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 justice; And to bestow your pity on me: for I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, At all times to your will conformable : Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends And process of this time, you can report, Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel 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, 1 Useless. It's fit this royal session do proceed; And that, without delay, their arguments Be now produc'd, 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, 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 You speak not like yourself; who ever yet O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you de 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, It lies, to cure me: and the cure is, to Remove these thoughts from you: The which before 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,3 2 Deny. And to be judg'd by him. Cam. [She curt'sies to the King, and offers to depart. 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. K. Hen. [Exeunt Queen, GRIFFITH, and her other Go thy ways, Kate: Thy meekness saint-like, wife-like government,- Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out, 4) Carried herself towards me. Wol. Most gracious sir, 4 Speak out thy merits. |