Lin.

Very well, my liege.

King. I have spoke long: be pleased yourself to say
How far you satisfied me.

Lin.

King.

So please your highness, 211
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,
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.

220

King.

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.

[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,

231

My comfort comes along.-Break up the court: 240 [Exeunt in manner as they entered.

I

say, set on.

A

Act Third.

Scene 1.

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.

Every thing that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,

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 !

Gent. An't please your grace, the two great cardinals

Wait in the presence.

Q. Kath.

Would they speak with me?

Pray their graces

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

Wol.

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

business

With me, a poor weak woman, fall'n 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 housewife; I would be all, against the worst may happen. 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

31

Could speak this with as free a soul as I do!
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,
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 40 serenissima,

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 lived in:
A strange tongue makes my cause more strange,
suspicious;

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 absolved 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,