Repeat your will, and take it. Q. Kath. That you Thank your majesty. would love yourself; and, in that love, Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor 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 com missions Sent down among them, which hath flaw'd the heart Of all their loyalties: wherein, although, Of these exactions, yet the king our master, Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks In loud rebellion. Not almost appears, Nor. It doth appear: for, upon these taxations, The clothiers all, not able to maintain The many to them 'longing, have put off The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who, Unfit for other life, compell'd by hunger And lack of other means, in desperate manner Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar, And Danger serves among them. 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 Pertains to the state; and front but in that file No, my lord, Q. Kath. 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 They are devis'd by you; or else K. Hen. They say, you suffer Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let's know, Is this exaction? Q. Kath. I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience; but am bolden'd The sixth part of his substance, to be levy'd 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 further 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 brake That virtue must go through. We must not stint Our necessary actions, in the fear To cope malicious censurers; which ever, In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at, K. Hen. Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Things done without example, in their issue From I put 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 com mons Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois'd, That, through our intercession, this revokement And pardon comes: I shall anon advise you 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. с Yet see, When these so noble benefits shall prove Not well dispos'd, the mind growing once corrupt, As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear We cannot feel too little, hear too much. Wol. Stand forth; and with bold spirit relate what you, Most like a careful subject, have collected Out of the duke of Buckingham. K. Hen. Speak freely. Suro. First, it was usual with him, every day To make the scepter his: These very words. Lord Aberga'ny; to whom by 'oath he menac'd Wol. Please your highness, note This dangerous conception in this point. Not friended by his wish, to your high person |