Thank your majesty. Repeat your will, and take it. Q. Kath. That you would love yourself; and, in that love, Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor The dignity of your office, is the point Of my petition. K. Hen. Lady mine, proceed. Q. Kath. I am solicited, not by a few, And those of true condition, that your subjects Are in great grievance: there have been com missions heart Sent down among them, which hath flaw'd the 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, (Whose honour heaven shield from soil!) even he escapes not Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks In loud rebellion. Nor. Not almost appears, It doth appear: for, upon these taxations, The many to them 'longing, have put off K. Hen. Taxation! Wherein? and what taxation? - My lord cardinal, You that are blam'd for it alike with us, Know you of this taxation? Wol. Please you, sir, I know but of a single part, in aught Where others tell steps with me. Q. Kath. No, my lord, You know no more than others: but you frame Things, that are known alike; which are not whole some To those which would not know them, and yet must Too hard an exclamation. K. Hen. Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let's know, Is this exaction? Q. Kath. I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience; but am bolden'd Under your promis'd pardon. The subject's grief Comes through commissions, which compel from each The sixth part of his substance, to be levy'd Is nam'd, your wars in France: This makes bold mouths: Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts Allegiance in them; their curses now, freeze Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass, That tractable obedience is a slave To each incensed will. I would, your highness Would give it quick consideration, for There is no primer business. K. Hen. This is against our pleasure. Wol. By my life, And for me, I have no further gone in this, than by A single voice; and that not pass'd me, but By learned approbation of the judges. If I am traduc'd by tongues, which neither know 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 That virtue must go through. We must not stint Our necessary actions, in the fear In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at, State statues only. K. Hen. Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Things done without example, in their issue I put it to your care. Wol. A word with you. [To the Secretary. Let there be letters writ to every shire, mons Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois'd, 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 Bucking ham Is run in your displeasure. K. Hen. It grieves many: The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker, To nature none more bound; his training such, That he may furnish and instruct great teachers, And never seek for aid out of himself. C Yet see, When these so noble benefits shall prove 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 Out of the duke of Buckingham. K. Hen. Speak freely. Surv. First, it was usual with him, every day Lord Aberga'ny; to whom by oath he menac'd Revenge upon the cardinal. Wol. Please your highness, note This dangerous conception in this point. Beyond you, to your friends. |