ; thou shouldst feel

My sword i’ th’ life blood of thee else . — My lords ,

Can you endure to hear this arrogance ?

And from this fellow ? If we live thus tamely ,

To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet ,

Farewell , nobility . Let his Grace go forward

And dare us with his cap , like larks .

WOLSEY

All goodness

Is poison to thy stomach .

SURREY

Yes , that goodness

Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one ,

Into your own hands , card’nal , by extortion ;

The goodness of your intercepted packets

You writ to th’ Pope against the King . Your goodness ,

Since you provoke me , shall be most notorious . —

My Lord of Norfolk , as you are truly noble ,

As you respect the common good , the state

Of our despised nobility , our issues ,

Whom , if he live , will scarce be gentlemen ,

Produce the grand sum of his sins , the articles

Collected from his life . — I’ll startle you

Worse than the sacring bell when the brown wench

Lay kissing in your arms , Lord Cardinal .

WOLSEY

How much , methinks , I could despise this man ,

But that I am bound in charity against it !

NORFOLK

Those articles , my lord , are in the King’s hand ;

But thus much , they are foul ones .

WOLSEY

So much fairer

And spotless shall mine innocence arise

When the King knows my truth .

SURREY

This cannot save you .

I thank my memory I yet remember

Some of these articles , and out they shall .

Now , if you can blush and cry “ Guilty , ” cardinal ,

You’ll show a little honesty .

WOLSEY

Speak on , sir .

I dare your worst objections . If I blush ,

It is to see a nobleman want manners .

SURREY

I had rather want those than my head . Have at you :

First , that without the King’s assent or knowledge ,

You wrought to be a legate , by which power

You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops .

NORFOLK

Then , that in all you writ to Rome , or else

To foreign princes , “ ego et rex meus ”

Was still inscribed , in which you brought the King

To be your servant .

SUFFOLK

Then , that without the knowledge

Either of king or council , when you went

Ambassador to the Emperor , you made bold

To carry into Flanders the great seal .

SURREY

Item , you sent a large commission

To Gregory de Cassado , to conclude ,

Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance ,

A league between his Highness and Ferrara .

SUFFOLK

That out of mere ambition you have caused

Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin .

SURREY

Then , that you have sent innumerable substance —

By what means got I leave to your own conscience —

To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways

You have for dignities , to the mere undoing

Of all the kingdom . Many more there are

Which , since they are of you , and odious ,

I will not taint my mouth with .

CHAMBERLAIN

O , my lord ,

Press not a falling man too far ! ’Tis virtue .

His faults lie open to the laws ; let them ,

Not you , correct him . My heart weeps to see him

So little of his great self .

SURREY

I forgive him .

SUFFOLK

Lord Cardinal , the King’s further pleasure is —

Because all those things you have done of late

By your power legative within this kingdom

Fall into th’ compass of a praemunire —

That therefore such a writ be sued against you ,

To forfeit all your goods , lands , tenements ,

Chattels , and whatsoever , and to be

Out of the King’s protection . This is my charge .

NORFOLK

And so we’ll leave you to your meditations

How to live better . For your stubborn answer

About the giving back the great seal to us ,

The King shall know it and , no doubt , shall thank you .

So , fare you well , my little good Lord Cardinal .

WOLSEY

So , farewell to the little good you bear me .

All but Wolsey exit .

Farewell ? A long farewell to all my greatness !

This is the state of man : today he puts forth

The tender leaves of hopes ; tomorrow blossoms

And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ;

The third day comes a frost , a killing frost ,

And when he thinks , good easy man , full surely

His greatness is a-ripening , nips his root ,

And then he falls , as I do . I have ventured ,

Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders ,

This many summers in a sea of glory ,

But far beyond my depth . My high-blown pride

At length broke under me and now has left me ,

Weary and old with service , to the mercy

Of a rude stream that must forever hide me .

Vain pomp and glory of this world , I hate you .

I feel my heart new opened . O , how wretched

Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favors !

There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to ,

That sweet aspect of princes , and their ruin ,

More pangs and fears than wars or women have ;

And when he falls , he falls like Lucifer ,

Never to hope again .

Enter Cromwell , standing amazed .

Why , how now , Cromwell ?

CROMWELL

I have no power to speak , sir .

WOLSEY

What , amazed

At my misfortunes ? Can thy spirit wonder

A great man should decline ? Nay , an you weep ,

I am fall’n indeed .

CROMWELL

How does your Grace ?

WOLSEY

Why , well .

Never so truly happy , my good Cromwell .

I know myself now , and I feel within me

A peace above all earthly dignities ,

A still and quiet conscience . The King has cured me —

I humbly thank his Grace — and from these shoulders ,

These ruined pillars , out of pity , taken

A load would sink a navy : too much honor .

O , ’tis a burden , Cromwell , ’tis a burden

Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven .

CROMWELL

I am glad your Grace has made that right use of it .

WOLSEY

I hope I have . I am able now , methinks ,

Out of a fortitude of soul I feel ,

To endure more miseries and greater far

Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer .

What news abroad ?

CROMWELL

The heaviest and the worst

Is your displeasure with the King .

WOLSEY

God bless him .

CROMWELL

The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen

Lord Chancellor in your place .

WOLSEY

That’s somewhat sudden .

But he’s a learnèd man . May he continue

Long in his Highness’ favor and do justice

For truth’s sake and his conscience , that his bones ,

When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings ,

May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him .

What more ?

CROMWELL

That Cranmer is returned with welcome ,

Installed Lord Archbishop of Canterbury .

WOLSEY

That’s news indeed .

CROMWELL

Last , that the Lady Anne ,

Whom the King hath in secrecy long married ,

This day was viewed in open as his queen ,

Going to chapel , and the voice is now

Only about her coronation .

WOLSEY

There was the weight that pulled me down . O Cromwell ,

The King has gone beyond me . All my glories

In that one woman I have lost forever .

No sun shall ever usher forth mine honors ,

Or gild again the noble troops that waited

Upon my smiles . Go , get thee from me , Cromwell .

I am a poor fall’n man , unworthy now

To be thy lord and master . Seek the King ;

That sun , I pray , may never set ! I have told him

What and how true thou art . He will advance thee ;

Some little memory of me will stir him —

I know his noble nature — not to let

Thy hopeful service perish too . Good Cromwell ,

Neglect him not . Make use now , and provide

For thine own future safety .

CROMWELL

, weeping

O , my lord ,

Must I then leave you ? Must I needs forgo

So good , so noble , and so true a master ?

Bear witness , all that have not hearts of iron ,

With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord .

The King shall have my service , but my prayers

Forever and forever shall be yours .

WOLSEY

, weeping

Cromwell , I did not think to shed a tear

In all my miseries , but thou hast forced me ,

Out of thy honest truth , to play the woman .

Let’s dry our eyes . And thus far hear me , Cromwell ,

And when I am forgotten , as I shall be ,

And sleep in dull cold marble , where no mention

Of me more must be heard of , say I taught thee ;

Say Wolsey , that once trod the ways of glory

And sounded all the depths and shoals of honor ,

Found thee a way , out of his wrack , to rise in ,

A sure and safe one , though thy master missed it .

Mark but my fall and that that ruined me .

Cromwell , I charge thee , fling away ambition !

By that sin fell the angels ; how can man , then ,

The image of his maker , hope to win by it ?

Love thyself last ; cherish those hearts that hate thee .

Corruption wins not more than honesty .

Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace

To silence envious tongues . Be just , and fear not .

Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s ,

Thy God’s , and truth’s . Then if thou fall’st , O Cromwell ,

Thou fall’st a blessèd martyr .

Serve the King . And , prithee , lead me in .

There take an inventory of all I have

To the last penny ; ’tis the King’s . My robe

And my integrity to heaven is all

I dare now call mine own . O Cromwell , Cromwell ,

Had I but served my God with half the zeal

I served my king , He would not in mine age

Have left me naked to mine enemies .

CROMWELL

Good sir , have patience .

WOLSEY

So I have . Farewell ,

The 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

You’re well met once again .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

So are you .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

You come to take your stand here and behold

The Lady Anne pass from her coronation ?

SECOND GENTLEMAN

’Tis all my business . At our last encounter ,

The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis very true . But that time offered sorrow ,

This general joy .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

’Tis well . The citizens

I am sure have shown at full their royal minds ,

As , let ’em have their rights , they are ever forward

In celebration of this day with shows ,

Pageants , and sights of honor .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Never greater ,

Nor , I’ll assure you , better taken , sir .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

May I be bold to ask what that contains ,

That paper in your hand ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes , ’tis the list

Of those that claim their offices this day

By custom of the coronation .

The Duke of Suffolk is the first , and claims

To be High Steward ; next , the Duke of Norfolk ,

He to be Earl Marshal . You may read the rest .

He offers him the paper .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I thank you , sir . Had I not known those customs ,

I should have been beholding to your paper .

But I beseech you , what’s become of Katherine ,

The Princess Dowager ? How goes her business ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

That I can tell you too . The Archbishop

Of Canterbury , accompanied with other

Learnèd and reverend fathers of his order ,

Held a late court at Dunstable , six miles off

From Ampthill , where the Princess lay , to which

She was often cited by them , but appeared not ;

And , to be short , for not appearance and

The King’s late scruple , by the main assent

Of all these learnèd men she was divorced ,

And the late marriage made of none effect ;

Since which she was removed to Kymmalton ,

Where she remains now sick .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Alas , good lady !

Hautboys . A lively flourish of trumpets .

The 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 .

A royal train , believe me ! These I know .

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 .

Who’s that that bears the scepter ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Marques Dorset ,

And that the Earl of Surrey with the rod .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

A 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 .

That should be

The Duke of Suffolk .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis the same : High Steward .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

And that my Lord of Norfolk ?

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes .

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 .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Heaven bless thee !

Thou hast the sweetest face I ever looked on . —

Sir , as I have a soul , she is an angel .

Our king has all the Indies in his arms ,

And more , and richer , when he strains that lady .

I cannot blame his conscience .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

They that bear

The cloth of honor over her are four barons

Of the Cinque-ports .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Those men are happy , and so are all are near her .

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 .

I take it she that carries up the train

Is that old noble lady , Duchess of Norfolk .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

It is , and all the rest are countesses .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Their coronets say so . These are stars indeed .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

And sometimes falling ones .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

No 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

God save you , sir . Where have you been broiling ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Among the crowd i’ th’ Abbey , where a finger

Could not be wedged in more . I am stifled

With the mere rankness of their joy .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

You saw

The ceremony ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

That I did .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

How was it ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Well worth the seeing .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Good sir , speak it to us !

THIRD GENTLEMAN

As well as I am able . The rich stream

Of lords and ladies , having brought the Queen

To a prepared place in the choir , fell off

A distance from her , while her Grace sat down

To rest awhile , some half an hour or so ,

In a rich chair of state , opposing freely

The beauty of her person to the people .

Believe me , sir , she is the goodliest woman

That ever lay by man , which when the people

Had the full view of , such a noise arose

As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest —

As loud and to as many tunes . Hats , cloaks ,

Doublets , I think , flew up , and had their faces

Been loose , this day they had been lost . Such joy

I never saw before . Great-bellied women

That had not half a week to go , like rams

In the old time of war , would shake the press

And make ’em reel before ’em . No man living

Could say “ This is my wife there , ” all were woven

So strangely in one piece .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

But what followed ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

At length her Grace rose , and with modest paces

Came to the altar , where she kneeled and saintlike

Cast her fair eyes to heaven and prayed devoutly ,

Then rose again and bowed her to the people .

When by the Archbishop of Canterbury

She had all the royal makings of a queen —

As , holy oil , Edward Confessor’s crown ,

The rod , and bird of peace , and all such emblems —

Laid nobly on her ; which performed , the choir ,

With all the choicest music of the kingdom ,

Together sung Te Deum . So she parted ,

And with the same full state paced back again

To York Place , where the feast is held .

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Sir ,

You must no more call it “ York Place ” ; that’s past ,

For since the Cardinal fell , that title’s lost .

’Tis now the King’s and called “ Whitehall . ”

THIRD GENTLEMAN

I know it ,

But ’tis so lately altered that the old name

Is fresh about me .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

What two reverend bishops

Were those that went on each side of the Queen ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Stokeley and Gardiner , the one of Winchester ,

Newly preferred from the King’s secretary ,

The other London .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

He of Winchester

Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s ,

The virtuous Cranmer .

THIRD GENTLEMAN

All the land knows that .

However , yet there is no great breach . When it comes ,

Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

Who may that be , I pray you ?

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Thomas Cromwell ,

A man in much esteem with th’ King , and truly

A worthy friend . The King has made him

Master o’ th’ Jewel House ,

And one already of the Privy Council .

SECOND GENTLEMAN

He will deserve more .

THIRD GENTLEMAN

Yes , without all doubt .

Come , gentlemen , you shall go my way ,

Which is to th’ court , and there you shall be my guests ,

Something I can command . As I walk thither ,

I’ll tell you more .

BOTH

You may command us , sir .

They exit .

Scene 2

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

GRIFFITH

How does your Grace ?

KATHERINE

O Griffith , sick to death .

My legs like loaden branches bow to th’ earth ,

Willing to leave their burden . Reach a chair .

She sits .

So . Now , methinks , I feel a little ease .

Didst thou not tell me , Griffith , as thou ledst me ,

That the great child of honor , Cardinal Wolsey ,

Was dead ?

GRIFFITH

Yes , madam , but I think your Grace ,

Out of the pain you suffered , gave no ear to ’t .

KATHERINE

Prithee , good Griffith , tell me how he died .

If well , he stepped before me happily

For my example .

GRIFFITH

Well , the voice goes , madam ;

For after the stout Earl Northumberland

Arrested him at York and brought him forward ,

As a man sorely tainted , to his answer ,

He fell sick suddenly and grew so ill

He could not sit his mule .

KATHERINE

Alas , poor man !

GRIFFITH

At last , with easy roads , he came to Leicester ,

Lodged in the abbey , where the reverend abbot

With all his convent honorably received him ;

To whom he gave these words : “ O Father Abbot ,

An old man , broken with the storms of state ,

Is come to lay his weary bones among you .

Give him a little earth , for charity . ”

So went to bed , where eagerly his sickness

Pursued him still ; and three nights after this ,

About the hour of eight , which he himself

Foretold should be his last , full of repentance ,

Continual meditations , tears , and sorrows ,

He gave his honors to the world again ,

His blessèd part to heaven , and slept in peace .

KATHERINE

So may he rest . His faults lie gently on him !

Yet thus far , Griffith , give me leave to speak him ,

And yet with charity . He was a man

Of an unbounded stomach , ever ranking

Himself with princes ; one that by suggestion

Tied all the kingdom . Simony was fair play .

His own opinion was his law . I’ th’ presence

He would say untruths , and be ever double

Both in his words and meaning . He was never ,

But where he meant to ruin , pitiful .

His promises were , as he then was , mighty ,

But his performance , as he is now , nothing .

Of his own body he was ill , and gave

The clergy ill example .

GRIFFITH

Noble madam ,

Men’s evil manners live in brass ; their virtues

We write in water . May it please your Highness

To hear me speak his good now ?

KATHERINE

Yes , good Griffith ;

I were malicious else .

GRIFFITH

This cardinal ,

Though from an humble stock , undoubtedly

Was fashioned to much honor . From his cradle

He was a scholar , and a ripe and good one :

Exceeding wise , fair-spoken , and persuading ;

Lofty and sour to them that loved him not ,

But , to those men that sought him , sweet as summer .

And though he were unsatisfied in getting ,

Which was a sin , yet in bestowing , madam ,

He was most princely . Ever witness for him

Those twins of learning that he raised in you ,

Ipswich and Oxford , one of which fell with him ,

Unwilling to outlive the good that did it ;

The other , though unfinished , yet so famous ,

So excellent in art , and still so rising ,

That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue .

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him ,

For then , and not till then , he felt himself ,

And found the blessedness of being little .

And , to add greater honors to his age

Than man could give him , he died fearing God .

KATHERINE

After my death I wish no other herald ,

No other speaker of my living actions ,

To keep mine honor from corruption

But such an honest chronicler as Griffith .

Whom I most hated living , thou hast made me ,

With thy religious truth and modesty ,

Now in his ashes honor . Peace be with him ! —

Patience , be near me still , and set me lower .

I have not long to trouble thee . — Good Griffith ,

Cause the musicians play me that sad note

I named my knell , whilst I sit meditating

On that celestial harmony I go to .

Sad and solemn music .

GRIFFITH

She is asleep . Good wench , let’s sit down quiet ,

For 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 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 .

KATHERINE

, waking

Spirits of peace , where are you ? Are you all gone ,

And leave me here in wretchedness behind you ?

GRIFFITH

Madam , we are here .

KATHERINE

It is not you I call for .

Saw you none enter since I slept ?

GRIFFITH

None , madam .

KATHERINE

No ? Saw you not , even now , a blessed troop

Invite me to a banquet , whose bright faces

Cast thousand beams upon me , like the sun ?

They promised me eternal happiness

And brought me garlands , Griffith , which I feel

I am not worthy yet to wear . I shall , assuredly .

GRIFFITH

I am most joyful , madam , such good dreams

Possess your fancy .

KATHERINE

Bid the music leave .

They are harsh and heavy to me .

Music ceases .

PATIENCE

, aside to Griffith

Do you note

How much her Grace is altered on the sudden ?

How long her face is drawn ? How pale she looks ,

And of an earthy cold ? Mark her eyes .

GRIFFITH

, aside to Patience

She is going , wench . Pray , pray .

PATIENCE

Heaven comfort her !

Enter a Messenger .

MESSENGER

, to Katherine

An ’t like your Grace —

KATHERINE

You are a saucy fellow .

Deserve we no more reverence ?

GRIFFITH

, to Messenger

You are to blame ,

Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness ,

To use so rude behavior . Go to . Kneel .

MESSENGER

, kneeling

I humbly do entreat your Highness’ pardon .

My haste made me unmannerly . There is staying

A gentleman sent from the King to see you .

KATHERINE

Admit him entrance , Griffith .

Messenger rises .

But this fellow

Let me ne’er see again .

Messenger exits .

Enter Lord Capuchius .

If my sight fail not ,

You should be Lord Ambassador from the Emperor ,

My royal nephew , and your name Capuchius .

CAPUCHIUS

Madam , the same . Your servant .

KATHERINE

O my lord ,

The times and titles now are altered strangely

With me since first you knew me . But I pray you ,

What is your pleasure with me ?

CAPUCHIUS

Noble lady ,

First , mine own service to your Grace ; the next ,

The King’s request that I would visit you ,

Who grieves much for your weakness , and by me

Sends you his princely commendations ,

And heartily entreats you take good comfort .

KATHERINE

O , my good lord , that comfort comes too late ;

’Tis like a pardon after execution .

That gentle physic given in time had cured me .

But now I am past all comforts here but prayers .

How does his Highness ?

CAPUCHIUS

Madam , in good health .

KATHERINE

So may he ever do , and ever flourish ,

When I shall dwell with worms , and my poor name

Banished the kingdom . — Patience , is that letter

I caused you write yet sent away ?

PATIENCE

No , madam .

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

KATHERINE

Sir , I most humbly pray you to deliver

This to my lord the King —

CAPUCHIUS

Most willing , madam .

KATHERINE

In which I have commended to his goodness

The model of our chaste loves , his young daughter —

The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her ! —

Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding —

She is young and of a noble , modest nature ;

I hope she will deserve well — and a little

To love her for her mother’s sake that loved him ,

Heaven knows how dearly . My next poor petition

Is that his noble Grace would have some pity

Upon my wretched women , that so long

Have followed both my fortunes faithfully ,

Of which there is not one , I dare avow —

And now I should not lie — but will deserve ,

For virtue and true beauty of the soul ,

For honesty and decent carriage ,

A right good husband . Let him be a noble ;

And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em .

The last is for my men — they are the poorest ,

But poverty could never draw ’em from me —

That they may have their wages duly paid ’em ,

And something over to remember me by .

If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life

And able means , we had not parted thus .

These are the whole contents . And , good my lord ,

By that you love the dearest in this world ,

As you wish Christian peace to souls departed ,

Stand these poor people’s friend , and urge the King

To do me this last right .

CAPUCHIUS

By heaven , I will ,

Or let me lose the fashion of a man !

KATHERINE

I thank you , honest lord . Remember me

In all humility unto his Highness .

Say his long trouble now is passing

Out of this world . Tell him in death I blessed him ,

For so I will . Mine eyes grow dim . Farewell ,

My lord . — Griffith , farewell . — Nay , Patience ,

You must not leave me yet . I must to bed ;

Call in more women . When I am dead , good wench ,

Let me be used with honor . Strew me over

With maiden flowers , that all the world may know

I was a chaste wife to my grave . Embalm me ,

Then lay me forth . Although unqueened , yet like

A queen and daughter to a king inter me .

I 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

5.1.1 It’s one o’clock , boy , is ’t not ?

PAGE

5.1.2 It hath struck .

GARDINER

5.1.3 These should be hours for necessities ,

5.1.4 Not for delights ; times to repair our nature

5.1.5 With comforting repose , and not for us

5.1.6 To waste these times . — Good hour of night , Sir Thomas .

5.1.8 Whither so late ?

LOVELL

5.1.9 Came you from the King , my lord ?

GARDINER

5.1.10 I did , Sir Thomas , and left him at primero

5.1.11 With the Duke of Suffolk .

LOVELL

5.1.12 I must to him too ,

5.1.13 Before he go to bed . I’ll take my leave .

GARDINER

5.1.14 Not yet , Sir Thomas Lovell . What’s the matter ?

5.1.15 It seems you are in haste . An if there be

5.1.16 No great offense belongs to ’t , give your friend

5.1.17 Some touch of your late business . Affairs that walk ,

5.1.18 As they say spirits do , at midnight have

5.1.19 In them a wilder nature than the business

5.1.20 That seeks dispatch by day .

LOVELL

5.1.21 My lord , I love you ,

5.1.22 And durst commend a secret to your ear

5.1.23 Much weightier than this work . The Queen’s in labor —

5.1.25 They say in great extremity — and feared

5.1.26 She’ll with the labor end .

GARDINER

5.1.27 The fruit she goes with

5.1.28 I pray for heartily , that it may find

5.1.29 Good time and live ; but for the stock , Sir Thomas ,

5.1.30 I wish it grubbed up now .

LOVELL

5.1.31 Methinks I could

5.1.32 Cry the amen , and yet my conscience says

5.1.33 She’s a good creature and , sweet lady , does

5.1.34 Deserve our better wishes .

GARDINER

5.1.35 But , sir , sir ,

5.1.36 Hear me , Sir Thomas . You’re a gentleman

5.1.37 Of mine own way . I know you wise , religious ;

5.1.38 And let me tell you , it will ne’er be well ,

5.1.39 ’Twill not , Sir Thomas Lovell , take ’t of me ,

5.1.40 Till Cranmer , Cromwell — her two hands — and she

5.1.41 Sleep in their graves .

LOVELL

5.1.42 Now , sir , you speak of two

5.1.43 The most remarked i’ th’ kingdom . As for Cromwell ,

5.1.44 Besides that of the Jewel House , is made Master

5.1.45 O’ th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary ; further , sir ,

5.1.46 Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments ,

5.1.47 With which the time will load him . Th’ Archbishop

5.1.48 Is the King’s hand and tongue , and who dare speak

5.1.49 One syllable against him ?

GARDINER

5.1.50 Yes , yes , Sir Thomas ,

5.1.51 There are that dare , and I myself have ventured

5.1.52 To speak my mind of him . And indeed this day ,

5.1.53 Sir — I may tell it you , I think — I have

5.1.54 Incensed the lords o’ th’ Council that he is —

5.1.55 For so I know he is , they know he is —

5.1.56 A most arch heretic , a pestilence

5.1.57 That does infect the land ; with which they , moved ,

5.1.58 Have broken with the King , who hath so far

5.1.59 Given ear to our complaint , of his great grace

5.1.60 And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs

5.1.61 Our reasons laid before him , hath commanded

5.1.62 Tomorrow morning to the Council board

5.1.63 He be convented . He’s a rank weed , Sir Thomas ,

5.1.64 And we must root him out . From your affairs

5.1.65 I hinder you too long . Goodnight , Sir Thomas .

LOVELL

5.1.66 Many good nights , my lord . I rest your servant .

Gardiner and Page exit .

Enter King and Suffolk .

KING

5.1.67 Charles , I will play no more tonight .

5.1.68 My mind’s not on ’t ; you are too hard for me .

SUFFOLK

5.1.69 Sir , I did never win of you before .

KING

5.1.70 But little , Charles ,

5.1.71 Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play . —

5.1.72 Now , Lovell , from the Queen what is the news ?

LOVELL

5.1.73 I could not personally deliver to her

5.1.74 What you commanded me , but by her woman

5.1.75 I sent your message , who returned her thanks

5.1.76 In the great’st humbleness , and desired your Highness

5.1.77 Most heartily to pray for her .

KING

5.1.78 What sayst thou , ha ?

5.1.79 To pray for her ? What , is she crying out ?

LOVELL

5.1.80 So said her woman , and that her suff’rance made

5.1.81 Almost each pang a death .

KING

5.1.82 Alas , good lady !

SUFFOLK

5.1.83 God safely quit her of her burden , and

5.1.84 With gentle travail , to the gladding of

5.1.85 Your Highness with an heir !

KING

5.1.86 ’Tis midnight , Charles .

5.1.87 Prithee , to bed , and in thy prayers remember

5.1.88 Th’ estate of my poor queen . Leave me alone ,

5.1.89 For I must think of that which company

5.1.90 Would not be friendly to .

SUFFOLK

5.1.91 I wish your Highness

5.1.92 A quiet night , and my good mistress will

5.1.93 Remember in my prayers .

KING

5.1.94 Charles , good night .

Suffolk exits .

Enter Sir Anthony Denny .

5.1.95 Well , sir , what follows ?

DENNY

5.1.96 Sir , I have brought my lord the Archbishop ,

5.1.97 As you commanded me .

KING

5.1.98 Ha ! Canterbury ?

DENNY

5.1.99 Ay , my good lord .

KING

5.1.100 ’Tis true . Where is he , Denny ?

DENNY

5.1.101 He attends your Highness’ pleasure .

KING

5.1.102 Bring him to us .

Denny exits .

LOVELL

, aside

5.1.103 This is about that which the Bishop spake .

5.1.104 I am happily come hither .

Enter Cranmer and Denny .

KING

5.1.105 Avoid the gallery .

Lovell seems to stay .

5.1.106 Ha ! I have said . Be gone !

5.1.107 What !

Lovell and Denny exit .

CRANMER

, aside

5.1.108 I am fearful . Wherefore frowns he thus ?

5.1.109 ’Tis his aspect of terror . All’s not well .

KING

5.1.110 How now , my lord ? You do desire to know

5.1.111 Wherefore I sent for you .

CRANMER

, kneeling

5.1.112 It is my duty

5.1.113 T’ attend your Highness’ pleasure .

KING

5.1.114 Pray you arise ,

5.1.115 My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury .

5.1.116 Come , you and I must walk a turn together .

5.1.117 I have news to tell you . Come , come , give me your hand .

Cranmer rises .

5.1.119 Ah , my good lord , I grieve at what I speak ,

5.1.120 And am right sorry to repeat what follows .

5.1.121 I have , and most unwillingly , of late

5.1.122 Heard many grievous — I do say , my lord ,

5.1.123 Grievous — complaints of you , which , being considered ,

5.1.125 Have moved us and our Council that you shall

5.1.126 This morning come before us , where I know

5.1.127 You cannot with such freedom purge yourself

5.1.128 But that , till further trial in those charges

5.1.129 Which will require your answer , you must take

5.1.130 Your patience to you and be well contented

5.1.131 To make your house our Tower . You a brother of us ,

5.1.132 It fits we thus proceed , or else no witness

5.1.133 Would come against you .

CRANMER

, kneeling

5.1.134 I humbly thank your Highness ,

5.1.136 And am right glad to catch this good occasion

5.1.137 Most throughly to be winnowed , where my chaff

5.1.138 And corn shall fly asunder . For I know

5.1.139 There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues

5.1.140 Than I myself , poor man .

KING

5.1.141 Stand up , good Canterbury !

5.1.142 Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted

5.1.143 In us , thy friend . Give me thy hand . Stand up .

Cranmer rises .

5.1.144 Prithee , let’s walk . Now by my halidom ,

5.1.145 What manner of man are you ? My lord , I looked

5.1.146 You would have given me your petition that

5.1.147 I should have ta’en some pains to bring together

5.1.148 Yourself and your accusers and to have heard you

5.1.149 Without endurance further .

CRANMER

5.1.150 Most dread liege ,

5.1.151 The good I stand on is my truth and honesty .

5.1.152 If they shall fail , I with mine enemies

5.1.153 Will triumph o’er my person , which I weigh not ,

5.1.154 Being of those virtues vacant . I fear nothing

5.1.155 What can be said against me .

KING

5.1.156 Know you not

5.1.157 How your state stands i’ th’ world , with the whole world ?

5.1.159 Your enemies are many and not small ; their practices

5.1.160 Must bear the same proportion , and not ever

5.1.161 The justice and the truth o’ th’ question carries

5.1.162 The due o’ th’ verdict with it . At what ease

5.1.163 Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt

5.1.164 To swear against you ? Such things have been done .

5.1.165 You are potently opposed , and with a malice

5.1.166 Of as great size . Ween you of better luck ,

5.1.167 I mean in perjured witness , than your master ,

5.1.168 Whose minister you are , whiles here he lived

5.1.169 Upon this naughty earth ? Go to , go to .

5.1.170 You take a precipice for no leap of danger

5.1.171 And woo your own destruction .

CRANMER

5.1.172 God and your Majesty

5.1.173 Protect mine innocence , or I fall into

5.1.174 The trap is laid for me .

KING

5.1.175 Be of good cheer .

5.1.176 They shall no more prevail than we give way to .

5.1.177 Keep comfort to you , and this morning see

5.1.178 You do appear before them . If they shall chance ,

5.1.179 In charging you with matters , to commit you ,

5.1.180 The best persuasions to the contrary

5.1.181 Fail not to use , and with what vehemency

5.1.182 Th’ occasion shall instruct you . If entreaties

5.1.183 Will render you no remedy , this ring

5.1.184 Deliver them , and your appeal to us

5.1.185 There make before them .

He gives Cranmer a ring .

Aside .

5.1.186 Look , the good man weeps !

5.1.187 He’s honest , on mine honor ! God’s blest mother ,

5.1.188 I swear he is truehearted , and a soul

5.1.189 None better in my kingdom . — Get you gone ,

5.1.190 And do as I have bid you .

Cranmer exits .

5.1.191 He has strangled

5.1.192 His language in his tears .

LOVELL

( within )

5.1.193 Come back ! What mean you ?

Enter Old Lady , followed by Lovell .

OLD LADY

5.1.194 I’ll not come back ! The tidings that I bring

5.1.195 Will make my boldness manners . — Now , good angels

5.1.196 Fly o’er thy royal head and shade thy person

5.1.197 Under their blessèd wings !

KING

5.1.198 Now by thy looks

5.1.199 I guess thy message . Is the Queen delivered ?

5.1.200 Say “ Ay , and of a boy . ”

OLD LADY

5.1.201 Ay , ay , my liege ,

5.1.202 And of a lovely boy . The God of heaven

5.1.203 Both now and ever bless her ! ’Tis a girl

5.1.204 Promises boys hereafter . Sir , your queen

5.1.205 Desires your visitation , and to be

5.1.206 Acquainted with this stranger . ’Tis as like you

5.1.207 As cherry is to cherry .

KING

5.1.208 Lovell .

LOVELL

5.1.209 Sir .

KING

5.1.210 Give her an hundred marks . I’ll to the Queen .

King exits .

OLD LADY

5.1.211 An hundred marks ? By this light , I’ll ha’ more .

5.1.212 An ordinary groom is for such payment .

5.1.213 I will have more or scold it out of him .

5.1.214 Said I for this the girl was like to him ?

5.1.215 I’ll have more or else unsay ’t . And now ,

5.1.216 While ’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

5.2.1 I hope I am not too late , and yet the gentleman

5.2.2 That was sent to me from the Council prayed me

5.2.3 To make great haste .

He tries the door .

5.2.4 All fast ? What means this ? Ho !

5.2.5 Who waits there ?

Enter Keeper .

5.2.6 Sure you know me !

KEEPER

5.2.7 Yes , my lord ,

5.2.8 But yet I cannot help you .

CRANMER

5.2.9 Why ?

KEEPER

5.2.10 Your Grace must wait till you be called for .

CRANMER

5.2.11 So .

Enter Doctor Butts .

BUTTS

, aside

5.2.12 This is a piece of malice . I am glad

5.2.13 I came this way so happily . The King

5.2.14 Shall understand it presently .

Butts exits .

CRANMER

, aside

5.2.15 ’Tis Butts ,

5.2.16 The King’s physician . As he passed along

5.2.17 How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me !

5.2.18 Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace . For certain

5.2.19 This is of purpose laid by some that hate me —

5.2.20 God turn their hearts ! I never sought their malice —

5.2.21 To quench mine honor . They would shame to make me

5.2.22 Wait else at door , a fellow councillor ,

5.2.23 ’Mong boys , grooms , and lackeys . But their pleasures

5.2.24 Must be fulfilled , and I attend with patience .

Enter the King and Butts at a window above .

BUTTS

5.2.25 I’ll show your Grace the strangest sight .

KING

5.2.26 What’s that , Butts ?

BUTTS

5.2.28 I think your Highness saw this many a day .

KING

5.2.29 Body o’ me , where is it ?

BUTTS

5.2.30 There , my lord :

5.2.31 The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury ,

5.2.32 Who holds his state at door , ’mongst pursuivants ,

5.2.33 Pages , and footboys .

KING

5.2.34 Ha ! ’Tis he indeed .

5.2.35 Is this the honor they do one another ?

5.2.36 ’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet . I had thought

5.2.37 They had parted so much honesty among ’em —

5.2.38 At least good manners — as not thus to suffer

5.2.39 A man of his place , and so near our favor ,

5.2.40 To dance attendance on their Lordships’ pleasures ,

5.2.41 And at the door , too , like a post with packets .

5.2.42 By holy Mary , Butts , there’s knavery !

5.2.43 Let ’em alone , and draw the curtain close .

5.2.44 We 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

5.2.45 Speak to the business , Master Secretary .

5.2.46 Why are we met in council ?

CROMWELL

5.2.47 Please your honors ,

5.2.48 The chief cause concerns his Grace of Canterbury .

GARDINER

5.2.49 Has he had knowledge of it ?

CROMWELL

5.2.50 Yes .

NORFOLK

, to Keeper

5.2.51 Who waits there ?

KEEPER

5.2.52 Without , my noble lords ?

GARDINER

5.2.53 Yes .

KEEPER

5.2.54 My lord Archbishop ,

5.2.55 And has done half an hour , to know your pleasures .

CHANCELLOR

5.2.56 Let him come in .

KEEPER

, at door

5.2.57 Your Grace may enter now .

Cranmer approaches the council table .

CHANCELLOR

5.2.58 My good lord Archbishop , I’m very sorry

5.2.59 To sit here at this present and behold

5.2.60 That chair stand empty . But we all are men ,

5.2.61 In our own natures frail , and capable

5.2.62 Of our flesh — few are angels — out of which frailty

5.2.63 And want of wisdom you , that best should teach us ,

5.2.64 Have misdemeaned yourself , and not a little ,

5.2.65 Toward the King first , then his laws , in filling

5.2.66 The whole realm , by your teaching and your chaplains’ —

5.2.68 For so we are informed — with new opinions ,

5.2.69 Divers and dangerous , which are heresies

5.2.70 And , not reformed , may prove pernicious .

GARDINER

5.2.71 Which reformation must be sudden too ,

5.2.72 My noble lords ; for those that tame wild horses

5.2.73 Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle ,

5.2.74 But stop their mouths with stubborn bits , and spur ’em

5.2.75 Till they obey the manage . If we suffer ,

5.2.76 Out of our easiness and childish pity

5.2.77 To one man’s honor , this contagious sickness ,

5.2.78 Farewell , all physic . And what follows then ?

5.2.79 Commotions , uproars , with a general taint

5.2.80 Of the whole state , as of late days our neighbors ,

5.2.81 The upper Germany , can dearly witness ,

5.2.82 Yet freshly pitied in our memories .

CRANMER

5.2.83 My good lords , hitherto , in all the progress

5.2.84 Both of my life and office , I have labored ,

5.2.85 And with no little study , that my teaching

5.2.86 And the strong course of my authority

5.2.87 Might go one way and safely ; and the end

5.2.88 Was ever to do well . Nor is there living —

5.2.89 I speak it with a single heart , my lords —

5.2.90 A man that more detests , more stirs against ,

5.2.91 Both in his private conscience and his place ,

5.2.92 Defacers of a public peace than I do .

5.2.93 Pray heaven the King may never find a heart

5.2.94 With less allegiance in it ! Men that make

5.2.95 Envy and crookèd malice nourishment

5.2.96 Dare bite the best . I do beseech your Lordships

5.2.97 That , in this case of justice , my accusers ,

5.2.98 Be what they will , may stand forth face to face

5.2.99 And freely urge against me .

SUFFOLK

5.2.100 Nay , my lord ,

5.2.101 That cannot be . You are a councillor ,

5.2.102 And by that virtue no man dare accuse you .

GARDINER

5.2.103 My lord , because we have business of more moment ,

5.2.104 We will be short with you . ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure ,

5.2.105 And our consent , for better trial of you

5.2.106 From hence you be committed to the Tower ,

5.2.107 Where , being but a private man again ,

5.2.108 You shall know many dare accuse you boldly —

5.2.109 More than , I fear , you are provided for .

CRANMER

5.2.110 Ah , my good Lord of Winchester , I thank you .

5.2.111 You are always my good friend . If your will pass ,

5.2.112 I shall both find your Lordship judge and juror ,

5.2.113 You are so merciful . I see your end :

5.2.114 ’Tis my undoing . Love and meekness , lord ,

5.2.115 Become a churchman better than ambition .

5.2.116 Win straying souls with modesty again ;

5.2.117 Cast none away . That I shall clear myself ,

5.2.118 Lay all the weight you can upon my patience ,

5.2.119 I make as little doubt as you do conscience

5.2.120 In doing daily wrongs . I could say more ,

5.2.121 But reverence to your calling makes me modest .

GARDINER

5.2.122 My lord , my lord , you are a sectary .

5.2.123 That’s the plain truth . Your painted gloss discovers ,

5.2.124 To men that understand you , words and weakness .

CROMWELL

5.2.125 My Lord of Winchester , you’re a little ,

5.2.126 By your good favor , too sharp . Men so noble ,

5.2.127 However faulty , yet should find respect

5.2.128 For what they have been . ’Tis a cruelty

5.2.129 To load a falling man .

GARDINER

5.2.130 Good Master Secretary —

5.2.131 I cry your Honor mercy — you may worst

5.2.132 Of all this table say so .

CROMWELL

5.2.133 Why , my lord ?

GARDINER

5.2.134 Do not I know you for a favorer

5.2.135 Of this new sect ? You are not sound .

CROMWELL

5.2.136 Not sound ?

GARDINER

5.2.137 Not sound , I say .

CROMWELL

5.2.138 Would you were half so honest !

5.2.139 Men’s prayers then would seek you , not their fears .

GARDINER

5.2.140 I shall remember this bold language .

CROMWELL

5.2.141 Do .

5.2.142 Remember your bold life too .

CHANCELLOR

5.2.143 This is too much !

5.2.144 Forbear , for shame , my lords .

GARDINER

5.2.145 I have done .

CROMWELL

5.2.146 And I .

CHANCELLOR

, to Cranmer

5.2.147 Then thus for you , my lord : it stands agreed ,

5.2.148 I take it , by all voices , that forthwith

5.2.149 You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner ,

5.2.150 There to remain till the King’s further pleasure

5.2.151 Be known unto us . — Are you all agreed , lords ?

ALL

5.2.152 We are .

CRANMER

5.2.153 Is there no other way of mercy

5.2.154 But I must needs to th’ Tower , my lords ?

GARDINER

5.2.155 What other

5.2.156 Would you expect ? You are strangely troublesome .

5.2.157 Let some o’ th’ guard be ready there .

Enter the Guard .

CRANMER

5.2.158 For me ?

5.2.159 Must I go like a traitor thither ?

GARDINER

5.2.160 Receive him ,

5.2.161 And see him safe i’ th’ Tower .

CRANMER

5.2.162 Stay , good my lords ,

5.2.163 I have a little yet to say . Look there , my lords .

He holds out the ring .

5.2.164 By virtue of that ring , I take my cause

5.2.165 Out of the grips of cruel men and give it

5.2.166 To a most noble judge , the King my master .

CHAMBERLAIN

5.2.167 This is the King’s ring .

SURREY

5.2.168 ’Tis no counterfeit .

SUFFOLK

5.2.169 ’Tis the right ring , by heaven ! I told you all ,

5.2.170 When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ,

5.2.171 ’Twould fall upon ourselves .

NORFOLK

5.2.172 Do you think , my lords ,

5.2.173 The King will suffer but the little finger

5.2.174 Of this man to be vexed ?

CHAMBERLAIN

5.2.175 ’Tis now too certain .

5.2.176 How much more is his life in value with him !

5.2.177 Would I were fairly out on ’t !

CROMWELL

5.2.178 My mind gave me ,

5.2.179 In seeking tales and informations

5.2.180 Against this man , whose honesty the devil

5.2.181 And his disciples only envy at ,

5.2.182 You blew the fire that burns you . Now , have at you !

Enter King , frowning on them ; takes his seat .

GARDINER

5.2.183 Dread sovereign , how much are we bound to heaven

5.2.184 In daily thanks , that gave us such a prince ,

5.2.185 Not only good and wise , but most religious ;

5.2.186 One that in all obedience makes the Church

5.2.187 The chief aim of his honor , and to strengthen

5.2.188 That holy duty out of dear respect ,

5.2.189 His royal self in judgment comes to hear

5.2.190 The cause betwixt her and this great offender .

KING

5.2.191 You were ever good at sudden commendations ,

5.2.192 Bishop of Winchester . But know I come not

5.2.193 To hear such flattery now , and in my presence

5.2.194 They are too thin and base to hide offenses .

5.2.195 To me you cannot reach . You play the spaniel ,

5.2.196 And think with wagging of your tongue to win me ;

5.2.197 But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for , I’m sure

5.2.198 Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody . —

5.2.199 Good man , sit down .

Cranmer takes his seat .

5.2.200 Now let me see the proudest

5.2.201 He , that dares most , but wag his finger at thee .

5.2.202 By all that’s holy , he had better starve

5.2.203 Than but once think this place becomes thee not .

SURREY

5.2.204 May it please your Grace —

KING

5.2.205 No , sir , it does not please me .

5.2.207 I had thought I had had men of some understanding

5.2.208 And wisdom of my Council , but I find none .

5.2.209 Was it discretion , lords , to let this man ,

5.2.210 This good man — few of you deserve that title —

5.2.211 This honest man , wait like a lousy footboy

5.2.212 At chamber door ? And one as great as you are ?

5.2.213 Why , what a shame was this ! Did my commission

5.2.214 Bid you so far forget yourselves ? I gave you

5.2.215 Power as he was a councillor to try him ,

5.2.216 Not as a groom . There’s some of you , I see ,

5.2.217 More out of malice than integrity ,

5.2.218 Would try him to the utmost , had you mean ,

5.2.219 Which you shall never have while I live .

CHANCELLOR

5.2.220 Thus far ,

5.2.221 My most dread sovereign , may it like your Grace

5.2.222 To let my tongue excuse all . What was purposed

5.2.223 Concerning his imprisonment was rather ,

5.2.224 If there be faith in men , meant for his trial

5.2.225 And fair purgation to the world than malice ,

5.2.226 I’m sure , in me .

KING

5.2.227 Well , well , my lords , respect him .

5.2.228 Take him , and use him well ; he’s worthy of it .

5.2.229 I will say thus much for him : if a prince

5.2.230 May be beholding to a subject , I

5.2.231 Am , for his love and service , so to him .

5.2.232 Make me no more ado , but all embrace him .

5.2.233 Be friends , for shame , my lords .

They embrace Cranmer .

5.2.234 My Lord of Canterbury ,

5.2.235 I have a suit which you must not deny me :

5.2.236 That is , a fair young maid that yet wants baptism .

5.2.237 You must be godfather and answer for her .

CRANMER

5.2.238 The greatest monarch now alive may glory

5.2.239 In such an honor . How may I deserve it ,

5.2.240 That am a poor and humble subject to you ?

KING

Come , come , my lord , you’d spare your spoons . You shall have two noble partners with you : the old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquess Dorset . Will these please you ? —

5.2.245 Once more , my lord of Winchester , I charge you ,

5.2.246 Embrace and love this man .

GARDINER

5.2.247 With a true heart

5.2.248 And brother-love I do it .

He embraces Cranmer .

CRANMER

, weeping

5.2.249 And let heaven

5.2.250 Witness how dear I hold this confirmation .

KING

5.2.251 Good man , those joyful tears show thy true heart .

5.2.252 The common voice , I see , is verified

5.2.253 Of thee , which says thus : “ Do my Lord of Canterbury

5.2.254 A shrewd turn , and he’s your friend forever . ” —

5.2.255 Come , lords , we trifle time away . I long

5.2.256 To have this young one made a Christian .

5.2.257 As I have made you one , lords , one remain .

5.2.258 So I grow stronger , you more honor gain .

They exit .

Scene 3

Noise and tumult within .

Enter Porter and his Man , carrying cudgels .

PORTER

You’ll leave your noise anon , you rascals ! Do you take the court for Parish Garden ? You rude slaves , leave your gaping !

ONE

, ( within )

Good Master Porter , I belong to th’ larder .

PORTER

Belong to th’ gallows and be hanged , you rogue ! Is this a place to roar in ? — Fetch me a dozen crab-tree staves , and strong ones . These are but switches to ’em . — I’ll scratch your heads ! You must be seeing christenings ? Do you look for ale and cakes here , you rude rascals ?

PORTER’S MAN

5.3.12 Pray , sir , be patient . ’Tis as much impossible —

5.3.13 Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons —

5.3.14 To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep

5.3.15 On May Day morning , which will never be .

5.3.16 We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em .

PORTER

5.3.17 How got they in , and be hanged ?

PORTER’S MAN

5.3.18 Alas , I know not . How gets the tide in ?

5.3.19 As much as one sound cudgel of four foot —

5.3.20 You see the poor remainder — could distribute ,

5.3.21 I made no spare , sir .

PORTER

5.3.22 You did nothing , sir .

PORTER’S MAN

5.3.23 I am not Samson , nor Sir Guy , nor Colbrand ,

5.3.24 To mow ’em down before me ; but if I spared any

5.3.25 That had a head to hit , either young or old ,

5.3.26 He or she , cuckold or cuckold-maker ,

5.3.27 Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again —

5.3.28 And that I would not for a cow , God save her !

ONE

, ( within )

Do you hear , Master Porter ?

PORTER

I shall be with you presently , good master puppy . — Keep the door close , sirrah .

PORTER’S MAN

What would you have me do ?

PORTER

What should you do but knock ’em down by th’ dozens ? Is this Moorfields to muster in ? Or have we some strange Indian with the great tool come to court , the women so besiege us ? Bless me , what a fry of fornication is at door ! On my Christian conscience , this one christening will beget a thousand ; here will be father , godfather , and all together .

PORTER’S MAN

The spoons will be the bigger , sir . There is a fellow somewhat near the door — he should be a brazier by his face , for , o’ my conscience , twenty of the dog days now reign in ’s nose . All that stand about him are under the line ; they need no other penance . That fire-drake did I hit three times on the head , and three times was his nose discharged against me . He stands there like a mortar-piece , to blow us . There was a haberdasher’s wife of small wit near him that railed upon me till her pinked porringer fell off her head for kindling such a combustion in the state . I missed the meteor once and hit that woman , who cried out “ Clubs ! ” when I might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to her succor , which were the hope o’ th’ Strand , where she was quartered . They fell on ; I made good my place . At length they came to th’ broomstaff to me ; I defied ’em still , when suddenly a file of boys behind ’em , loose shot , delivered such a shower of pibbles that I was fain to draw mine honor in and let ’em win the work . The devil was amongst ’em , I think , surely .

PORTER

These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse and fight for bitten apples , that no audience but the tribulation of Tower Hill or the limbs of Limehouse , their dear brothers , are able to endure . I have some of ’em in Limbo Patrum , and there they are like to dance these three days , besides the running banquet of two beadles that is to come .

Enter Lord Chamberlain .

CHAMBERLAIN

5.3.69 Mercy o’ me , what a multitude are here !

5.3.70 They grow still too . From all parts they are coming ,

5.3.71 As if we kept a fair here ! Where are these porters ,

5.3.72 These lazy knaves ? — You’ve made a fine hand , fellows !

5.3.73 There’s a trim rabble let in . Are all these

5.3.74 Your faithful friends o’ th’ suburbs ? We shall have

5.3.75 Great store of room , no doubt , left for the ladies ,

5.3.76 When they pass back from the christening !

PORTER

5.3.77 An ’t please your Honor ,

5.3.79 We are but men , and what so many may do ,

5.3.80 Not being torn a-pieces , we have done .

5.3.81 An army cannot rule ’em .

CHAMBERLAIN

5.3.82 As I live ,

5.3.83 If the King blame me for ’t , I’ll lay you all

5.3.84 By th’ heels , and suddenly , and on your heads

5.3.85 Clap round fines for neglect . You’re lazy knaves ,

5.3.86 And here you lie baiting of bombards , when

5.3.87 You should do service .

Trumpets .

5.3.88 Hark , the trumpets sound !

5.3.89 They’re come already from the christening .

5.3.90 Go break among the press , and find a way out

5.3.91 To let the troop pass fairly , or I’ll find

5.3.92 A Marshalsea shall hold you play these two months .

PORTER

5.3.93 Make way there for the Princess !

PORTER’S MAN

5.3.94 You great fellow ,

5.3.95 Stand close up , or I’ll make your head ache .

PORTER

5.3.96 You i’ th’ camlet , get up o’ th’ rail !

5.3.97 I’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 .

GARTER

Heaven , from thy endless goodness , send prosperous life , long , and ever happy , to the high and mighty princess of England , Elizabeth .

Flourish .

Enter King and Guard .

CRANMER

, kneeling

5.4.4 And to your royal Grace and the good queen ,

5.4.5 My noble partners and myself thus pray

5.4.6 All comfort , joy , in this most gracious lady

5.4.7 Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy

5.4.8 May hourly fall upon you !

KING

5.4.9 Thank you , good lord Archbishop .

5.4.11 What is her name ?

CRANMER

5.4.12 Elizabeth .

KING

5.4.13 Stand up , lord .

Cranmer stands .

5.4.14 With this kiss take my blessing .

King kisses infant .

5.4.15 God protect thee ,

5.4.16 Into whose hand I give thy life .

CRANMER

5.4.17 Amen .

KING

, to the two godmothers

5.4.18 My noble gossips , you’ve been too prodigal .

5.4.19 I thank you heartily ; so shall this lady

5.4.20 When she has so much English .

CRANMER

5.4.21 Let me speak , sir ,

5.4.22 For heaven now bids me ; and the words I utter

5.4.23 Let none think flattery , for they’ll find ’em truth .

5.4.24 This royal infant — heaven still move about her ! —

5.4.25 Though in her cradle , yet now promises

5.4.26 Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings ,

5.4.27 Which time shall bring to ripeness . She shall be —

5.4.28 But few now living can behold that goodness —

5.4.29 A pattern to all princes living with her

5.4.30 And all that shall succeed . Saba was never

5.4.31 More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue

5.4.32 Than this pure soul shall be . All princely graces

5.4.33 That mold up such a mighty piece as this is ,

5.4.34 With all the virtues that attend the good ,

5.4.35 Shall still be doubled on her . Truth shall nurse her ;

5.4.36 Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her .

5.4.37 She shall be loved and feared . Her own shall bless her ;

5.4.38 Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn

5.4.39 And hang their heads with sorrow . Good grows with her .

5.4.41 In her days every man shall eat in safety

5.4.42 Under his own vine what he plants and sing

5.4.43 The merry songs of peace to all his neighbors .

5.4.44 God shall be truly known , and those about her

5.4.45 From her shall read the perfect ways of honor

5.4.46 And by those claim their greatness , not by blood .

5.4.47 Nor shall this peace sleep with her ; but , as when

5.4.48 The bird of wonder dies , the maiden phoenix ,

5.4.49 Her ashes new create another heir

5.4.50 As great in admiration as herself ,

5.4.51 So shall she leave her blessedness to one ,

5.4.52 When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness ,

5.4.53 Who from the sacred ashes of her honor

5.4.54 Shall starlike rise as great in fame as she was

5.4.55 And so stand fixed . Peace , plenty , love , truth , terror ,

5.4.56 That were the servants to this chosen infant ,

5.4.57 Shall then be his , and like a vine grow to him .

5.4.58 Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine ,

5.4.59 His honor and the greatness of his name

5.4.60 Shall be , and make new nations . He shall flourish ,

5.4.61 And like a mountain cedar reach his branches

5.4.62 To all the plains about him . Our children’s children

5.4.63 Shall see this and bless heaven .

KING

5.4.64 Thou speakest wonders .

CRANMER

5.4.65 She shall be to the happiness of England

5.4.66 An agèd princess ; many days shall see her ,

5.4.67 And yet no day without a deed to crown it .

5.4.68 Would I had known no more ! But she must die ,

5.4.69 She must , the saints must have her ; yet a virgin ,

5.4.70 A most unspotted lily , shall she pass

5.4.71 To th’ ground , and all the world shall mourn her .

KING

5.4.72 O lord Archbishop ,

5.4.74 Thou hast made me now a man . Never before

5.4.75 This happy child did I get anything .

5.4.76 This oracle of comfort has so pleased me

5.4.77 That when I am in heaven I shall desire

5.4.78 To see what this child does and praise my Maker . —

5.4.79 I thank you all . — To you , my good lord mayor

5.4.80 And you , good brethren , I am much beholding .

5.4.81 I have received much honor by your presence ,

5.4.82 And you shall find me thankful . Lead the way , lords .

5.4.83 You must all see the Queen , and she must thank you ;

5.4.84 She will be sick else . This day , no man think

5.4.85 ’Has business at his house , for all shall stay .

5.4.86 This little one shall make it holiday .

They exit .

Enter Epilogue .

EPILOGUE

’Tis ten to one this play can never please

All that are here . Some come to take their ease

And sleep an act or two — but those , we fear ,

We’ve frighted with our trumpets ; so , ’tis clear ,

They’ll say ’tis naught — others , to hear the city

Abused extremely and to cry “ That’s witty ! ” —

Which we have not done neither — that I fear

All the expected good we’re like to hear

For this play at this time is only in

The merciful construction of good women ,

For such a one we showed ’em . If they smile

And say ’twill do , I know within a while

All the best men are ours ; for ’tis ill hap

If they hold when their ladies bid ’em clap .

He exits .

William Shakespeare (1623)

The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eighth, often shortened to Henry VIII, is a collaborative history play, written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, based on the life of Henry VIII.[1] 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.[2]

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 beams, burning the original Globe building to the ground.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VIII_(play)

Source

https://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/download/teisimple/H8.xml

Filename: H8.xml

Henry the 8th

Porter and his Man

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

Description

Source