Chapter II: Act I: SCENE I. London. An ante-chamber in the palace

_Enter the_ DUKE OF NORFOLK _at one door: at the other, the_ DUKE OF
BUCKINGHAM _and the_ LORD ABERGAVENNY.[9a]

_Buck._ Good morrow, and well met. How have ye done
Since last we saw in France?[10]

_Nor._ I thank your grace,
Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer
Of what I saw there.

_Buck._ An untimely ague
Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber when 5
Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,[11]
Met in the vale of Andren.[12]

_Nor._ 'Twixt Guynes and Arde:
I was then present, saw them salute on horseback;[13]
Beheld them, when they 'lighted, how they clung
In their embracement, as they grew together; 10
Which had they, what four throned ones could have weigh'd[14]
Such a compounded one?

_Buck._ All the whole time
I was my chamber's prisoner.

_Nor._ Then you lost
The view of earthly glory: men might say,
Till this time pomp was single, but now married 15
To one above itself. Each following day
Became the next day's master, till the last[15]
Made former wonders its. To-day the French,[16]
All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods,[17]
Shone down the English; and to-morrow they 20
Made Britain India: every man that stood
Show'd like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were
As cherubins, all gilt: the madams too,
Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear
The pride upon them, that their very labour 25
Was to them as a painting: now this masque
Was cried incomparable; and the ensuing night
Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings,
Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst,
As presence did present them; him in eye 30
Still him in praise; and being present both,
'Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner
Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns--[18]
For so they phrase 'em--by their heralds challenged
The noble spirits to arms, they did perform 35
Beyond thought's compass; that former fabulous story,[19]
Being now seen possible enough, got credit,
That Bevis was believed.[20]

_Buck._ O, you go far.

_Nor._ As I belong to worship and affect
In honour honesty, the tract of every thing 40
Would by a good discourser lose some life
Which action's self was tongue to. All was royal;[21][22]
To the disposing of it nought rebell'd;[22]
Order gave each thing view; the office did[22][23]
Distinctly his full function.[22]

_Buck._ Who did guide,[22] 45
I mean, who set the body and the limbs[22]
Of this great sport together, as you guess?[22][24]

_Nor._ One, certes, that promises no element[22][24][25]
In such a business.[22]

_Buck._ I pray you, who, my lord?[26]

_Nor._ All this was order'd by the good discretion 50
Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.

_Buck._ The devil speed him! no man's pie is freed
From his ambitious finger. What had he
To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder
That such a keech can with his very bulk[27] 55
Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun,
And keep it from the earth.

_Nor._ Surely, sir,[28]
There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends;
For, being not propp'd by ancestry, whose grace
Chalks successors their way, nor call'd upon 60
For high feats done to the crown; neither allied
To eminent assistants; but, spider-like,
Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note,[29]
The force of his own merit makes his way;
A gift that heaven gives for him, which buys[30] 65
A place next to the king.

_Aber._ I cannot tell
What heaven hath given him; let some graver eye
Pierce into that; but I can see his pride
Peep through each part of him: whence has he that?[31]
If not from hell, the devil is a niggard,[31] 70
Or has given all before, and he begins
A new hell in himself.

_Buck._ Why the devil,[32]
Upon this French going out, took he upon him,
Without the privity o' the king, to appoint
Who should attend on him? He makes up the file 75
Of all the gentry; for the most part such[33]
To whom as great a charge as little honour[33]
He meant to lay upon: and his own letter,[34][35][36]
The honourable board of council out,[35][37]
Must fetch him in he papers.[35][37][38]

_Aber._ I do know[35] 80
Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have
By this so sicken'd their estates that never[39]
They shall abound as formerly.

_Buck._ O, many
Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em[40]
For this great journey. What did this vanity[41] 85
But minister communication of[42]
A most poor issue?

_Nor._ Grievingly I think,
The peace between the French and us not values
The cost that did conclude it.

_Buck._ Every man,
After the hideous storm that follow'd, was 90
A thing inspired, and not consulting broke
Into a general prophecy: That this tempest,
Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded
The sudden breach on't.

_Nor._ Which is budded out;
For France hath flaw'd the league, and hath attach'd 95
Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux.[43]

_Aber._ Is it therefore
The ambassador is silenced?

_Nor._ Marry, is't.

_Aber._ A proper title of a peace, and purchased[44]
At a superfluous rate!

_Buck._ Why, all this business
Our reverend cardinal carried.

_Nor._ Like it your grace,[45] 100
The state takes notice of the private difference
Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you--
And take it from a heart that wishes towards you[46]
Honour and plenteous safety--that you read
The cardinal's malice and his potency 105
Together; to consider further that
What his high hatred would effect wants not[47]
A minister in his power. You know his nature,
That he's revengeful, and I know his sword
Hath a sharp edge; it's long and 't may be said 110
It reaches far, and where 'twill not extend,
Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel;
You'll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock
That I advise your shunning.[48]

_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_.

_Wol._ The Duke of Buckingham's surveyor, ha?[49] 115
Where's his examination?

_First Sec._ Here, so please you.[50]

_Wol._ Is he in person ready?

_First Sec._ Ay, please your grace.[51]

_Wol._ Well, we shall then know more; and Buckingham[52]
Shall lessen this big look. [_Exeunt Wolsey and his Train._[52][53]

_Buck._ This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, and I[54] 120
Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best
Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar's book[55]
Outworths a noble's blood.

_Nor._ What, are you chafed?[56]
Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only
Which your disease requires.

_Buck._ I read in's looks 125
Matter against me, and his eye reviled[57]
Me as his abject object: at this instant[57]
He bores me with some trick: he's gone to the king;[58]
I 'll follow and outstare him.

_Nor._ Stay, my lord,
And let your reason with your choler question 130
What 'tis you go about: to climb steep hills
Requires slow pace at first: anger is like
A full-hot horse, who being allow'd his way,[59]
Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England
Can advise me like you: be to yourself 135
As you would to your friend.

_Buck._ I'll to the king;
And from a mouth of honour quite cry down
This Ipswich fellow's insolence, or proclaim
There's difference in no persons.

_Nor._ Be advised;
Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot 140
That it do singe yourself: we may outrun,
By violent swiftness, that which we run at,
And lose by over-running. Know you not,[60]
The fire that mounts the liquor till't run o'er
In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised:[61] 145
I say again, there is no English soul
More stronger to direct you than yourself,[62]
If with the sap of reason you would quench,
Or but allay, the fire of passion.

_Buck._ Sir,
I am thankful to you; and I'll go along 150
By your prescription: but this top-proud fellow--
Whom from the flow of gall I name not but[63]
From sincere motions--by intelligence
And proofs as clear as founts in July when[64]
We see each grain of gravel, I do know 155
To be corrupt and treasonous.

_Nor._ Say not 'treasonous.'

_Buck._ To the king I'll say 't; and make my vouch as strong
As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,
Or wolf, or both--for he is equal ravenous[65][66]
As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief[65] 160
As able to perform't; his mind and place[65]
Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally--[65]
Only to show his pomp as well in France
As here at home, suggests the king our master
To this last costly treaty, the interview, 165
That swallow'd so much treasure, and like a glass
Did break i' the rinsing.[67]

_Nor._ Faith, and so it did.

_Buck._ Pray, give me favour, sir. This cunning cardinal[68]
The articles o' the combination drew[69]
As himself pleased; and they were ratified 170
As he cried 'Thus let be,' to as much end[70]
As give a crutch to the dead: but our count-cardinal[71]
Has done this, and 'tis well; for worthy Wolsey,
Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows--
Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy 175
To the old dam, treason--Charles the emperor,
Under pretence to see the queen his aunt--
For 'twas indeed his colour, but he came
To whisper Wolsey--here makes visitation:
His fears were that the interview betwixt 180
England and France might through their amity
Breed him some prejudice; for from this league
Peep'd harms that menaced him: he privily[72]
Deals with our cardinal; and, as I trow--[73]
Which I do well, for I am sure the emperor 185
Paid ere he promised; whereby his suit was granted
Ere it was ask'd--but when the way was made
And paved with gold, the emperor thus desired,[74]
That he would please to alter the king's course
And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know, 190
As soon he shall by me, that thus the cardinal
Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases
And for his own advantage.[75]

NOR. I am sorry
To hear this of him, and could wish he were[76]
Something mistaken in't.

_Buck._ No, not a syllable: 195
I do pronounce him in that very shape
He shall appear in proof.

_Enter_ BRANDON, _a_ Sergeant at arms _before him, and two or three of
the_ Guard.[77]

_Bran._ Your office, sergeant; execute it.

_Serg._ Sir,[78]
My lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earl
Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I[79] 200
Arrest thee of high treason, in the name
Of our most sovereign king.

_Buck._ Lo you, my lord,[80]
The net has fall'n upon me! I shall perish
Under device and practice.

_Bran._ I am sorry[81]
To see you ta'en from liberty, to look on[81] 205
The business present: 'tis his highness' pleasure[81][82]
You shall to the Tower.[81]

_Buck._ It will help me nothing
To plead mine innocence; for that dye is on me
Which makes my whitest part black. The will of heaven
Be done in this and all things! I obey. 210
O my Lord Abergavenny, fare you well![83]

_Bran._ Nay, he must bear you company. [_To Abergavenny._] The king[84]
Is pleased you shall to the Tower, till you know
How he determines further.

_Aber._ As the duke said,
The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure 215
By me obey'd!

_Bran._ Here is a warrant from
The king to attach Lord Montacute; and the bodies[85]
Of the duke's confessor, John de la Car,[86]
One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor,--[87]

_Buck._ So, so;
These are the limbs o' the plot: no more, I hope. 220

_Bran._ A monk o' the Chartreux.

_Buck._ O, Nicholas Hopkins?[88]

_Bran._ He.

_Buck._ My surveyor is false; the o'er-great cardinal
Hath show'd him gold; my life is spann'd already:
I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,
Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on,[89][90] 225
By darkening my clear sun. My lord, farewell. [_Exeunt._[89][91]

SCENE II. _The same. The council-chamber._

_Cornets. Enter_ KING HENRY, _leaning on the_ CARDINAL'S
_shoulder; the Nobles, and_ SIR THOMAS LOVELL: _the_
CARDINAL _places himself under the_ KING'S _feet on his
right side_.[92]

_King._ My life itself, and the best heart of it,
Thanks you for this great care: I stood i' the level
Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks[93]
To you that choked it. Let be call'd before us[94]
That gentleman of Buckingham's; in person[95] 5
I'll hear him his confessions justify;
And point by point the treasons of his master[96]
He shall again relate.

_A noise within, crying_ 'Room for the Queen!' _Enter_ QUEEN
KATHARINE, _ushered by the_ DUKE OF NORFOLK, _and the_ DUKE
OF SUFFOLK: _she kneels. The_ KING _riseth from his state,
takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him_.[97]

_Q. Kath._ Nay, we must longer kneel: I am a suitor.

_King._ Arise, and take place by us: half your suit[98] 10
Never name to us; you have half our power:
The other moiety ere you ask is given;
Repeat your will and take it.

_Q. Kath._ Thank your majesty.
That you would love yourself, and in that love
Not unconsider'd leave your honour nor[99] 15
The dignity of your office, is the point
Of my petition.

_King._ Lady mine, proceed.

_Q. Kath._ I am solicited, not by a few,[100]
And those of true condition, that your subjects
Are in great grievance: there have been commissions 20
Sent down among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart[101]
Of all their loyalties: wherein although,
My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches
Most bitterly on you as putter on
Of these exactions, yet the king our master-- 25
Whose honour heaven shield from soil!--even he escapes not
Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks
The sides of loyalty and almost appears[102]
In loud rebellion.

NOR. Not almost appears;
It doth appear; for, upon these taxations, 30
The clothiers all, not able to maintain
The many to them 'longing, have put off[103]
The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
Unfit for other life, compell'd by hunger
And lack of other means, in desperate manner 35
Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar,
And danger serves among them.

_King._ Taxation!
Wherein? and what taxation? My lord cardinal,
You that are blamed for it alike with us,
Know you of this taxation?

_Wol._ Please you, sir, 40
I know but of a single part in aught
Pertains to the state, and front but in that file
Where others tell steps with me.

_Q. Kath._ No, my lord,[104]
You know no more than others: but you frame[104]
Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome[105] 45
To those which would not know them and yet must
Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions,
Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are
Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear 'em,[106]
The back is sacrifice to the load. They say 50
They are devised by you; or else you suffer[107]
Too hard an exclamation.

_King._ Still exaction!
The nature of it? in what kind, let's know,
Is this exaction?

_Q. Kath._ I am much too venturous[108]
In tempting of your patience, but am bolden'd 55
Under your promised pardon. The subjects' grief
Comes through commissions, which compel from each[109]
The sixth part of his substance, to be levied
Without delay; and the pretence for this
Is named your wars in France: this makes bold mouths: 60
Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze
Allegiance in them; their curses now[110]
Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass,
This tractable obedience is a slave[111]
To each incensed will. I would your highness 65
Would give it quick consideration, for
There is no primer business.[112]

_King._ By my life,
This is against our pleasure.

_Wol._ And for me,
I have no further gone in this than by
A single voice, and that not pass'd me but 70
By learned approbation of the judges. If I am[113]
Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know[114]
My faculties nor person, yet will be
The chronicles of my doing, let me say
'Tis but the fate of place and the rough brake 75
That virtue must go through. We must not stint
Our necessary actions, in the fear
To cope malicious censurers; which ever,
As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
That is new-trimm'd, but benefit no further 80
Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is[115]
Not ours or not allow'd; what worst, as oft,
Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up
For our best act. If we shall stand still,[116] 85
In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at,[117]
We should take root here where we sit, or sit[118][119]
State-statues only.[119]

_King._ Things done well,[120]
And with a care, exempt themselves from fear;
Things done without example, in their issue 90
Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent[121]
Of this commission? I believe, not any.
We must not rend our subjects from our laws,
And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each?
A trembling contribution! Why, we take[122] 95
From every tree lop, bark, and part o' the timber,[123]
And though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd,[124]
The air will drink the sap. To every county
Where this is question'd send our letters, with
Free pardon to each man that has denied 100
The force of this commission: pray, look to't;
I put it to your care.

_Wol._ [_To the Secretary_] A word with you.[125]
Let there be letters writ to every shire,
Of the king's grace and pardon. The grieved commons[126]
Hardly conceive of me: let it be noised 105
That through our intercession this revokement
And pardon comes: I shall anon advise you
Further in the proceeding. [_Exit Secretary._

_Enter_ Surveyor.

_Q. Kath._ I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham[127]
Is run in your displeasure.

_King._ It grieves many:[128] 110
The gentleman is learn'd and a most rare speaker;[129]
To nature none more bound; his training such
That he may furnish and instruct great teachers
And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see,[130]
When these so noble benefits shall prove[131] 115
Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt,
They turn to vicious forms, ten times more ugly
Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,[132]
Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we,[133]
Almost with ravish'd listening, could not find[133][134] 120
His hour of speech a minute; he, my lady,
Hath into monstrous habits put the graces
That once were his, and is become as black
As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear--[135]
This was his gentlemen in trust--of him 125
Things to strike honour sad. Bid him recount
The fore-recited practices; whereof[136]
We cannot feel too little, hear too much.

_Wol._ Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you,
Most like a careful subject, have collected 130
Out of the Duke of Buckingham.

_King._ Speak freely.

_Surv._ First, it was usual with him, every day[137]
It would infect his speech, that if the king
Should without issue die, he'll carry it so[138]
To make the sceptre his: these very words 135
I've heard him utter to his son-in-law,
Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced[139]
Revenge upon the cardinal.

_Wol._ Please your highness, note[140]
This dangerous conception in this point.[141][142]
Not friended by his wish, to your high person[142] 140
His will is most malignant, and it stretches
Beyond you to your friends.

_Q. Kath._ My learn'd lord cardinal,
Deliver all with charity.

_King._ Speak on:
How grounded he his title to the crown
Upon our fail? to this point hast thou heard him 145
At any time speak aught?

_Surv._ He was brought to this[143]
By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton.[144]

_King._ What was that Henton?[145]

_Surv._ Sir, a Chartreux friar,
His confessor, who fed him every minute
With words of sovereignty.

_King._ How know'st thou this? 150

_Surv._ Not long before your highness sped to France,
The duke being at the Rose, within the parish
Saint Lawrence Poultney, did of me demand
What was the speech among the Londoners
Concerning the French journey: I replied, 155
Men fear'd the French would prove perfidious,[146]
To the king's danger. Presently the duke
Said, 'twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted
'Twould prove the verity of certain words
Spoke by a holy monk; 'that oft,' says he, 160
'Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit
John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour[147]
To hear from him a matter of some moment:
Whom after under the confession's seal[148][149]
He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke[148] 165
My chaplain to no creature living but[148]
To me should utter, with demure confidence[148][150]
This pausingly ensued: Neither the king nor's heirs,[151]
Tell you the duke, shall prosper: bid him strive
To gain the love o' the commonalty: the duke[152] 170
Shall govern England.'[153]

_Q. Kath._ If I know you well,
You were the duke's surveyor and lost your office
On the complaint o' the tenants: take good heed
You charge not in your spleen a noble person
And spoil your nobler soul: I say, take heed;[154] 175
Yes, heartily beseech you.[155]

_King._ Let him on.[156]
Go forward.[156]

_Surv._ On my soul, I'll speak but truth.
I told my lord the duke, by the devil's illusions
The monk might be deceived; and that 'twas dangerous for him[157]
To ruminate on this so far, until[157] 180
It forged him some design, which, being believed,
It was much like to do: he answer'd 'Tush,
It can do me no damage;' adding further,
That, had the king in his last sickness fail'd,
The cardinal's and Sir Thomas Lovell's heads 185
Should have gone off.

_King._ Ha! what, so rank? Ah, ha!
There's mischief in this man: canst thou say further?

_Surv._ I can, my liege.

_King._ Proceed.

_Surv._ Being at Greenwich,
After your highness had reproved the duke
About Sir William Blomer--[158]

_King._ I remember[159] 190
Of such a time: being my sworn servant,[159][160]
The duke retain'd him his. But on; what hence?

_Surv._ 'If' quoth he 'I for this had been committed,
As to the Tower I thought, I would have play'd[161]
The part my father meant to act upon 195
The usurper Richard; who, being at Salisbury,
Made suit to come in's presence; which if granted,[162]
As he made semblance of his duty, would[163]
Have put his knife into him.'

_King._ A giant traitor!

_Wol._ Now, madam, may his highness live in freedom, 200
And this man out of prison?[164]

_Q. Kath._ God mend all!

_King._ There's something more would out of thee; what say'st?

_Surv._ After 'the duke his father,' with the 'knife,'[165]
He stretch'd him, and with one hand on his dagger,
Another spread on's breast, mounting his eyes, 205
He did discharge a horrible oath, whose tenour
Was, were he evil used, he would outgo
His father by as much as a performance
Does an irresolute purpose.

_King._ There's his period, 210
To sheathe his knife in us. He is attach'd;
Call him to present trial: if he may
Find mercy in the law, 'tis his; if none,
Let him not seek't of us: by day and night![166]
He's traitor to the height. [_Exeunt._[167]

SCENE III. _An antechamber in the palace._

_Enter the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN _and_ LORD SANDS.[168]

_Cham._ Is't possible the spells of France should juggle[169]
Men into such strange mysteries?[170]

_Sands._ New customs,
Though they be never so ridiculous,
Nay, let 'em be unmanly, yet are follow'd.[171]

_Cham._ As far as I see, all the good our English 5
Have got by the late voyage is but merely[172]
A fit or two o' the face; but they are shrewd ones;
For when they hold 'em, you would swear directly
Their very noses had been counsellors
To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so. 10

_Sands._ They have all new legs, and lame ones: one would take it,[173]
That never saw 'em pace before, the spavin[174]
Or springhalt reign'd among 'em.[175]

_Cham._ Death! my lord,
Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too,[176]
That, sure, they've worn out Christendom.

_Enter_ SIR THOMAS LOVELL.[177]

How now! 15
What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?

_Lov._ Faith, my lord,
I hear of none but the new proclamation
That's clapp'd upon the court-gate.

_Cham._ What is't for?

_Lov._ The reformation of our travell'd gallants,
That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors. 20

_Cham._ I'm glad 'tis there: now I would pray our monsieurs[178]
To think an English courtier may be wise,
And never see the Louvre.[179]

_Lov._ They must either,
For so run the conditions, leave those remnants
Of fool and feather that they got in France, 25
With all their honourable points of ignorance
Pertaining thereunto, as fights and fireworks,[180]
Abusing better men than they can be
Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean[181]
The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings, 30
Short blister'd breeches and those types of travel,[182]
And understand again like honest men,
Or pack to their old playfellows: there, I take it,
They may, 'cum privilegio,' wear away[183]
The lag end of their lewdness, and be laugh'd at. 35

_Sands._ 'Tis time to give 'em physic, their diseases[184]
Are grown so catching.

_Cham._ What a loss our ladies
Will have of these trim vanities!

_Lov._ Ay, marry,
There will be woe indeed, lords: the sly whoresons
Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies; 40
A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.

_Sands._ The devil fiddle 'em! I am glad they are going,[185]
For, sure, there's no converting of 'em: now[186]
An honest country lord, as I am, beaten
A long time out of play, may bring his plain-song, 45
And have an hour of hearing; and, by'r lady,
Held current music too.[187]

_Cham._ Well said, Lord Sands;
Your colt's tooth is not cast yet.[188]

_Sands._ No, my lord;
Nor shall not, while I have a stump.[189]

_Cham._ Sir Thomas,
Whither were you a-going?[190]

_Lov._ To the cardinal's: 50
Your lordship is a guest too.

_Cham._ O, 'tis true:
This night he makes a supper, and a great one,
To many lords and ladies; there will be
The beauty of this kingdom, I'll assure you.

_Lov._ That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,[191] 55
A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us;
His dews fall every where.[192]

_Cham._ No doubt he's noble;
He had a black mouth that said other of him.

_Sands._ He may, my lord; has wherewithal: in him[193]
Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine: 60
Men of his way should be most liberal;[194]
They are set here for examples.[195]

_Cham._ True, they are so;
But few now give so great ones. My barge stays;[196]
Your lordship shall along. Come, good Sir Thomas,
We shall be late else; which I would not be, 65
For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford
This night to be comptrollers.

_Sands._ I am your lordship's. [_Exeunt._

SCENE IV. _A Hall in York Place._

_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 GUILDFORD.[197]

_Guild._ Ladies, a general welcome from his grace[198]
Salutes ye all; this night he dedicates
To fair content and you: none here, he hopes,
In all this noble bevy, has brought with her
One care abroad; he would have all as merry[199] 5
As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome,[200]
Can make good people.

_Enter_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN, LORD SANDS, _and_ SIR THOMAS LOVELL.[201]

O, my lord, you're tardy:
The very thought of this fair company
Clapp'd wings to me.

_Cham._ You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.[202]

_Sands._ Sir Thomas Lovell, had the cardinal 10
But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these
Should find a running banquet ere they rested,
I think would better please 'em: by my life,
They are a sweet society of fair ones.

_Lov._ O, that your lordship were but now confessor 15
To one or two of these!

_Sands._ I would I were;
They should find easy penance.

_Lov._ Faith, how easy?

_Sands._ As easy as a down-bed would afford it.

_Cham._ Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? Sir Harry,
Place you that side; I'll take the charge of this: 20
His grace is entering. Nay, you must not freeze;
Two women placed together makes cold weather:[203]
My Lord Sands, you are one will keep 'em waking;
Pray, sit between these ladies.

_Sands._ By my faith,
And thank your lordship. By your leave, sweet ladies:[204] 25
If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;
I had it from my father.

_Anne._ Was he mad, sir?

_Sands._ O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too:
But he would bite none; just as I do now,
He would kiss you twenty with a breath. [_Kisses her._[205]

_Cham._ Well said, my lord. 30
So, now you're fairly seated. Gentlemen,[206]
The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies
Pass away frowning.

_Sands._ For my little cure,[207]
Let me alone.

_Hautboys. Enter_ CARDINAL WOLSEY, _and takes his state_.

_Wol._ You're welcome, my fair guests: that noble lady[208] 35
Or gentleman that is not freely merry,
Is not my friend: this, to confirm my welcome;[209]
And to you all, good health. [_Drinks._[210]

_Sands._ Your grace is noble:
Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks,
And save me so much talking.

_Wol._ My Lord Sands, 40
I am beholding to you: cheer your neighbours.[211]
Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen,
Whose fault is this?

_Sands._ The red wine first must rise
In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have 'em
Talk us to silence.

_Anne._ You are a merry gamester,[212] 45
My Lord Sands.[212][213]

_Sands._ Yes, if I make my play.
Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam,
For 'tis to such a thing--[214]

_Anne._ You cannot show me.

_Sands._ I told your grace they would talk anon.

[_Drum and trumpet: chambers discharged._[215]

_Wol._ What's that?

_Cham._ Look out there, some of ye. [_Exit Servant._[216]

_Wol._ What warlike voice, 50
And to what end, is this? Nay, ladies, fear not;
By all the laws of war you're privileged.[208]

_Re-enter_ Servant.[217]

_Cham._ How now! what is't?

_Serv._ A noble troop of strangers;
For so they seem: they've left their barge, and landed;[218]
And hither make, as great ambassadors 55
From foreign princes.

_Wol._ Good lord chamberlain,
Go, give 'em welcome; you can speak the French tongue;[219][220]
And, pray, receive 'em nobly and conduct 'em[219]
Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty
Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him. 60

[_Exit Chamberlain, attended. All rise, and tables removed._[221]

You have now a broken banquet; but we'll mend it.[222]
A good digestion to you all: and once more[223]
I shower a welcome on ye; welcome all.

_Hautboys. Enter the_ KING _and others, as masquers, habited
like shepherds, ushered by the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN. _They
pass directly before the_ CARDINAL, _and gracefully salute
him_.[224]

A noble company! what are their pleasures?

_Cham._ Because they speak no English, thus they pray'd[225] 65
To tell your grace, that, having heard by fame
Of this so noble and so fair assembly
This night to meet here, they could do no less,
Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,
But leave their flocks, and under your fair conduct 70
Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat
An hour of revels with 'em.[226]

_Wol._ Say, lord chamberlain,[226]
They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'em[226][227][228]
A thousand thanks and pray 'em take their pleasures.[226][227]

[_They choose. The King chooses Anne Bullen._[229]

_King._ The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty, 75
Till now I never knew thee! [_Music. Dance._

_Wol._ My lord![230]

_Cham._ Your grace?

_Wol._ Pray, tell 'em thus much from me:[231][232]
There should be one amongst 'em, by his person,[231]
More worthy this place than myself; to whom,
If I but knew him, with my love and duty 80
I would surrender it.

_Cham._ I will, my lord.

[_Whispers the Masquers._[233]

_Wol._ What say they?

_Cham._ Such a one, they all confess,
There is indeed; which they would have your grace
Find out, and he will take it.

_Wol._ Let me see then.[234]
By all your good leaves, gentlemen; here I'll make 85
My royal choice.

_King._ [_Unmasking_] Ye have found him, cardinal:[235]
You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord:
You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, cardinal,
I should judge now unhappily.[236]

_Wol._ I am glad
Your grace is grown so pleasant.

_King._ My lord chamberlain, 90
Prithee, come hither: what fair lady's that?

_Cham._ An't please your grace, Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter,[237]
The Viscount Rochford, one of her highness' women.[237][238]

_King._ By heaven, she is a dainty one. Sweetheart,[239]
I were unmannerly, to take you out, 95
And not to kiss you. A health, gentlemen!
Let it go round.

_Wol._ Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready
I' the privy chamber?

_Lov._ Yes, my lord.

_Wol._ Your grace,
I fear, with dancing is a little heated. 100

_King._ I fear, too much.

_Wol._ There's fresher air, my lord,
In the next chamber.

_King._ Lead in your ladies, every one. Sweet partner,
I must not yet forsake you. Let's be merry,[240]
Good my lord cardinal: I have half a dozen healths[240][241] 105
To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure
To lead 'em once again; and then let's dream
Who's best in favour. Let the music knock it.[242]

[_Exeunt with trumpets._

FOOTNOTES:

[9a] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. The Acts and Scenes are indicated throughout in Ff.

London. An ante-chamber in the palace.] Theobald.

[10] _saw_] F₁ F₂. _saw y'_ F₃ F₄.

[11] _suns_] _sunnes_ F₁ F₂. _sons_ F₃ F₄.

[12] _Andren_] F₁. _Arde_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _Ardres_ Rowe.

_Arde_] Ff. _Ardres_ Rowe.

[13] _them_] _'em_ Pope.

[14] _Which ... weigh'd_] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines, the first ending _they,_ in Ff.

[15] _next ... last_] _last ... next_ Capell (Theobald conj.)

[16] _wonders_] _wond'rers_ Theobald conj.

_its_] _it's_ Ff. _his_ Hanmer.

[17] _heathen_] F₁. _Heathens_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[18] _censure. When_] Rowe. _censure, when_ Ff.

[19] _former_] _old_ Pope.

[20] _That_] _And_ Seymour conj.

[21] _to_] _too_ F₁.

[22] _All was royal ... business._] Arranged as by Theobald. Buc. _All ... function: who ... together?_ Nor. _As you ... businesse._ F₁ F₂ F₃. Buck. _All ... function: who ... together, As you guess._ Nor. _Once certes ... business._ F₄.

[23] _the office_] _each office_ Roderick conj.

[24] _guess?_ Nor. _One, certes_] Theobald, _guesse: One certes_ F₁. _guesse: Once certes_ F₂ F₃. _guess?_ Nor. _One sure_ Pope.

[25] _that_] om. Seymour conj.

[26] _I pray_] _Pray_ Pope.

[27] _keech_] _Ketch_ F₄.

_bulk_] _hulk_ Grey conj.

[28] _Surely_] _Yet surely_ Pope. _Now, surely_ Seymour conj.

[29] _his self-drawing_] _his self-drawn_ Rowe (ed. 2) and Capell. _himself drawing_ Theobald conj. _his self drawing_ Staunton. _'s self-drawing_ Dyce (ed. 2). _his self-wrapping_ Bullock conj.]

_web, he gives us note_] Capell. _web, a' gives us note or web erecting all The building of his greatness, he gives us note_ Id. conj. _web. O gives us note_ F₁. _web. O! gives us note_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _web; this gives us note_ Pope. _web. O! it gives us note_ Singer. _web,--O! give us note!_--Knight. _web. O! this gives us note,_ Hunter conj. _web,--Oh, give it note!_ Keightley.

[30] _gives for him, which buys_] _gives, which for him buys_ Hanmer. _gives; which buys for him_ Warburton. _gives to him, which buys_ Johnson conj. _has given him buys for him_ Hunter conj. _gives him, and which buys_ Collier MS. _gives: for him which buys_ Jervis conj.

[31] _that?... hell,_] Theobald (Warburton). _that, ... hell?_ Ff.

[32] _himself_] _himself now_ Keightley.

_Why_] _But why_ Hanmer. _And why_ Capell.

[33] _such To whom_] _such On whom_ Hanmer. _such Too, whom_ Capell. _such, too, On whom_ Keightley (S. Walker conj.)

[34] _meant_] _means_ Dyce conj.

[35] _and ... papers._] Erased in Collier MS.

[36] _letter_] _letter only_ Hanmer.

[37] _council out, ... him in he_] _councell, out ... him in, he_ F₁ F₂. _council, out ... him in, he_ F₃. _council out ... him in, he_ F₄. _council out) ... in him he_ Pope.

[38] _he papers_] _the papers_ Campbell. _he paupers_ Staunton conj. _he prefers_ Keightley conj.

[39] _sicken'd_] _slacken'd_ Theobald conj.

[40] _'em_] _them_ Capell.

[41] _What_] _And what_ Capell conj.

_vanity_] _great vanity_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[42] _communication_] _the consummation_ Collier MS. _consummation_ Collier (ed. 2).

[43] _Bourdeaux_] F₄. _Burdeux_ F₁. _Burdeaux_ F₂ F₃.

[44] _a peace_] _peace_ F₄.

[45] _Like it_] _Like't_ Hanmer.

[46] _towards you_] F₁ _towards your_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _you_ Pope.

[47] _effect_] _affect_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[48] _advise_] _advice_ F₁.

[49] SCENE II. Pope. Wol.] Rowe. Car. Ff. (and throughout.)

[50] First Sec.] 1 Sec. Capell. Secr. Ff.

[51] _please_] _an't please_ F₃ F₄.

[52] _Well, ... look._] As in Ff. As prose in Rowe (ed. 1). In Rowe (ed. 2), the lines end _more ... look. It is well, ... look._ Hanmer, ending lines 117, 118, _an't please ... more._

[53] _this_] F₁ F₂. _his_ F₃ F₄.

Wolsey] Cardinall Ff.

[54] _venom-mouth'd_] Pope. _venome mouth'd_ Rowe. _venom'd-mouth'd_ Ff.

[55] _book_] _boche_ Becket conj. _brood_ Collier (Collier MS). _look_ Staunton conj. _brat_ Lettsom conj.

[56] _chafed_] _chaf'd_ F₃ F₄. _chaff'd_ F₁ F₂.

[57] Keightley ends the lines _reviled me, ... instant he._

[58] _bores_] _bords_ Becket conj.

_to the_] _to' th'_ F₁ F₂. _to th'_ F₃ F₄.

[59] _full-hot_] F₄. _full hot_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[60] _by_] _by our_ F₄.

[61] _In seeming to_] _Seeming t'_ S. Walker conj.

[62] _More_] om. Pope, ending lines 145, 146 at _be ... English._

[63] _name_] _blame_ Johnson conj.

[64] _July_] _Inly_ F₁.

_when_] _where_ Long MS.

[65] _for ... reciprocally_] Put in parentheses by Capell. (_for ... perform't) ... reciprocally,_ Ff.

[66] _ravenous_] _ray'nous_ F₂.

[67] _rinsing_] Pope. _wrenching_ Ff. See note (I).

[68] _sir_] om. Seymour conj.

[69] _o' the_] _o' th'_ F₁ F₂. _oth'_ F₃ F₄.

[70] _Thus let_] F₁ F₂. _thus let it_ F₃ F₄. _let it_ Pope.

[71] _count-cardinal_] _court-cardinal_ Pope.

[72] _he_] om. F₁. _he therefore_ Capell.

[73] _trow_] F₃ F₄. _troa_ F₁ F₂.

[74] _thus_] _then_ S. Walker conj.

[75] _advantage._] _advantage,--_ Anon. conj.

[76] _he_] _you_ F₄.

[77] Brandon,] Marney, Capell conj.

[78] SCENE III. Pope.

[79] _Hereford_] Capell. _Hertford_ Ff.

[80] _lord_] _lord,_ [to Nor. Capell.

[81] Bran. _I ... Tower._] Nor. _I ... liberty._ Bran. _To look ... Tower._ Anon. conj.

[82] _business present_] _business, present_ Deluis.

[83] _Abergavenny_] _Aburgany_ Ff.

_you_] _ye_ Rowe.

[84] [To Abergavenny.] Johnson.

[85] _Montacute_] _Mountacute_ Ff. _Montague_ Rowe.

[86] _Car_] _Court_ Warburton.

[87] _One_] _And_ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald).

_chancellor,--_] Chappel. _chancellor._ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). _councellour._ F₁ F₂. _counsellour._ F₃ F₄.

[88] _O_] om. Hanmer.

_Nicholas_] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald, from Holinshed). _Michaell_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _Michael_ F₄.

[89] _Whose ... darkening_] _Whose figure, e'en this instant, clouds jut on, Dark'ning_ Becket conj.

[90] _instant_] _upstart_ Jackson conj.

_puts on_] _puts out_ Rann (Theobald conj.) _pouts on_ Steevens conj.

[91] _By darkening_] _Bedarkening_ Steevens conj.

_lord_] Rowe. _lords_ Ff.

[92] SCENE II.] SCENE IV. Pope.

The same. The council-chamber.] The council-chamber. Theobald.

Cornets. Enter ...] Ff. See note (II).

[93] _give_] _gives_ F₃.

[94] _choked_] _check'd_ Keightley conj.

[95] _Buckingham's; in person_] Johnson. _Buckinghams, in person,_ Ff. _Buckingham's in person,_ Rowe.

[96] _of_] om. F₂.

[97] within] F₁. with F₂ F₃ F₄.

Queen!] Queene, vsher'd by the Duke of Norfolke. Ff.

Enter ... Suffolk:] Enter the Queene, Norfolke and Suffolke: Ff. Enter the Queen, usher'd by the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk. Warburton.

[98] _place_] _your place_ Theobald.

[99] _unconsider'd_] Pope. _unconsidered_ Ff.

[100] _few_] _few, to tell you_ Keightley.

[101] _hath_] _have_ F₄.

[102] _sides_] _tides_ Becket conj. _ties_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[103] _many_] _meiny_ Johnson conj.

_'longing_] F₄. _longing_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[104] _lord, ... others:_] F₄. _lord? ... others?_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[105] _Things that_] _The things_ Seymour conj.

_known alike_] _known, belike_ Collier (Theobald conj.)

[106] _bear 'em_] _bear them_ Capell.

[107] _or else_] _if not_ Seymour conj.

[108] _Is_] _In_ Pope (ed. 2).

[109] _compel_] Pope. _compels_ Ff.

[110] _their_] Ff. _all their_ Pope. _nay, their_ Capell. _that their_ Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[111] _This_] _That_ Rowe. _Their_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[112] _business_] Hanmer (Warburton) and Southern conj. MS. _basenesse_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _baseness_ F₄.

[113] _learned_] _learn'd_ Keightley.

_of the judges_] Omitted by Capell.

[114] _ignorant_] om. Pope, reading as one line _If I'm traduc'd ... know._

[115] _sick_] _such_ Keightley conj.

_interpreters, once weak ones_] _interpreters' conceivance_ Anon. conj.

_once_] Ff. _or_ Pope. _and_ Becket conj.

[116] _act_] _action_ Capell.

_shall_] om. Rowe (ed. 2) and Pope, who ends the line at _fear_.

[117] _carp'd_] _carped_ Pope.

[118] _we sit, or sit_] _we sir; Or sir_ F₂ F₃.

[119] _or sit State-statues_] Hanmer. _Or sit state-statues_ F₁ F₄, ending the previous line at _we sit_.

[120] _done_] _that are done_ Hanmer.

_well,_] _well, my lord,_ or _well, lord cardinal,_ Keightley conj.

[121] _precedent_] _president_ Ff. (_ptesident_ F₂).

[122] _trembling_] _trebling_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[123] _lop_] _top_ Anon. conj.

[124] _root, thus_] Theobald (Warburton). _roote thus_ Ff (_root_ F₃ F₄).

[125] [To the Secretary] Rowe.

[126] _grieved_] _griev'd_ Rowe.

[127] SCENE V. Pope.

_I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

[128] _run_] _one_ Collier MS.

King.] Quee. F₃.

[129] _learn'd ... rare_] _learn'd, a most rare_ Pope. _learned; a rare_ Seymour conj.

[130] _never seek for_] _ne'er seek_ Ritson conj.

_Yet see_] Put in a separate line by Capell.

[131] _these so_] om. Pope, reading _Yet ... prove_ as one line.

[132] _complete_] _'complish'd_ Hanmer.

[133] _'mongst wonders ... ravish'd_] _with wonder, and whom we Almost were ravish'd_ Johnson conj.

[134] _ravish'd listening_] _list'ning ravish'd_ Pope.

[135] _by us_] om. Pope.

[136] _The fore-recited_] _To force-recited_ Rowe (ed. 2). _To fore-recited_ Pope.

[137] _him, every day_] Pope. _him; every day_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _him every day_ F₄. _him every day_, Rowe.

[138] _he'll_] _he'd_ Pope.

[139] _Abergavenny_] _Aburgany_ Ff.

[140] _your highness_] _you_ Hanmer.

[141] _This_] _His_ Pope.

[142] _point. Not ... person_] _point: Not ... person_ Capell. _point, Not ... wish to ... person_; Ff.

[143] _brought_] _wrought_ S. Walker conj.

[144] _Henton_] Ff. _Hopkins_ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). _Hopkins'_ Keightley.

[145] _Henton_] Ff. _Hopkins_ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald).

[146] _fear'd_] Pope. _feare_ F₁ F₂ _fear_ F₃ F₄.

[147] _Car_] _Court_ Warburton.

[148] _Whom after ... utter_] Ff. _Who (after ... utter)_ Pope.

[149] _confession's_] Theobald (from Holinshed). _commissions_ Ff. _communion's_ Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

[150] _demure confidence_] _confidence demure_ Hanmer.

[151] _This_] _Thus_ F₄.

_nor's_] _nor his_ Capell.

[152] _To gain_] F₄. _To_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _For_ Steevens (1773, 1778). _To win_ Grant White conj.

[153] _England._] Ff. _England--_ Rowe.

[154] _nobler_] F₁. _noble_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[155] _beseech_] F₁ F₂. _I beseech_ F₃ F₄.

[156] _Let him ... forward_] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[157] _dangerous for him To ... until_] Capell. _dangerous For this to ... untill_ Ff. _dang'rous For him to ... until_ Rowe. _dang'rous For him to ruminate on this, until_ Pope. _dangerous From this to ruminate on it so far, until_ Collier (Collier MS.) _dangerous From this to ruminate on it, until_ Collier conj. _dangerous For him to ruminate this so far, until_ Lettsom conj.

_for him_] om. Anon. conj.

[158] _Blomer_] Pope. _Blumer_ Ff (_Bulmer_ Holinshed).

[159] _I remember ... servant_] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Ff.

[160] _being_] _he being_ Pope.

_sworn servant_] _servant sworn_ Steevens (1793).

[161] _As to the Tower I thought_] _To the Tower, as I thought_ Hanmer. _As I thought to the Tower_ Keightley.

_thought,_] _thought;_ Ff.

[162] _in's_] _in his_ Capell.

[163] _would_] _he would_ Hanmer.

[164] _prison?_] Rowe. _prison._ Ff.

[165] _'the duke his father'_] First marked as a quotation by Capell.

_'knife'_] First marked as a quotation by Capell.

[166] _night!_] _night,_ Theobald. _night_ Ff.

[167] _He's traitor_] _He is a daring traitor_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[168] SCENE III.] SCENE VI. Pope.

antechamber ...] apartment ... Theobald. Anti-room ... Capell.

Sands] Rowe. Sandys Ff.

Seymour conjectures that this Scene is interpolated by Ben Jonson.

[169] _Is't_] _Is it_ Steevens.

[170] _mysteries_] _mimick'ries_ Hanmer. _mockeries_ Warburton.

[171] _'em_] _them_ Malone.

[172] _late_] _last_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[173] _They ... take it_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[174] _never_] _ever_ Capell conj.

_saw 'em_] Pope. _see 'em_ Ff. _saw them_ Capell.

[175] _Or_] Verplanck. _And_ Pope. _A_ Ff.

_springhalt_] _stringhalt_ Hanmer (Theobald conj.)

_reign'd_] _rain'd_ F₁.

[176] _too_] F₄. _too'_ F₃. _too't_ F₁ F₂.

[177] _they've_] Pope. _th' have_ Ff.

Enter ...] Ff, after _Lovell_, line 16.

[178] _I'm ... monsieurs_] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

_I'm_] _I' me_ F₃.

[179] _Louvre_] Rowe. _Louure_ F₁ F₂. _Lovure_ F₃ F₄.

[180] _thereunto_] _thereupon_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[181] _renouncing clean_] _clean renouncing_ Pope.

[182] _blister'd_] _blistred_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _bolstred_ F₄.

_those_] _such_ Hanmer.

[183] _wear_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _wee_ F₁. _'oui'_ Anon. conj.

[184] _'em_] Capell. _them_ F₄. _him_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[185] _The ... going_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[186] _of 'em: now_] F₁ F₂ F₃. _'em: now_ F₄. _'em: now sirs,_ Pope.

[187] _Held_] Ff. _Hold_ Boswell.

[188] _yet._] Capell. _yet?_ Ff.

[189] _shall_] _shalt_ F₂.

[190] _were_] _are_ Rowe (ed. 2).

_a-going_] _a going_ Ff. _going_ Warburton.

[191] _That ... indeed_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[192] _dews fall_] _dew falls_ Rowe.

[193] _He ... him_] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

_has_] _ha's_ Ff. _h'as_ Rowe (ed. 2). _he has_ Capell.

_wherewithal: in him_] _wherewithal: in him,_ Theobald (Thirlby conj.) _wherewithall in him;_ Ff.

[194] _way_] _sway_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[195] _They are_] _They're_ Pope.

_set_] _sent_ Collier MS.

[196] _But ... stays_] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

[197] SCENE IV.] SCENE VII. Pope.

A Hall in York Place.] Capell. York-house. Theobald.

Gentlemen] Gentlewomen. Steevens.

[198] _Ladies ... grace_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[199] _merry_] _merry,_ F₄. _merry:_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[200] _first, good_] F₁ F₂ F₃. _first good_ F₄. _first-good_ Theobald. _fairs, good_ Mason conj. _feast, good_ Staunton conj. _just, good_ Grant White conj. _far as good_ Dyce, ed. 2 (Halliwell conj.) _thirst, good_ Anon. conj.

_good wine_] _then good wine_ Hanmer.

[201] _you're_] Capell. _y'are_ Ff. _you are_ Steevens.

Sir Thomas Lovell.] Capell. Lovell. Ff.

[202] _You are_] _You're_ Pope.

[203] _makes_] _make_ Pope.

[204] [Seating himself between Anne Bullen, and another Lady. Capell.

[205] _He would_] _He'd_ Hanmer.

[Kisses her.] Steevens.

[206] _you're_] Capell. _y'are_ Ff. _you are_ Steevens.

[207] _cure_] _cue_ Rowe.

[208] _You're_] Capell. _Y'are_ Ff. _You are_ Steevens. _Ye're_ Dyce.

[209] _friend_] _fiend_ F₂.

[210] [Drinks.] Theobald. om. Ff.

[211] _beholding_] _beholden_ Pope.

_neighbours_] F₁. _neighbour_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[212] _You are ... Sands_] As one line, Boswell conj.

[213] _make_] _may make_ Hanmer. _may choose_ Capell. _can make_ Keightley.

[214] _thing--_] Rowe. _thing._ Ff.

[215] _they_] _that they_ Rowe (ed. 2). _how they_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[Drum ...] Ff (trumpets. F₄), after line 48. Trumpets within ... Capell.

[216] [Exit Servant.] Steevens. Exit an Att. Capell. om. Ff.

[217] Re-enter Servant.] Steevens. Re-enter an Attendant. Capell. Enter a servant. Ff.

[218] _they've_] Collier. _th' have_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _they have_ F₄. _have_ Pope.

[219] _'em_] Ff. _them_ Malone.

[220] _the French tongue_] _the French-tongue_ F₄. _the French or their tongue_ Anon. conj.

[221] [Exit ... attended.] Capell. om. Ff.

[222] _You have_] _You've_ Pope.

[223] _digestion_] F₁. _disgestion_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_and_] om. Seymour conj.

[224] _ye_] _you_ Capell.

the King and others] King and others. Ff. the King and twelve others. Malone (from Holinshed).

shepherds] shepherds, with sixteen torch-bearers. Malone (from Holinshed).

[225] _pray'd_] _pray'd me_ Collier, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[226] _'em_] Ff. _them_ Capell.

[227] _They have_] _They've_ Pope.

[228] _They have ... pleasures_] As in Pope. As three lines in Ff, ending _grace ... thankes ... pleasures_.

[229] [They choose ...] Choose Ladies, King and Anne Bullen. Ff (An. F₁).

[230] _My lord_] _Good my lord_ Hanmer.

[231] _’em_] Ff. _them_ Malone.

[232] _from me_] _as from me_ Hanmer.

[233] [Whispers the Masquers] Capell. Whisper. Ff (after _it_, line 81).

[234] [Comes from his State. Capell.

[235] _Ye have_] _You have_ Rowe. _You've_ Pope.

[Unmasking] Capell. om. Ff.

[236] _now_] _you_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[237] _An’'t ... women_] As in Pope. As three lines in Ff, ending _Grace ... Rochford ... women._

[238] _highness'_] _Highnesse_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _Highnesses_ F₄.

[239] _she is_] Ff. _she's_ Rowe.

[To Anne Bullen. Rowe.

[240] _merry, ... cardinal:_] Ff. _merry. Good ... cardinal,_ Warburton.

[241] _half_] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[242] _knock it] strike_ Hanmer. Westminster ...] Edd. A Street. Theobald. London ... Dyce.