To oppofe your cunning. You are meek, and
humble-mouth'd;

You figu1 your place and calling, in full feeming,
With meeknefs and humility: but your heart.
Is crammi'd with arrogancy, fpleen, and pride...
You have, by fortune, and his highnefs' favours,
Gone flightly o'er low fteps; and now are mounted,
Where powers are your retainers: and your words,
Domefticks to you, ferve your will, as't pleafe
Yourself pronounce their office 2. I must tell you,
You tender more your perfon's honour, than
Your high profeflion fpiritual: That again
I do refuse you for my judge; and here,
Before you all, appeal unto the Pope,

To bring my whole caufe 'fore his holiness,

And to be judg'd by him.

Or touch of her good perfon?
Kirg. My lord cardinal,

I do excute you, yea, upon mine honour,
I free you from 't. You are not to be taught
That you have many enemies, that know not
Why they are fo, but, like to village curs,
Bark when their fellows do: by fome of the fe
The queen is put in anger. You are excus'd:
But will you be more juitifv'd? you ever
Have with'd the fleeping of this bufinefs; never
Defir'd it to be ftirr'd; but oft have hindred, oft,
The paffages made toward it :-5 on my honour,
fpeak my good lord cardinal to this point,
And thus far clear him. Now, what mov'd me
to't,-

I will be bold with time, and your attention:

[She curt fes to the King, and offers to depart. Then mark the inducement. Thus it came ;—give

Cam. The queen is obftinate,

Stubborn to juftice, apt to accufe it, and
Didainful to be try'd by it; 'tis not well.
She's going away.

King. Call her again.
[the court.
Crier. Katharine, queen of England, come into
Uher. Madam, you are call'd back.
Queen. What need you note it? pray you, keep

your way:

When you are call'd, return.-Now the Lord help,
They vex me paft my patience !-pray you, pass on:
I will not tarry; no, nor ever more,
Upon this bufinefs, my appearance make
In any of their courts.

[Exeunt Queen and her Attendants.

King. Go thy ways, Kate:

That man i' the world, who fhall report he has
A better wife, let him in nought be trufted,
For ipeaking falfe in that: Thou art, alone,
(If thy rare qualities, fweet gentleness,
Thy meeknefs faint-like, wife-like government,
Obeying in commanding, and thy parts

heed to't:

My confcience first receiv'd a tenderness,
Scruple, and prick, on certain fpeeches utter'd
By the bifhop of Bayonne, then French ambaffador;
Who had been hither fent on the debating
A marriage, 'twixt the duke of Orleans and
Our daughter Mary: I'the progrefs of this bufinefs,
Ere a determinate refolution, he

(I mean the bishop) did require a refpite;
Wherein he night the king his lord advertise
Whether our daughter were legitimate,
Refpecting this our marriage with the dowager,
Sometime our brother's wife. This refpite hook
The bofom of my confcience, enter'd me,
Yea, with a splitting power, and made to tremble
The region of my breaft; which forc'd fuch way,
That many maz'd confiderings did throng,
And prefs'd in with this caution. First, methought,
I ftood not in the fmile of heaven; who had
Commanded nature, that my lady's womb,
If it conceiv'd a male child by me, fhould
Do no more offices of life to't, than

The grave does to the dead: for her male-iffue Sovereign and pious elte, could fpeak thee out 3)Or died where they were made, or fhortly after

The queen of earthly queens:-She is noble born:
And like her true nobility the has
Carried herself towards me..

Wel. Moft gracious fir,

In humbleft manner I require your highness,
That it thall please you to declare, in hearing
Of all thefe ears, (for where I am robb'd and bound,
There mult I be unloos'd; although not there
At once and fully fatisfy'd 4) whether ever I
Did broach this bufinefs to your highness; or
Lay'd any fcruple in your way, which might
Induce you to the question on't? or ever
Have to you, but with thanks to God for fuch
A royal lady,-spake one the leaft word, that might
Be to the prejudice of her prefent state,

This world had air'd them: Hence I took a thought
This was a judgment on me; that my kingdom,
Well worthy the beft heir o'the world, fhould not
Be gladded in't by me: Then follows, that
I weigh'd the danger which my realms ftood in
By this my ifiue's fail; and that gave to me
Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling 7 in
The wild fea of my confcience, I did fteer
Toward this remedy, whereupon we are
Now prefent here together; that's to fay,
I meant to rectify my confcience,-which

I then did feel full fick, and yet not well,st
By all the reverend fathers of the land,
And doctors learn'd.First, I began in privata.
With you, my lord of Lincoln; you remember

1 i. e. you fhew or denote." 2 That is, Having now got power, you do not regard your word. 3 i. e. if thy feveral qualities could fpeak thy praife. 4 The fenfe is, "I owe fo much to my own innocence, as to clear up my character, though I do not expect my wrongers will do me juftice." s The king, having first addressed to Wolfey, breaks off; and declares upon his honour to the whole court, that he speaks the cardinal's fentiments upon the point in queftion; and clears him from any attempt, or with, to ftir that business. 6 i. e. prick of confcience, which was the term in-con 7 A fhip is faid to hull, when the is difinafted, and only her hull, or hulk, is left at the direction and mercy of the waves.

fellion.

How

Of my alledged reafons, drive this forward; Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life, [fay And kingly dignity, we are contented

King. I have spoke long; be pleas'd yourfelf to To wear our mortal state to come, with her,

1 i. e. in the prefence-chamber.

(And fervice to his majesty and you)

So deep fufpicion, where all faith was meant.
We come not by the way of accufation,
To taint that honour every good tongue bleffes;
Nor to betray you any way to forrow;
You have too much, good lady: but to know
How you ftand minded in the weighty difference
Between the king and you; and to deliver,
Like free and honeft men, our juft opinions,
And comforts to your caufe.

Cam. Moft honour'd madam,

My lord of York,—out of his noble nature,
Zeal and obedience he ftill bore your grace;
Forgetting, like a good man, your late cenfure
Both of his truth and him, (which was too far
Offers, as I do, in a fign of peace,
His fervice, and his counfel.

My lords, I thank you both for your good wills,
Ye fpeak like honest men, (pray God, ye prove fo!)
But how to make ye fuddenly an anfwer,
In fuch a point of weight, fo near mine honour,
(More near my life, I fear) with my weak wit,
And to fuch men of gravity and learning,
In truth, I know not. I was fet at work
Among my maids; full little, God knows, looking
Either for fuch men, or fuch bufinefs.
For her fake that I have been 1, (for I feel
The laft fit of my greatnefs) good your graces,
Let me have time, and counfel, for my cause ;
Alas! I am a woman, friendless, hopeless.

Wol. Madam, you wrong the king's love with
thefe fears;

Your hopes and friends are infinite.

Queen. In England,

Upon my foul, two reverend cardinal virtues;
But cardinal fins, and hollow hearts, I fear ye :
Mend 'em for fhame, my lords.
Is this your

comfort?

The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady?
A woman loft among ye, laugh'd at, fcorn'd?
I will not wifh ye half my miferies,

I have more charity: But fay, I warn'd ye;
Take heed, for heaven's fake, take heed, left at

once

The burdens of my forrows fall upon ye..

Wol. Madam, this is a mere diftraction; ̧ You turn the good we offer into envy.

Queen. Ye turn me into nothing Woe upon ye,
And all fuch falfe profeffors! Would ye have me
(If you have any juftice, any pity;

If you be any thing but churchmen's habits)
Put my fick caufe into his hands that hates me?
Alas! he has banish'd 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 wretchednefs? all your studies
Make me a curfe like this.

[myfelf

Cam. Your fears are worse.
Queen. Have I liv'd thus long,-let me speak
Since virtue finds no friends,a wife, a true one
A woman, (I dare fay, without vain-glory)
Never yet branded with fufpicion ?
Have I with all my full affections
[him?
Still met the king lov'd hun next heaven ? obey'd
Been, out of fondness, fuperftitious 3 to him?
Almuft forgot my prayers to content him?
And am I thus rewarded? 'tis not well, lords.
Bring me a conftant woman to her husband,
One that ne'er dream'd a joy beyond his pleafure;
And to that woman, when the has done moft,

But little for my profit ; Can you think, lords,
That any Englishman dare give me counsel ?
Or be a known friend, 'gainst his highnefs' plea-Yet will I add an honour, a great patience.

fure,

(Though he be grown so desperate to be honest)
And live a fubject? Nay, forfooth, my friends,
They that muft weigh out 2 my afflictions,
They that may trust must grow to, live not here;
They are, as all my other comforts, far hence,
In mine own country, lords.

Cam. I would, your grace

Would leave your griefs, and take my counfel.
Queen. How, fir ?

[tection;
Cam. Put your main caufe into the king's pro-]
He's loving, and most gracious: 'twill be much
Both for your honour better, and your caufe;
For, if the trial of the law o'ertake you,
You'll part away difgrac'd.

I i. e. for the fake of that royalty I have formerly poffeffed. 2 To weigh out here implies the fame as to outweigh. 3 i. e. ferved him with fuperftitious attention. A quibble, faid to have been originally the quibble of a faint." England, a little ifland, where, as Saint Auguflin farch, there be people with angels faces, to the inhabitants have the courage and hearts of lyons."

You'd

You'd feel more comfort: why should we, good | Gives way to us) I much fear. If you cannot
lady,
Bar his accefs to the king, never attempt
Upon what caufe, wrong you? alas! our places, | Any thing on him; for he hath a witchcraft

The way of our profeffion is against it ;
We are to cure fuch forrows, not to fow 'em.
For goodness' fake, consider what you do ;
How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly
Grow from the king's acquaintance, by this carriage.
The hearts of princes kifs obedience,

So much they love it; but, to ftubborn fpirits,
They fwell, and grow as terrible as ftorms.
I know, you have a gentle, noble temper,
A foul as even as a calm; Pray, think us
Those we profefs, peace-makers, friends, and
fervants.
[virtues
Cam. Madam, you'll find it fo. You wrong your
A noble fpirit,

With thefe weak women's fears.
As yours was put into you, ever cafts
Such doubts, as falfe coin, from it.
loves you;

Beware, you lofe it not: For us, if

The king

you please.

To truft us in your business, we are ready
To use our utmost studies in your service.

Over the king in his tongue.

Nor. O, fear him not;

His fpell in that is out: the king hath found
Matter against him, that for ever mars
The honey of his language. No, he's fettled,
Not to come off, in his difpleasure.
Sur. Sir,

I fhould be glad to hear fuch news as this
Once every hour.

Nor. Believe it, this is true.
In the divorce, his 3 contrary proceedings
Are all unfolded; wherein he appears,
As I would with mine enemy.
Sur. How came
His practices to light?
Suf. Moft ftrangely.
Sur. O, how, how?

Suf. The cardinal's letter to the pope mifcarried,
And came to the eye o' the king: wherein was read,
How that the cardinal did entreat his holiness

Queen. Do what ye will, my lords: And, pray, To stay the judgment o' the 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..
Sur. Has the king this?
Suf. Believe it.

Sur. Now all my joy

Enter Duke of Norfolk, Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Trace 5 the conjunction!

Survey, and the Lord Chamberlain.

Nor. If you will now unite in your complaints,
And force them with a conftancy, the cardinal
Cannot ftand under them: If you omit
The offer of this time, I cannot promise,

But that you fhall fuftain more new difgraces,
With these you bear already.

Sur. I am joyful

To meet the leaft occafion, that may give me
Remembrance of my father-in-law, the duke,
To be reveng'd on him.

Suf. Which of the peers

Have uncontemn'd gone by him, or at least
Strangely neglected? when did he regard
The stamp of nobleness in any perfon,
Out of himself 2?

Cham. My lords, you speak your pleasures:
What he deferves of you and me, I know;
What we can do to him, (though now the time

I i. e. enforce, urge.

Suf. My Amen to't!

Nor. All men's.

2 i. e. except in himself.

3 i. e. his private practices oppofite to his public procedure. 4 To hedge, is to creep along by the hedge: not to take the direct and open pach. 5 To trace is to follow.

To memorize is to make memorable.

Το

To fecond all his plot. I do affure you,
The king cry'd, ha! at this.

Cham. Now, God incenfe him,
And let him cry, ha, louder!

Nor. But, my lord,
When returns Cranmer?

Suf. He is return'd, in his opinions ; which
Have fatisfy'd the king for his divorce,
Together with all famous colleges
Almoft in Chriftendom: fhortly, I believe,
His fecond marriage thall be publish'd, and
Her coronation. Katharine no more
Shall be call'd queen; but princess dowager,
And widow to prince Arthur.

Nor. This fame Cranmer 's

A worthy fellow, and hath ta'en much pain
In the king's business.

Suf. He has; and we shall see him

For it, an archbishop.

Nor. So I hear.

Suf. 'Tis fo.

The cardinal

It fhall be to the dutchefs of Alencon,
The French king's fifter: he thall marry her.-
Anne Bullen! No; I'll no Anne Bullens for him:
There's more in't than fair vifage.-Builen!
No, we'll no Bullens!-Speedily 1 with

Stood here obferving him: Some strange commotion
Is in his brain: he bites his lip, and ftarts;
Stops on a fudden, looks upon the ground,
Then, lays his finger on his temple ; straight,
Springs out into faft gait; then, stops again,
Strikes his breaft hard; and anon, he cafts
His eye against the moon: in most strange poftures
We have feen him fet himself.

King. It may well be;

There is a mutiny in his mind. This morning
Papers of ftate he fent me to perufe,

As I requir'd; And, wot you, what I found
There; on my confcience, put unwittingly?
For footh, an inventory, thus importing,-
The feveral parcels of his plate, his treasure,
Rich ftuffs, and ornaments of houshold; which
I find at fuch proud rate, that it out-speaks
Poffeffion of a fubject.

Nor. It is heaven's will;
Some fpirit put this paper in the packet,
To blefs your eye withal.

King. If we did think

His contemplations were above the earth,
And fix'd on tpiritual object, he should fill
Dwell in his mufings; but, I am afraid,
His thinkings are below the moon, not worth
His ferious confidering.

To hear from Rome. The marchionefs of Pem-[He takes his feat; and whispers Lovel, who to

broke!

Nor. He's difcontented.

Suf. May be, he hears the king

Does whet his anger to him.

Sur. Sharp enough,

Lord, for thy juftice!

[daughter, Wol. The late queen's gentlewoman; a knight's To be her miftrefs' miftrefs! the queen's queen This candle burns not clear: 'tis 1 muft fnuff it; Then, out it goes.-What though I know her virtuous,

And well-deferving? yet I know her for
A fpleeny Lutheran; and not wholesome to
Our caute, that the fhould lie i' the bofom of
Our hard-rul'd king. Again, there is fprung up
An heretic, an arch one, Cranmer; one

Wolfey.

Wol. Heaven forgive me!-
Ever God bless your highness !

King. Good my lord,

goes

[tory

You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inven
Of your bett graces in your mind; the which
You were now running o'er: you have scarce

time

To steal from spiritual leifure a brief span,
To keep your earthly audit: fure, in that
deem you an ill husband; and am glad
To have you therein my companion.
Wol. Sir,

For holy offices I have a time; a time
To think upon the part of business, which
I bear i' the ftate; and nature does require

i. e. with the fame fentiments he entertained before he went abroad, which fentiments juftify t'e king's divorce. 2 Mr. Steevens on this paffage remarks thus: "That the cardinal gave the king an inventory of his own private wealth, by miltake, and thereby ruined himfell, is a known variation from the truth of hiftory. Shakspeare, however, has not injudiciously reprefented the fall of that great men, as owing to a fimilar incident which he had once improved to the destruction of another." Holinfhed, vol. ii. p. 796.

Y Y

See

Her