ACT I.

SCENE I. - London. 'An Ante-chamber in the Buck.

I'pray you, who, my lord? Palace.

Nor. All this was order'd by the good discretion Enter the Duke of NORFOLK, at one door ; at the Of the right reverend cardinal of York.

Buck. The devil speed him ! no man's pie is free'd other, the Duke or BUCKINGHAM, and the LORD From his ambitious finger. What had he AEERGAVENNY.

To do in these fieree vanities? I wonder, Buck. Good morrow, and well met. How have That such a keech, can with his very bulk you done,

Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun,
Since last we saw in France ?

And keep it from the earth.
Nor.
I thank your grace a
Nor.

Surely, sir,
Healthful;
and ever since a fresh admirer

There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends : Of what I saw there. •

For, being not propp'd by ancestry, (whose grace Buck. An untimely ague

Chalks successors their way,) nor cali'd upon Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber, when For high feats done to the crown; neither allied Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,' To eminent assistants, but, spider-like, Met in the vale of Arde.

Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note, Nor.

'Twixt Guynes and Arde: The force of his own merit makes his way; I was then present, saw them salute on horseback ; A gift that heaven gives for him, which buys Beheld them, when they lighted, how they clung A place next to the king. in their embracement, as they grew together ;

Aber.

I cannot tell Which had they, what four thron'd ones could have What heaven hath given him, let some graver ege weigh'd

Pierce into that; but I can see his pride Such a compounded one?

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

All the whole time If not from hell, the devil is a niggard; I was my chamber's prisoner.

Or has given all before, and he begins Nar.

Then you lost A new hell in himself. The view of earthly glory: Men might say,

Buck.

Why the devil, Til this time, pomp was single; but now married Upon this French going-out, took he upon him, To one above itself. Each following day

Without the privity o' the king, to appoint Becaine the next day's master, till the last Who should attend on him? He makes up the Alle Made former wonders it's : To-day, the French, Of all the gentry; for the most part such All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods, Too, whom as great a charge as little honour Shone down the English ; and, to-morrow, they He meant to lay upon : and his own letter, Made Britain, India : every man, that stood, The honourable board of council out, Show'd like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were Must fetch him in he papers. As cherubins, all gilt: the madams too,

Aber.

I do know Not us'd to toil, did almost sweat to bear

Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have The pride upon them, that their very labour By this so sicken'd their estates, that never Was to them as a painting. Now this mask They shall abound as formerly. Was cry'd incomparable ; and the ensuing night Buck.

O, many Made it a fool, and beggar. The two kings, Have broke their backs with laying manors on them Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst, For this great journey. What did this vanity, As presence did present them; him in eye

But minister communication of Still him in praise : and, being present both, A most poor issue? "Twas said, they saw but one, and no discerner Nor.

Grievingly I think, Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns The peace between the French and us not values (Por so they phrase them,) by their heralds challeng'd | The cost that did conclude it. The noble spirits to arms, they did perform

Buck.

Every man, Beyond thought's compass; that former fabulous After the hideous storm that follow'd, was story,

A thing inspir’d; and, not consulting, broke Being now seen possible enough, got credit, Into a general prophecy, - That this tempest, That Bevis was believ'd.

Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded
Pack.
O, you go far.

The sudden breach on't.
Nor. As I belong to worship, and affect

Nor.

Which is budded out; s bonour honesty, the tract of every thing

For France hath faw'd the league, and hath attach'd Fould by a good discourser lose some life, Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux. Chich action's self was tongue to. All was royal ; Aber.

Is it therefore Eo the disposing of it nought rebell’d,

The ambassador is silenc'd ? Order gare each thing view; the office did

Nor.

Marry, is't. Distinctly his full function.

Aber. A proper title of a peace; and purchas'd Bruck.

Who did guide, "At a superfluous rate ! nean, who set the body and the limbs

Buck.

Why, all this business * this great sport together, as you guess ?

Our reverend cardinal carried. Nor. One, certes, that promises no element

Nor.

'Like it your grace, such a business.

The state takes notice of the private difference

Nor.

2

with papers.

a

Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you, We see each grain of gravel, I do know
(And take it from a heart that wishes towards you To be corrupt and treasonous.
Honour and plenteous safety,) that you read

Say not, treasonous The cardinal's malice and his potency

Buck. To the king I'll say't ; and make my Fouch Together : to consider further, that

as strong
What his high hatred would effect, wants not As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,
A minister in his power : You know his nature, Or wolf, or both, (for he is equal ravenous
That he's revengeful; and I know, his sword As he is subtle; and as prone to mischief,
Hath a sharp edge: it's long, and, it may be said, As able to perform it: his mind and place
It reaches far; and where 'twill not extend,

Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally,)
Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel, Only to show his pomp as well in France
You'll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that As here at home, suggests the king our master
rock,

To this last costly treaty, the interview, That I advise your shunning.

That swallow'd so much treasure, and like a glass

Did break i' the rinsing. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, (the prurse borne before

Nor.

'Faith, and so it did. him,) certain of the Guard, and Two Secretaries The Cardinal in his passage fireth

Buck. Pray, give me favour, sir. This cunning

cardinal his eye on BUCKINGHAM, and BUCKINGHAM on

The articles o'the combination drew, him, both full of disdain.

As himself pleas'd ; and they were ratified, Wol. The duke of Buckingham's surveyor ? ha ? As he cried, Thus let be: to as much end, Where's his examination ?

As give a crutch to the dead : But our count-car1 Secr. Here, so please you.

dinal Wol. Is he in person ready?

Has done this, and 'tis well; for worthy Wolsey, 1 Secr,

Ay, please your grace. Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows, Wol. Well, we shall then know more ; and Buck- (Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy ingham

To the old dam, treason,) - Charles the emperor, Shall lessen this big look.

Under pretence to see the queen his aunt, [Exeunt Wolsey, and Train. (For 'twas, indeed, his colour ; but he came Buck. This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, and I To whisper Wolsey,) here makes visitation : Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore, best His fears were, that the interview, betwixt Not wake bim in his slumber. A beggar's book England and France, might, through their amity, Out-worths a noble's blood.

Breed him some prejudice ; for from this league Nor.

What, are you chaf’d? | Peep'd harms that menac'd him: He privily Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only, Deals with our cardinal; and, as I trow,Which your disease requires.

Which I do well; for, I am sure, the emperor Buck.

I read in his looks Paid ere he promis’d; whereby his suit was granted Matter against me; and his eye revil'd

Ere it was ask'd; – but when the way was made, Me, as his abject object : at this instant

And pav'd with gold, the emperor thus desir'd ; He bores me with some trick: He's gone to the king; That he would please to alter the king's course, I'll follow, and out-stare him.

And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know, Nor.

Stay, my lord, (As soon he shall by me,) that thus the cardinal And let your reason with your choler question Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases, What 'tis you go about : To climb steep hills, And for his own advantage. Requires slow pace at first : Anger is like

Nor.

I am sorry A full-hot horse ; who being allow'd his way, To hear this of him; and could wish, he were Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England Something mistaken in't. Can advise me like you : be to yourself

Buck.

No, not a syllable; As you would to your friend.

I do pronounce him in that very shape,
Buck.

I'll to the king: He shall appear in proof.
And from a mouth of honour quite cry down
This Ipswich fellow's insolence; or proclaim,

Enter BRANDON; a Sergeant at Arms before itsy There's difference in no persons.

and two or three of the Guard. Nor.

Be advis'). Bran. Your office, sergeant ; execute it.
Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot

Serg.
That it do singe yourself: We may outrun, My lord the duke of Buckingham, and earl
By violent swiftness, that which we run at,

Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I
And lose by over-running. Know you not, Arrest thee of high treason, in the name
The fire, that mounts the liquor till it run o'er, Of our most sovereign king.
In seeming to augment it, wastes it? Be advis'd : Buck.
I say again, there is no English soul

The net has fallin upon me; I shall perish
More stronger to direct you than yourself ; Under device and practice.
If with the sap of reason you would quench,

Bran.

I am sorry Or but allay, the fire of passion.

To see you ta'en from liberty, to look oa Buck.

Sir,

The business present: "Tis his highness' pleasures I am thankful to you : and I'll go along

You shall to the Tower. By your prescription : — but this top-proud fellow, Buck.

It will help me nothing (Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but To plead mine innocence; for that die is on me, From sincere motions,) by intelligence,

Which makes my whitest part black. The will And proofs as clear as founts in July, when

heaven

Sir.

Lo you, my lorile

So, so;

some

Be done in this and all things !- I obey. – Of these exactions, yet the king our master,
O my lord Aberga'ny fare you well.

(Whose bonour heaven shield from soil !) even he Bran. Nay, he must bear you company:

The

escapes not king

[T. A BERGAVENNY. Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks Is pleas’d, you shall to the Tower, till you know The sides of loyalty, and almost appears How he determines further.

In loud rebellion.
Aber.
As the duke said, Nor.

Not almost appears,
The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure It doth appear : for, upon these taxations,
By me obey'd.

The clothiers all, not able to maintain
Brand. Here is a warrant from

The many to them 'longing, have put off
The king, to attach lord Montacute; and the bodies The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
Of the duke's confessor, John de la Court,

Unfit for other life, compellid by hunger,
One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor, -

And lack of other means, in desperate manner Buck,

Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar, These are the limbs of the plot : no more, I hope. And Danger serves among them. Bran. A monk o' the Chartreux.

K. Hen.

Taxation ! Buck.

0, Nicholas Hopkins ? Wherein ? and what taxation ?- My lord cardinal, Bran.

He. You that are blam’d for it alike with us, Buck. My surveyor is false ; the o'er-great Know you of this taxation ? cardinal

Wol.

Please you, sir, Hath show'd him gold : my life is spann'd already: I know but of a single part, in aught I am the shadow of poor Buckingham;

Pertains to the state ; and front but in that file Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on,

Where others tell steps with me. By dark’ning my clear sun. — My lord, farewell. Q. Kath.

No, my lord, (Exeunt. You know no more than others : but you frame

Things, that are known alike ; which are not wholeSCENE II. A - The Council-Chamber.

To those which would not know them, and yet must Cornets. Enter King Henry, Cardinal Wolsey, Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions the Lords of the Council

, Sir Thomas Lovell, Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are Officers, and Attendants. The King enters, Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear them, leaning on the CARDINAL's shoulder.

The back is sacrifice to the load. They say,
I. Hen. My life itself, and the best heart of it, They are devis'd by you; or else you suffer,
Thanks you for this great care : I stood i' the level Too hard an exclamation.
Of a full-charg'd confederacy, and give thanks K. Hen.

Still exaction!
To you that chok'd it. — Let be call'd before us The nature of it? In what kind, let's know,
That gentleman of Buckingham's: in person Is this exaction?
111 hear him his confessions justify;

Q. Kath. I am much too venturous
And point by point the treasons of his master In tempting of your patience; but am bolden'd
He shall again relate.

Under your promis'd pardon. The subject's grief

Comes through commissions, which compel from each The King takes his State. The Lords of the Council | The sixth part of his substance, to be levied take their several places. The CARDINAL places Without delay; and the pretence for this kimself under the King's feet, on his right side.

Is nam'd, your wars in France : This makes bold

mouths : A noise within, crying, Room for the Queen! Enter the Queen, ushered by the Dukes or NORFOLK Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze and SUFFOLK : she kneels. The King riseth from Live where their prayers did ; and it's come to pass,

Allegiance in them; their curses now, kis State, takes her up, kisses, and placeth her

That tractable obedience is a slave by him.

To each incensed will. I would, your highness Q. Kath. Nay, we must longer kneel; I am a Would give it quick consideration, for suitor.

There is no primer business. K. Hen. Arise, and take place by us : – - Half X. Hen.

By my life, your suit

This is against our pleasure. Neser name to us; your have half our power ;

Wol.

And for me, The other moiety, ere you ask, is given ;

I have no further gone in this, than by Repeat your will, and take it.

A single voice; and that not pass'd me, but Q. Kath.

Thank your majesty. By learned approbation of the judges. Tivat you would love yourself ; and, in that love, If I am traduc'd by tongues, which neither know Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor

My faculties, nor person, yet will be The dignity of your office, is the point

The chronicles of my doing, - let me say, Of my petition.

'Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake K. Hen. Lady mine, proceed.

That virtue must go through. We must not stint Q. Katk. I am solicited, not by a few,

Our necessary actions, in the fear
And those of true condition, that your subjects To cope malicious censurers; which ever,
Are in great grievance : there have been commissions As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
Sent down among them, which have flaw'd the heart That is new trimın'd; but benefit no further
Of all their loyalties: - wherein, although, Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is
Klost bitterly on you, as putter-on

Not ours, or not allow'd; what worst, as oft,

Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up

Q. Kath.

My learn'd lord cardinal, For our best act. "If we shall stand still,

Deliver all with charity. In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at, K. Hen.

Speak on : We should take root here where we sit, or sit How grounded he his title to the crown, State statues only,

Upon our fail ? to this point hast thou heard him K. Hen. Things done well,

At any time speak aught? And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Sury.

He was brought to this Things done without example, in their issue By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins. Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent

K. Hen. What was that Hopkins ? Of this commission ? I believe, not any.

Sury.

Sir, a Chartreux friar, We must not rend our subjects from our laws, His confessor ; who fed him every minute And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each ? With words of sovereignty. A trembling contribution! Why, we take,

K. Hen.

How know'st thou this? From every tree, lop, bark, and part o'the timber; Surv. Not long before your highness sped 10 And, though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd,

France, The air will drink the sap. To every county, The duke being at the Rose, within the parisha

) Where this is question'd, send our letters, with Saint Lawrence Poultney, did of me demand Free pardon to each man that has denied

What was the speech amongst the Londoners The force of this commission : Pray, look to't ; Concerning the French journey : I replied, I put it to your care.

Men fear'd, the French would prove perfidious, Wol. A word with you.

To the king's danger. Presently the duke

(To the Secretary, Said, 'Twas the fear, indeed; and that he doubted, Let there be letters writ to every shire,

'Twould prove the verity of certain words Of the king's grace and pardon. The griev'd com- Spoke by a holy monk : that oft, says he, mons

Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois'd,

John de la Court, my chaplain, a choice hour
That, through our intercession, this revokement To hear from him a matter of some moment :
And pardon comes : I shall anon advise you Whom after under the confession's seal
Further in the proceeding. [Exit Secretary. He solemnly had sworn, that, what he spoke,

My chaplain to no creature living, but
Enter Surveyor.

To me, should utter, with demure confidence
Q. Kath. I am sorry, that the duke of Buckingham Thus pausingly ensu'd-Neither the king, nor his keira
Is run in your displeasure.

(Tell you the duke) shall prosper : bid him strie K. Hen.

It grieves many :

To gain the love of the commonalty ; the duke
The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker, Shall govern England.
To nature none more bound ; his training such, Q. Kath.

If I know you well, That he may furnish and instruct great teachers, You were the duke's surveyor, and lost your office And never seek for aid out of himself.

On the complaint o' the tenants : Take good heed,

You charge not in your spleen a noble person, When these so noble benefits shall prove

And spoil your nobler soul! I say, take beed; Not well dispos'd, the mind growing once corrupt, Yes, heartily beseech you. They turn to vicious forms, ten times more ugly K. Hen.

Let him on :Than ever they were fair. This man so complete, Go forward. Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we, Surv. On my soul, I'll speak but truth. Almost with ravish'd list'ning, could not find I told my lord the duke, By the devil's illusions His hour of speech a minute; he, my lady, The monk might be deceiv'd; and that 'twas dan Hath into monstrous habits put the graces

g'rous for him That once were his, and is become as black

To ruminate on this so far, until As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear It forg'd him some design, which, being believ'd, (This was his gentleman in trust,) of him

It was much like to do: He answer'd, Tush! Things to strike honour sad. - Bid him recount It can do me no damage: adding further, The fore-recited practices : whereof

That, had the king in his last sickness fail'd, We cannot feel too little, hear too much.

The cardinal's and sir Thomas Lovell's heads Wel. Stand forth ; and with bold spirit relate what should have gone off. you,

K. Hen.

Ha! what so rank? Ah, ha! Most like a careful subject, have collected

There's mischief in this man :

Canst thou sy Out of the duke of Buckingham.

further? K. Hen.

Speak freely. Surv. I can, my liege. Surv. First, it was usual with him, every day K. Hen.

Proceed. It would infect his speech, That if the king

Surv.
Should without issue die, he'd carry it so

After your highness had reprov'd the duke
To make the scepter his : These very words About sir William Blomer,-
I have heard him utter to his son-in-law,

K. Hen.

I remember Lord Aberga'ny; to whom by oath he menac'd Of such a time — Being my servant sword, Revenge upon the cardinal.

The duke retain'd him his.
Wol.
Please your highness, note

hence ? This dangerous conception in this point.

Surv. If, quoth he, I for this had been consularda Not friended by his wish, to your high person As, to the Tower, I thought, - I would kane palay 4 His will is most malignant ; and it stretches The part my father meant to act upon Beyond you, to your friends.

The usurper Richard : who, being at Salisbury

Yet see

Being at Greenwich

- But on; What

sons

song,

Made suit to come in his presence ; which if granted, And understand again like honest men ;
As he made semblance of his duty, would

Or pack to their old playfellows: there, I take it, Have put kis knife into him.

They may, cum privilegio, wear away K. Hen.

A giant traitor! The lag end of their lewdness, and be laugh'd at. Wol. Now, madam, may his bighness live in Sands. 'Tis time to give them physick, their freedom,

diseases And this man out of prison ?

Are grown so catching. Q. Kath.

God mend all !

Cham

What a loss our ladies K. Hen. There's something more would out of Will have of these trim vanities ! thee; What say'st ?

Lov.

Ay, marry, Sury. After the duke his father, with the There will be woe indeed, lords ; the sly whore

knife, He stretch'd him, and, with one hand on his dagger, Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies ; Another spread on his breast, mounting his eyes, . A French song, and a fiddle, has no fellow. He did discharge a horrible oath ; whose tenour Sands. The devil fiddle them! I am glad, they're Was, - Were he evil us'd, he would out-go

going; His father, by as much as a performance

(For, sure, there's no converting of them ;) now, Does an irresolute purpose.

An honest country lord, as I am, beaten X. Hen.

There's his period, A long time out of play, may bring his plainTo sheath his knife in us. He is attach'd ; Call himn to present trial : if he may

And have an hour of hearing; and, by'r lady, Find mercy in the law, 'tis his ; if none,

Held current musick too. Let him not seek't of us: by day and night,

Cham,

Well said, lord Sands; He's traitor to the height.

[Ereunt. Your colt's tooth is not cast yet.
Sands.

No, my lord; SCENE III. A Room in the Palace. Nor shall not, while I have a stump.

Cham.

Sir Thomas, Enter the Lord Chamberlain and LORD SANDS.

Whither were you a going ? Cham. Is it possible, the spells of France should Lov.

To the cardinal's; juggle

Your lordship is a guest too. Men into such strange mysteries ?

Cham.

O, 'tis true : Sands.

New customs,

This night he makes a supper, and a great one, Though they be never so ridiculous,

To many lords and ladies; there will be
Nay, let them be unmanly, yet are follow'd. The beauty of this kingdom, I'll assure you.

Char. As far as I see, all the good our English Lov. That churchman bears a bounteous mind
Have got by the late voyage, is but merely

indeed,
A fit or two o' the face; but they are shrewd ones; A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us;
For when they hold them, you would swear directly, His dews fall every where.
Their very noses had been counsellors

Cham.

No doubt, he's noble; To Pepin, or Clotharius, they keep state so. He had a black mouth, that said other of him. Sands. They have all new legs, and lame ones ; Sands. He may, my lord, he has wherewithal ; in one would take it,

him, That never saw them pace before, the spavin, Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine : A springhalt reign'd among them.

Men of lris way should be most liberal, Chan.

Death! my lord, They are set here for examples. Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too,

Clam.

True, they are so; That, sure, they have worn out christendom. How But few now give so great ones. My barge stays; now?

Your lordship shall along:- Come, good sir Thomas, What news, sir Thomas Lovell?

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

For I was spoke to, with sir Henry Guildford, Enter Sir Tuomas LoveLL

This night to be comptrollers. 'Faith, my lord, Sands.

I am your lordship's. I hear of none, but the new proclamation

[Ereunt. That's elapp'd upon the court-gate.

What is't for? SCENE IV. - The Presence-Chamber in YorkLov. The reformation of our travellid gallants,

Place. That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors. Cham. I am glad, 'tis there ; now I would pray Haulboys. A small table under a state for the Carour monsieurs

DINAL, a longer table for the guests. Enter at one To think an English courtier may be wise,

door Anne Bullen, and divers Lords, Ladies, And never see the Louvre.

and Gentlewomen, as guests ; at another door, Lar.

They must either enter Sir HENRY GUILDFORD. (For so run the conditions,) leave these remnants Guild. Ladies, a general welcome from his grace Of fool, and feather, that they got in France, Salutes ye all : This night he dedicates With all their honourable points of ignorance, To fair content, and you : none here, he hopes, Pertaining thereunto, (as fights, and fireworks; In all this noble bevy, has brought with her Abusing better men than they can be,

One care abroad: he would have all as merry Out of a foreign wisdorn,) renouncing clean As first-good company, good wine, good welcome, The faith they have in tennis, and tall stockings, Can make good people. O, my lord, you are. Short blister'á breeches, and those types of travel,

tardy;

a

Loo.

Chan