Lin.

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 kingdom,
Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not
Be gladded in't by me. Then follows, that 196

I weigh'd the danger which my realms stood in
By this my issue's fail; and that gave to me
Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in
The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer
Toward this remedy, whereupon we are
Now present here together; that's to say,
I meant to rectify my conscience,

which

I then did feel full sick, and yet not well,
By all the reverend fathers of the land
And doctors learn'd. First I began in private
With you, my Lord of Lincoln. You remember
How under my oppression I did reek,

When I first mov'd you.

200

205

Very well, my liege. 209

King. I have spoke long; be pleas'd yourself to say

Lin.

How far you satisfi'd me.

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; 215
And did entreat your Highness to this course
Which you are running here.

King.

Cam.

I then mov'd you,

220

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, drives this forward.
Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life
And kingly dignity, we are contented

King.

225

To wear our mortal state to come with her,
Katherine our queen, before the primest creature
That's paragon'd o' the world.

So please your Highness,
The Queen being absent, 'tis a needful fitness 231
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.

[Aside.] I may perceive These Cardinals trifle with me; I abhor

This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome.
My learn'd and well-beloved servant, Cranmer,
Prithee, return. With thy approach, I know,
My comfort comes along.

236

Break up the court!

I

say, set on.

241

Exeunt in manner as they enter'd.

ACT THIRD

SCENE I

[London. The Queen's apartments.]

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
And the mountain tops that freeze

Bow themselves when he did sing.

To his music plants and flowers
Ever sprung; as sun and showers

There had made a lasting spring.

Everything that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,

5

10

Hung their heads, and then lay by.

In sweet music is such art,

Killing care and grief of heart

Fall asleep, or hearing, die.

Enter a Gentleman.

Q. Kath. How now!

15

Gent. An't please your Grace, the two great Cardinals Wait in the presence.

Q. Kath.

Would they speak with me?

Gent. They will'd me say so, madam.
Q. Kath.

Wol.

Pray their Graces To come near. [Exit Gent.] What can be their

business

With me, a poor weak woman, fallen from favour?
I do not like their coming. Now I think on't, 21
They should be good men, their affairs as righteous.
But all hoods make not monks.

Enter the two Cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius.

Peace to your Highness! Q. Kath. Your Graces find me here part of a house

wife;

I would be all, against the worst may happen. 25 What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords? Wol. May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw Into your private chamber, we shall give you The full cause of our coming.

Q. Kath.

Speak it here;

There's nothing I have done yet, o' my conscience,
Deserves a corner. Would all other women

Could speak this with as free a soul as I do!

31

My lords, I care not, so much I am happy
Above a number, if my actions

Were tried by every tongue, every eye saw 'em, 35
Envy and base opinion set against 'em,
I know my life so even. If your business

Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,

Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing. Wol. Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, regina sere- 40 nissima,

Q. Kath. O, good my lord, no Latin;

Wol.

I am not such a truant since my coming,

As not to know the language I have liv'd in.
A strange tongue makes my cause more strange,

suspicious;

45

Pray, speak in English. Here are some will thank

you,

If you speak truth, for their poor mistress' sake.

Believe me, she has had much wrong. Lord Cardinal,

The willing'st sin I ever yet committed

May be absolv'd in English.

Noble lady,

50

I am sorry my integrity should breed,
And service to his Majesty and you,

So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.

We come not by the way of accusation

To taint that honour every good tongue blesses, 55
Nor to betray you any way to sorrow;