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, the two Cardinals WOLSEY and CAMPEius; two Noblemen with the Sword and Mace. Then enter the King and Queen, and their Trains. The King takes place under the cloth of state; the two Cardinals sit under him as judges. The Queen takes place at some distance from the King. The Bishops place themselves on each side the court, in manner of a consistory; between them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The Crier and the rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order about the stage. Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read Let silence be commanded. K. Hen. What's the need? It hath already publickly been read, Wol. Be't so:-Proceed. Scribe. Say, Henry king of England, come into the court. Crier. Henry king of England, &c. K. Hen. Here. Scribe. Say, Katharine queen of England, come into court. Crier. Katharine, queen of England, &c. [The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks. 8 Q. Kath. Sir, I desire you, do me right and justice; pillars;] Pillars were some of the cnsigns of dignity carried before cardinals. And to bestow your pity on me: for Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, friends Or made it not mine too? Or which of your That they had gather'd a wise council to them Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel Wol. You have here, lady, (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 desire the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the king. Cam. His grace 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. Q. Kath. Lord cardinal,— To you I speak. Wol. Your pleasure, madam? Q. Kath. Sir, I am about to weep; but, thinking that 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. Q. Kath. 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,' 9 and make my challenge,] Challenge is here a law term. The criminal, when he refuses a juryman, says-I challenge him. Abhor and refuse are also law terms. You shall not be my judge: for it is you Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me,— Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more, Wol. I do profess, You speak not like yourself; who ever yet O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong: I have no spleen against you; nor injustice Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me, You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking, Q. Kath. My lord, my lord, I am a simple woman, much too weak To oppose your cunning. You are meek, and humble-mouth'd; 2 You sign your place and calling, in full seeming, 1 1- gainsay - i. e. deny. * You sign your place and calling,] To sign here is to show, to VOL. VII. With meekness and humility: but your heart To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness, [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. K. Hen. Call her again. Crier. Katharine queen of England, come into the court. Grif. Madam, you are call'd back. Q. Kath. What need you note it? pray you, keep your way: When you are call'd, return.-Now the Lord help, Upon this business, my appearance make [Exeunt Queen, GRIFFITH, and her other. K. Hen. Go thy ways, Kate: That man i'the world, who shall report he has A better wife, let him in nought be trusted, denote. By your outward meekness and humility, you show that you are of an holy order, but, &c. |