The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: v2r - Histories, p. 215

Left Column


The Life of King Henry the Eight. And range with humble liuers in Content,
[1160]
Then to be perk'd up in a glistring griefe, And weare a golden sorrow.
Old L. Our content Is our best hauing. Anne. By my troth, and Maidenhead,
[1165]
I would not be a Queene.
Old. L. Beshrew me, I would, And venture Maidenhead for't, and so would you For all this spice of your Hipocrisie: You that haue so faire parts of Woman on you,
[1170]
Haue (too) a Womans heart, which euer yet Affected Eminence, Wealth, Soueraignty; Which, to say sooth, are Blessings; and which guifts (Sauing your mincing) the capacity Of your soft Chiuerell Conscience, would receiue,
[1175]
If you might please to stretch it.
Anne. Nay, good troth. Old L. Yes troth, & troth; you would not be a Queen? Anne. No, not for all the riches vnder Heauen. Old. L. Tis strange; a threepence bow'd would hire me
[1180]
Old as I am, to Queene it: but I pray you, What thinke you of a Dutchesse? Haue you limbs To beare that load of Title?
An. No in truth. Old. L. Then you are weakly made; plucke off a little,
[1185]
I would not be a young Count in your way, For more then blushing comes to: If your backe Cannot vouchsafe this burthen, tis too weake Euer to get a Boy.
An. How you doe talke;
[1190]
I sweare againe, I would not be a Queene, For all the world:
Old. L. In faith, for little England You'ld venture an emballing: I my selfe Would for Carnaruanshire, although there long'd
[1195]
No more to th'Crowne but that: Lo, who comes here ?
Enter Lord Chamberlaine. L. Cham. Good morrow Ladies; what wer't worth to (know The secret of your conference? An. My good Lord, Not your demand; it values not your asking:
[1200]
Our Mistris Sorrowes we were pittying.
Cham. It was a gentle businesse, and becomming The action of good women, there is hope All will be well. An. Now I pray God, Amen. Cham.
[1205]
You beare a gentle minde, & heau'nly blessings Follow such Creatures. That you may, faire Lady Perceiue I speake sincerely, and high notes Tane of your many vertues; the Kings Maiesty Commends his good opinion of you, to you; and
[1210]
Doe's purpose honour to you no lesse flowing, Then Marchionesse of Pembrooke; to which Title, A Thousand pound a yeare, Annuall support, Out of his Grace, he addes.
An. I doe not know
[1215]
What kinde of my obedience, I should tender; More then my All, is Nothing: Nor my Prayers Are not words duely hallowed; nor my Wishes More worth, then empty vanities: yet Prayers & Wishes Are all I can returne. 'Beseech your Lordship,
[1220]
Vouchsafe to speake my thankes, and my obedience, As from a blush ng Handmaid, to his Highnesse; Whose health and Royalty I pray for.

Right Column


Cham. Lady; I shall not faile t'approue the faire conceit
[1225]
The King hath of you. I haue perus'd her well, Beauty and Honour in her are so mingled, That they haue caught the King: and who knowes yet But from this Lady, may proceed a Iemme, To lighten all this Ile. I'le to the King,
[1230]
And say I spoke with you.
Exit Lord Chamberlaine. An. My honour'd Lord. Old. L. Why this it is: See, see, I haue beene begging sixteene yeares in Court (Am yet a Courtier beggerly) nor could
[1235]
Come pat betwixt too early, and too late For any suit of pounds: and you, (oh fate) A very fresh Fish heere; fye, fye, fye vpon This compel'd fortune: haue your mouth fild vp, Before you open it.
An.
[1240]
This strange to me.
Old L. How tasts it? Is it bitter? Forty pence, no: There was a Lady once (tis an old Story) That would not be a Queene, that would she not For all the mud in Egypt; haue you heard it? An.
[1245]
Come you are pleasant.
Old. L. With your Theame, I could Ore‑mount the Larke: The Marchionesse of Pembrooke? A thousand pounds a yeare, for pure respect ? No other obligation? by my Life,
[1250]
That promises mo thousands: Honours traine Is longer then his fore‑skirt; by this time I know your backe will beare a Dutchesse. Say, Are you not stronger then you were?
An. Good Lady,
[1255]
Make your selfe mirth with your particular fancy, And leaue me out on't. Would I had no being If this salute my blood a iot; it faints me To thinke what followes. The Queene is comfortlesse, and wee forgetfull
[1260]
In our long absence: pray doe not deliuer, What heere y'haue heard to her.
Old L. What doe you thinke me — Exeunt.
Scena Quarta. [Act 2, Scene 4] Trumpets, Sennet, and Cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short siluer wands; next them two Scribes in the habite of Doctors; after them, the Bishop of Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lincolne, Ely, Rochester, and S. Saint Asaph: Next them, with some small distance, followes a Gentleman bearing the Purse, with the great Seale, and a Cardinals Hat: Then two Priests, bea­ ring each a Siluer Crosse: Then a Gentleman Vsher bare­ headed, accompanyed with a Sergeant at Armes, bearing a Siluer Mace: Then two Gentlemen bearing two great Siluer Pillers: After them, side by side, the two Cardinals, two Noblemen, with the Sword and Mace. The King takes place vnder the Cloth of State. The two Cardinalls sit vnder him as Iudges. The Queene takes place some di­ stance from the King. The Bishops place themselues on each side the Court in manner of a Consistory: Below them the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the Attendants stand in conuenient order about the Stage. v2 Card.

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Scena Quarta. [Act 2, Scene 4] Trumpets, Sennet, and Cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short siluer wands; next them two Scribes in the habite of Doctors; after them, the Bishop of Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lincolne, Ely, Rochester, and S. Saint Asaph: Next them, with some small distance, followes a Gentleman bearing the Purse, with the great Seale, and a Cardinals Hat: Then two Priests, bea­ ring each a Siluer Crosse: Then a Gentleman Vsher bare­ headed, accompanyed with a Sergeant at Armes, bearing a Siluer Mace: Then two Gentlemen bearing two great Siluer Pillers: After them, side by side, the two Cardinals, two Noblemen, with the Sword and Mace. The King takes place vnder the Cloth of State. The two Cardinalls sit vnder him as Iudges. The Queene takes place some di­ stance from the King. The Bishops place themselues on each side the Court in manner of a Consistory: Below them the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the Attendants stand in conuenient order about the Stage. Car. Whil'st our Commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded. King.
[1265]
What's the need? It hath already publiquely bene read, And on all sides th'Authority allow'd, You may then spare that time.
Car. Bee't so, proceed. Scri.
[1270]
Say, Henry K. King of England, come into the Court.
Crier. Henry King of England, &c. King. Heere. Scribe. Say, Katherine Queene of England, Come into the Court. Crier.
[1275]
Katherine Queene of England, &c.
The Queene makes no answer, rises out of her Chaire, goes about the Court, comes to the King, and kneeles at his Feete. Then speakes. Sir, I desire you do me Right and Iustice, And to bestow your pitty on me; for I am a most poore Woman, and a Stranger, Borne out of your Dominions: hauing heere
[1280]
No Iudge indifferent, nor no more assurance Of equall Friendship and Proceeding. Alas Sir: In what haue I offended you? What cause Hath my behauiour giuen to your displeasure, That thus you should proceede to put me off,
[1285]
And take your good Grace from me? Heauen witnesse, I haue bene to you, a true and humble Wife, At all times to your will conformable: Euer in feare to kindle your Dislike, Yes, subiect to your Countenance: Glad, or sorry,
[1290]
As I saw it inclin'd? When was the houre I euer contracted your Desire? Or made it not mine too? Or which of your Friends Haue I not stroue to loue, although I knew He were mine Enemy ? What Friend of mine,
[1295]
That had to him deriu'd your Anger, did I Continue in my Liking? Nay, gaue notice He was from thence discharg'd? Sir, call to minde, That I haue beene your Wife, in this Obedience, Vpward of twenty yeares, and haue bene blest
[1300]
With many Children by you. If in the course And processe of this time, you can report, And proue it too, against mine Honor, aught; My bond to Wedlocke, or my Loue and Dutie Against your Sacred Person; in Gods name
[1305]
Turne me away: and let the fowl'st Contempt Shut doore vpon me, and so giue me vp To the sharp'st kinde of Iustice. Please you, Sir, The King your Father, was reputed for A Prince most Prudent; of an excellent
[1310]
And vnmatch'd Wit, and Iudgement. Ferdinand My Father, King of Spaine, was reckon'd one The wisest Prince, that there had reign'd, by many A yeare before. It is not to be question'd, That they had gather'd a wise Councell to them
[1315]
Of euery Realme, that did debate this Businesse, Who deem'd our Marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly Beseech you Sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my Friends in Spaine, aduis'd; whose Counsaile I will implore. If not, i'th'name of God
[1320]
Your pleasure be fulfill'd.
Wol. You haue heere Lady, (And of your choice) these Reuerend Fathers, men Of singular Integrity, and Learning; Yea, the elect o'th'Land, who are assembled
[1325]
To pleade your Cause. It shall be therefore bootlesse, That longer you desire the Court, as well For your owne quiet, as to rectifie What is vnsetled in the King.
Camp. His Grace
[1330]
Hath spoken well, and iustly: Therefore Madam, It's fit this Royall Session do proceed, And that (without delay) their Arguments Be now produc'd, and heard.
Qu. Lord Cardinall, to you I speake. Wol.
[1335]
Your pleasure, Madam.
Qu. Sir, I am about to weepe; but thinking that We are a Queene (or long haue dream'd so) certaine The daughter of a King, my drops of teares, Ile turne to sparkes of fire. Wol.
[1340]
Be patient yet.
Qu. I will, when you are humble; Nay before, Or God will punish me. I do beleeue (Induc'd by potent Circumstances) that You are mine Enemy, and make my Challenge,
[1345]
You shall not be my Iudge. For it is you Haue blowne this Coale, betwixt my Lord, and me; (Which Gods dew quench) therefore, I say againe, I vtterly abhorre; yea, from my Soule Refuse you for my Iudge, whom yet once more
[1350]
I hold my most malicious Foe, and thinke not At all a Friend to truth.
Wol. I do professe You speake not like your selfe: who euer yet Haue stood to Charity, and displayd th'effects
[1355]
Of disposition gentle, and of wisedome, Ore‑topping womans powre. Madam, you do me wrong I haue no Spleene against you, nor iniustice For you, or any: how farre I haue proceeded, Or how farre further (Shall) is warranted
[1360]
By a Commission from the Consistorie, Yea, the whole Consistorie of Rome. You charge me, That I haue blowne this Coale: I do deny it, The King is present: If it be knowne to him, That I gainsay my Deed, how may he wound,
[1365]
And worthily my Falsehood, yea, as much As you haue done my Truth. If he know That I am free of your Report, he knowes I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him It lies to cure me, and the Cure is to
[1370]
Remoue these Thoughts from you. The which before His Highnesse shall speake in, I do beseech You (gracious Madam) to vnthinke your speaking, And to say so no more.
Queen. My Lord, my Lord,
[1375]
I am a simple woman, much too weake T'oppose your eunning cunning . Y'are meek, & humble‑mouth'd You signe your Place, and Calling, in full seeming, With Meekeness and Humilitie: but your Heart Is cramm'd with Arrogancie, Spleene, and Pride.
[1380]
You haue by Fortune, and his Highnesse fauors, Gone slightly o're lowe steppes, and now are mounted Where Powres are your Retainers, and your words (Domestickes to you) serue your will, as't please Your selfe pronounce their Office. I must tell you,
[1385]
You tender more your persons Honor, then Your high profession Spirituall. That agen I do refuse you for my Iudge, and heere Before you all, Appeale vnto the Pope, To bring my whole Cause 'fore his Holinesse,
[1390]
And to be iudged by him.
She Curtsies to the King, and offers to depart. Camp. The Queene is obstinate, Stubborne to Iustice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainfull to be tride by't; tis not well. Shee's going away. Kin.
[1395]
Call her againe.
Crier. Katherine, Q Queene of England, come into the Court. Gent. Vsh. Madam, you are cald backe. Que. What need you note it? pray you keep your way, When you are cald returne. Now the Lord helpe,
[1400]
They vexe me past my patience, pray you passe on; I will not tarry: no, nor euer more Vpon this businesse my appearance make, In any of their Courts.
Exit Queene, and her Attendants. Kin. Goe thy wayes Kate,
[1405]
That man i'th'world, who shall report he ha's A better Wife, let him in naught be trusted, For speaking false in that; thou art alone (If thy rare qualities, sweet gentlenesse, Thy meeknesse Saint‑like, Wife‑like Gouernment,
[1410]
Obeying in commanding, and thy parts Soueraigne and Pious els, could speake thee out) The Queene of earthly Q eenes: Shee's Noble borne; And like her true Nobility, she ha's Carried her selfe towards me.
Wol.
[1415]
Most gracious Sir, In humblest manner I require your Highnes, That it shall please you to declare in hearing Of all these cares (for where I am rob'd and bound, There must I be vnloos'd, although not there
[1420]
At once, and fully satisfide) whether euer I Did broach this busines to your Highnes, or Laid any scruple in your way whi h might Induce you to the question on't: or euer Haue to you, but with thankes to God for such
[1425]
A Royall Lady, spake one, the least word that might Be to the preiudice of her present State, Or touch of her good Person?
Kin. My Lord Cardinall, I doe excuse you; yea, vpon mine Honour,
[1430]
I free you from't: You are not to be taught That you haue many enemies, that know not Why they are so; but like to Village Curres, Barke when their fellowes doe. By some of these The Queene is put in anger; y'are excus'd:
[1435]
But will you be more iustifi'de? You euer Haue wish'd the sleeping of this busines, neuer desir'd It to be stir'd; but oft haue hindred, oft The passages made toward it; on my Honour, I speake my good Lord Cardnall, to this point;
[1440]
And thus farre cleare him. Now, what mou'd me too't, I will be bold with time and your attention: Then marke th'inducement. Thus it came; giue heede (too't: My Conscience first receiu'd a tendernes,
[1445]
Scruple, and pricke, on certaine Speeches vtter'd By th'Bishop of Bayon, then French Embassador, Who had beene hither sent on the debating And Marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleance, and Our Daughter Mary: I'th'Progresse of this busines,
[1450]
Ere a determinate resolution, hee (I meane the Bishop) did require a respite, Wherein he might the King his Lord aduertise, Whether our Daughter were legitimate, Respecting this our Marriage with the Dowager,
[1455]
Sometimes our Brothers Wife. This respite shooke The bosome of my Conscience, enter'd me; Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble The region of my Breast, which forc'd such way, That many maz'd considerings, did throng
[1460]
And prest in with this Caution. First, me thought I stood not in the smile of Heauen, who had Commanded Nature, that my Ladies wombe If it conceiu'd a male‑child by me, should Doe no more Offices of life too't; then
[1465]
The Graue does to th'dead: For her Male Issue, Or di'de where they were made, or shortly after This world had ayr'd them. Hence I tooke a thought, This was a Iudgement on me, that my Kingdome (Well worthy the best Heyre o'th'World) should not
[1470]
Be gladded in't by me. Then followes, that I weigh'd the danger which my Realmes stood in By this my Issues faile, and that gaue to me Many a groaning throw: thus hulling in The wild Sea of my Conscience, I did steere
[1475]
Toward this remedy, whereupon we are Now present heere together: that's to say, I meant to rectifie my Conscience, which I then did feele full sicke, and yet not well, By all the Reuerend Fathers of the Land,
[1480]
And Doctors learn'd. First I began in priuate, With you my Lord of Lincolne, you remember How vnder my oppression I did reeke When I first mou'd you.
B. Lin. Very well my Liedge. Kin.
[1485]
I haue spoke long, be pleas'd your selfe to say How farre you satisfide me.
Lin. So please your Highnes, The question did at first so stagger me, Bearing a State of mighty moment in't,
[1490]
And consequence of dread, that I committed The daringst Counsaile which I had to doubt, And did entreate your Highnes to this course, Which you are running heere.
Kin. I then mou'd you,
[1495]
My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leaue To make this present Summons vnsolicited. I left no Reuerend Person in this Court; But by particular consent proceeded Vnder your hands and Seales; therefore goe on,
[1500]
For no dislike i'th'world against the person Of the good Queene; but the sharpe thorny points Of my alleadged reasons, driues this forward: Proue but our Marriage lawfull, by my Life And Kingly Dignity, we are contented
[1505]
To weare our mortall State to come, with her, ( Katherine our Queene) before the primest Creature That's Parragon'd o'th'World
Camp. So please your Highnes, The Queene being absent, 'tis a needfull fitnesse,
[1510]
That we adiourne this Court till further day; Meane while, must be an earnest motion Made to the Queene to call backe her Appeale She intends vnto his Holinesse.
Kin. I may perceiue
[1515]
These Cardinals trifle with me: I abhorre This dilatory sloth, and trickes of Rome. My learn'd and welbeloued Seruant Cranmer, Prethee returne, with thy approch: I know, My comfort comes along: breake vp the Court;
[1520]
I say, set on.
Exeunt, in manner as they enter'd.
 

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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="4">
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Quarta.</head>
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 4]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">Trumpets, Sennet, and Cornets.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic" type="entrance">Enter two Vergers, with short siluer wands; next them two
      <lb/>Scribes in the habite of Doctors; after them, the Bishop of
      <lb/>Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lincolne, Ely,
      <lb/>Rochester, and<choice>
         <abbr>S.</abbr>
         <expan>Saint</expan>
      </choice>Asaph: Next them, with some small
      <lb/>distance, followes a Gentleman bearing the Purse, with the
      <lb/>great Seale, and a Cardinals Hat: Then two Priests, bea­
      <lb/>ring each a Siluer Crosse: Then a Gentleman Vsher bare­
      <lb/>headed, accompanyed with a Sergeant at Armes, bearing a
      <lb/>Siluer Mace: Then two Gentlemen bearing two great
      <lb/>Siluer Pillers: After them, side by side, the two Cardinals,
      <lb/>two Noblemen, with the Sword and Mace. The King takes
      <lb/>place vnder the Cloth of State. The two Cardinalls sit
      <lb/>vnder him as Iudges. The Queene takes place some di­
      <lb/>stance from the King. The Bishops place themselues on
      <lb/>each side the Court in manner of a Consistory: Below them
      <lb/>the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the
      <lb/>Attendants stand in conuenient order about the Stage.</stage>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0572-0.jpg" n="218"/>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Car.</speaker>
      <l n="1263">Whil'st our Commission from Rome is read,</l>
      <l n="1264">Let silence be commanded.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1265">What's the need?</l>
      <l n="1266">It hath already publiquely bene read,</l>
      <l n="1267">And on all sides th'Authority allow'd,</l>
      <l n="1268">You may then spare that time.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Car.</speaker>
      <l n="1269">Bee't so, proceed.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-scb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Scri.</speaker>
      <l n="1270">Say,<hi rend="italic">Henry</hi>
         <choice>
            <abbr>K.</abbr>
            <expan>King</expan>
         </choice>of England, come into the Court.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cri">
      <speaker rend="italic">Crier.</speaker>
      <l n="1271">
         <hi rend="italic">Henry</hi>King of England, &amp;c.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1272">Heere.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-scb">
      <speaker rend="italic">Scribe.</speaker>
      <l n="1273">Say,<hi rend="italic">Katherine</hi>Queene of England,</l>
      <l n="1274">Come into the Court.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cri">
      <speaker rend="italic">Crier.</speaker>
      <l n="1275">
         <hi rend="italic">Katherine</hi>Queene of England, &amp;c.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic" type="business">The Queene makes no answer, rises out of her Chaire,
      <lb/>goes about the Court, comes to the King, and kneeles at
      <lb/>his Feete. Then speakes.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <l n="1276">Sir, I desire you do me Right and Iustice,</l>
      <l n="1277">And to bestow your pitty on me; for</l>
      <l n="1278">I am a most poore Woman, and a Stranger,</l>
      <l n="1279">Borne out of your Dominions: hauing heere</l>
      <l n="1280">No Iudge indifferent, nor no more assurance</l>
      <l n="1281">Of equall Friendship and Proceeding. Alas Sir:</l>
      <l n="1282">In what haue I offended you? What cause</l>
      <l n="1283">Hath my behauiour giuen to your displeasure,</l>
      <l n="1284">That thus you should proceede to put me off,</l>
      <l n="1285">And take your good Grace from me? Heauen witnesse,</l>
      <l n="1286">I haue bene to you, a true and humble Wife,</l>
      <l n="1287">At all times to your will conformable:</l>
      <l n="1288">Euer in feare to kindle your Dislike,</l>
      <l n="1289">Yes, subiect to your Countenance: Glad, or sorry,</l>
      <l n="1290">As I saw it inclin'd? When was the houre</l>
      <l n="1291">I euer contracted your Desire?</l>
      <l n="1292">Or made it not mine too? Or which of your Friends</l>
      <l n="1293">Haue I not stroue to loue, although I knew</l>
      <l n="1294">He were mine Enemy<c rend="italic">?</c>What Friend of mine,</l>
      <l n="1295">That had to him deriu'd your Anger, did I</l>
      <l n="1296">Continue in my Liking? Nay, gaue notice</l>
      <l n="1297">He was from thence discharg'd? Sir, call to minde,</l>
      <l n="1298">That I haue beene your Wife, in this Obedience,</l>
      <l n="1299">Vpward of twenty yeares, and haue bene blest</l>
      <l n="1300">With many Children by you. If in the course</l>
      <l n="1301">And processe of this time, you can report,</l>
      <l n="1302">And proue it too, against mine Honor, aught;</l>
      <l n="1303">My bond to Wedlocke, or my Loue and Dutie</l>
      <l n="1304">Against your Sacred Person; in Gods name</l>
      <l n="1305">Turne me away: and let the fowl'st Contempt</l>
      <l n="1306">Shut doore vpon me, and so giue me vp</l>
      <l n="1307">To the sharp'st kinde of Iustice. Please you, Sir,</l>
      <l n="1308">The King your Father, was reputed for</l>
      <l n="1309">A Prince most Prudent; of an excellent</l>
      <l n="1310">And vnmatch'd Wit, and Iudgement.<hi rend="italic">Ferdinand</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1311">My Father, King of Spaine, was reckon'd one</l>
      <l n="1312">The wisest Prince, that there had reign'd, by many</l>
      <l n="1313">A yeare before. It is not to be question'd,</l>
      <l n="1314">That they had gather'd a wise Councell to them</l>
      <l n="1315">Of euery Realme, that did debate this Businesse,</l>
      <l n="1316">Who deem'd our Marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly</l>
      <l n="1317">Beseech you Sir, to spare me, till I may</l>
      <l n="1318">Be by my Friends in Spaine, aduis'd; whose Counsaile</l>
      <l n="1319">I will implore. If not, i'th'name of God</l>
      <l n="1320">Your pleasure be fulfill'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wol.</speaker>
      <l n="1321">You haue heere Lady,</l>
      <l n="1322">(And of your choice) these Reuerend Fathers, men</l>
      <l n="1323">Of singular Integrity, and Learning;</l>
      <l n="1324">Yea, the elect o'th'Land, who are assembled</l>
      <l n="1325">To pleade your Cause. It shall be therefore bootlesse,</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1326">That longer you desire the Court, as well</l>
      <l n="1327">For your owne quiet, as to rectifie</l>
      <l n="1328">What is vnsetled in the King.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Camp.</speaker>
      <l n="1329">His Grace</l>
      <l n="1330">Hath spoken well, and iustly: Therefore Madam,</l>
      <l n="1331">It's fit this Royall Session do proceed,</l>
      <l n="1332">And that (without delay) their Arguments</l>
      <l n="1333">Be now produc'd, and heard.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1334">Lord Cardinall, to you I speake.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wol.</speaker>
      <l n="1335">Your pleasure, Madam.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1336">Sir, I am about to weepe; but thinking that</l>
      <l n="1337">We are a Queene (or long haue dream'd so) certaine</l>
      <l n="1338">The daughter of a King, my drops of teares,</l>
      <l n="1339">Ile turne to sparkes of fire.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wol.</speaker>
      <l n="1340">Be patient yet.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1341">I will, when you are humble; Nay before,</l>
      <l n="1342">Or God will punish me. I do beleeue</l>
      <l n="1343">(Induc'd by potent Circumstances) that</l>
      <l n="1344">You are mine Enemy, and make my Challenge,</l>
      <l n="1345">You shall not be my Iudge. For it is you</l>
      <l n="1346">Haue blowne this Coale, betwixt my Lord, and me;</l>
      <l n="1347">(Which Gods dew quench) therefore, I say againe,</l>
      <l n="1348">I vtterly abhorre; yea, from my Soule</l>
      <l n="1349">Refuse you for my Iudge, whom yet once more</l>
      <l n="1350">I hold my most malicious Foe, and thinke not</l>
      <l n="1351">At all a Friend to truth.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wol.</speaker>
      <l n="1352">I do professe</l>
      <l n="1353">You speake not like your selfe: who euer yet</l>
      <l n="1354">Haue stood to Charity, and displayd th'effects</l>
      <l n="1355">Of disposition gentle, and of wisedome,</l>
      <l n="1356">Ore‑topping womans powre. Madam, you do me wrong</l>
      <l n="1357">I haue no Spleene against you, nor iniustice</l>
      <l n="1358">For you, or any: how farre I haue proceeded,</l>
      <l n="1359">Or how farre further (Shall) is warranted</l>
      <l n="1360">By a Commission from the Consistorie,</l>
      <l n="1361">Yea, the whole Consistorie of Rome. You charge me,</l>
      <l n="1362">That I haue blowne this Coale: I do deny it,</l>
      <l n="1363">The King is present: If it be knowne to him,</l>
      <l n="1364">That I gainsay my Deed, how may he wound,</l>
      <l n="1365">And worthily my Falsehood, yea, as much</l>
      <l n="1366">As you haue done my Truth. If he know</l>
      <l n="1367">That I am free of your Report, he knowes</l>
      <l n="1368">I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him</l>
      <l n="1369">It lies to cure me, and the Cure is to</l>
      <l n="1370">Remoue these Thoughts from you. The which before</l>
      <l n="1371">His Highnesse shall speake in, I do beseech</l>
      <l n="1372">You (gracious Madam) to vnthinke your speaking,</l>
      <l n="1373">And to say so no more.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <speaker rend="italic">Queen.</speaker>
      <l n="1374">My Lord, my Lord,</l>
      <l n="1375">I am a simple woman, much too weake</l>
      <l n="1376">T'oppose your<choice>
            <orig>eunning</orig>
            <corr>cunning</corr>
         </choice>. Y'are meek, &amp; humble‑mouth'd</l>
      <l n="1377">You signe your Place, and Calling, in full seeming,</l>
      <l n="1378">With Meekeness and Humilitie: but your Heart</l>
      <l n="1379">Is cramm'd with Arrogancie, Spleene, and Pride.</l>
      <l n="1380">You haue by Fortune, and his Highnesse fauors,</l>
      <l n="1381">Gone slightly o're lowe steppes, and now are mounted</l>
      <l n="1382">Where Powres are your Retainers, and your words</l>
      <l n="1383">(Domestickes to you) serue your will, as't please</l>
      <l n="1384">Your selfe pronounce their Office. I must tell you,</l>
      <l n="1385">You tender more your persons Honor, then</l>
      <l n="1386">Your high profession Spirituall. That agen</l>
      <l n="1387">I do refuse you for my Iudge, and heere</l>
      <l n="1388">Before you all, Appeale vnto the Pope,</l>
      <l n="1389">To bring my whole Cause 'fore his Holinesse,</l>
      <l n="1390">And to be iudged by him.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">She Curtsies to the King, and offers to depart.</stage>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0573-0.jpg" n="217"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Camp.</speaker>
      <l n="1391">The Queene is obstinate,</l>
      <l n="1392">Stubborne to Iustice, apt to accuse it, and</l>
      <l n="1393">Disdainfull to be tride by't; tis not well.</l>
      <l n="1394">Shee's going away.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1395">Call her againe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cri">
      <speaker rend="italic">Crier.</speaker>
      <l n="1396">
         <hi rend="italic">Katherine</hi>,<choice>
            <abbr>Q</abbr>
            <expan>Queene</expan>
         </choice>of England, come into the Court.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-gri">
      <speaker rend="italic">Gent. Vsh.</speaker>
      <l n="1397">Madam, you are cald backe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-qka">
      <speaker rend="italic">Que.</speaker>
      <l n="1398">What need you note it? pray you keep your way,</l>
      <l n="1399">When you are cald returne. Now the Lord helpe,</l>
      <l n="1400">They vexe me past my patience, pray you passe on;</l>
      <l n="1401">I will not tarry: no, nor euer more</l>
      <l n="1402">Vpon this businesse my appearance make,</l>
      <l n="1403">In any of their Courts.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="exit">Exit Queene, and her Attendants.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1404">Goe thy wayes<hi rend="italic">Kate</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1405">That man i'th'world, who shall report he ha's</l>
      <l n="1406">A better Wife, let him in naught be trusted,</l>
      <l n="1407">For speaking false in that; thou art alone</l>
      <l n="1408">(If thy rare qualities, sweet gentlenesse,</l>
      <l n="1409">Thy meeknesse Saint‑like, Wife‑like Gouernment,</l>
      <l n="1410">Obeying in commanding, and thy parts</l>
      <l n="1411">Soueraigne and Pious els, could speake thee out)</l>
      <l n="1412">The Queene of earthly Q<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="partiallyInkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>eenes: Shee's Noble borne;</l>
      <l n="1413">And like her true Nobility, she ha's</l>
      <l n="1414">Carried her selfe towards me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-wol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Wol.</speaker>
      <l n="1415">Most gracious Sir,</l>
      <l n="1416">In humblest manner I require your Highnes,</l>
      <l n="1417">That it shall please you to declare in hearing</l>
      <l n="1418">Of all these cares (for where I am rob'd and bound,</l>
      <l n="1419">There must I be vnloos'd, although not there</l>
      <l n="1420">At once, and fully satisfide) whether euer I</l>
      <l n="1421">Did broach this busines to your Highnes, or</l>
      <l n="1422">Laid any scruple in your way whi<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="uninkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>h might</l>
      <l n="1423">Induce you to the question on't: or euer</l>
      <l n="1424">Haue to you, but with thankes to God for such</l>
      <l n="1425">A Royall Lady, spake one, the least word that might</l>
      <l n="1426">Be to the preiudice of her present State,</l>
      <l n="1427">Or touch of her good Person?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1428">My Lord Cardinall,</l>
      <l n="1429">I doe excuse you; yea, vpon mine Honour,</l>
      <l n="1430">I free you from't: You are not to be taught</l>
      <l n="1431">That you haue many enemies, that know not</l>
      <l n="1432">Why they are so; but like to Village Curres,</l>
      <l n="1433">Barke when their fellowes doe. By some of these</l>
      <l n="1434">The Queene is put in anger; y'are excus'd:</l>
      <l n="1435">But will you be more iustifi'de? You euer</l>
      <l n="1436">Haue wish'd the sleeping of this busines, neuer desir'd</l>
      <l n="1437">It to be stir'd; but oft haue hindred, oft</l>
      <l n="1438">The passages made toward it; on my Honour,</l>
      <l n="1439">I speake my good Lord Cardnall, to this point;</l>
      <l n="1440">And thus farre cleare him.</l>
      <l n="1441">Now, what mou'd me too't,</l>
      <l n="1442">I will be bold with time and your attention:</l>
      <l n="1443">Then marke th'inducement. Thus it came; giue heede
      <lb rend="turnover"/>
         <pc rend="turnover">(</pc>too't:</l>
      <l n="1444">My Conscience first receiu'd a tendernes,</l>
      <l n="1445">Scruple, and pricke, on certaine Speeches vtter'd</l>
      <l n="1446">By th'Bishop of<hi rend="italic">Bayon</hi>, then French Embassador,</l>
      <l n="1447">Who had beene hither sent on the debating</l>
      <l n="1448">And Marriage 'twixt the Duke of<hi rend="italic">Orleance</hi>, and</l>
      <l n="1449">Our Daughter<hi rend="italic">Mary:</hi>I'th'Progresse of this busines,</l>
      <l n="1450">Ere a determinate resolution, hee</l>
      <l n="1451">(I meane the Bishop) did require a respite,</l>
      <l n="1452">Wherein he might the King his Lord aduertise,</l>
      <l n="1453">Whether our Daughter were legitimate,</l>
      <l n="1454">Respecting this our Marriage with the Dowager,</l>
      <l n="1455">Sometimes our Brothers Wife. This respite shooke</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1456">The bosome of my Conscience, enter'd me;</l>
      <l n="1457">Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble</l>
      <l n="1458">The region of my Breast, which forc'd such way,</l>
      <l n="1459">That many maz'd considerings, did throng</l>
      <l n="1460">And prest in with this Caution. First, me thought</l>
      <l n="1461">I stood not in the smile of Heauen, who had</l>
      <l n="1462">Commanded Nature, that my Ladies wombe</l>
      <l n="1463">If it conceiu'd a male‑child by me, should</l>
      <l n="1464">Doe no more Offices of life too't; then</l>
      <l n="1465">The Graue does to th'dead: For her Male Issue,</l>
      <l n="1466">Or di'de where they were made, or shortly after</l>
      <l n="1467">This world had ayr'd them. Hence I tooke a thought,</l>
      <l n="1468">This was a Iudgement on me, that my Kingdome</l>
      <l n="1469">(Well worthy the best Heyre o'th'World) should not</l>
      <l n="1470">Be gladded in't by me. Then followes, that</l>
      <l n="1471">I weigh'd the danger which my Realmes stood in</l>
      <l n="1472">By this my Issues faile, and that gaue to me</l>
      <l n="1473">Many a groaning throw: thus hulling in</l>
      <l n="1474">The wild Sea of my Conscience, I did steere</l>
      <l n="1475">Toward this remedy, whereupon we are</l>
      <l n="1476">Now present heere together: that's to say,</l>
      <l n="1477">I meant to rectifie my Conscience, which</l>
      <l n="1478">I then did feele full sicke, and yet not well,</l>
      <l n="1479">By all the Reuerend Fathers of the Land,</l>
      <l n="1480">And Doctors learn'd. First I began in priuate,</l>
      <l n="1481">With you my Lord of<hi rend="italic">Lincolne</hi>, you remember</l>
      <l n="1482">How vnder my oppression I did reeke</l>
      <l n="1483">When I first mou'd you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-lin">
      <speaker rend="italic">B. Lin.</speaker>
      <l n="1484">Very well my Liedge.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1485">I haue spoke long, be pleas'd your selfe to say</l>
      <l n="1486">How farre you satisfide me.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-lin">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lin.</speaker>
      <l n="1487">So please your Highnes,</l>
      <l n="1488">The question did at first so stagger me,</l>
      <l n="1489">Bearing a State of mighty moment in't,</l>
      <l n="1490">And consequence of dread, that I committed</l>
      <l n="1491">The daringst Counsaile which I had to doubt,</l>
      <l n="1492">And did entreate your Highnes to this course,</l>
      <l n="1493">Which you are running heere.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1494">I then mou'd you,</l>
      <l n="1495">My Lord of<hi rend="italic">Canterbury</hi>, and got your leaue</l>
      <l n="1496">To make this present Summons vnsolicited.</l>
      <l n="1497">I left no Reuerend Person in this Court;</l>
      <l n="1498">But by particular consent proceeded</l>
      <l n="1499">Vnder your hands and Seales; therefore goe on,</l>
      <l n="1500">For no dislike i'th'world against the person</l>
      <l n="1501">Of the good Queene; but the sharpe thorny points</l>
      <l n="1502">Of my alleadged reasons, driues this forward:</l>
      <l n="1503">Proue but our Marriage lawfull, by my Life</l>
      <l n="1504">And Kingly Dignity, we are contented</l>
      <l n="1505">To weare our mortall State to come, with her,</l>
      <l n="1506">(<hi rend="italic">Katherine</hi>our Queene) before the primest Creature</l>
      <l n="1507">That's Parragon'd o'th'World</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-cam">
      <speaker rend="italic">Camp.</speaker>
      <l n="1508">So please your Highnes,</l>
      <l n="1509">The Queene being absent, 'tis a needfull fitnesse,</l>
      <l n="1510">That we adiourne this Court till further day;</l>
      <l n="1511">Meane while, must be an earnest motion</l>
      <l n="1512">Made to the Queene to call backe her Appeale</l>
      <l n="1513">She intends vnto his Holinesse.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-h8-hn8">
      <speaker rend="italic">Kin.</speaker>
      <l n="1514">I may perceiue</l>
      <l n="1515">These Cardinals trifle with me: I abhorre</l>
      <l n="1516">This dilatory sloth, and trickes of Rome.</l>
      <l n="1517">My learn'd and welbeloued Seruant<hi rend="italic">Cranmer</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1518">Prethee returne, with thy approch: I know,</l>
      <l n="1519">My comfort comes along: breake vp the Court;</l>
      <l n="1520">I say, set on.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="exit">Exeunt, in manner as they enter'd.</stage>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0574-0.jpg" n="218"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
</div>

                                
                            

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