I swear again, I would not be a queen For all the world. Old Lady In faith, for little England You'ld venture an emballing: I myself Would for Carnarvonshire, although there long'd No more to the crown but that. Lo, who comes here?
Enter Chamberlain Chamberlain Good morrow, ladies. What were't worth to know The secret of your conference? ANNE My good lord, Not your demand; it values not your asking:
Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying. Chamberlain It was a gentle business, and becoming The action of good women: there is hope All will be well. ANNE Now, I pray God, amen! Chamberlain You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly blessings Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady, Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note's Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty Commends his good opinion of you, and Does purpose honour to you no less flowing Than Marchioness of Pembroke: to which title A thousand pound a year, annual support, Out of his grace he adds. ANNE I do not know What kind of my obedience I should tender;More than my all is nothing: nor my prayers Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers and wishes Are all I can return. Beseech your lordship, Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience, As from a blushing handmaid, to his highness;Whose health and royalty I pray for. Chamberlain Lady, I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit The king hath of you.
Aside I have perused her well;
Beauty and honour in her are so mingled That they have caught the king: and who knows yet But from this lady may proceed a gem To lighten all this isle? I'll to the king, And say I spoke with you.
Exit Chamberlain ANNE My honour'd lord. Old Lady Why, this it is; see, see!
I have been begging sixteen years in court, Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could Come pat betwixt too early and too late For any suit of pounds; and you, O fate!
A very fresh-fish here--fie, fie, fie upon This compell'd fortune!--have your mouth fill'd up Before you open it. ANNE This is strange to me. Old Lady How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no.
There was a lady once, 'tis an old story, That would not be a queen, that would she not, For all the mud in Egypt: have you heard it? ANNE Come, you are pleasant. Old Lady With your theme, I could O'ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
A thousand pounds a year for pure respect!
No other obligation! By my life, That promises moe thousands: honour's train Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time I know your back will bear a duchess: say, Are you not stronger than you were? ANNE Good lady, 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 In our long absence: pray, do not deliver What here you've heard to her. Old Lady What do you think me?
Exeunt SCENE IV. A hall in Black-Friars. Trumpets, sennet, and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habit of doctors; after them, CANTERBURY alone; after him, LINCOLN, 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, CARDINAL WOLSEY and CARDINALCAMPEIUS; two Noblemen with the sword and mace. KING HENRY VIII takes place under the cloth of state; CARDINAL WOLSEY and CARDINAL CAMPEIUS sit under him as judges. QUEEN KATHARINE takes place some distance from KING HENRYVIII. 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 rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order about the stage CARDINAL WOLSEY Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded. KING HENRY VIII What's the need?
It hath already publicly been read, And on all sides the authority allow'd;You may, then, spare that time. CARDINAL WOLSEY Be't so. Proceed. Scribe Say, Henry King of England, come into the court. Crier Henry King of England, & c. KING HENRY VIII Here. Scribe Say, Katharine Queen of England, come into the court. Crier Katharine Queen of England, & c.