There was a lady once, ('tis an old story,) Old L. With your theme, I could O'ermount the lark. The marchioness of Pem broke! A thousand pounds a year! for pure respect; That promises more thousands: Honour's train Good lady, Anne. Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy, And leave me out on't. Would I had no being, If this salute my blood a jot; it faints me, To think what follows. The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful Old L. What do you think me? SCENE IV. [Exeunt. A HALL IN BLACK-FRYARS. Trumpets, sennet, and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habits of doctors; after them, the Archbishop of Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lin E coln, 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 Wolsey and Campeius; two Noblemen with the sword and mace. Then enter the King and Queen, and their trains. The King takes place under the cloth of state; the two Cardinals sit under him, as judges. The Queen takes place, at 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 Crier and the rest of the attendants stand in convenient order about the stage. Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded. K. Hen. What's the need? It hath already publickly been read, And on all sides the authority allow'd; Wol. Be't so:-Proceed. Scribe. Say, Henry king of England, come into the court. Crier. Henry king of England, &c. K. Hen. Here. Scribe. Say, Katharine queen of England, come into court. Crier. Katharine queen of England, &c. [The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks.] Q. Kath. Sir, I desire you, do me right and justice; And to bestow your pity on me: for I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, ness, I have been to you a true and humble wife, At all times to your will conformable: Even in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, As I saw it inclin'd. When was the hour, I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends And prove it too, against mine honour aught, That they had gather'd a wise council to them Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel I will implore: if not; i'the name of God, Your pleasure be fulfill'd! Wol. You have here, lady, (And of your choice,) these reverend fathers; men Of singular integrity and learning, Yea, the elect of the land, who are assembled To plead your cause: It shall be therefore bootless, That longer you desire the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the king. Cam. His grace Hath spoken well, and justly: Therefore, madam, It's fit this royal session do proceed; And that, without delay, their arguments I am about to weep; but, thinking that. We are a queen, (or long have dream'd so,) certain, The daughter of a king, my drops of tears I'll turn to sparks of fire. Wol. Be patient yet. Q. Kath. I will, when you are humble; nay, before, Or God will punish me. I do believe, You are mine enemy; and make my challenge, Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more, Wol. I do profess, You speak not like yourself; who ever yet O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong: I have no spleen against you; nor injustice. |