He were mine enemy? what friend of mine, That they had gather'd a wise council to them 521 531 Who deem'd our marriage lawful: Wherefore I humbly 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 540 (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 defer the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the king. Cam. His grace 550 Hath spoken well, and justly: Therefore, madam, It's fit this royal session do proceed; And that, without delay, their arguments Be now produc'd, and heard. Queen. Lord cardinal To you I speak. Wol. Your pleasure, madam? Queen. Sir, I am about to weep; but, thinking that 560 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. Queen. I will, when you are humble; nay, before, Or God will punish me. I do believe, Induc'd by potent circumstances, that You are mine enemy; and make my challenge, Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me 570 Which God's dew quench!-Therefore, I say again, 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 At all a friend to truth. Wol. I do profess, You speak not like yourself; who ever yet Have stood to charity, and display'd the effects 580 O'er-topping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong: I have no spleen against you; nor injustice By a commission from the consistory, Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me, 590 Remove these thoughts from you: The which before You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking, Queen. My lord, my lord, I am a simple woman, much too weak 600 To oppose your cunning. You are meek, and humble-mouth'd; You sign your place and calling, in full seeming, Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride. To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness, 610 [She curt'sies to the King, and offers to depart. Cam. The queen is obstinate, Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainful to be try'd by it; 'tis not well. She's going away. King. Call her again. 620 Crier. Katharine, queen of England, come into the court. Usher. Madam, you are call'd back. Queen. What need you note it? pray you, keep your way: When you are call'd, return.-Now the Lord help, They vex me past my patience!-pray you, pass on : I will not tarry; no, nor ever more, Upon this business, my appearance make In any of their courts. [Exeunt Queen, and her Attendants. King. Go thy ways, Kate: That man i'the world, who shall report he has 630 A better A better wife, let him in nought be trusted, Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out), Wol. Most gracious sir, 640 In humblest manner I require your highness, Of all these ears (for where I am robb'd and bound, A royal lady-spake one the least word, that might Or touch of her good person? King. My lord cardinal, I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour, - 651 660 |