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-weigh'd 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 learn'd.—First, I began in private
With you, my lord of Lincoln; you remember
How under my oppression I did reek,

When I first mov'd you.

Lin. Very well, my liege.

K. Hen. I have spoke long; be pleas'd 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 mov'd 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 :
For no dislike i'the world against the person
Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points
Of my alleged 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,
Katherine our queen, before the primest creature,
That's paragon'd o'the world.

Cam. So please your highness,

The queen being absent, 'tis a needful fitness,
That we adjourn this court till further day :
Mean while must be an earnest motion

Made to the queen, to call back her appeal
She intends unto his holiness.

K. Hen. I may perceive,

[They rise to depart.

[Aside.

These cardinals trifle with me: I abhor

This dilatory sloth, and tricks of Rome.
My learn'd and well-beloved 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.-Palace at Brid "ell.

A room in the Queen's apartment.

The Queen, and some of her women, at work. Q. Kath. Take thy lute, wench: my soul grows sad with troubles;

Sing, and disperse them, 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 musick, plants, and flowers,
Ever sprung; as sun, and showers,

There had been a lasting spring.

Every thing, that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,

Hung their heads, and then lay by.
In sweet musick 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?
Gent. They will'd me say so, madam.

Q. Kath. Pray their graces

To come near. [Exit Gent.] 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.

Enter WOLSEY and CAMPEIUS.

Wol. 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 them,

I know my life so even: If your business

Seek me out, and that I
way 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,

As not to know the language I have liv'd in:

A strange tongue makes my cause more strange, suspi

cious;

Pray, speak in English: here are some will thank you, If you speak truth, for their poor mistress' sake; Believe me, she has had much wrong: Lord cardinal, The willing'st sin, I ever yet committed,

May be absolv'd in English.

Wol. Noble lady,

I am sorry, my integrity should breed

(And service to his majesty and you,)

So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.
We come not by the way of accusation,

To taint that honour, every good tongue blesses;
Nor to betray you any way to sorrow;
You have too much, good lady: but to know
How you stand minded in the weighty difference
Between the king and you; and to deliver,
Like free and honest men, our just opinions,

And comforts to your cause.

Cam. Most honour'd madam,

My lord of York,-out of his noble nature,
Zeal and obedience he still bore your grace;
Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure
Both of his truth and him, (which was too far,)-
Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace,