Nor. 'Tis so; This is the cardinal's doing, the king-cardinal: That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune, Turns what he list. The king will know him one day. Suf. Pray God, he do! he'll never know himself else. Nor. How holily he works in all his business! And with what zeal! For, now he has crack'd the league Between us and the emperor, the queen's great nephew, He dives into the king's soul; and there scatters Cham. Heaven keep me from such counsel! 'Tis most true, These news are every where; every tongue speaks them, And every true heart weeps for't: All, that dare Look into these affairs, see this main end, The French king's sister. Heaven will one day open The king's eyes, that so long have slept upon This bold bad man. And free us from his slavery. Nor. We had need pray, And heartily, for our deliverance; Or this imperious man will work us all From princes into pages: all men's honours Lie in one lump before him, to be fashion'd Into what pitch he please. 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 Touch me alike, they are breath I not believe in. 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 him: Excuse me; The king hath sent me otherwhere; besides, Health to your lordships. Nor. • Thanks, my good lord chamberlain. [Exit Lord Chamberlain. Norfolk opens a folding-door. The King is discovered sitting, and reading pensively. Suf. How sad he looks! sure, he is much af flicted. K. Hen. Who is there? ha? Nor. 'Pray God, he be not angry. K. Hen. 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 Malice ne'er meant: our breach of duty, this way, Is business of estate; in which, we come To know your royal pleasure. K. Hen. You are too bold; Go to; I'll make ye know your times of business: Is this an hour for temporal affairs? ha? Enter Wolsey and Campeius. Who's there? my good lord cardinal? O my Wolsey, The quiet of my wounded conscience, Thou art a cure fit for a king. - You're welcome, [To Campeius. Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom; Use us, and it:-My good lord, have great care I be not found a talker. [To Wolsey. Sir, you cannot. I would, your grace would give us but an hour K. Hen. We are busy; go. [To Norfolk, and Suffolk. Nor. This priest has no pride in him? Not to speak of; I would not be so sick though, for his [Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk. Wol. Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom ment, Invited by your noble self, hath sent And thank the holy conclave for their loves; for. Cam. Your grace must needs deserve all strangers' loves, You are so noble: To your highness' hand K. Hen. Two equal men. The queen shall be acquainted Forthwith, for what you come:-Where's Gardi ner? Wol. I know, your majesty has always lov'd her So dear in heart, not to deny her that A woman of less place might ask by law, Scholars, allow'd freely to argue for her. K. Hen. Ay, and the best, she shall have; and my favour To him that does best; God forbid else. Cardinal, Pr'ythee, call Gardiner to me, my new secretary; I find him a fit fellow. [Exit Wolsey. Re-enter Wolsey, with Gardiner. Wol. Give me your hand: much joy and favour to you; You are the king's now. Gard. But to be commanded For ever by your grace, whose hand has rais'd me. K. Hen. Come hither, Gardiner. [Aside. [They converse apart. Cam. My lord of York, was not one doctor Pace In this man's place before him? Yes, he was. Cam. Was he not held a learned man? |