The other moiety, ere you ask, is given; Q. Kath. Thank your majesty. That you would love yourself; and, in that love, Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor The dignity of your office, is the point Of my petition. K. Hen. Lady mine, proceed. Q. Kath. I am solicited, not by a few, And those of true condition, that your subjects Are in great grievance: there have been commissions Sent down among them, which hath flaw'd the heart Of these exactions, yet the king our master Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks In loud rebellion. Nor. Not almost appears, K. Hen. Taxation! Wherein? and what taxation?-My lord cardinal, You that are blam'd for it alike with us, Know you of this taxation? Wol. Please you, sir, I know but of a single part, in aught (1) I am only one among the other counsellors. Where others tell steps with me. Q. Kath. No, my lord, You know no more than others: but you frame Things, that are known alike; which are not whole some To those which would not know them, and yet must K. Hen. Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let's know, Is this exaction? Q. Kath. The sixth part of his substance, to be levied Is nam'd, your wars in France: This makes bold mouths: Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze Allegiance in them; their curses now, Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass, That tractable obedience is a slave To each incensed will. I would, your highness Would give it quick consideration, for There is no primer business. K. Hen. This is against our pleasure. Wol. By my life, And for me, I have no farther gone in this, than by A single voice; and that not pass'd me, but If I am traduc'd by tongues, which neither know The chronicles of my doing,-let me say, 'Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brakel That virtue must go through. We must not stint2 Our necessary actions, in the fear To cope3 malicious censurers; which ever, is That is new trimm'd; but benefit no further For our best act. If we shall stand still, K. Hen. Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Wol. A word with you. [To the Secretary. Let there be letters writ to every shire, Of the king's grace and pardon. The griev'd commons Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois'd, That, through our intercession, this revokement (1) Thicket of thorns. (2) Retard. Further in the proceeding. [Exit Secretary, Enter Surveyor. Q. Kath. I am sorry, that the duke of Bucking ham Is run in your displeasure. K. Hen. It grieves many: The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker, To nature none more bound; his training such, That he may furnish and instruct great teachers, And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see When these so noble benefits shall prove Not well-dispos'd, the mind growing once corrupt, We cannot feel too little, hear too much. Wol. Stand forth; and with bold spirit relate Most like a careful subject, have collected K. Hen. Speak freely. (1) Beyond. (2) Conduct, manage. Wol. Please your highness, note This dangerous conception in this point. Not friended by his wish, to your high person His will is most malignant; and it stretches Beyond you, to your friends. Q. Kath. Deliver all with charity. K. Hen. My learn'd lord cardinal, Speak on: How grounded he his title to the crown, Upon our fail? to this point hast thou heard him At any time speak aught? Surv. He was brought to this Sir, a Chartreux friar, By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins. Surv. How know'st thou this? K. Hen. France, The duke being at the Rose, within the parish (1) Now Merchant-Taylor's School. |