Folger Shakespeare Library

http://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org

Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

Two stories dominate Henry VIII: the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, Henry’s powerful advisor, and Henry’s quest to divorce Queen Katherine, who has not borne him a male heir, and marry Anne Bullen (Boleyn).

First, the Duke of Buckingham questions Wolsey’s costly staging of a failed meeting with the French king. Wolsey arrests Buckingham and accuses him of treason; testimony from a bribed witness leads to Buckingham’s execution. Queen Katherine takes a stand against Wolsey. Wolsey gives a party at which Henry meets Anne.

Henry falls in love with Anne and seeks to divorce Katherine, but Katherine refuses to be judged by Wolsey and other church officials. The king secretly marries Anne and then has her crowned queen. Meanwhile, Henry discovers Wolsey’s treachery against him. Wolsey, arrested, falls sick and dies. Katherine also sickens and dies.

Cranmer, the new archbishop of Canterbury, comes under attack, but receives the king’s support. Anne gives birth to a daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth. Cranmer prophesies marvelous reigns for her and her unnamed successor, James.

Characters in the Play
King Henry the Eighth
Duke of Norfolk
Duke of Suffolk
Cardinal Wolsey, Archbishop of Canterbury
Secretaries to Wolsey
Cromwell, servant to Wolsey, later secretary to the Privy Council
Cardinal Campeius, Papal Legate
Gardiner, secretary to the king, later Bishop of Winchester
Page to Gardiner
Queen Katherine, Henry’s first wife, later Princess Dowager
Griffith, attendant on Katherine
Patience, woman to Katherine
Queen’s Gentleman Usher
Capuchius, ambassador from the Emperor Charles
Duke of Buckingham
Lord Abergavenny, Buckingham’s son-in-law
Earl of Surrey, Buckingham’s son-in-law
Sir Nicholas Vaux
Knevet, former Surveyor to Buckingham
Brandon
Sergeant at Arms
First Gentleman
Second Gentleman
Anne Bullen, Katherine’s lady-in-waiting, later Henry’s
second wife and queen
Old Lady, with Anne Bullen
Lord Chamberlain
Lord Sands (also Sir Walter Sands)
Sir Thomas Lovell
Sir Henry Guilford
Bishop of Lincoln
Cranmer, later Archbishop of Canterbury
Lord Chancellor
Garter King of Arms
Third Gentleman
Sir Anthony Denny
Doctor Butts
Keeper
Porter and his Man
Scribes
Crier
Prologue
Epilogue
Spirits, Princess Elizabeth as an infant, Duchess of Norfolk, Marquess and Marchioness of Dorset, Lords, Nobles, Countesses, Bishops, Judges, Priests, Ladies, Gentlemen, Gentlemen Ushers, Lord Mayor, Four Representatives of the Cinque Ports, Aldermen, Women, Musicians, Choristers, Guards, Tipstaves, Halberds, Vergers, Attendants, Servants, Messenger, Pages, Footboys, Grooms

Enter Prologue.
PROLOGUE
FTLN 0001 I come no more to make you laugh. Things now
FTLN 0002 That bear a weighty and a serious brow,
FTLN 0003 Sad, high, and working, full of state and woe,
FTLN 0004 Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,
FTLN 0005 5 We now present. Those that can pity here
FTLN 0006 May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;
FTLN 0007 The subject will deserve it. Such as give
FTLN 0008 Their money out of hope they may believe
FTLN 0009 May here find truth too. Those that come to see
FTLN 0010 10 Only a show or two, and so agree
FTLN 0011 The play may pass, if they be still and willing,
FTLN 0012 I’ll undertake may see away their shilling
FTLN 0013 Richly in two short hours. Only they
FTLN 0014 That come to hear a merry, bawdy play,
FTLN 0015 15 A noise of targets, or to see a fellow
FTLN 0016 In a long motley coat guarded with yellow,
FTLN 0017 Will be deceived. For, gentle hearers, know
FTLN 0018 To rank our chosen truth with such a show
FTLN 0019 As fool and fight is, besides forfeiting
FTLN 0020 20 Our own brains and the opinion that we bring
FTLN 0021 To make that only true we now intend,
FTLN 0022 Will leave us never an understanding friend.
FTLN 0023 Therefore, for goodness’ sake, and as you are known
FTLN 0024 The first and happiest hearers of the town,
FTLN 0025 25 Be sad, as we would make you. Think you see
FTLN 0026 The very persons of our noble story
FTLN 0027 As they were living. Think you see them great,
FTLN 0028 And followed with the general throng and sweat
FTLN 0029 Of thousand friends. Then, in a moment, see
FTLN 0030 30 How soon this mightiness meets misery.
FTLN 0031 And if you can be merry then, I’ll say
FTLN 0032 A man may weep upon his wedding day.
He exits.
7

ACT 1
Scene 1
Enter the Duke of Norfolk at one door; at the other, the
Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0033 Good morrow, and well met. How have you done
FTLN 0034 Since last we saw in France?
NORFOLK FTLN 0035 I thank your Grace,
FTLN 0036 Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer
FTLN 0037 5 Of what I saw there.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0038 An untimely ague
FTLN 0039 Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when
FTLN 0040 Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,
FTLN 0041 Met in the vale of Andren.
NORFOLK FTLN 0042 10 ’Twixt Guynes and Arde.
FTLN 0043 I was then present, saw them salute on horseback,
FTLN 0044 Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung
FTLN 0045 In their embracement, as they grew together—
FTLN 0046 Which had they, what four throned ones could have
FTLN 0047 15 weighed
FTLN 0048 Such a compounded one?
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0049 All the whole time
FTLN 0050 I was my chamber’s prisoner.
NORFOLK FTLN 0051 Then you lost
FTLN 0052 20 The view of earthly glory. Men might say
FTLN 0053 Till this time pomp was single, but now married
FTLN 0054 To one above itself. Each following day
9

11
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0055 Became the next day’s master, till the last
FTLN 0056 Made former wonders its. Today the French,
FTLN 0057 25 All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods,
FTLN 0058 Shone down the English, and tomorrow they
FTLN 0059 Made Britain India: every man that stood
FTLN 0060 Showed like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were
FTLN 0061 As cherubins, all gilt. The madams too,
FTLN 0062 30 Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear
FTLN 0063 The pride upon them, that their very labor
FTLN 0064 Was to them as a painting. Now this masque
FTLN 0065 Was cried incomparable; and th’ ensuing night
FTLN 0066 Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings,
FTLN 0067 35 Equal in luster, were now best, now worst,
FTLN 0068 As presence did present them: him in eye
FTLN 0069 Still him in praise; and being present both,
FTLN 0070 ’Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner
FTLN 0071 Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns—
FTLN 0072 40 For so they phrase ’em—by their heralds challenged
FTLN 0073 The noble spirits to arms, they did perform
FTLN 0074 Beyond thought’s compass, that former fabulous story,
FTLN 0075 Being now seen possible enough, got credit
FTLN 0076 That Bevis was believed.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0077 45 O, you go far.
NORFOLK
FTLN 0078 As I belong to worship, and affect
FTLN 0079 In honor honesty, the tract of everything
FTLN 0080 Would by a good discourser lose some life
FTLN 0081 Which action’s self was tongue to. All was royal;
FTLN 0082 50 To the disposing of it naught rebelled.
FTLN 0083 Order gave each thing view. The office did
FTLN 0084 Distinctly his full function.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0085 Who did guide,
FTLN 0086 I mean who set the body and the limbs
FTLN 0087 55 Of this great sport together, as you guess?
NORFOLK
FTLN 0088 One, certes, that promises no element
FTLN 0089 In such a business.

13
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0090 I pray you who, my lord?
NORFOLK
FTLN 0091 All this was ordered by the good discretion
FTLN 0092 60 Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0093 The devil speed him! No man’s pie is freed
FTLN 0094 From his ambitious finger. What had he
FTLN 0095 To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder
FTLN 0096 That such a keech can with his very bulk
FTLN 0097 65 Take up the rays o’ th’ beneficial sun
FTLN 0098 And keep it from the Earth.
NORFOLK FTLN 0099 Surely, sir,
FTLN 0100 There’s in him stuff that puts him to these ends;
FTLN 0101 For, being not propped by ancestry, whose grace
FTLN 0102 70 Chalks successors their way, nor called upon
FTLN 0103 For high feats done to th’ crown, neither allied
FTLN 0104 To eminent assistants, but spiderlike,
FTLN 0105 Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note
FTLN 0106 The force of his own merit makes his way—
FTLN 0107 75 A gift that heaven gives for him which buys
FTLN 0108 A place next to the King.
ABERGAVENNY FTLN 0109 I cannot tell
FTLN 0110 What heaven hath given him—let some graver eye
FTLN 0111 Pierce into that—but I can see his pride
FTLN 0112 80 Peep through each part of him. Whence has he that?
FTLN 0113 If not from hell, the devil is a niggard,
FTLN 0114 Or has given all before, and he begins
FTLN 0115 A new hell in himself.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0116 Why the devil,
FTLN 0117 85 Upon this French going-out, took he upon him,
FTLN 0118 Without the privity o’ th’ King, t’ appoint
FTLN 0119 Who should attend on him? He makes up the file
FTLN 0120 Of all the gentry, for the most part such
FTLN 0121 To whom as great a charge as little honor
FTLN 0122 90 He meant to lay upon; and his own letter,
FTLN 0123 The honorable board of council out,
FTLN 0124 Must fetch him in he papers.

15
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
ABERGAVENNY FTLN 0125 I do know
FTLN 0126 Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have
FTLN 0127 95 By this so sickened their estates that never
FTLN 0128 They shall abound as formerly.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0129 O, many
FTLN 0130 Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em
FTLN 0131 For this great journey. What did this vanity
FTLN 0132 100 But minister communication of
FTLN 0133 A most poor issue?
NORFOLK FTLN 0134 Grievingly I think
FTLN 0135 The peace between the French and us not values
FTLN 0136 The cost that did conclude it.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0137 105 Every man,
FTLN 0138 After the hideous storm that followed, was
FTLN 0139 A thing inspired and, not consulting, broke
FTLN 0140 Into a general prophecy: that this tempest,
FTLN 0141 Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded
FTLN 0142 110 The sudden breach on ’t.
NORFOLK FTLN 0143 Which is budded out,
FTLN 0144 For France hath flawed the league and hath attached
FTLN 0145 Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux.
ABERGAVENNY FTLN 0146 Is it therefore
FTLN 0147 115 Th’ ambassador is silenced?
NORFOLK FTLN 0148 Marry, is ’t.
ABERGAVENNY
FTLN 0149 A proper title of a peace, and purchased
FTLN 0150 At a superfluous rate!
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0151 Why, all this business
FTLN 0152 120 Our reverend cardinal carried.
NORFOLK FTLN 0153 Like it your Grace,
FTLN 0154 The state takes notice of the private difference
FTLN 0155 Betwixt you and the Cardinal. I advise you—
FTLN 0156 And take it from a heart that wishes towards you
FTLN 0157 125 Honor and plenteous safety—that you read
FTLN 0158 The Cardinal’s malice and his potency
FTLN 0159 Together; to consider further that

17
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0160 What his high hatred would effect wants not
FTLN 0161 A minister in his power. You know his nature,
FTLN 0162 130 That he’s revengeful, and I know his sword
FTLN 0163 Hath a sharp edge; it’s long, and ’t may be said
FTLN 0164 It reaches far, and where ’twill not extend,
FTLN 0165 Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel;
FTLN 0166 You’ll find it wholesome. Lo where comes that rock
FTLN 0167 135 That I advise your shunning.
Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse borne before him,
certain of the Guard, and two Secretaries with papers.
The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye on Buckingham,
and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain.
WOLSEY , aside to a Secretary
FTLN 0168 The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor, ha?
FTLN 0169 Where’s his examination?
SECRETARY FTLN 0170 Here, so please you.
He hands Wolsey a paper.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0171 Is he in person ready?
SECRETARY FTLN 0172 140 Ay, please your Grace.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0173 Well, we shall then know more, and Buckingham
FTLN 0174 Shall lessen this big look.
Cardinal Wolsey and his train exit.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0175 This butcher’s cur is venomed-mouthed, and I
FTLN 0176 Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best
FTLN 0177 145 Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar’s book
FTLN 0178 Outworths a noble’s blood.
NORFOLK FTLN 0179 What, are you chafed?
FTLN 0180 Ask God for temp’rance. That’s th’ appliance only
FTLN 0181 Which your disease requires.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0182 150 I read in ’s looks
FTLN 0183 Matter against me, and his eye reviled
FTLN 0184 Me as his abject object. At this instant

19
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0185 He bores me with some trick. He’s gone to th’ King.
FTLN 0186 I’ll follow and outstare him.
NORFOLK FTLN 0187 155 Stay, my lord,
FTLN 0188 And let your reason with your choler question
FTLN 0189 What ’tis you go about. To climb steep hills
FTLN 0190 Requires slow pace at first. Anger is like
FTLN 0191 A full hot horse who, being allowed his way,
FTLN 0192 160 Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England
FTLN 0193 Can advise me like you; be to yourself
FTLN 0194 As you would to your friend.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0195 I’ll to the King,
FTLN 0196 And from a mouth of honor quite cry down
FTLN 0197 165 This Ipswich fellow’s insolence, or proclaim
FTLN 0198 There’s difference in no persons.
NORFOLK FTLN 0199 Be advised.
FTLN 0200 Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot
FTLN 0201 That it do singe yourself. We may outrun
FTLN 0202 170 By violent swiftness that which we run at
FTLN 0203 And lose by overrunning. Know you not
FTLN 0204 The fire that mounts the liquor till ’t run o’er
FTLN 0205 In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised.
FTLN 0206 I say again there is no English soul
FTLN 0207 175 More stronger to direct you than yourself,
FTLN 0208 If with the sap of reason you would quench
FTLN 0209 Or but allay the fire of passion.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0210 Sir,
FTLN 0211 I am thankful to you, and I’ll go along
FTLN 0212 180 By your prescription. But this top-proud fellow—
FTLN 0213 Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but
FTLN 0214 From sincere motions—by intelligence,
FTLN 0215 And proofs as clear as founts in July when
FTLN 0216 We see each grain of gravel, I do know
FTLN 0217 185 To be corrupt and treasonous.
NORFOLK FTLN 0218 Say not “treasonous.”
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0219 To th’ King I’ll say ’t, and make my vouch as strong

21
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0220 As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,
FTLN 0221 Or wolf, or both—for he is equal rav’nous
FTLN 0222 190 As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief
FTLN 0223 As able to perform ’t, his mind and place
FTLN 0224 Infecting one another, yea reciprocally—
FTLN 0225 Only to show his pomp as well in France
FTLN 0226 As here at home, suggests the King our master
FTLN 0227 195 To this last costly treaty, th’ interview
FTLN 0228 That swallowed so much treasure and like a glass
FTLN 0229 Did break i’ th’ rinsing.
NORFOLK FTLN 0230 Faith, and so it did.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0231 Pray give me favor, sir. This cunning cardinal
FTLN 0232 200 The articles o’ th’ combination drew
FTLN 0233 As himself pleased; and they were ratified
FTLN 0234 As he cried “Thus let be,” to as much end
FTLN 0235 As give a crutch to th’ dead. But our Count Cardinal
FTLN 0236 Has done this, and ’tis well, for worthy Wolsey,
FTLN 0237 205 Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows—
FTLN 0238 Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy
FTLN 0239 To th’ old dam treason: Charles the Emperor,
FTLN 0240 Under pretense to see the Queen his aunt—
FTLN 0241 For ’twas indeed his color, but he came
FTLN 0242 210 To whisper Wolsey—here makes visitation;
FTLN 0243 His fears were that the interview betwixt
FTLN 0244 England and France might through their amity
FTLN 0245 Breed him some prejudice, for from this league
FTLN 0246 Peeped harms that menaced him; privily
FTLN 0247 215 Deals with our cardinal and, as I trow—
FTLN 0248 Which I do well, for I am sure the Emperor
FTLN 0249 Paid ere he promised, whereby his suit was granted
FTLN 0250 Ere it was asked. But when the way was made
FTLN 0251 And paved with gold, the Emperor thus desired
FTLN 0252 220 That he would please to alter the King’s course
FTLN 0253 And break the foresaid peace. Let the King know—
FTLN 0254 As soon he shall by me—that thus the Cardinal

23
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 1
FTLN 0255 Does buy and sell his honor as he pleases
FTLN 0256 And for his own advantage.
NORFOLK FTLN 0257 225 I am sorry
FTLN 0258 To hear this of him, and could wish he were
FTLN 0259 Something mistaken in ’t.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0260 No, not a syllable.
FTLN 0261 I do pronounce him in that very shape
FTLN 0262 230 He shall appear in proof.
Enter Brandon, a Sergeant-at-Arms before him, and two
or three of the Guard.
BRANDON
FTLN 0263 Your office, Sergeant: execute it.
SERGEANT , to Buckingham FTLN 0264 Sir,
FTLN 0265 My lord the Duke of Buckingham and Earl
FTLN 0266 Of Hertford, Stafford, and Northampton, I
FTLN 0267 235 Arrest thee of high treason, in the name
FTLN 0268 Of our most sovereign king.
BUCKINGHAM , to Norfolk FTLN 0269 Lo you, my lord,
FTLN 0270 The net has fall’n upon me. I shall perish
FTLN 0271 Under device and practice.
BRANDON FTLN 0272 240 I am sorry
FTLN 0273 To see you ta’en from liberty, to look on
FTLN 0274 The business present. ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure
FTLN 0275 You shall to th’ Tower.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0276 It will help me nothing
FTLN 0277 245 To plead mine innocence, for that dye is on me
FTLN 0278 Which makes my whit’st part black. The will of heaven
FTLN 0279 Be done in this and all things. I obey.
FTLN 0280 O my Lord Abergavenny, fare you well.
BRANDON
FTLN 0281 Nay, he must bear you company.—The King
FTLN 0282 250 Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower, till you know
FTLN 0283 How he determines further.
ABERGAVENNY FTLN 0284 As the Duke said,
FTLN 0285 The will of heaven be done, and the King’s pleasure
FTLN 0286 By me obeyed.

25
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
BRANDON FTLN 0287 255 Here is a warrant from
FTLN 0288 The King t’ attach Lord Mountacute, and the bodies
FTLN 0289 Of the Duke’s confessor, John de la Car,
FTLN 0290 One Gilbert Peck, his counselor—
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0291 So, so;
FTLN 0292 260 These are the limbs o’ th’ plot. No more, I hope.
BRANDON
FTLN 0293 A monk o’ th’ Chartreux.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0294 O, Michael Hopkins?
BRANDON FTLN 0295 He.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0296 My surveyor is false. The o’ergreat cardinal
FTLN 0297 265 Hath showed him gold. My life is spanned already.
FTLN 0298 I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,
FTLN 0299 Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on
FTLN 0300 By dark’ning my clear sun. To Norfolk. My lord,
FTLN 0301 farewell.
They exit.
Scene 2
Cornets. Enter King Henry, leaning on the Cardinal’s
shoulder, with the Nobles, Sir Thomas Lovell, and
Attendants, including a Secretary of the Cardinal.
The Cardinal places himself under the King’s feet on
his right side.
KING , to Wolsey
FTLN 0302 My life itself, and the best heart of it,
FTLN 0303 Thanks you for this great care. I stood i’ th’ level
FTLN 0304 Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks
FTLN 0305 To you that choked it.—Let be called before us
FTLN 0306 5 That gentleman of Buckingham’s; in person
FTLN 0307 I’ll hear him his confessions justify,
FTLN 0308 And point by point the treasons of his master
FTLN 0309 He shall again relate.

27
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
A noise within crying “Room for the Queen!” Enter the
Queen Katherine, ushered by the Duke of Norfolk, and
the Duke of Suffolk. She kneels. The King riseth from
his state.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 0310 Nay, we must longer kneel; I am a suitor.
KING
FTLN 0311 10 Arise, and take place by us.
He takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him.
FTLN 0312 Half your suit
FTLN 0313 Never name to us; you have half our power.
FTLN 0314 The other moiety ere you ask is given;
FTLN 0315 Repeat your will, and take it.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0316 15 Thank your Majesty.
FTLN 0317 That you would love yourself, and in that love
FTLN 0318 Not unconsidered leave your honor nor
FTLN 0319 The dignity of your office, is the point
FTLN 0320 Of my petition.
KING FTLN 0321 20 Lady mine, proceed.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 0322 I am solicited, not by a few,
FTLN 0323 And those of true condition, that your subjects
FTLN 0324 Are in great grievance. There have been commissions
FTLN 0325 Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart
FTLN 0326 25 Of all their loyalties, wherein, although
FTLN 0327 My good Lord Cardinal, they vent reproaches
FTLN 0328 Most bitterly on you as putter-on
FTLN 0329 Of these exactions, yet the King our master,
FTLN 0330 Whose honor heaven shield from soil, even he
FTLN 0331 30 escapes not
FTLN 0332 Language unmannerly—yea, such which breaks
FTLN 0333 The sides of loyalty and almost appears
FTLN 0334 In loud rebellion.
NORFOLK FTLN 0335 Not “almost appears”—
FTLN 0336 35 It doth appear. For, upon these taxations,
FTLN 0337 The clothiers all, not able to maintain

29
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0338 The many to them longing, have put off
FTLN 0339 The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
FTLN 0340 Unfit for other life, compelled by hunger
FTLN 0341 40 And lack of other means, in desperate manner
FTLN 0342 Daring th’ event to th’ teeth, are all in uproar,
FTLN 0343 And danger serves among them.
KING FTLN 0344 Taxation?
FTLN 0345 Wherein? And what taxation? My Lord Cardinal,
FTLN 0346 45 You that are blamed for it alike with us,
FTLN 0347 Know you of this taxation?
WOLSEY FTLN 0348 Please you, sir,
FTLN 0349 I know but of a single part in aught
FTLN 0350 Pertains to th’ state, and front but in that file
FTLN 0351 50 Where others tell steps with me.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0352 No, my lord?
FTLN 0353 You know no more than others? But you frame
FTLN 0354 Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome
FTLN 0355 To those which would not know them, and yet must
FTLN 0356 55 Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions
FTLN 0357 Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are
FTLN 0358 Most pestilent to th’ hearing, and to bear ’em
FTLN 0359 The back is sacrifice to th’ load. They say
FTLN 0360 They are devised by you, or else you suffer
FTLN 0361 60 Too hard an exclamation.
KING FTLN 0362 Still exaction!
FTLN 0363 The nature of it? In what kind, let’s know,
FTLN 0364 Is this exaction?
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0365 I am much too venturous
FTLN 0366 65 In tempting of your patience, but am boldened
FTLN 0367 Under your promised pardon. The subjects’ grief
FTLN 0368 Comes through commissions which compels from
FTLN 0369 each
FTLN 0370 The sixth part of his substance, to be levied
FTLN 0371 70 Without delay, and the pretense for this
FTLN 0372 Is named your wars in France. This makes bold
FTLN 0373 mouths.

31
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0374 Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze
FTLN 0375 Allegiance in them. Their curses now
FTLN 0376 75 Live where their prayers did; and it’s come to pass
FTLN 0377 This tractable obedience is a slave
FTLN 0378 To each incensèd will. I would your Highness
FTLN 0379 Would give it quick consideration, for
FTLN 0380 There is no primer baseness.
KING FTLN 0381 80 By my life,
FTLN 0382 This is against our pleasure.
WOLSEY FTLN 0383 And for me,
FTLN 0384 I have no further gone in this than by
FTLN 0385 A single voice, and that not passed me but
FTLN 0386 85 By learnèd approbation of the judges. If I am
FTLN 0387 Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know
FTLN 0388 My faculties nor person, yet will be
FTLN 0389 The chronicles of my doing, let me say
FTLN 0390 ’Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake
FTLN 0391 90 That virtue must go through. We must not stint
FTLN 0392 Our necessary actions in the fear
FTLN 0393 To cope malicious censurers, which ever,
FTLN 0394 As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
FTLN 0395 That is new trimmed, but benefit no further
FTLN 0396 95 Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
FTLN 0397 By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is
FTLN 0398 Not ours or not allowed; what worst, as oft,
FTLN 0399 Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up
FTLN 0400 For our best act. If we shall stand still
FTLN 0401 100 In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at,
FTLN 0402 We should take root here where we sit,
FTLN 0403 Or sit state-statues only.
KING FTLN 0404 Things done well,
FTLN 0405 And with a care, exempt themselves from fear;
FTLN 0406 105 Things done without example, in their issue
FTLN 0407 Are to be feared. Have you a precedent
FTLN 0408 Of this commission? I believe, not any.
FTLN 0409 We must not rend our subjects from our laws

33
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0410 And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each?
FTLN 0411 110 A trembling contribution! Why, we take
FTLN 0412 From every tree lop, bark, and part o’ th’ timber,
FTLN 0413 And though we leave it with a root, thus hacked,
FTLN 0414 The air will drink the sap. To every county
FTLN 0415 Where this is questioned send our letters with
FTLN 0416 115 Free pardon to each man that has denied
FTLN 0417 The force of this commission. Pray look to ’t;
FTLN 0418 I put it to your care.
WOLSEY , aside to his Secretary FTLN 0419 A word with you.
FTLN 0420 Let there be letters writ to every shire
FTLN 0421 120 Of the King’s grace and pardon. The grievèd commons
FTLN 0422 Hardly conceive of me. Let it be noised
FTLN 0423 That through our intercession this revokement
FTLN 0424 And pardon comes. I shall anon advise you
FTLN 0425 Further in the proceeding. Secretary exits.
Enter Buckingham’s Surveyor.
QUEEN KATHERINE , to the King
FTLN 0426 125 I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham
FTLN 0427 Is run in your displeasure.
KING FTLN 0428 It grieves many.
FTLN 0429 The gentleman is learnèd and a most rare speaker;
FTLN 0430 To nature none more bound; his training such
FTLN 0431 130 That he may furnish and instruct great teachers
FTLN 0432 And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see,
FTLN 0433 When these so noble benefits shall prove
FTLN 0434 Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt,
FTLN 0435 They turn to vicious forms ten times more ugly
FTLN 0436 135 Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,
FTLN 0437 Who was enrolled ’mongst wonders, and when we
FTLN 0438 Almost with ravished list’ning could not find
FTLN 0439 His hour of speech a minute—he, my lady,
FTLN 0440 Hath into monstrous habits put the graces
FTLN 0441 140 That once were his, and is become as black
FTLN 0442 As if besmeared in hell. Sit by us. You shall hear—

35
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0443 This was his gentleman in trust—of him
FTLN 0444 Things to strike honor sad.—Bid him recount
FTLN 0445 The fore-recited practices, whereof
FTLN 0446 145 We cannot feel too little, hear too much.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0447 Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you
FTLN 0448 Most like a careful subject have collected
FTLN 0449 Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
KING FTLN 0450 Speak freely.
SURVEYOR
FTLN 0451 150 First, it was usual with him—every day
FTLN 0452 It would infect his speech—that if the King
FTLN 0453 Should without issue die, he’ll carry it so
FTLN 0454 To make the scepter his. These very words
FTLN 0455 I’ve heard him utter to his son-in-law,
FTLN 0456 155 Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced
FTLN 0457 Revenge upon the Cardinal.
WOLSEY FTLN 0458 Please your Highness, note
FTLN 0459 This dangerous conception in this point:
FTLN 0460 Not friended by his wish to your high person,
FTLN 0461 160 His will is most malignant, and it stretches
FTLN 0462 Beyond you to your friends.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0463 My learnèd Lord Cardinal,
FTLN 0464 Deliver all with charity.
KING , to Surveyor FTLN 0465 Speak on.
FTLN 0466 165 How grounded he his title to the crown
FTLN 0467 Upon our fail? To this point hast thou heard him
FTLN 0468 At any time speak aught?
SURVEYOR FTLN 0469 He was brought to this
FTLN 0470 By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton.
KING
FTLN 0471 170 What was that Henton?
SURVEYOR FTLN 0472 Sir, a Chartreux friar,
FTLN 0473 His confessor, who fed him every minute
FTLN 0474 With words of sovereignty.

37
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
KING FTLN 0475 How know’st thou this?
SURVEYOR
FTLN 0476 175 Not long before your Highness sped to France,
FTLN 0477 The Duke being at the Rose, within the parish
FTLN 0478 Saint Laurence Poultney, did of me demand
FTLN 0479 What was the speech among the Londoners
FTLN 0480 Concerning the French journey. I replied
FTLN 0481 180 Men fear the French would prove perfidious,
FTLN 0482 To the King’s danger. Presently the Duke
FTLN 0483 Said ’twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted
FTLN 0484 ’Twould prove the verity of certain words
FTLN 0485 Spoke by a holy monk “that oft,” says he,
FTLN 0486 185 “Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit
FTLN 0487 John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour
FTLN 0488 To hear from him a matter of some moment;
FTLN 0489 Whom after under the confession’s seal
FTLN 0490 He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke
FTLN 0491 190 My chaplain to no creature living but
FTLN 0492 To me should utter, with demure confidence
FTLN 0493 This pausingly ensued: ‘Neither the King, nor ’s heirs—
FTLN 0494 Tell you the Duke—shall prosper. Bid him strive
FTLN 0495 To gain the love o’ th’ commonalty; the Duke
FTLN 0496 195 Shall govern England.’”
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0497 If I know you well,
FTLN 0498 You were the Duke’s surveyor, and lost your office
FTLN 0499 On the complaint o’ th’ tenants. Take good heed
FTLN 0500 You charge not in your spleen a noble person
FTLN 0501 200 And spoil your nobler soul. I say, take heed—
FTLN 0502 Yes, heartily beseech you.
KING FTLN 0503 Let him on.—
FTLN 0504 Go forward.
SURVEYOR FTLN 0505 On my soul, I’ll speak but truth.
FTLN 0506 205 I told my lord the Duke, by th’ devil’s illusions
FTLN 0507 The monk might be deceived, and that ’twas dangerous
FTLN 0508 For him to ruminate on this so far until
FTLN 0509 It forged him some design, which, being believed,

39
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0510 It was much like to do. He answered “Tush,
FTLN 0511 210 It can do me no damage,” adding further
FTLN 0512 That had the King in his last sickness failed,
FTLN 0513 The Cardinal’s and Sir Thomas Lovell’s heads
FTLN 0514 Should have gone off.
KING FTLN 0515 Ha! What, so rank? Ah ha!
FTLN 0516 215 There’s mischief in this man! Canst thou say further?
SURVEYOR
FTLN 0517 I can, my liege.
KING FTLN 0518 Proceed.
SURVEYOR FTLN 0519 Being at Greenwich,
FTLN 0520 After your Highness had reproved the Duke
FTLN 0521 220 About Sir William Blumer—
KING
FTLN 0522 I remember of such a time, being my sworn servant,
FTLN 0523 The Duke retained him his. But on. What hence?
SURVEYOR
FTLN 0524 “If,” quoth he, “I for this had been committed,”
FTLN 0525 As to the Tower, I thought, “I would have played
FTLN 0526 225 The part my father meant to act upon
FTLN 0527 Th’ usurper Richard, who, being at Salisbury,
FTLN 0528 Made suit to come in ’s presence; which if granted,
FTLN 0529 As he made semblance of his duty, would
FTLN 0530 Have put his knife into him.”
KING FTLN 0531 230 A giant traitor!
WOLSEY
FTLN 0532 Now, madam, may his Highness live in freedom
FTLN 0533 And this man out of prison?
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 0534 God mend all.
KING , to Surveyor
FTLN 0535 There’s something more would out of thee. What sayst?
SURVEYOR
FTLN 0536 235 After “the Duke his father” with “the knife,”
FTLN 0537 He stretched him, and with one hand on his dagger,
FTLN 0538 Another spread on ’s breast, mounting his eyes,
FTLN 0539 He did discharge a horrible oath whose tenor

41
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0540 Was, were he evil used, he would outgo
FTLN 0541 240 His father by as much as a performance
FTLN 0542 Does an irresolute purpose.
KING FTLN 0543 There’s his period,
FTLN 0544 To sheathe his knife in us! He is attached.
FTLN 0545 Call him to present trial. If he may
FTLN 0546 245 Find mercy in the law, ’tis his; if none,
FTLN 0547 Let him not seek ’t of us. By day and night,
FTLN 0548 He’s traitor to th’ height!
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0549 Is ’t possible the spells of France should juggle
FTLN 0550 Men into such strange mysteries?
SANDS FTLN 0551 New customs,
FTLN 0552 Though they be never so ridiculous—
FTLN 0553 5 Nay, let ’em be unmanly—yet are followed.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0554 As far as I see, all the good our English
FTLN 0555 Have got by the late voyage is but merely
FTLN 0556 A fit or two o’ th’ face; but they are shrewd ones,
FTLN 0557 For when they hold ’em, you would swear directly
FTLN 0558 10 Their very noses had been counselors
FTLN 0559 To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so.
SANDS
FTLN 0560 They have all new legs and lame ones; one would
FTLN 0561 take it,
FTLN 0562 That never see ’em pace before, the spavin
FTLN 0563 15 Or springhalt reigned among ’em.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0564 Death! My lord,
FTLN 0565 Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to ’t,
FTLN 0566 That, sure, they’ve worn out Christendom.

43
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 3
Enter Sir Thomas Lovell.
FTLN 0567 How now?
FTLN 0568 20 What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?
LOVELL FTLN 0569 Faith, my lord,
FTLN 0570 I hear of none but the new proclamation
FTLN 0571 That’s clapped upon the court gate.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0572 What is ’t for?
LOVELL
FTLN 0573 25 The reformation of our traveled gallants
FTLN 0574 That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0575 I’m glad ’tis there; now I would pray our monsieurs
FTLN 0576 To think an English courtier may be wise
FTLN 0577 And never see the Louvre.
LOVELL FTLN 0578 30 They must either—
FTLN 0579 For so run the conditions—leave those remnants
FTLN 0580 Of fool and feather that they got in France,
FTLN 0581 With all their honorable points of ignorance
FTLN 0582 Pertaining thereunto, as fights and fireworks,
FTLN 0583 35 Abusing better men than they can be
FTLN 0584 Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean
FTLN 0585 The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings,
FTLN 0586 Short blistered breeches, and those types of travel,
FTLN 0587 And understand again like honest men,
FTLN 0588 40 Or pack to their old playfellows. There, I take it,
FTLN 0589 They may cum privilegio “oui” away
FTLN 0590 The lag end of their lewdness and be laughed at.
SANDS
FTLN 0591 ’Tis time to give ’em physic, their diseases
FTLN 0592 Are grown so catching.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0593 45 What a loss our ladies
FTLN 0594 Will have of these trim vanities!
LOVELL FTLN 0595 Ay, marry,
FTLN 0596 There will be woe indeed, lords. The sly whoresons

45
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0597 Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies.
FTLN 0598 50 A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.
SANDS
FTLN 0599 The devil fiddle ’em! I am glad they are going,
FTLN 0600 For sure there’s no converting of ’em. Now
FTLN 0601 An honest country lord, as I am, beaten
FTLN 0602 A long time out of play, may bring his plainsong,
FTLN 0603 55 And have an hour of hearing, and, by ’r Lady,
FTLN 0604 Held current music too.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0605 Well said, Lord Sands.
FTLN 0606 Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet?
SANDS FTLN 0607 No, my lord,
FTLN 0608 60 Nor shall not while I have a stump.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0609 Sir Thomas,
FTLN 0610 Whither were you a-going?
LOVELL FTLN 0611 To the Cardinal’s.
FTLN 0612 Your Lordship is a guest too.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0613 65 O, ’tis true.
FTLN 0614 This night he makes a supper, and a great one,
FTLN 0615 To many lords and ladies. There will be
FTLN 0616 The beauty of this kingdom, I’ll assure you.
LOVELL
FTLN 0617 That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,
FTLN 0618 70 A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us.
FTLN 0619 His dews fall everywhere.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0620 No doubt he’s noble;
FTLN 0621 He had a black mouth that said other of him.
SANDS
FTLN 0622 He may, my lord. ’Has wherewithal. In him,
FTLN 0623 75 Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine.
FTLN 0624 Men of his way should be most liberal;
FTLN 0625 They are set here for examples.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0626 True, they are so,
FTLN 0627 But few now give so great ones. My barge stays.
FTLN 0628 80 Your Lordship shall along.—Come, good Sir Thomas,
FTLN 0629 We shall be late else, which I would not be,

47
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0630 For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guilford
FTLN 0631 This night to be comptrollers.
SANDS FTLN 0632 I am your Lordship’s.
They exit.
Scene 4
Hautboys. A small table under a state for the Cardinal, a
longer table for the guests. Then enter Anne Bullen and
divers other ladies and gentlemen as guests at one door;
at another door enter Sir Henry Guilford.
GUILFORD
FTLN 0633 Ladies, a general welcome from his Grace
FTLN 0634 Salutes you all. This night he dedicates
FTLN 0635 To fair content and you. None here, he hopes,
FTLN 0636 In all this noble bevy has brought with her
FTLN 0637 5 One care abroad. He would have all as merry
FTLN 0638 As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome
FTLN 0639 Can make good people.
Enter Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and
Sir Thomas Lovell.
FTLN 0640 O, my lord, you’re tardy!
FTLN 0641 The very thought of this fair company
FTLN 0642 10 Clapped wings to me.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0643 You are young, Sir Harry Guilford.
SANDS
FTLN 0644 Sir Thomas Lovell, had the Cardinal
FTLN 0645 But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these
FTLN 0646 Should find a running banquet, ere they rested,
FTLN 0647 15 I think would better please ’em. By my life,
FTLN 0648 They are a sweet society of fair ones.
LOVELL
FTLN 0649 O, that your Lordship were but now confessor
FTLN 0650 To one or two of these!

49
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
SANDS FTLN 0651 I would I were.
FTLN 0652 20 They should find easy penance.
LOVELL FTLN 0653 Faith, how easy?
SANDS
FTLN 0654 As easy as a down bed would afford it.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0655 Sweet ladies, will it please you sit?—Sir Harry,
FTLN 0656 Place you that side; I’ll take the charge of this.
The guests are seated.
FTLN 0657 25 His Grace is ent’ring. Nay, you must not freeze;
FTLN 0658 Two women placed together makes cold weather.
FTLN 0659 My Lord Sands, you are one will keep ’em waking.
FTLN 0660 Pray sit between these ladies.
SANDS FTLN 0661 By my faith,
FTLN 0662 30 And thank your Lordship.—By your leave, sweet ladies.
He sits between Anne Bullen and another lady.
FTLN 0663 If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
FTLN 0664 I had it from my father.
ANNE FTLN 0665 Was he mad, sir?
SANDS
FTLN 0666 O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too;
FTLN 0667 35 But he would bite none. Just as I do now,
FTLN 0668 He would kiss you twenty with a breath.
He kisses Anne.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0669 Well said,
FTLN 0670 my lord.
FTLN 0671 So, now you’re fairly seated, gentlemen,
FTLN 0672 40 The penance lies on you if these fair ladies
FTLN 0673 Pass away frowning.
SANDS FTLN 0674 For my little cure,
FTLN 0675 Let me alone.
Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, with Attendants and
Servants, and takes his state.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0676 You’re welcome, my fair guests. That noble lady

51
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0677 45 Or gentleman that is not freely merry
FTLN 0678 Is not my friend. This to confirm my welcome,
FTLN 0679 And to you all good health. He drinks to them.
SANDS FTLN 0680 Your Grace is noble.
FTLN 0681 Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks
FTLN 0682 50 And save me so much talking.
WOLSEY FTLN 0683 My Lord Sands,
FTLN 0684 I am beholding to you. Cheer your neighbors.—
FTLN 0685 Ladies, you are not merry.—Gentlemen,
FTLN 0686 Whose fault is this?
SANDS FTLN 0687 55 The red wine first must rise
FTLN 0688 In their fair cheeks, my lord. Then we shall have ’em
FTLN 0689 Talk us to silence.
ANNE FTLN 0690 You are a merry gamester,
FTLN 0691 My Lord Sands.
SANDS FTLN 0692 60 Yes, if I make my play.
FTLN 0693 Here’s to your Ladyship, and pledge it, madam,
He drinks to her.
FTLN 0694 For ’tis to such a thing—
ANNE FTLN 0695 You cannot show me.
SANDS
FTLN 0696 I told your Grace they would talk anon.
Drum and Trumpet. Chambers discharged.
WOLSEY FTLN 0697 65 What’s that?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0698 Look out there, some of you. Servants exit.
WOLSEY FTLN 0699 What warlike voice,
FTLN 0700 And to what end, is this?—Nay, ladies, fear not.
FTLN 0701 By all the laws of war you’re privileged.
Enter a Servant.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0702 70 How now, what is ’t?
SERVANT FTLN 0703 A noble troop of strangers,
FTLN 0704 For so they seem. They’ve left their barge and landed,
FTLN 0705 And hither make, as great ambassadors
FTLN 0706 From foreign princes.

53
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
WOLSEY FTLN 0707 75 Good Lord Chamberlain,
FTLN 0708 Go, give ’em welcome—you can speak the French
FTLN 0709 tongue—
FTLN 0710 And pray receive ’em nobly, and conduct ’em
FTLN 0711 Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty
FTLN 0712 80 Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.
Lord Chamberlain exits, with Attendants.
All rise, and tables removed.
FTLN 0713 You have now a broken banquet, but we’ll mend it.
FTLN 0714 A good digestion to you all; and once more
FTLN 0715 I shower a welcome on you. Welcome all!
Hautboys. Enter King and others as masquers, habited
like shepherds, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain.
They pass directly before the Cardinal and gracefully
salute him.
FTLN 0716 A noble company! What are their pleasures?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0717 85 Because they speak no English, thus they prayed
FTLN 0718 To tell your Grace: that, having heard by fame
FTLN 0719 Of this so noble and so fair assembly
FTLN 0720 This night to meet here, they could do no less,
FTLN 0721 Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,
FTLN 0722 90 But leave their flocks and, under your fair conduct,
FTLN 0723 Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
FTLN 0724 An hour of revels with ’em.
WOLSEY FTLN 0725 Say, Lord Chamberlain,
FTLN 0726 They have done my poor house grace, for which I
FTLN 0727 95 pay ’em
FTLN 0728 A thousand thanks and pray ’em take their pleasures.
The masquers choose Ladies. The
King chooses Anne Bullen.
KING
FTLN 0729 The fairest hand I ever touched! O beauty,
FTLN 0730 Till now I never knew thee.
Music, Dance.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0731 My lord!

55
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0732 100 Your Grace?
WOLSEY FTLN 0733 Pray tell ’em thus much
FTLN 0734 from me:
FTLN 0735 There should be one amongst ’em by his person
FTLN 0736 More worthy this place than myself, to whom,
FTLN 0737 105 If I but knew him, with my love and duty
FTLN 0738 I would surrender it.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0739 I will, my lord.
Whisper with the masquers.
WOLSEY
FTLN 0740 What say they?
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0741 Such a one they all confess
FTLN 0742 110 There is indeed, which they would have your Grace
FTLN 0743 Find out, and he will take it.
WOLSEY FTLN 0744 Let me see, then.
He leaves his state.
FTLN 0745 By all your good leaves, gentlemen.
He bows before the King.
FTLN 0746 Here I’ll make
FTLN 0747 115 My royal choice.
KING , unmasking FTLN 0748 You have found him, cardinal.
FTLN 0749 You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord.
FTLN 0750 You are a churchman, or I’ll tell you, cardinal,
FTLN 0751 I should judge now unhappily.
WOLSEY FTLN 0752 120 I am glad
FTLN 0753 Your Grace is grown so pleasant.
KING FTLN 0754 My Lord Chamberlain,
FTLN 0755 Prithee come hither. What fair lady’s that?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0756 An ’t please your Grace, Sir Thomas Bullen’s daughter,
FTLN 0757 125 The Viscount Rochford, one of her Highness’ women.
KING
FTLN 0758 By heaven, she is a dainty one.—Sweetheart,
FTLN 0759 I were unmannerly to take you out
FTLN 0760 And not to kiss you. He kisses Anne. A health,
FTLN 0761 gentlemen!
FTLN 0762 130 Let it go round. He drinks a toast.

57
Henry VIII
ACT 1. SC. 4
WOLSEY
FTLN 0763 Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready
FTLN 0764 I’ th’ privy chamber?
LOVELL FTLN 0765 Yes, my lord.
WOLSEY FTLN 0766 Your Grace,
FTLN 0767 135 I fear, with dancing is a little heated.
KING
FTLN 0768 I fear, too much.
WOLSEY FTLN 0769 There’s fresher air, my lord,
FTLN 0770 In the next chamber.
KING
FTLN 0771 Lead in your ladies ev’ry one.—Sweet partner,
FTLN 0772 140 I must not yet forsake you.—Let’s be merry,
FTLN 0773 Good my Lord Cardinal. I have half a dozen healths
FTLN 0774 To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure
FTLN 0775 To lead ’em once again, and then let’s dream
FTLN 0776 Who’s best in favor. Let the music knock it.
They exit, with Trumpets.

ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter two Gentlemen at several doors.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0777 Whither away so fast?
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0778 O, God save you.
FTLN 0779 E’en to the Hall to hear what shall become
FTLN 0780 Of the great Duke of Buckingham.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0781 5 I’ll save you
FTLN 0782 That labor, sir. All’s now done but the ceremony
FTLN 0783 Of bringing back the prisoner.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0784 Were you there?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0785 Yes, indeed was I.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0786 10 Pray speak what has happened.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0787 You may guess quickly what.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0788 Is he found guilty?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0789 Yes, truly, is he, and condemned upon ’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0790 I am sorry for ’t.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0791 15 So are a number more.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0792 But pray, how passed it?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0793 I’ll tell you in a little. The great duke
FTLN 0794 Came to the bar, where to his accusations
61

63
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0795 He pleaded still not guilty and alleged
FTLN 0796 20 Many sharp reasons to defeat the law.
FTLN 0797 The King’s attorney on the contrary
FTLN 0798 Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions
FTLN 0799 Of divers witnesses, which the Duke desired
FTLN 0800 To him brought viva voce to his face;
FTLN 0801 25 At which appeared against him his surveyor,
FTLN 0802 Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor, and John Car,
FTLN 0803 Confessor to him, with that devil monk,
FTLN 0804 Hopkins, that made this mischief.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0805 That was he
FTLN 0806 30 That fed him with his prophecies?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0807 The same.
FTLN 0808 All these accused him strongly, which he fain
FTLN 0809 Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not.
FTLN 0810 And so his peers upon this evidence
FTLN 0811 35 Have found him guilty of high treason. Much
FTLN 0812 He spoke, and learnèdly, for life, but all
FTLN 0813 Was either pitied in him or forgotten.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0814 After all this, how did he bear himself?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0815 When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear
FTLN 0816 40 His knell rung out, his judgment, he was stirred
FTLN 0817 With such an agony he sweat extremely
FTLN 0818 And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty.
FTLN 0819 But he fell to himself again, and sweetly
FTLN 0820 In all the rest showed a most noble patience.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0821 45 I do not think he fears death.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0822 Sure he does not;
FTLN 0823 He never was so womanish. The cause
FTLN 0824 He may a little grieve at.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0825 Certainly
FTLN 0826 50 The Cardinal is the end of this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0827 ’Tis likely,

65
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0828 By all conjectures; first, Kildare’s attainder,
FTLN 0829 Then Deputy of Ireland, who, removed,
FTLN 0830 Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too,
FTLN 0831 55 Lest he should help his father.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0832 That trick of state
FTLN 0833 Was a deep envious one.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0834 At his return
FTLN 0835 No doubt he will requite it. This is noted,
FTLN 0836 60 And generally: whoever the King favors,
FTLN 0837 The Card’nal instantly will find employment,
FTLN 0838 And far enough from court too.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0839 All the commons
FTLN 0840 Hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience,
FTLN 0841 65 Wish him ten fathom deep. This duke as much
FTLN 0842 They love and dote on, call him bounteous
FTLN 0843 Buckingham,
FTLN 0844 The mirror of all courtesy.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0845 Stay there, sir,
FTLN 0846 70 And see the noble ruined man you speak of.
Enter Buckingham from his arraignment, Tipstaves before
him, the ax with the edge towards him, Halberds on each
side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas
Vaux, Sir Walter Sands, and Common People, etc.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0847 Let’s stand close and behold him.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0848 All good people,
FTLN 0849 You that thus far have come to pity me,
FTLN 0850 Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.
FTLN 0851 75 I have this day received a traitor’s judgment,
FTLN 0852 And by that name must die. Yet heaven bear witness,
FTLN 0853 And if I have a conscience, let it sink me
FTLN 0854 Even as the ax falls, if I be not faithful!
FTLN 0855 The law I bear no malice for my death;
FTLN 0856 80 ’T has done, upon the premises, but justice.
FTLN 0857 But those that sought it I could wish more Christian.

67
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0858 Be what they will, I heartily forgive ’em.
FTLN 0859 Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief,
FTLN 0860 Nor build their evils on the graves of great men,
FTLN 0861 85 For then my guiltless blood must cry against ’em.
FTLN 0862 For further life in this world I ne’er hope,
FTLN 0863 Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies
FTLN 0864 More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me
FTLN 0865 And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,
FTLN 0866 90 His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave
FTLN 0867 Is only bitter to him, only dying,
FTLN 0868 Go with me like good angels to my end,
FTLN 0869 And as the long divorce of steel falls on me,
FTLN 0870 Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice,
FTLN 0871 95 And lift my soul to heaven.—Lead on, a’ God’s name.
LOVELL
FTLN 0872 I do beseech your Grace, for charity,
FTLN 0873 If ever any malice in your heart
FTLN 0874 Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.
BUCKINGHAM
FTLN 0875 Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you
FTLN 0876 100 As I would be forgiven. I forgive all.
FTLN 0877 There cannot be those numberless offenses
FTLN 0878 ’Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black
FTLN 0879 envy
FTLN 0880 Shall make my grave. Commend me to his Grace.
FTLN 0881 105 And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him
FTLN 0882 You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers
FTLN 0883 Yet are the King’s and, till my soul forsake,
FTLN 0884 Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live
FTLN 0885 Longer than I have time to tell his years.
FTLN 0886 110 Ever beloved and loving may his rule be;
FTLN 0887 And when old Time shall lead him to his end,
FTLN 0888 Goodness and he fill up one monument!
LOVELL
FTLN 0889 To th’ waterside I must conduct your Grace,
FTLN 0890 Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,
FTLN 0891 115 Who undertakes you to your end.

69
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 1
VAUX , calling as to Officers offstage FTLN 0892 Prepare there!
FTLN 0893 The Duke is coming. See the barge be ready,
FTLN 0894 And fit it with such furniture as suits
FTLN 0895 The greatness of his person.
BUCKINGHAM FTLN 0896 120 Nay, Sir Nicholas,
FTLN 0897 Let it alone. My state now will but mock me.
FTLN 0898 When I came hither, I was Lord High Constable
FTLN 0899 And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun.
FTLN 0900 Yet I am richer than my base accusers,
FTLN 0901 125 That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it,
FTLN 0902 And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for ’t.
FTLN 0903 My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,
FTLN 0904 Who first raised head against usurping Richard,
FTLN 0905 Flying for succor to his servant Banister,
FTLN 0906 130 Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed,
FTLN 0907 And, without trial, fell. God’s peace be with him.
FTLN 0908 Henry the Seventh, succeeding, truly pitying
FTLN 0909 My father’s loss, like a most royal prince
FTLN 0910 Restored me to my honors and out of ruins
FTLN 0911 135 Made my name once more noble. Now his son,
FTLN 0912 Henry the Eighth, life, honor, name, and all
FTLN 0913 That made me happy at one stroke has taken
FTLN 0914 Forever from the world. I had my trial,
FTLN 0915 And must needs say a noble one, which makes me
FTLN 0916 140 A little happier than my wretched father.
FTLN 0917 Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both
FTLN 0918 Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most—
FTLN 0919 A most unnatural and faithless service.
FTLN 0920 Heaven has an end in all; yet, you that hear me,
FTLN 0921 145 This from a dying man receive as certain:
FTLN 0922 Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels
FTLN 0923 Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends
FTLN 0924 And give your hearts to, when they once perceive
FTLN 0925 The least rub in your fortunes, fall away
FTLN 0926 150 Like water from you, never found again

71
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 1
FTLN 0927 But where they mean to sink you. All good people,
FTLN 0928 Pray for me. I must now forsake you. The last hour
FTLN 0929 Of my long weary life is come upon me.
FTLN 0930 Farewell. And when you would say something that
FTLN 0931 155 is sad,
FTLN 0932 Speak how I fell. I have done; and God forgive me.
Duke and train exit.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0933 O, this is full of pity, sir! It calls,
FTLN 0934 I fear, too many curses on their heads
FTLN 0935 That were the authors.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0936 160 If the Duke be guiltless,
FTLN 0937 ’Tis full of woe. Yet I can give you inkling
FTLN 0938 Of an ensuing evil, if it fall,
FTLN 0939 Greater than this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0940 Good angels keep it from us!
FTLN 0941 165 What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0942 This secret is so weighty ’twill require
FTLN 0943 A strong faith to conceal it.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0944 Let me have it.
FTLN 0945 I do not talk much.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0946 170 I am confident;
FTLN 0947 You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear
FTLN 0948 A buzzing of a separation
FTLN 0949 Between the King and Katherine?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0950 Yes, but it held not;
FTLN 0951 175 For when the King once heard it, out of anger
FTLN 0952 He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight
FTLN 0953 To stop the rumor and allay those tongues
FTLN 0954 That durst disperse it.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 0955 But that slander, sir,
FTLN 0956 180 Is found a truth now, for it grows again
FTLN 0957 Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain
FTLN 0958 The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal,
FTLN 0959 Or some about him near, have, out of malice

73
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0960 To the good queen, possessed him with a scruple
FTLN 0961 185 That will undo her. To confirm this too,
FTLN 0962 Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately,
FTLN 0963 As all think, for this business.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0964 ’Tis the Cardinal;
FTLN 0965 And merely to revenge him on the Emperor
FTLN 0966 190 For not bestowing on him at his asking
FTLN 0967 The archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 0968 I think you have hit the mark. But is ’t not cruel
FTLN 0969 That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal
FTLN 0970 Will have his will, and she must fall.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 0971 195 ’Tis woeful.
FTLN 0972 We are too open here to argue this.
FTLN 0973 Let’s think in private more.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Lord Chamberlain, reading this letter.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0974 My lord, the horses your Lordship sent
FTLN 0975 for, with all the care I had I saw well chosen, ridden,
FTLN 0976 and furnished. They were young and handsome and
FTLN 0977 of the best breed in the north. When they were ready
FTLN 0978 5 to set out for London, a man of my Lord Cardinal’s,
FTLN 0979 by commission and main power, took ’em from me
FTLN 0980 with this reason: his master would be served before
FTLN 0981 a subject, if not before the King, which stopped our
FTLN 0982 mouths, sir.
FTLN 0983 10 I fear he will indeed; well, let him have them.
FTLN 0984 He will have all, I think.
Enter to the Lord Chamberlain, the Dukes
of Norfolk and Suffolk.
NORFOLK FTLN 0985 Well met, my Lord Chamberlain.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0986 Good day to both your Graces.

75
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
SUFFOLK
FTLN 0987 How is the King employed?
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 0988 15 I left him private,
FTLN 0989 Full of sad thoughts and troubles.
NORFOLK FTLN 0990 What’s the cause?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 0991 It seems the marriage with his brother’s wife
FTLN 0992 Has crept too near his conscience.
SUFFOLK FTLN 0993 20 No, his conscience
FTLN 0994 Has crept too near another lady.
NORFOLK FTLN 0995 ’Tis so;
FTLN 0996 This is the Cardinal’s doing. The king-cardinal,
FTLN 0997 That blind priest, like the eldest son of Fortune,
FTLN 0998 25 Turns what he list. The King will know him one day.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 0999 Pray God he do! He’ll never know himself else.
NORFOLK
FTLN 1000 How holily he works in all his business,
FTLN 1001 And with what zeal! For, now he has cracked the
FTLN 1002 league
FTLN 1003 30 Between us and the Emperor, the Queen’s
FTLN 1004 great-nephew,
FTLN 1005 He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters
FTLN 1006 Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,
FTLN 1007 Fears and despairs—and all these for his marriage.
FTLN 1008 35 And out of all these to restore the King,
FTLN 1009 He counsels a divorce, a loss of her
FTLN 1010 That like a jewel has hung twenty years
FTLN 1011 About his neck, yet never lost her luster;
FTLN 1012 Of her that loves him with that excellence
FTLN 1013 40 That angels love good men with; even of her
FTLN 1014 That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls,
FTLN 1015 Will bless the King. And is not this course pious?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 1016 Heaven keep me from such counsel! ’Tis most true:
FTLN 1017 These news are everywhere, every tongue speaks ’em,

77
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 1018 45 And every true heart weeps for ’t. All that dare
FTLN 1019 Look into these affairs see this main end,
FTLN 1020 The French king’s sister. Heaven will one day open
FTLN 1021 The King’s eyes, that so long have slept upon
FTLN 1022 This bold bad man.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1023 50 And free us from his slavery.
NORFOLK FTLN 1024 We had need pray,
FTLN 1025 And heartily, for our deliverance,
FTLN 1026 Or this imperious man will work us all
FTLN 1027 From princes into pages. All men’s honors
FTLN 1028 55 Lie like one lump before him, to be fashioned
FTLN 1029 Into what pitch he please.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1030 For me, my lords,
FTLN 1031 I love him not nor fear him; there’s my creed.
FTLN 1032 As I am made without him, so I’ll stand,
FTLN 1033 60 If the King please. His curses and his blessings
FTLN 1034 Touch me alike: they’re breath I not believe in.
FTLN 1035 I knew him and I know him; so I leave him
FTLN 1036 To him that made him proud, the Pope.
NORFOLK FTLN 1037 Let’s in,
FTLN 1038 65 And with some other business put the King
FTLN 1039 From these sad thoughts that work too much upon
FTLN 1040 him.—
FTLN 1041 My lord, you’ll bear us company?
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 1042 Excuse me;
FTLN 1043 70 The King has sent me otherwhere. Besides,
FTLN 1044 You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him.
FTLN 1045 Health to your Lordships.
NORFOLK FTLN 1046 Thanks, my good Lord
FTLN 1047 Chamberlain.
Lord Chamberlain exits; and the King draws
the curtain and sits reading pensively.
SUFFOLK , to Norfolk
FTLN 1048 75 How sad he looks! Sure he is much afflicted.
KING
FTLN 1049 Who’s there? Ha?

79
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
NORFOLK , to Suffolk FTLN 1050 Pray God he be not angry.
KING
FTLN 1051 Who’s there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves
FTLN 1052 Into my private meditations? Who am I, ha?
NORFOLK
FTLN 1053 80 A gracious king that pardons all offenses
FTLN 1054 Malice ne’er meant. Our breach of duty this way
FTLN 1055 Is business of estate, in which we come
FTLN 1056 To know your royal pleasure.
KING FTLN 1057 You are too bold.
FTLN 1058 85 Go to; I’ll make you know your times of business.
FTLN 1059 Is this an hour for temporal affairs, ha?
Enter Wolsey and Campeius, with a commission.
FTLN 1060 Who’s there? My good Lord Cardinal? O my Wolsey,
FTLN 1061 The quiet of my wounded conscience,
FTLN 1062 Thou art a cure fit for a king. To Campeius. You’re
FTLN 1063 90 welcome,
FTLN 1064 Most learnèd reverend sir, into our kingdom.
FTLN 1065 Use us and it.—My good lord, have great care
FTLN 1066 I be not found a talker.
WOLSEY FTLN 1067 Sir, you cannot.
FTLN 1068 95 I would your Grace would give us but an hour
FTLN 1069 Of private conference.
KING , to Norfolk and Suffolk FTLN 1070 We are busy. Go.
NORFOLK , aside to Suffolk
FTLN 1071 This priest has no pride in him?
SUFFOLK , aside to Norfolk FTLN 1072 Not to speak of.
FTLN 1073 100 I would not be so sick, though for his place.
FTLN 1074 But this cannot continue.
NORFOLK , aside to Suffolk FTLN 1075 If it do,
FTLN 1076 I’ll venture one have-at-him.
SUFFOLK , aside to Norfolk FTLN 1077 I another.
Norfolk and Suffolk exit.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1078 105 Your Grace has given a precedent of wisdom

81
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 1079 Above all princes in committing freely
FTLN 1080 Your scruple to the voice of Christendom.
FTLN 1081 Who can be angry now? What envy reach you?
FTLN 1082 The Spaniard, tied by blood and favor to her,
FTLN 1083 110 Must now confess, if they have any goodness,
FTLN 1084 The trial just and noble; all the clerks—
FTLN 1085 I mean the learnèd ones in Christian kingdoms—
FTLN 1086 Have their free voices; Rome, the nurse of judgment,
FTLN 1087 Invited by your noble self, hath sent
FTLN 1088 115 One general tongue unto us, this good man,
FTLN 1089 This just and learnèd priest, Cardinal Campeius,
FTLN 1090 Whom once more I present unto your Highness.
KING
FTLN 1091 And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome,
FTLN 1092 And thank the holy conclave for their loves.
FTLN 1093 120 They have sent me such a man I would have wished
FTLN 1094 for. He embraces Campeius.
CAMPEIUS , handing the King a paper
FTLN 1095 Your Grace must needs deserve all strangers’ loves,
FTLN 1096 You are so noble. To your Highness’ hand
FTLN 1097 I tender my commission—by whose virtue,
FTLN 1098 125 The court of Rome commanding, you, my Lord
FTLN 1099 Cardinal of York, are joined with me their servant
FTLN 1100 In the unpartial judging of this business.
KING
FTLN 1101 Two equal men. The Queen shall be acquainted
FTLN 1102 Forthwith for what you come. Where’s Gardiner?
WOLSEY
FTLN 1103 130 I know your Majesty has always loved her
FTLN 1104 So dear in heart not to deny her that
FTLN 1105 A woman of less place might ask by law:
FTLN 1106 Scholars allowed freely to argue for her.
KING
FTLN 1107 Ay, and the best she shall have, and my favor
FTLN 1108 135 To him that does best. God forbid else. Cardinal,

83
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 1109 Prithee call Gardiner to me, my new secretary.
FTLN 1110 I find him a fit fellow. Wolsey goes to the door.
Enter Gardiner to Wolsey.
WOLSEY , aside to Gardiner
FTLN 1111 Give me your hand. Much joy and favor to you.
FTLN 1112 You are the King’s now.
GARDINER , aside to Wolsey FTLN 1113 140 But to be commanded
FTLN 1114 Forever by your Grace, whose hand has raised me.
KING FTLN 1115 Come hither, Gardiner.
The King and Gardiner walk and whisper.
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1116 My lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace
FTLN 1117 In this man’s place before him?
WOLSEY FTLN 1118 145 Yes, he was.
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1119 Was he not held a learnèd man?
WOLSEY FTLN 1120 Yes, surely.
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1121 Believe me, there’s an ill opinion spread, then,
FTLN 1122 Even of yourself, Lord Cardinal.
WOLSEY FTLN 1123 150 How? Of me?
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1124 They will not stick to say you envied him
FTLN 1125 And, fearing he would rise—he was so virtuous—
FTLN 1126 Kept him a foreign man still, which so grieved him
FTLN 1127 That he ran mad and died.
WOLSEY FTLN 1128 155 Heav’n’s peace be with him!
FTLN 1129 That’s Christian care enough. For living murmurers,
FTLN 1130 There’s places of rebuke. He was a fool,
FTLN 1131 For he would needs be virtuous. That good fellow
FTLN 1132 If I command him follows my appointment.
FTLN 1133 160 I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother:
FTLN 1134 We live not to be griped by meaner persons.

85
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 3
KING , to Gardiner
FTLN 1135 Deliver this with modesty to th’ Queen.
Gardiner exits.
FTLN 1136 The most convenient place that I can think of
FTLN 1137 For such receipt of learning is Blackfriars.
FTLN 1138 165 There you shall meet about this weighty business.
FTLN 1139 My Wolsey, see it furnished. O, my lord,
FTLN 1140 Would it not grieve an able man to leave
FTLN 1141 So sweet a bedfellow? But, conscience, conscience!
FTLN 1142 O, ’tis a tender place, and I must leave her.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Anne Bullen and an old Lady.
ANNE
FTLN 1143 Not for that neither. Here’s the pang that pinches:
FTLN 1144 His Highness having lived so long with her, and she
FTLN 1145 So good a lady that no tongue could ever
FTLN 1146 Pronounce dishonor of her—by my life,
FTLN 1147 5 She never knew harm-doing!—O, now, after
FTLN 1148 So many courses of the sun enthroned,
FTLN 1149 Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the which
FTLN 1150 To leave a thousandfold more bitter than
FTLN 1151 ’Tis sweet at first t’ acquire—after this process,
FTLN 1152 10 To give her the avaunt! It is a pity
FTLN 1153 Would move a monster.
OLD LADY FTLN 1154 Hearts of most hard temper
FTLN 1155 Melt and lament for her.
ANNE FTLN 1156 O, God’s will! Much better
FTLN 1157 15 She ne’er had known pomp; though ’t be temporal,
FTLN 1158 Yet if that quarrel, Fortune, do divorce
FTLN 1159 It from the bearer, ’tis a sufferance panging
FTLN 1160 As soul and body’s severing.
OLD LADY FTLN 1161 Alas, poor lady,
FTLN 1162 20 She’s a stranger now again!

87
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 3
ANNE FTLN 1163 So much the more
FTLN 1164 Must pity drop upon her. Verily,
FTLN 1165 I swear, ’tis better to be lowly born
FTLN 1166 And range with humble livers in content
FTLN 1167 25 Than to be perked up in a glist’ring grief
FTLN 1168 And wear a golden sorrow.
OLD LADY FTLN 1169 Our content
FTLN 1170 Is our best having.
ANNE FTLN 1171 By my troth and maidenhead,
FTLN 1172 30 I would not be a queen.
OLD LADY FTLN 1173 Beshrew me, I would,
FTLN 1174 And venture maidenhead for ’t; and so would you,
FTLN 1175 For all this spice of your hypocrisy.
FTLN 1176 You, that have so fair parts of woman on you,
FTLN 1177 35 Have too a woman’s heart, which ever yet
FTLN 1178 Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty;
FTLN 1179 Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts,
FTLN 1180 Saving your mincing, the capacity
FTLN 1181 Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive
FTLN 1182 40 If you might please to stretch it.
ANNE FTLN 1183 Nay, good troth.
OLD LADY
FTLN 1184 Yes, troth, and troth. You would not be a queen?
ANNE
FTLN 1185 No, not for all the riches under heaven.
OLD LADY
FTLN 1186 ’Tis strange. A threepence bowed would hire me,
FTLN 1187 45 Old as I am, to queen it. But I pray you,
FTLN 1188 What think you of a duchess? Have you limbs
FTLN 1189 To bear that load of title?
ANNE FTLN 1190 No, in truth.
OLD LADY
FTLN 1191 Then you are weakly made. Pluck off a little.
FTLN 1192 50 I would not be a young count in your way
FTLN 1193 For more than blushing comes to. If your back

89
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 1194 Cannot vouchsafe this burden, ’tis too weak
FTLN 1195 Ever to get a boy.
ANNE FTLN 1196 How you do talk!
FTLN 1197 55 I swear again, I would not be a queen
FTLN 1198 For all the world.
OLD LADY FTLN 1199 In faith, for little England
FTLN 1200 You’d venture an emballing. I myself
FTLN 1201 Would for Carnarvanshire, although there longed
FTLN 1202 60 No more to th’ crown but that. Lo, who comes here?
Enter Lord Chamberlain.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 1203 Good morrow, ladies. What were ’t worth to know
FTLN 1204 The secret of your conference?
ANNE FTLN 1205 My good lord,
FTLN 1206 Not your demand; it values not your asking.
FTLN 1207 65 Our mistress’ sorrows we were pitying.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 1208 It was a gentle business, and becoming
FTLN 1209 The action of good women. There is hope
FTLN 1210 All will be well.
ANNE FTLN 1211 Now, I pray God, amen!
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 1212 70 You bear a gentle mind, and heav’nly blessings
FTLN 1213 Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,
FTLN 1214 Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note’s
FTLN 1215 Ta’en of your many virtues, the King’s Majesty
FTLN 1216 Commends his good opinion of you to you, and
FTLN 1217 75 Does purpose honor to you no less flowing
FTLN 1218 Than Marchioness of Pembroke, to which title
FTLN 1219 A thousand pound a year annual support
FTLN 1220 Out of his grace he adds.
ANNE FTLN 1221 I do not know
FTLN 1222 80 What kind of my obedience I should tender.
FTLN 1223 More than my all is nothing, nor my prayers
FTLN 1224 Are not words duly hallowed, nor my wishes

91
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 3
FTLN 1225 More worth than empty vanities. Yet prayers and
FTLN 1226 wishes
FTLN 1227 85 Are all I can return. ’Beseech your Lordship,
FTLN 1228 Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience,
FTLN 1229 As from a blushing handmaid, to his Highness,
FTLN 1230 Whose health and royalty I pray for.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 1231 Lady,
FTLN 1232 90 I shall not fail t’ approve the fair conceit
FTLN 1233 The King hath of you. (Aside.) I have perused her
FTLN 1234 well.
FTLN 1235 Beauty and honor in her are so mingled
FTLN 1236 That they have caught the King. And who knows yet
FTLN 1237 95 But from this lady may proceed a gem
FTLN 1238 To lighten all this isle?—I’ll to the King
FTLN 1239 And say I spoke with you.
ANNE FTLN 1240 My honored lord.
Lord Chamberlain exits.
OLD LADY FTLN 1241 Why, this it is! See, see!
FTLN 1242 100 I have been begging sixteen years in court,
FTLN 1243 Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could
FTLN 1244 Come pat betwixt too early and too late
FTLN 1245 For any suit of pounds; and you—O, fate!—
FTLN 1246 A very fresh fish here—fie, fie, fie upon
FTLN 1247 105 This compelled fortune!—have your mouth filled up
FTLN 1248 Before you open it.
ANNE FTLN 1249 This is strange to me.
OLD LADY
FTLN 1250 How tastes it? Is it bitter? Forty pence, no.
FTLN 1251 There was a lady once—’tis an old story—
FTLN 1252 110 That would not be a queen, that would she not,
FTLN 1253 For all the mud in Egypt. Have you heard it?
ANNE
FTLN 1254 Come, you are pleasant.
OLD LADY FTLN 1255 With your theme, I could
FTLN 1256 O’ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke?
FTLN 1257 115 A thousand pounds a year for pure respect?
FTLN 1258 No other obligation? By my life,

93
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1259 That promises more thousands; honor’s train
FTLN 1260 Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time
FTLN 1261 I know your back will bear a duchess. Say,
FTLN 1262 120 Are you not stronger than you were?
ANNE FTLN 1263 Good lady,
FTLN 1264 Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy,
FTLN 1265 And leave me out on ’t. Would I had no being
FTLN 1266 If this salute my blood a jot. It faints me
FTLN 1267 125 To think what follows.
FTLN 1268 The Queen is comfortless and we forgetful
FTLN 1269 In our long absence. Pray do not deliver
FTLN 1270 What here you’ve heard to her.
OLD LADY FTLN 1271 What do you think me?
They exit.
Scene 4
Trumpets, sennet, and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with
short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habit of
doctors; after them, the Bishop of Canterbury alone; after
him, the Bishops of Lincoln, Ely, Rochester, and Saint
Asaph; next them, with some small distance, follows a
Gentleman bearing the purse with the great seal, and a
cardinal’s hat. Then two Priests, bearing each a silver
cross; then a Gentleman Usher bare-headed, accompanied
with a Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing a silver mace; then two
Gentlemen, bearing two great silver pillars. After them,
side by side, the two Cardinals, and two Noblemen with
the sword and mace. The King takes place under the cloth
of state. The two Cardinals sit under him as judges. The
Queen takes place some distance from the King. The
Bishops place themselves 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
including a Crier and the Queen’s Gentleman Usher
stand in convenient order about the stage.

95
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
WOLSEY
FTLN 1272 Whilst our commission from Rome is read,
FTLN 1273 Let silence be commanded.
KING FTLN 1274 What’s the need?
FTLN 1275 It hath already publicly been read,
FTLN 1276 5 And on all sides th’ authority allowed.
FTLN 1277 You may then spare that time.
WOLSEY FTLN 1278 Be ’t so. Proceed.
SCRIBE FTLN 1279 Say “Henry King of England, come into the
FTLN 1280 court.”
CRIER FTLN 1281 10 Henry King of England, come into the court.
KING FTLN 1282 Here.
SCRIBE FTLN 1283 Say “Katherine Queen of England, come into
FTLN 1284 the court.”
CRIER FTLN 1285 Katherine Queen of England, come into the
FTLN 1286 15 court.
The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her
chair, goes about the court, comes to the King,
and kneels at his feet; then speaks.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1287 Sir, I desire you do me right and justice,
FTLN 1288 And to bestow your pity on me; for
FTLN 1289 I am a most poor woman and a stranger,
FTLN 1290 Born out of your dominions, having here
FTLN 1291 20 No judge indifferent nor no more assurance
FTLN 1292 Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,
FTLN 1293 In what have I offended you? What cause
FTLN 1294 Hath my behavior given to your displeasure
FTLN 1295 That thus you should proceed to put me off
FTLN 1296 25 And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness
FTLN 1297 I have been to you a true and humble wife,
FTLN 1298 At all times to your will conformable,
FTLN 1299 Ever in fear to kindle your dislike,
FTLN 1300 Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry
FTLN 1301 30 As I saw it inclined. When was the hour
FTLN 1302 I ever contradicted your desire,

97
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1303 Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends
FTLN 1304 Have I not strove to love, although I knew
FTLN 1305 He were mine enemy? What friend of mine
FTLN 1306 35 That had to him derived your anger did I
FTLN 1307 Continue in my liking? Nay, gave notice
FTLN 1308 He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind
FTLN 1309 That I have been your wife in this obedience
FTLN 1310 Upward of twenty years, and have been blessed
FTLN 1311 40 With many children by you. If, in the course
FTLN 1312 And process of this time, you can report,
FTLN 1313 And prove it too, against mine honor aught,
FTLN 1314 My bond to wedlock or my love and duty
FTLN 1315 Against your sacred person, in God’s name
FTLN 1316 45 Turn me away and let the foul’st contempt
FTLN 1317 Shut door upon me, and so give me up
FTLN 1318 To the sharp’st kind of justice. Please you, sir,
FTLN 1319 The King your father was reputed for
FTLN 1320 A prince most prudent, of an excellent
FTLN 1321 50 And unmatched wit and judgment. Ferdinand,
FTLN 1322 My father, King of Spain, was reckoned one
FTLN 1323 The wisest prince that there had reigned by many
FTLN 1324 A year before. It is not to be questioned
FTLN 1325 That they had gathered a wise council to them
FTLN 1326 55 Of every realm, that did debate this business,
FTLN 1327 Who deemed our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly
FTLN 1328 Beseech you, sir, to spare me till I may
FTLN 1329 Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel
FTLN 1330 I will implore. If not, i’ th’ name of God,
FTLN 1331 60 Your pleasure be fulfilled.
WOLSEY FTLN 1332 You have here, lady,
FTLN 1333 And of your choice, these reverend fathers, men
FTLN 1334 Of singular integrity and learning,
FTLN 1335 Yea, the elect o’ th’ land, who are assembled
FTLN 1336 65 To plead your cause. It shall be therefore bootless
FTLN 1337 That longer you desire the court, as well

99
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1338 For your own quiet as to rectify
FTLN 1339 What is unsettled in the King.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1340 His Grace
FTLN 1341 70 Hath spoken well and justly. Therefore, madam,
FTLN 1342 It’s fit this royal session do proceed
FTLN 1343 And that without delay their arguments
FTLN 1344 Be now produced and heard.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1345 Lord Cardinal,
FTLN 1346 75 To you I speak.
WOLSEY FTLN 1347 Your pleasure, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1348 Sir,
FTLN 1349 I am about to weep; but thinking that
FTLN 1350 We are a queen, or long have dreamed so, certain
FTLN 1351 80 The daughter of a king, my drops of tears
FTLN 1352 I’ll turn to sparks of fire.
WOLSEY FTLN 1353 Be patient yet.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1354 I will, when you are humble; nay, before,
FTLN 1355 Or God will punish me. I do believe,
FTLN 1356 85 Induced by potent circumstances, that
FTLN 1357 You are mine enemy, and make my challenge
FTLN 1358 You shall not be my judge; for it is you
FTLN 1359 Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me—
FTLN 1360 Which God’s dew quench! Therefore I say again,
FTLN 1361 90 I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul
FTLN 1362 Refuse you for my judge, whom, yet once more,
FTLN 1363 I hold my most malicious foe and think not
FTLN 1364 At all a friend to truth.
WOLSEY FTLN 1365 I do profess
FTLN 1366 95 You speak not like yourself, who ever yet
FTLN 1367 Have stood to charity and displayed th’ effects
FTLN 1368 Of disposition gentle and of wisdom
FTLN 1369 O’ertopping woman’s power. Madam, you do me
FTLN 1370 wrong.
FTLN 1371 100 I have no spleen against you, nor injustice
FTLN 1372 For you or any. How far I have proceeded,

101
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1373 Or how far further shall, is warranted
FTLN 1374 By a commission from the Consistory,
FTLN 1375 Yea, the whole Consistory of Rome. You charge me
FTLN 1376 105 That I “have blown this coal.” I do deny it.
FTLN 1377 The King is present. If it be known to him
FTLN 1378 That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound,
FTLN 1379 And worthily, my falsehood, yea, as much
FTLN 1380 As you have done my truth. If he know
FTLN 1381 110 That I am free of your report, he knows
FTLN 1382 I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him
FTLN 1383 It lies to cure me, and the cure is to
FTLN 1384 Remove these thoughts from you, the which before
FTLN 1385 His Highness shall speak in, I do beseech
FTLN 1386 115 You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking
FTLN 1387 And to say so no more.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1388 My lord, my lord,
FTLN 1389 I am a simple woman, much too weak
FTLN 1390 T’ oppose your cunning. You’re meek and
FTLN 1391 120 humble-mouthed;
FTLN 1392 You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,
FTLN 1393 With meekness and humility, but your heart
FTLN 1394 Is crammed with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.
FTLN 1395 You have by fortune and his Highness’ favors
FTLN 1396 125 Gone slightly o’er low steps, and now are mounted
FTLN 1397 Where powers are your retainers, and your words,
FTLN 1398 Domestics to you, serve your will as ’t please
FTLN 1399 Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you,
FTLN 1400 You tender more your person’s honor than
FTLN 1401 130 Your high profession spiritual, that again
FTLN 1402 I do refuse you for my judge, and here,
FTLN 1403 Before you all, appeal unto the Pope
FTLN 1404 To bring my whole cause ’fore his Holiness,
FTLN 1405 And to be judged by him.
She curtsies to the King, and offers to depart.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1406 135 The Queen is obstinate,
FTLN 1407 Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and

103
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1408 Disdainful to be tried by ’t. ’Tis not well.
FTLN 1409 She’s going away.
KING FTLN 1410 Call her again.
CRIER FTLN 1411 140 Katherine, Queen of England, come into the
FTLN 1412 court.
GENTLEMAN USHER FTLN 1413 Madam, you are called back.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1414 What need you note it? Pray you, keep your way.
FTLN 1415 When you are called, return. Now, the Lord help!
FTLN 1416 145 They vex me past my patience. Pray you, pass on.
FTLN 1417 I will not tarry; no, nor ever more
FTLN 1418 Upon this business my appearance make
FTLN 1419 In any of their courts.
Queen and her Attendants exit.
KING FTLN 1420 Go thy ways, Kate.
FTLN 1421 150 That man i’ th’ world who shall report he has
FTLN 1422 A better wife, let him in naught be trusted,
FTLN 1423 For speaking false in that. Thou art, alone—
FTLN 1424 If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness,
FTLN 1425 Thy meekness saintlike, wifelike government,
FTLN 1426 155 Obeying in commanding, and thy parts
FTLN 1427 Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out—
FTLN 1428 The queen of earthly queens. She’s noble born,
FTLN 1429 And like her true nobility she has
FTLN 1430 Carried herself towards me.
WOLSEY FTLN 1431 160 Most gracious sir,
FTLN 1432 In humblest manner I require your Highness
FTLN 1433 That it shall please you to declare in hearing
FTLN 1434 Of all these ears—for where I am robbed and bound,
FTLN 1435 There must I be unloosed, although not there
FTLN 1436 165 At once and fully satisfied—whether ever I
FTLN 1437 Did broach this business to your Highness, or
FTLN 1438 Laid any scruple in your way which might
FTLN 1439 Induce you to the question on ’t, or ever
FTLN 1440 Have to you, but with thanks to God for such

105
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1441 170 A royal lady, spake one the least word that might
FTLN 1442 Be to the prejudice of her present state,
FTLN 1443 Or touch of her good person?
KING FTLN 1444 My Lord Cardinal,
FTLN 1445 I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honor,
FTLN 1446 175 I free you from ’t. You are not to be taught
FTLN 1447 That you have many enemies that know not
FTLN 1448 Why they are so but, like to village curs,
FTLN 1449 Bark when their fellows do. By some of these
FTLN 1450 The Queen is put in anger. You’re excused.
FTLN 1451 180 But will you be more justified? You ever
FTLN 1452 Have wished the sleeping of this business, never
FTLN 1453 desired
FTLN 1454 It to be stirred, but oft have hindered, oft,
FTLN 1455 The passages made toward it. On my honor
FTLN 1456 185 I speak my good Lord Cardinal to this point
FTLN 1457 And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to ’t,
FTLN 1458 I will be bold with time and your attention.
FTLN 1459 Then mark th’ inducement. Thus it came; give heed
FTLN 1460 to ’t:
FTLN 1461 190 My conscience first received a tenderness,
FTLN 1462 Scruple, and prick on certain speeches uttered
FTLN 1463 By th’ Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador,
FTLN 1464 Who had been hither sent on the debating
FTLN 1465 A marriage ’twixt the Duke of Orleans and
FTLN 1466 195 Our daughter Mary. I’ th’ progress of this business,
FTLN 1467 Ere a determinate resolution, he,
FTLN 1468 I mean the Bishop, did require a respite
FTLN 1469 Wherein he might the King his lord advertise
FTLN 1470 Whether our daughter were legitimate,
FTLN 1471 200 Respecting this our marriage with the dowager,
FTLN 1472 Sometime our brother’s wife. This respite shook
FTLN 1473 The bosom of my conscience, entered me,
FTLN 1474 Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble
FTLN 1475 The region of my breast; which forced such way
FTLN 1476 205 That many mazed considerings did throng

107
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1477 And pressed in with this caution. First, methought
FTLN 1478 I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had
FTLN 1479 Commanded nature that my lady’s womb,
FTLN 1480 If it conceived a male child by me, should
FTLN 1481 210 Do no more offices of life to ’t than
FTLN 1482 The grave does to th’ dead, for her male issue
FTLN 1483 Or died where they were made, or shortly after
FTLN 1484 This world had aired them. Hence I took a thought
FTLN 1485 This was a judgment on me, that my kingdom,
FTLN 1486 215 Well worthy the best heir o’ th’ world, should not
FTLN 1487 Be gladded in ’t by me. Then follows that
FTLN 1488 I weighed the danger which my realms stood in
FTLN 1489 By this my issue’s fail, and that gave to me
FTLN 1490 Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in
FTLN 1491 220 The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer
FTLN 1492 Toward this remedy whereupon we are
FTLN 1493 Now present here together. That’s to say,
FTLN 1494 I meant to rectify my conscience, which
FTLN 1495 I then did feel full sick, and yet not well,
FTLN 1496 225 By all the reverend fathers of the land
FTLN 1497 And doctors learnèd. First, I began in private
FTLN 1498 With you, my Lord of Lincoln. You remember
FTLN 1499 How under my oppression I did reek
FTLN 1500 When I first moved you.
LINCOLN FTLN 1501 230 Very well, my liege.
KING
FTLN 1502 I have spoke long. Be pleased yourself to say
FTLN 1503 How far you satisfied me.
LINCOLN FTLN 1504 So please your Highness,
FTLN 1505 The question did at first so stagger me,
FTLN 1506 235 Bearing a state of mighty moment in ’t
FTLN 1507 And consequence of dread, that I committed
FTLN 1508 The daring’st counsel which I had to doubt,
FTLN 1509 And did entreat your Highness to this course
FTLN 1510 Which you are running here.
KING FTLN 1511 240 I then moved you,

109
Henry VIII
ACT 2. SC. 4
FTLN 1512 My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave
FTLN 1513 To make this present summons. Unsolicited
FTLN 1514 I left no reverend person in this court,
FTLN 1515 But by particular consent proceeded
FTLN 1516 245 Under your hands and seals. Therefore go on,
FTLN 1517 For no dislike i’ th’ world against the person
FTLN 1518 Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points
FTLN 1519 Of my allegèd reasons drives this forward.
FTLN 1520 Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life
FTLN 1521 250 And kingly dignity, we are contented
FTLN 1522 To wear our mortal state to come with her,
FTLN 1523 Katherine our queen, before the primest creature
FTLN 1524 That’s paragoned o’ th’ world.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1525 So please your Highness,
FTLN 1526 255 The Queen being absent, ’tis a needful fitness
FTLN 1527 That we adjourn this court till further day.
FTLN 1528 Meanwhile must be an earnest motion
FTLN 1529 Made to the Queen to call back her appeal
FTLN 1530 She intends unto his Holiness.
KING , aside FTLN 1531 260 I may perceive
FTLN 1532 These cardinals trifle with me. I abhor
FTLN 1533 This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome.
FTLN 1534 My learnèd and well-belovèd servant Cranmer,
FTLN 1535 Prithee return. With thy approach, I know,
FTLN 1536 265 My comfort comes along.—Break up the court.
FTLN 1537 I say, set on.
They exit, in manner as they entered.

ACT 3
Scene 1
Enter Queen and her Women, as at work.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1538 Take thy lute, wench. My soul grows sad with troubles.
FTLN 1539 Sing, and disperse ’em if thou canst. Leave working.
WOMAN sings song.
FTLN 1540 Orpheus with his lute made trees
FTLN 1541 And the mountaintops that freeze
FTLN 1542 5 Bow themselves when he did sing.
FTLN 1543 To his music plants and flowers
FTLN 1544 Ever sprung, as sun and showers
FTLN 1545 There had made a lasting spring.
FTLN 1546 Everything that heard him play,
FTLN 1547 10 Even the billows of the sea,
FTLN 1548 Hung their heads and then lay by.
FTLN 1549 In sweet music is such art,
FTLN 1550 Killing care and grief of heart
FTLN 1551 Fall asleep or, hearing, die.
Enter a Gentleman.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1552 15 How now?
GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1553 An ’t please your Grace, the two great cardinals
FTLN 1554 Wait in the presence.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1555 Would they speak with me?
113

115
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 1
GENTLEMAN
FTLN 1556 They willed me say so, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1557 20 Pray their Graces
FTLN 1558 To come near. Gentleman exits.
FTLN 1559 What can be their business
FTLN 1560 With me, a poor weak woman, fall’n from favor?
FTLN 1561 I do not like their coming, now I think on ’t.
FTLN 1562 25 They should be good men, their affairs as righteous.
FTLN 1563 But all hoods make not monks.
Enter the two Cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius.
WOLSEY FTLN 1564 Peace to your Highness.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1565 Your Graces find me here part of a housewife;
FTLN 1566 I would be all, against the worst may happen.
FTLN 1567 30 What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords?
WOLSEY
FTLN 1568 May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw
FTLN 1569 Into your private chamber, we shall give you
FTLN 1570 The full cause of our coming.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1571 Speak it here.
FTLN 1572 35 There’s nothing I have done yet, o’ my conscience,
FTLN 1573 Deserves a corner. Would all other women
FTLN 1574 Could speak this with as free a soul as I do.
FTLN 1575 My lords, I care not, so much I am happy
FTLN 1576 Above a number, if my actions
FTLN 1577 40 Were tried by ev’ry tongue, ev’ry eye saw ’em,
FTLN 1578 Envy and base opinion set against ’em,
FTLN 1579 I know my life so even. If your business
FTLN 1580 Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,
FTLN 1581 Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing.
WOLSEY FTLN 1582 45 Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, regina
FTLN 1583 serenissima—
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1584 O, good my lord, no Latin!
FTLN 1585 I am not such a truant since my coming

117
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1586 As not to know the language I have lived in.
FTLN 1587 50 A strange tongue makes my cause more strange,
FTLN 1588 suspicious.
FTLN 1589 Pray speak in English. Here are some will thank you,
FTLN 1590 If you speak truth, for their poor mistress’ sake.
FTLN 1591 Believe me, she has had much wrong. Lord Cardinal,
FTLN 1592 55 The willing’st sin I ever yet committed
FTLN 1593 May be absolved in English.
WOLSEY FTLN 1594 Noble lady,
FTLN 1595 I am sorry my integrity should breed—
FTLN 1596 And service to his Majesty and you—
FTLN 1597 60 So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.
FTLN 1598 We come not by the way of accusation,
FTLN 1599 To taint that honor every good tongue blesses,
FTLN 1600 Nor to betray you any way to sorrow—
FTLN 1601 You have too much, good lady—but to know
FTLN 1602 65 How you stand minded in the weighty difference
FTLN 1603 Between the King and you, and to deliver,
FTLN 1604 Like free and honest men, our just opinions
FTLN 1605 And comforts to your cause.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1606 Most honored madam,
FTLN 1607 70 My Lord of York, out of his noble nature,
FTLN 1608 Zeal, and obedience he still bore your Grace,
FTLN 1609 Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure
FTLN 1610 Both of his truth and him—which was too far—
FTLN 1611 Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace,
FTLN 1612 75 His service and his counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE , aside FTLN 1613 To betray me.—
FTLN 1614 My lords, I thank you both for your good wills.
FTLN 1615 You speak like honest men; pray God you prove so.
FTLN 1616 But how to make you suddenly an answer
FTLN 1617 80 In such a point of weight, so near mine honor—
FTLN 1618 More near my life, I fear—with my weak wit,
FTLN 1619 And to such men of gravity and learning,
FTLN 1620 In truth I know not. I was set at work

119
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1621 Among my maids, full little, God knows, looking
FTLN 1622 85 Either for such men or such business.
FTLN 1623 For her sake that I have been—for I feel
FTLN 1624 The last fit of my greatness—good your Graces,
FTLN 1625 Let me have time and counsel for my cause.
FTLN 1626 Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1627 90 Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears;
FTLN 1628 Your hopes and friends are infinite.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1629 In England
FTLN 1630 But little for my profit. Can you think, lords,
FTLN 1631 That any Englishman dare give me counsel,
FTLN 1632 95 Or be a known friend, ’gainst his Highness’ pleasure,
FTLN 1633 Though he be grown so desperate to be honest,
FTLN 1634 And live a subject? Nay, forsooth. My friends,
FTLN 1635 They that must weigh out my afflictions,
FTLN 1636 They that my trust must grow to, live not here.
FTLN 1637 100 They are, as all my other comforts, far hence
FTLN 1638 In mine own country, lords.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1639 I would your Grace
FTLN 1640 Would leave your griefs and take my counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE FTLN 1641 How, sir?
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1642 105 Put your main cause into the King’s protection.
FTLN 1643 He’s loving and most gracious. ’Twill be much
FTLN 1644 Both for your honor better and your cause,
FTLN 1645 For if the trial of the law o’ertake you,
FTLN 1646 You’ll part away disgraced.
WOLSEY FTLN 1647 110 He tells you rightly.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1648 You tell me what you wish for both: my ruin.
FTLN 1649 Is this your Christian counsel? Out upon you!
FTLN 1650 Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge
FTLN 1651 That no king can corrupt.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1652 115 Your rage mistakes us.

121
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 1
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1653 The more shame for you! Holy men I thought you,
FTLN 1654 Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues;
FTLN 1655 But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear you.
FTLN 1656 Mend ’em, for shame, my lords. Is this your comfort?
FTLN 1657 120 The cordial that you bring a wretched lady,
FTLN 1658 A woman lost among you, laughed at, scorned?
FTLN 1659 I will not wish you half my miseries;
FTLN 1660 I have more charity. But say I warned you:
FTLN 1661 Take heed, for heaven’s sake, take heed, lest at once
FTLN 1662 125 The burden of my sorrows fall upon you.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1663 Madam, this is a mere distraction.
FTLN 1664 You turn the good we offer into envy.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1665 You turn me into nothing! Woe upon you
FTLN 1666 And all such false professors. Would you have me—
FTLN 1667 130 If you have any justice, any pity,
FTLN 1668 If you be anything but churchmen’s habits—
FTLN 1669 Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me?
FTLN 1670 Alas, has banished me his bed already,
FTLN 1671 His love, too, long ago. I am old, my lords,
FTLN 1672 135 And all the fellowship I hold now with him
FTLN 1673 Is only my obedience. What can happen
FTLN 1674 To me above this wretchedness? All your studies
FTLN 1675 Make me a curse like this.
CAMPEIUS FTLN 1676 Your fears are worse.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1677 140 Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself,
FTLN 1678 Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one—
FTLN 1679 A woman, I dare say without vainglory,
FTLN 1680 Never yet branded with suspicion—
FTLN 1681 Have I with all my full affections
FTLN 1682 145 Still met the King, loved him next heav’n, obeyed him,
FTLN 1683 Been, out of fondness, superstitious to him,
FTLN 1684 Almost forgot my prayers to content him,

123
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 1
FTLN 1685 And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords.
FTLN 1686 Bring me a constant woman to her husband,
FTLN 1687 150 One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure,
FTLN 1688 And to that woman, when she has done most,
FTLN 1689 Yet will I add an honor: a great patience.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1690 Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1691 My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty
FTLN 1692 155 To give up willingly that noble title
FTLN 1693 Your master wed me to. Nothing but death
FTLN 1694 Shall e’er divorce my dignities.
WOLSEY FTLN 1695 Pray hear me.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1696 Would I had never trod this English earth
FTLN 1697 160 Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!
FTLN 1698 You have angels’ faces, but heaven knows your hearts.
FTLN 1699 What will become of me now, wretched lady?
FTLN 1700 I am the most unhappy woman living.
FTLN 1701 To her Women. Alas, poor wenches, where are now
FTLN 1702 165 your fortunes?
FTLN 1703 Shipwracked upon a kingdom where no pity,
FTLN 1704 No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me,
FTLN 1705 Almost no grave allowed me, like the lily
FTLN 1706 That once was mistress of the field and flourished,
FTLN 1707 170 I’ll hang my head and perish.
WOLSEY FTLN 1708 If your Grace
FTLN 1709 Could but be brought to know our ends are honest,
FTLN 1710 You’d feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady,
FTLN 1711 Upon what cause, wrong you? Alas, our places,
FTLN 1712 175 The way of our profession, is against it.
FTLN 1713 We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow ’em.
FTLN 1714 For goodness’ sake, consider what you do,
FTLN 1715 How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly
FTLN 1716 Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage.

125
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1717 180 The hearts of princes kiss obedience,
FTLN 1718 So much they love it. But to stubborn spirits
FTLN 1719 They swell and grow as terrible as storms.
FTLN 1720 I know you have a gentle, noble temper,
FTLN 1721 A soul as even as a calm. Pray think us
FTLN 1722 185 Those we profess: peacemakers, friends, and servants.
CAMPEIUS
FTLN 1723 Madam, you’ll find it so. You wrong your virtues
FTLN 1724 With these weak women’s fears. A noble spirit,
FTLN 1725 As yours was put into you, ever casts
FTLN 1726 Such doubts, as false coin, from it. The King loves
FTLN 1727 190 you;
FTLN 1728 Beware you lose it not. For us, if you please
FTLN 1729 To trust us in your business, we are ready
FTLN 1730 To use our utmost studies in your service.
QUEEN KATHERINE
FTLN 1731 Do what you will, my lords, and pray forgive me
FTLN 1732 195 If I have used myself unmannerly.
FTLN 1733 You know I am a woman, lacking wit
FTLN 1734 To make a seemly answer to such persons.
FTLN 1735 Pray do my service to his Majesty.
FTLN 1736 He has my heart yet and shall have my prayers
FTLN 1737 200 While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers,
FTLN 1738 Bestow your counsels on me. She now begs
FTLN 1739 That little thought, when she set footing here,
FTLN 1740 She should have bought her dignities so dear.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter the Duke of Norfolk, Duke of Suffolk, Lord Surrey,
and Lord Chamberlain.
NORFOLK
FTLN 1741 If you will now unite in your complaints
FTLN 1742 And force them with a constancy, the Cardinal

127
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1743 Cannot stand under them. If you omit
FTLN 1744 The offer of this time, I cannot promise
FTLN 1745 5 But that you shall sustain more new disgraces
FTLN 1746 With these you bear already.
SURREY FTLN 1747 I am joyful
FTLN 1748 To meet the least occasion that may give me
FTLN 1749 Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke,
FTLN 1750 10 To be revenged on him.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1751 Which of the peers
FTLN 1752 Have uncontemned gone by him, or at least
FTLN 1753 Strangely neglected? When did he regard
FTLN 1754 The stamp of nobleness in any person
FTLN 1755 15 Out of himself?
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 1756 My lords, you speak your pleasures;
FTLN 1757 What he deserves of you and me I know;
FTLN 1758 What we can do to him—though now the time
FTLN 1759 Gives way to us—I much fear. If you cannot
FTLN 1760 20 Bar his access to th’ King, never attempt
FTLN 1761 Anything on him, for he hath a witchcraft
FTLN 1762 Over the King in ’s tongue.
NORFOLK FTLN 1763 O, fear him not.
FTLN 1764 His spell in that is out. The King hath found
FTLN 1765 25 Matter against him that forever mars
FTLN 1766 The honey of his language. No, he’s settled,
FTLN 1767 Not to come off, in his displeasure.
SURREY FTLN 1768 Sir,
FTLN 1769 I should be glad to hear such news as this
FTLN 1770 30 Once every hour.
NORFOLK FTLN 1771 Believe it, this is true.
FTLN 1772 In the divorce his contrary proceedings
FTLN 1773 Are all unfolded, wherein he appears
FTLN 1774 As I would wish mine enemy.
SURREY FTLN 1775 35 How came
FTLN 1776 His practices to light?
SUFFOLK FTLN 1777 Most strangely.
SURREY FTLN 1778 O, how, how?

129
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
SUFFOLK
FTLN 1779 The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried
FTLN 1780 40 And came to th’ eye o’ th’ King, wherein was read
FTLN 1781 How that the Cardinal did entreat his Holiness
FTLN 1782 To stay the judgment o’ th’ divorce; for if
FTLN 1783 It did take place, “I do,” quoth he, “perceive
FTLN 1784 My king is tangled in affection to
FTLN 1785 45 A creature of the Queen’s, Lady Anne Bullen.”
SURREY
FTLN 1786 Has the King this?
SUFFOLK FTLN 1787 Believe it.
SURREY FTLN 1788 Will this work?
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 1789 The King in this perceives him how he coasts
FTLN 1790 50 And hedges his own way. But in this point
FTLN 1791 All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic
FTLN 1792 After his patient’s death: the King already
FTLN 1793 Hath married the fair lady.
SURREY FTLN 1794 Would he had!
SUFFOLK
FTLN 1795 55 May you be happy in your wish, my lord,
FTLN 1796 For I profess you have it.
SURREY FTLN 1797 Now, all my joy
FTLN 1798 Trace the conjunction!
SUFFOLK FTLN 1799 My amen to ’t.
NORFOLK FTLN 1800 60 All men’s.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 1801 There’s order given for her coronation.
FTLN 1802 Marry, this is yet but young and may be left
FTLN 1803 To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords,
FTLN 1804 She is a gallant creature and complete
FTLN 1805 65 In mind and feature. I persuade me, from her
FTLN 1806 Will fall some blessing to this land which shall
FTLN 1807 In it be memorized.
SURREY FTLN 1808 But will the King
FTLN 1809 Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s?
FTLN 1810 70 The Lord forbid!

131
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
NORFOLK FTLN 1811 Marry, amen!
SUFFOLK FTLN 1812 No, no.
FTLN 1813 There be more wasps that buzz about his nose
FTLN 1814 Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius
FTLN 1815 75 Is stol’n away to Rome, hath ta’en no leave,
FTLN 1816 Has left the cause o’ th’ King unhandled, and
FTLN 1817 Is posted as the agent of our cardinal
FTLN 1818 To second all his plot. I do assure you
FTLN 1819 The King cried “Ha!” at this.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 1820 80 Now God incense him,
FTLN 1821 And let him cry “Ha!” louder.
NORFOLK FTLN 1822 But, my lord,
FTLN 1823 When returns Cranmer?
SUFFOLK
FTLN 1824 He is returned in his opinions, which
FTLN 1825 85 Have satisfied the King for his divorce,
FTLN 1826 Together with all famous colleges
FTLN 1827 Almost in Christendom. Shortly, I believe,
FTLN 1828 His second marriage shall be published, and
FTLN 1829 Her coronation. Katherine no more
FTLN 1830 90 Shall be called queen, but princess dowager
FTLN 1831 And widow to Prince Arthur.
NORFOLK FTLN 1832 This same Cranmer’s
FTLN 1833 A worthy fellow, and hath ta’en much pain
FTLN 1834 In the King’s business.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1835 95 He has, and we shall see him
FTLN 1836 For it an archbishop.
NORFOLK FTLN 1837 So I hear.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1838 ’Tis so.
Enter Wolsey and Cromwell, meeting.
FTLN 1839 The Cardinal!
NORFOLK
FTLN 1840 100 Observe, observe; he’s moody. They stand aside.
WOLSEY FTLN 1841 The packet, Cromwell;
FTLN 1842 Gave ’t you the King?

133
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
CROMWELL FTLN 1843 To his own hand, in ’s bedchamber.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1844 Looked he o’ th’ inside of the paper?
CROMWELL FTLN 1845 105 Presently
FTLN 1846 He did unseal them, and the first he viewed,
FTLN 1847 He did it with a serious mind; a heed
FTLN 1848 Was in his countenance. You he bade
FTLN 1849 Attend him here this morning.
WOLSEY FTLN 1850 110 Is he ready
FTLN 1851 To come abroad?
CROMWELL FTLN 1852 I think by this he is.
WOLSEY FTLN 1853 Leave me awhile. Cromwell exits.
FTLN 1854 Aside. It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon,
FTLN 1855 115 The French king’s sister; he shall marry her.
FTLN 1856 Anne Bullen? No, I’ll no Anne Bullens for him.
FTLN 1857 There’s more in ’t than fair visage. Bullen?
FTLN 1858 No, we’ll no Bullens. Speedily I wish
FTLN 1859 To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
NORFOLK
FTLN 1860 120 He’s discontented.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1861 Maybe he hears the King
FTLN 1862 Does whet his anger to him.
SURREY FTLN 1863 Sharp enough,
FTLN 1864 Lord, for thy justice!
WOLSEY , aside
FTLN 1865 125 The late queen’s gentlewoman, a knight’s daughter,
FTLN 1866 To be her mistress’ mistress? The Queen’s queen?
FTLN 1867 This candle burns not clear. ’Tis I must snuff it;
FTLN 1868 Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous
FTLN 1869 And well-deserving? Yet I know her for
FTLN 1870 130 A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to
FTLN 1871 Our cause that she should lie i’ th’ bosom of
FTLN 1872 Our hard-ruled king. Again, there is sprung up
FTLN 1873 An heretic, an arch-one, Cranmer, one

135
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1874 Hath crawled into the favor of the King
FTLN 1875 135 And is his oracle.
NORFOLK FTLN 1876 He is vexed at something.
SURREY
FTLN 1877 I would ’twere something that would fret the string,
FTLN 1878 The master-cord on ’s heart.
SUFFOLK FTLN 1879 The King, the King!
Enter King, reading of a schedule, with Lovell
and Attendants.
KING
FTLN 1880 140 What piles of wealth hath he accumulated
FTLN 1881 To his own portion! And what expense by th’ hour
FTLN 1882 Seems to flow from him! How i’ th’ name of thrift
FTLN 1883 Does he rake this together? Seeing the nobles. Now,
FTLN 1884 my lords,
FTLN 1885 145 Saw you the Cardinal?
NORFOLK , indicating Wolsey FTLN 1886 My lord, we have
FTLN 1887 Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion
FTLN 1888 Is in his brain. He bites his lip, and starts,
FTLN 1889 Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground,
FTLN 1890 150 Then lays his finger on his temple, straight
FTLN 1891 Springs out into fast gait, then stops again,
FTLN 1892 Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts
FTLN 1893 His eye against the moon. In most strange postures
FTLN 1894 We have seen him set himself.
KING FTLN 1895 155 It may well be
FTLN 1896 There is a mutiny in ’s mind. This morning
FTLN 1897 Papers of state he sent me to peruse,
FTLN 1898 As I required, and wot you what I found?
FTLN 1899 There—on my conscience, put unwittingly—
FTLN 1900 160 Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing
FTLN 1901 The several parcels of his plate, his treasure,
FTLN 1902 Rich stuffs and ornaments of household, which
FTLN 1903 I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks
FTLN 1904 Possession of a subject.

137
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
NORFOLK FTLN 1905 165 It’s heaven’s will!
FTLN 1906 Some spirit put this paper in the packet
FTLN 1907 To bless your eye withal.
KING , studying Wolsey FTLN 1908 If we did think
FTLN 1909 His contemplation were above the Earth
FTLN 1910 170 And fixed on spiritual object, he should still
FTLN 1911 Dwell in his musings, but I am afraid
FTLN 1912 His thinkings are below the moon, not worth
FTLN 1913 His serious considering.
King takes his seat, whispers Lovell,
who goes to the Cardinal.
WOLSEY FTLN 1914 Heaven forgive me!
FTLN 1915 175 Ever God bless your Highness.
KING FTLN 1916 Good my lord,
FTLN 1917 You are full of heavenly stuff and bear the inventory
FTLN 1918 Of your best graces in your mind, the which
FTLN 1919 You were now running o’er. You have scarce time
FTLN 1920 180 To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span
FTLN 1921 To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that
FTLN 1922 I deem you an ill husband, and am glad
FTLN 1923 To have you therein my companion.
WOLSEY FTLN 1924 Sir,
FTLN 1925 185 For holy offices I have a time; a time
FTLN 1926 To think upon the part of business which
FTLN 1927 I bear i’ th’ state; and Nature does require
FTLN 1928 Her times of preservation, which perforce
FTLN 1929 I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal,
FTLN 1930 190 Must give my tendance to.
KING FTLN 1931 You have said well.
WOLSEY
FTLN 1932 And ever may your Highness yoke together,
FTLN 1933 As I will lend you cause, my doing well
FTLN 1934 With my well saying.
KING FTLN 1935 195 ’Tis well said again,
FTLN 1936 And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well.
FTLN 1937 And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you;

139
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1938 He said he did, and with his deed did crown
FTLN 1939 His word upon you. Since I had my office
FTLN 1940 200 I have kept you next my heart, have not alone
FTLN 1941 Employed you where high profits might come home,
FTLN 1942 But pared my present havings to bestow
FTLN 1943 My bounties upon you.
WOLSEY , aside FTLN 1944 What should this mean?
SURREY , aside
FTLN 1945 205 The Lord increase this business!
KING FTLN 1946 Have I not made you
FTLN 1947 The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me
FTLN 1948 If what I now pronounce you have found true;
FTLN 1949 And, if you may confess it, say withal
FTLN 1950 210 If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
WOLSEY
FTLN 1951 My sovereign, I confess your royal graces,
FTLN 1952 Showered on me daily, have been more than could
FTLN 1953 My studied purposes requite, which went
FTLN 1954 Beyond all man’s endeavors. My endeavors
FTLN 1955 215 Have ever come too short of my desires,
FTLN 1956 Yet filed with my abilities. Mine own ends
FTLN 1957 Have been mine so, that evermore they pointed
FTLN 1958 To th’ good of your most sacred person and
FTLN 1959 The profit of the state. For your great graces
FTLN 1960 220 Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I
FTLN 1961 Can nothing render but allegiant thanks,
FTLN 1962 My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty,
FTLN 1963 Which ever has and ever shall be growing
FTLN 1964 Till death—that winter—kill it.
KING FTLN 1965 225 Fairly answered.
FTLN 1966 A loyal and obedient subject is
FTLN 1967 Therein illustrated. The honor of it
FTLN 1968 Does pay the act of it, as, i’ th’ contrary,
FTLN 1969 The foulness is the punishment. I presume
FTLN 1970 230 That, as my hand has opened bounty to you,
FTLN 1971 My heart dropped love, my power rained honor, more

141
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1972 On you than any, so your hand and heart,
FTLN 1973 Your brain, and every function of your power
FTLN 1974 Should—notwithstanding that your bond of duty
FTLN 1975 235 As ’twere in love’s particular—be more
FTLN 1976 To me, your friend, than any.
WOLSEY FTLN 1977 I do profess
FTLN 1978 That for your Highness’ good I ever labored
FTLN 1979 More than mine own, that am, have, and will be—
FTLN 1980 240 Though all the world should crack their duty to you
FTLN 1981 And throw it from their soul, though perils did
FTLN 1982 Abound as thick as thought could make ’em, and
FTLN 1983 Appear in forms more horrid—yet my duty,
FTLN 1984 As doth a rock against the chiding flood,
FTLN 1985 245 Should the approach of this wild river break,
FTLN 1986 And stand unshaken yours.
KING FTLN 1987 ’Tis nobly spoken.—
FTLN 1988 Take notice, lords: he has a loyal breast,
FTLN 1989 For you have seen him open ’t.
He hands Wolsey papers.
FTLN 1990 250 Read o’er this,
FTLN 1991 And after, this; and then to breakfast with
FTLN 1992 What appetite you have.
King exits, frowning upon the Cardinal;
the nobles throng after him smiling
and whispering, and exit.
WOLSEY FTLN 1993 What should this mean?
FTLN 1994 What sudden anger’s this? How have I reaped it?
FTLN 1995 255 He parted frowning from me, as if ruin
FTLN 1996 Leaped from his eyes. So looks the chafèd lion
FTLN 1997 Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him,
FTLN 1998 Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper—
FTLN 1999 I fear, the story of his anger.
He reads one of the papers.
FTLN 2000 260 ’Tis so.
FTLN 2001 This paper has undone me. ’Tis th’ accompt
FTLN 2002 Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together

143
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2003 For mine own ends—indeed, to gain the popedom
FTLN 2004 And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence,
FTLN 2005 265 Fit for a fool to fall by! What cross devil
FTLN 2006 Made me put this main secret in the packet
FTLN 2007 I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this?
FTLN 2008 No new device to beat this from his brains?
FTLN 2009 I know ’twill stir him strongly; yet I know
FTLN 2010 270 A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune
FTLN 2011 Will bring me off again. He looks at another paper.
FTLN 2012 What’s this? “To th’ Pope”?
FTLN 2013 The letter, as I live, with all the business
FTLN 2014 I writ to ’s Holiness. Nay then, farewell!
FTLN 2015 275 I have touched the highest point of all my greatness,
FTLN 2016 And from that full meridian of my glory
FTLN 2017 I haste now to my setting. I shall fall
FTLN 2018 Like a bright exhalation in the evening
FTLN 2019 And no man see me more.
Enter to Wolsey the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the
Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain.
NORFOLK
FTLN 2020 280 Hear the King’s pleasure, cardinal, who commands
FTLN 2021 you
FTLN 2022 To render up the great seal presently
FTLN 2023 Into our hands, and to confine yourself
FTLN 2024 To Asher House, my Lord of Winchester’s,
FTLN 2025 285 Till you hear further from his Highness.
WOLSEY FTLN 2026 Stay.
FTLN 2027 Where’s your commission, lords? Words cannot carry
FTLN 2028 Authority so weighty.
SUFFOLK FTLN 2029 Who dare cross ’em,
FTLN 2030 290 Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly?
WOLSEY
FTLN 2031 Till I find more than will or words to do it—
FTLN 2032 I mean your malice—know, officious lords,
FTLN 2033 I dare and must deny it. Now I feel

145
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2034 Of what coarse metal you are molded, envy;
FTLN 2035 295 How eagerly you follow my disgraces,
FTLN 2036 As if it fed you, and how sleek and wanton
FTLN 2037 You appear in everything may bring my ruin.
FTLN 2038 Follow your envious courses, men of malice;
FTLN 2039 You have Christian warrant for ’em, and no doubt
FTLN 2040 300 In time will find their fit rewards. That seal
FTLN 2041 You ask with such a violence, the King,
FTLN 2042 Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me;
FTLN 2043 Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honors,
FTLN 2044 During my life; and to confirm his goodness,
FTLN 2045 305 Tied it by letters patents. Now, who’ll take it?
SURREY
FTLN 2046 The King that gave it.
WOLSEY FTLN 2047 It must be himself, then.
SURREY
FTLN 2048 Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
WOLSEY FTLN 2049 Proud lord, thou liest.
FTLN 2050 310 Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
FTLN 2051 Have burnt that tongue than said so.
SURREY FTLN 2052 Thy ambition,
FTLN 2053 Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land
FTLN 2054 Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law.
FTLN 2055 315 The heads of all thy brother cardinals,
FTLN 2056 With thee and all thy best parts bound together,
FTLN 2057 Weighed not a hair of his. Plague of your policy!
FTLN 2058 You sent me Deputy for Ireland,
FTLN 2059 Far from his succor, from the King, from all
FTLN 2060 320 That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him,
FTLN 2061 Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity,
FTLN 2062 Absolved him with an ax.
WOLSEY FTLN 2063 This, and all else
FTLN 2064 This talking lord can lay upon my credit,
FTLN 2065 325 I answer, is most false. The Duke by law
FTLN 2066 Found his deserts. How innocent I was
FTLN 2067 From any private malice in his end,

147
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2068 His noble jury and foul cause can witness.—
FTLN 2069 If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you
FTLN 2070 330 You have as little honesty as honor,
FTLN 2071 That in the way of loyalty and truth
FTLN 2072 Toward the King, my ever royal master,
FTLN 2073 Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be,
FTLN 2074 And all that love his follies.
SURREY FTLN 2075 335 By my soul,
FTLN 2076 Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel
FTLN 2077 My sword i’ th’ life blood of thee else.—My lords,
FTLN 2078 Can you endure to hear this arrogance?
FTLN 2079 And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely,
FTLN 2080 340 To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet,
FTLN 2081 Farewell, nobility. Let his Grace go forward
FTLN 2082 And dare us with his cap, like larks.
WOLSEY FTLN 2083 All goodness
FTLN 2084 Is poison to thy stomach.
SURREY FTLN 2085 345 Yes, that goodness
FTLN 2086 Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one,
FTLN 2087 Into your own hands, card’nal, by extortion;
FTLN 2088 The goodness of your intercepted packets
FTLN 2089 You writ to th’ Pope against the King. Your goodness,
FTLN 2090 350 Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious.—
FTLN 2091 My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble,
FTLN 2092 As you respect the common good, the state
FTLN 2093 Of our despised nobility, our issues,
FTLN 2094 Whom, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen,
FTLN 2095 355 Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles
FTLN 2096 Collected from his life.—I’ll startle you
FTLN 2097 Worse than the sacring bell when the brown wench
FTLN 2098 Lay kissing in your arms, Lord Cardinal.
WOLSEY
FTLN 2099 How much, methinks, I could despise this man,
FTLN 2100 360 But that I am bound in charity against it!
NORFOLK
FTLN 2101 Those articles, my lord, are in the King’s hand;
FTLN 2102 But thus much, they are foul ones.

149
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
WOLSEY FTLN 2103 So much fairer
FTLN 2104 And spotless shall mine innocence arise
FTLN 2105 365 When the King knows my truth.
SURREY FTLN 2106 This cannot save you.
FTLN 2107 I thank my memory I yet remember
FTLN 2108 Some of these articles, and out they shall.
FTLN 2109 Now, if you can blush and cry “Guilty,” cardinal,
FTLN 2110 370 You’ll show a little honesty.
WOLSEY FTLN 2111 Speak on, sir.
FTLN 2112 I dare your worst objections. If I blush,
FTLN 2113 It is to see a nobleman want manners.
SURREY
FTLN 2114 I had rather want those than my head. Have at you:
FTLN 2115 375 First, that without the King’s assent or knowledge,
FTLN 2116 You wrought to be a legate, by which power
FTLN 2117 You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops.
NORFOLK
FTLN 2118 Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else
FTLN 2119 To foreign princes, “ego et rex meus”
FTLN 2120 380 Was still inscribed, in which you brought the King
FTLN 2121 To be your servant.
SUFFOLK FTLN 2122 Then, that without the knowledge
FTLN 2123 Either of king or council, when you went
FTLN 2124 Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold
FTLN 2125 385 To carry into Flanders the great seal.
SURREY
FTLN 2126 Item, you sent a large commission
FTLN 2127 To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude,
FTLN 2128 Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance,
FTLN 2129 A league between his Highness and Ferrara.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 2130 390 That out of mere ambition you have caused
FTLN 2131 Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin.
SURREY
FTLN 2132 Then, that you have sent innumerable substance—
FTLN 2133 By what means got I leave to your own conscience—

151
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2134 To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways
FTLN 2135 395 You have for dignities, to the mere undoing
FTLN 2136 Of all the kingdom. Many more there are
FTLN 2137 Which, since they are of you, and odious,
FTLN 2138 I will not taint my mouth with.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 2139 O, my lord,
FTLN 2140 400 Press not a falling man too far! ’Tis virtue.
FTLN 2141 His faults lie open to the laws; let them,
FTLN 2142 Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him
FTLN 2143 So little of his great self.
SURREY FTLN 2144 I forgive him.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 2145 405 Lord Cardinal, the King’s further pleasure is—
FTLN 2146 Because all those things you have done of late
FTLN 2147 By your power legative within this kingdom
FTLN 2148 Fall into th’ compass of a praemunire—
FTLN 2149 That therefore such a writ be sued against you,
FTLN 2150 410 To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements,
FTLN 2151 Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be
FTLN 2152 Out of the King’s protection. This is my charge.
NORFOLK
FTLN 2153 And so we’ll leave you to your meditations
FTLN 2154 How to live better. For your stubborn answer
FTLN 2155 415 About the giving back the great seal to us,
FTLN 2156 The King shall know it and, no doubt, shall thank
FTLN 2157 you.
FTLN 2158 So, fare you well, my little good Lord Cardinal.
WOLSEY
FTLN 2159 So, farewell to the little good you bear me.
All but Wolsey exit.
FTLN 2160 420 Farewell? A long farewell to all my greatness!
FTLN 2161 This is the state of man: today he puts forth
FTLN 2162 The tender leaves of hopes; tomorrow blossoms
FTLN 2163 And bears his blushing honors thick upon him;
FTLN 2164 The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
FTLN 2165 425 And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely

153
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2166 His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,
FTLN 2167 And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,
FTLN 2168 Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
FTLN 2169 This many summers in a sea of glory,
FTLN 2170 430 But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride
FTLN 2171 At length broke under me and now has left me,
FTLN 2172 Weary and old with service, to the mercy
FTLN 2173 Of a rude stream that must forever hide me.
FTLN 2174 Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate you.
FTLN 2175 435 I feel my heart new opened. O, how wretched
FTLN 2176 Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favors!
FTLN 2177 There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to,
FTLN 2178 That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
FTLN 2179 More pangs and fears than wars or women have;
FTLN 2180 440 And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
FTLN 2181 Never to hope again.
Enter Cromwell, standing amazed.
FTLN 2182 Why, how now, Cromwell?
CROMWELL
FTLN 2183 I have no power to speak, sir.
WOLSEY FTLN 2184 What, amazed
FTLN 2185 445 At my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder
FTLN 2186 A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep,
FTLN 2187 I am fall’n indeed.
CROMWELL FTLN 2188 How does your Grace?
WOLSEY FTLN 2189 Why, well.
FTLN 2190 450 Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell.
FTLN 2191 I know myself now, and I feel within me
FTLN 2192 A peace above all earthly dignities,
FTLN 2193 A still and quiet conscience. The King has cured me—
FTLN 2194 I humbly thank his Grace—and from these shoulders,
FTLN 2195 455 These ruined pillars, out of pity, taken
FTLN 2196 A load would sink a navy: too much honor.
FTLN 2197 O, ’tis a burden, Cromwell, ’tis a burden
FTLN 2198 Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven.

155
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
CROMWELL
FTLN 2199 I am glad your Grace has made that right use of it.
WOLSEY
FTLN 2200 460 I hope I have. I am able now, methinks,
FTLN 2201 Out of a fortitude of soul I feel,
FTLN 2202 To endure more miseries and greater far
FTLN 2203 Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer.
FTLN 2204 What news abroad?
CROMWELL FTLN 2205 465 The heaviest and the worst
FTLN 2206 Is your displeasure with the King.
WOLSEY FTLN 2207 God bless him.
CROMWELL
FTLN 2208 The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen
FTLN 2209 Lord Chancellor in your place.
WOLSEY FTLN 2210 470 That’s somewhat sudden.
FTLN 2211 But he’s a learnèd man. May he continue
FTLN 2212 Long in his Highness’ favor and do justice
FTLN 2213 For truth’s sake and his conscience, that his bones,
FTLN 2214 When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings,
FTLN 2215 475 May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him.
FTLN 2216 What more?
CROMWELL FTLN 2217 That Cranmer is returned with welcome,
FTLN 2218 Installed Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
WOLSEY
FTLN 2219 That’s news indeed.
CROMWELL FTLN 2220 480 Last, that the Lady Anne,
FTLN 2221 Whom the King hath in secrecy long married,
FTLN 2222 This day was viewed in open as his queen,
FTLN 2223 Going to chapel, and the voice is now
FTLN 2224 Only about her coronation.
WOLSEY
FTLN 2225 485 There was the weight that pulled me down.
FTLN 2226 O Cromwell,
FTLN 2227 The King has gone beyond me. All my glories
FTLN 2228 In that one woman I have lost forever.

157
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2229 No sun shall ever usher forth mine honors,
FTLN 2230 490 Or gild again the noble troops that waited
FTLN 2231 Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell.
FTLN 2232 I am a poor fall’n man, unworthy now
FTLN 2233 To be thy lord and master. Seek the King;
FTLN 2234 That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him
FTLN 2235 495 What and how true thou art. He will advance thee;
FTLN 2236 Some little memory of me will stir him—
FTLN 2237 I know his noble nature—not to let
FTLN 2238 Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell,
FTLN 2239 Neglect him not. Make use now, and provide
FTLN 2240 500 For thine own future safety.
CROMWELL , weeping FTLN 2241 O, my lord,
FTLN 2242 Must I then leave you? Must I needs forgo
FTLN 2243 So good, so noble, and so true a master?
FTLN 2244 Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron,
FTLN 2245 505 With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord.
FTLN 2246 The King shall have my service, but my prayers
FTLN 2247 Forever and forever shall be yours.
WOLSEY , weeping
FTLN 2248 Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear
FTLN 2249 In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me,
FTLN 2250 510 Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman.
FTLN 2251 Let’s dry our eyes. And thus far hear me, Cromwell,
FTLN 2252 And when I am forgotten, as I shall be,
FTLN 2253 And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention
FTLN 2254 Of me more must be heard of, say I taught thee;
FTLN 2255 515 Say Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory
FTLN 2256 And sounded all the depths and shoals of honor,
FTLN 2257 Found thee a way, out of his wrack, to rise in,
FTLN 2258 A sure and safe one, though thy master missed it.
FTLN 2259 Mark but my fall and that that ruined me.
FTLN 2260 520 Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition!
FTLN 2261 By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then,
FTLN 2262 The image of his maker, hope to win by it?

159
Henry VIII
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 2263 Love thyself last; cherish those hearts that hate thee.
FTLN 2264 Corruption wins not more than honesty.
FTLN 2265 525 Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace
FTLN 2266 To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not.
FTLN 2267 Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s,
FTLN 2268 Thy God’s, and truth’s. Then if thou fall’st, O Cromwell,
FTLN 2269 Thou fall’st a blessèd martyr.
FTLN 2270 530 Serve the King. And, prithee, lead me in.
FTLN 2271 There take an inventory of all I have
FTLN 2272 To the last penny; ’tis the King’s. My robe
FTLN 2273 And my integrity to heaven is all
FTLN 2274 I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell,
FTLN 2275 535 Had I but served my God with half the zeal
FTLN 2276 I served my king, He would not in mine age
FTLN 2277 Have left me naked to mine enemies.
CROMWELL
FTLN 2278 Good sir, have patience.
WOLSEY FTLN 2279 So I have. Farewell,
FTLN 2280 540 The hopes of court! My hopes in heaven do dwell.
They exit.

ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another, the First
Gentleman carrying a paper.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2281 You’re well met once again.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2282 So are you.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2283 You come to take your stand here and behold
FTLN 2284 The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2285 5 ’Tis all my business. At our last encounter,
FTLN 2286 The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2287 ’Tis very true. But that time offered sorrow,
FTLN 2288 This general joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2289 ’Tis well. The citizens
FTLN 2290 10 I am sure have shown at full their royal minds,
FTLN 2291 As, let ’em have their rights, they are ever forward
FTLN 2292 In celebration of this day with shows,
FTLN 2293 Pageants, and sights of honor.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2294 Never greater,
FTLN 2295 15 Nor, I’ll assure you, better taken, sir.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2296 May I be bold to ask what that contains,
FTLN 2297 That paper in your hand?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2298 Yes, ’tis the list
163

165
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2299 Of those that claim their offices this day
FTLN 2300 20 By custom of the coronation.
FTLN 2301 The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims
FTLN 2302 To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,
FTLN 2303 He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest.
He offers him the paper.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2304 I thank you, sir. Had I not known those customs,
FTLN 2305 25 I should have been beholding to your paper.
FTLN 2306 But I beseech you, what’s become of Katherine,
FTLN 2307 The Princess Dowager? How goes her business?
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2308 That I can tell you too. The Archbishop
FTLN 2309 Of Canterbury, accompanied with other
FTLN 2310 30 Learnèd and reverend fathers of his order,
FTLN 2311 Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off
FTLN 2312 From Ampthill, where the Princess lay, to which
FTLN 2313 She was often cited by them, but appeared not;
FTLN 2314 And, to be short, for not appearance and
FTLN 2315 35 The King’s late scruple, by the main assent
FTLN 2316 Of all these learnèd men she was divorced,
FTLN 2317 And the late marriage made of none effect;
FTLN 2318 Since which she was removed to Kymmalton,
FTLN 2319 Where she remains now sick.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2320 40 Alas, good lady!
Hautboys. A lively flourish of trumpets.
FTLN 2321 The trumpets sound. Stand close. The Queen is coming.
Then, enter two Judges; Lord Chancellor, with purse
and mace before him. Choristers singing. Music.
Enter Mayor of London, bearing the mace. Then
Garter, in his coat of arms, and on his head he wore a
gilt copper crown.
FTLN 2322 A royal train, believe me! These I know.

167
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 1
Enter Marques Dorset, bearing a scepter of gold; on his
head a demi-coronal of gold. With him, the Earl of
Surrey, bearing the rod of silver with the dove, crowned
with an earl’s coronet. Collars of S’s.
FTLN 2323 Who’s that that bears the scepter?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2324 Marques Dorset,
FTLN 2325 45 And that the Earl of Surrey with the rod.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2326 A bold brave gentleman.
Enter Duke of Suffolk, in his robe of estate, his
coronet on his head, bearing a long white wand, as High
Steward. With him, the Duke of Norfolk, with the rod of
Marshalship, a coronet on his head. Collars of S’s.
FTLN 2327 That should be
FTLN 2328 The Duke of Suffolk.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2329 ’Tis the same: High Steward.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2330 50 And that my Lord of Norfolk?
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2331 Yes.
Enter a canopy, borne by four of the Cinque-ports,
under it the Queen in her robe, in her hair, richly
adorned with pearl, crowned. On each side her, the
Bishops of London and Winchester.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2332 Heaven bless thee!
FTLN 2333 Thou hast the sweetest face I ever looked on.—
FTLN 2334 Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel.
FTLN 2335 55 Our king has all the Indies in his arms,
FTLN 2336 And more, and richer, when he strains that lady.
FTLN 2337 I cannot blame his conscience.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2338 They that bear
FTLN 2339 The cloth of honor over her are four barons
FTLN 2340 60 Of the Cinque-ports.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2341 Those men are happy, and so are all are near her.

169
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 1
Enter the Old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of
gold wrought with flowers, bearing the Queen’s train.
Certain Ladies or Countesses, with plain circlets of gold
without flowers.
FTLN 2342 I take it she that carries up the train
FTLN 2343 Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2344 It is, and all the rest are countesses.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2345 65 Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2346 And sometimes falling ones.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2347 No more of that.
The Coronation procession exits, having
passed over the stage in order and state, and then
a great flourish of trumpets.
Enter a third Gentleman.
FIRST GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2348 God save you, sir. Where have you been broiling?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2349 Among the crowd i’ th’ Abbey, where a finger
FTLN 2350 70 Could not be wedged in more. I am stifled
FTLN 2351 With the mere rankness of their joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2352 You saw
FTLN 2353 The ceremony?
THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 2354 That I did.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2355 75 How was it?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2356 Well worth the seeing.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2357 Good sir, speak it to us!
THIRD GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2358 As well as I am able. The rich stream
FTLN 2359 Of lords and ladies, having brought the Queen

171
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2360 80 To a prepared place in the choir, fell off
FTLN 2361 A distance from her, while her Grace sat down
FTLN 2362 To rest awhile, some half an hour or so,
FTLN 2363 In a rich chair of state, opposing freely
FTLN 2364 The beauty of her person to the people.
FTLN 2365 85 Believe me, sir, she is the goodliest woman
FTLN 2366 That ever lay by man, which when the people
FTLN 2367 Had the full view of, such a noise arose
FTLN 2368 As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest—
FTLN 2369 As loud and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks,
FTLN 2370 90 Doublets, I think, flew up, and had their faces
FTLN 2371 Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy
FTLN 2372 I never saw before. Great-bellied women
FTLN 2373 That had not half a week to go, like rams
FTLN 2374 In the old time of war, would shake the press
FTLN 2375 95 And make ’em reel before ’em. No man living
FTLN 2376 Could say “This is my wife there,” all were woven
FTLN 2377 So strangely in one piece.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2378 But what followed?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2379 At length her Grace rose, and with modest paces
FTLN 2380 100 Came to the altar, where she kneeled and saintlike
FTLN 2381 Cast her fair eyes to heaven and prayed devoutly,
FTLN 2382 Then rose again and bowed her to the people.
FTLN 2383 When by the Archbishop of Canterbury
FTLN 2384 She had all the royal makings of a queen—
FTLN 2385 105 As, holy oil, Edward Confessor’s crown,
FTLN 2386 The rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems—
FTLN 2387 Laid nobly on her; which performed, the choir,
FTLN 2388 With all the choicest music of the kingdom,
FTLN 2389 Together sung Te Deum. So she parted,
FTLN 2390 110 And with the same full state paced back again
FTLN 2391 To York Place, where the feast is held.
FIRST GENTLEMAN FTLN 2392 Sir,
FTLN 2393 You must no more call it “York Place”; that’s past,

173
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 1
FTLN 2394 For since the Cardinal fell, that title’s lost.
FTLN 2395 115 ’Tis now the King’s and called “Whitehall.”
THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 2396 I know it,
FTLN 2397 But ’tis so lately altered that the old name
FTLN 2398 Is fresh about me.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2399 What two reverend bishops
FTLN 2400 120 Were those that went on each side of the Queen?
THIRD GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2401 Stokeley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester,
FTLN 2402 Newly preferred from the King’s secretary,
FTLN 2403 The other London.
SECOND GENTLEMAN FTLN 2404 He of Winchester
FTLN 2405 125 Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s,
FTLN 2406 The virtuous Cranmer.
THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 2407 All the land knows that.
FTLN 2408 However, yet there is no great breach. When it comes,
FTLN 2409 Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2410 130 Who may that be, I pray you?
THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 2411 Thomas Cromwell,
FTLN 2412 A man in much esteem with th’ King, and truly
FTLN 2413 A worthy friend. The King has made him
FTLN 2414 Master o’ th’ Jewel House,
FTLN 2415 135 And one already of the Privy Council.
SECOND GENTLEMAN
FTLN 2416 He will deserve more.
THIRD GENTLEMAN FTLN 2417 Yes, without all doubt.
FTLN 2418 Come, gentlemen, you shall go my way,
FTLN 2419 Which is to th’ court, and there you shall be my
FTLN 2420 140 guests,
FTLN 2421 Something I can command. As I walk thither,
FTLN 2422 I’ll tell you more.
BOTH FTLN 2423 You may command us, sir.
They exit.

175
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Katherine Dowager, sick, led between Griffith, her
gentleman usher, and Patience, her woman.
GRIFFITH
FTLN 2424 How does your Grace?
KATHERINE FTLN 2425 O Griffith, sick to death.
FTLN 2426 My legs like loaden branches bow to th’ earth,
FTLN 2427 Willing to leave their burden. Reach a chair.
She sits.
FTLN 2428 5 So. Now, methinks, I feel a little ease.
FTLN 2429 Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou ledst me,
FTLN 2430 That the great child of honor, Cardinal Wolsey,
FTLN 2431 Was dead?
GRIFFITH FTLN 2432 Yes, madam, but I think your Grace,
FTLN 2433 10 Out of the pain you suffered, gave no ear to ’t.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2434 Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died.
FTLN 2435 If well, he stepped before me happily
FTLN 2436 For my example.
GRIFFITH FTLN 2437 Well, the voice goes, madam;
FTLN 2438 15 For after the stout Earl Northumberland
FTLN 2439 Arrested him at York and brought him forward,
FTLN 2440 As a man sorely tainted, to his answer,
FTLN 2441 He fell sick suddenly and grew so ill
FTLN 2442 He could not sit his mule.
KATHERINE FTLN 2443 20 Alas, poor man!
GRIFFITH
FTLN 2444 At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester,
FTLN 2445 Lodged in the abbey, where the reverend abbot
FTLN 2446 With all his convent honorably received him;
FTLN 2447 To whom he gave these words: “O Father Abbot,
FTLN 2448 25 An old man, broken with the storms of state,
FTLN 2449 Is come to lay his weary bones among you.
FTLN 2450 Give him a little earth, for charity.”
FTLN 2451 So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness

177
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2452 Pursued him still; and three nights after this,
FTLN 2453 30 About the hour of eight, which he himself
FTLN 2454 Foretold should be his last, full of repentance,
FTLN 2455 Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows,
FTLN 2456 He gave his honors to the world again,
FTLN 2457 His blessèd part to heaven, and slept in peace.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2458 35 So may he rest. His faults lie gently on him!
FTLN 2459 Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him,
FTLN 2460 And yet with charity. He was a man
FTLN 2461 Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking
FTLN 2462 Himself with princes; one that by suggestion
FTLN 2463 40 Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair play.
FTLN 2464 His own opinion was his law. I’ th’ presence
FTLN 2465 He would say untruths, and be ever double
FTLN 2466 Both in his words and meaning. He was never,
FTLN 2467 But where he meant to ruin, pitiful.
FTLN 2468 45 His promises were, as he then was, mighty,
FTLN 2469 But his performance, as he is now, nothing.
FTLN 2470 Of his own body he was ill, and gave
FTLN 2471 The clergy ill example.
GRIFFITH FTLN 2472 Noble madam,
FTLN 2473 50 Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues
FTLN 2474 We write in water. May it please your Highness
FTLN 2475 To hear me speak his good now?
KATHERINE FTLN 2476 Yes, good Griffith;
FTLN 2477 I were malicious else.
GRIFFITH FTLN 2478 55 This cardinal,
FTLN 2479 Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly
FTLN 2480 Was fashioned to much honor. From his cradle
FTLN 2481 He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one:
FTLN 2482 Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading;
FTLN 2483 60 Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,
FTLN 2484 But, to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.
FTLN 2485 And though he were unsatisfied in getting,
FTLN 2486 Which was a sin, yet in bestowing, madam,

179
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2487 He was most princely. Ever witness for him
FTLN 2488 65 Those twins of learning that he raised in you,
FTLN 2489 Ipswich and Oxford, one of which fell with him,
FTLN 2490 Unwilling to outlive the good that did it;
FTLN 2491 The other, though unfinished, yet so famous,
FTLN 2492 So excellent in art, and still so rising,
FTLN 2493 70 That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue.
FTLN 2494 His overthrow heaped happiness upon him,
FTLN 2495 For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
FTLN 2496 And found the blessedness of being little.
FTLN 2497 And, to add greater honors to his age
FTLN 2498 75 Than man could give him, he died fearing God.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2499 After my death I wish no other herald,
FTLN 2500 No other speaker of my living actions,
FTLN 2501 To keep mine honor from corruption
FTLN 2502 But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.
FTLN 2503 80 Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me,
FTLN 2504 With thy religious truth and modesty,
FTLN 2505 Now in his ashes honor. Peace be with him!—
FTLN 2506 Patience, be near me still, and set me lower.
FTLN 2507 I have not long to trouble thee.—Good Griffith,
FTLN 2508 85 Cause the musicians play me that sad note
FTLN 2509 I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating
FTLN 2510 On that celestial harmony I go to.
Sad and solemn music.
GRIFFITH
FTLN 2511 She is asleep. Good wench, let’s sit down quiet,
FTLN 2512 For fear we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience.
They sit.
The Vision.
Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six
Personages clad in white robes, wearing on their
heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their
faces, branches of bays or palm in their hands. They

181
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain
changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her
head, at which the other four make reverent curtsies.
Then the two that held the garland deliver the same
to the other next two, who observe the same order in
their changes and holding the garland over her head;
which done, they deliver the same garland to the last
two, who likewise observe the same order. At which,
as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep
signs of rejoicing and holdeth up her hands to
heaven; and so, in their dancing, vanish, carrying
the garland with them.
The music continues.
KATHERINE , waking
FTLN 2513 90 Spirits of peace, where are you? Are you all gone,
FTLN 2514 And leave me here in wretchedness behind you?
GRIFFITH
FTLN 2515 Madam, we are here.
KATHERINE FTLN 2516 It is not you I call for.
FTLN 2517 Saw you none enter since I slept?
GRIFFITH FTLN 2518 95 None, madam.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2519 No? Saw you not, even now, a blessed troop
FTLN 2520 Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces
FTLN 2521 Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun?
FTLN 2522 They promised me eternal happiness
FTLN 2523 100 And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel
FTLN 2524 I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, assuredly.
GRIFFITH
FTLN 2525 I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams
FTLN 2526 Possess your fancy.
KATHERINE FTLN 2527 Bid the music leave.
FTLN 2528 105 They are harsh and heavy to me. Music ceases.
PATIENCE , aside to Griffith FTLN 2529 Do you note
FTLN 2530 How much her Grace is altered on the sudden?

183
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2531 How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks,
FTLN 2532 And of an earthy cold? Mark her eyes.
GRIFFITH , aside to Patience
FTLN 2533 110 She is going, wench. Pray, pray.
PATIENCE FTLN 2534 Heaven comfort her!
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER , to Katherine
FTLN 2535 An ’t like your Grace—
KATHERINE FTLN 2536 You are a saucy fellow.
FTLN 2537 Deserve we no more reverence?
GRIFFITH , to Messenger FTLN 2538 115 You are to blame,
FTLN 2539 Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness,
FTLN 2540 To use so rude behavior. Go to. Kneel.
MESSENGER , kneeling
FTLN 2541 I humbly do entreat your Highness’ pardon.
FTLN 2542 My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying
FTLN 2543 120 A gentleman sent from the King to see you.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2544 Admit him entrance, Griffith. Messenger rises.
FTLN 2545 But this fellow
FTLN 2546 Let me ne’er see again. Messenger exits.
Enter Lord Capuchius.
FTLN 2547 If my sight fail not,
FTLN 2548 125 You should be Lord Ambassador from the Emperor,
FTLN 2549 My royal nephew, and your name Capuchius.
CAPUCHIUS
FTLN 2550 Madam, the same. Your servant.
KATHERINE FTLN 2551 O my lord,
FTLN 2552 The times and titles now are altered strangely
FTLN 2553 130 With me since first you knew me. But I pray you,
FTLN 2554 What is your pleasure with me?
CAPUCHIUS FTLN 2555 Noble lady,
FTLN 2556 First, mine own service to your Grace; the next,
FTLN 2557 The King’s request that I would visit you,

185
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2558 135 Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me
FTLN 2559 Sends you his princely commendations,
FTLN 2560 And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2561 O, my good lord, that comfort comes too late;
FTLN 2562 ’Tis like a pardon after execution.
FTLN 2563 140 That gentle physic given in time had cured me.
FTLN 2564 But now I am past all comforts here but prayers.
FTLN 2565 How does his Highness?
CAPUCHIUS FTLN 2566 Madam, in good health.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2567 So may he ever do, and ever flourish,
FTLN 2568 145 When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name
FTLN 2569 Banished the kingdom.—Patience, is that letter
FTLN 2570 I caused you write yet sent away?
PATIENCE FTLN 2571 No, madam.
She presents a paper to Katherine, who gives
it to Capuchius.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2572 Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver
FTLN 2573 150 This to my lord the King—
CAPUCHIUS FTLN 2574 Most willing, madam.
KATHERINE
FTLN 2575 In which I have commended to his goodness
FTLN 2576 The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter—
FTLN 2577 The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her!—
FTLN 2578 155 Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding—
FTLN 2579 She is young and of a noble, modest nature;
FTLN 2580 I hope she will deserve well—and a little
FTLN 2581 To love her for her mother’s sake that loved him,
FTLN 2582 Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition
FTLN 2583 160 Is that his noble Grace would have some pity
FTLN 2584 Upon my wretched women, that so long
FTLN 2585 Have followed both my fortunes faithfully,
FTLN 2586 Of which there is not one, I dare avow—
FTLN 2587 And now I should not lie—but will deserve,

187
Henry VIII
ACT 4. SC. 2
FTLN 2588 165 For virtue and true beauty of the soul,
FTLN 2589 For honesty and decent carriage,
FTLN 2590 A right good husband. Let him be a noble;
FTLN 2591 And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em.
FTLN 2592 The last is for my men—they are the poorest,
FTLN 2593 170 But poverty could never draw ’em from me—
FTLN 2594 That they may have their wages duly paid ’em,
FTLN 2595 And something over to remember me by.
FTLN 2596 If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life
FTLN 2597 And able means, we had not parted thus.
FTLN 2598 175 These are the whole contents. And, good my lord,
FTLN 2599 By that you love the dearest in this world,
FTLN 2600 As you wish Christian peace to souls departed,
FTLN 2601 Stand these poor people’s friend, and urge the King
FTLN 2602 To do me this last right.
CAPUCHIUS FTLN 2603 180 By heaven, I will,
FTLN 2604 Or let me lose the fashion of a man!
KATHERINE
FTLN 2605 I thank you, honest lord. Remember me
FTLN 2606 In all humility unto his Highness.
FTLN 2607 Say his long trouble now is passing
FTLN 2608 185 Out of this world. Tell him in death I blessed him,
FTLN 2609 For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell,
FTLN 2610 My lord.—Griffith, farewell.—Nay, Patience,
FTLN 2611 You must not leave me yet. I must to bed;
FTLN 2612 Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench,
FTLN 2613 190 Let me be used with honor. Strew me over
FTLN 2614 With maiden flowers, that all the world may know
FTLN 2615 I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me,
FTLN 2616 Then lay me forth. Although unqueened, yet like
FTLN 2617 A queen and daughter to a king inter me.
FTLN 2618 195 I can no more.
They exit, leading Katherine.

ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, a Page with a
torch before him, met by Sir Thomas Lovell.
GARDINER
FTLN 2619 It’s one o’clock, boy, is ’t not?
PAGE FTLN 2620 It hath struck.
GARDINER
FTLN 2621 These should be hours for necessities,
FTLN 2622 Not for delights; times to repair our nature
FTLN 2623 5 With comforting repose, and not for us
FTLN 2624 To waste these times.—Good hour of night, Sir
FTLN 2625 Thomas.
FTLN 2626 Whither so late?
LOVELL FTLN 2627 Came you from the King, my lord?
GARDINER
FTLN 2628 10 I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero
FTLN 2629 With the Duke of Suffolk.
LOVELL FTLN 2630 I must to him too,
FTLN 2631 Before he go to bed. I’ll take my leave.
GARDINER
FTLN 2632 Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell. What’s the matter?
FTLN 2633 15 It seems you are in haste. An if there be
FTLN 2634 No great offense belongs to ’t, give your friend
FTLN 2635 Some touch of your late business. Affairs that walk,
FTLN 2636 As they say spirits do, at midnight have
FTLN 2637 In them a wilder nature than the business
FTLN 2638 20 That seeks dispatch by day.
191

193
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
LOVELL FTLN 2639 My lord, I love you,
FTLN 2640 And durst commend a secret to your ear
FTLN 2641 Much weightier than this work. The Queen’s in
FTLN 2642 labor—
FTLN 2643 25 They say in great extremity—and feared
FTLN 2644 She’ll with the labor end.
GARDINER FTLN 2645 The fruit she goes with
FTLN 2646 I pray for heartily, that it may find
FTLN 2647 Good time and live; but for the stock, Sir Thomas,
FTLN 2648 30 I wish it grubbed up now.
LOVELL FTLN 2649 Methinks I could
FTLN 2650 Cry the amen, and yet my conscience says
FTLN 2651 She’s a good creature and, sweet lady, does
FTLN 2652 Deserve our better wishes.
GARDINER FTLN 2653 35 But, sir, sir,
FTLN 2654 Hear me, Sir Thomas. You’re a gentleman
FTLN 2655 Of mine own way. I know you wise, religious;
FTLN 2656 And let me tell you, it will ne’er be well,
FTLN 2657 ’Twill not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take ’t of me,
FTLN 2658 40 Till Cranmer, Cromwell—her two hands—and she
FTLN 2659 Sleep in their graves.
LOVELL FTLN 2660 Now, sir, you speak of two
FTLN 2661 The most remarked i’ th’ kingdom. As for Cromwell,
FTLN 2662 Besides that of the Jewel House, is made Master
FTLN 2663 45 O’ th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary; further, sir,
FTLN 2664 Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments,
FTLN 2665 With which the time will load him. Th’ Archbishop
FTLN 2666 Is the King’s hand and tongue, and who dare speak
FTLN 2667 One syllable against him?
GARDINER FTLN 2668 50 Yes, yes, Sir Thomas,
FTLN 2669 There are that dare, and I myself have ventured
FTLN 2670 To speak my mind of him. And indeed this day,
FTLN 2671 Sir—I may tell it you, I think—I have
FTLN 2672 Incensed the lords o’ th’ Council that he is—
FTLN 2673 55 For so I know he is, they know he is—

195
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2674 A most arch heretic, a pestilence
FTLN 2675 That does infect the land; with which they, moved,
FTLN 2676 Have broken with the King, who hath so far
FTLN 2677 Given ear to our complaint, of his great grace
FTLN 2678 60 And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs
FTLN 2679 Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded
FTLN 2680 Tomorrow morning to the Council board
FTLN 2681 He be convented. He’s a rank weed, Sir Thomas,
FTLN 2682 And we must root him out. From your affairs
FTLN 2683 65 I hinder you too long. Goodnight, Sir Thomas.
LOVELL
FTLN 2684 Many good nights, my lord. I rest your servant.
Gardiner and Page exit.
Enter King and Suffolk.
KING
FTLN 2685 Charles, I will play no more tonight.
FTLN 2686 My mind’s not on ’t; you are too hard for me.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 2687 Sir, I did never win of you before.
KING FTLN 2688 70 But little, Charles,
FTLN 2689 Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play.—
FTLN 2690 Now, Lovell, from the Queen what is the news?
LOVELL
FTLN 2691 I could not personally deliver to her
FTLN 2692 What you commanded me, but by her woman
FTLN 2693 75 I sent your message, who returned her thanks
FTLN 2694 In the great’st humbleness, and desired your Highness
FTLN 2695 Most heartily to pray for her.
KING FTLN 2696 What sayst thou, ha?
FTLN 2697 To pray for her? What, is she crying out?
LOVELL
FTLN 2698 80 So said her woman, and that her suff’rance made
FTLN 2699 Almost each pang a death.
KING FTLN 2700 Alas, good lady!
SUFFOLK
FTLN 2701 God safely quit her of her burden, and

197
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2702 With gentle travail, to the gladding of
FTLN 2703 85 Your Highness with an heir!
KING FTLN 2704 ’Tis midnight, Charles.
FTLN 2705 Prithee, to bed, and in thy prayers remember
FTLN 2706 Th’ estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone,
FTLN 2707 For I must think of that which company
FTLN 2708 90 Would not be friendly to.
SUFFOLK FTLN 2709 I wish your Highness
FTLN 2710 A quiet night, and my good mistress will
FTLN 2711 Remember in my prayers.
KING FTLN 2712 Charles, good night.
Suffolk exits.
Enter Sir Anthony Denny.
FTLN 2713 95 Well, sir, what follows?
DENNY
FTLN 2714 Sir, I have brought my lord the Archbishop,
FTLN 2715 As you commanded me.
KING FTLN 2716 Ha! Canterbury?
DENNY
FTLN 2717 Ay, my good lord.
KING FTLN 2718 100 ’Tis true. Where is he, Denny?
DENNY
FTLN 2719 He attends your Highness’ pleasure.
KING FTLN 2720 Bring him to us.
Denny exits.
LOVELL , aside
FTLN 2721 This is about that which the Bishop spake.
FTLN 2722 I am happily come hither.
Enter Cranmer and Denny.
KING
FTLN 2723 105 Avoid the gallery. Lovell seems to stay.
FTLN 2724 Ha! I have said. Be gone!
FTLN 2725 What! Lovell and Denny exit.

199
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
CRANMER , aside FTLN 2726 I am fearful. Wherefore frowns he thus?
FTLN 2727 ’Tis his aspect of terror. All’s not well.
KING
FTLN 2728 110 How now, my lord? You do desire to know
FTLN 2729 Wherefore I sent for you.
CRANMER , kneeling FTLN 2730 It is my duty
FTLN 2731 T’ attend your Highness’ pleasure.
KING FTLN 2732 Pray you arise,
FTLN 2733 115 My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury.
FTLN 2734 Come, you and I must walk a turn together.
FTLN 2735 I have news to tell you. Come, come, give me your
FTLN 2736 hand. Cranmer rises.
FTLN 2737 Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak,
FTLN 2738 120 And am right sorry to repeat what follows.
FTLN 2739 I have, and most unwillingly, of late
FTLN 2740 Heard many grievous—I do say, my lord,
FTLN 2741 Grievous—complaints of you, which, being
FTLN 2742 considered,
FTLN 2743 125 Have moved us and our Council that you shall
FTLN 2744 This morning come before us, where I know
FTLN 2745 You cannot with such freedom purge yourself
FTLN 2746 But that, till further trial in those charges
FTLN 2747 Which will require your answer, you must take
FTLN 2748 130 Your patience to you and be well contented
FTLN 2749 To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us,
FTLN 2750 It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness
FTLN 2751 Would come against you.
CRANMER , kneeling FTLN 2752 I humbly thank your
FTLN 2753 135 Highness,
FTLN 2754 And am right glad to catch this good occasion
FTLN 2755 Most throughly to be winnowed, where my chaff
FTLN 2756 And corn shall fly asunder. For I know
FTLN 2757 There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues
FTLN 2758 140 Than I myself, poor man.
KING FTLN 2759 Stand up, good Canterbury!
FTLN 2760 Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted

201
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2761 In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand. Stand up.
Cranmer rises.
FTLN 2762 Prithee, let’s walk. Now by my halidom,
FTLN 2763 145 What manner of man are you? My lord, I looked
FTLN 2764 You would have given me your petition that
FTLN 2765 I should have ta’en some pains to bring together
FTLN 2766 Yourself and your accusers and to have heard you
FTLN 2767 Without endurance further.
CRANMER FTLN 2768 150 Most dread liege,
FTLN 2769 The good I stand on is my truth and honesty.
FTLN 2770 If they shall fail, I with mine enemies
FTLN 2771 Will triumph o’er my person, which I weigh not,
FTLN 2772 Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing
FTLN 2773 155 What can be said against me.
KING FTLN 2774 Know you not
FTLN 2775 How your state stands i’ th’ world, with the whole
FTLN 2776 world?
FTLN 2777 Your enemies are many and not small; their practices
FTLN 2778 160 Must bear the same proportion, and not ever
FTLN 2779 The justice and the truth o’ th’ question carries
FTLN 2780 The due o’ th’ verdict with it. At what ease
FTLN 2781 Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt
FTLN 2782 To swear against you? Such things have been done.
FTLN 2783 165 You are potently opposed, and with a malice
FTLN 2784 Of as great size. Ween you of better luck,
FTLN 2785 I mean in perjured witness, than your master,
FTLN 2786 Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived
FTLN 2787 Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to.
FTLN 2788 170 You take a precipice for no leap of danger
FTLN 2789 And woo your own destruction.
CRANMER FTLN 2790 God and your Majesty
FTLN 2791 Protect mine innocence, or I fall into
FTLN 2792 The trap is laid for me.
KING FTLN 2793 175 Be of good cheer.
FTLN 2794 They shall no more prevail than we give way to.

203
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 2795 Keep comfort to you, and this morning see
FTLN 2796 You do appear before them. If they shall chance,
FTLN 2797 In charging you with matters, to commit you,
FTLN 2798 180 The best persuasions to the contrary
FTLN 2799 Fail not to use, and with what vehemency
FTLN 2800 Th’ occasion shall instruct you. If entreaties
FTLN 2801 Will render you no remedy, this ring
FTLN 2802 Deliver them, and your appeal to us
FTLN 2803 185 There make before them. He gives Cranmer a ring.
Aside. FTLN 2804 Look, the good man weeps!
FTLN 2805 He’s honest, on mine honor! God’s blest mother,
FTLN 2806 I swear he is truehearted, and a soul
FTLN 2807 None better in my kingdom.—Get you gone,
FTLN 2808 190 And do as I have bid you. Cranmer exits.
FTLN 2809 He has strangled
FTLN 2810 His language in his tears.
LOVELL (within) FTLN 2811 Come back! What mean you?
Enter Old Lady, followed by Lovell.
OLD LADY
FTLN 2812 I’ll not come back! The tidings that I bring
FTLN 2813 195 Will make my boldness manners.—Now, good angels
FTLN 2814 Fly o’er thy royal head and shade thy person
FTLN 2815 Under their blessèd wings!
KING FTLN 2816 Now by thy looks
FTLN 2817 I guess thy message. Is the Queen delivered?
FTLN 2818 200 Say “Ay, and of a boy.”
OLD LADY FTLN 2819 Ay, ay, my liege,
FTLN 2820 And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven
FTLN 2821 Both now and ever bless her! ’Tis a girl
FTLN 2822 Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen
FTLN 2823 205 Desires your visitation, and to be
FTLN 2824 Acquainted with this stranger. ’Tis as like you
FTLN 2825 As cherry is to cherry.

205
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
KING FTLN 2826 Lovell.
LOVELL FTLN 2827 Sir.
KING
FTLN 2828 210 Give her an hundred marks. I’ll to the Queen.
King exits.
OLD LADY
FTLN 2829 An hundred marks? By this light, I’ll ha’ more.
FTLN 2830 An ordinary groom is for such payment.
FTLN 2831 I will have more or scold it out of him.
FTLN 2832 Said I for this the girl was like to him?
FTLN 2833 215 I’ll have more or else unsay ’t. And now,
FTLN 2834 While ’tis hot, I’ll put it to the issue.
Old Lady exits, with Lovell.
Scene 2
Enter Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. (Pages,
Footboys, Grooms, and other servants attend at the
Council door.)
CRANMER
FTLN 2835 I hope I am not too late, and yet the gentleman
FTLN 2836 That was sent to me from the Council prayed me
FTLN 2837 To make great haste. He tries the door.
FTLN 2838 All fast? What means this? Ho!
FTLN 2839 5 Who waits there?
Enter Keeper.
FTLN 2840 Sure you know me!
KEEPER FTLN 2841 Yes, my lord,
FTLN 2842 But yet I cannot help you.
CRANMER FTLN 2843 Why?
KEEPER
FTLN 2844 10 Your Grace must wait till you be called for.
CRANMER FTLN 2845 So.

207
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
Enter Doctor Butts.
BUTTS , aside
FTLN 2846 This is a piece of malice. I am glad
FTLN 2847 I came this way so happily. The King
FTLN 2848 Shall understand it presently. Butts exits.
CRANMER , aside FTLN 2849 15 ’Tis Butts,
FTLN 2850 The King’s physician. As he passed along
FTLN 2851 How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
FTLN 2852 Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace. For certain
FTLN 2853 This is of purpose laid by some that hate me—
FTLN 2854 20 God turn their hearts! I never sought their malice—
FTLN 2855 To quench mine honor. They would shame to make me
FTLN 2856 Wait else at door, a fellow councillor,
FTLN 2857 ’Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures
FTLN 2858 Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience.
Enter the King and Butts at a window above.
BUTTS
FTLN 2859 25 I’ll show your Grace the strangest sight.
KING FTLN 2860 What’s that,
FTLN 2861 Butts?
BUTTS
FTLN 2862 I think your Highness saw this many a day.
KING
FTLN 2863 Body o’ me, where is it?
BUTTS FTLN 2864 30 There, my lord:
FTLN 2865 The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury,
FTLN 2866 Who holds his state at door, ’mongst pursuivants,
FTLN 2867 Pages, and footboys.
KING FTLN 2868 Ha! ’Tis he indeed.
FTLN 2869 35 Is this the honor they do one another?
FTLN 2870 ’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought
FTLN 2871 They had parted so much honesty among ’em—
FTLN 2872 At least good manners—as not thus to suffer

209
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2873 A man of his place, and so near our favor,
FTLN 2874 40 To dance attendance on their Lordships’ pleasures,
FTLN 2875 And at the door, too, like a post with packets.
FTLN 2876 By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery!
FTLN 2877 Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close.
FTLN 2878 We shall hear more anon. They draw the curtain.
A council table brought in with chairs and stools and
placed under the state. Enter Lord Chancellor, places
himself at the upper end of the table on the left hand, a
seat being left void above him, as for Canterbury’s seat.
Duke of Suffolk, Duke of Norfolk, Surrey, Lord
Chamberlain, Gardiner seat themselves in order on each
side, Cromwell at lower end as secretary.
CHANCELLOR
FTLN 2879 45 Speak to the business, Master Secretary.
FTLN 2880 Why are we met in council?
CROMWELL FTLN 2881 Please your honors,
FTLN 2882 The chief cause concerns his Grace of Canterbury.
GARDINER
FTLN 2883 Has he had knowledge of it?
CROMWELL FTLN 2884 50 Yes.
NORFOLK , to Keeper FTLN 2885 Who waits there?
KEEPER
FTLN 2886 Without, my noble lords?
GARDINER FTLN 2887 Yes.
KEEPER FTLN 2888 My lord Archbishop,
FTLN 2889 55 And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.
CHANCELLOR
FTLN 2890 Let him come in.
KEEPER , at door FTLN 2891 Your Grace may enter now.
Cranmer approaches the council table.
CHANCELLOR
FTLN 2892 My good lord Archbishop, I’m very sorry
FTLN 2893 To sit here at this present and behold
FTLN 2894 60 That chair stand empty. But we all are men,

211
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2895 In our own natures frail, and capable
FTLN 2896 Of our flesh—few are angels—out of which frailty
FTLN 2897 And want of wisdom you, that best should teach us,
FTLN 2898 Have misdemeaned yourself, and not a little,
FTLN 2899 65 Toward the King first, then his laws, in filling
FTLN 2900 The whole realm, by your teaching and your
FTLN 2901 chaplains’—
FTLN 2902 For so we are informed—with new opinions,
FTLN 2903 Divers and dangerous, which are heresies
FTLN 2904 70 And, not reformed, may prove pernicious.
GARDINER
FTLN 2905 Which reformation must be sudden too,
FTLN 2906 My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses
FTLN 2907 Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle,
FTLN 2908 But stop their mouths with stubborn bits, and spur ’em
FTLN 2909 75 Till they obey the manage. If we suffer,
FTLN 2910 Out of our easiness and childish pity
FTLN 2911 To one man’s honor, this contagious sickness,
FTLN 2912 Farewell, all physic. And what follows then?
FTLN 2913 Commotions, uproars, with a general taint
FTLN 2914 80 Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbors,
FTLN 2915 The upper Germany, can dearly witness,
FTLN 2916 Yet freshly pitied in our memories.
CRANMER
FTLN 2917 My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress
FTLN 2918 Both of my life and office, I have labored,
FTLN 2919 85 And with no little study, that my teaching
FTLN 2920 And the strong course of my authority
FTLN 2921 Might go one way and safely; and the end
FTLN 2922 Was ever to do well. Nor is there living—
FTLN 2923 I speak it with a single heart, my lords—
FTLN 2924 90 A man that more detests, more stirs against,
FTLN 2925 Both in his private conscience and his place,
FTLN 2926 Defacers of a public peace than I do.
FTLN 2927 Pray heaven the King may never find a heart

213
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 2928 With less allegiance in it! Men that make
FTLN 2929 95 Envy and crookèd malice nourishment
FTLN 2930 Dare bite the best. I do beseech your Lordships
FTLN 2931 That, in this case of justice, my accusers,
FTLN 2932 Be what they will, may stand forth face to face
FTLN 2933 And freely urge against me.
SUFFOLK FTLN 2934 100 Nay, my lord,
FTLN 2935 That cannot be. You are a councillor,
FTLN 2936 And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.
GARDINER
FTLN 2937 My lord, because we have business of more moment,
FTLN 2938 We will be short with you. ’Tis his Highness’ pleasure,
FTLN 2939 105 And our consent, for better trial of you
FTLN 2940 From hence you be committed to the Tower,
FTLN 2941 Where, being but a private man again,
FTLN 2942 You shall know many dare accuse you boldly—
FTLN 2943 More than, I fear, you are provided for.
CRANMER
FTLN 2944 110 Ah, my good Lord of Winchester, I thank you.
FTLN 2945 You are always my good friend. If your will pass,
FTLN 2946 I shall both find your Lordship judge and juror,
FTLN 2947 You are so merciful. I see your end:
FTLN 2948 ’Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord,
FTLN 2949 115 Become a churchman better than ambition.
FTLN 2950 Win straying souls with modesty again;
FTLN 2951 Cast none away. That I shall clear myself,
FTLN 2952 Lay all the weight you can upon my patience,
FTLN 2953 I make as little doubt as you do conscience
FTLN 2954 120 In doing daily wrongs. I could say more,
FTLN 2955 But reverence to your calling makes me modest.
GARDINER
FTLN 2956 My lord, my lord, you are a sectary.
FTLN 2957 That’s the plain truth. Your painted gloss discovers,
FTLN 2958 To men that understand you, words and weakness.

215
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
CROMWELL
FTLN 2959 125 My Lord of Winchester, you’re a little,
FTLN 2960 By your good favor, too sharp. Men so noble,
FTLN 2961 However faulty, yet should find respect
FTLN 2962 For what they have been. ’Tis a cruelty
FTLN 2963 To load a falling man.
GARDINER FTLN 2964 130 Good Master Secretary—
FTLN 2965 I cry your Honor mercy—you may worst
FTLN 2966 Of all this table say so.
CROMWELL FTLN 2967 Why, my lord?
GARDINER
FTLN 2968 Do not I know you for a favorer
FTLN 2969 135 Of this new sect? You are not sound.
CROMWELL FTLN 2970 Not sound?
GARDINER
FTLN 2971 Not sound, I say.
CROMWELL FTLN 2972 Would you were half so honest!
FTLN 2973 Men’s prayers then would seek you, not their fears.
GARDINER
FTLN 2974 140 I shall remember this bold language.
CROMWELL FTLN 2975 Do.
FTLN 2976 Remember your bold life too.
CHANCELLOR FTLN 2977 This is too much!
FTLN 2978 Forbear, for shame, my lords.
GARDINER FTLN 2979 145 I have done.
CROMWELL FTLN 2980 And I.
CHANCELLOR , to Cranmer
FTLN 2981 Then thus for you, my lord: it stands agreed,
FTLN 2982 I take it, by all voices, that forthwith
FTLN 2983 You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner,
FTLN 2984 150 There to remain till the King’s further pleasure
FTLN 2985 Be known unto us.—Are you all agreed, lords?
ALL
FTLN 2986 We are.
CRANMER FTLN 2987 Is there no other way of mercy
FTLN 2988 But I must needs to th’ Tower, my lords?

217
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
GARDINER FTLN 2989 155 What other
FTLN 2990 Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome.
FTLN 2991 Let some o’ th’ guard be ready there.
Enter the Guard.
CRANMER FTLN 2992 For me?
FTLN 2993 Must I go like a traitor thither?
GARDINER FTLN 2994 160 Receive him,
FTLN 2995 And see him safe i’ th’ Tower.
CRANMER FTLN 2996 Stay, good my lords,
FTLN 2997 I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords.
He holds out the ring.
FTLN 2998 By virtue of that ring, I take my cause
FTLN 2999 165 Out of the grips of cruel men and give it
FTLN 3000 To a most noble judge, the King my master.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 3001 This is the King’s ring.
SURREY FTLN 3002 ’Tis no counterfeit.
SUFFOLK
FTLN 3003 ’Tis the right ring, by heaven! I told you all,
FTLN 3004 170 When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling,
FTLN 3005 ’Twould fall upon ourselves.
NORFOLK FTLN 3006 Do you think, my lords,
FTLN 3007 The King will suffer but the little finger
FTLN 3008 Of this man to be vexed?
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 3009 175 ’Tis now too certain.
FTLN 3010 How much more is his life in value with him!
FTLN 3011 Would I were fairly out on ’t!
CROMWELL FTLN 3012 My mind gave me,
FTLN 3013 In seeking tales and informations
FTLN 3014 180 Against this man, whose honesty the devil
FTLN 3015 And his disciples only envy at,
FTLN 3016 You blew the fire that burns you. Now, have at you!
Enter King, frowning on them; takes his seat.

219
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
GARDINER
FTLN 3017 Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven
FTLN 3018 In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince,
FTLN 3019 185 Not only good and wise, but most religious;
FTLN 3020 One that in all obedience makes the Church
FTLN 3021 The chief aim of his honor, and to strengthen
FTLN 3022 That holy duty out of dear respect,
FTLN 3023 His royal self in judgment comes to hear
FTLN 3024 190 The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
KING
FTLN 3025 You were ever good at sudden commendations,
FTLN 3026 Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not
FTLN 3027 To hear such flattery now, and in my presence
FTLN 3028 They are too thin and base to hide offenses.
FTLN 3029 195 To me you cannot reach. You play the spaniel,
FTLN 3030 And think with wagging of your tongue to win me;
FTLN 3031 But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for, I’m sure
FTLN 3032 Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody.—
FTLN 3033 Good man, sit down. Cranmer takes his seat.
FTLN 3034 200 Now let me see the proudest
FTLN 3035 He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee.
FTLN 3036 By all that’s holy, he had better starve
FTLN 3037 Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
SURREY
FTLN 3038 May it please your Grace—
KING FTLN 3039 205 No, sir, it does not please
FTLN 3040 me.
FTLN 3041 I had thought I had had men of some understanding
FTLN 3042 And wisdom of my Council, but I find none.
FTLN 3043 Was it discretion, lords, to let this man,
FTLN 3044 210 This good man—few of you deserve that title—
FTLN 3045 This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy
FTLN 3046 At chamber door? And one as great as you are?
FTLN 3047 Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission
FTLN 3048 Bid you so far forget yourselves? I gave you
FTLN 3049 215 Power as he was a councillor to try him,

221
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3050 Not as a groom. There’s some of you, I see,
FTLN 3051 More out of malice than integrity,
FTLN 3052 Would try him to the utmost, had you mean,
FTLN 3053 Which you shall never have while I live.
CHANCELLOR FTLN 3054 220 Thus far,
FTLN 3055 My most dread sovereign, may it like your Grace
FTLN 3056 To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed
FTLN 3057 Concerning his imprisonment was rather,
FTLN 3058 If there be faith in men, meant for his trial
FTLN 3059 225 And fair purgation to the world than malice,
FTLN 3060 I’m sure, in me.
KING FTLN 3061 Well, well, my lords, respect him.
FTLN 3062 Take him, and use him well; he’s worthy of it.
FTLN 3063 I will say thus much for him: if a prince
FTLN 3064 230 May be beholding to a subject, I
FTLN 3065 Am, for his love and service, so to him.
FTLN 3066 Make me no more ado, but all embrace him.
FTLN 3067 Be friends, for shame, my lords.
They embrace Cranmer.
FTLN 3068 My Lord of Canterbury,
FTLN 3069 235 I have a suit which you must not deny me:
FTLN 3070 That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism.
FTLN 3071 You must be godfather and answer for her.
CRANMER
FTLN 3072 The greatest monarch now alive may glory
FTLN 3073 In such an honor. How may I deserve it,
FTLN 3074 240 That am a poor and humble subject to you?
KING FTLN 3075 Come, come, my lord, you’d spare your spoons.
FTLN 3076 You shall have two noble partners with you: the
FTLN 3077 old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquess Dorset.
FTLN 3078 Will these please you?—
FTLN 3079 245 Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you,
FTLN 3080 Embrace and love this man.
GARDINER FTLN 3081 With a true heart
FTLN 3082 And brother-love I do it. He embraces Cranmer.

223
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 3
CRANMER , weeping FTLN 3083 And let heaven
FTLN 3084 250 Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.
KING
FTLN 3085 Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart.
FTLN 3086 The common voice, I see, is verified
FTLN 3087 Of thee, which says thus: “Do my Lord of Canterbury
FTLN 3088 A shrewd turn, and he’s your friend forever.”—
FTLN 3089 255 Come, lords, we trifle time away. I long
FTLN 3090 To have this young one made a Christian.
FTLN 3091 As I have made you one, lords, one remain.
FTLN 3092 So I grow stronger, you more honor gain.
They exit.
Scene 3
Noise and tumult within. Enter Porter and his Man,
carrying cudgels.
PORTER FTLN 3093 You’ll leave your noise anon, you rascals! Do
FTLN 3094 you take the court for Parish Garden? You rude
FTLN 3095 slaves, leave your gaping!
ONE , (within) FTLN 3096 Good Master Porter, I belong to th’
FTLN 3097 5 larder.
PORTER FTLN 3098 Belong to th’ gallows and be hanged, you rogue!
FTLN 3099 Is this a place to roar in?—Fetch me a dozen crab-tree
FTLN 3100 staves, and strong ones. These are but switches
FTLN 3101 to ’em.—I’ll scratch your heads! You must be seeing
FTLN 3102 10 christenings? Do you look for ale and cakes here,
FTLN 3103 you rude rascals?
PORTER’S MAN
FTLN 3104 Pray, sir, be patient. ’Tis as much impossible—
FTLN 3105 Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons—
FTLN 3106 To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep
FTLN 3107 15 On May Day morning, which will never be.
FTLN 3108 We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em.
PORTER FTLN 3109 How got they in, and be hanged?

225
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 3
PORTER’S MAN
FTLN 3110 Alas, I know not. How gets the tide in?
FTLN 3111 As much as one sound cudgel of four foot—
FTLN 3112 20 You see the poor remainder—could distribute,
FTLN 3113 I made no spare, sir.
PORTER FTLN 3114 You did nothing, sir.
PORTER’S MAN
FTLN 3115 I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand,
FTLN 3116 To mow ’em down before me; but if I spared any
FTLN 3117 25 That had a head to hit, either young or old,
FTLN 3118 He or she, cuckold or cuckold-maker,
FTLN 3119 Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again—
FTLN 3120 And that I would not for a cow, God save her!
ONE , (within) FTLN 3121 Do you hear, Master Porter?
PORTER FTLN 3122 30 I shall be with you presently, good master
FTLN 3123 puppy.— Keep the door close, sirrah.
PORTER’S MAN FTLN 3124 What would you have me do?
PORTER FTLN 3125 What should you do but knock ’em down by
FTLN 3126 th’ dozens? Is this Moorfields to muster in? Or have
FTLN 3127 35 we some strange Indian with the great tool come to
FTLN 3128 court, the women so besiege us? Bless me, what a
FTLN 3129 fry of fornication is at door! On my Christian conscience,
FTLN 3130 this one christening will beget a thousand;
FTLN 3131 here will be father, godfather, and all together.
PORTER’S MAN FTLN 3132 40 The spoons will be the bigger, sir. There is
FTLN 3133 a fellow somewhat near the door—he should be a
FTLN 3134 brazier by his face, for, o’ my conscience, twenty of
FTLN 3135 the dog days now reign in ’s nose. All that stand
FTLN 3136 about him are under the line; they need no other
FTLN 3137 45 penance. That fire-drake did I hit three times on the
FTLN 3138 head, and three times was his nose discharged
FTLN 3139 against me. He stands there like a mortar-piece, to
FTLN 3140 blow us. There was a haberdasher’s wife of small
FTLN 3141 wit near him that railed upon me till her pinked
FTLN 3142 50 porringer fell off her head for kindling such a
FTLN 3143 combustion in the state. I missed the meteor once

227
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 3
FTLN 3144 and hit that woman, who cried out “Clubs!” when I
FTLN 3145 might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to
FTLN 3146 her succor, which were the hope o’ th’ Strand, where
FTLN 3147 55 she was quartered. They fell on; I made good my
FTLN 3148 place. At length they came to th’ broomstaff to me;
FTLN 3149 I defied ’em still, when suddenly a file of boys behind
FTLN 3150 ’em, loose shot, delivered such a shower of
FTLN 3151 pibbles that I was fain to draw mine honor in and
FTLN 3152 60 let ’em win the work. The devil was amongst ’em, I
FTLN 3153 think, surely.
PORTER FTLN 3154 These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse
FTLN 3155 and fight for bitten apples, that no audience
FTLN 3156 but the tribulation of Tower Hill or the limbs of
FTLN 3157 65 Limehouse, their dear brothers, are able to
FTLN 3158 endure. I have some of ’em in Limbo Patrum, and
FTLN 3159 there they are like to dance these three days, besides
FTLN 3160 the running banquet of two beadles that is to come.
Enter Lord Chamberlain.
CHAMBERLAIN
FTLN 3161 Mercy o’ me, what a multitude are here!
FTLN 3162 70 They grow still too. From all parts they are coming,
FTLN 3163 As if we kept a fair here! Where are these porters,
FTLN 3164 These lazy knaves?—You’ve made a fine hand, fellows!
FTLN 3165 There’s a trim rabble let in. Are all these
FTLN 3166 Your faithful friends o’ th’ suburbs? We shall have
FTLN 3167 75 Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies,
FTLN 3168 When they pass back from the christening!
PORTER FTLN 3169 An ’t please
FTLN 3170 your Honor,
FTLN 3171 We are but men, and what so many may do,
FTLN 3172 80 Not being torn a-pieces, we have done.
FTLN 3173 An army cannot rule ’em.
CHAMBERLAIN FTLN 3174 As I live,
FTLN 3175 If the King blame me for ’t, I’ll lay you all
FTLN 3176 By th’ heels, and suddenly, and on your heads

229
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3177 85 Clap round fines for neglect. You’re lazy knaves,
FTLN 3178 And here you lie baiting of bombards, when
FTLN 3179 You should do service. Trumpets.
FTLN 3180 Hark, the trumpets sound!
FTLN 3181 They’re come already from the christening.
FTLN 3182 90 Go break among the press, and find a way out
FTLN 3183 To let the troop pass fairly, or I’ll find
FTLN 3184 A Marshalsea shall hold you play these two months.
PORTER
FTLN 3185 Make way there for the Princess!
PORTER’S MAN FTLN 3186 You great fellow,
FTLN 3187 95 Stand close up, or I’ll make your head ache.
PORTER
FTLN 3188 You i’ th’ camlet, get up o’ th’ rail!
FTLN 3189 I’ll peck you o’er the pales else.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Trumpets, sounding. Then two Aldermen, Lord
Mayor, Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolk with his
marshal’s staff, Duke of Suffolk, two Noblemen bearing
great standing bowls for the christening gifts; then four
Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which the Duchess
of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child richly habited
in a mantle, etc., train borne by a Lady. Then follows the
Marchioness Dorset, the other godmother, and Ladies.
The troop pass once about the stage, and Garter speaks.
GARTER FTLN 3190 Heaven, from thy endless goodness, send
FTLN 3191 prosperous life, long, and ever happy, to the high
FTLN 3192 and mighty princess of England, Elizabeth.
Flourish. Enter King and Guard.
CRANMER , kneeling
FTLN 3193 And to your royal Grace and the good queen,

231
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3194 5 My noble partners and myself thus pray
FTLN 3195 All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady
FTLN 3196 Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy
FTLN 3197 May hourly fall upon you!
KING FTLN 3198 Thank you, good lord
FTLN 3199 10 Archbishop.
FTLN 3200 What is her name?
CRANMER FTLN 3201 Elizabeth.
KING FTLN 3202 Stand up, lord.
Cranmer stands.
FTLN 3203 With this kiss take my blessing. King kisses infant.
FTLN 3204 15 God protect thee,
FTLN 3205 Into whose hand I give thy life.
CRANMER FTLN 3206 Amen.
KING , to the two godmothers
FTLN 3207 My noble gossips, you’ve been too prodigal.
FTLN 3208 I thank you heartily; so shall this lady
FTLN 3209 20 When she has so much English.
CRANMER FTLN 3210 Let me speak, sir,
FTLN 3211 For heaven now bids me; and the words I utter
FTLN 3212 Let none think flattery, for they’ll find ’em truth.
FTLN 3213 This royal infant—heaven still move about her!—
FTLN 3214 25 Though in her cradle, yet now promises
FTLN 3215 Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings,
FTLN 3216 Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be—
FTLN 3217 But few now living can behold that goodness—
FTLN 3218 A pattern to all princes living with her
FTLN 3219 30 And all that shall succeed. Saba was never
FTLN 3220 More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue
FTLN 3221 Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces
FTLN 3222 That mold up such a mighty piece as this is,
FTLN 3223 With all the virtues that attend the good,
FTLN 3224 35 Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her;
FTLN 3225 Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her.
FTLN 3226 She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her;
FTLN 3227 Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn

233
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 4
FTLN 3228 And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with
FTLN 3229 40 her.
FTLN 3230 In her days every man shall eat in safety
FTLN 3231 Under his own vine what he plants and sing
FTLN 3232 The merry songs of peace to all his neighbors.
FTLN 3233 God shall be truly known, and those about her
FTLN 3234 45 From her shall read the perfect ways of honor
FTLN 3235 And by those claim their greatness, not by blood.
FTLN 3236 Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but, as when
FTLN 3237 The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix,
FTLN 3238 Her ashes new create another heir
FTLN 3239 50 As great in admiration as herself,
FTLN 3240 So shall she leave her blessedness to one,
FTLN 3241 When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness,
FTLN 3242 Who from the sacred ashes of her honor
FTLN 3243 Shall starlike rise as great in fame as she was
FTLN 3244 55 And so stand fixed. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror,
FTLN 3245 That were the servants to this chosen infant,
FTLN 3246 Shall then be his, and like a vine grow to him.
FTLN 3247 Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine,
FTLN 3248 His honor and the greatness of his name
FTLN 3249 60 Shall be, and make new nations. He shall flourish,
FTLN 3250 And like a mountain cedar reach his branches
FTLN 3251 To all the plains about him. Our children’s children
FTLN 3252 Shall see this and bless heaven.
KING FTLN 3253 Thou speakest wonders.
CRANMER
FTLN 3254 65 She shall be to the happiness of England
FTLN 3255 An agèd princess; many days shall see her,
FTLN 3256 And yet no day without a deed to crown it.
FTLN 3257 Would I had known no more! But she must die,
FTLN 3258 She must, the saints must have her; yet a virgin,
FTLN 3259 70 A most unspotted lily, shall she pass
FTLN 3260 To th’ ground, and all the world shall mourn her.

235
Henry VIII
ACT 5. SC. 4
KING FTLN 3261 O lord
FTLN 3262 Archbishop,
FTLN 3263 Thou hast made me now a man. Never before
FTLN 3264 75 This happy child did I get anything.
FTLN 3265 This oracle of comfort has so pleased me
FTLN 3266 That when I am in heaven I shall desire
FTLN 3267 To see what this child does and praise my Maker.—
FTLN 3268 I thank you all.—To you, my good lord mayor
FTLN 3269 80 And you, good brethren, I am much beholding.
FTLN 3270 I have received much honor by your presence,
FTLN 3271 And you shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords.
FTLN 3272 You must all see the Queen, and she must thank you;
FTLN 3273 She will be sick else. This day, no man think
FTLN 3274 85 ’Has business at his house, for all shall stay.
FTLN 3275 This little one shall make it holiday.
They exit.

237
Henry VIII
EPILOGUE
Enter Epilogue.
EPILOGUE
FTLN 3276 ’Tis ten to one this play can never please
FTLN 3277 All that are here. Some come to take their ease
FTLN 3278 And sleep an act or two—but those, we fear,
FTLN 3279 We’ve frighted with our trumpets; so, ’tis clear,
FTLN 3280 5 They’ll say ’tis naught—others, to hear the city
FTLN 3281 Abused extremely and to cry “That’s witty!”—
FTLN 3282 Which we have not done neither—that I fear
FTLN 3283 All the expected good we’re like to hear
FTLN 3284 For this play at this time is only in
FTLN 3285 10 The merciful construction of good women,
FTLN 3286 For such a one we showed ’em. If they smile
FTLN 3287 And say ’twill do, I know within a while
FTLN 3288 All the best men are ours; for ’tis ill hap
FTLN 3289 If they hold when their ladies bid ’em clap.
He exits.