Anne. This is strange to me. Old L. How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no. There was a lady once ('tis an old story), That would not be a queen, that would she not, Old L. With your theme, I could O'ermount the lark. The marchioness of Pem broke! A thousand pounds a year! for pure respect; That promises more thousands: Honour's train Anne. Good lady, Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy, To think what follows. The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful What here you have heard, to her. Old L. What do you think me? [Exeunt. SCENE IV. A Hall in Black-friars. Trumpets, sennet*, and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habits of doctors; after them, the Archbishop 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 Serjeant at Arms, bearing a silver mace; then two Gentlemen, bearing two great silver pillars; after them, side by side, the two Cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius; two Noblemen with the sword and mace. Then enter the King and Queen, and their trains. The King takes place under the cloth of state; the two Cardinals sit under him as judges. The Queen takes place at some distance from the King. The Bishops place themselves on each side the court, in manner of a consistory; between them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The Crier and the rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order about the stage. Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded. K. Hen. What's the need? It hath already publickly been read, * Flourish on cornets. + Ensigus of dignity carried before cardinals. And on all sides the authority allow'd: Wol. Be't so: Proceed. Scribe. Say, Henry king of England, come into the court. Crier. Henry king of England, &c. K. Hen. Here. Scribe. Say, Katharine queen of England, come into court. Crier. Katharine queen of England, &c. [The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks.] Q. Kath. Sir, I desire you, do me right and jus. tice; And to bestow your pity on me: for Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends That I have been your wife, in this obedience, bly Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may 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. * Useless. 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, Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more, At all a friend to truth. Wol. I do profess Of disposition gentle, and of wisdom O'er topping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong: I have no spleen against you; nor injustice By a commission from the consistory, Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me, The king is present: if it be known to him, * Deny. |