Chapter III: Act II: SCENE I. Westminster. A street

_Enter two_ Gentlemen, _meeting_.[243]

_First Gent._ Whither away so fast?

_Sec. Gent._ O, God save ye![244]
Even to the hall, to hear what shall become[245]
Of the great Duke of Buckingham.

_First Gent._ I'll save you
That labour, sir. All's now done, but the ceremony
Of bringing back the prisoner.

_Sec. Gent._ Were you there? 5

_First Gent._ Yes, indeed was I.

_Sec. Gent._ Pray, speak what has happen'd.[246]

_First Gent._ You may guess quickly what.

_Sec. Gent._ Is he found guilty?

_First Gent._ Yes, truly is he, and condemn'd upon 't.[247]

_Sec. Gent._ I am sorry for 't.[248]

_First Gent._ So are a number more.

_Sec. Gent._ But, pray, how pass'd it? 10

_First Gent._ I'll tell you in a little. The great duke
Came to the bar; where to his accusations
He pleaded still not guilty and alleged[249]
Many sharp reasons to defeat the law.
The king's attorney on the contrary 15
Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions[250]
Of divers witnesses; which the duke desired
To have brought viva voce to his face:[251]
At which appear'd against him his surveyor;
Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor; and John Car, 20
Confessor to him; with that devil monk,
Hopkins, that made this mischief.

_Sec. Gent._ That was he
That fed him with his prophecies?[252]

_First Gent._ The same.
All these accused him strongly; which he fain
Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not: 25
And so his peers upon this evidence
Have found him guilty of high treason. Much
He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all
Was either pitied in him or forgotten.

_Sec. Gent._ After all this, how did he bear himself? 30

_First Gent._ When he was brought again to the bar, to hear
His knell rung out, his judgement, he was stirr'd
With such an agony, he sweat extremely[253]
And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty:
But he fell to himself again and sweetly 35
In all the rest show'd a most noble patience.

_Sec. Gent._ I do not think he fears death.

_First Gent._ Sure, he does not;
He never was so womanish; the cause
He may a little grieve at.

_Sec. Gent._ Certainly
The cardinal is the end of this.[254]

_First Gent._ 'Tis likely, 40
By all conjectures: first, Kildare's attainder,[255]
Then deputy of Ireland; who removed,
Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too,
Lest he should help his father.

_Sec. Gent._ That trick of state
Was a deep envious one.[256]

_First Gent._ At his return 45
No doubt he will requite it. This is noted,
And generally, whoever the king favours,
The cardinal instantly will find employment,[257]
And far enough from court too.

_Sec. Gent._ All the commons
Hate him perniciously, and, o' my conscience, 50
Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much
They love and dote on; call him bounteous Buckingham,
The mirror of all courtesy--[258]

_First Gent._ Stay there, sir,
And see the noble ruin'd man you speak of.

_Enter_ BUCKINGHAM _from his arraignment, tipstaves before him,
the axe with the edge towards him, halberds on each side,
accompanied with_ SIR THOMAS LOVELL, SIR NICHOLAS VAUX, SIR
WALTER SANDS, _and common people, &c._[259]

_Sec. Gent._ Let's stand close, and behold him.

_Buck._ All good people,[260] 55
You that thus far have come to pity me,[261]
Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.
I have this day received a traitor's judgement,
And by that name must die: yet, heaven bear witness,
And if I have a conscience, let it sink me, 60
Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful!
The law I bear no malice for my death;[262]
'T has done upon the premisses but justice:[263]
But those that sought it I could wish more Christians:
Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em:[264] 65
Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief,[264]
Nor build their evils on the graves of great men;[265]
For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em.
For further life in this world I ne'er hope,
Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies[266] 70
More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me[267]
And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,
His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave
Is only bitter to him, only dying,
Go with me, like good angels, to my end, 75
And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me,
Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice
And lift my soul to heaven. Lead on, o' God's name.[268]

_Lov._ I do beseech your grace, for charity,
If ever any malice in your heart 80
Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.[269]

_Buck._ Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you
As I would be forgiven: I forgive all;
There cannot be those numberless offences
'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with: no black
envy[270][271][272][273] 85
Shall make my grave. Commend me to his grace,[270][272]
And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him
You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers
Yet are the king's, and, till my soul forsake,[274]
Shall cry for blessings on him: may he live 90
Longer than I have time to tell his years!
Ever beloved and loving may his rule be![275]
And when old time shall lead him to his end,
Goodness and he fill up one monument!

_Lov._ To the water side I must conduct your grace; 95
Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,
Who undertakes you to your end.

_Vaux._ Prepare there;
The duke is coming: see the barge be ready,
And fit it with such furniture as suits
The greatness of his person.

_Buck._ Nay, Sir Nicholas, 100
Let it alone; my state now will but mock me.[276]
When I came hither, I was lord high constable
And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun:[277]
Yet I am richer than my base accusers,
That never knew what truth meant: I now seal it; 105
And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for't.
My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,
Who first raised head against usurping Richard,
Flying for succour to his servant Banister,
Being distress'd, was by that wretch betray'd, 110
And without trial fell; God's peace be with him!
Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying
My father's loss, like a most royal prince,
Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins
Made my name once more noble. Now his son, 115
Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name and all[278]
That made me happy, at one stroke has taken
For ever from the world. I had my trial,
And must needs say, a noble one; which makes me
A little happier than my wretched father: 120
Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both[279]
Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most;[280]
A most unnatural and faithless service!
Heaven has an end in all: yet, you that hear me,
This from a dying man receive as certain: 125
Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels
Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends[281]
And give your hearts to, when they once perceive
The least rub in your fortunes, fall away
Like water from ye, never found again 130
But where they mean to sink ye. All good people,[282]
Pray for me! I must now forsake ye: the last hour[283]
Of my long weary life is come upon me.[284]
Farewell:[285]
And when you would say something that is sad,[284][286] 135
Speak how I fell. I have done; and God forgive me![287]

[_Exeunt Duke and Train._

_First Gent._ O, this is full of pity! Sir, it calls,
I fear, too many curses on their heads
That were the authors.

_Sec. Gent._ If the duke be guiltless,
'Tis full of woe: yet I can give you inkling 140
Of an ensuing evil, if it fall,
Greater than this.

_First Gent._ Good angels keep it from us!
What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?[288]

_Sec. Gent._ This secret is so weighty, 'twill require
A strong faith to conceal it.

_First Gent._ Let me have it; 145
I do not talk much.

_Sec. Gent._ I am confident;
You shall, sir: did you not of late days hear
A buzzing of a separation
Between the king and Katharine?

_First Gent._ Yes, but it held not:[289]
For when the king once heard it, out of anger 150
He sent command to the lord mayor straight[290]
To stop the rumour and allay those tongues
That durst disperse it.

_See. Gent._ But that slander, sir,
Is found a truth now: for it grows again[291]
Fresher than e'er it was, and held for certain 155
The king will venture at it. Either the cardinal,
Or some about him near, have, out of malice
To the good queen, possess'd him with a scruple
That will undo her: to confirm this too,
Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately; 160
As all think, for this business.

_First Gent._ 'Tis the cardinal;
And merely to revenge him on the emperor,
For not bestowing on him at his asking
The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purposed.

_Sec. Gent._ I think you have hit the mark: but is't not
cruel[292] 165
That she should feel the smart of this? The cardinal
Will have his will, and she must fall.

_First Gent._ 'Tis woeful.
We are too open here to argue this;
Let's think in private more. [_Exeunt._[293]

SCENE II. _An ante-chamber in the palace._

_Enter the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN, _reading a letter_.[294]

_Cham._ 'My lord, the horses your lordship sent for, with all the[295]
care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were[295]
young and handsome, and of the best breed in the north. When they[295]
were ready to set out for London, a man of my lord cardinal's, by[295]
commission and main power, took 'em from me; with this reason:
His[295][296] 5
master would be served before a subject, if not before the king; which[295]
stopped our mouths, sir.'[295][297]
I fear he will indeed: well, let him have them:[298]
He will have all, I think.[298]

_Enter to the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN, _the_ DUKES OF NORFOLK _and_
SUFFOLK.

_Nor._ Well met, my lord chamberlain.[299] 10

_Cham._ Good day to both your graces.

_Suf._ How is the king employ'd?

_Cham._ I left him private,
Full of sad thoughts and troubles.

_Nor._ What's the cause?

_Cham._ It seems the marriage with his brother's wife
Has crept too near his conscience.

_Suf._ No, his conscience 15
Has crept too near another lady.

_Nor._ 'Tis so:
This is the cardinal's doing, the king-cardinal:[300]
That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune,
Turns what he list. The king will know him one day.[301]

_Suf._ Pray God he do! he'll never know himself else.[302] 20

_Nor._ How holily he works in all his business![303]
And with what zeal! for, now he has crack'd the league
Between us and the emperor, the queen's great nephew.[304]
He dives into the king's soul, and there scatters
Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,[305] 25
Fears and despairs; and all these for his marriage:[306]
And out of all these to restore the king,
He counsels a divorce; a loss of her
That, like a jewel, has hung twenty years
About his neck, yet never lost her lustre, 30
Of her that loves him with that excellence
That angels love good men with, even of her
That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls,
Will bless the king: and is not this course pious?

_Cham._ Heaven keep me from such counsel! 'Tis most true 35
These news are every where; every tongue speaks 'em,
And every true heart weeps for't: all that dare
Look into these affairs see this main end,[307]
The French king's sister. Heaven will one day open
The king's eyes that so long have slept upon 40
This bold bad man.

_Suf._ And free us from his slavery.

_Nor._ We had need pray,
And heartily, for our deliverance;[308]
Or this imperious man will work us all
From princes into pages: all men's honours 45
Lie like one lump before him, to be fashion'd[309]
Into what pitch he please.[310]

_Suf._ For me, my lords,
I love him not, nor fear him; there's my creed:
As I am made without him, so I'll stand,
If the king please; his curses and his blessings 50
Touch me alike; they're breath I not believe in.[311]
I knew him, and I know him; so I leave him
To him that made him proud, the pope.

_Nor._ Let's in;
And with some other business put the king
From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him: 55
My lord, you'll bear us company?

_Cham._ Excuse me;
The king has sent me otherwhere: besides,
You'll find a most unfit time to disturb him:[312]
Health to your lordships.

_Nor._ Thanks, my good lord chamberlain.

[_Exit Lord Chamberlain; and the King
draws the curtain and sits reading
pensively._[313]

_Suf._ How sad he looks! sure, he is much afflicted.[314] 60

_King._ Who's there, ha?

_Nor._ Pray God he be not angry.[315]

_King._ Who's there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves
Into my private meditations?
Who am I? ha?

_Nor._ A gracious king that pardons all offences 65
Malice ne'er meant: our breach of duty this way
Is business of estate, in which we come
To know your royal pleasure.

_King._ Ye are too bold:[316]
Go to; I'll make ye know your times of business:
Is this an hour for temporal affairs, ha? 70

_Enter_ WOLSEY _and_ CAMPEIUS, _with a commission_.[317]

Who's there? my good lord cardinal? O my Wolsey,
The quiet of my wounded conscience,
Thou art a cure fit for a king. [_To Camp._] You're welcome,[318]
Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom:
Use us and it. [_To Wols._] My good lord, have great care[319] 75
I be not found a talker.

_Wol._ Sir, you cannot.
I would your grace would give us but an hour
Of private conference.

_King._ [_To Nor. and Suf._] We are busy; go.

_Nor._ [_Aside to Suf._] This priest has no pride in him?[320]

_Suf._ [_Aside to Nor._] Not to speak of:[321][322]
I would not be so sick though for his place:[321] 80
But this cannot continue.[321][323]

_Nor._ [_Aside to Suf._] If it do,[321][323]
I'll venture one have-at-him.[324]

_Suf._ [_Aside to Nor._] I another.

[_Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk._

_Wol._ Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom[325]
Above all princes, in committing freely
Your scruple to the voice of Christendom: 85
Who can be angry now? what envy reach you?
The Spaniard, tied by blood and favour to her,
Must now confess, if they have any goodness,
The trial just and noble. All the clerks,
I mean the learned ones, in Christian kingdoms[326] 90
Have their free voices: Rome, the nurse of judgement,[327]
Invited by your noble self, hath sent
One general tongue unto us, this good man,
This just and learned priest, Cardinal Campeius;[328]
Whom once more I present unto your highness. 95

_King._ And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome,
And thank the holy conclave for their loves:
They have sent me such a man I would have wish'd for.[329]

_Cam._ Your grace must needs deserve all strangers' loves,
You are so noble. To your highness' hand 100
I tender my commission; by whose virtue,
The court of Rome commanding, you, my lord[330]
Cardinal of York, are join'd with me their servant
In the impartial judging of this business.

_King._ Two equal men. The queen shall be acquainted 105
Forthwith for what you come. Where's Gardiner?

_Wol._ I know your majesty has always loved her
So dear in heart, not to deny her that[331]
A woman of less place might ask by law,
Scholars allow'd freely to argue for her. 110

_King._ Ay, and the best she shall have; and my favour
To him that does best: God forbid else. Cardinal,
Prithee, call Gardiner to me, my new secretary:
I find him a fit fellow. [_Exit_ Wolsey.

_Re-enter_ WOLSEY, _with_ GARDINER.[332]

_Wol._ [_Aside to Gard._] Give me your hand: much joy
and favour to you;[333] 115
You are the king's now.

_Gard._ [_Aside to Wol._] But to be commanded[333]
For ever by your grace, whose hand has raised me.

_King._ Come hither, Gardiner. [_Walks and whispers._[334]

_Cam._ My Lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace
In this man's place before him?

_Wol._ Yes, he was. 120

_Cam._ Was he not held a learned man?

_Wol._ Yes, surely.

_Cam._ Believe me, there's an ill opinion spread then,
Even of yourself, lord cardinal.

_Wol._ How! of me?

_Cam._ They will not stick to say you envied him,
And fearing he would rise, he was so virtuous, 125
Kept him a foreign man still; which so grieved him
That he ran mad and died.

_Wol._ Heaven's peace be with him!
That's Christian care enough: for living murmurers
There's places of rebuke. He was a fool;
For he would needs be virtuous: that good fellow, 130
If I command him, follows my appointment:
I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother,
We live not to be grip'd by meaner persons.

_King._ Deliver this with modesty to the queen.

[_Exit Gardiner._

The most convenient place that I can think of 135
For such receipt of learning is Black-Friars;
There ye shall meet about this weighty business.
My Wolsey, see it furnish'd. O, my lord,
Would it not grieve an able man to leave
So sweet a bedfellow? But, conscience, conscience! 140
O, 'tis a tender place; and I must leave her. [_Exeunt._

SCENE III. _An ante-chamber of the Queen's apartments._[335]

_Enter_ ANNE BULLEN _and an old_ Lady.

_Anne._ Not for that neither: here's the pang that pinches:
His highness having lived so long with her, and she[336]
So good a lady that no tongue could ever
Pronounce dishonour of her--by my life,
She never knew harm-doing--O, now, after 5
So many courses of the sun enthroned,
Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the which[337][338]
To leave a thousand-fold more bitter than[337]
'Tis sweet at first to acquire--after this process,[337]
To give her the avaunt! it is a pity 10
Would move a monster.

_Old L._ Hearts of most hard temper
Melt and lament for her.

_Anne._ O, God's will! much better[339]
She ne'er had known pomp: though 't be temporal,
Yet, if that quarrel, fortune, do divorce[340]
It from the bearer, 'tis a sufferance panging 15
As soul and body's severing.

_Old L._ Alas, poor lady![341]
She's a stranger now again.[342]

_Anne._ So much the more
Must pity drop upon her. Verily,
I swear, 'tis better to be lowly born
And range with humble livers in content 20
Than to be perk'd up in a glistering grief
And wear a golden sorrow.

_Old L._ Our content
Is our best having.

_Anne._ By my troth and maidenhead,
I would not be a queen.

_Old L._ Beshrew me, I would,
And venture maidenhead for't; and so would you, 25
For all this spice of your hypocrisy:
You, that have so fair parts of woman on you,
Have too a woman's heart; which ever yet
Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty;
Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts-- 30
Saving your mincing--the capacity
Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive,[343]
If you might please to stretch it.

_Anne._ Nay, good troth.[344]

_Old L._ Yes, troth, and troth; you would not be a queen?

_Anne._ No, not for all the riches under heaven. 35

_Old L._ 'Tis strange: a three-pence bow'd would hire me,[345]
Old as I am, to queen it: but, I pray you,
What think you of a duchess? have you limbs
To bear that load of title?

_Anne._ No, in truth.

_Old L._ Then you are weakly made: pluck off a little;[346] 40
I would not be a young count in your way,
For more than blushing comes to: if your back
Cannot vouchsafe this burthen, 'tis too weak
Ever to get a boy.

_Anne._ How you do talk![347]
I swear again, I would not be a queen 45
For all the world.

_Old L._ In faith, for little England
You'ld venture an emballing: I myself[348]
Would for Carnarvonshire, although there 'long'd[349]
No more to the crown but that. Lo, who comes here?

_Enter the_ LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

_Cham._ Good morrow, ladies. What were't worth to know 50
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 55
All will be well.

_Anne._ Now, I pray God, amen!

_Cham._ You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly blessings
Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,
Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note's[350]
Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty 60
Commends his good opinion of you, and[351]
Does purpose honour to you no less flowing
Than Marchioness of Pembroke; to which title
A thousand pound a year, annual support,[352]
Out of his grace he adds.

_Anne._ I do not know 65
What kind of my obedience I should tender;[353]
More than my all is nothing: nor my prayers[354]
Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes
More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers and wishes[355]
Are all I can return. Beseech your lordship, 70
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[356]
The king hath of you. [_Aside_] I have perused her well;[357] 75
Beauty and honour in her are so mingled[357]
That they have caught the king: and who knows yet[357]
But from this lady may proceed a gem[357]
To lighten all this isle?--I'll to the king,[357]
And say I spoke with you.[357]

_Anne._ My honour'd lord. 80

[_Exit Lord Chamberlain._[358]

_Old L._ Why, this it is; see, see!
I have been begging sixteen years in court,
Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could[359]
Come pat betwixt too early and too late
For any suit of pounds; and you, O fate! 85
A very fresh fish here--fie, fie, fie upon[360]
This compell'd fortune!--have your mouth fill'd up
Before you open it.

_Anne._ This is strange to me.

_Old L._ How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no.[361]
There was a lady once, 'tis an old story,[362] 90
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'ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
A thousand pounds a year for pure respect! 95
No other obligation! By my life,[363]
That promises moe thousands: honour's train[364]
Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time
I know your back will bear a duchess: say,
Are you not stronger than you were?

_Anne._ Good lady, 100
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,[365]
To think what follows.
The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful 105
In our long absence: pray, do not deliver
What here you've heard to her.

_Old L._ What do you think me?[366]

[_Exeunt._

SCENE IV. _A hall in Black-Friars._

_Trumpets, sennet and cornets. Enter two_ Vergers, _with short
silver wands; next them, two_ Scribes, _in the habit 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 _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; _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 _stand in
convenient order about the stage_.[367]

_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

_Scribe._ Say, Henry King of England, come into the
court.

_Crier._ Henry King of England, &c.

_King._ Here.

_Scribe._ Say, Katharine Queen of England, come into[368] 10
the court.[368]

_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._

_Q. Kath._ Sir, I desire you do me right and justice,[369]
And to bestow your pity on me; for
I am a most poor woman and a stranger, 15
Born out of your dominions; having here
No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance[370]
Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,
In what have I offended you? what cause
Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure, 20
That thus you should proceed to put me off
And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness,
I have been to you a true and humble wife,[371]
At all times to your will conformable,
Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, 25
Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry
As I saw it inclined: when was the hour[372]
I ever contradicted your desire,
Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends[373]
Have I not strove to love, although I knew 30
He were mine enemy? what friend of mine[374]
That had to him derived your anger, did I
Continue in my liking? nay, gave notice[375]
He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind[376]
That I have been your wife, in this obedience, 35
Upward 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,[377][378] 40
Against your sacred person, in God's name,[378]
Turn me away, and let the foul'st contempt[379]
Shut door upon me, and so give me up
To the sharp'st kind of justice. Please you, sir,[380]
The king, your father, was reputed for 45
A prince most prudent, of an excellent[381]
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 50
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 I humbly[382][383]
Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may[383]
Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel 55
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 o' the land, who are assembled 60
To plead your cause: it shall be therefore bootless
That longer you desire the court, as well[384]
For your own quiet, as to rectify
What is unsettled in the king.

_Cam._ His grace
Hath spoken well and justly: therefore, madam, 65
It's fit this royal session do proceed,
And that without delay their arguments
Be now produced and heard.

_Q. Kath._ Lord cardinal,[385]
To you I speak.[385]

_Wol._ Your pleasure, madam?

_Q. Kath._ Sir,[386][387]
I am about to weep; but, thinking that[386] 70
We are a queen, or long have dream'd so, certain
The daughter of a king, my drops of tears
I'll turn to sparks of fire.

_Wol._ Be patient yet.[388]

_Q. Kath._ I will, when you are humble; nay, before,
Or God will punish me. I do believe,[389] 75
Induced by potent circumstances, that
You are mine enemy, and make my challenge[390]
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 again, 80
I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul
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 85
Have stood to charity and display'd the effects
Of disposition gentle and of wisdom
O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong:[391]
I have no spleen against you, nor injustice
For you or any: how far I have proceeded,[392] 90
Or how far further shall, is warranted[393]
By a commission from the consistory,
Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me
That I have blown this coal: I do deny it:
The king is present: if it be known to him[394] 95
That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound,[395]
And worthily, my falsehood! yea, as much
As you have done my truth. If he know[396]
That I am free of your report, he knows
I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him 100
It lies to cure me; and the cure is to
Remove these thoughts from you: the which before
His highness shall speak in, I do beseech
You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking
And to say so no more.[397]

_Q. Kath._ My lord, my lord, 105
I am a simple woman, much too weak
To oppose your cunning. You're meek and humble-mouth'd;[398]
You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,
With meekness and humility; but your heart
Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.[399] 110
You have, by fortune and his highness' favours,[400]
Gone slightly o'er low steps and now are mounted[401]
Where powers are your retainers, and your words,[402]
Domestics to you, serve your will as't please
Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you, 115
You tender more your person's honour than
Your high profession spiritual; that again
I do refuse you for my judge, and here,
Before you all, appeal unto the pope,
To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness, 120
And to be judged by him.

[_She curtsies to the King, and offers to depart._

_Cam._ The queen is obstinate,
Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it and
Disdainful to be tried by't: 'tis not well.
She's going away.

_King._ Call her again. 125

_Crier._ Katharine Queen of England, come into the court.

_Gent. Ush._ Madam, you are call'd back.[403]

_Q. Kath._ What need you note it? pray you, keep your way:
When you are call'd, return. Now the Lord help![404]
They vex me past my patience. Pray you, pass on: 130
I will not tarry, no, nor ever more
Upon this business my appearance make
In any of their courts. [_Exeunt Queen, and her Attendants._[405]

_King._ Go thy ways, Kate:
That man i' the world who shall report he has
A better wife, let him in nought be trusted,[406] 135
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,[407] 140
The queen of earthly queens. She's 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 145
Of all these ears--for where I am robb'd and bound,
There must I be unloosed, although not there[408]
At once and fully satisfied--whether ever I[409]
Did broach this business to your highness, or
Laid any scruple in your way which might 150
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 that might[410]
Be to the prejudice of her present state[411]
Or touch of her good person?

_King._ My lord cardinal, 155
I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour,
I free you from't. You are not to be taught
That you have many enemies that know not
Why they are so, but, like to village-curs,[412]
Bark when their fellows do: by some of these 160
The queen is put in anger. You're excused:[413]
But will you be more justified? you ever
Have wish'd the sleeping of this business, never desired[414]
It to be stirr'd, but oft have hinder'd, oft,[414]
The passages made toward it: on my honour,[415] 165
I speak my good lord cardinal to this point,[416]
And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to't,[417]
I will be bold with time and your attention:
Then mark the inducement. Thus it came; give heed to't:
My conscience first received a tenderness, 170
Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches utter'd
By the Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador;[418]
Who had been hither sent on the debating
A marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleans and[419]
Our daughter Mary: i' the progress of this business, 175
Ere a determinate resolution, he,
I mean the bishop, did require a respite,[420]
Wherein he might the king his lord advertise
Whether our daughter were legitimate,
Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, 180
Sometimes our brother's wife. This respite shook[421]
The bosom of my conscience, enter'd me,[422]
Yea, with a splitting power, and made to tremble[423]
The region of my breast; which forced such way
That many mazed considerings did throng 185
And press'd in with this caution. First, methought
I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had[424]
Commanded nature that my lady's womb,
If it conceived a male-child by me, should
Do no more offices of life to't than 190
The grave does to the dead; for her male issue
Or died where they were made, or shortly after
This world had air'd them: hence I took a thought,
This was a judgement on me, that my kingdom,
Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not 195
Be gladded in't by me: then follows that[425]
I weigh'd the danger which my realms stood in[426]
By this my issue's fail; and that gave to me
Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in[427]
The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer 200
Toward this remedy whereupon we are[428]
Now present here together; that's to say,
I meant to rectify my conscience, which
I then did feel full sick and yet not well,
By all the reverend fathers of the land 205
And doctors learn'd. First I began in private
With you, my Lord of Lincoln; you remember
How under my oppression I did reek,[429]
When I first moved you.

_Lin._ Very well, my liege.

_King._ I have spoke long: be pleased yourself to say 210
How far you satisfied me.

_Lin._ So please your highness,
The question did at first so stagger me,
Bearing a state of mighty moment in't
And consequence of dread, that I committed
The daring'st counsel which I had to doubt, 215
And did entreat your highness to this course[430]
Which you are running here.

_King._ I then moved you,
My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave
To make this present summons: unsolicited[431]
I left no reverend person in this court; 220
But by particular consent proceeded
Under your hands and seals: therefore, go on;
For no dislike i' the world against the person
Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points[432]
Of my alleged reasons, drive this forward:[433] 225
Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life
And kingly dignity, we are contented
To wear our mortal state to come with her,
Katharine our queen, before the primest creature
That's paragon'd o' the world.[434]

_Cam._ So please your highness, 230
The queen being absent, 'tis a needful fitness
That we adjourn this court till further day:[435]
Meanwhile must be an earnest motion
Made to the queen, to call back her appeal
She intends unto his holiness.

_King._ [_Aside_] I may perceive[436][437] 235
These cardinals trifle with me: I abhor[437]
This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome.[437][438]
My learn'd and well-beloved servant, Cranmer,[437][439]
Prithee, return; with thy approach, I know,[437][440]
My comfort comes along.--Break up the court:[437] 240
I say, set on.

[_Exeunt in manner as they entered._

FOOTNOTES:

[243] meeting.] Capell. at severall Doores. Ff.

[244] _fast?_] _fast, sir?_ Capell.

_O,_] _O sir,_ Pope.

_ye_] _you_ Capell. _you, sir_ Keightley.

[245] _Even_] _Ev'n_ Ff.

[246] _happen'd._] _happened._ Rowe (ed. 2). _happen'd?_ Pope.

[247] _Yes ... upon 't._] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[248] _I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

[249] _not_] _nor_ F₂.

[250] _the_] om. Pope.

[251] _have_] F₄. _him_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[252] _prophecies?_] Capell. _prophecies._ Ff.

[253] _sweat_] _swet_ Dyce.

[254] _the end_] _at the end_ Long MS.

[255] _attainder_] _attendure_ F₁ F₂. _attaindure_ F₃ F₄.

[256] _deep envious_] _deep-envious_ Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[257] _instantly ... employment_] _instantly ... employment_ for F₄. will _find employment for_ Hanmer.

[258] _courtesy--_] _courtesy;--_ Steevens. _courtesie._ Ff.

[259] _Enter ..._] Ff (after _courtesie_, line 53). Transposed by Capell.

Sir Walter Sands,] F₁. Walter Sands, F₂ F₃ F₄. Sir William Sands, Theobald (from Holinshed).

[260] SCENE II. Pope.

[261] _far_] _farre_ F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[262] _The law_] F₁ F₂. _To th' law_ F₃ F₄.

[263] _'T has_] F₃ F₄. _T' has_ F₁ F₂. _It has_ Malone.

[264] _'em_] _them_ Malone.

[265] _evils_] _evies_ Grey conj.

[266] _have_] _hath_ or has Seymour conj.

[267] _More ... me_] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

_dare_] _could_ or _durst_ Delius conj.

[268] _And ... name_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

_o'_] Theobald. a Ff.

[269] _to_] om. Pope.

[270] _'Gainst ... grace,_] Two lines in Pope. Three lines, ending _with: ... grave ... grace:_ in Ff.

[271] _that I cannot_] _I can't_] Pope. _that I can't_ Malone.

[272] _take ... make_] take ... _mark_ Hanmer (Warburton). _make ... take_ Johnson conj. _take ... shake_ Heath conj.

[273] _no black ... grave_] _no! black ... grave_ Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag.) _With no black envy shall I make my grave_ Martley conj., reading as a separate line.

[274] _forsake_] _forsake me_ F₄.

Keightley conjectures that a line is lost here.

[275] _may ... be_] _be his rule_ Seymour conj.

[276] _now will_] _will now_ Whalley conj.

[277] _Bohun_] _Stafford_ Peck conj.

[278] _life, honour, name_] _name, honour, life_ Pope.

[279] _we are_] F₁ F₂. _are we_ F₃ F₄.

_fortunes_] _fortune_ Rowe.

[280] _most_] om. Pope.

[281] _for_] om. Pope.

[282] _where_] _when_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[283] _now forsake_] _leave_ Pope.

[284] _long weary_] _long-weary_ S. Walker conj.

[285] _Farewell: ... sad,_] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[286] _that is_] om. Pope, reading 134, 135 as one line.

[287] _Speak ... me!_] Two lines in Ff. One line in Pope, reading _I've_ for _I have_.

[288] _What_] _Where_ Reed (1803).

[289] _Yes,_] om. Hanmer.

[290] _to_] _unto_ S. Walker conj.

[291] _found a_] F₁ F₂. _a sound_ F₃ F₄.

[292] _I think ... cruel_] As two lines, the first ending _think_, in Ff. one line in Pope, reading _you've_ for _you have_.

_is't_] _is it_ Delius.

[293] _think_] _talk_ Anon conj.

[294] SCENE II.] SCENE III. Pope

An ante-chamber ...] Theobald.

the Lord] Lord. Ff.

a letter.] Rowe. this letter. Ff.

[295] _My lord ... sir._] S. Walker would read _horse_ for _horses_, _sent me_ for _sent_, _o' th'_ for _of the_, _o' the'_ for _in the_, _them_ for _'em,_ and print as nine verses, ending _me for_, ... _chosen_, ... _handsome_, ... _north_, ... _London_, ... _commission_, ... _reason_, ... _subject_, ... _sir_.

[296] _commission_] _compulsion_ Long MS.

[297] _sir_] om. Collier MS.

[298] _I fear ... think._] As verse first by Theobald. As prose in Ff.

[299] _my lord_] _my good lord_ Hanmer, reading _He ... good Lord ... graces_ as two lines.

[300] _doing, ... cardinal:_] _doing; ... cardinal:_ Rowe. _doing: ... cardinall_, Ff.

[301] _list_] _lists_ Theobald.

[302] _Pray ... else_] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[303] _his_] _this_ Capell.

[304] _Between_] _'Tween_ Pope.

_great nephew_] _nephew_ Seymour] conj. _great-nephew_ Dyce.

[305] _Dangers, doubts,_] _Doubts, dangers,_ Pope.

_doubts, wringing_] _doubts wringing_ Anon. conj.

_wringing_] _wringings_ Anon. conj.

[306] _despairs_] _despair_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[307] _this_] _his_ F₄.

[308] _our_] om. Pope, reading _We ... deliv'rance_ as one line.

[309] _like_] _in_ Steevens.

[310] _Into_] _E'en to_ Lettsom conj.

_pitch_] _pinch_ Hanmer (Warburton).

_batch_ Theobald conj.

[311] _they're_] Pope. _th' are_ Ff. _they are_ Capell.

[312] _find_] F₃ F₄. _finde_ F₁ F₂. _find 't_ Anon. conj.

[313] and ... pensively.] Ff. The Scene draws, and discovers the King sitting and reading pensively. Rowe. They go towards the Door: Door opens; and the King is discover'd, sitting to a Table, pensively, and reading. Capell. Norfolk opens a folding-door. The King is discovered.... Malone.

[314] SCENE IV. Warburton. Pope and Hanmer continue the scene by mistake.

[315] _Pray_] _I pray_ Capell.

[316] _Ye are_] _You're_ Capell. _You are_ Steevens.

[317] _and ... commission._] with Campeius. Capell.

Campeius,] Campeius the Pope's Legat, Rowe.

[318] _a king_] F₁. _the king_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[To Camp.] Theobald.

[319] [To Wols.] Johnson.

[320] [To Nor. and Suf.] Theobald.

[321] The 'Asides' first marked by Capell.

[322] _him?_] _him._ Collier. _him!_ Delius.

[323] _If ... him._] Arranged as in Pope. As one line in Ff.

[324] _one have-at-him._] Dyce and Staunton. _one; have at him._ F₁. _one heave at him._ F₂ F₃ F₄. _one;--have at him._ Knight.

[325] _precedent_] F₄. _president_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[326] _I ... ones, in ... kingdoms_] Theobald. (_I ... ones in ... kingdomes_) Ff.

[327] _Have_] _Gave_ Grant White. _voices:_] _voyces._ or _voices._ Ff. _voice._ Rowe (ed. 2). _voices_--Knight.

[328] _learned_] _learn'd_ Anon. conj.

_Cardinal_] _Cardnall_ F₁.

[329] _They have_] _They've_ Pope.

[330] _commanding, you_] F₄. _commanding._ _You_ F₁. _commanding:_ _You_ F₂ F₃.

[331] _So_] _Too_ Keightley conj.

_that_] _that,_ F₄. _what_ Pope.

[332] [Exit Wolsey. Re-enter ...] Capell. Cardinal goes out and re-enters with Gardiner. Johnson. Enter Gardiner. Ff.

[333] The 'Asides' first marked by Capell.

[334] [Walks and whispers.] Ff. Talk apart. Capell.

[335] SCENE III.] SCENE V. Pope.

An ante-chamber ...] Theobald.

[336] _having_] om. Pope.

[337] See note (III).

[338] _a majesty_] _majesty_ Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[339] _O,_] _Oh_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _O'_ F₄.

[340] _that quarrel_] _that quarr'ler_ Hanmer. _that quarr'lous_ Warburton conj. (withdrawn). _at quarrel_ Mason conj. _that queller_ Jackson conj. _that_ _squirrel_ Staunton conj.

_quarrel, fortune, do_] _quarrell. Fortune, do_ F₁. _quarrel fortune to_ Steevens conj. _carle, ill-fortune, do_ Becket conj. _cruel fortune do_ Collier (Collier MS.) _quarrel, by fortune_ Keightley. _fortune's quarrel do_ Lettsom conj.

[341] _Alas_] _Ah_ Pope.

[342] _a stranger_] F₁. _stranger_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[343] _cheveril_] Theobald. _chiverell_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _chiverel_ F₄.

[344] _good troth_] Ff. _good troth--_ Rowe.

[345] _bow'd_] _bowed_ Reed (1803).

_would_] F₁. _now would_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[346] _off_] _up_ Johnson conj.

[347] _you do_] _do you_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[348] _You'ld_] F₁. _you'l_ F₂. _you'll_ F₃ F₄.

_emballing_] _empalling_ Malone conj. _embalming_ Whalley conj. _empaling_ Jackson conj.

[349] _although there 'long'd_] _though there belong'd_ Pope.

[350] _and high note's_] Theobald. _and high notes_ Ff. _and high note is_ Hanmer. _an high note's_ Johnson. _and that high note's_ Capell.

[351] _of you_] Capell. _of you, to you_ Ff. _to you_ Pope.

[352] _pound_] _pounds_ Theobald.

[353] _kind_] _sign_ or _hint_ Anon. conj.

[354] _is_] _which is_ Warburton.

_nor_] _for_ Pope.

[355] _empty_] om. Pope.

[356] _approve_] _improve_ Collier MS.

[357] [Aside] Pope.

[358] [Exit....] Exit.... Ff (after _you._).

[359] _nor_] _ne'er_ Anon. conj.

[360] _fie, fie, fie_] _fie, fie_ Pope.

[361] _bitter?... pence_] _not bitter for thy sense_ Jackson conj.

_forty pence_] _for two pence_ Roderick conj. _for fi' pence_ Anon. conj.

[362] _a lady_] F₁ F₂. _no lady_ F₃ F₄. _an old lady_ Rowe.

[363] _By_] _But_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[364] _moe_] F₃ F₄. _mo_ F₁ F₂. _more_ Rowe.

[365] _salute_] _elate_ Collier MS. See note (IV).

[366] _you've_] _y' have_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _y' ave_ F₄. _you have_ Capell.

_me?_] _me?--_ Pope. _me--_ Ff.

[367] SCENE IV.] SCENE VI. Pope.

A hall....] Capell. Black-Fryers. Theobald.

sennet] F₁. Sonnet F₂ F₃ F₄. om. Hanmer. See note (V).

habit] habite F₁ F₂. habits F₃ F₄.

Archbishop] Johnson. Bishop Ff.

pillars] F₃ F₄. piller F₁ F₂.

below] between Reed (1803).

stage] hall Dyce.

[368] _Say ... court_] As two lines in Ff. As prose first by Capell.

[369] Q. Kath.] Queen. Warburton. om. Ff.

[370] _nor_] _and_ Pope.

[371] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

[372] _inclined:_] _inclin'd:_ Rowe (ed. 2). _inclin'd?_ Ff.

[373] _Or which_] _which_ Pope.

[374] _were_] _was_ Seymour conj.

[375] _nay, gave_] _nay, gave not_ Hanmer. _nay, give_ Jackson conj. _nor gave_ Boswell conj.

[376] _discharged?_] _discharg'd._ Theobald.

[377] _to wedlock_] _of wedlock_ F₄.

_or my love and duty,_] _my love and duty, or_ Mason conj.

[378] _duty, Against_] Malone. _dutie Against_ F₁. _duty Against_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[379] _the_] F₁. om F₂ F₃ F₄.

[380] _sharp'st_] _sharpest_ Theobald.

_kind_] _knife_ Collier MS.

[381] _of_] F₁. _and_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[382] _wherefore I humbly_] _humbly I_ Seymour conj.

[383] _I humbly Beseech you, sir, to spare_] _humbly, Sir I beseech you spare_ Pope.

[384] _That ... court_] Printed by Keightley as an imperfect line.

_desire_] _defer_ F₄.

_court_] _court delay'd_ Keightley conj., reading _As well ... rectify_ as one line.

[385] _Lord ... speak_] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[386] _Sir ... that_] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[387] _Sir,_] _Sir...._ Keightley.

[388] _yet._] Ff. _yet--_ Rowe.

[389] _Or ... believe,_] See note (VI).

[390] _challenge You_] _challenge, You_ Johnson. _challenge; You_ Theobald. _challenge. You_ Ff.

[391] _Madam_] om. Seymour conj.

[392] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

[393] _shall,_] Rowe. _(Shall)_ Ff.

[394] _if it_] _if 't_ Pope.

[395] _how_] _now_ Delius conj.

[396] _If he_] _But if he_ Pope. _If he then_ Keightley. _An if_ Anon. conj.

[397] _to say so_] F₁. _to say_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _say_ Pope, ending this and the next line, _I am ... t' oppose. say it_ Collier MS.

[398] _You're_] _Y' are_ Ff. _You are_ Pope.

[399] _arrogancy_] _arrogancie_ F₁. _arrogance_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _arrogance, with_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[400] _favours_] _favour_ S. Walker conj.

[401] _slightly_] _lightly_ S. Walker conj.

[402] _powers_] _towers_ Jackson conj.]

_your words_] _your wards_ Tyrwhitt conj. _our lords_ Mason conj. _proud lords_ Anon. conj.

[403] Gent. Ush.] Grif. Malone.

[404] _help_] _help me_ S. Walker conj.

[405] [Exeunt....] Ff. Exeunt Queen, Griffith, and her other Attendants. Malone.

SCENE VII. Pope.

[406] _nought_] _naught_ F₁.

[407] _else, could_] _els, could_ F₁. _could_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _could but_ Pope.

[408] _unloosed_] _enloos'd_ Seymour conj.

[409] _At once_] _Atton'd_ Hanmer (Warburton).

_whether ever_] _if_ Pope.

[410] _spake_] _spoke_ Hanmer.

_that_] om. Capell.

[411] _to the_] _the_ Rowe (ed. 1). In Rowe (ed. 2), _that might ... state_ is read as one line, as by Pope who omits _to the_.

[412] _to_] F₁ _the_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[413] _You're_] _Y'are_ Ff. _You are_ Capell.

[414] _never desired It ... hinder'd, oft_] _never desir'd It ... hindred, oft_ Ff. _never Desir'd it ... hindred_ Pope. _never Desir'd it ... hinder'd, oft_ Capell.

[415] _toward_] _towards_ Rowe (ed. 2). _tow'rds_ Pope.

[416] _speak my ... cardinal_] F₁ F₂. _speak, my ... cardinal_ F₃ F₄. _speak, my ... card'nal,_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[417] _And ... to't_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[418] _Bayonne_] Capell. _Bayon_ Ff.

[419] _A_] Rowe (ed. 2). _And_ Ff.

[420] _require_] _requite_ F₂.

[421] _Sometimes_] _Sometime_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[422] _bosom_] _bottom_ Hammer (Thirlby conj., from Holinshed). See note (VII).

[423] _splitting_] _spitting_ F₁.

[424] _who_] _which_ Pope.

[425] _gladded in 't_ F₁. _glad in 't_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _glad in one_ Pope.

[426] _which_] F₁ F₂. _that_ F₃ F₄.

_realms_] _realm_ Anon. conj.

[427] _throe_] Pope. _throw_ Ff.

[428] _Toward_] F₁ F₂. _Towards_ F₃ F₄.

_whereupon_] _whereon_ Pope.

[429] _reek_] _reel_ Rowe.

[430] _to this_] F₁. _in this_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[431] _summons: unsolicited_] Theobald. _summons unsolicited._ Ff.

[432] _the good_] F₁. _our good_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[433] _drive_] Pope. _drives_ Ff.

[434] _paragon'd o'the_] _paragon'd i' th'_ Pope. _paragon o' th'_ Hanmer.

[435] _till_] F₁. om. F₂. _to a_ F₃ F₄. _to_ Pope.

[436] [They rise to depart. The King speaks to Cranmer. Johnson.

[437] _I may ... along._] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[438] _This_] _The_ Hanmer.

[439] _learn'd_] _learned_ Rowe.

_well-beloved_] _well-belov'd_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[440] _return; ... approach,_] F₄. _return, ... approch:_ F₁ F₂ F₃.]