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 behaviour 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,

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 blest
With many children by you: if in the course
And process of this time you can report,
And prove it too, against mine honour 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 unmatch'd wit and judgement: Ferdi-
nand,

My father, king of Spain, was reckon'd one The wisest prince that there had reign'd by many

A year before it is not to be question'd That they had gather'd a wise council to

them

:

Of every realm, that did debate this business, Who deem'd 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' 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 o' 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 produced and heard.

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,
Induced by potent circumstances, that
You are mine enemy, and make my chal-
lenge

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.

Wol.

I do profess

You speak not like yourself; who ever yet Have stood to charity and display'd the 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