And to bestow your pity on me: for Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, As I saw it inclin'd. When was the hour, I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends That they had gather'd a wise council to them Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel I will implore: if not; i'the name of God, Your pleasure be fulfill'd! Wol. You have here, lady, (And of your choice,) these reverend fathers; men Of singular integrity and learning, Yea, the elect of the land, who are assembled To plead your cause: It shall be therefore bootless, That longer you desire the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the king. Cam. His grace Hath spoken well, and justly: Therefore, madam, It's fit this royal session do proceed; And that, without delay, their arguments Be now produc'd, and heard. Q. Kath. Lord cardinal,— To you I speak. Wol. Your pleasure, madam? Q. Kath. Sir, I am about to weep; but, thinking that We are a queen, (or long have dream'd so,) certain, The daughter of a king, my drops of tears I'll turn to sparks of fire. Wol. Be patient yet. Q. Kath. I will, when you are humble; nay, before, Or God will punish me. I do believe, Induc'd by potent circumstances, that You are mine enemy; and make my challenge,' and make my challenge,] Challenge is here a law term. The criminal, when he refuses a juryman, says-I challenge him. Abhor and refuse are also law terms. You shall not be my judge: for it is you Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more, Wol. I do profess, You speak not like yourself; who ever yet O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong: I have no spleen against you; nor injustice Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me, You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking, Q. Kath. My lord, my lord, I am a simple woman, much too weak To oppose your cunning. You are meek, and humble-mouth'd; You sign your place and calling, in full seeming, 1 -gainsay - i. e. deny. You sign your place and calling,] To sign here is to show, to VOL. VII. With meekness and humility: but your heart To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness, [She curt'sies to the King, and offers to depart. Cam. The queen is obstinate, Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainful to be try'd by it; 'tis not well. She's going away. K. Hen. Call her again. Crier. Katharine queen of England, come into the court. Grif. Madam, you are call'd back. Q. Kath. What need you note it? pray you, keep your way: When you are call'd, 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. [Exeunt Queen, GRIFFITH, and her other Attendants. K. Hen. Go thy ways, Kate: That man i'the world, who shall report he has A better wife, let him in nought be trusted, denote. By your outward meekness and humility, you show that you are of an holy order, but, &c. For speaking false in that: Thou art, alone, Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out,)3 Carried herself towards me. Wol. Most gracious sir, In humblest manner I require your highness, That it shall please you to declare, in hearing Of all these ears, (for where I am robb'd and bound, There must I be unloos'd; although not there At once and fully satisfied,*) whether ever I Did broach this business to your highness; or Laid any scruple in your way, which might Induce you to the question on't ? or ever Have to you, but with thanks to God for such A royal lady,spake one the least word, might Be to the prejudice of her present state, Or touch of her good person? K. Hen. My lord cardinal, I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour, I free you from't. You are not to be taught That you have many enemies, that know not Why they are so, but, like to village curs, Bark when their fellows do: by some of these The queen is put in anger. You are excus'd: But will you be more justified? you ever Have wish'd the sleeping of this business; never Desir'd it to be stirr'd; but oft have hinder'd; oft 3 could speak thee out,)] had tongues capable of speaking out thy merits; i. e. of doing them extensive justice. · although not there At once and fully satisfied,)] The sense, which is encumbered with words, is no more than this-I must be loosed, though when so loosed, I shall not be satisfied fully and at once; that is, I shall not be immediately satisfied. JOHNSON. 2 |