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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

The grave does to the dead, for her male issue
Or died where they were made, or shortly after
This world had aired them. Hence I took a
thought,

This was a judgment on me, that my kingdom,
Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not
Be gladded in 't by me. Then follows, that
I weighed the danger which my realms stood in
By this my issue's fail; and that gave to me
Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in
The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer
Toward this remedy whereupon we are
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,
And doctors learned. First, I began in private
With you, my Lord of Lincoln; you remember
How under my oppression I did reek,

When I first moved you.

Lin.

Very well, my liege.

K. Hen. I have spoke long; be pleased yourself

to say

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,
And did entreat your highness to this course,
Which you are running here.

K. Hen.
I then moved you,
My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave
To make this present summons.—Unsolicited
I left no reverend person in this Court;
But by particular consent proceeded,

Under

your hands and seals: therefore, go on n;
For no dislike i' the world against the person
Of the good Queen, but the sharp thorny points
Of my allegéd reasons drive this forward.
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 paragoned o' the world.

Cam So please your highness, The Queen being absent, 't is a needful fitness That we adjourn this Court till further day : Meanwhile must be an earnest motion

Made to the Queen, to call back her appeal
She intends unto his Holiness.

K. Hen. [Aside.]

I may perceive,

These Cardinals trifle with me: I abhor
This dilatory sloth, and tricks of Rome.
My learned and well-belovéd servant, Cranmer,
Pr'ythee, return: with thy approach, I know,
My comfort comes along.—Break up the Court:
I say, set on. [Exeunt, in manner as they entered.

ACT III.

SCENE I.. London. The Palace at Bridewell. A Room in the QUEEN'S Apartment.

The QUEEN, and her Women, at Work.

Q. Kath. Take thy lute, wench my soul grows sad with troubles;

Sing, and disperse 'em, if thou canst. Leave

working.

SONG.

Orpheus with his lute made trees,
And the mountain-tops that freeze,

Bow themselves, when he did sing:

To his music plants, and flowers

Ever sprung; as sun and showers

There had made a lasting spring.

Everything that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,

Hung their heads, and then lay by.
In sweet music is such art,

Killing care and grief of heart
Fall asleep, or, hearing, die.

Enter a Gentleman.

Q. Kath. How now?

Gent. An't please your grace, the two great

Cardinals

Wait in the presence.

Q. Kath.

Would they speak with me?

Pray their graces

Gent. They willed me say so, madain.

Q. Kath.

To come near. [Exit Gentleman.] What can be

their business

With me, a poor weak woman, fallen from favour
I do not like their coming, now I think on 't.
They should be good men; their affairs as righteous:
But all hoods make not monks.

Wol.

Enter WOLSEY and CAMPEIUS.

Peace to your highness!

Q. Kath. Your graces find me here part of a housewife :

I would be all, against the worst may happen. What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords?

Wol. May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw

Into your private chamber, we shall give you
The full cause of our coming.

Q. Kath.

Speak it here.

There's nothing I have done yet, o' my conscience,

Deserves a corner: 'would all other women

Could speak this with as free a soul as I do!

My lords, I care not,—so much I am happy
Above a number,-if my actions

Were tried by every tongue, every eye saw them,
Envy and base opinion set against 'em,

I know my life so even. If your business
Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,

Out with it boldly: truth loves open dealing.

Wol. Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, Regina

Serenissima,-.

Q. Kath. O, good my lord, no Latin:

I am not such a truant since my coming,

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