You'd venture an emballing': I myself
Would for Carnarvonshire, although there 'long'd
No more to the crown but that, Lo, who comes
here?

Enter the Lord Chamberlain,

5

Old L. How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence,

Cham. Good morrow, ladies. What were't There was a lady once, ('tis an old story)

worth, to know

The secret of your conference?

Anne. My good lord,

Not your demand; it values not your asking;
Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying.
Cham. It was a gentle business," and becoming
The action of good women: there is hope,
All will be well.

10

Anne. Now I pray God, Amen! [blessings 15
Cham. You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly
Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,
Perceive I speak sincerely, and high notes
Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty
Commends his good opinion to you, and
Does purpose honour to you no less flowing
Than marchioness of Pembroke; to which title
A thousand pounds a year, annual support,
Out of his grace he adds.

Anne. I do not know,

What kind of my obedience I should tender;
More than my all is nothing: nor my prayers
Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes
More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers,

and wishes,

Are all I can return. 'Beseech your lordship,
Vouchsafe to speak my thanks, and my obedience,
As from a blushing handmaid, to his highness;
Whose health, and royalty, I pray for.

Cham. Lady,

I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit
The king hath of you.-I have perus'd her well;
Beauty and honour in her are so mingled, [Aside.
That they have caught the king: and who knows

yet,

But from this lady may proceed a gem,
To lighten all this isle?—I'll to the king,

And say, I spoke with you,

Anne. My honour'd ford. [Exit Lord Chamber-
Old L. Why, this it is; sec, see!

I have been begging sixteen years in court,

(Am yet a courtier beggarly) nor could Come pat betwixt too early and too late,

For any suit of pounds; and you, (O, fate!)

20

That would not be a queen, that would she not,
For all the mud in Egypt:-Have you heard it?
Anne. Come, you are pleasant.

Old L. With your theme, I could
O'er-mount the lark. The marchioness of Pem-

broke!

A thousand pounds a year! for pure respect;
No other obligation: by my life,

That promises more thousands: honour's train
Is longer than his fore-skirt. By this time,
I know, your back will bear a dutchess;—say,
Are you not stronger than you were?
Anne. Good lady,

Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy,
And leave me out on't. 'Would I had no being
If this salute my blood a jot; it faints me,
To think what follows.

The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful
25 In our long absence: pray, do not deliver
What here you have heard, to her.
Old L. What do you think me?

30

35

40

[lain. 45

SCENE IV.

[Exeunt.

A Hall in Black-Fryars. Trumpets, Sennet, und Cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short Silver Wands; next them, two Scribes, in the hahits of Doctors; after them, the Archbishop 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 bareheaded, accompanied with a Serjeant at Arms, bearing a Silver Mace; then two Gentlemen, bearing two great Silver Pillars; after them, side by side, the two Cardinals; 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; beloty them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the

1 The meaning, according to Dr. Johnson, is, "You would venture to be distinguished by the ball, the ensign of royalty." Mr. Tollet, however, says, "Dr. Johnson's explanation cannot be right, because a queen-consort, such as Anne Bullen was, is not distinguished by the ball, the ensign 2 From this and many other of royalty, nor has the poet expressed that she was so distinguished." artful strokes of address, the poet has thrown in upon queen Elizabeth and her mother, it should seem, that this play was written and performed in his royal mistress's time: if so, some lines were added 3 Mr. Steevens on this by him in the last scene, after the accession of her successor, king James.

4

passage remarks, "Forty pence was in those days the proverbial expression of a small wager, or a small sum. Money was then reckoned by pounds, marks, and nobles. Forty pence is half a noble, or the sixth part of a pound. Forty pence, or three and four pence, still remains in many offices the legal and established fee." Dr. Burney in his General Hist ry of Music conjectures, that sennet may mean a flourish for the purpose of assembling chiefs, or apprizing the people of their approach. Mr. Steevens 5 Pillars adds, that he has been informed that seneste is the name of an antiquated French tune. were some of the ensigns of dignity carried before cardinals. Wolsey had two great silver pillars usually borne before him by two of the tallest priests that he could get within the realm. This remarkable piece of pageantry did not escape the notice of Shakspeare.

Bishops.

Bishops. The rest of Attendants stand in convenient order about the Stage.

Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded.

King. What's the need?

It hath already publicly been read,

And on all sides the authority allow'd;

You may then spare that time.

Wol. Be't so:-Proceed.

5

Beseech you, sir, to spare me, 'till I may
Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel
I will implore: If not; i' the name of God,
Your pleasure be fulfill'd!

Wol. You have here, lady,

(And of your choice) these reverend fathers; men
Of singular integrity and learning,

Yea, the elect of the land, who are assembled
To plead your cause: It shall be therefore bootless,

Scribe. Say, Henry king of England, come into 10 That longer you defer the court; as well

the court.

Crier. Katharine, queen of England, &c. [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.]

For your own quiet, as to rectify
What is unsettled in the king.

Cam. His grace

Hath spoken well, and justly: Therefore, madam, 15 It's fit this royal session do proceed;

And that, without delay, their arguments
Be now produc'd, and heard.
Queen. Lord cardinal,-
To you I speak.

Wol. Your pleasure, madam?
Queen. Sir,

am about to weep; but, thinking that

We are a queen, (or long have dream'd so) certain, The daughter of a king, my drops of tears 25 I'll turn to sparks of fire.

Queen. Sir, I desire you, do me right and justice; 20
And to bestow your pity on me: for
I am a most poor woman, and a stranger,
Born out of your dominions: having here
No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance
Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,
In what have I offended you? what cause
Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure,
That thus you should proceed to put me off,
And take your good grace from me? Heaven wit-
I have been to you a true and humble wife, [ness, 30
At all times to your will conformable:
Ever in fear to kindle your dislike,

Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry,
As I saw it inclin'd. When was the hour,
I ever contradicted your desire,

35

Wol. Be patient yet.

[fore,

Queen. I will, when you are humble; nay, he-
Or God will punish me. I do believe,
Induc'd by potent circumstances, that
You are mine enemy; and make my challenge',
You shall not be my judge: for it is you
Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me.-
Which God's dew quench!-Therefore, I say
I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul [again,
Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more,
I hold my most malicious foe, and think not
At all a friend to truth.

Wol. I do profess,

You speak not like yourself; who ever yet 40 Have stood to charity, and display'd the effects Of disposition gentle, and of wisdom [wrong: O'er-topping woman's power. Madam, you do me

I have no spleen against you; nor injustice For you, or any: how far I have proceeded, 45 Or how far further shall, is warranted

Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends
Have I not strove to love, although I knew
He were mine enemy? what friend of mine,
That had to him deriv'd your anger, did I
Continue in my liking? nay, gave not notice
He was from thence discharg'd: Sir, call to mind,
That I have been your wife, in this obedience,
Upwards of twenty years, and have been blest
With many children by you: If, in the course
And process of this time, you can report,
And prove it too, against mine honour aught,
My bond to wedlock, or my love and duty
Against your sacred person, in God's name,
Turn me away; and let the foul'st contempt
Shut door upon me, and so give me up
To the sharpest kind of justice. Please you, sir,
The king, your father, was reputed for
A prince most prudent, of an excellent
And unmatch'd wit and judgement: Ferdinand,|
My father, king of Spain, was reckon'd one
The wisest prince, that there had reign'd by many
A year before: It is not to be question'd
That they had gather'd a wise council to them
Of every realm, that did debate this business,
Who deem'd our marriage lawful; Wherefore 160
humbly

By a commission from the consistory,

2

Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge
That I have blown this coal: I do deny it: [me,
The king is present: If it be known to him,
50 That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound,
And worthily, my falsehood? yea, as much
As you have done my truth. If he know
That I am free of your report, he knows,
I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him
55 It lies, to cure me; and the cure is, to [before
Remove these thoughts from you: The which
His highness shall speak in, I do beseech
You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking,
And to say so no more.

Queen. My lord, my lord,

I am a simple woman, much too weak

Challenge is here a verbum juris, a law term, The criminal, when he refuses a juryman, says, I challenge him.

2 i, e. deny.

Te

When you are call'd, return.-Now the Lord help,
They vex me past my patience!—pray you, pass
I will not tarry; no, nor ever more, [on:
Upon this business, my appearance make
In any of their courts.

[Exeunt Queen and her Attendants.

King. Go thy ways, Kate:

That man i' the world, who shall report he has
A better wife, let him in nought be trusted,
For speaking false in that: Thou art, alone,
(If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness,
Thy meekness saint-like,wife-like government,-
Obeying in commanding,-and thy parts
Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out ")
The queen of earthly queens:-She is noble born;
And like her true nobility, she has
Carried herself towards me.

Wol. Most gracious sir,

In humblest manner I require your highness,
That it shall please you to declare, in hearing
Of all these ears, (for where I am robb'd and bound,
There must I be unloos'd; although not there
At once and fully satisfied') whether ever I
Did broach this business to your highness; or
Lay'd any scruple in your way, which might
Induce you to the question on't? or ever
Have to you,-but with thanks to God for such
A royal lady, spake one the least word, thatmight 55
Be to the prejudice of her present state,

1i. e. you shew or denote. 2 That is, Having now got power, you do not regard your word. 'i. e. if thy several qualities could speak thy praise. 4 The sense is, "I owe so much to my own innocence, as to clear up my character, though I do not expect my wrongers will do me justice." The king, having first addressed Wolsey, breaks off; and declares upon his honour to the whole court, that he speaks the cardinal's sentiments upon the point in question; and clears him from any attempt, or wish, to stir that business. i. e. prick of conscience, which was the term in con

A ship is said to hull, when she is dismasted, and only her hull, or hulk, is left at the direction and mercy of the waves.

My lord of Canterbury; and got your leave
To make this present summons:-Unsolicited
I left no reverend person in this court;
But by particular consent proceeded,
Under your hands and seals. Therefore, go on;
For no dislike i' the world against the person
Of our good queen, but the sharp thorny points 201

155

160

i. e. in the presence-chamber.

(And service to his majesty and you)
So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.
We come not by the way of accusation,
To taint that honour every good tongue blesses;
Nor to betray you any way to sorrow;
You have too much, good lady: but to know
How you stand minded in the weighty difference
Between the king and you; and to deliver,
Like free and honest men, our just opinions,
And comforts to your cause.

Cam. Most honour'd madam,

Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues;
But cardinal sins, and hollow hearts, I fear ye:
Mend 'em for shame, my lords. Is this your
comfort?

5 The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady?
A woman lost among ye, laugh'd at, scorn'd?
I will not wish ye half my miseries,

10

My lord of York,-out of his noble nature,
Zeal and obedience he still bore your grace;
Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure
Both of his truth and him, (which was too far)-15
Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace,
His service, and his counsel.-

Queen. To betray me.

[Aside.

25

My lords, I thank you both for your good wills,
Ye speak like honest men, (pray God, ye prove so!) 20
But how to make ye suddenly an answer,
In such a point of weight, so near mine honour,
(More near my life, I fear) with my weak wit,
And to such men of gravity and learning,
In truth, I know not. I was set at work
Among my maids; full little, God knows, looking
Either for such men, or such business.
For her sake that I have been', (for I feel
The last fit of my greatness) good your graces,
Let me have time, and counsel, for my cause;
Alas! I am a woman, friendless, hopeless.
Wol. Madam, you wrong the king's love with
these fears;

Your hopes and friends are infinite.

Queen. In England,

But little for my profit: Can you think, lords,
That any Englishman dare give me counsel ?
Or be a known friend, 'gainst his highness' plea-

sure,

I have more charity: But say, I warn'd ye;
Take heed, for heaven's sake, take heed, lest at

once

The burdens of my sorrows fall upon ye.

Wol. Madam, this is a mere distraction;
You turn the good we offer into envy.

Queen. Yeturn me into nothing: Woe upon ye, And all such false professors! Would ye have ine (If you have any justice, any pity;

If you be any thing but churchnien's habits)
Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me?
Alas! he has banish'd me his bed already;
His love, too long ago; I am old, my lords,
And all the fellowship I hold now with him
Is only my obedience. What can happen
To me, above this wretchedness? all your studies
Make me a curse like this.

Cam. Your fears are worse.
[myself,
Queen. Have I liv'd thus long, let me speak
Since virtue finds no friends,--a wife, a true one?
A woman, (I dare say, without vain-glory)
Never yet branded with suspicion?

30 Have I with all my full affections [him?
Still met the king? lov'd him next heaven? obey'd
Been, out of fondness, superstitious' to him?"
Almost forgot my prayers to content him?
And am I thus rewarded? 'tis not well, lords.
35 Bring me a constant woman to her husband,
One that ne'er dream'd a joy beyond his pleasure;
And to that woman, when she has done most,
Yet will I add an honour,-a great patience.
Wol. Madam, you wander from the good we
[guilty,

(Though he be grown so desp'rate to be honest) 40|
And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends,
They that must weigh out my afflictions,
They that my trust must grow to, live not here;
They are, as all my other comforts, far hence,
In mine own country, lords.

Cam. I would, your grace
Would leave your griefs, and take my counsel.
Queen. How, sir?

[tection;

45

Cam. Put your main cause into the king's pro-
He's loving, and most gracious: 'twill be much 50
Both for your honour better, and your cause;
For, if the trial of the law o'ertake you,

You'll part away disgrac'd.

Wol. He tells you rightly.

[ruin:

aim at.

Queen. My lord, I dare not make myself so
To give up willingly that noble title
Your master wed me to: nothing but death
Shall e'er divorce my dignities.

Wol. Pray, hear me,

[earth, Queen. 'Would I had never trod this English Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it! Ye have angels' faces, but heaven knows your hearts.

4

Queen. Ye tell me what ye wish for both, my 55 No friends, no hope; no kindred weep for me;

1i. e. for the sake of that royalty I have formerly possessed. To weigh out here implies the same as to outweigh. 3i. e. served him with superstitious attention. * A quibble, said to have been originally the quibble of a saint.-" England, a little island, where, as Saint Augustin saith, there be people with angels' faces, so the inhabitants have the courage and hearts of lyons."

You'd