KING HENRY VIII.

PERSONS REPRESENTED. King Henry the Eighth.

Surveyor to the duke of Buckingham. Cardinal Wolsey. Cardinal Campeius. Brandon, and a Serjeant at arms. Capucius, ambassador from the emperor Door-keeper of the council-chamber. Porter, and Charles V.

his Man. Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury.

Page to Gardiner. A Crier.
Duke of Norfolk. Duke of Buckingham.
Duke of Suffolk. Earl of Surrey.

Queen Katharine, wife to king Henry, afterwards Lord Chamberlain. Lord Chancellor.

divorced. Gardiner, bishop of Winchester.

Anne Bullen, her maid of honour; afterwards Bishop of Lincoln. Lord Abergavenny. Lord

queen. Sands.

An old lady, friend to Anne Bullen. Sir Henry Guildford. Sir Thomas Lovell. Patience, woman to queen Katharine. Sir Anthony Denny, Sir Nicholas Vaux.

Several Lords and Ladies in the dumb shows; Secretaries to Wolsey.

Women attending upon the queen; Spirits, Cromwell, servant to Wolsey.

which appear to her; Scribes, Officers, Guards, Griffith, gentleman-usher to queen Katharine.

and other Attendants. Three other Gentlemen. Doctor Butts, physician to the king.

Scene, chiefly in London and Westminster; once, Garter, king at arms.

at Kimbolton.

I COME no more to make you laugh; things

SCENE 1.-London. An antechamber in the

Palace. Enter the Duke of Norfolk, at one door; now,

at the other, the Duke of Buckingham, and the That bear a weighty and a serious brow,

Lord Abergavenny.
Sad, high, and working, full of state and wo,
Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,
We now present. Those that can pity, here

Buckingham.
May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;

GOOD morrow, and well met. How have you The subject will deserve it. Such, as give

done, Their money out of hope they may believe, Since last we saw in France ? May here find truth too. Those, that come to see Nor.

I thank your grace: Only a show or two, and so agree,

Healthful; and ever since a fresh admirer
The play may pass ; if they be still, and willing, of what I saw there.
I'll undertake, may see away their shilling

Buck.

An untimely ague Richly in two short hours. Only they,

Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber, when That come to hear a merry, bawdy play, Those suns of glory, those two lights of men, 3 A noise of targets; or to see a fellow

Met in the vale of Arde. In a long motley coat, guarded with yellow, Nor.

'Twixt Guynes and Arde: Will be deceiv'd: for, gentle bearers, know, I was then present, saw them salute on horseback; To rank our chosen truth with such a show Beheld them, when they lighted, how they clung As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting

In their embracement, as they grew together; Our own brains, and the opinion that we bring Which had they, what four throu'd ones could have (To make that only true we now intend, 2)

weigh'd Will leave us never an understanding friend. Such a compounded one? Therefore, for goodness' sake, and as you are Buck.

All the whole time known

I was my chamber's prisoner. The first and happiest hearers of the town,

Nor.

Then you lost Be sad, as we would make ye : Think, ye see

The view of earthly glory : Men might say, The very persons of our noble story,

Till this time, pomp was single; but now married As they were living ; think, you see them great, To one above itself. Each following day And follow'd with the general throng, and sweat, || Became the next day's master, till the last Of thousand friends; then, in a moment, see Made former wonders it's: To-day, the French, How soon this mightiness meets misery! All clinquant,4 all in gold, like heathen gods, And, if you can be merry then, I'll say, Shone down the English: and, to-morrow, they A man may weep upon his wedding-day.

(3) Henry VIII. and Francis I. king of France. (1) Laced. (2) Pretend.

(4) Glittering, shining.

lengd

peace, aboded

Made Britain, India : every man, that stood, Aber.

I do know Show'd like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have As cherubims, all gilt: the madams too,

By this so sicken'd their estates, that never
Not us'd to toil, did almost sweat to bear They shall abound as formerly.
The pride upon them, that their very labour

Buck.

O, many Was to them as a painting: now this mask Have broke their backs with laying manors on them Was cry'd incomparable ; and the ensuing night For this great journey. What did this vanity, Made it a fool, and beggar. The two kings, But minister communication of Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst, A most poor issue? As presence did present them; him in eye,

Nor.

Grievingly I think, Still him in praise : and, being present both, The peace between the French and us not values 'Twas said, they saw but one; and no discerner The cost that did conclude it. Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns Buck.

Every man, (For so they phrase them,) by their heralds chal- | After the hideous storm that follow'd, was

A thing inspir'd: and, not consulting, broke The noble spirits to arms, they did perform Into a general prophecy,-That this tempest, Beyond thought's compass; that former fabulous Dashing the garment of this story,

The sudden breach on't. Being now seen possible enough, got credit, Nor.

Which is budded out; That Bevis2 was believ'd.

For France hath flaw'd the league, and hath attach'd Buck.

O, you go far. Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux. Nor. As I belong to worship, and affect

Aber.

Is it therefore In honour honesty, the tract of every thing The ambassador is silenc'd ? Would by a good discourser lose some life,

Nor.

Marry, is't. Which action's self was tongue to. All was royal ; Aber. A proper title of a peace; and purchas'd To the disposing of it nought rebell'd;

At a superfluous rate! Order gave each thing view; the office did

Buck.

Why, all this business Distinctly his full function.

Our reverend cardinal carried. 9
Buck.
Who did guide,
Nor.

'Like it your grace, I mean, who set the body and the limbs

The state takes notice of the private difference Of this great sport together, as you guess ? Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you,

Nor. One, certes,3 that promises no elementi (And take it from a heart that wishes towards you In such a business.

Honour and plenteous safety,) that you read
Buck.

I
pray you, who, my lord?

The cardinal's malice and his potency
Nor. All this was order'd by the good discretion. Together : to consider further, that
Of the right reverend cardinal of York.

What his high hatred would effect, wants not Buck. The devil speed him! no man's pie is freed A minister in his power: You know his nature, From his ambitious finger. What had he That he's revengeful; and I know, his sword To do in these fierces vanities? I wonder, Hath a sharp edge: it's long, and, it may be said, That such a keecho can with his very bulk It reaches far; and where 'twill not extend, Take up the rays o'the beneficial sun,

Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel, And keep it from the earth.

You'll find it wholesoine. Lo, where comes that
Nor.
Surely, sir,

rock,
There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends : That I advise your shunning.
For, being not propp'd by ancestry (whose grace
Chalks successors their way,) nor call’d upon

Enter Cardinal Wolsey (the purse borne before For high feats done to the crown; neither allied

him,) certain of the guard, and two Secretaries To eminent assistants, but, spider-like,

The Cardinal in his passage Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note,

fizeth his eye on Buckingham, and Buckingham The force of his own merit makes his way;

on him, both full of disdain. A gift that heaven gives for hiin, which buys Wol. The duke of Buckingham's surveyor, ha ? A place next to the king.

Where's his examination?
Aber.
I cannot tell

1 Secr.

Here, so please you. What heaven hath given bim, let some graver eye Wol. Is he in person ready? Pierce into that; but I can see his pride

1 Secr.

Ay, please your grace, Peep through each part of him: Whence has he Wol. Well, we shall then know

more ;

and that?

Buckingham If not from hell, the devil is a niggard;

Shall lessen this big look. (Ere. Wolsey, and train. Or has given all before, and he begins

Buck. This butcher's curl is venom-mouth'd, A new hell in himself.

and I Buck. Why the devil,

Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore, best Upon this French going-out, took he upon him, Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar's book Without the privity o’the king, to appoint Out-worths a noble's blood. Who should attend on him? He makes up the file? Nor.

What, are you chaf'd? Oi all the gentry; for the most part such Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only, Too, whom as great a charge as little honour Which your disease requires. He meant to lay upon : and his own letter,8 Buck.

I read in his looks The honourable board of council out,

Matter against me; and his eye revil'd Must fetch him in he papers.

Me, as his abject object : at this instant (1) In opinion, which was most noble.

(8) Sets down in his letter without consulting the (2) Sir Bevis, an old romance.

council. (3) Certainly. (4) Practice. (5) Proud. (9) Conducted. (6) Lump of fat.

(10) Wolsey was the son of a butcher.

with papers.

(7) List.

a

I am sorry

you know

He boresl me with some trick He's gone to the || (As soon he shall by me,) that thus the cardinal king;

Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases,
I'll follow, and out-stare him.

And for his own advantage.
Nor.
Stay, my lord, Nor.

I am sorry
And let your reason with your choler question To hear this of him; and could wish, he were
What 'tis you go about: To climb steep hills, Something mistaken in't.
Requires slow pace at first : Anger is like

Buck.

No, not a syllable, A full-hot horse; who being allow'd his way, I do pronounce him in that very shape, Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England He shall appear in proof. Can advise me like you : be to yourself

Enter Brandon ; a Serjeant at Arms before him, As you would to your friend. Buck. I'll to the king;

and two or three of the guards. And from a mouth of honour quite cry down Bran. Your office, serjeant; execute it. This Ipswich fellow's insolence; or proclaim,

Serj.

Sir, There's difference in no persons.

My lord the duke of Buckingham, and earl Nor.

Be advis'd;

of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot

Arrest thee of high treason, in the name That it do singe yourself: We may outrun,

Of our most sovereign king. By violent swiftness, that which we run at,

Buck.

Lo you, my lord, And lose by over-running. Know you not,

The net has fall’n upon me; I shall perish
The fire, that mounts the liquor till it run o'er,

Under device and practice.3
In seeming to augment it, wastes it? Be advis'd: Bran.
I say again, there is no English soul

To see you ta'en from liberty, to look on
More stronger to direct you than yourself; The business present: 'Tis his highness' pleasure
If with the sap of reason you would quench,

You shall to the Tower. Or but allay, the fire of passion.

Buck.

It will help me nothing, Buck.

Sir,

To plead mine innocence; for that die is on me, I am thankful to you; and I'll go along

Which makes my whitest part black. The will By your prescription :--but this top-proud fellow,

of Heaven (Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but

Be done in this and all things - I obey.From sincere motions,) by intelligence,

o

my lord Aberga'ny, fare you well. And proofs as clear as founts in July, when Bran. Nay, he must bear you company :-The We see each grain of gravel, I do know

king

(To Abergavenny. To be corrupt and treasonous.

Is pleas'd, you shall to the Tower, till Nor.

Say not, treasonous. || How he determines further. Buck. To the king I'll say't; and make my vouch

Aber.

As the duke said, as strong

The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox, By me obey'd. Or wolf, or both (for he is equal ravenous,

Bran.

Here is a warrant from As he is subtle; and as prone to mischief,

The king, to attach lord Montacute; and the bodies As able to perform it: his mind and place

Of the duke's confessor, John de la Court, Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally,)

One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor,Only to show his pomp as well in France

Buck.

So, so; As here at home, suggests the king our master

These are the limbs of the plot: no more, I hope. To this last costly treaty, the interview,

Bran. A monk o'the Chartreux. That swallow'd so much treasure, and like a glass

Buck.

O, Nicholas Hopkins ? Did break i'the rinsing.

Bran.

He, Nor.

'Faith, and so it did. Buck. My surveyor is false; the o'er-great car. Buck. Pray, give me favour, sir. This cunning Math show'd him gold : my life is spann'd4 already:

dinal cardinal The articles o'the combination drew,

I am the shadow of poor Buckingham; As himself pleas'd; and they were ratified, Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on, As he cried, Thus let be: to as much end, By dark’ning my clear sun.--My lord, farewell. Asgive a crutch to the dead: But our count-cardinal

(Exeunt. Has done this, and 'tis well; for worthy Wolsey, SCENE II.-The council-chamber. Cornets. Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows

Enter King Henry, Cardinal Wolsey, the Lords (Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy

of the Council, Sir Thomas Lovell, Officers, and To the old dam, treason,)-Charles the emperor, Assistants. The King enters, leaning on the Under pretence to see the queen his aunt

Cardinal's shoulder. (For 'twas, indeed, his colour ; but he came To whisper Wolsey,) here makes visitation :

K. Hen. My life itself, and the best heart of it, His fears were, that the interview, betwixt

Thanks yon for this great care : I stood i'the level England and France, might, through their amity, To you that chok'd it. — Let be call'd before us

Of a full-charg'd confederacy, and give thanks Breed him some prejudice; for from this league

That gentleman of Buckingham's : in person
Peep'd harms that menac'd him : He privily

I'll hear him his confessions justify;
Deals with our cardinal; and, as I trow,-
Which I do well; for, I am sure, the emperor

And point by point the treasons of his master
Paidere he promis'd; whereby his suit was granted,

He shall again relate. Ere it was ask'd ;- but when the way was made, || The King takes his state. The Lords of the And pav'd with gold, the emperor thus desir’d;- Council take their several places. The Cardinat That he would please to alter the king's course, places himself under the King's feet, 'on his And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know, (1) Stabs. (2) Excites. (3) Unfair stratagem.

(4) Measured.

(5) Chair.

right side.

by him.

your suit

A noise within, crying Room for the Queen. En-1 Is nam'd, your wars in France : This makes bold ter the Queen, ushered by the Dukes of Norfolk

mouths : and Suffolk : she kneels. The King riseth from Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze his state, takes her up, kisses, and placeth her | Allegiance in them; their curses now,

Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass,

That tractable obedience is a slave Q. Kath. Nay, we must longer kneel; I am a To each incensed will. I would, your highness suitor.

Would give it quick consideration, for K. Hen. Arise, and take place by us :-Half || There is no primer business.

K. Hen.

By my life,
Never name to us; you have half our power: This is against our pleasure.
The other moiety, ere you ask, is given;

Wol.

And for me, Repeat your will, and take it.

I have no farther gone in this, than by 2. Kath.

Thank your majesty. A single voice; and that not pass’d me, but That you would love yourself; and, in that love, By learned approbation of the judges. Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor If I am traduc'd by tongues, which neither know The dignity of your office, is the point

My faculties, nor person, yet will be Of my petition.

The chronicles of my doing,- let me say, K. Hen. Lady mine, proceed.

'Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake? Q. Kath. I am solicited, not by a few, That virtue must go through. We must not stint3 And those of true condition, that

your subjects

Our necessary actions, in the fear
Are in great grievance: there have been com-To cope malicious censurers; which ever,
missions

As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow
Sent down among them, which hath flaw'd the heart That is new trimm'd; but benefit no further
Of all their loyalties :-wherein, although, Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,
My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches By şick interpreters, once weak ones, is
Most bitterly on you, as putter-on

Not

ours, or not allow'd ;6 what worst, as oft, Of these exactions, yet the king our master Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up (Whose honour Heaven shield from soil !) even he || For our best act. If we shall stand still, escapes not

In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at, Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks We should take root here where we sit, or sit The sides of loyalty, and almost appears

State statues only.
In loud rebellion.

K. Hen. Things done well,
Nor.
Not almost appears,

And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; It doth appear; for, upon these taxations, Things done without example, in their issue The clothiers all, not able to maintain

Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent The many to them 'longing, have put off Of this commission? I believe, not any. The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who, We must not rend our subjects from our laws, Unfit for other life, compellid by hunger

And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each? And lack of other means, in desperate manner A trembling contribution! Why, we take, Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar, From every tree, lop, bark, and part o'the timber; And Danger serves among them.

And, though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd, K. Hen.

Taxation! The air will drink the sap. To every county, Wherein ? and what taxation ?-My lord cardinal, || Where this is question'd, send our leiters, with You that are blam'd for it alike with us,

Free pardon to each man that has denied Know you of this taxation ?

The force of this commission : Pray, look to't ; Wol.

Please you, sir, I put it to your care. I know but of a single part, in aught

Wol.

A word with you. Pertains to the state ; and front but in that filel

[To the Secretary. Where others tell steps with me.

Let there be letters writ to every shire, 2. Kath.

No, my lord, of the king's grace and pardon. The grieved You know no more than others : but you frame Things, that are known alike; which are not whole-Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois’d,

That, through our intercession, this revokement To those which would not know them, and yet must And pardon comes : I shall anon advise you Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions, Further in the proceeding. [Erit Secretary Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear them,

Enter Surveyor. The back is sacrifice to the load. They say, Q. Kath. I am sorry, that the duke of Bucking. They are devis’d by you; or else you suffer

ham Too hard an exclamation.

Is run in your displeasure.
K. Hen.
Still exaction!
K. Hen.

It grieves many :
The nature of it? In what kind, let's know, The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker,
Is this exaction?

To nature none more bound ; his training such, 2. Kath.

I am much too venturous That he may furnish and instruct great teachers, In tempting of your patience; but am bolden'd And never seek for aid out of himself. Under your promis'd pardon The subjects' grief Yet see Comes through commissions, which compel from When these so noble benefits shall prove each

Not well-dispos’d, the mind growing once corrupt, The sixth part of his substance, to be levied They turn to vicious forms, ten times more ugly Without delay; and the pretence for this Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,

(1) I am only one among the other counsellors. (4) Encounter. (5) Sometime. (6) Approved. (2) Thicket of thorns. (3) Retard.

(7) Beyond.

commons

some