Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, Sometimes our brother's wife. This respite shook The bosom of my conscience, enter'd me, Yea, with a splitting power, and made to tremble The region of my breast; which forced such way That many mazed considerings did throng And press'd in with this caution. First, methought I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had Or died where they were made, or shortly after This world had air'd them: hence I took a thought, This was a judgement on me, that my king dom, Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not Be gladded in 't by me: then follows that By this my issue's fail; and that gave to me private First I began in With you, my Lord of Lincoln; you remem ber How under my oppression I did reek, When I first moved you. Lin. Very well, my liege. King. I have spoke long: be pleased yourself to say How far you satisfied me. Lin. So please your highness, 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. I then moved you, King. 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' the world against the person Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points Of my alleged reasons, drive 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, Katharine our queen, before the primest creature That 's paragon'd o' the world. Cam. So please your highness, 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. King. [aside] I may perceive These cardinals trifle with me: I abhor Prithee, return; with thy approach, I know, My comfort comes along.-Break up the court: I say, set on. [exeunt in manner as they entered. ACT III. SCENE I. London. The Queen's apart ments. The QUEEN and her Women, as at work. Q. Kath. Take thy lute, wench: my soul grows sad with troubles; Sing, and disperse 'em, if thou canst leave working. SONG. Orpheus with his lute made trees, Every thing that heard him play, Hung their heads, and then lay by. |