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Two stories dominate Henry VIII: the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, Henry’s powerful advisor, and Henry’s quest to divorce Queen Katherine, who has not borne him a male heir, and marry Anne Bullen (Boleyn).
First, the Duke of Buckingham questions Wolsey’s costly staging of a failed meeting with the French king. Wolsey arrests Buckingham and accuses him of treason; testimony from a bribed witness leads to Buckingham’s execution. Queen Katherine takes a stand against Wolsey. Wolsey gives a party at which Henry meets Anne.
Henry falls in love with Anne and seeks to divorce Katherine, but Katherine refuses to be judged by Wolsey and other church officials. The king secretly marries Anne and then has her crowned queen. Meanwhile, Henry discovers Wolsey’s treachery against him. Wolsey, arrested, falls sick and dies. Katherine also sickens and dies.
Cranmer, the new archbishop of Canterbury, comes under attack, but receives the king’s support. Anne gives birth to a daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth. Cranmer prophesies marvelous reigns for her and her unnamed successor, James.
Enter Prologue . …
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 .
ACT 1
Scene 1
Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny .
Since last we saw in France ?
Healthful , and ever since a fresh admirer
Of what I saw there .
Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when
Those suns of glory , those two lights of men ,
Met in the vale of Andren .
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 ?
I was my chamber’s prisoner .
The view of earthly glory . Men might say
Till this time pomp was single , but now married
To one above itself . Each following day
[11] ACT 1. SC. 1 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 .
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 .
I mean who set the body and the limbs
Of this great sport together , as you guess ?
In such a business .
[13]ACT 1. SC. 1
Of the right reverend Cardinal of York .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
[15]ACT 1. SC. 1
Kinsmen of mine , three at the least , that have
By this so sickened their estates that never
They shall abound as formerly .
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 ?
The peace between the French and us not values
The cost that did conclude it .
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 .
For France hath flawed the league and hath attached
Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux .
Th’ ambassador is silenced ?
At a superfluous rate !
Our reverend cardinal carried .
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
[17] ACT 1. SC. 1 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 .
certain of the Guard , and two Secretaries with papers .
and Buckingham on him , both full of disdain .
Where’s his examination ?
Shall lessen this big look .
Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore best
Not wake him in his slumber . A beggar’s book
Outworths a noble’s blood .
Ask God for temp’rance . That’s th’ appliance only
Which your disease requires .
Matter against me , and his eye reviled
Me as his abject object . At this instant
[19] ACT 1. SC. 1 He bores me with some trick . He’s gone to th’ King .
I’ll follow and outstare him .
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 .
And from a mouth of honor quite cry down
This Ipswich fellow’s insolence , or proclaim
There’s difference in no persons .
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 .
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 .
[21] ACT 1. SC. 1 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 .
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
[23] ACT 1. SC. 1 Does buy and sell his honor as he pleases
And for his own advantage .
To hear this of him , and could wish he were
Something mistaken in ’t .
I do pronounce him in that very shape
He shall appear in proof .
or three of the Guard .
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 .
The net has fall’n upon me . I shall perish
Under device and practice .
To see you ta’en from liberty , to look on
The business present . ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure
You shall to th’ Tower .
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 .
Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower , till you know
How he determines further .
The will of heaven be done , and the King’s pleasure
By me obeyed .
[25]ACT 1. SC. 2
The King t’ attach Lord Mountacute , and the bodies
Of the Duke’s confessor , John de la Car ,
One Gilbert Peck , his counselor —
These are the limbs o’ th’ plot . No more , I hope .
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 .
farewell .
Scene 2
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 .
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 .
[27]ACT 1. SC. 2
Queen Katherine , ushered by the Duke of Norfolk , and
the Duke of Suffolk .
his state .
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 .
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 .
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 .
It doth appear . For , upon these taxations ,
The clothiers all , not able to maintain
[29] ACT 1. SC. 2 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 .
Wherein ? And what taxation ? My Lord Cardinal ,
You that are blamed for it alike with us ,
Know you of this taxation ?
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 .
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 .
The nature of it ? In what kind , let’s know ,
Is this exaction ?
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 .
[31] ACT 1. SC. 2 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 .
This is against our pleasure .
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 .
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
[33] ACT 1. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
Is run in your displeasure .
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 —
[35] ACT 1. SC. 2 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 .
Most like a careful subject have collected
Out of the Duke of Buckingham .
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 .
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 .
Deliver all with charity .
How grounded he his title to the crown
Upon our fail ? To this point hast thou heard him
At any time speak aught ?
By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton .
His confessor , who fed him every minute
With words of sovereignty .
[37]ACT 1. SC. 2
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 .’’
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 .
Go forward .
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 ,
[39] ACT 1. SC. 2 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 .
There’s mischief in this man ! Canst thou say further ?
After your Highness had reproved the Duke
About Sir William Blumer —
The Duke retained him his . But on . What hence ?
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 .’
And this man out of prison ?
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
[41] ACT 1. SC. 3 Was , were he evil used , he would outgo
His father by as much as a performance
Does an irresolute purpose .
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 !
Scene 3
Men into such strange mysteries ?
Though they be never so ridiculous —
Nay , let ’em be unmanly — yet are followed .
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 .
take it ,
That never see ’em pace before , the spavin
Or springhalt reigned among ’em .
Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to ’t ,
That , sure , they’ve worn out Christendom .
[43] ACT 1. SC. 3
How now ?
What news , Sir Thomas Lovell ?
I hear of none but the new proclamation
That’s clapped upon the court gate .
That fill the court with quarrels , talk , and tailors .
To think an English courtier may be wise
And never see the Louvre .
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 .
Are grown so catching .
Will have of these trim vanities !
There will be woe indeed , lords . The sly whoresons
[45] ACT 1. SC. 3 Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies .
A French song and a fiddle has no fellow .
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 .
Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet ?
Nor shall not while I have a stump .
Whither were you a-going ?
Your Lordship is a guest too .
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 .
A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us .
His dews fall everywhere .
He had a black mouth that said other of him .
Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine .
Men of his way should be most liberal ;
They are set here for examples .
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 ,
[47] ACT 1. SC. 4 For I was spoke to , with Sir Henry Guilford
This night to be comptrollers .
Scene 4
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 .
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 .
Sir Thomas Lovell .
O , my lord , you’re tardy !
The very thought of this fair company
Clapped wings to me .
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 .
To one or two of these !
[49]ACT 1. SC. 4
They should find easy penance .
Place you that side ; I’ll take the charge of this .
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 .
And thank your Lordship . — By your leave , sweet ladies .
If I chance to talk a little wild , forgive me ;
I had it from my father .
But he would bite none . Just as I do now ,
He would kiss you twenty with a breath .
my lord .
So , now you’re fairly seated , gentlemen ,
The penance lies on you if these fair ladies
Pass away frowning .
Let me alone .
Servants , and takes his state .
[51] ACT 1. SC. 4 Or gentleman that is not freely merry
Is not my friend . This to confirm my welcome ,
And to you all good health .
Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks
And save me so much talking .
I am beholding to you . Cheer your neighbors . —
Ladies , you are not merry . — Gentlemen ,
Whose fault is this ?
In their fair cheeks , my lord . Then we shall have ’em
Talk us to silence .
My Lord Sands .
Here’s to your Ladyship , and pledge it , madam ,
For ’tis to such a thing —
And to what end , is this ? — Nay , ladies , fear not .
By all the laws of war you’re privileged .
For so they seem . They’ve left their barge and landed ,
And hither make , as great ambassadors
From foreign princes .
[53]ACT 1. SC. 4
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 .
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 !
like shepherds , ushered by the Lord Chamberlain .
They pass directly before the Cardinal and gracefully
salute him .
A noble company ! What are their pleasures ?
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 .
They have done my poor house grace , for which I
pay ’em
A thousand thanks and pray ’em take their pleasures .
King chooses Anne Bullen .
Till now I never knew thee .
[55]ACT 1. SC. 4
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 .
There is indeed , which they would have your Grace
Find out , and he will take it .
By all your good leaves , gentlemen .
Here I’ll make
My royal choice .
You hold a fair assembly ; you do well , lord .
You are a churchman , or I’ll tell you , cardinal ,
I should judge now unhappily .
Your Grace is grown so pleasant .
Prithee come hither . What fair lady’s that ?
The Viscount Rochford , one of her Highness’ women .
I were unmannerly to take you out
And not to kiss you . He kisses Anne . A health ,
gentlemen !
Let it go round .
[57]ACT 1. SC. 4
I’ th’ privy chamber ?
I fear , with dancing is a little heated .
In the next chamber .
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 .
[61]
ACT 2
Scene 1
E’en to the Hall to hear what shall become
Of the great Duke of Buckingham .
That labor , sir . All’s now done but the ceremony
Of bringing back the prisoner .
Came to the bar , where to his accusations
[63] ACT 2. SC. 1 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 .
That fed him with his prophecies ?
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 .
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 .
He never was so womanish . The cause
He may a little grieve at .
The Cardinal is the end of this .
[65] ACT 2. SC. 1 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 .
Was a deep envious one .
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 .
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 .
And see the noble ruined man you speak of .
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.
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 .
[67] ACT 2. SC. 1 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 .
If ever any malice in your heart
Were hid against me , now to forgive me frankly .
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 !
Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux ,
Who undertakes you to your end .
[69]ACT 2. SC. 1
The Duke is coming . See the barge be ready ,
And fit it with such furniture as suits
The greatness of his person .
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
[71] ACT 2. SC. 1 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 .
I fear , too many curses on their heads
That were the authors .
’Tis full of woe . Yet I can give you inkling
Of an ensuing evil , if it fall ,
Greater than this .
What may it be ? You do not doubt my faith , sir ?
A strong faith to conceal it .
I do not talk much .
You shall , sir . Did you not of late days hear
A buzzing of a separation
Between the King and Katherine ?
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 .
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
[73] ACT 2. SC. 2 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 .
And merely to revenge him on the Emperor
For not bestowing on him at his asking
The archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed .
That she should feel the smart of this ? The Cardinal
Will have his will , and she must fall .
We are too open here to argue this .
Let’s think in private more .
Scene 2
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 .
of Norfolk and Suffolk .
[75]ACT 2. SC. 2
Full of sad thoughts and troubles .
Has crept too near his conscience .
Has crept too near another lady .
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 .
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 ?
These news are everywhere , every tongue speaks ’em ,
[77] ACT 2. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
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 .
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 ?
The King has sent me otherwhere . Besides ,
You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him .
Health to your Lordships .
Chamberlain .
the curtain and sits reading pensively .
[79]ACT 2. SC. 2
Into my private meditations ? Who am I , ha ?
Malice ne’er meant . Our breach of duty this way
Is business of estate , in which we come
To know your royal pleasure .
Go to ; I’ll make you know your times of business .
Is this an hour for temporal affairs , ha ?
Who’s there ? My good Lord Cardinal ? O my Wolsey ,
The quiet of my wounded conscience ,
Thou art a cure fit for a king .
welcome ,
Most learnèd reverend sir , into our kingdom .
Use us and it . — My good lord , have great care
I be not found a talker .
I would your Grace would give us but an hour
Of private conference .
I would not be so sick , though for his place .
But this cannot continue .
I’ll venture one have-at-him .
[81] ACT 2. SC. 2 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 .
And thank the holy conclave for their loves .
They have sent me such a man I would have wished
for .
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 .
Forthwith for what you come . Where’s Gardiner ?
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 .
To him that does best . God forbid else . Cardinal ,
[83] ACT 2. SC. 2 Prithee call Gardiner to me , my new secretary .
I find him a fit fellow .
You are the King’s now .
Forever by your Grace , whose hand has raised me .
In this man’s place before him ?
Even of yourself , Lord Cardinal .
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 .
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 .
[85]ACT 2. SC. 3
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 .
Scene 3
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 .
Melt and lament for her .
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 .
She’s a stranger now again !
[87]ACT 2. SC. 3
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 .
Is our best having .
I would not be a queen .
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 .
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 ?
I would not be a young count in your way
For more than blushing comes to . If your back
[89] ACT 2. SC. 3 Cannot vouchsafe this burden , ’tis too weak
Ever to get a boy .
I swear again , I would not be a queen
For all the world .
You’d venture an emballing . I myself
Would for Carnarvanshire , although there longed
No more to th’ crown but that . Lo , who comes here ?
The secret of your conference ?
Not your demand ; it values not your asking .
Our mistress’ sorrows we were pitying .
The action of good women . There is hope
All will be well .
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 .
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
[91] ACT 2. SC. 3 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 .
I shall not fail t’ approve the fair conceit
The King hath of you .
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 .
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 .
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 ?
O’ermount the lark . The Marchioness of Pembroke ?
A thousand pounds a year for pure respect ?
No other obligation ? By my life ,
[93] ACT 2. SC. 4 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 ?
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 .
Scene 4
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 .
[95]ACT 2. SC. 4
Let silence be commanded .
It hath already publicly been read ,
And on all sides th’ authority allowed .
You may then spare that time .
court .’
the court .’
court .
chair , goes about the court , comes to the King ,
and kneels at his feet ; then speaks .
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 ,
[97] ACT 2. SC. 4 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 .
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
[99] ACT 2. SC. 4 For your own quiet as to rectify
What is unsettled in the King .
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 .
To you I speak .
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 .
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 .
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 ,
[101] ACT 2. SC. 4 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 .
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 .
Stubborn to justice , apt to accuse it , and
[103] ACT 2. SC. 4 Disdainful to be tried by ’t . ’Tis not well .
She’s going away .
court .
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 .
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 .
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
[105] ACT 2. SC. 4 A royal lady , spake one the least word that might
Be to the prejudice of her present state ,
Or touch of her good person ?
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
[107] ACT 2. SC. 4 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 .
How far you satisfied me .
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 .
[109] ACT 2. SC. 4 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 .
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 .
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 .
[113]
ACT 3
Scene 1
Sing , and disperse ’em if thou canst . Leave working .
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 .
Wait in the presence .
[115]ACT 3. SC. 1
To come near .
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 .
I would be all , against the worst may happen .
What are your pleasures with me , reverend lords ?
Into your private chamber , we shall give you
The full cause of our coming .
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 .
serenissima —
I am not such a truant since my coming
[117] ACT 3. SC. 1 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 .
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 .
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 .
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
[119] ACT 3. SC. 1 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 .
Your hopes and friends are infinite .
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 .
Would leave your griefs and take my counsel .
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 .
Is this your Christian counsel ? Out upon you !
Heaven is above all yet ; there sits a judge
That no king can corrupt .
[121]ACT 3. SC. 1
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 .
You turn the good we offer into envy .
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 .
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 ,
[123] ACT 3. SC. 1 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 .
To give up willingly that noble title
Your master wed me to . Nothing but death
Shall e’er divorce my dignities .
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 .
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 .
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 .
[125] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
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 .
Scene 2
and Lord Chamberlain .
And force them with a constancy , the Cardinal
[127] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
To meet the least occasion that may give me
Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke ,
To be revenged on him .
Have uncontemned gone by him , or at least
Strangely neglected ? When did he regard
The stamp of nobleness in any person
Out of himself ?
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 .
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 .
I should be glad to hear such news as this
Once every hour .
In the divorce his contrary proceedings
Are all unfolded , wherein he appears
As I would wish mine enemy .
His practices to light ?
[129]ACT 3. SC. 2
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 .’
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 .
For I profess you have it .
Trace the conjunction !
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 .
Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s ?
The Lord forbid !
[131]ACT 3. SC. 2
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 .
And let him cry ‘Ha !’ louder .
When returns Cranmer ?
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 .
A worthy fellow , and hath ta’en much pain
In the King’s business .
For it an archbishop .
The Cardinal !
Gave ’t you the King ?
[133]ACT 3. SC. 2
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 .
To come abroad ?
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 !
Does whet his anger to him .
Lord , for thy justice !
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
[135] ACT 3. SC. 2 Hath crawled into the favor of the King
And is his oracle .
The master-cord on ’s heart .
and Attendants .
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 ?
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 .
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 .
[137]ACT 3. SC. 2
Some spirit put this paper in the packet
To bless your eye withal .
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 .
who goes to the Cardinal .
Ever God bless your Highness .
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 .
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 .
As I will lend you cause , my doing well
With my well saying .
And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well .
And yet words are no deeds . My father loved you ;
[139] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 ?
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 .
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
[141] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
Take notice , lords : he has a loyal breast ,
For you have seen him open ’t .
Read o’er this ,
And after , this ; and then to breakfast with
What appetite you have .
the nobles throng after him smiling
and whispering , and exit .
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 .
’Tis so .
This paper has undone me . ’Tis th’ accompt
Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together
[143] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
Earl of Surrey , and the Lord Chamberlain .
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 .
Where’s your commission , lords ? Words cannot carry
Authority so weighty .
Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly ?
I mean your malice — know , officious lords ,
I dare and must deny it . Now I feel
[145] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 ?
Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
Have burnt that tongue than said so .
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 .
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 ,
[147] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
Is poison to thy stomach .
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 .
But that I am bound in charity against it !
But thus much , they are foul ones .
[149]ACT 3. SC. 2
And spotless shall mine innocence arise
When the King knows my truth .
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 .
I dare your worst objections . If I blush ,
It is to see a nobleman want manners .
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 .
To foreign princes , ‘ego et rex meus’
Was still inscribed , in which you brought the King
To be your servant .
Either of king or council , when you went
Ambassador to the Emperor , you made bold
To carry into Flanders the great seal .
To Gregory de Cassado , to conclude ,
Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance ,
A league between his Highness and Ferrara .
Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin .
By what means got I leave to your own conscience —
[151] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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
[153] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
Why , how now , Cromwell ?
At my misfortunes ? Can thy spirit wonder
A great man should decline ? Nay , an you weep ,
I am fall’n indeed .
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 .
[155]ACT 3. SC. 2
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 ?
Is your displeasure with the King .
Lord Chancellor in your place .
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 ?
Installed Lord Archbishop of Canterbury .
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 .
O Cromwell ,
The King has gone beyond me . All my glories
In that one woman I have lost forever .
[157] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
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 ?
[159] ACT 3. SC. 2 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 .
The hopes of court ! My hopes in heaven do dwell .
[163]
ACT 4
Scene 1
Gentleman carrying a paper .
The Lady Anne pass from her coronation ?
The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial .
This general joy .
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 .
Nor , I’ll assure you , better taken , sir .
That paper in your hand ?
[165] ACT 4. SC. 1 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 .
I should have been beholding to your paper .
But I beseech you , what’s become of Katherine ,
The Princess Dowager ? How goes her business ?
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 .
The trumpets sound . Stand close . The Queen is coming .
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 .
[167] ACT 4. SC. 1
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 ?
And that the Earl of Surrey with the rod .
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 .
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 .
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 .
The cloth of honor over her are four barons
Of the Cinque-ports .
[169] ACT 4. SC. 1
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 .
passed over the stage in order and state , and then
a great flourish of trumpets .
Could not be wedged in more . I am stifled
With the mere rankness of their joy .
The ceremony ?
Of lords and ladies , having brought the Queen
[171] ACT 4. SC. 1 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 .
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 .
You must no more call it ‘York Place’ ; that’s past ,
[173] ACT 4. SC. 1 For since the Cardinal fell , that title’s lost .
’Tis now the King’s and called ‘Whitehall .’
But ’tis so lately altered that the old name
Is fresh about me .
Were those that went on each side of the Queen ?
Newly preferred from the King’s secretary ,
The other London .
Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s ,
The virtuous Cranmer .
However , yet there is no great breach . When it comes ,
Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him .
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 .
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 .
[175]ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
gentleman usher , and Patience , her woman .
My legs like loaden branches bow to th’ earth ,
Willing to leave their burden . Reach a chair .
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 ?
Out of the pain you suffered , gave no ear to ’t .
If well , he stepped before me happily
For my example .
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 .
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
[177] ACT 4. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
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 ?
I were malicious else .
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 ,
[179] ACT 4. SC. 2 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 .
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 .
For fear we wake her . Softly , gentle Patience .
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
[181] ACT 4. SC. 2 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 .
And leave me here in wretchedness behind you ?
Saw you none enter since I slept ?
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 .
Possess your fancy .
They are harsh and heavy to me .
How much her Grace is altered on the sudden ?
[183] ACT 4. SC. 2 How long her face is drawn ? How pale she looks ,
And of an earthy cold ? Mark her eyes .
Deserve we no more reverence ?
Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness ,
To use so rude behavior . Go to . Kneel .
My haste made me unmannerly . There is staying
A gentleman sent from the King to see you .
But this fellow
Let me ne’er see again .
If my sight fail not ,
You should be Lord Ambassador from the Emperor ,
My royal nephew , and your name Capuchius .
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 ?
First , mine own service to your Grace ; the next ,
The King’s request that I would visit you ,
[185] ACT 4. SC. 2 Who grieves much for your weakness , and by me
Sends you his princely commendations ,
And heartily entreats you take good comfort .
’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 ?
When I shall dwell with worms , and my poor name
Banished the kingdom . — Patience , is that letter
I caused you write yet sent away ?
it to Capuchius .
This to my lord the King —
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 ,
[187] ACT 4. SC. 2 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 .
Or let me lose the fashion of a man !
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 .
[191]
ACT 5
Scene 1
torch before him , met by Sir Thomas Lovell .
Not for delights ; times to repair our nature
With comforting repose , and not for us
To waste these times . — Good hour of night , Sir
Thomas .
Whither so late ?
With the Duke of Suffolk .
Before he go to bed . I’ll take my leave .
It seems you are in haste . An if there be
No great offense belongs to ’t , give your friend
Some touch of your late business . Affairs that walk ,
As they say spirits do , at midnight have
In them a wilder nature than the business
That seeks dispatch by day .
[193]ACT 5. SC. 1
And durst commend a secret to your ear
Much weightier than this work . The Queen’s in
labor —
They say in great extremity — and feared
She’ll with the labor end .
I pray for heartily , that it may find
Good time and live ; but for the stock , Sir Thomas ,
I wish it grubbed up now .
Cry the amen , and yet my conscience says
She’s a good creature and , sweet lady , does
Deserve our better wishes .
Hear me , Sir Thomas . You’re a gentleman
Of mine own way . I know you wise , religious ;
And let me tell you , it will ne’er be well ,
’Twill not , Sir Thomas Lovell , take ’t of me ,
Till Cranmer , Cromwell — her two hands — and she
Sleep in their graves .
The most remarked i’ th’ kingdom . As for Cromwell ,
Besides that of the Jewel House , is made Master
O’ th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary ; further , sir ,
Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments ,
With which the time will load him . Th’ Archbishop
Is the King’s hand and tongue , and who dare speak
One syllable against him ?
There are that dare , and I myself have ventured
To speak my mind of him . And indeed this day ,
Sir — I may tell it you , I think — I have
Incensed the lords o’ th’ Council that he is —
For so I know he is , they know he is —
[195] ACT 5. SC. 1 A most arch heretic , a pestilence
That does infect the land ; with which they , moved ,
Have broken with the King , who hath so far
Given ear to our complaint , of his great grace
And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs
Our reasons laid before him , hath commanded
Tomorrow morning to the Council board
He be convented . He’s a rank weed , Sir Thomas ,
And we must root him out . From your affairs
I hinder you too long . Goodnight , Sir Thomas .
My mind’s not on ’t ; you are too hard for me .
Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play . —
Now , Lovell , from the Queen what is the news ?
What you commanded me , but by her woman
I sent your message , who returned her thanks
In the great’st humbleness , and desired your Highness
Most heartily to pray for her .
To pray for her ? What , is she crying out ?
Almost each pang a death .
[197] ACT 5. SC. 1 With gentle travail , to the gladding of
Your Highness with an heir !
Prithee , to bed , and in thy prayers remember
Th’ estate of my poor queen . Leave me alone ,
For I must think of that which company
Would not be friendly to .
A quiet night , and my good mistress will
Remember in my prayers .
Well , sir , what follows ?
As you commanded me .
I am happily come hither .
Ha ! I have said . Be gone !
What !
[199]ACT 5. SC. 1
’Tis his aspect of terror . All’s not well .
Wherefore I sent for you .
T’ attend your Highness’ pleasure .
My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury .
Come , you and I must walk a turn together .
I have news to tell you . Come , come , give me your
hand .
Ah , my good lord , I grieve at what I speak ,
And am right sorry to repeat what follows .
I have , and most unwillingly , of late
Heard many grievous — I do say , my lord ,
Grievous — complaints of you , which , being
considered ,
Have moved us and our Council that you shall
This morning come before us , where I know
You cannot with such freedom purge yourself
But that , till further trial in those charges
Which will require your answer , you must take
Your patience to you and be well contented
To make your house our Tower . You a brother of us ,
It fits we thus proceed , or else no witness
Would come against you .
Highness ,
And am right glad to catch this good occasion
Most throughly to be winnowed , where my chaff
And corn shall fly asunder . For I know
There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues
Than I myself , poor man .
Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted
[201] ACT 5. SC. 1 In us , thy friend . Give me thy hand . Stand up .
Prithee , let’s walk . Now by my halidom ,
What manner of man are you ? My lord , I looked
You would have given me your petition that
I should have ta’en some pains to bring together
Yourself and your accusers and to have heard you
Without endurance further .
The good I stand on is my truth and honesty .
If they shall fail , I with mine enemies
Will triumph o’er my person , which I weigh not ,
Being of those virtues vacant . I fear nothing
What can be said against me .
How your state stands i’ th’ world , with the whole
world ?
Your enemies are many and not small ; their practices
Must bear the same proportion , and not ever
The justice and the truth o’ th’ question carries
The due o’ th’ verdict with it . At what ease
Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt
To swear against you ? Such things have been done .
You are potently opposed , and with a malice
Of as great size . Ween you of better luck ,
I mean in perjured witness , than your master ,
Whose minister you are , whiles here he lived
Upon this naughty earth ? Go to , go to .
You take a precipice for no leap of danger
And woo your own destruction .
Protect mine innocence , or I fall into
The trap is laid for me .
They shall no more prevail than we give way to .
[203] ACT 5. SC. 1 Keep comfort to you , and this morning see
You do appear before them . If they shall chance ,
In charging you with matters , to commit you ,
The best persuasions to the contrary
Fail not to use , and with what vehemency
Th’ occasion shall instruct you . If entreaties
Will render you no remedy , this ring
Deliver them , and your appeal to us
There make before them .
He’s honest , on mine honor ! God’s blest mother ,
I swear he is truehearted , and a soul
None better in my kingdom . — Get you gone ,
And do as I have bid you .
He has strangled
His language in his tears .
Will make my boldness manners . — Now , good angels
Fly o’er thy royal head and shade thy person
Under their blessèd wings !
I guess thy message . Is the Queen delivered ?
Say ‘Ay , and of a boy .’
And of a lovely boy . The God of heaven
Both now and ever bless her ! ’Tis a girl
Promises boys hereafter . Sir , your queen
Desires your visitation , and to be
Acquainted with this stranger . ’Tis as like you
As cherry is to cherry .
[205]ACT 5. SC. 2
An ordinary groom is for such payment .
I will have more or scold it out of him .
Said I for this the girl was like to him ?
I’ll have more or else unsay ’t . And now ,
While ’tis hot , I’ll put it to the issue .
Scene 2
Footboys , Grooms , and other servants attend at the
Council door . )
That was sent to me from the Council prayed me
To make great haste .
All fast ? What means this ? Ho !
Who waits there ?
Sure you know me !
But yet I cannot help you .
[207]ACT 5. SC. 2
I came this way so happily . The King
Shall understand it presently .
The King’s physician . As he passed along
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me !
Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace . For certain
This is of purpose laid by some that hate me —
God turn their hearts ! I never sought their malice —
To quench mine honor . They would shame to make me
Wait else at door , a fellow councillor ,
’Mong boys , grooms , and lackeys . But their pleasures
Must be fulfilled , and I attend with patience .
Butts ?
The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury ,
Who holds his state at door , ’mongst pursuivants ,
Pages , and footboys .
Is this the honor they do one another ?
’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet . I had thought
They had parted so much honesty among ’em —
At least good manners — as not thus to suffer
[209] ACT 5. SC. 2 A man of his place , and so near our favor ,
To dance attendance on their Lordships’ pleasures ,
And at the door , too , like a post with packets .
By holy Mary , Butts , there’s knavery !
Let ’em alone , and draw the curtain close .
We shall hear more anon .
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 .
Why are we met in council ?
The chief cause concerns his Grace of Canterbury .
And has done half an hour , to know your pleasures .
To sit here at this present and behold
That chair stand empty . But we all are men ,
[211] ACT 5. SC. 2 In our own natures frail , and capable
Of our flesh — few are angels — out of which frailty
And want of wisdom you , that best should teach us ,
Have misdemeaned yourself , and not a little ,
Toward the King first , then his laws , in filling
The whole realm , by your teaching and your
chaplains’ —
For so we are informed — with new opinions ,
Divers and dangerous , which are heresies
And , not reformed , may prove pernicious .
My noble lords ; for those that tame wild horses
Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle ,
But stop their mouths with stubborn bits , and spur ’em
Till they obey the manage . If we suffer ,
Out of our easiness and childish pity
To one man’s honor , this contagious sickness ,
Farewell , all physic . And what follows then ?
Commotions , uproars , with a general taint
Of the whole state , as of late days our neighbors ,
The upper Germany , can dearly witness ,
Yet freshly pitied in our memories .
Both of my life and office , I have labored ,
And with no little study , that my teaching
And the strong course of my authority
Might go one way and safely ; and the end
Was ever to do well . Nor is there living —
I speak it with a single heart , my lords —
A man that more detests , more stirs against ,
Both in his private conscience and his place ,
Defacers of a public peace than I do .
Pray heaven the King may never find a heart
[213] ACT 5. SC. 2 With less allegiance in it ! Men that make
Envy and crookèd malice nourishment
Dare bite the best . I do beseech your Lordships
That , in this case of justice , my accusers ,
Be what they will , may stand forth face to face
And freely urge against me .
That cannot be . You are a councillor ,
And by that virtue no man dare accuse you .
We will be short with you . ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure ,
And our consent , for better trial of you
From hence you be committed to the Tower ,
Where , being but a private man again ,
You shall know many dare accuse you boldly —
More than , I fear , you are provided for .
You are always my good friend . If your will pass ,
I shall both find your Lordship judge and juror ,
You are so merciful . I see your end :
’Tis my undoing . Love and meekness , lord ,
Become a churchman better than ambition .
Win straying souls with modesty again ;
Cast none away . That I shall clear myself ,
Lay all the weight you can upon my patience ,
I make as little doubt as you do conscience
In doing daily wrongs . I could say more ,
But reverence to your calling makes me modest .
That’s the plain truth . Your painted gloss discovers ,
To men that understand you , words and weakness .
[215]ACT 5. SC. 2
By your good favor , too sharp . Men so noble ,
However faulty , yet should find respect
For what they have been . ’Tis a cruelty
To load a falling man .
I cry your Honor mercy — you may worst
Of all this table say so .
Of this new sect ? You are not sound .
Men’s prayers then would seek you , not their fears .
Remember your bold life too .
Forbear , for shame , my lords .
I take it , by all voices , that forthwith
You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner ,
There to remain till the King’s further pleasure
Be known unto us . — Are you all agreed , lords ?
But I must needs to th’ Tower , my lords ?
[217]ACT 5. SC. 2
Would you expect ? You are strangely troublesome .
Let some o’ th’ guard be ready there .
Must I go like a traitor thither ?
And see him safe i’ th’ Tower .
I have a little yet to say . Look there , my lords .
By virtue of that ring , I take my cause
Out of the grips of cruel men and give it
To a most noble judge , the King my master .
When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ,
’Twould fall upon ourselves .
The King will suffer but the little finger
Of this man to be vexed ?
How much more is his life in value with him !
Would I were fairly out on ’t !
In seeking tales and informations
Against this man , whose honesty the devil
And his disciples only envy at ,
You blew the fire that burns you . Now , have at you !
[219]ACT 5. SC. 2
In daily thanks , that gave us such a prince ,
Not only good and wise , but most religious ;
One that in all obedience makes the Church
The chief aim of his honor , and to strengthen
That holy duty out of dear respect ,
His royal self in judgment comes to hear
The cause betwixt her and this great offender .
Bishop of Winchester . But know I come not
To hear such flattery now , and in my presence
They are too thin and base to hide offenses .
To me you cannot reach . You play the spaniel ,
And think with wagging of your tongue to win me ;
But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for , I’m sure
Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody . —
Good man , sit down .
Now let me see the proudest
He , that dares most , but wag his finger at thee .
By all that’s holy , he had better starve
Than but once think this place becomes thee not .
me .
I had thought I had had men of some understanding
And wisdom of my Council , but I find none .
Was it discretion , lords , to let this man ,
This good man — few of you deserve that title —
This honest man , wait like a lousy footboy
At chamber door ? And one as great as you are ?
Why , what a shame was this ! Did my commission
Bid you so far forget yourselves ? I gave you
Power as he was a councillor to try him ,
[221] ACT 5. SC. 2 Not as a groom . There’s some of you , I see ,
More out of malice than integrity ,
Would try him to the utmost , had you mean ,
Which you shall never have while I live .
My most dread sovereign , may it like your Grace
To let my tongue excuse all . What was purposed
Concerning his imprisonment was rather ,
If there be faith in men , meant for his trial
And fair purgation to the world than malice ,
I’m sure , in me .
Take him , and use him well ; he’s worthy of it .
I will say thus much for him : if a prince
May be beholding to a subject , I
Am , for his love and service , so to him .
Make me no more ado , but all embrace him .
Be friends , for shame , my lords .
My Lord of Canterbury ,
I have a suit which you must not deny me :
That is , a fair young maid that yet wants baptism .
You must be godfather and answer for her .
In such an honor . How may I deserve it ,
That am a poor and humble subject to you ?
You shall have two noble partners with you : the
old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquess Dorset .
Will these please you ? —
Once more , my lord of Winchester , I charge you ,
Embrace and love this man .
And brother-love I do it .
[223]ACT 5. SC. 3
Witness how dear I hold this confirmation .
The common voice , I see , is verified
Of thee , which says thus : ‘Do my Lord of Canterbury
A shrewd turn , and he’s your friend forever .’ —
Come , lords , we trifle time away . I long
To have this young one made a Christian .
As I have made you one , lords , one remain .
So I grow stronger , you more honor gain .
Scene 3
carrying cudgels .
you take the court for Parish Garden ? You rude
slaves , leave your gaping !
larder .
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 ?
Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons —
To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep
On May Day morning , which will never be .
We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em .
[225]ACT 5. SC. 3
As much as one sound cudgel of four foot —
You see the poor remainder — could distribute ,
I made no spare , sir .
To mow ’em down before me ; but if I spared any
That had a head to hit , either young or old ,
He or she , cuckold or cuckold-maker ,
Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again —
And that I would not for a cow , God save her !
puppy . — Keep the door close , sirrah .
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 .
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
[227] ACT 5. SC. 3 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 .
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 .
They grow still too . From all parts they are coming ,
As if we kept a fair here ! Where are these porters ,
These lazy knaves ? — You’ve made a fine hand , fellows !
There’s a trim rabble let in . Are all these
Your faithful friends o’ th’ suburbs ? We shall have
Great store of room , no doubt , left for the ladies ,
When they pass back from the christening !
your Honor ,
We are but men , and what so many may do ,
Not being torn a-pieces , we have done .
An army cannot rule ’em .
If the King blame me for ’t , I’ll lay you all
By th’ heels , and suddenly , and on your heads
[229] ACT 5. SC. 4 Clap round fines for neglect . You’re lazy knaves ,
And here you lie baiting of bombards , when
You should do service .
Hark , the trumpets sound !
They’re come already from the christening .
Go break among the press , and find a way out
To let the troop pass fairly , or I’ll find
A Marshalsea shall hold you play these two months .
Stand close up , or I’ll make your head ache .
I’ll peck you o’er the pales else .
Scene 4
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 .
prosperous life , long , and ever happy , to the high
and mighty princess of England , Elizabeth .
[231] ACT 5. SC. 4 My noble partners and myself thus pray
All comfort , joy , in this most gracious lady
Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy
May hourly fall upon you !
Archbishop .
What is her name ?
With this kiss take my blessing .
God protect thee ,
Into whose hand I give thy life .
I thank you heartily ; so shall this lady
When she has so much English .
For heaven now bids me ; and the words I utter
Let none think flattery , for they’ll find ’em truth .
This royal infant — heaven still move about her ! —
Though in her cradle , yet now promises
Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings ,
Which time shall bring to ripeness . She shall be —
But few now living can behold that goodness —
A pattern to all princes living with her
And all that shall succeed . Saba was never
More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue
Than this pure soul shall be . All princely graces
That mold up such a mighty piece as this is ,
With all the virtues that attend the good ,
Shall still be doubled on her . Truth shall nurse her ;
Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her .
She shall be loved and feared . Her own shall bless her ;
Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn
[233] ACT 5. SC. 4 And hang their heads with sorrow . Good grows with
her .
In her days every man shall eat in safety
Under his own vine what he plants and sing
The merry songs of peace to all his neighbors .
God shall be truly known , and those about her
From her shall read the perfect ways of honor
And by those claim their greatness , not by blood .
Nor shall this peace sleep with her ; but , as when
The bird of wonder dies , the maiden phoenix ,
Her ashes new create another heir
As great in admiration as herself ,
So shall she leave her blessedness to one ,
When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness ,
Who from the sacred ashes of her honor
Shall starlike rise as great in fame as she was
And so stand fixed . Peace , plenty , love , truth , terror ,
That were the servants to this chosen infant ,
Shall then be his , and like a vine grow to him .
Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine ,
His honor and the greatness of his name
Shall be , and make new nations . He shall flourish ,
And like a mountain cedar reach his branches
To all the plains about him . Our children’s children
Shall see this and bless heaven .
An agèd princess ; many days shall see her ,
And yet no day without a deed to crown it .
Would I had known no more ! But she must die ,
She must , the saints must have her ; yet a virgin ,
A most unspotted lily , shall she pass
To th’ ground , and all the world shall mourn her .
[235]ACT 5. SC. 4
Archbishop ,
Thou hast made me now a man . Never before
This happy child did I get anything .
This oracle of comfort has so pleased me
That when I am in heaven I shall desire
To see what this child does and praise my Maker . —
I thank you all . — To you , my good lord mayor
And you , good brethren , I am much beholding .
I have received much honor by your presence ,
And you shall find me thankful . Lead the way , lords .
You must all see the Queen , and she must thank you ;
She will be sick else . This day , no man think
’Has business at his house , for all shall stay .
This little one shall make it holiday .
Enter Epilogue . …
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 .
Appendix A
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- Citation Suggestion for this Edition
- TextGrid Repository (2025). Shakespeare, William. Henry VIII. The Folger Digital Texts in TextGrid. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0016-8498-7