ALL IS TRUE - (HENRY VIII)

ALL IS TRUE (HENRY VIII) BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AND JOHN FLETCHER ON 29 June 1613 the firing of cannon at the Globe Theatre ignited its thatch and burned it to the ground. According to a letter of 4 July the house was full of spectators who had come to see ‘a new play called All is True, which had been acted not passing two or three times before’. No one was hurt ‘except one man who was scalded with the fire by adventuring in to save a child which otherwise had been burnt’. This establishes the play’s date with unusual precision. Though two other accounts of the fire refer to a play ‘of’—which may mean simply ‘about’—Henry VIII, yet another two unequivocally call it All is True; and these words also end the refrain of a ballad about the fire. When the play came to be printed as the last of the English history plays—all named after kings—in the 1623 Folio it was as The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eighth. We restore the title by which it was known to its first audiences. No surviving account of the fire says who wrote the play that caused it. In 1850, James Spedding (prompted by Tennyson) suggested that Shakespeare collaborated on it with John Fletcher (1579-1625). We have external evidence that the two dramatists worked together in or around 1613 on the lost Cardenio and on The Two Noble Kinsmen. For their collaboration in All is True the evidence is wholly internal, stemming from the initial perception of two distinct verse styles within the play; later, more rigorous examination of evidence provided by both the play’s language and its dramatic technique has convinced most scholars of Fletcher’s hand in it. The passages most confidently attributed to Shakespeare are Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2; Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4; Act 3, Scene 2 to line 204; and Act 5, Scene 1. The historical material derives, often closely, from the chronicles of Raphael Holinshed and Edward Hall, supplemented by John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (1563, etc.) for the Cranmer episodes in Act 5. It covers only part of Henry’s reign, from the opening description of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, of 1520, to the christening of Princess Elizabeth, in 1533. It depicts the increasing abuse of power by Cardinal Wolsey; the execution, brought about by Wolsey’s machinations, of the Duke of Buckingham; the King’s abandonment of his Queen, Katherine of Aragon; the rise to the King’s favour of Anne Boleyn; Wolsey’s disgrace; and the birth to Henry and Anne of a daughter instead of the hoped-for son. Sir Henry Wotton, writing of the fire, said that the play represented ‘some principal pieces of the reign of Henry 8, which was set forth with many extraordinary circumstances of pomp and majesty’. It has continued popular in performance for the opportunities that it affords for spectacle and for the dramatic power of certain episodes such as Buckingham’s speeches before execution (2.1), Queen Katherine’s defence of the validity of her marriage (2.4), Wolsey’s farewell to his greatness (3.2), and Katherine’s dying scene (4.2). Though the play depicts a series of falls from greatness, it works towards the birth of the future Elizabeth I, fulsomely celebrated in the last scene (not attributed to Shakespeare) along with her successor, the patron of the King’s Men.

THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY

All Is True Prologue Enter Prologue PROLOGUE I come no more to make you laugh. Things now That bear a weighty and a serious brow, Sad, high, and working, full of state and woe— Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow We now present. Those that can pity here May, if they think it well, let fall a tear. The subject will deserve it. Such as give Their money out of hope they may believe, May here find truth, too. Those that come to see Only a show or two, and so agree The play may pass, if they be still, and willing, I’ll undertake may see away their shilling Richly in two short hours. Only they That come to hear a merry bawdy play, A noise of targets, or to see a fellow In a long motley coat guarded with yellow, Will be deceived. For, gentle hearers, know To rank our chosen truth with such a show As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting Our own brains, and the opinion that we bring To make that only true we now intend, Will leave us never an understanding friend. Therefore, for goodness’ sake, and as you are known The first and happiest hearers of the town, Be sad as we would make ye. Think ye see The very persons of our noble story As they were living; think you see them great, And followed with the general throng and sweat Of thousand friends; then, in a moment, see How soon this mightiness meets misery. 30 And if you can be merry then, I’ll say A man may weep upon his wedding day. Exit

1.1 ⌈A cloth of state throughout the play.⌉ Enter the Duke of Norfolk at one door; at the other door enter the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny BUCKINGHAM (to Norfolk) Good morrow, and well met. How have ye done Since last we saw in France? NORFOLK I thank your grace, Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer Of what I saw there. BUCKINGHAM An untimely ague Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when 5 Those suns of glory, those two lights of men, Met in the vale of Ardres. NORFOLK ’Twixt Guisnes and Ardres. I was then present, saw them salute on horseback, Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung In their embracement as they grew together, Which had they, what four throned ones could have weighed Such a compounded one? BUCKINGHAM All the whole time I was my chamber’s prisoner. NORFOLK Then you lost The view of earthly glory. Men might say Till this time pomp was single, but now married To one above itself. Each following day Became the next day’s master, till the last Made former wonders its. Today the French, All clinquant all in gold, like heathen gods Shone down the English; and tomorrow they Made Britain India. Every man that stood Showed like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were As cherubim, all gilt; the mesdames, too, Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear The pride upon them, that their very labour Was to them as a painting. Now this masque Was cried incomparable, and th‘ensuing night Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst, As presence did present them. Him in eye Still him in praise, and being present both, ’Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns— For so they phrase ’em—by their heralds challenged The noble spirits to arms, they did perform Beyond thought’s compass, that former fabulous story Being now seen possible enough, got credit That Bevis was believed. BUCKINGHAM O, you go far! NORFOLK As I belong to worship, and affect In honour honesty, the tract of ev’rything Would by a good discourser lose some life Which action’s self was tongue to. All was royal. To the disposing of it naught rebelled. Order gave each thing view. The office did Distinctly his full function. BUCKINGHAM Who did guide— I mean, who set the body and the limbs Of this great sport together, as you guess? NORFOLK One, certes, that promises no element In such a business. BUCKINGHAM I pray you who, my lord? NORFOLK All this was ordered by the good discretion Of the right reverend Cardinal of York. BUCKINGHAM The devil speed him! No man’s pie is freed From his ambitious finger. What had he To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder That such a keech can, with his very bulk, Take up the rays o’th’ beneficial sun, And keep it from the earth. NORFOLK Surely, sir, There’s in him stuff that puts him to these ends. For being not propped by ancestry, whose grace Chalks successors their way, nor called upon no For high feats done to th’ crown, neither allied To eminent assistants, but spider-like, Out of his self-drawing web, a gives us note The force of his own merit makes his way— A gift that heaven gives for him which buys A place next to the King. ABERGAVENNY I cannot tell What heaven hath given him—let some graver eye Pierce into that; but I can see his pride Peep through each part of him. Whence has he that? If not from hell, the devil is a niggard Or has given all before, and he begins A new hell in himself. BUCKINGHAM Why the devil, Upon this French going out, took he upon him Without the privity o’th’ King t’appoint Who should attend on him? He makes up the file Of all the gentry, for the most part such To whom as great a charge as little honour He meant to lay upon; and his own letter, The honourable board of council out, Must fetch him in, he papers. ABERGAVENNY I do know Kinsmen of mine—three at the least—that have By this so sickened their estates that never They shall abound as formerly. BUCKINGHAM O, many Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em For this great journey. What did this vanity But minister communication of A most poor issue? NORFOLK Grievingly I think The peace between the French and us not values The cost that did conclude it. BUCKINGHAM Every man, After the hideous storm that followed, was A thing inspired, and, not consulting, broke Into a general prophecy—that this tempest, Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded The sudden breach on’t. NORFOLK Which is budded out— For France hath flawed the league, and hath attached Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux. ABERGAVENNY Is it therefore Th’ambassador is silenced? NORFOLK Marry is’t. ABERGAVENNY A proper title of a peace, and purchased At a superfluous rate. BUCKINGHAM Why, all this business Our reverend Cardinal carried. NORFOLK Like it your grace, The state takes notice of the private difference Betwixt you and the Cardinal. I advise you— And take it from a heart that wishes towards you Honour and plenteous safety—that you read The Cardinal’s malice and his potency Together; to consider further that What his high hatred would effect wants not A minister in his power. You know his nature, That he’s revengeful; and I know his sword Hath a sharp edge—it’s long, and’t may be said no It reaches far; and where ’twill not extend Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel, You’ll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock That I advise your shunning. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse containing the great seal borne before him. Enter with him certain of the guard, and two secretaries with papers. The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye on Buckingham and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain CARDINAL WOLSEY (to a secretary) The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor, ha? Where’s his examination? SECRETARY Here, so please you. CARDINAL WOLSEY Is he in person ready? SECRETARY Ay, please your grace. CARDINAL WOLSEY Well, we shall then know more, and Buckingham Shall lessen this big look. Exeunt Wolsey and his train BUCKINGHAM This butcher’s cur is venom-mouthed, and I Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar’s book Outworths a noble’s blood. NORFOLK What, are you chafed? Ask God for temp’rance; that’s th’appliance only Which your disease requires. BUCKINGHAM I read in’s looks Matter against me, and his eye reviled Me as his abject object. At this instant He bores me with some trick. He’s gone to th’ King— I’ll follow, and outstare him. NORFOLK Stay, my lord, And let your reason with your choler question What ’tis you go about. To climb steep hills Requires slow pace at first. Anger is like A full hot horse who, being allowed his way, Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England Can advise me like you. Be to yourself As you would to your friend. BUCKINGHAM I’ll to the King, And from a mouth of honour quite cry down This Ipswich fellow’s insolence, or proclaim There’s difference in no persons. NORFOLK Be advised. Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot That it do singe yourself. We may outrun By violent swiftness that which we run at, And lose by over-running. Know you not The fire that mounts the liquor till’t run o’er In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised. I say again there is no English soul More stronger to direct you than yourself, If with the sap of reason you would quench Or but allay the fire of passion. BUCKINGHAM Sir, I am thankful to you, and I’ll go along By your prescription; but this top-proud fellow— Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but From sincere motions—by intelligence, And proofs as clear as founts in July when We see each grain of gravel, I do know To be corrupt and treasonous. NORFOLK Say not ‘treasonous’. BUCKINGHAM To th’ King I’ll say’t, and make my vouch as strong As shore of rock. Attend: this holy fox, Or wolf, or both—for he is equal rav’nous As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief As able to perform’t, his mind and place Infecting one another, yea, reciprocatly— Only to show his pomp as well in France As here at home, suggests the King our master To this last costly treaty, th’interview That swallowed so much treasure and, like a glass, Did break i’th’ rinsing. NORFOLK Faith, and so it did. BUCKINGHAM Pray give me favour, sir. This cunning Cardinal, The articles o‘th’ combination drew As himself pleased, and they were ratified 170 As he cried ‘Thus let be’, to as much end As give a crutch to th’ dead. But our count-Cardinal Has done this, and ’tis well for worthy Wolsey, Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows— Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy To th‘old dam, treason—Charles the Emperor, Under pretence to see the Queen his aunt— For ’twas indeed his colour, but he came To whisper Wolsey—here makes visitation. His fears were that the interview betwixt England and France might through their amity Breed him some prejudice, for from this league Peeped harms that menaced him. Privily he Deals with our Cardinal and, as I trow— Which I do well, for I am sure the Emperor Paid ere he promised, whereby his suit was granted Ere it was asked—but when the way was made, And paved with gold, the Emperor thus desired That he would please to alter the King’s course And break the foresaid peace. Let the King know, As soon he shall by me, that thus the Cardinal Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases, And for his own advantage. NORFOLK I am sorry To hear this of him, and could wish he were Something mistaken in’t. BUCKINGHAM No, not a syllable. I do pronounce him in that very shape He shall appear in proof. Enter Brandon, a serjeant-at-arms before him, and two or three of the guard BRANDON Your office, serjeant, execute it. SERJEANT Sir. (To Buckingham) My lord the Duke of Buckingham and Earl Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I Arrest thee of high treason in the name Of our most sovereign King. BUCKINGHAM to Norfolk Lo you, my lord, The net has fall’n upon me. I shall perish Under device and practice. BRANDON I am sorry To see you ta’en from liberty to look on The business present. ’Tis his highness’ pleasure You shall to th’ Tower. BUCKINGHAM It will help me nothing To plead mine innocence, for that dye is on me Which makes my whit’st part black. The will of heav’n Be done in this and all things. I obey. O, my lord Abergavenny, fare you well. BRANDON Nay, he must bear you company. (To Abergavenny) The King Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower till you know How he determines further. ABERGAVENNY As the Duke said, The will of heaven be done and the King’s pleasure By me obeyed. BRANDON Here is a warrant from The King t’attach Lord Montague and the bodies Of the duke’s confessor, John de la Car, One Gilbert Perk, his chancellor— BUCKINGHAM So, so; These are the limbs o’th’ plot. No more, I hope. BRANDON A monk o’th’ Chartreux. BUCKINGHAM O, Nicholas Hopkins? BRANDON He. BUCKINGHAM My surveyor is false. The o’er-great Cardinal Hath showed him gold. My life is spanned already. I am the shadow of poor Buckingham, Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on By dark’ning my clear sun. (To Norfolk) My lord, farewell. Exeunt ⌈Norfolk at one door, Buckingham and Abergavenny under guard at another⌉

Atto 1, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Cornetts. Enter King Henry leaning on Cardinal Wolsey’s shoulder. Enter with them Wolsey’s two secretaries, the nobles, and Sir Thomas Lovell. The King ascends to his seat under the cloth of state; Wolsey places himself under the King’s feet on his right side
KING HENRY	to Wolsey My life itself and the best heart of it Thanks you for this great care. I stood i’th’ level Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks To you that choked it. Let be called before us That gentleman of Buckingham’s. In person I’ll hear him his confessions justify, And point by point the treasons of his master He shall again relate.
(didascalia)	CRIER (within)
KING HENRY	Room for the Queen, ushered by the Duke of Norfolk.
(didascalia)	Enter Queen Katherine, the Duke of Norfolk, and the Duke of Suffolk. She kneels. King Henry riseth from his state, takes her up, and kisses her
QUEEN KATHERINE	Nay, we must longer kneel. I am a suitor.
KING HENRY	Arise, and take place by us. He placeth her by him Half your suit Never name to us. You have half our power, The other moiety ere you ask is given. Repeat your will and take it.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Thank your majesty. That you would love yourself, and in that love Not unconsidered leave your honour nor The dignity of your office, is the point Of my petition.
KING HENRY	Lady mine, proceed.
QUEEN KATHERINE	I am solicited, not by a few, And those of true condition, that your subjects Are in great grievance. There have been commissions Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart Of all their loyalties; wherein, although, My good lord Cardinal, they vent reproaches Most bitterly on you, as putter-on Of these exactions, yet the King our master— Whose honour heaven shield from soil—even he escapes not Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks The sides of loyalty, and almost appears In loud rebellion.
NORFOLK	Not ‘almost appears’— It doth appear; for upon these taxations The clothiers all, not able to maintain The many to them ‘longing, have put off The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who, Unfit for other life, compelled by hunger And lack of other means, in desperate manner Daring th’event to th’ teeth, are all in uproar, And danger serves among them.
KING HENRY	Taxation? Wherein, and what taxation? My lord Cardinal, You that are blamed for it alike with us, Know you of this taxation?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Please you, sir, I know but of a single part in aught Pertains to th’ state, and front but in that file Where others tell steps with me.
QUEEN KATHERINE	No, my lord? You know no more than others? But you frame Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome To those which would not know them, and yet must Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are Most pestilent to th’ hearing, and to bear ’em The back is sacrifice to th’ load. They say They are devised by you, or else you suffer Too hard an exclamation.
KING HENRY	Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let’s know, Is this exaction?
QUEEN KATHERINE	I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience, but am boldened Under your promised pardon. The subjects’ grief Comes through commissions which compels from each The sixth part of his substance to be levied Without delay, and the pretence for this Is named your wars in France. This makes bold mouths. Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze Allegiance in them. Their curses now Live where their prayers did, and it’s come to pass This tractable obedience is a slave To each incensed will. I would your highness Would give it quick consideration, for There is no primer business.
KING HENRY	By my life, This is against our pleasure.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	And for me, I have no further gone in this than by A single voice, and that not passed me but By learned approbation of the judges. If I am Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know My faculties nor person yet will be The chronicles of my doing, let me say ‘Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake That virtue must go through. We must not stint Our necessary actions in the fear To cope malicious censurers, which ever, As rav’nous fishes, do a vessel follow That is new trimmed, but benefit no further Than vainly longing. What we oft do best, By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is Not ours or not allowed; what worst, as oft, Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up For our best act. If we shall stand still, In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at, We should take root here where we sit, Or sit state-statues only.
KING HENRY	Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Things done without example, in their issue Are to be feared. Have you a precedent Of this commission? I believe not any. We must not rend our subjects from our laws And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each? A trembling contribution! Why, we take From every tree lop, bark, and part o‘th’ timber, And though we leave it with a root, thus hacked The air will drink the sap. To every county Where this is questioned send our letters with Free pardon to each man that has denied The force of this commission. Pray look to’t— I put it to your care.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to a secretary) A word with you. Let there be letters writ to every shire Of the King’s grace and pardon. (Aside to the secretary) The grieved commons Hardly conceive of me. Let it be noised That through our intercession this revokement And pardon comes. I shall anon advise you Further in the proceeding.
(didascalia)	Exit secretary
(didascalia)	Enter Buckingham’s Surveyor
QUEEN KATHERINE	(to the King) I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham Is run in your displeasure.
KING HENRY	It grieves many. The gentleman is learned, and a most rare speaker, To nature none more bound; his training such That he may furnish and instruct great teachers And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see, When these so noble benefits shall prove Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt, They turn to vicious forms ten times more ugly Than ever they were fair. This man so complete, Who was enrolled ’mongst wonders—and when we Almost with ravished list’ning could not find His hour of speech a minute—he, my lady, Hath into monstrous habits put the graces That once were his, and is become as black As if besmeared in hell. Sit by us. You shall hear— This was his gentleman in trust of him— Things to strike honour sad. (To Wolsey) Bid him recount The fore-recited practices whereof We cannot feel too little, hear too much.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Surveyor) Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you Most like a careful subject have collected Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
KING HENRY	(to the Surveyor) Speak freely.
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	First, it was usual with him, every day It would infect his speech, that if the King Should without issue die, he’ll carry it so To make the sceptre his. These very words I’ve heard him utter to his son-in-law, Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced Revenge upon the Cardinal.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Please your highness note His dangerous conception in this point, Not friended by his wish to your high person. His will is most malignant, and it stretches Beyond you to your friends.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My learned Lord Cardinal, Deliver all with charity.
KING HENRY	(to the surveyor) Speak on. How grounded he his title to the crown Upon our fail? To this point hast thou heard him At any time speak aught?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	He was brought to this By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins.
KING HENRY	What was that Hopkins?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Sir, a Chartreux friar, His confessor, who fed him every minute With words of sovereignty.
KING HENRY	How know’st thou this?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Not long before your highness sped to France, The Duke being at the Rose, within the parish Saint Lawrence Poutney, did of me demand What was the speech among the Londoners Concerning the French journey. I replied Men feared the French would prove perfidious, To the King’s danger; presently the Duke Said ‘twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted ’Twould prove the verity of certain words Spoke by a holy monk that oft, says he, ‘Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour To hear from him a matter of some moment; Whom after under the confession’s seal He solemnly had sworn, that what he spoke My chaplain to no creature living but To me should utter, with demure confidence This pausingly ensued: “neither the King nor’s heirs”, Tell you the Duke, “shall prosper. Bid him strive To win the love o’th’ commonalty. The Duke Shall govern England.” ’
QUEEN KATHERINE	If I know you well, You were the Duke’s surveyor, and lost your office On the complaint o’th’ tenants. Take good heed You charge not in your spleen a noble person And spoil your nobler soul. I say, take heed; Yes, heartily beseech you.
KING HENRY	Let him on. (To the Surveyor) Go forward.
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	On my soul I’ll speak but truth. I told my lord the Duke, by th’ devil’s illusions The monk might be deceived, and that ‘twas dangerous To ruminate on this so far until It forged him some design which, being believed, It was much like to do. He answered, ’Tush, It can do me no damage’, adding further That had the King in his last sickness failed, The Cardinal’s and Sir Thomas Lovell’s heads Should have gone off.
KING HENRY	Ha? What, so rank? Ah, ha! There’s mischief in this man. Canst thou say further?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	I can, my liege.
KING HENRY	Proceed.
BIJCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Being at Greenwich, After your highness had reproved the Duke About Sir William Bulmer—
KING HENRY	I remember Such a time, being my sworn servant, The Duke retained him his. But on—what hence?
RIICKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	‘If’, quoth he, ‘I for this had been committed’— As to the Tower, I thought—‘I would have played The part my father meant to act upon Th’usurper Richard who, being at Salisbury, Made suit to come in’s presence; which if granted, As he made semblance of his duty, would Have put his knife into him.’
KING HENRY	A giant traitor!
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Queen) Now, madam, may his highness live in freedom, And this man out of prison?
QUEEN KATHERINE	God mend all.
KING HENRY	(to the Surveyor) There’s something more would out of thee—what sayst?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	After ‘the Duke his father’, with ‘the knife’, He stretched him, and with one hand on his dagger, Another spread on’s breast, mounting his eyes, He did discharge a horrible oath whose tenor Was, were he evil used, he would outgo His father by as much as a performance Does an irresolute purpose.
KING HENRY	There’s his period— To sheathe his knife in us. He is attached. Call him to present trial. If he may Find mercy in the law, ’tis his; if none, Let him not seek’t of us. By day and night, He’s traitor to th’ height.
(didascalia)	Flourish. Exeunt

Atto 1, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Is’t possible the spells of France should juggle Men into such strange mysteries?
SANDS	New customs, Though they be never so ridiculous— Nay, let ’em be unmanly—yet are followed.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	As far as I see, all the good our English Have got by the late voyage is but merely A fit or two o’th’ face. But they are shrewd ones, For when they hold ’em you would swear directly Their very noses had been counsellors To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so.
SANDS	They have all new legs, and lame ones; one would take it, That never see ’em pace before, the spavin Or spring-halt reigned among ’em.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Death, my lord, Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to’t That sure they’ve worn out Christendom.
(didascalia)	Enter Sir Thomas Lovell
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	How now— What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?
LOVELL	Faith, my lord, I hear of none but the new proclamation That’s clapped upon the court gate.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	What is’t for?
LOVELL	The reformation of our travelled gallants That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I’m glad ’tis there. Now I would pray our ’messieurs’ To think an English courtier may be wise And never see the Louvre.
LOVELL	They must either, For so run the conditions, leave those remnants Of fool and feather that they got in France, With all their honourable points of ignorance Pertaining thereunto—as fights and fireworks, Abusing better men than they can be Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings, Short blistered breeches, and those types of travel— And understand again like honest men, Or pack to their old playfellows. There, I take it, They may, cum privilegio, ‘oui’ away The lag end of their lewdness and be laughed at.
SANDS	‘Tis time to give ’em physic, their diseases Are grown so catching.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	What a loss our ladies Will have of these trim vanities!
LOVELL	Ay, marry, There will be woe indeed, lords. The sly whoresons Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies. A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.
SANDS	The devil fiddle ’em! I am glad they are going, For sure there’s no converting of ’em. Now An honest country lord, as I am, beaten A long time out of play, may bring his plainsong And have an hour of hearing, and, by’r Lady, Held current music, too.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Well said, Lord Sands. Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet?
SANDS	No, my lord, Nor shall not while I have a stump.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(to Lovell) Sir Thomas, Whither were you a-going?
LOVELL	To the Cardinal’s. Your lordship is a guest too.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	O, ’tis true. This night he makes a supper, and a great one, To many lords and ladies. There will be The beauty of this kingdom, I’ll assure you.
LOVELL	That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed, A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us. His dews fall everywhere.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	No doubt he’s noble. He had a black mouth that said other of him.
SANDS	He may, my lord; he’s wherewithal. In him Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine. Men of his way should be most liberal. They are set here for examples.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	True, they are so, But few now give so great ones. My barge stays. Your lordship shall along. (To Lovell) Come, good Sir Thomas, We shall be late else, which I would not be, For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford, This night to be comptrollers.
SANDS	I am your lordship’s.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 1, Scena 4

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter servants with a small table for Cardinal Wolsey Which they place under the cloth of state, and a longer table for the guests. Then enter at one door Anne Boleyn and divers other ladies and gentlemen as guests, and at another door enter Sir Henry Guildford
(didascalia)	GUlLDFORD Ladies, a general welcome from his grace Salutes ye all. This night he dedicates To fair content and you. None here, he hopes, In all this noble bevy, has brought with her One care abroad. He would have all as merry As feast, good company, good wine, good welcome Can make good people.
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and Sir Thomas Lovell
(didascalia)	(To the Lord Chamberlain) O, my lord, you’re tardy. The very thought of this fair company Clapped wings to me.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.
SANDS	Sir Thomas Lovell, had the Cardinal But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these Should find a running banquet, ere they rested, I think would better please ’em. By my life, They are a sweet society of fair ones.
LOVELL	O, that your lordship were but now confessor To one or two of these.
SANDS	I would I were. They should find easy penance.
LOVELL	Faith, how easy?
SANDS	As easy as a down bed would afford it.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? (To Guildford) Sir Harry, Place you that side, I’ll take the charge of this. They sit about the longer table. A noise within His grace is ent‘ring. Nay, you must not freeze— Two women placed together makes cold weather. My lord Sands, you are one will keep ’em waking. Pray sit between these ladies.
SANDS	By my faith, And thank your lordship. He sits between Anne and another By your leave, sweet ladies. If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me. I had it from my father.
ANNE	Was he mad, sir?
SANDS	O, very mad; exceeding mad—in love, too. But he would bite none. Just as I do now, He would kiss you twenty with a breath. He kisses her
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Well said, my lord. So now you’re fairly seated. Gentlemen, The penance lies on you if these fair ladies Pass away frowning.
SANDS	For my little cure, Let me alone.
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey who takes his seat at the small table under the state
CARDINAL WOLSEY	You’re welcome, my fair guests. That noble lady Or gentleman that is not freely merry Is not my friend. This, to confirm my welcome, And to you all, good health! He drinks
SANDS	Your grace is noble. Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks, And save me so much talking.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	My lord Sands, I am beholden to you. Cheer your neighbours. Ladies, you are not merry! Gentlemen, Whose fault is this?
SANDS	The red wine first must rise In their fair cheeks, my lord, then we shall have ’em Talk us to silence.
ANNE	You are a merry gamester, My lord Sands.
SANDS	Yes, if I make my play. Here’s to your ladyship; and pledge it, madam, For ’tis to such a thing—
ANNE	You cannot show me.
SANDS	(to Wolsey) I told your grace they would talk anon.
(didascalia)	Drum and trumpet. Chambers discharged
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What’s that?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(to the servants) Look out there, some of ye.
(didascalia)	Exit a servant
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What warlike voice, And to what end is this? Nay, ladies, fear not. By all the laws of war you’re privileged.
(didascalia)	Enter the servant
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	How now—what is’t?
SERVANT	A noble troop of strangers, For so they seem. They’ve left their barge and landed, And hither make as great ambassadors From foreign princes.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Good Lord Chamberlain, Go give ’em welcome—you can speak the French tongue. And pray receive ’em nobly, and conduct ’em Into our presence where this heaven of beauty Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.
(didascalia)	Exit Chamberlain, attended
CARDINAL WOLSEY	All rise, and some servants remove the tables You have now a broken banquet, but we’ll mend it. A good digestion to you all, and once more I shower a welcome on ye—welcome all.
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain, King Henry and others as masquers habited like shepherds. They pass directly before Cardinal Wolsey and gracefully salute him
CARDINAL WOLSEY	A noble company. What are their pleasures?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Because they speak no English, thus they prayed To tell your grace, that, having heard by fame Of this so noble and so fair assembly This night to meet here, they could do no less, Out of the great respect they bear to beauty, But leave their flocks, and, under your fair conduct, Crave leave to view these ladies, and entreat An hour of revels with ’em.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Say, Lord Chamberlain, They have done my poor house grace, for which I pay ’em A thousand thanks, and pray ’em take their pleasures. The masquers choose ladies. The King chooses Anne Boleyn
KING HENRY	(to Anne) The fairest hand I ever touched. O beauty, Till now I never knew thee.
(didascalia)	Music. They dance
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Lord Chamberlain) My lord.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Your grace.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Pray tell ’em thus much from me. There should be one amongst ’em by his person More worthy this place than myself, to whom, If I but knew him, with my love and duty I would surrender it.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I will, my lord. He whispers with the masquers
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What say they?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Such a one they all confess There is indeed, which they would have your grace Find out, and he will take it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	standing Let me see then. By all your good leaves, gentlemen, here I’ll make My royal choice. He bows before the King
KING HENRY	unmasking Ye have found him, Cardinal. You hold a fair assembly. You do well, lord. You are a churchman, or I’ll tell you, Cardinal, I should judge now unhappily.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I am glad Your grace is grown so pleasant.
KING HENRY	My Lord Chamberlain, Prithee come hither. (Gesturing towards Anne) What fair lady’s that?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	An’t please your grace, Sir Thomas Boleyn’s daughter— The Viscount Rochford—one of her highness’ women.
KING HENRY	By heaven, she is a dainty one. (To Anne) Sweetheart, I were unmannerly to take you out
(didascalia)	And not to kiss you kisses her. A health, gentlemen;
KING HENRY	He drinks Let it go round.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready I’th’ privy chamber?
LOVELL	Yes, my lord.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Your grace I fear with dancing is a little heated.
KING HENRY	I fear too much.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	There’s fresher air, my lord, In the next chamber.
KING HENRY	Lead in your ladies, every one. (To Anne) Sweet partner, I must not yet forsake you. (To Wolsey) Let’s be merry, Good my lord Cardinal. I have half a dozen healths To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure To lead ’em once again, and then let’s dream Who’s best in favour. Let the music knock it.
(didascalia)	Exeunt with trumpets
KING HENRY	2.1 Enter two Gentlemen, at several doors
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Whither away so fast?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	O, God save ye. Ev’n to the hall to hear what shall become Of the great Duke of Buckingham.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll save you That labour, sir. All’s now done but the ceremony Of bringing back the prisoner.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Were you there?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, indeed was I.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Pray speak what has happened.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You may guess quickly what.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Is he found guilty?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, truly is he, and condemned upon’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am sorry for’t.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	So are a number more.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But pray, how passed it?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll tell you in a little. The great Duke Came to the bar, where to his accusations He pleaded still not guilty, and allegèd Many sharp reasons to defeat the law. The King’s attorney, on the contrary, Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions, Of divers witnesses, which the Duke desired To him brought viva voce to his face— At which appeared against him his surveyor, Sir Gilbert Perk his chancellor, and John Car, Confessor to him, with that devil-monk, Hopkins, that made this mischief.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That was he That fed him with his prophecies.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	The same. All these accused him strongly, which he fain Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not. And so his peers, upon this evidence, Have found him guilty of high treason. Much He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all Was either pitied in him or forgotten.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	After all this, how did he bear himself?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear His knell rung out, his judgement, he was stirred With such an agony he sweat extremely, And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty; But he fell to himself again, and sweetly In all the rest showed a most noble patience.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I do not think he fears death.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Sure he does not. He never was so womanish. The cause He may a little grieve at.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Certainly The Cardinal is the end of this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis likely By all conjectures: first, Kildare’s attainder, Then deputy of Ireland, who, removed, Earl Surrey was sent thither—and in haste, too, Lest he should help his father.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That trick of state Was a deep envious one.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	At his return No doubt he will requite it. This is noted, And generally: whoever the King favours, The Card’nal instantly will find employment— And far enough from court, too.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	All the commons Hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep. This Duke as much They love and dote on, call him ‘bounteous Buckingham, The mirror of all courtesy’—
(didascalia)	Enter the Duke of Buckingham from his arraignment, tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him, halberdiers on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands, and common people
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Stay there, sir, And see the noble ruined man you speak of.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Let’s stand close and behold him. They stand apart
BUCKINGHAM	(to the common people) All good people, You that thus far have come to pity me, Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me. I have this day received a traitor’s judgement, And by that name must die. Yet, heaven bear witness, And if I have a conscience let it sink me, Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful. The law I bear no malice for my death. ’T has done, upon the premises, but justice. But those that sought it I could wish more Christians. Be what they will, I heartily forgive ‘em. Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief, Nor build their evils on the graves of great men, For then my guiltless blood must cry against ‘em. For further life in this world I ne’er hope, Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me like good angels to my end, And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, And lift my soul to heaven. (To the guard) Lead on, i’ God’s name.
LOVELL	I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.
BUCKINGHAM	Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you As I would be forgiven. I forgive all. There cannot be those numberless offences ‘Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black envy Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace, And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers Yet are the King’s, and, till my soul forsake, Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live Longer than I have time to tell his years; Ever beloved and loving may his rule be; And, when old time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument.
LOVELL	To th’ waterside I must conduct your grace, Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end.
VAUX	(to an attendant) Prepare there— The Duke is coming. See the barge be ready, And fit it with such furniture as suits The greatness of his person.
BUCKINGHAM	Nay, Sir Nicholas, Let it alone. My state now will but mock me. When I came hither I was Lord High Constable And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun. Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it, And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for’t. My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, Who first raised head against usurping Richard, Flying for succour to his servant Banister, Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed, And without trial fell. God’s peace be with him. Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying My father’s loss, like a most royal prince, Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins Made my name once more noble. Now his son, Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name, and all That made me happy, at one stroke has taken For ever from the world. I had my trial, And must needs say a noble one; which makes me A little happier than my wretched father. Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most— A most unnatural and faithless service. Heaven has an end in all. Yet, you that hear me, This from a dying man receive as certain— Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels, Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends And give your hearts to, when they once perceive The least rub in your fortunes, fall away Like water from ye, never found again But where they mean to sink ye. All good people Pray for me. I must now forsake ye. The last hour Of my long weary life is come upon me. Farewell, and when you would say something that is sad, Speak how I fell. I have done, and God forgive me.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Buckingham and train
BUCKINGHAM	The two Gentlemen come forward
FIRST GENTLEMAN	O, this is full of pity, sir; it calls, I fear, too many curses on their heads That were the authors.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	If the Duke be guiltless, ’Tis full of woe. Yet I can give you inkling Of an ensuing evil, if it fall, Greater than this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Good angels keep it from us. What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	This secret is so weighty, ’twill require A strong faith to conceal it.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Let me have it— I do not talk much.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am confident; You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear A buzzing of separation Between the King and Katherine?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, but it held not. For when the King once heard it, out of anger He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight To stop the rumour and allay those tongues That durst disperse it.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But that slander, sir, Is found a truth now, for it grows again Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal Or some about him near have, out of malice To the good Queen, possessed him with a scruple That will undo her. To confirm this, too, Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately, As all think, for this business.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis the Cardinal; And merely to revenge him on the Emperor For not bestowing on him at his asking The Archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I think you have hit the mark. But is’t not cruel That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal Will have his will, and she must fall.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis woeful. We are too open here to argue this. Let’s think in private more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 2, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain with a letter
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(reads) ‘My lord, the horses your lordship sent for, with all the care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were young and handsome, and of the best breed in the north. When they were ready to set out for London, a man of my lord Cardinal’s, by commission and main power, took ‘em from me with this reason—his master would be served before a subject, if not before the King; which stopped our mouths, sir.’ I fear he will indeed. Well, let him have them. 10 He will have all, I think.
(didascalia)	Enter to the Lord Chamberlain the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk
NORFOLK	Well met, my Lord Chamberlain.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Good day to both your graces.
SUFFOLK	How is the King employed?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I left him private, Full of sad thoughts and troubles.
NORFOLK	What’s the cause?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	It seems the marriage with his brother’s wife Has crept too near his conscience.
SUFFOLK	No, his conscience Has crept too near another lady.
NORFOLK	’Tis so. This is the Cardinal’s doing. The King-Cardinal, That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune, Turns what he list. The King will know him one day.
SUFFOLK	Pray God he do. He’ll never know himself else.
NORFOLK	How holily he works in all his business, And with what zeal! For now he has cracked the league Between us and the Emperor, the Queen’s greatnephew, 25 He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience, Fears, and despairs—and all these for his marriage. And out of all these, to restore the King, He counsels a divorce—a loss of her That like a jewel has hung twenty years About his neck, yet never lost her lustre; Of her that loves him with that excellence That angels love good men with; even of her That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls, Will bless the King—and is not this course pious?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Heaven keep me from such counsel! ’Tis most true— These news are everywhere, every tongue speaks ’em, And every true heart weeps for’t. All that dare Look into these affairs see this main end— The French king’s sister. Heaven will one day open The King’s eyes, that so long have slept, upon This bold bad man.
SUFFOLK	And free us from his slavery.
NORFOLK.	We had need pray, And heartily, for our deliverance, Or this imperious man will work us all From princes into pages. All men’s honours Lie like one lump before him, to be fashioned Into what pitch he please.
SUFFOLK	For me, my lords, I love him not, nor fear him—there’s my creed. As I am made without him, so I’ll stand, If the King please. His curses and his blessings Touch me alike; they’re breath I not believe in. I knew him, and I know him; so I leave him To him that made him proud—the Pope.
NORFOLK	Let’s in, And with some other business put the King From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him. (To the Lord Chamberlain) My lord, you’ll bear us company?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Excuse me, The King has sent me otherwhere. Besides, You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him. Health to your lordships.
NORFOLK	Thanks, my good Lord Chamberlain.
(didascalia)	Exit the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	King Henry draws the curtain, and sits reading pensively
SUFFOLK	How sad he looks! Sure he is much afflicted.
KING HENRY	Who’s there? Ha?
NORFOLK	Pray God he be not angry.
KING HENRY	Who’s there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves Into my private meditations! Who am I? Ha?
NORFOLK	A gracious king that pardons all offences Malice ne’er meant. Our breach of duty this way Is business of estate, in which we come To know your royal pleasure.
KING HENRY	Ye are too bold. Go to, I’ll make ye know your times of business. Is this an hour for temporal affairs? Ha?
(didascalia)	Enter Cardinal Wolsey and Cardinal Campeius, the latter with a commission
KING HENRY	Who’s there? My good lord Cardinal? O, my Wolsey, The quiet of my wounded conscience, Thou art a cure fit for a king. (To Campeius) You’re welcome, Most learnèd reverend sir, into our kingdom. Use us, and it. (To Wolsey) My good lord, have great care I be not found a talker.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir, you cannot. I would your grace would give us but an hour Of private conference.
KING HENRY	(to Norfolk and Suffolk) We are busy; go. Norfolk and Suffolk speak privately to one another as they depart
NORFOLK	This priest has no pride in him!
SUFFOLK	Not to speak of. I would not be so sick, though, for his place— But this cannot continue.
NORFOLK	If it do I’ll venture one have-at-him.
SUFFOLK	I another.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom Above all princes in committing freely Your scruple to the voice of Christendom. Who can be angry now? What envy reach you? The Spaniard, tied by blood and favour to her, Must now confess, if they have any goodness, The trial just and noble. All the cterks— I mean the learnèd ones in Christian kingdoms— Have their free voices. Rome, the nurse of judgement, Invited by your noble self, hath sent One general tongue unto us: this good man, This just and learned priest, Card’nal Campeius, Whom once more I present unto your highness.
KING HENRY	(embracing Campeius) And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome, And thank the holy conclave for their loves. They have sent me such a man I would have wished for.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your grace must needs deserve all strangers’ loves, You are so noble. To your highness’ hand I tender my commission, He gives the commission to the King (To Wolsey) by whose virtue, The Court of Rome commanding, you, my lord Cardinal of York, are joined with me their servant In the unpartial judging of this business.
KING HENRY	Two equal men. The Queen shall be acquainted Forthwith for what you come. Where’s Gardiner?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I know your majesty has always loved her So dear in heart not to deny her that A woman of less place might ask by law— Scholars allowed freely to argue for her.
KING HENRY	Ay, and the best she shall have, and my favour To him that does best, God forbid else. Cardinal, Prithee call Gardiner to me, my new secretary. Cardinal Wolsey goes to the door and calls Gardiner I find him a fit fellow.
(didascalia)	Enter Gardiner
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside to Gardiner) Give me your hand. Much joy and favour to you. You are the King’s now.
GARDINER	(aside to Wolsey) But to be commanded For ever by your grace, whose hand has raised me.
KING HENRY	Come hither, Gardiner. The King walks with Gardiner and whispers with him
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	(to Wolsey) My lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace In this man’s place before him?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Yes, he was.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Was he not held a learnèd man?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Yes, surely.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Believe me, there’s an ill opinion spread then, Even of yourself, lord Cardinal.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	How? Of me?
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	They will not stick to say you envied him, And fearing he would rise, he was so virtuous, Kept him a foreign man still, which so grieved him That he ran mad and died.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Heav’n’s peace be with him— That’s Christian care enough. For living murmurers There’s places of rebuke. He was a fool, For he would needs be virtuous. (Gesturing towards Gardiner) That good fellow, If I command him, follows my appointment. I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother: We live not to be griped by meaner persons.
KING HENRY	(to Gardiner) Deliver this with modesty to th’ Queen.
(didascalia)	Exit Gardiner
KING HENRY	The most convenient place that I can think of For such receipt of learning is Blackfriars; There ye shall meet about this weighty business. My Wolsey, see it furnished. O, my lord, Would it not grieve an able man to leave So sweet a bedfellow? But conscience, conscience— O, ’tis a tender place, and I must leave her.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 2, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Anne Boleyn and an Old Lady
ANNE	Not for that neither. Here’s the pang that pinches— His highness having lived so long with her, and she So good a lady that no tongue could ever Pronounce dishonour of her—by my life, She never knew harm-doing—O now, after So many courses of the sun enthroned, Still growing in a majesty and pomp the which To leave a thousandfold more bitter than ’Tis sweet at first t’acquire—after this process, To give her the avaunt, it is a pity Would move a monster.
OLD LADY	Hearts of most hard temper Melt and lament for her.
ANNE	O, God’s will! Much better She ne’er had known pomp; though’t be temporal, Yet if that quarrel, fortune, do divorce It from the bearer, ’tis a sufferance panging As soul and bodies severing.
OLD LADY	Alas, poor lady! She’s a stranger now again.
ANNE	So much the more Must pity drop upon her. Verily, I swear, ’tis better to be lowly born And range with humble livers in content Than to be perked up in a glist’ring grief And wear a golden sorrow.
OLD LADY	Our content Is our best having.
ANNE	By my troth and maidenhead, I would not be a queen.
OLD LADY	Beshrew me, I would— And venture maidenhead for’t; and so would you, For all this spice of your hypocrisy. You, that have so fair parts of woman on you, Have, too, a woman’s heart which ever yet Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty; Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts, Saving your mincing, the capacity Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive If you might please to stretch it.
ANNE	Nay, good troth.
OLD LADY	Yes, troth and troth. You would not be a queen?
ANNE	No, not for all the riches under heaven.
OLD LADY	’Tis strange. A threepence bowed would hire me, Old as I am, to queen it. But I pray you, What think you of a duchess? Have you limbs To bear that load of title?
ANNE	No, in truth.
OLD LADY	Then you are weakly made. Pluck off a little; I would not be a young count in your way For more than blushing comes to. If your back Cannot vouchsafe this burden, ’tis too weak Ever to get a boy.
ANNE	How you do talk! I swear again, I would not be a queen For all the world.
OLD LADY	In faith, for little England You’d venture an emballing; I myself Would for Caernarfonshire, although there ’longed No more to th’ crown but that. Lo, who comes here?
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain
LORD 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.
LORD 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.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	You bear a gentle mind, and heav’nly 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 hallowed, 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.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Lady, I shall not fail t’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. (To Anne) I’ll to the King And say I spoke with you;
ANNE	My honoured lord.
(didascalia)	Exit the Lord Chamberlain
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 upon This compelled fortune!—have your mouth filled 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 more 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—
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 2, Scena 4

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Trumpets: sennet. Then cornetts. Enter two vergers with short silver wands; next them two Scribes in the habit of doctors; after them the Archbishop of Canterbury alone; after him the Bishops of Lincoln, Ely, Rochester, and Saint Asaph; next them, with some small distance, follows a gentleman bearing both the purse containing 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 serjeant-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; then two noblemen with the sword and mace. The King ascends to his seat under the cloth of state; the two cardinals sit under him as judges; the Queen, attended by Griffith her gentleman usher, takes place some distance from the King; the Bishops place themselves on each side the court in the 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	What’s the need? It hath already publicly been read, And on all sides th’authority allowed. You may then spare that time.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Be’t so. Proceed.
SCRIBE	(to the Crier) Say, ‘Henry, King of England, come into the court’.
CRIER	Henry, King of England, come into the court.
KING HENRY	Here.
SCRIBE	(to the Crier) Say, ‘Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court’.
CRIER	Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court. The Queen makes no answer, but rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet. Then she speaks
QUEEN KATHERINE	Sir, I desire you do me right and justice, And to bestow your pity on me; for I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, Born out of your dominions, having here No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir, In what have I offended you? What cause Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure That thus you should proceed to put me off, And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness I have been to you a true and humble wife, At all times to your will conformable, Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry As I saw it inclined. When was the hour I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends Have I not strove to love, although I knew He were mine enemy? What friend of mine That had to him derived your anger did I Continue in my liking? Nay, gave notice He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind That I have been your wife in this obedience Upward of twenty years, and have been blessed With many children by you. If, in the course And process of this time, you can report— And prove it, too—against mine honour aught, My bond to wedlock, or my love and duty Against your sacred person, in God’s name Turn me away, and let the foul‘st contempt Shut door upon me, and so give me up To the sharp’st kind of justice. Please you, sir, The King your father was reputed for A prince most prudent, of an excellent And unmatched wit and judgement. Ferdinand My father, King of Spain, was reckoned one The wisest prince that there had reigned by many A year before. It is not to be questioned That they had gathered a wise council to them Of every realm, that did debate this business, Who deemed our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly Beseech you, sir, to spare me till I may Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel I will implore. If not, i’th’ name of God, Your pleasure be fulfilled.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	You have here, lady, And of your choice, these reverend fathers, men Of singular integrity and learning, Yea, the elect o’th’ 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.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	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 produced and heard.
QUEEN KATHERINE	(to Wolsey) Lord Cardinal, To you I speak.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Your pleasure, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Sir, I am about to weep, but thinking that We are a queen, or long have dreamed so, certain The daughter of a king, my drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Be patient yet.
QUEEN KATHERINE	I will when you are humble! Nay, before, Or God will punish me. I do believe, Induced by potent circumstances, that You are mine enemy, and make my challenge You shall not be my judge. For it is you Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me, 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 all a friend to truth.
CARDINAL WOISEY	I do profess You speak not like yourself, who ever yet Have stood to charity, and displayed th‘effects Of disposition gentle and of wisdom O’er-topping woman’s power. Madam, you do me wrong. I have no spleen against you, nor injustice For you or any. How far I have proceeded, Or how far further shall, is warranted By a commission from the consistory, Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me That I ‘have blown this coal’. I do deny it. The King is present. If it be known to him That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound, And worthily, my falsehood—yea, as much As you have done my truth. If he know That I am free of your report, he knows I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him It lies to cure me, and the cure is to Remove these thoughts from you. The which before His highness shall speak in, I do beseech You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking, And to say so no more.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My lord, my lord— I am a simple woman, much too weak T‘oppose your cunning. You’re meek and humblemouthed; You sign your place and calling, in full seeming, With meekness and humility—but your heart Is crammed with arrogancy, spleen, and pride. You have by fortune and his highness’ favours Gone slightly o’er low steps, and now are mounted Where powers are your retainers, and your words, Domestics to you, serve your will as’t please Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you, You tender more your person’s honour than Your high profession spiritual, that again I do refuse you for my judge, and here, Before you all, appeal unto the Pope, To bring my whole cause ’fore his holiness, And to be judged by him. She curtsies to the King and begins to depart
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	The Queen is obstinate, Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainful to be tried by’t. ’Tis not well. She’s going away.
KING HENRY	(to the Crier) Call her again.
CRIER	Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court.
GRIFFITH	(to the Queen) Madam, you are called back.
QUEEN KATHERINE	What need you note it? Pray you keep your way. When you are called, 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.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Queen Katherine and her attendants
KING HENRY	Go thy ways, Kate. That man i’th’ world who shall report he has A better wife, let him in naught be trusted For speaking false in that. Thou art alone— If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness, Thy meekness saint-like, wife-like government, Obeying in commanding, and thy parts Sovereign and pious else could speak thee out— The queen of earthly queens. She’s noble born, And like her true nobility she has Carried herself towards me.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Most gracious sir, In humblest manner I require your highness That it shall please you to declare in hearing Of all these ears—for where I am robbed and bound, There must I be unloosed, although not there At once and fully satisfied—whether ever I Did broach this business to your highness, or Laid any scruple in your way which might Induce you to the question on’t, or ever Have to you, but with thanks to God for such A royal lady, spake one the least word that might Be to the prejudice of her present state, Or touch of her good person?
KING HENRY	My lord Cardinal, I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour, I free you from’t. You are not to be taught That you have many enemies that know not Why they are so, but, like to village curs, Bark when their fellows do. By some of these The Queen is put in anger. You’re excused. But will you be more justified? You ever Have wished the sleeping of this business, never desired It to be stirred, but oft have hindered, oft, The passages made toward it. On my honour I speak my good lord Card’nal to this point, And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to’t, I will be bold with time and your attention. Then mark th‘inducement. Thus it came—give heed to’t. My conscience first received a tenderness, Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches uttered By th’ Bishop of Bayonne, then French Ambassador, Who had been hither sent on the debating A marriage ’twixt the Duke of Orléans and Our daughter Mary. I‘th’ progress of this business, Ere a determinate resolution, he— I mean the Bishop—did require a respite Wherein he might the King his lord advertise Whether our daughter were legitimate, Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, Sometimes our brother’s wife. This respite shook The bosom of my conscience, entered me, Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble The region of my breast; which forced such way That many mazed considerings did throng And prest in with this caution. First, methought I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had Commanded nature that my lady’s womb, If it conceived a male child by me, should Do no more offices of life to’t than The grave does yield to th’ dead. For her male issue Or died where they were made, or shortly after This world had aired them. Hence I took a thought This was a judgement on me that my kingdom, Well worthy the best heir o’th’ world, should not Be gladded in’t by me. Then follows that I weighed 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 learned. First I began in private With you, my lord of Lincoln. You remember How under my oppression I did reek When I first moved you.
LINCOLN	Very well, my liege.
KING HENRY	I have spoke long. Be pleased yourself to say How far you satisfied me.
LINCOLN	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.
KING HENRY	(to Canterbury) I then moved 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‘th’ world against the person Of the good Queen, but the sharp thorny points Of my alleged reasons, drives 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 paragoned o’th’ world.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	So please your highness, The Queen being absent, ’tis a needful fitness That we adjourn this court till further day. Meanwhile must be an earnest motion Made to the Queen to call back her appeal She intends unto his holiness.
KING HENRY	(aside) I may perceive These cardinals trifle with me. I abhor This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome. My learned and well-belovèd servant, Cranmer, Prithee return. With thy approach I know My comfort comes along. (Aloud) Break up the court. I say, set on.
(didascalia)	Exeunt in manner as they entered
KING HENRY	3.1 Enter Queen Katherine and her women, as at work
QUEEN KATHERINE	Take thy lute, wench. My soul grows sad with troubles. Sing, and disperse ’em if thou canst. Leave working.
GENTLEWOMAN	(sings) Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing. To his music plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and showers There had made a lasting spring. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea, Hung their heads, and then lay by. In sweet music is such art, Killing care and grief of heart Fall asleep, or hearing, die.
(didascalia)	Enter Griffith, a gentleman
QUEEN KATHERINE	How now?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	An’t please your grace, the two great cardinals Wait in the presence.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would they speak with me?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	They willed me say so, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Pray their graces To come near.
(didascalia)	Exit Griffith
QUEEN KATHERINE	What can be their business With me, a poor weak woman, fall’n 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.
(didascalia)	Enter the two cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius, ushered by Griffith
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Peace to your highness.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw Into your private chamber, we shall give you The full cause of our coming.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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 ev’ry tongue, ev’ry eye saw ’em, Envy and base opinion set against ’em, I know my life so even. If your business Seek me out and that way I am wife in, Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, Regina serenissima—
QUEEN KATHERINE	O, good my lord, no Latin. I am not such a truant since my coming As not to know the language I have lived in. A strange tongue makes my cause more strange suspicious— 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 absolved in English.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Noble lady, I am sorry my integrity should breed—so 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.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Most honoured 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, His service and his counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	(aside) To betray me. (Aloud) My lords, I thank you both for your good wills. Ye speak like honest men—pray God ye prove so. But how to make ye suddenly an answer In such a point of weight, so near mine honour— More near my life, I fear—with my weak wit, And to such men of gravity and learning, In truth I know not. I was set at work Among my maids, full little—God knows—looking Either for such men or such business. For her sake that I have been—for I feel The last fit of my greatness—good your graces, Let me have time and counsel for my cause. Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears. Your hopes and friends are infinite.
QUEEN KATHERINE	In England But little for my profit. Can you think, lords, That any Englishman dare give me counsel, Or be a known friend ’gainst his highness’ pleasure— Though he be grown so desperate to be honest— And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends, They that must weigh out my afflictions, They that my trust must grow to, live not here. They are, as all my other comforts, far hence, In mine own country, lords.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	I would your grace Would leave your griefs and take my counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	How, sir?
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Put your main cause into the King’s protection. He’s loving and most gracious. ’Twill be much Both for your honour better and your cause, For if the trial of the law o’ertake ye You’ll part away disgraced.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Queen) He tells you rightly.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye tell me what ye wish for both—my ruin. Is this your Christian counsel? Out upon ye! Heaven is above all yet—there sits a judge That no king can corrupt.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your rage mistakes us.
QUEEN KATHERINE	The more shame for ye! Holy men I thought ye, Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues— But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye. Mend ’em, for shame, my lords! Is this your comfort? The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady, A woman lost among ye, laughed at, scorned? I will not wish ye half my miseries— I have more charity. But say I warned ye. Take heed, for, heaven’s sake take heed, lest at once The burden of my sorrows fall upon ye.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, this is a mere distraction. You turn the good we offer into envy.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye turn me into nothing. Woe upon ye, And all such false professors. Would you have me— If you have any justice, any pity, If ye be anything but churchmen’s habits— Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me? Alas, he’s banished me his bed already— His love, too, long ago. I am old, my lords, And all the fellowship I hold now with him Is only my obedience. What can happen To me above this wretchedness? All your studies Make me accursed like this.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your fears are worse.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself, Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one? A woman, I dare say, without vainglory, Never yet branded with suspicion? Have I with all my full affections Still met the King, loved him next heav‘n, obeyed him, Been out of fondness superstitious to him, Almost forgot my prayers to content him? And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords. Bring me a constant woman to her husband, One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure, And to that woman when she has done most, Yet will I add an honour, a great patience.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty To give up willingly that noble title Your master wed me to. Nothing but death Shall e’er divorce my dignities.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Pray, hear me.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would I had never trod this English earth, Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it. Ye have angels’ faces, but heaven knows your hearts. What will become of me now, wretched lady? I am the most unhappy woman living. (To her women) Alas, poor wenches, where are now your fortunes? Shipwrecked upon a kingdom where no pity, No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me? Almost no grave allowed me? Like the lily, That once was mistress of the field and flourished, I’ll hang my head and perish.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	If your grace Could but be brought to know our ends are honest, You’d feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady, Upon what cause, wrong you? Alas, our places, The way of our profession, is against it. We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow ’em. For goodness’ sake, consider what you do, How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage. The hearts of princes kiss obedience, So much they love it, but to stubborn spirits They swell and grow as terrible as storms. I know you have a gentle noble temper, A soul as even as a calm. Pray, think us Those we profess—peacemakers, friends, and servants.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Madam, you’ll find it so. You wrong your virtues With these weak women’s fears. A noble spirit, As yours was put into you, ever casts Such doubts as false coin from it. The King loves you. Beware you lose it not. For us, if you please To trust us in your business, we are ready To use our utmost studies in your service.
QUEENS KATHERINE	Do what ye will, my lords, and pray forgive me. If I have used myself unmannerly, You know I am a woman, lacking wit To make a seemly answer to such persons. Pray do my service to his majesty. He has my heart yet, and shall have my prayers While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers, Bestow your counsels on me. She now begs That little thought, when she set footing here, She should have bought her dignities so dear.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 3, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suffolk, Lord Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	If you will now unite in your complaints, And force them with a constancy, the Cardinal Cannot stand under them. If you omit The offer of this time, I cannot promise But that you shall sustain more new disgraces With these you bear already.
SURREY	I am joyful To meet the least occasion that may give me Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke, To be revenged on him.
SUFFOLK	Which of the peers Have uncontemned gone by him, or at least Strangely neglected? When did he regard The stamp of nobleness in any person Out of himself?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	My lords, you speak your pleasures. What he deserves of you and me I know; What we can do to him—though now the time Gives way to us—I much fear. If you cannot Bar his access to th’ King, never attempt Anything on him, for he hath a witchcraft Over the King in’s tongue.
NORFOLK	O, fear him not. His spell in that is out. The King hath found Matter against him that for ever mars The honey of his language. No, he’s settled, Not to come off, in his displeasure.
SURREY	Sir, I should be glad to hear such news as this Once every hour.
NORFOLK	Believe it, this is true. In the divorce his contrary proceedings Are all unfolded, wherein he appears As I would wish mine enemy.
SURREY	How came His practices to light?
SUFFOLK	Most strangely.
SURREY	O, how, how?
SUFFOLK	The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried, And came to th’eye o’th’ King, wherein was read How that the Cardinal did entreat his holiness To stay the judgement o‘th’ divorce, for if It did take place, ‘I do’, quoth he, ‘perceive My king is tangled in affection to A creature of the Queen’s, Lady Anne Boleyn’.
SURREY	Has the King this?
SUFFOLK	Believe it.
SURREY	Will this work?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	The King in this perceives him how he coasts And hedges his own way. But in this point All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic After his patient’s death. The King already Hath married the fair lady.
SURREY	Would he had.
SUFFOLK	May you be happy in your wish, my lord, For I profess you have it.
SURREY	Now all my joy Trace the conjunction.
SUFFOLK	My amen to’t.
NORFOLK	All men’s.
SUFFOLK	There’s order given for her coronation. Marry, this is yet but young, and may be left To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords, She is a gallant creature, and complete In mind and feature. I persuade me, from her Will fall some blessing to this land which shall In it be memorized.
SURREY	But will the King Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s? The Lord forbid!
NORFOLK	Marry, amen.
SUFFOLK	No, no— There be more wasps that buzz about his nose Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius Is stol’n away to Rome; hath ta’en no leave; Has left the cause o’th’ King unhandled, and Is posted as the agent of our Cardinal To second all his plot. I do assure you The King cried ‘Ha!’ at this.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Now God incense him, And let him cry ‘Ha!’ louder.
NORFOLK	But, my lord, When returns Cranmer?
SUFFOLK	He is returned in his opinions, which Have satisfied the King for his divorce, Together with all famous colleges, Almost, in Christendom. Shortly, I believe, His second marriage shall be published, and Her coronation. Katherine no more Shall be called ‘Queen’, but ‘Princess Dowager’, And ‘widow to Prince Arthur’.
NORFOLK	This same Cranmer’s A worthy fellow, and hath ta’en much pain In the King’s business.
SUFFOLK	He has, and we shall see him For it an archbishop.
NORFOLK	So I hear.
SUFFOLK	’Tis so.
(didascalia)	Enter Cardinal Wolsey and Cromwell
SUFFOLK	The Cardinal.
NORFOLK	Observe, observe—he’s moody. They stand apart and observe Wolsey and Cromwell
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to Cromwell) The packet, Cromwell—gave’t you the King? CROMWELI, To his own hand, in’s bedchamber.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Looked he O’th’ inside of the paper? CROMWELL, Presently He did unseal them, and the first he viewed He did it with a serious mind; a heed Was in his countenance. You he bade Attend him here this morning.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Is he ready To come abroad?
CROMWELL	I think by this he is.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Leave me a while.
(didascalia)	Exit Cromwell
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(Aside) It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon, The French King’s sister—he shall marry her. Anne Boleyn? No, I’ll no Anne Boleyns for him. There’s more in’t than fair visage. Boleyn? No, we’ll no Boleyns. Speedily I wish To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke? The nobles speak among themselves
NORFOLK	He’s discontented.
SUFFOLK	Maybe he hears the King Does whet his anger to him.
SURREY	Sharp enough, Lord, for thy justice.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside) The late Queen’s gentlewoman? A knight’s daughter To be her mistress’ mistress? The Queen’s queen? This candle burns not clear; ‘tis I must snuff it, Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous And well deserving? Yet I know her for A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to Our cause, that she should lie i’th’ bosom of Our hard-ruled King. Again, there is sprung up An heretic, an arch-one, Cranmer, one Hath crawled into the favour of the King And is his oracle. The nobles speak among themselves
NORFOLK	He is vexed at something.
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry reading a schedule, and Lovell with him
SURREY	I would ’twere something that would fret the string, The master-cord on’s heart!
SUFFOLK	The King, the King!
(didascalia)	KING HENRY aside
SUFFOLK	What piles of wealth hath he accumulated To his own portion? And what expense by th’ hour Seems to flow from him? How i’th’ name of thrift Does he rake this together? (To the nobles) Now, my lords, Saw you the Cardinal?
NORFOLK	My lord, we have Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion Is in his brain. He bites his lip, and starts, Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground, Then lays his finger on his temple, straight Springs out into fast gait, then stops again, Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts His eye against the moon. In most strange postures We have seen him set himself.
KING HENRY	It may well be There is a mutiny in’s mind. This morning Papers of state he sent me to peruse As I required, and wot you what I found There, on my conscience put unwittingly? Forsooth, an inventory thus importing The several parcels of his plate, his treasure, Rich stuffs, and ornaments of household which I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks Possession of a subject.
NORFOLK	It’s heaven’s will. Some spirit put this paper in the packet To bless your eye withal.
KING HENRY	If we did think His contemplation were above the earth And fixed on spiritual object, he should still Dwell in his musings. But I am afraid His thinkings are below the moon, not worth His serious considering. The King takes his seat and whispers with Lovell, who then goes to the Cardinal
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Heaven forgive me!
(didascalia)	To the King Ever God bless your highness!
KING HENRY	Good my lord, You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inventory Of your best graces in your mind, the which You were now running o’er. You have scarce time To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that, I deem you an ill husband, and am glad To have you therein my companion.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir, For holy offices I have a time; a time To think upon the part of business which I bear i’th’ state; and nature does require Her times of preservation which, perforce, I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal, Must give my tendance to.
KING HENRY	You have said well.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	And ever may your highness yoke together, As I will lend you cause, my doing well With my well-saying.
KING HENRY	’Tis well said again, And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well— And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you. He said he did, and with his deed did crown His word upon you. Since I had my office, I have kept you next my heart, have not alone Employed you where high profits might come home, But pared my present havings to bestow My bounties upon you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside) What should this mean?
(didascalia)	SURREY aside
CARDINAL WOLSEY	The Lord increase this business!
KING HENRY	Have I not made you The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me If what I now pronounce you have found true, And, if you may confess it, say withal If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	My sovereign, I confess your royal graces Showered on me daily have been more than could My studied purposes requite, which went Beyond all man’s endeavours. My endeavours Have ever come too short of my desires, Yet filed with my abilities. Mine own ends Have been mine so that evermore they pointed To th’ good of your most sacred person and The profit of the state. For your great graces Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I Can nothing render but allegiant thanks, My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty, Which ever has and ever shall be growing, Till death, that winter, kill it.
KING HENRY	Fairly answered. A loyal and obedient subject is Therein illustrated. The honour of it Does pay the act of it, as, i‘th’ contrary, The foulness is the punishment. I presume That as my hand has opened bounty to you, My heart dropped love, my power rained honour, more On you than any, so your hand and heart, Your brain, and every function of your power, Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty, As ’twere in love’s particular, be more To me, your friend, than any.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I do profess That for your highness’ good I ever laboured More than mine own; that am, have, and will be— Though all the world should crack their duty to you, And throw it from their soul, though perils did Abound, as thick as thought could make ’em, and Appear in forms more horrid—yet, my duty, As doth a rock against the chiding flood, Should the approach of this wild river break, And stand unshaken yours.
KING HENRY	’Tis nobly spoken. Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast, For you have seen him open’t. (To Wolsey) Read o’er this, He gives him a paper And after this (giving him another paper), and then to breakfast with What appetite you have.
(didascalia)	Exit King Henry, frowning upon the
KING HENRY	Cardinal. The nobles throng after the King, smiling and whispering
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What should this mean? What sudden anger’s this? How have I reaped it? He parted frowning from me, as if ruin Leaped from his eyes. So looks the chafed lion Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him, Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper— I fear, the story of his anger. He reads one of the papers ’Tis so. This paper has undone me. ’Tis th‘account Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together For mine own ends—indeed, to gain the popedom, And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence, Fit for a fool to fall by! What cross devil Made me put this main secret in the packet I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this? No new device to beat this from his brains? I know ’twill stir him strongly. Yet I know A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune Will bring me off again. What’s this? He reads the other paper ‘To th’ Pope’? The letter, as I live, with all the business I writ to’s holiness. Nay then, farewell. I have touched the highest point of all my greatness, And from that full meridian of my glory I haste now to my setting. I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more.
(didascalia)	Enter to Cardinal Wolsey the Dukes of Norfolk and
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Suffolk, the Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	Hear the King’s pleasure, Cardinal, who commands you To render up the great seal presently Into our hands, and to confine yourself To Ashen House, my lord of Winchester’s, Till you hear further from his highness.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Stay— Where’s your commission, lords? Words cannot carry Authority so weighty.
SUFFOLK	Who dare cross ’em Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Till I find more than will or words to do it— I mean your malice—know, officious lords, I dare and must deny it. Now I feel Of what coarse metal ye are moulded—envy. How eagerly ye follow my disgraces As if it fed ye, and how sleek and wanton Ye appear in everything may bring my ruin! Follow your envious courses, men of malice. You have Christian warrant for ’em, and no doubt In time will find their fit rewards. That seal You ask with such a violence, the King, Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me, Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours, During my life; and, to confirm his goodness, Tied it by letters patents. Now, who’ll take it?
SURREY	The King that gave it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	It must be himself then.
SURREY	Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Proud lord, thou liest.
(didascalia)	Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Have burnt that tongue than said so.
SURREY	Thy ambition, Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law. The heads of all thy brother cardinals With thee and all thy best parts bound together Weighed not a hair of his. Plague of your policy, You sent me deputy for Ireland, Far from his succour, from the King, from all That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him; Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity, Absolved him with an axe.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	This, and all else This talking lord can lay upon my credit, I answer is most false. The Duke by law Found his deserts. How innocent I was From any private malice in his end, His noble jury and foul cause can witness. If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you You have as little honesty as honour, That in the way of loyalty and truth Toward the King, my ever royal master, Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be, And all that love his follies.
SURREY	By my soul, Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel My sword i’th’ life-blood of thee else. My lords, Can ye endure to hear this arrogance, And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely, To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet, Farewell nobility. Let his grace go forward And dare us with his cap, like larks.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	All goodness Is poison to thy stomach.
SURREY	Yes, that goodness Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one, Into your own hands, Card’nal, by extortion; The goodness of your intercepted packets You writ to th’ Pope against the King; your goodness— Since you provoke me—shall be most notorious. My lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble, As you respect the common good, the state Of our despised nobility, our issues— Whom if he live will scarce be gentlemen— Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles Collected from his life. (To Wolsey) I’ll startle you Worse than the sacring-bell when the brown wench Lay kissing in your arms, lord Cardinal.
(didascalia)	CARDINAL WOLSEY aside
SURREY	How much, methinks, I could despise this man, But that I am bound in charity against it.
NORFOLK	(to Surrey) Those articles, my lord, are in the King’s hand; But thus much—they are foul ones.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So much fairer And spotless shall mine innocence arise When the King knows my truth.
SURREY	This cannot save you. I thank my memory I yet remember Some of these articles, and out they shall. Now, if you can blush and cry ‘Guilty’, Cardinal, You’ll show a little honesty.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Speak on, sir; I dare your worst objections. If I blush, It is to see a nobleman want manners.
SURREY	I had rather want those than my head. Have at you! First, that without the King’s assent or knowledge You wrought to be a legate, by which power You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops.
NORFOLK	(to Wolsey) Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else To foreign princes, ‘Ego et Rex meus’ Was still inscribed—in which you brought the King To be your servant.
SUFFOLK	(to Wolsey) Then, that without the knowledge Either of King or Council, when you went Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold To carry into Flanders the great seal.
SURREY	(to Wolsey) Item, you sent a large commission To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude, Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance, A league between his highness and Ferrara,
SUFFOLK	(to Wolsey) That out of mere ambition you have caused Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin.
SURREY	(to Wolsey) Then, that you have sent innumerable substance— By what means got, I leave to your own conscience— To furnish Rome, and to prepare the ways You have for dignities to the mere undoing Of all the kingdom. Many more there are, Which since they are of you, and odious, I will not taint my mouth with.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	O, my lord, Press not a falling man too far. ’Tis virtue. His faults lie open to the laws. Let them, Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him So little of his great self.
SURREY	I forgive him.
SUFFOLK	Lord Cardinal, the King’s further pleasure is— Because all those things you have done of late, By your power legantine within this kingdom, Fall into th’ compass of a praemunire— That therefore such a writ be sued against you, To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements, Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be Out of the King’s protection. This is my charge.
NORFOLK	(to Wolsey) And so we’ll leave you to your meditations How to live better. For your stubborn answer About the giving back the great seal to us, The King shall know it and, no doubt, shall thank you. So fare you well, my little good lord Cardinal.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all but Wolsey
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So farewell—to the little good you bear me. Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness! This is the state of man. Today he puts forth The tender leaves of hopes; tomorrow blossoms, And bears his blushing honours thick upon him; The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root, And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth; my high-blown pride At length broke under me, and now has left me Weary, and old with service, to the mercy Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me. Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye! I feel my heart new opened. O, how wretched Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favours! There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to, That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin, More pangs and fears than wars or women have, And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer, Never to hope again.
(didascalia)	Enter Cromwell, who then stands amazed
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Why, how now, Cromwell?
CROMWELL	I have no power to speak, sir.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What, amazed At my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder A great man should decline?
(didascalia)	Cromwell begins to weep
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Nay, an you weep I am fall’n indeed.
CROMWELL	How does your grace?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Why, well— Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. I know myself now, and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities, A still and quiet conscience. The King has cured me. I humbly thank his grace, and from these shoulders, These ruined pillars, out of pity, taken A load would sink a navy—too much honour. O, ’tis a burden, Cromwell, ’tis a burden Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven.
CROMWELL	I am glad your grace has made that right use of it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I hope I have. I am able now, methinks, Out of a fortitude of soul I feel, To endure more miseries and greater far Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. What news abroad?
CROMWELL	The heaviest and the worst Is your displeasure with the King.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	God bless him.
CROMWELL	The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen Lord Chancellor in your place.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	That’s somewhat sudden. But he’s a learnèd man. May he continue Long in his highness’ favour, and do justice For truth’s sake and his conscience, that his bones, When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings, May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him. What more?
CROMWELL	That Cranmer is returned with welcome, Installed lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	That’s news indeed.
CROMWELL	Last, that the Lady Anne, Whom the King hath in secrecy long married, This day was viewed in open as his queen, Going to chapel, and the voice is now Only about her coronation.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	There was the weight that pulled me down. O, Cromwell, The King has gone beyond me. All my glories In that one woman I have lost for ever. No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, Or gild again the noble troops that waited Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell. I am a poor fall’n man, unworthy now To be thy lord and master. Seek the King— That sun I pray may never set—I have told him What and how true thou art. He will advance thee. Some little memory of me will stir him. I know his noble nature not to let Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell, Neglect him not. Make use now, and provide For thine own future safety.
(didascalia)	CROMWELL weeping
CARDINAL WOLSEY	O, my lord, Must I then leave you? Must I needs forgo So good, so noble, and so true a master? Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron, With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord. The King shall have my service, but my prayers For ever and for ever shall be yours.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(weeping) Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me, Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman. Let’s dry our eyes, and thus far hear me, Cromwell, And when I am forgotten, as I shall be, And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention Of me more must be heard of, say I taught thee— Say Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory, And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour, Found thee a way, out of his wreck, to rise in, A sure and safe one, though thy master missed it. Mark but my fall, and that that ruined me. Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition. By that sin fell the angels. How can man, then, The image of his maker, hope to win by it? Love thyself last. Cherish those hearts that hate thee. Corruption wins not more than honesty. Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not. Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s, Thy God’s, and truth’s. Then if thou fall’st, O Cromwell, Thou fall‘st a blessed martyr. Serve the King. And prithee, lead me in— There take an inventory of all I have: To the last penny ’tis the King’s. My robe, And my integrity to heaven, is all I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell, Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age Have left me naked to mine enemies.
CROMWELL	Good sir, have patience.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So I have. Farewell The hopes of court; my hopes in heaven do dwell.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 4, Scena 1

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the two Gentlemen meeting one another. The first holds a paper
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You’re well met once again.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	So are you.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You come to take your stand here and behold The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	’Tis all my business. At our last encounter The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis very true. But that time offered sorrow, This, general joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	’Tis well. The citizens, I am sure, have shown at full their royal minds— As, let ’em have their rights, they are ever forward— In celebration of this day with shows, Pageants, and sights of honour.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Never greater, Nor, I’ll assure you, better taken, sir.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	May I be bold to ask what that contains, That paper in your hand?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, ’tis the list Of those that claim their offices this day By custom of the coronation. The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk, He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest. He gives him the paper
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I thank you, sir. Had I not known those customs, I should have been beholden to your paper. But I beseech you, what’s become of Katherine, The Princess Dowager? How goes her business?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	That I can tell you too. The Archbishop Of Canterbury, accompanied with other Learned and reverend fathers of his order, Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off From Ampthill, where the Princess lay; to which She was often cited by them, but appeared not. And, to be short, for not appearance, and The King’s late scruple, by the main assent Of all these learned men, she was divorced, And the late marriage made of none effect, Since which she was removed to Kimbolton, Where she remains now sick.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Alas, good lady!
(didascalia)	Flourish of trumpets within
SECOND GENTLEMAN	The trumpets sound. Stand close. The Queen is coming.
(didascalia)	Enter the coronation procession, which passes over the stage in order and state. Hautboys, within, play during the procession
THE ORDER OF THE	CORONATION
(didascalia)	1. First, enter trumpeters, who play a lively flourish.
THE ORDER OF THE	2. Then, enter two judges. 3. Then, enter the Lord Chancellor, with both the purse containing the great seal and the mace borne before him.
(didascalia)	4. Then, enter choristers singing; with them, musicians playing.
THE ORDER OF THE	5. Then, enter the Lord Mayor of London bearing the mace, followed by Garter King-of-Arms wearing his coat of arms and a gilt copper crown. 6. Then, enter Marquis Dorset bearing a sceptre of gold, and wearing, on his head, a demi-coronal of gold and, about his neck, a collar of esses. With him enter the Earl of Surrey bearing the rod of silver with the dove, crowned with an earl’s coronet, and also wearing a collar of esses. 7. Next, enter the Duke of Suffolk as High Steward, in his robe of estate, with his coronet on his head, and bearing a long white wand. With him, enter the Duke of Norfolk with the rod of marshalship and a coronet on his head. Each wears a collar of esses. 8. Then, under a canopy borne by four barons of the Cinque Ports, enter Anne, the new Queen, in her robe. Her hair, which hangs loose, is richly adorned with pearl. She wears a crown. Accompanying her on either side are the Bishops of London and Winchester. 9. Next, enter the old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of gold wrought with flowers, bearing the Queen’s train. 10. Finally, enter certain ladies or countesses, with plain circlets of gold without flowers. The two Gentlemen comment on the procession as it passes over the stage
SECOND GENTLEMAN	A royal train, believe me. These I know. Who’s that that bears the sceptre?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Marquis Dorset. And that, the Earl of Surrey with the rod.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	A bold brave gentleman. That should be The Duke of Suffolk?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis the same: High Steward.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	And that, my lord of Norfolk?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	(seeing Anne) Heaven bless thee! Thou hast the sweetest face ever looked on. Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel. Our King has all the Indies in his arms, And more, and richer, when he strains that lady. I cannot blame his conscience.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	They that bear The cloth of honour over her are four barons Of the Cinque Ports.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Those men are happy, And so are all are near her. I take it she that carries up the train Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	It is. And all the rest are countesses.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed—
(didascalia)	FIRST GENTLEMAN
SECOND GENTLEMAN	And sometimes falling ones.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	No more of that.
(didascalia)	Exit the last of the procession, and then
SECOND GENTLEMAN	a great flourish of trumpets within
(didascalia)	Enter a third Gentleman in a sweat
FIRST GENTLEMAN	God save you, sir. Where have you been broiling?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Among the crowd i’th’ Abbey, where a finger Could not be wedged in more. I am stifled With the mere rankness of their joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	You saw the ceremony?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	That I did.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	How Was it?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Well worth the seeing.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Good sir, speak it to us.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	As well as I am able. The rich stream Of lords and ladies, having brought the Queen To a prepared place in the choir, fell off A distance from her, while her grace sat down To rest a while—some half an hour or so— In a rich chair of state, opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people. Believe me, sir, she is the goodliest woman That ever lay by man; which when the people Had the full view of, such a noise arose As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest, As loud and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks— Doublets, I think—flew up, and had their faces Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy I never saw before. Great-bellied women, That had not half a week to go, like rams In the old time of war, would shake the press, And make ’em reel before ’em. No man living Could say ‘This is my wife’ there, all were woven So strangely in one piece.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But what followed?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	At length her grace rose, and with modest paces Came to the altar, where she kneeled, and saint-like Cast her fair eyes to heaven, and prayed devoutly, 86 Then rose again, and bowed her to the people, When by the Archbishop of Canterbury She had all the royal makings of a queen, As holy oil, Edward Confessor’s crown, The rod and bird of peace, and all such emblems Laid nobly on her. Which performed, the choir, With all the choicest music of the kingdom, Together sung Te Deum. So she parted, And with the same full state paced back again To York Place, where the feast is held.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Sir, You must no more call it York Place—that’s past, For since the Cardinal fell, that title’s lost. ‘Tis now the King’s, and called Whitehall.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	I know it, But ’tis so lately altered that the old name Is fresh about me.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	What two reverend bishops Were those that went on each side of the Queen?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Stokesley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester— Newly preferred from the King’s secretary— The other London.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	He of Winchester Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s, The virtuous Cranmer.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	All the land knows that. However, yet there is no great breach. When it comes, Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Who may that be, I pray you?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Thomas Cromwell, A man in much esteem with th’ King, and truly A worthy friend. The King has made him Master o’th’ Jewel House, And one already of the Privy Council.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	He will deserve more.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Yes, without all doubt. Come, gentlemen, ye shall go my way, Which is to th’ court, and there ye shall be my guests. Something I can command. As I walk thither I’ll tell ye more.
FIRST	and SECOND GENTLEMEN You may command us, sir.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	4.2 Three chairs. Enter Katherine Dowager, sick, led between Griffith her gentleman usher, and Patience her woman
GRIFFITH	How does your grace?
KATHERINE	O Griffith, sick to death. My legs, like loaden branches, bow to th’ earth, Willing to leave their burden. Reach a chair. A chair is brought to her. She sits So now, methinks, I feel a little ease. Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou led’st me, That the great child of honour, Cardinal Wolsey, Was dead?
GRIFFITH	Yes, madam, but I think your grace, Out of the pain you suffered, gave no ear to’t.
KATHERINE	Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died. If well, he stepped before me happily For my example.
GRIFFITH	Well, the voice goes, madam. For after the stout Earl Northumberland Arrested him at York, and brought him forward, As a man sorely tainted, to his answer, He fell sick, suddenly, and grew so ill He could not sit his mule.
KATHERINE	Alas, poor man.
GRIFFITH	At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester, Lodged in the abbey, where the reverend abbot, With all his convent, honourably received him, To whom he gave these words: ‛O father abbot, An old man broken with the storms of state Is come to lay his weary bones among ye. Give him a little earth, for charity.’ So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness Pursued him still, and three nights after this, About the hour of eight, which he himself Foretold should be his last, full of repentance, Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows, He gave his honours to the world again, His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace.
KATHERINE	So may he rest, his faults lie gently on him. Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him, And yet with charity. He was a man Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking Himself with princes; one that by suggestion Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair play. His own opinion was his law. I’th’ presence He would say untruths, and be ever double Both in his words and meaning. He was never, But where he meant to ruin, pitiful. His promises were, as he then was, mighty; But his performance, as he is now, nothing. Of his own body he was ill, and gave The clergy ill example.
GRIFFITH	Noble madam, Men’s evil manners live in brass, their virtues We write in water. May it please your highness To hear me speak his good now?
KATHERINE	Yes, good Griffith, I were malicious else.
GRIFFITH	This cardinal, Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly Was fashioned to much honour. From his cradle He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one, Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading; Lofty and sour to them that loved him not, But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer. And though he were unsatisfied in getting— Which was a sin—yet in bestowing, madam, He was most princely: ever witness for him Those twins of learning that he raised in you, Ipswich and Oxford—one of which fell with him, Unwilling to outlive the good that did it; The other, though unfinished, yet so famous, So excellent in art, and still so rising, That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue. His overthrow heaped happiness upon him, For then, and not till then, he felt himself, And found the blessedness of being little. And to add greater honours to his age Than man could give him, he died fearing God.
KATHERINE	After my death I wish no other herald, No other speaker of my living actions To keep mine honour from corruption But such an honest chronicler as Griffith. Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me, With thy religious truth and modesty, Now in his ashes honour. Peace be with him. (To her woman) Patience, be near me still, and set me lower. I have not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith, Cause the musicians play me that sad note I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating On that celestial harmony I go to. Sad and solemn music. Katherine sleeps
GRIFFITH	(to the woman) She is asleep. Good wench, let’s sit down quiet For fear we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience. They sit
(didascalia)	Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six personages clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden visors on their faces. They carry branches of bays or palm in their hands. They first conge unto Katherine, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head at which the other four make reverent curtsies. Then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes and holding the garland over her head. Which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two who likewise observe the same order. At which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven. And so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues
KATHERINE	(waking) Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone, And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? Griffith and Patience rise and come forward
GRIFFITH	Madam, we are here.
KATHERINE	It is not you I call for. Saw ye none enter since I slept?
GRIFFITH	None, madam.
KATHERINE	No? Saw you not even now a blessèd troop Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? They promised me eternal happiness, And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, Assuredly.
GRIFFITH	I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy.
KATHERINE	Bid the music leave. They are harsh and heavy to me.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
PATIENCE	(to Griffith) Do you note How much her grace is altered on the sudden? How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks, And of an earthy colour? Mark her eyes?
GRIFFITH	She is going, wench. Pray, pray.
PATIENCE	Heaven comfort her.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER	(to Katherine) An’t like your grace—
KATHERINE	You are a saucy fellow— Deserve we no more reverence?
GRIFFITH	(to the Messenger) You are to blame, Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness, To use so rude behaviour. Go to, kneel.
MESSENGER	(kneeling before Katherine) I humbly do entreat your highness’ pardon. My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying A gentleman sent from the King to see you.
KATHERINE	Admit him entrance, Griffith. But this fellow Let me ne’er see again.
(didascalia)	Exit Messenger
(didascalia)	Enter Lord Caputius ushered by Griffith
KATHERINE	If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the Emperor, My royal nephew, and your name Caputius.
(didascalia)	Madam, the same, bowing your servant.
KATHERINE	O, my lord, The times and titles now are altered strangely With me since first you knew me. But I pray you, What is your pleasure with me?
CAPUTIUS	Noble lady, First mine own service to your grace; the next, The King’s request that I would visit you, Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
KATHERINE	O, my good lord, that comfort comes too late, ’Tis like a pardon after execution. That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me; But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. How does his highness?
CAPUTIUS	Madam, in good health.
KATHERINE	So may he ever do, and ever flourish When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banished the kingdom. (To her woman) Patience, is that letter I caused you write yet sent away?
PATIENCE	No, madam.
KATHERINE	(to Caputius) Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver This to my lord the King. The letter is given to Caputius
CAPUTIUS	Most willing, madam.
KATHERINE	In which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter— The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her— Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding. She is young, and of a noble modest nature. I hope she will deserve well—and a little To love her for her mother’s sake, that loved him, Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition Is that his noble grace would have some pity Upon my wretched women, that so long Have followed both my fortunes faithfully; Of which there is not one, I dare avow— And now I should not lie—but will deserve, For virtue and true beauty of the soul, For honesty and decent carriage, A right good husband. Let him be a noble, And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em. The last is for my men—they are the poorest, But poverty could never draw ’em from me— That they may have their wages duly paid ’em, And something over to remember me by. If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life, And able means, we had not parted thus. These are the whole contents; and, good my lord, By that you love the dearest in this world, As you wish Christian peace to souls departed, Stand these poor people’s friend and urge the King To do me this last rite.
CAPUTIUS	By heaven I will, Or let me lose the fashion of a man.
KATHERINE	I thank you, honest lord. Remember me In all humility unto his highness. Say his long trouble now is passing Out of this world. Tell him, in death I blessed him, For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell, My lord. Griffith, farewell. (To her woman) Nay, Patience, You must not leave me yet. I must to bed. Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench, Let me be used with honour. Strew me over With maiden flowers, that all the world may know I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me, Then lay me forth. Although unqueened, yet like A queen and daughter to a king inter me. I can no more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Caputius and Griffith at one door;
(didascalia)	Patience leading Katherine at another

Atto 5, Scena 1

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter at one door Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester; before him, a Page with a torch
GARDINER	It’s one o’clock, boy, is’t not?
PAGE	It hath struck.
GARDINER	These should be hours for necessities, Not for delights; times to repair our nature With comforting repose, and not for us To waste these times.
(didascalia)	Enter at another door Sir Thomas Lovell, meeting them
GARDINER	Good hour of night, Sir Thomasl Whither so late?
LOVELY	Came you from the King, my lord?
GARDINER	I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero With the Duke of Suffolk.
LOVELL	I must to him too, Before he go to bed. I’ll take my leave.
GARDINER	Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell—what’s the matter? It seems you are in haste. An if there be No great offence belongs to’t, give your friend Some touch of your late business. Affairs that walk, As they say spirits do, at midnight, have In them a wilder nature than the business That seeks dispatch by day.
LOVELL	My lord, I love you, And durst commend a secret to your ear Much weightier than this work. The Queen’s in labour— They say in great extremity—and feared She’ll with the labour end.
GARDINER	The fruit she goes with I pray for heartily, that it may find Good time, and live. But, for the stock, Sir Thomas, I wish it grubbed up now.
LOVELL	Methinks I could Cry the amen, and yet my conscience says She’s a good creature and, sweet lady, does Deserve our better wishes.
GARDINER	But sir, sir, Hear me, Sir Thomas. You’re a gentleman Of mine own way. I know you wise, religious. And let me tell you, it will ne’er be well— ’Twill not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take’t of me— Till Cranmer, Cromwell—her two hands—and she, Sleep in their graves.
LOVELL	Now, sir, you speak of two The most remarked i‘th’ kingdom. As for Cromwell, Beside that of the Jewel House is made Master O’th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary. Further, sir, Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments With which the time will load him. Th’Archbishop Is the King’s hand and tongue, and who dare speak One syllable against him?
GARDINER	Yes, yes, Sir Thomas— There are that dare, and I myself have ventured To speak my mind of him, and, indeed, this day, Sir—I may tell it you, I think—I have Incensed the lords o’th’ Council that he is— For so I know he is, they know he is— A most arch heretic, a pestilence That does infect the land; with which they, moved, Have broken with the King, who hath so far Given ear to our complaint, of his great grace And princely care, foreseeing those fell mischiefs Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded so Tomorrow morning to the Council board He be convented. He’s a rank weed, Sir Thomas, And we must root him out. From your affairs I hinder you too long. Good night, Sir Thomas.
LOVELL	Many good nights, my lord; I rest your servant.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Gardiner and Page at one door
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry and Suffolk at another door
KING HENRY	(to Suffolk) Charles, I will play no more tonight. My mind’s not on’t. You are too hard for me.
SUFFOLK	Sir, I did never win of you before.
KING HENRY	But little, Charles, Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play. Now, Lovell, from the Queen what is the news?
LOVELL	I could not personally deliver to her What you commanded me, but by her woman I sent your message, who returned her thanks In the great’st humbleness, and desired your highness Most heartily to pray for her.
KING HENRY	What sayst thou? Ha? To pray for her? What, is she crying out?
LOVELL	So said her woman, and that her suffrance made Almost each pang a death.
KING HENRY	Alas, good lady.
SUFFOLK	God safely quit her of her burden, and With gentle travail, to the gladding of Your highness with an heir.
KING HENRY	’Tis midnight, Charles. Prithee to bed, and in thy prayers remember Th’estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone, For I must think of that which company Would not be friendly to.
SUFFOLK	I wish your highness A quiet night, and my good mistress will Remember in my prayers.
KING HENRY	Charles, good night.
(didascalia)	Exit Suffolk
(didascalia)	Enter Sir Anthony Denny
KING HENRY	Well, sir, what follows?
DENNY	Sir, I have brought my lord the Archbishop, As you commanded me.
KING HENRY	Ha, Canterbury?
DENNY	Ay, my good lord.
KING HENRY	’Tis true—where is he, Denny?
DENNY	He attends your highness’ pleasure.
KING HENRY	Bring him to us.
(didascalia)	Exit Denny
LOVELL.	(aside) This is about that which the Bishop spake. I am happily come hither.
(didascalia)	Enter
LOVELL.	Cranmer the Archbishop, ushered by Denny
KING HENRY	(to Lovell and Denny) Avoid the gallery.
(didascalia)	Denny begins to depart. Lovell seems to stay
KING HENRY	Ha? I have said. Be gone. What?
(didascalia)	Exeunt Lovell and Denny
CRANMER	(aside) I am fearful. Wherefore frowns he thus? ’Tis his aspect of terror. All’s not well.
KING HENRY	How now, my lord? You do desire to know Wherefore I sent for you.
CRANMER	(kneeling) It is my duty T’attend your highness’ pleasure.
KING HENRY	Pray you, arise, My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury. Come, you and I must walk a turn together. I have news to tell you. Come, come—give me your hand.
(didascalia)	Cranmer rises. They walk
KING HENRY	Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, And am right sorry to repeat what follows. I have, and most unwillingly, of late Heard many grievous—I do say, my lord, Grievous—complaints of you, which, being considered, Have moved us and our Council that you shall This morning come before us, where I know You cannot with such freedom purge yourself But that, till further trial in those charges Which will require your answer, you must take Your patience to you, and be well contented To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us, It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness Would come against you.
CRANMER	(kneeling) I humbly thank your highness, And am right glad to catch this good occasion Most throughly to be winnowed, where my chaff And corn shall fly asunder. For I know There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues Than I myself, poor man.
KING HENRY	Stand up, good Canterbury. Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand. Stand up. Prithee, let’s walk. Cranmer rises. They walk Now, by my halidom, What manner of man are you? My lord, I looked You would have given me your petition that I should have ta’en some pains to bring together Yourself and your accusers, and to have heard you Without indurance further.
CRANMER	Most dread liege, The good I stand on is my truth and honesty. If they shall fail, I with mine enemies Will triumph o’er my person, which I weigh not, Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing What can be said against me.
KING HENRY	Know you not How your state stands i’th’ world, with the whole world? Your enemies are many, and not small; their practices Must bear the same proportion, and not ever The justice and the truth o’th’ question carries The dew o’th’ verdict with it. At what ease Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt To swear against you? Such things have been done. You are potently opposed, and with a malice Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, I mean in perjured witness, than your master, Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to. You take a precipice for no leap of danger, And woo your own destruction.
CRANMER	God and your majesty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me.
KING HENRY	Be of good cheer. They shall no more prevail than we give way to. Keep comfort to you, and this morning see You do appear before them. If they shall chance, In charging you with matters, to commit you, The best persuasions to the contrary Fail not to use, and with what vehemency Th’occasion shall instruct you. If entreaties
(didascalia)	Will render you no remedy, giving his ring this ring
KING HENRY	Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. Cranmer weeps Look, the good man weeps. He’s honest, on mine honour. God’s blest mother, I swear he is true-hearted, and a soul None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, And do as I have bid you.
(didascalia)	Exit Cranmer
KING HENRY	He has strangled His language in his tears.
(didascalia)	Enter the Old Lady
(didascalia)	LOVELL (within) Come back! What mean you?
(didascalia)	Enter Lovell, following her
OLD LADY	I’ll not come back. The tidings that I bring Will make my boldness manners. (To the King) Now good angels Fly o’er thy royal head, and shade thy person Under their blessed wings.
KING HENRY	Now by thy looks I guess thy message. Is the Queen delivered? Say, ‘Ay, and of a boy.’
OLD LADY	Ay, ay, my liege, And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven Both now and ever bless her! ’Tis a girl Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen Desires your visitation, and to be Acquainted with this stranger. ’Tis as like you As cherry is to cherry.
KING HENRY	Lovell—
LOVELL	Sir?
KING HENRY	Give her an hundred marks. I’ll to the Queen.
(didascalia)	Exit
OLD LADY	An hundred marks? By this light, I’ll ha’ more. An ordinary groom is for such payment. I will have more, or scold it out of him. Said I for this the girl was like to him? I’ll Have more, or else unsay’t; and now, while ’tis hot, I’ll put it to the issue.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	5.2 Enter pursuivants, pages, footboys, and grooms. Then enter Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury
CRANMER	I hope I am not too late, and yet the gentleman That was sent to me from the council prayed me To make great haste. All fast? What means this? (Calling at the door) Ho! Who waits there?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	a Doorkeeper Sure you know me?
DOORKEEPER	Yes, my lord, But yet I cannot help you.
CRANMER	Why?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	Doctor Butts, passing over the
(didascalia)	stage
DOORKEEPER	Your grace must wait till you be called for.
CRANMER	So.
BUTTS	(aside) This is a piece of malice. I am glad I came this way so happily. The King Shall understand it presently.
(didascalia)	Exit
CRANMER	(aside) ‘Tis Butts, The King’s physician. As he passed along How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me! Pray heaven he found not my disgrace. For certain This is of purpose laid by some that hate me— God turn their hearts, I never sought their malice— To quench mine honour. They would shame to make me Wait else at door, a fellow Councillor, ’Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience.
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry and Doctor Butts at a window, above
BUTTS	I’ll show your grace the strangest sight—
KING HENRY	What’s that, Butts?
BUTTS	I think your highness saw this many a day.
KING HENRY	Body o’me, where is it?
BUTTS	(pointing at Cranmer, below) There, my lord. The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury, Who holds his state at door, ’mongst pursuivants, Pages, and footboys.
KING HENRY	Ha? ‘Tis he indeed. Is this the honour they do one another? ’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought They had parted so much honesty among ’em— At least good manners—as not thus to suffer A man of his place and so near our favour To dance attendance on their lordships’ pleasures, And at the door, too, like a post with packets! By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery! Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close. We shall hear more anon.
(didascalia)	Cranmer and the doorkeeper stand to one side. Exeunt the lackeys Above, Butts partly draws the curtain close. Below, a council table is brought in along with chairs and stools, and placed under the cloth of state. Enter the Lord Chancellor, who places himself at the upper end of the table, on the left hand, leaving a seat void above him at the table’s head as for Canterbury’s seat. The Duke of Suffolk, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Chamberlain, and Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, seat themselves in order on each side of the table. Cromwell sits at the lower end, and acts as secretary
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cromwell) Speak to the business, master secretary. Why are we met in council?
CROMWELL	Please your honours, The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury.
GARDINER	Has he had knowledge of it?
CROMWELL	Yes.
NORFOLK	(to the Doorkeeper) Who waits there?
(didascalia)	DOORKEEPER coming forward
NORFOLK	Without, my noble lords?
GARDINER	Yes.
DOORKEEPER	My lord Archbishop; And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Let him come in.
DOORKEEPER	(to Cranmer) Your grace may enter now. Cranmer approaches the Council table
LORD CHANCELLOR	My good lord Archbishop, I’m very sorry To sit here at this present and behold That chair stand empty, but we all are men In our own natures frail, and capable Of our flesh; few are angels; out of which frailty And want of wisdom, you, that best should teach us, Have misdemeaned yourself, and not a little, Toward the King first, then his laws, in filling The whole realm, by your teaching and your chaplains’— For so we are informed—with new opinions, Diverse and dangerous, which are heresies, And, not reformed, may prove pernicious.
GARDINER	Which reformation must be sudden too, My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle, But stop their mouths with stubborn bits and spur ’em Till they obey the manège. If we suffer, Out of our easiness and childish pity To one man’s honour, this contagious sickness, Farewell all physic—and what follows then? Commotions, uproars—with a general taint Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbours, The upper Germany, can dearly witness, Yet freshly pitied in our memories. 65
CRANMER	My good lords, hitherto in all the progress Both of my life and office, I have laboured, And with no little study, that my teaching And the strong course of my authority Might go one way, and safely; and the end Was ever to do well. Nor is there living— I speak it with a single heart, my lords— A man that more detests, more stirs against, Both in his private conscience and his place, Defacers of a public peace than I do. Pray heaven the King may never find a heart With less allegiance in it. Men that make Envy and crooked malice nourishment Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships That, in this case of justice, my accusers, Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, And freely urge against me.
SUFFOLK	Nay, my lord, That cannot be. You are a Councillor, And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.
GARDINER	(to Cranmer) My lord, because we have business of more moment, We will be short with you. ’Tis his highness’ pleasure And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower Where, being but a private man again, You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, More than, I fear, you are provided for.
CRANMER	Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you. You are always my good friend. If your will pass, I shall both find your lordship judge and juror, You are so merciful. I see your end— ’Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord, Become a churchman better than ambition. Win straying souls with modesty again; Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience, I make as little doubt as you do conscience In doing daily wrongs. I could say more, But reverence to your calling makes me modest.
GARDINER	My lord, my lord—you are a sectary, That’s the plain truth. Your painted gloss discovers, To men that understand you, words and weakness.
CROMWELL	(to Gardiner) My lord of Winchester, you’re a little, By your good favour, too sharp. Men so noble, However faulty, yet should find respect For what they have been. ’Tis a cruelty To load a falling man.
GARDINER	Good master secretary, I cry your honour mercy. You may worst Of all this table say so.
CROMWELL	Why, my lord?
GARDINER	Do not I know you for a favourer Of this new sect? Ye are not sound.
CROMWELL	Not sound?
GARDINER	Not sound, I say.
CROMWELL	Would you were half so honest! Men’s prayers then would seek you, not their fears.
GARDINER	I shall remember this bold language.
CROMWELL	Do. Remember your bold life, too.
LORD CHANCELLOR	This is too much. Forbear, for shame, my lords.
GARDINER	I have done.
CROMWELL	And I.
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cranmer) Then thus for you, my lord. It stands agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forthwith You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner, There to remain till the King’s further pleasure Be known unto us. Are you all agreed, lords?
ALL THE COUNCIL	We are.
CRANMER	Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to th’ Tower, my lords?
GARDINER	What other Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome. Let some o’th’ guard be ready there.
(didascalia)	Enter the guard
CRANMER	For me? Must I go like a traitor thither?
GARDINER	(to the guard) Receive him, And see him safe i’th’ Tower.
CRANMER	Stay, good my lords. I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords— He shows the King’s ring By virtue of that ring I take my cause Out of the grips of cruel men, and give it To a most noble judge, the King my master.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	This is the King’s ring.
SURREY	’Tis no counterfeit.
SUFFOLK	’Tis the right ring, by heav’n. I told ye all When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ’Twould fall upon ourselves.
NORFOLK	Do you think, my lords, The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vexed?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	’Tis now too certain. How much more is his life in value with him! Would I were fairly out on’t.
(didascalia)	Exit King with Butts above
CROMWELL	My mind gave me, In seeking tales and informations Against this man, whose honesty the devil And his disciples only envy at, Ye blew the fire that burns ye. Now have at ye!
(didascalia)	Enter, below, King Henry frowning on them. He takes his seat
GARDINER	Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince, Not only good and wise, but most religious. One that in all obedience makes the church The chief aim of his honour, and, to strengthen That holy duty, out of dear respect, His royal self in judgement comes to hear The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
KING HENRY	You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not To hear such flattery now; and in my presence They are too thin and base to hide offences. To me you cannot reach. You play the spaniel, And think with wagging of your tongue to win me. But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for, I’m sure Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody. (To Cranmer) Good man, sit down. Cranmer takes his seat at the head of the Council table Now let me see the proudest, He that dares most, but wag his finger at thee. By all that’s holy, he had better starve Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
SURREY	May it please your grace—
KING HENRY	No, sir, it does not please me! I had thought I had had men of some understanding And wisdom of my Council, but I find none. Was it discretion, lords, to let this man, This good man—few of you deserve that title— This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy At chamber door? And one as great as you are? Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye Power as he was a Councillor to try him, Not as a groom. There’s some of ye, I see, More out of malice than integrity, Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean; Which ye shall never have while I live.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Thus far, My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed Concerning his imprisonment was rather— If there be faith in men—meant for his trial And fair purgation to the world than malice, I’m sure, in me.
KING HENRY	Well, well, my lords—respect him. Take him and use him well, he’s worthy of it. I will say thus much for him—if a prince May be beholden to a subject, I Am for his love and service so to him. Make me no more ado; but all embrace him. Be friends, for shame, my lords. (To Cranmer) My lord of Canterbury, I have a suit which you must not deny me: That is a fair young maid that yet wants baptism— You must be godfather, and answer for her.
CRANMER	The greatest monarch now alive may glory In such an honour; how may I deserve it, That am a poor and humble subject to you?
KING HENRY	Come, come, my lord—you’d spare your spoons. You shall have two noble partners with you—the old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquis Dorset. Will these please you? (To Gardiner) Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you Embrace and love this man.
GARDINER	With a true heart And brother-love I do it.
(didascalia)	Gardiner and Cranmer embrace
CRANMER	(weeping) And let heaven Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.
KING HENRY	Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart. The common voice, I see, is verified Of thee which says thus, ‘Do my lord of Canterbury A shrewd turn, and he’s your friend for ever.’ Come, lords, we trifle time away. I long To have this young one made a Christian. As I have made ye one, lords, one remain— So I grow stronger, you more honour gain.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 5, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Noise and tumult within. Enter Porter with rushes and his man with a broken cudgel
PORTER	(to those within) You’ll leave your noise anon, ye rascals. Do you take The court for Paris Garden, ye rude slaves? Leave your gaping.
ONE	(within) Good master porter, I belong to th’ larder.
PORTER	Belong to th’ gallows, and be hanged, ye rogue! Is this a place to roar in? (To his man) Fetch me a dozen crab-tree staves, and strong ones,
(didascalia)	Raising his rushes These are but switches to ’em.
PORTER	(To those within) I’ll scratch your heads. You must be seeing christenings? Do you look For ale and cakes here, you rude rascals?
MAN	Pray, sir, be patient. ’Tis as much impossible, Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons, To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep On May-day morning—which will never be. We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em.
PORTER	How got they in, and be hanged?
MAN	Alas, I know not. How gets the tide in? As much as one sound cudgel of four foot— He raises his cudgel You see the poor remainder—could distribute, I made no spare, sir.
PORTER	You did nothing, sir.
MAN	I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand, To mow ‘em down before me; but if I spared any That had a head to hit, either young or old, He or she, cuckold or cuckold-maker, Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again— And that I would not for a cow, God save her!
ONE	(within) Do you hear, master porter?
PORTER	I shall be with you presently, Good master puppy. (To his man) Keep the door close, sirrah.
MAN	What would you have me do?
PORTER	What should you do, but knock ’em down by th’ dozens? Is this Moorfields to muster in? Or have we some strange Indian with the great tool come to court, the women so besiege us? Bless me, what a fry of fornication is at door! On my Christian conscience, this one christening will beget a thousand. Here will be father, godfather, and all together.
MAN	The spoons will be the bigger, sir. There is a fellow somewhat near the door, he should be a brazier by his face, for o’ my conscience twenty of the dog-days now reign in’s nose. All that stand about him are under the line—they need no other penance. That fire-drake did I hit three times on the head, and three times was his nose discharged against me. He stands there like a mortar-piece, to blow us. There was a haberdasher’s wife of small wit near him, that railed upon me till her pinked porringer fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the state. I missed the meteor once, and hit that woman, who cried out ‘Clubs!’, when I might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to her succour, which were the hope o’th’ Strand, where she was quartered. They fell on. I made good my place. At length they came to th’ broomstaff to me. I defied ’em still, when suddenly a file of boys behind ‘em, loose shot, delivered such a shower of pebbles that I was fain to draw mine honour in and let ’em win the work. The devil was amongst ’em, I think, surely.
PORTER	These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse, and fight for bitten apples, that no audience but the tribulation of Tower Hill or the limbs of Limehouse, their dear brothers, are able to endure. I have some of ’em in limbo patrum, and there they are like to dance these three days, besides the running banquet of two beadles that is to come.
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Mercy o’ me, what a multitude are here! They grow still, too—from all parts they are coming, As if we kept a fair here! Where are these porters, These lazy knaves? (To the Porter and his man) You’ve made a fine hand, fellows! There’s a trim rabble let in—are all these Your faithful friends o’th’ suburbs? We shall have Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies When they pass back from the christening!
PORTER	An’t please your honour, We are but men, and what so many may do, Not being torn a-pieces, we have done. An army cannot rule ’em.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	As I live, If the King blame me for’t, I’ll lay ye all By th’ heels, and suddenly—and on your heads Clap round fines for neglect. You’re lazy knaves, And here ye lie baiting of bombards when Ye should do service.
(didascalia)	Flourish of trumpets within
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Hark, the trumpets sound. They’re come, already, from the christening. Go break among the press, and find a way out To let the troop pass fairly, or I’ll find A Marshalsea shall hold ye play these two months.
(didascalia)	As they leave, the Porter and his man call within
PORTER	Make way there for the Princess!
MAN	You great fellow, Stand close up, or I’ll make your head ache.
PORTER	You i’th’ camlet, get up o’th’ rail— I’ll peck you o’er the pales else.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 5, Scena 4

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter trumpeters, sounding. Then enter two aldermen, the Lord Mayor of London, Garter King-of-Arms, Cranmer the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Duke of Norfolk with his marshal’s staff, the Duke of Suffolk, two noblemen bearing great standing bowls for the christening gifts; then enter four noblemen bearing a canopy, under which is the Duchess of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child Elizabeth richly habited in a mantle, whose train is borne by a lady. Then follows the Marchioness Dorset, the other godmother, and ladies. The troop pass once about the stage and Garter speaks
GARTER	Heaven, from thy endless goodness send prosperous life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty Princess of England, Elizabeth.
(didascalia)	Flourish. Enter King Henry and guard
CRANMER	(kneeling) And to your royal grace, and the good Queen! My noble partners and myself thus pray All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady, Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy, May hourly fall upon ye.
KING HENRY	Thank you, good lord Archbishop. What is her name?
CRANMER	Elizabeth.
KING HENRY	Stand up, lord. Cranmer rises (To the child) With this kiss take my blessing— He kisses the child God protect thee, Into whose hand I give thy life.
CRANMER	Amen.
KING HENRY	(to Cranmer, old Duchess, and Marchioness) My noble gossips, you’ve been too prodigal. I thank ye heartily. So shall this lady, When she has so much English.
CRANMER	Let me speak, sir, For heaven now bids me, and the words I utter Let none think flattery, for they’ll find ’em truth. This royal infant—heaven still move about her— Though in her cradle, yet now promises Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be— But few now living can behold that goodness— A pattern to all princes living with her, And all that shall succeed. Saba was never More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces That mould up such a mighty piece as this is, With all the virtues that attend the good, Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her, Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her. She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her; Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn, And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her. In her days every man shall eat in safety Under his own vine what he plants, and sing The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours. God shall be truly known, and those about her From her shall read the perfect ways of honour, And by those claim their greatness, not by blood. Nor shall this peace sleep with her, but, as when The bird of wonder dies—the maiden phoenix— Her ashes new create another heir As great in admiration as herself, So shall she leave her blessedness to one, When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness, Who from the sacred ashes of her honour Shall star-like rise as great in fame as she was, And so stand fixed. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror, That were the servants to this chosen infant, Shall then be his, and, like a vine, grow to him. Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine, His honour and the greatness of his name Shall be, and make new nations. He shall flourish, And like a mountain cedar reach his branches To all the plains about him. Our children’s children Shall see this, and bless heaven.
KING HENRY	Thou speakest wonders.
CRAMMER	She shall be, to the happiness of England, An aged princess. Many days shall see her, And yet no day without a deed to crown it. Would I had known no more. But she must die— She must, the saints must have her—yet a virgin, A most unspotted lily shall she pass To th’ ground, and all the world shall mourn her.
KING HENRY	O lord Archbishop, Thou hast made me now a man. Never before This happy child did I get anything. This oracle of comfort has so pleased me That when I am in heaven I shall desire To see what this child does, and praise my maker. I thank ye all. To you, my good Lord Mayor, And your good brethren, I am much beholden. I have received much honour by your presence, And ye shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords. Ye must all see the Queen, and she must thank ye. She will be sick else. This day, no man think He’s business at his house, for all shall stay—
(didascalia)	This little one shall make it holiday. Flourish. Exeunt
KING HENRY	Epilogue
(didascalia)	Enter Epilogue
EPILOGUE	‘Tis ten to one this play can never please All that are here. Some come to take their ease, And sleep an act or two; but those, we fear, We’ve frighted with our trumpets; so, ’tis clear, They’ll say ’tis naught. Others to hear the city Abused extremely, and to cry ‘That’s witty!’— Which we have not done neither; that, I fear, All the expected good we’re like to hear For this play at this time is only in The merciful construction of good women, For such a one we showed ’em. If they smile, And say “Twill do’, I know within a while All the best men are ours—for ’tis ill hap If they hold when their ladies bid ’em clap.
(didascalia)	Exit
BY JOHN FLETCHER AND	WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
WHEN	it first appeared in print, in 1634, The Two Noble Kinsmen was stated to be ‘by the memorable worthies of their time, Mr John Fletcher, and Mr William Shakespeare’. There is no reason to disbelieve this ascription: many plays of the period were not printed till long after they were acted, and there is other evidence that Shakespeare collaborated with Fletcher (1579―1625). The morris dance in Act 3, Scene 5, contains characters who also appear in Francis Beaumont’s Masque of the Inner Temple and Gray’s Inn performed before James I on 20 February 1613. Their dance was a great success with the King; probably the King’s Men—some of whom may have taken part in the masque—decided to exploit its success by incorporating it in a play written soon afterwards, in the last year of Shakespeare’s playwriting life. The Two Noble Kinsmen, a tragicomedy of the kind that became popular during the last years of the first decade of the seventeenth century, is based on Chaucer’s Knight’s Tale, on which Shakespeare had already drawn for episodes of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It tells a romantic tale of the conflicting claims of love and friendship: the ‘two noble kinsmen’, Palamon and Arcite, are the closest of friends until each falls in love with Emilia, sister-in-law of Theseus, Duke of Athens. Their conflict is finally resolved by a formal combat with Emilia as the prize, in which the loser is to be executed. Arcite wins, and Palamon’s head is on the block as news arrives that Arcite has been thrown from his horse. Dying, Arcite commends Emilia to his friend, and Theseus rounds off the play with a meditation on the paradoxes of fortune. Studies of style suggest that Shakespeare was primarily responsible for the rhetorically and ritualistically impressive Act 1, for Act 2, Scene 1. Act 3, Scenes 1 and 2; and for most of Act 5 (Scene 4 excepted), which includes emblematically spectacular episodes related to his other late plays. Fletcher appears mainly to have written the scenes showing the rivalry of Palamon and Arcite along with the sub-plots concerned with the Jailer’s daughter’s love for Palamon and the rustics’ entertainment for Theseus. Though the play was adapted by William Davenant as The Rivals (1664), its first known performances since the seventeenth century were at the Old Vic in 1928; it has been played only occasionally since then, but was chosen to open the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1986. Critical interest, too, has been slight; but Shakespeare’s contributions are entirely characteristic of his late style, and Fletcher’s scenes are both touching and funny.
THE PERSONS OF THE	PLAY
PROLOGUE	THESEUS, Duke of Athens HIPPOLYTA, Queen of the Amazons, later wife of Theseus EMILIA, her sister PIRITHOUS, friend of Theseus Hymen, god of marriage A BOY, who sings ARTESIUS, an Athenian soldier Three QUEENS, widows of kings killed in the siege of Thebes VALERIUS, a Theban A HERALD WOMAN, attending Emilia An Athenian GENTLEMAN
MESSENGERS	Six KNIGHTS, three attending Arcite and three Palamon A SERVANT A JAILER in charge of Theseus’ prison The JAILER’S DAUGHTER The JAILER’S BROTHER The WOOER of the Jailer’s daughter Two FRIENDS of the Jailer A DOCTOR Six COUNTRYMEN, one dressed as a babion, or baboon Gerald, a SCHOOLMASTER NELL, a country wench Four other country wenches: Friz, Madeline, Luce, and Barbara Timothy, a TABORER
EPILOGUE	Nymphs, attendants, maids, executioner, guard

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	A cloth of state throughout the play. Enter the Duke of Norfolk at one door; at the other door enter the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny
BUCKINGHAM	(to Norfolk) Good morrow, and well met. How have ye done Since last we saw in France?
NORFOLK	I thank your grace, Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer Of what I saw there.
BUCKINGHAM	An untimely ague Stayed me a prisoner in my chamber when 5 Those suns of glory, those two lights of men, Met in the vale of Ardres.
NORFOLK	’Twixt Guisnes and Ardres. I was then present, saw them salute on horseback, Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung In their embracement as they grew together, Which had they, what four throned ones could have weighed Such a compounded one?
BUCKINGHAM	All the whole time I was my chamber’s prisoner.
NORFOLK	Then you lost The view of earthly glory. Men might say Till this time pomp was single, but now married To one above itself. Each following day Became the next day’s master, till the last Made former wonders its. Today the French, All clinquant all in gold, like heathen gods Shone down the English; and tomorrow they Made Britain India. Every man that stood Showed like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were As cherubim, all gilt; the mesdames, too, Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear The pride upon them, that their very labour Was to them as a painting. Now this masque Was cried incomparable, and th‘ensuing night Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst, As presence did present them. Him in eye Still him in praise, and being present both, ’Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns— For so they phrase ’em—by their heralds challenged The noble spirits to arms, they did perform Beyond thought’s compass, that former fabulous story Being now seen possible enough, got credit That Bevis was believed.
BUCKINGHAM	O, you go far!
NORFOLK	As I belong to worship, and affect In honour honesty, the tract of ev’rything Would by a good discourser lose some life Which action’s self was tongue to. All was royal. To the disposing of it naught rebelled. Order gave each thing view. The office did Distinctly his full function.
BUCKINGHAM	Who did guide— I mean, who set the body and the limbs Of this great sport together, as you guess?
NORFOLK	One, certes, that promises no element In such a business.
BUCKINGHAM	I pray you who, my lord?
NORFOLK	All this was ordered by the good discretion Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.
BUCKINGHAM	The devil speed him! No man’s pie is freed From his ambitious finger. What had he To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder That such a keech can, with his very bulk, Take up the rays o’th’ beneficial sun, And keep it from the earth.
NORFOLK	Surely, sir, There’s in him stuff that puts him to these ends. For being not propped by ancestry, whose grace Chalks successors their way, nor called upon no For high feats done to th’ crown, neither allied To eminent assistants, but spider-like, Out of his self-drawing web, a gives us note The force of his own merit makes his way— A gift that heaven gives for him which buys A place next to the King.
ABERGAVENNY	I cannot tell What heaven hath given him—let some graver eye Pierce into that; but I can see his pride Peep through each part of him. Whence has he that? If not from hell, the devil is a niggard Or has given all before, and he begins A new hell in himself.
BUCKINGHAM	Why the devil, Upon this French going out, took he upon him Without the privity o’th’ King t’appoint Who should attend on him? He makes up the file Of all the gentry, for the most part such To whom as great a charge as little honour He meant to lay upon; and his own letter, The honourable board of council out, Must fetch him in, he papers.
ABERGAVENNY	I do know Kinsmen of mine—three at the least—that have By this so sickened their estates that never They shall abound as formerly.
BUCKINGHAM	O, many Have broke their backs with laying manors on ’em For this great journey. What did this vanity But minister communication of A most poor issue?
NORFOLK	Grievingly I think The peace between the French and us not values The cost that did conclude it.
BUCKINGHAM	Every man, After the hideous storm that followed, was A thing inspired, and, not consulting, broke Into a general prophecy—that this tempest, Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded The sudden breach on’t.
NORFOLK	Which is budded out— For France hath flawed the league, and hath attached Our merchants’ goods at Bordeaux.
ABERGAVENNY	Is it therefore Th’ambassador is silenced?
NORFOLK	Marry is’t.
ABERGAVENNY	A proper title of a peace, and purchased At a superfluous rate.
BUCKINGHAM	Why, all this business Our reverend Cardinal carried.
NORFOLK	Like it your grace, The state takes notice of the private difference Betwixt you and the Cardinal. I advise you— And take it from a heart that wishes towards you Honour and plenteous safety—that you read The Cardinal’s malice and his potency Together; to consider further that What his high hatred would effect wants not A minister in his power. You know his nature, That he’s revengeful; and I know his sword Hath a sharp edge—it’s long, and’t may be said no It reaches far; and where ’twill not extend Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel, You’ll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock That I advise your shunning.
(didascalia)	Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse containing the great seal borne before him. Enter with him certain of the guard, and two secretaries with papers. The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye on Buckingham and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to a secretary) The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor, ha? Where’s his examination?
SECRETARY	Here, so please you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Is he in person ready?
SECRETARY	Ay, please your grace.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Well, we shall then know more, and Buckingham Shall lessen this big look.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Wolsey and his train
BUCKINGHAM	This butcher’s cur is venom-mouthed, and I Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar’s book Outworths a noble’s blood.
NORFOLK	What, are you chafed? Ask God for temp’rance; that’s th’appliance only Which your disease requires.
BUCKINGHAM	I read in’s looks Matter against me, and his eye reviled Me as his abject object. At this instant He bores me with some trick. He’s gone to th’ King— I’ll follow, and outstare him.
NORFOLK	Stay, my lord, And let your reason with your choler question What ’tis you go about. To climb steep hills Requires slow pace at first. Anger is like A full hot horse who, being allowed his way, Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England Can advise me like you. Be to yourself As you would to your friend.
BUCKINGHAM	I’ll to the King, And from a mouth of honour quite cry down This Ipswich fellow’s insolence, or proclaim There’s difference in no persons.
NORFOLK	Be advised. Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot That it do singe yourself. We may outrun By violent swiftness that which we run at, And lose by over-running. Know you not The fire that mounts the liquor till’t run o’er In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised. I say again there is no English soul More stronger to direct you than yourself, If with the sap of reason you would quench Or but allay the fire of passion.
BUCKINGHAM	Sir, I am thankful to you, and I’ll go along By your prescription; but this top-proud fellow— Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but From sincere motions—by intelligence, And proofs as clear as founts in July when We see each grain of gravel, I do know To be corrupt and treasonous.
NORFOLK	Say not ‘treasonous’.
BUCKINGHAM	To th’ King I’ll say’t, and make my vouch as strong As shore of rock. Attend: this holy fox, Or wolf, or both—for he is equal rav’nous As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief As able to perform’t, his mind and place Infecting one another, yea, reciprocatly— Only to show his pomp as well in France As here at home, suggests the King our master To this last costly treaty, th’interview That swallowed so much treasure and, like a glass, Did break i’th’ rinsing.
NORFOLK	Faith, and so it did.
BUCKINGHAM	Pray give me favour, sir. This cunning Cardinal, The articles o‘th’ combination drew As himself pleased, and they were ratified 170 As he cried ‘Thus let be’, to as much end As give a crutch to th’ dead. But our count-Cardinal Has done this, and ’tis well for worthy Wolsey, Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows— Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy To th‘old dam, treason—Charles the Emperor, Under pretence to see the Queen his aunt— For ’twas indeed his colour, but he came To whisper Wolsey—here makes visitation. His fears were that the interview betwixt England and France might through their amity Breed him some prejudice, for from this league Peeped harms that menaced him. Privily he Deals with our Cardinal and, as I trow— Which I do well, for I am sure the Emperor Paid ere he promised, whereby his suit was granted Ere it was asked—but when the way was made, And paved with gold, the Emperor thus desired That he would please to alter the King’s course And break the foresaid peace. Let the King know, As soon he shall by me, that thus the Cardinal Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases, And for his own advantage.
NORFOLK	I am sorry To hear this of him, and could wish he were Something mistaken in’t.
BUCKINGHAM	No, not a syllable. I do pronounce him in that very shape He shall appear in proof.
(didascalia)	Enter Brandon, a serjeant-at-arms before him, and two or three of the guard
BRANDON	Your office, serjeant, execute it.
SERJEANT	Sir. (To Buckingham) My lord the Duke of Buckingham and Earl Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I Arrest thee of high treason in the name Of our most sovereign King.
BUCKINGHAM	to Norfolk Lo you, my lord, The net has fall’n upon me. I shall perish Under device and practice.
BRANDON	I am sorry To see you ta’en from liberty to look on The business present. ’Tis his highness’ pleasure You shall to th’ Tower.
BUCKINGHAM	It will help me nothing To plead mine innocence, for that dye is on me Which makes my whit’st part black. The will of heav’n Be done in this and all things. I obey. O, my lord Abergavenny, fare you well.
BRANDON	Nay, he must bear you company. (To Abergavenny) The King Is pleased you shall to th’ Tower till you know How he determines further.
ABERGAVENNY	As the Duke said, The will of heaven be done and the King’s pleasure By me obeyed.
BRANDON	Here is a warrant from The King t’attach Lord Montague and the bodies Of the duke’s confessor, John de la Car, One Gilbert Perk, his chancellor—
BUCKINGHAM	So, so; These are the limbs o’th’ plot. No more, I hope.
BRANDON	A monk o’th’ Chartreux.
BUCKINGHAM	O, Nicholas Hopkins?
BRANDON	He.
BUCKINGHAM	My surveyor is false. The o’er-great Cardinal Hath showed him gold. My life is spanned already. I am the shadow of poor Buckingham, Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on By dark’ning my clear sun. (To Norfolk) My lord, farewell.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Norfolk at one door, Buckingham and Abergavenny under guard at another

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Un baldacchino di stato per tutta la durata del dramma. Entra il Duca di Norfolk da una porta; dall’altra porta entrano il Duca di Buckingham e Lord Abergavenny
BUCKINGHAM	(a Norfolk) Buon giorno, e ben trovato. Come avete fatto Da quando ci vedemmo in Francia?
NORFOLK	Ringrazio vostra grazia, In salute, e da allora sempre nuovo ammiratore Di ciò che là vidi.
BUCKINGHAM	Una febbre intempestiva Mi tenne prigioniero nella mia camera quando 5 Quei soli di gloria, quei due lumi degli uomini, S’incontrarono nella valle di Ardres.
NORFOLK	Fra Guisnes e Ardres. Io v’era allora presente, li vidi salutarsi a cavallo, Li scorsi quando scesero, come s’avvinsero Nel loro abbraccio quasi crescessero insieme, Ché, se tali fossero, quali quattro incoronati avrebbero pesato Un tale in uno composto?
BUCKINGHAM	Per tutto quel tempo Fui prigioniero della mia camera.
NORFOLK	Allora perdeste La vista della gloria terrena. Si potrebbe dire Che fino a quel tempo la pompa era sola, ma ora sposata A una maggiore di sé. Ogni giorno seguente Divenne maestro del giorno appresso, finché l’ultimo Fece sue le meraviglie dei primi. Oggi i Francesi, Tutti scintillanti d’oro, come dèi pagani Oscurarono gli Inglesi; e domani essi Fecero della Britannia un’India. Ogni uomo che stava là Pareva una miniera. I loro paggi nanerottoli erano Come cherubini, tutti dorati; e le dame anch’esse, Non use alla fatica, quasi sudavano a portare L’orgoglio addosso, sì che la loro stessa fatica Era per esse come un dipinto. Or questa mascherata Fu proclamata incomparabile, e la notte seguente La rese sciocca e mendica. I due re, Pari in splendore, erano ora il migliore, ora il peggiore, Secondo che la presenza li mostrava. Chi era sotto gli occhi Era sempre quello lodato, e presenti entrambi, Si disse che non se ne vedeva che uno, e nessun giudice Osò muover la lingua a censura. Quando questi soli— Ché così li chiamano—per mezzo dei loro araldi sfidarono I nobili spiriti all’armi, essi compirono Oltre la misura del pensiero, sì che l’antica favolosa storia, Vista ora abbastanza possibile, ottenne credito Che a Bevis si credette.
BUCKINGHAM	Oh, voi andate lontano!
NORFOLK	Com’io appartengo all’onorata gente, e amo Nell’onore l’onestà, il racconto d’ogni cosa Perderebbe, per buon narratore che fosse, un po’ di quella vita Cui l’azione stessa fu lingua. Tutto fu regale. Al suo ordinamento nulla si ribellò. L’ordine dava a ogni cosa risalto. Ogni ufficio compì Distintamente la sua piena funzione.
BUCKINGHAM	Chi guidò— Voglio dire, chi congegnò il corpo e le membra Di questo gran divertimento, a vostro avviso?
NORFOLK	Uno, per certo, che non promette alcuna attitudine In tale faccenda.
BUCKINGHAM	Di grazia, chi, mio signore?
NORFOLK	Tutto ciò fu ordinato dalla buona discrezione Del reverendissimo Cardinale di York.
BUCKINGHAM	Il diavolo lo spedisca! Non v’è pasticcio d’alcuno che sia libero Dal suo dito ambizioso. Che aveva egli Da fare in queste sfrenate vanità? Mi meraviglio Che un tal blocco di sugna possa, con la sua stessa mole, Assorbire i raggi del sole benefico, E tenerli lontani dalla terra.
NORFOLK	Certo, signore, V’è in lui stoffa che lo spinge a questi fini. Poiché, non essendo sostenuto da avi, la cui grazia Segna ai successori la via, né chiamato no Per alte imprese rese alla corona, né alleato A eminenti sostenitori, ma a modo di ragno, Dalla sua tela tratta da sé, a ci fa notare Che la forza del proprio merito gli apre il cammino— Un dono che il cielo gli dà, e che gli compra Un posto accanto al Re.
ABERGAVENNY	Io non so dire Che cosa il cielo gli abbia dato—che occhio più grave Penetri in ciò; ma io ben vedo il suo orgoglio Sbucare da ogni sua parte. Donde gli viene questo? Se non dall’inferno, il diavolo è un avaro O ha dato già tutto prima, ed egli comincia Un nuovo inferno in sé stesso.
BUCKINGHAM	Perché, in nome del diavolo, In questa uscita verso la Francia, si prese egli l’arbitrio, Senza saputa del Re, di designare Chi dovesse accompagnarlo? Compila la lista Di tutta la nobiltà, per la maggior parte tali Cui tanto grave spesa quanto poco onore Intendeva imporre; e la sua propria lettera, Escluso l’onorevole consesso del consiglio, Deve tirarlo dentro, chi egli mette in carta.
ABERGAVENNY	Io conosco Parenti miei—tre almeno—che hanno Per questo tanto infermato le loro fortune che mai Saranno agiati come prima.
BUCKINGHAM	Oh, molti S’han rotto le spalle a caricarsi addosso i manieri Per questo gran viaggio. Che fece questa vanità Se non procurare il commercio D’un esito assai meschino?
NORFOLK	Con dolore penso Che la pace tra i Francesi e noi non valga La spesa che la concluse.
BUCKINGHAM	Ognuno, Dopo l’orrenda tempesta che seguì, fu Cosa ispirata, e, senza consultarsi, proruppe In una generale profezia—che quella bufera, Sconciando la veste di questa pace, presagiva La sua rottura improvvisa.
NORFOLK	La quale è già germogliata— Ché la Francia ha infranto la lega, e ha sequestrato Le merci dei nostri mercanti a Bordeaux.
ABERGAVENNY	È per questo Che l’ambasciatore è stato zittito?
NORFOLK	Per la Vergine, sì.
ABERGAVENNY	Un bel titolo di pace, e comprata A prezzo superfluo.
BUCKINGHAM	Ebbene, tutta questa faccenda La condusse il nostro reverendo Cardinale.
NORFOLK	Piaccia a vostra grazia, Lo Stato prende nota del privato dissidio Fra voi e il Cardinale. Vi consiglio— E prendetelo da un cuore che verso di voi augura Onore e piena sicurezza—di leggere La malizia del Cardinale e la sua potenza Insieme; e di considerare inoltre che Ciò che il suo alto odio vorrebbe attuare non manca D’un ministro in suo potere. Conoscete la sua natura, Che è vendicativo; e io conosco la sua spada Ha un taglio acuto—è lunga, e si può dir no Che giunge lontano; e dove non arriverà Là la scaglia. Riponete in seno il mio consiglio, Lo troverete salubre. Ecco, dove viene quello scoglio Che vi consiglio d’evitare.
(didascalia)	Entra il Cardinale Wolsey, portata dinanzi a lui la borsa che contiene il gran sigillo. Entrano con lui alcuni delle guardie, e due segretari con carte. Il Cardinale nel passare fissa lo sguardo su Buckingham e Buckingham su di lui, entrambi pieni di disdegno
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a un segretario) L’intendente del Duca di Buckingham, eh? Dov’è il suo interrogatorio?
SEGRETARIO	Qui, se vi piace.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	È pronto in persona?
SEGRETARIO	Sì, piaccia a vostra grazia.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Bene, allora sapremo di più, e Buckingham Dovrà smorzare questo suo grande cipiglio.
(didascalia)	Escono Wolsey e il suo seguito
BUCKINGHAM	Questo cagnaccio di macellaio ha la bocca velenosa, e io Non ho il potere di mettergli la museruola; dunque è meglio Non destarlo nel suo sonno. Il libro d’un mendicante Vale più del sangue d’un nobile.
NORFOLK	Che, siete irritato? Chiedete a Dio temperanza; quello è il solo rimedio Che il vostro male richiede.
BUCKINGHAM	Leggo nel suo sguardo Materia contro di me, e il suo occhio mi vilipese Come suo abietto oggetto. In questo istante Mi trapana con qualche trama. È andato dal Re— Lo seguirò, e lo fisserò più fermo di lui.
NORFOLK	Fermatevi, mio signore, E lasciate che la ragione interroghi la vostra collera Su ciò che intendete fare. A salire erti colli Occorre passo lento in principio. L’ira è come Un cavallo tutto focoso che, lasciato andare a suo modo, Il proprio ardore lo stanca. Non un uomo in Inghilterra Sa consigliarmi come voi. Siate verso voi stesso Come sareste verso il vostro amico.
BUCKINGHAM	Andrò dal Re, E con bocca d’onore abbatterò del tutto L’insolenza di questo tale d’Ipswich, o proclamerò Che non v’è differenza fra le persone.
NORFOLK	Siate avvisato. Non scaldate per il vostro nemico una fornace tanto Che bruci voi stesso. Possiamo oltrepassare Per violenta rapidità ciò a cui corriamo, E perderlo per averlo troppo corso. Non sapete Che il fuoco che fa salire il liquore finché trabocchi, Nel parer d’accrescerlo lo consuma? Siate avvisato. Ridico che non v’è anima inglese Più forte a dirigervi di voi stesso, Se col succo della ragione volessi spegnere O solo mitigare il fuoco della passione.
BUCKINGHAM	Signore, Vi sono grato, e procederò Secondo la vostra prescrizione; ma questo tale gonfio di superbia— Che non nomino per flusso di bile, ma Per sincero moto—per informazioni, E prove chiare come fonti a luglio quando Vediamo ogni grano di ghiaia, io so Ch’egli è corrotto e traditore.
NORFOLK	Non dite ‘traditore’.
BUCKINGHAM	Al Re lo dirò, e farò la mia asserzione forte Come riva di roccia. Udite: questa santa volpe, O lupo, o entrambi—ché è tanto rapace Quanto è subdolo, e tanto proclive al male Quanto capace di compierlo, la sua mente e il suo posto Infettandosi l’un l’altro, sì, reciprocatamente— Solo per mostrare la sua pompa tanto bene in Francia Quanto qui in patria, induce il Re nostro signore A quest’ultimo costoso trattato, l’abboccamento Che inghiottì tanto tesoro e, come un vetro, Si ruppe nel risciacquo.
NORFOLK	In fede, e così fu.
BUCKINGHAM	Di grazia, concedetemi, signore. Questo astuto Cardinale Gli articoli dell’accordo stese Come a lui piacque, e furono ratificati 170 Al suo grido ‘Così sia’, con tanto effetto Quanto dare una gruccia a un morto. Ma il nostro conte-Cardinale Ha fatto questo, ed è bene, per il degno Wolsey, Che non può errare, ch’egli l’abbia fatto. Or segue questo— Il quale, come lo intendo, è una specie di cucciolo Della vecchia madre, il tradimento—Carlo l’Imperatore, Col pretesto di vedere la Regina sua zia— Ché tale fu davvero il suo colore, ma venne Per sussurrare a Wolsey—qui fa visita. I suoi timori erano che l’abboccamento fra Inghilterra e Francia potesse, per la loro amicizia, Generargli qualche pregiudizio, ché da questa lega Sbucavano danni che lo minacciavano. Segretamente egli Tratta col nostro Cardinale e, com’io credo— E ben lo credo bene, ché son certo che l’Imperatore Pagò prima di promettere, per cui la sua richiesta fu accolta Prima d’esser chiesta—ma quando la via fu fatta, E lastricata d’oro, l’Imperatore così desiderò Che gli piacesse mutare il corso del Re E rompere la detta pace. Sappia il Re, Come presto saprà da me, che così il Cardinale Compra e vende il suo onore come gli piace, E a proprio vantaggio.
NORFOLK	Mi dispiace Udir questo di lui, e vorrei che in ciò Fosse in qualche modo frainteso.
BUCKINGHAM	No, non una sillaba. Io lo dichiaro in quella stessa forma In cui apparirà alla prova.
(didascalia)	Entra Brandon, precedendolo un sergente d’armi, e due o tre delle guardie
BRANDON	Il vostro ufficio, sergente, eseguitelo.
SERGENTE	Signore. (A Buckingham) Mio signore il Duca di Buckingham e Conte Di Hereford, Stafford e Northampton, io Ti arresto per alto tradimento nel nome Del nostro sovrano Re.
BUCKINGHAM	a Norfolk Ecco, mio signore, La rete m’è caduta addosso. Perirò Sotto trame e macchinazioni.
BRANDON	Mi dispiace Vedervi tolto dalla libertà per guardare La presente faccenda. È volere di sua altezza Che andiate alla Torre.
BUCKINGHAM	Nulla mi gioverà Invocare la mia innocenza, ché è su di me quella tinta Che fa nera la mia parte più bianca. La volontà del cielo Sia fatta in questo e in ogni cosa. Obbedisco. Oh, mio signore Abergavenny, state bene.
BRANDON	No, egli deve farvi compagnia. (Ad Abergavenny) Al Re Piace che andiate alla Torre finché non sappiate Come egli decida ulteriormente.
ABERGAVENNY	Come disse il Duca, Sia fatta la volontà del cielo e il piacere del Re Da me obbedito.
BRANDON	Ecco un mandato dal Re per arrestare Lord Montague e le persone Del confessore del duca, John de la Car, Un certo Gilbert Perk, suo cancelliere—
BUCKINGHAM	Così, così; Queste sono le membra della trama. Non più, spero.
BRANDON	Un monaco dei Certosini.
BUCKINGHAM	Oh, Nicholas Hopkins?
BRANDON	Lui.
BUCKINGHAM	Il mio intendente è falso. Il troppo grande Cardinale Gli ha mostrato dell’oro. La mia vita è già misurata. Io sono l’ombra del povero Buckingham, La cui figura anche in questo istante la nube assume Oscurando il mio chiaro sole. (A Norfolk) Mio signore, addio.
(didascalia)	Escono Norfolk da una porta, Buckingham e Abergavenny sotto scorta da un’altra

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Cornetts. Enter King Henry leaning on Cardinal Wolsey’s shoulder. Enter with them Wolsey’s two secretaries, the nobles, and Sir Thomas Lovell. The King ascends to his seat under the cloth of state; Wolsey places himself under the King’s feet on his right side
KING HENRY	to Wolsey My life itself and the best heart of it Thanks you for this great care. I stood i’th’ level Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks To you that choked it. Let be called before us That gentleman of Buckingham’s. In person I’ll hear him his confessions justify, And point by point the treasons of his master He shall again relate.
(didascalia)	CRIER (within)
KING HENRY	Room for the Queen, ushered by the Duke of Norfolk.
(didascalia)	Enter Queen Katherine, the Duke of Norfolk, and the Duke of Suffolk. She kneels. King Henry riseth from his state, takes her up, and kisses her
QUEEN KATHERINE	Nay, we must longer kneel. I am a suitor.
KING HENRY	Arise, and take place by us. He placeth her by him Half your suit Never name to us. You have half our power, The other moiety ere you ask is given. Repeat your will and take it.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Thank your majesty. That you would love yourself, and in that love Not unconsidered leave your honour nor The dignity of your office, is the point Of my petition.
KING HENRY	Lady mine, proceed.
QUEEN KATHERINE	I am solicited, not by a few, And those of true condition, that your subjects Are in great grievance. There have been commissions Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart Of all their loyalties; wherein, although, My good lord Cardinal, they vent reproaches Most bitterly on you, as putter-on Of these exactions, yet the King our master— Whose honour heaven shield from soil—even he escapes not Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks The sides of loyalty, and almost appears In loud rebellion.
NORFOLK	Not ‘almost appears’— It doth appear; for upon these taxations The clothiers all, not able to maintain The many to them ‘longing, have put off The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who, Unfit for other life, compelled by hunger And lack of other means, in desperate manner Daring th’event to th’ teeth, are all in uproar, And danger serves among them.
KING HENRY	Taxation? Wherein, and what taxation? My lord Cardinal, You that are blamed for it alike with us, Know you of this taxation?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Please you, sir, I know but of a single part in aught Pertains to th’ state, and front but in that file Where others tell steps with me.
QUEEN KATHERINE	No, my lord? You know no more than others? But you frame Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome To those which would not know them, and yet must Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are Most pestilent to th’ hearing, and to bear ’em The back is sacrifice to th’ load. They say They are devised by you, or else you suffer Too hard an exclamation.
KING HENRY	Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let’s know, Is this exaction?
QUEEN KATHERINE	I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience, but am boldened Under your promised pardon. The subjects’ grief Comes through commissions which compels from each The sixth part of his substance to be levied Without delay, and the pretence for this Is named your wars in France. This makes bold mouths. Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze Allegiance in them. Their curses now Live where their prayers did, and it’s come to pass This tractable obedience is a slave To each incensed will. I would your highness Would give it quick consideration, for There is no primer business.
KING HENRY	By my life, This is against our pleasure.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	And for me, I have no further gone in this than by A single voice, and that not passed me but By learned approbation of the judges. If I am Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know My faculties nor person yet will be The chronicles of my doing, let me say ‘Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake That virtue must go through. We must not stint Our necessary actions in the fear To cope malicious censurers, which ever, As rav’nous fishes, do a vessel follow That is new trimmed, but benefit no further Than vainly longing. What we oft do best, By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is Not ours or not allowed; what worst, as oft, Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up For our best act. If we shall stand still, In fear our motion will be mocked or carped at, We should take root here where we sit, Or sit state-statues only.
KING HENRY	Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from fear; Things done without example, in their issue Are to be feared. Have you a precedent Of this commission? I believe not any. We must not rend our subjects from our laws And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each? A trembling contribution! Why, we take From every tree lop, bark, and part o‘th’ timber, And though we leave it with a root, thus hacked The air will drink the sap. To every county Where this is questioned send our letters with Free pardon to each man that has denied The force of this commission. Pray look to’t— I put it to your care.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to a secretary) A word with you. Let there be letters writ to every shire Of the King’s grace and pardon. (Aside to the secretary) The grieved commons Hardly conceive of me. Let it be noised That through our intercession this revokement And pardon comes. I shall anon advise you Further in the proceeding.
(didascalia)	Exit secretary
(didascalia)	Enter Buckingham’s Surveyor
QUEEN KATHERINE	(to the King) I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham Is run in your displeasure.
KING HENRY	It grieves many. The gentleman is learned, and a most rare speaker, To nature none more bound; his training such That he may furnish and instruct great teachers And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see, When these so noble benefits shall prove Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt, They turn to vicious forms ten times more ugly Than ever they were fair. This man so complete, Who was enrolled ’mongst wonders—and when we Almost with ravished list’ning could not find His hour of speech a minute—he, my lady, Hath into monstrous habits put the graces That once were his, and is become as black As if besmeared in hell. Sit by us. You shall hear— This was his gentleman in trust of him— Things to strike honour sad. (To Wolsey) Bid him recount The fore-recited practices whereof We cannot feel too little, hear too much.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Surveyor) Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you Most like a careful subject have collected Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
KING HENRY	(to the Surveyor) Speak freely.
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	First, it was usual with him, every day It would infect his speech, that if the King Should without issue die, he’ll carry it so To make the sceptre his. These very words I’ve heard him utter to his son-in-law, Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced Revenge upon the Cardinal.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Please your highness note His dangerous conception in this point, Not friended by his wish to your high person. His will is most malignant, and it stretches Beyond you to your friends.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My learned Lord Cardinal, Deliver all with charity.
KING HENRY	(to the surveyor) Speak on. How grounded he his title to the crown Upon our fail? To this point hast thou heard him At any time speak aught?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	He was brought to this By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Hopkins.
KING HENRY	What was that Hopkins?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Sir, a Chartreux friar, His confessor, who fed him every minute With words of sovereignty.
KING HENRY	How know’st thou this?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Not long before your highness sped to France, The Duke being at the Rose, within the parish Saint Lawrence Poutney, did of me demand What was the speech among the Londoners Concerning the French journey. I replied Men feared the French would prove perfidious, To the King’s danger; presently the Duke Said ‘twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted ’Twould prove the verity of certain words Spoke by a holy monk that oft, says he, ‘Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour To hear from him a matter of some moment; Whom after under the confession’s seal He solemnly had sworn, that what he spoke My chaplain to no creature living but To me should utter, with demure confidence This pausingly ensued: “neither the King nor’s heirs”, Tell you the Duke, “shall prosper. Bid him strive To win the love o’th’ commonalty. The Duke Shall govern England.” ’
QUEEN KATHERINE	If I know you well, You were the Duke’s surveyor, and lost your office On the complaint o’th’ tenants. Take good heed You charge not in your spleen a noble person And spoil your nobler soul. I say, take heed; Yes, heartily beseech you.
KING HENRY	Let him on. (To the Surveyor) Go forward.
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	On my soul I’ll speak but truth. I told my lord the Duke, by th’ devil’s illusions The monk might be deceived, and that ‘twas dangerous To ruminate on this so far until It forged him some design which, being believed, It was much like to do. He answered, ’Tush, It can do me no damage’, adding further That had the King in his last sickness failed, The Cardinal’s and Sir Thomas Lovell’s heads Should have gone off.
KING HENRY	Ha? What, so rank? Ah, ha! There’s mischief in this man. Canst thou say further?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	I can, my liege.
KING HENRY	Proceed.
BIJCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	Being at Greenwich, After your highness had reproved the Duke About Sir William Bulmer—
KING HENRY	I remember Such a time, being my sworn servant, The Duke retained him his. But on—what hence?
RIICKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	‘If’, quoth he, ‘I for this had been committed’— As to the Tower, I thought—‘I would have played The part my father meant to act upon Th’usurper Richard who, being at Salisbury, Made suit to come in’s presence; which if granted, As he made semblance of his duty, would Have put his knife into him.’
KING HENRY	A giant traitor!
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Queen) Now, madam, may his highness live in freedom, And this man out of prison?
QUEEN KATHERINE	God mend all.
KING HENRY	(to the Surveyor) There’s something more would out of thee—what sayst?
BUCKINGHAM’S SURVEYOR	After ‘the Duke his father’, with ‘the knife’, He stretched him, and with one hand on his dagger, Another spread on’s breast, mounting his eyes, He did discharge a horrible oath whose tenor Was, were he evil used, he would outgo His father by as much as a performance Does an irresolute purpose.
KING HENRY	There’s his period— To sheathe his knife in us. He is attached. Call him to present trial. If he may Find mercy in the law, ’tis his; if none, Let him not seek’t of us. By day and night, He’s traitor to th’ height.
(didascalia)	Flourish. Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Cornette. Entra il re Enrico appoggiandosi alla spalla del Cardinale Wolsey. Entrano con loro i due segretari di Wolsey, i nobili e Sir Thomas Lovell. Il re sale al suo seggio sotto il baldacchino regale; Wolsey si colloca ai piedi del re, alla sua destra
RE ENRICO	a Wolsey La mia vita stessa, e il meglio del suo cuore, vi ringrazia di questa gran cura. Ero al tiro d’una congiura a carica piena, e rendo grazie a voi che l’avete soffocata. Sia chiamato innanzi a noi quel gentiluomo di Buckingham. Di persona voglio udirlo giustificare le sue confessioni, e punto per punto i tradimenti del suo padrone egli ridirà.
(didascalia)	L’ARALDO (da dentro)
RE ENRICO	Largo alla regina, scortata dal Duca di Norfolk.
(didascalia)	Entrano la regina Caterina, il Duca di Norfolk e il Duca di Suffolk. Ella s’inginocchia. Il re Enrico si leva dal suo seggio, la rialza e la bacia
REGINA CATERINA	No, dobbiamo restare più a lungo in ginocchio. Sono una supplice.
RE ENRICO	Alzatevi, e prendete posto accanto a noi. La colloca accanto a sé Metà della vostra richiesta non nominatecela mai. Avete metà del nostro potere, l’altra metà v’è concessa prima ancora che chiediate. Ripetete il vostro volere e prendetelo.
REGINA CATERINA	Grazie a vostra maestà. Che vogliate amare voi stesso, e in quell’amore non lasciare in non cale il vostro onore né la dignità del vostro ufficio, è il punto della mia petizione.
RE ENRICO	Signora mia, proseguite.
REGINA CATERINA	Sono sollecitata, non da pochi, e da gente d’onesta condizione, che i vostri sudditi sono in gran travaglio. Sono state mandate fra loro commissioni che hanno incrinato il cuore d’ogni loro fedeltà; nelle quali, benché, mio buon signore Cardinale, essi versino rimproveri amarissimi su di voi, come istigatore di queste esazioni, pure il re nostro signore— il cui onore il cielo difenda da ogni macchia—perfino egli non sfugge a un parlare scortese, anzi tale che rompe i vincoli della fedeltà, e quasi appare in aperta ribellione.
NORFOLK	Non ‘quasi appare’— appare davvero; ché per queste tassazioni i drappieri tutti, non potendo mantenere i molti a loro appartenenti, hanno licenziato le filatrici, i cardatori, i follatori, i tessitori, i quali, inetti ad altra vita, costretti dalla fame e dalla mancanza d’altri mezzi, in modo disperato sfidando l’evento a viso aperto, sono tutti in tumulto, e il pericolo si aggira fra loro.
RE ENRICO	Tassazione? In che cosa, e quale tassazione? Mio signore Cardinale, voi che ne siete incolpato al pari di noi, sapete di questa tassazione?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Con vostra licenza, signore, io non conosco che una parte singola in tutto ciò che concerne lo stato, e sto in prima fila solo in quella schiera dove altri battono il passo con me.
REGINA CATERINA	No, mio signore? Non sapete più degli altri? Ma voi ordite cose che pur si sanno da tutti, e che non giovano a chi non vorrebbe conoscerle, e tuttavia deve per forza farne conoscenza. Queste esazioni di cui il mio sovrano vorrebbe notizia, sono pestifere all’udirle, e a portarle la schiena è sacrificata al carico. Si dice che siano ideate da voi, o altrimenti soffrite una troppo dura accusa.
RE ENRICO	Sempre esazione! Qual è la sua natura? Di che specie, fatecelo sapere, è questa esazione?
REGINA CATERINA	Sono fin troppo ardita nel tentare la vostra pazienza, ma m’incoraggia il perdono che m’avete promesso. Il dolore dei sudditi viene da commissioni che esigono da ciascuno la sesta parte del suo avere, da riscuotersi senza indugio, e il pretesto di ciò si dice essere le vostre guerre in Francia. Ciò fa bocche ardite. Le lingue sputano fuori i loro doveri, e cuori freddi gelano in essi la fedeltà. Le loro maledizioni ora vivono dove vivevano le preghiere, ed è avvenuto che questa docile obbedienza è schiava d’ogni volere inasprito. Vorrei che vostra altezza vi desse pronta considerazione, ché non v’è affare più urgente.
RE ENRICO	Sulla mia vita, ciò è contro il nostro piacere.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	E quanto a me, non son andato oltre in questo se non con un voto singolo, e quello non passò da me se non per dotta approvazione dei giudici. Se sono calunniato da lingue ignoranti, che né conoscono le mie facoltà né la mia persona, e tuttavia vogliono essere le cronache del mio operare, lasciatemi dire ch’è solo il destino della carica, e l’aspro roveto che la virtù deve attraversare. Non dobbiamo trattenere le nostre azioni necessarie per il timore d’affrontare maligni censori, i quali sempre, come pesci voraci, seguono un vascello di fresco allestito, ma non ne traggono altro profitto che un vano desiderio. Ciò che spesso facciamo meglio, per malati interpreti, un tempo deboli, non è nostro o non è concesso; ciò che peggio, altrettanto spesso, toccando una qualità più grossolana, è esaltato come il nostro atto migliore. Se dovessimo star fermi, nel timore che il nostro moto sia deriso o criticato, metteremmo radici qui dove sediamo, o non saremmo che statue di stato.
RE ENRICO	Le cose fatte bene, e con cura, si esentano dal timore; le cose fatte senza esempio, nel loro esito son da temere. Avete un precedente di questa commissione? Credo nessuno. Non dobbiamo strappare i nostri sudditi alle nostre leggi e conficcarli nel nostro volere. La sesta parte di ciascuno? Un tributo che fa tremare! Come, noi prendiamo da ogni albero rami, scorza e parte del legname, e benché lo lasciamo con la radice, così mutilato l’aria ne berrà la linfa. A ogni contea dove ciò è contestato mandate le nostre lettere con libero perdono a ogni uomo che abbia negato la forza di questa commissione. Vi prego, badateci— lo affido alla vostra cura.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a un segretario) Una parola con voi. Si scrivano lettere a ogni contea della grazia e del perdono del re. (A parte, al segretario) I comuni afflitti hanno di me cattiva opinione. Si faccia correre voce che per nostra intercessione questa revoca e questo perdono vengono. Fra poco vi darò ulteriori istruzioni sul procedere.
(didascalia)	Esce il segretario
(didascalia)	Entra l’intendente di Buckingham
REGINA CATERINA	(al re) Mi duole che il Duca di Buckingham sia incorso nel vostro disfavore.
RE ENRICO	Molti se ne dolgono. Il gentiluomo è dotto, e oratore rarissimo, alla natura nessuno più obbligato; la sua educazione tale che potrebbe fornire e istruire grandi maestri e mai cercare aiuto fuori di sé. Eppure vedete, quando doni così nobili si mostrino non bene disposti, corrottasi una volta la mente, si mutano in forme viziose dieci volte più brutte di quanto mai furono belle. Quest’uomo così compiuto, che era iscritto fra i prodigi—e quando noi, rapiti quasi nell’ascolto, non trovavamo che un minuto la sua ora di discorso—egli, mia signora, ha rivolto a mostruose abitudini le grazie che un tempo furono sue, ed è divenuto nero come se fosse imbrattato d’inferno. Sedete accanto a noi. Udrete— costui era il suo gentiluomo di fiducia— cose che rattristano l’onore. (A Wolsey) Ditegli di riferire le pratiche già ricordate, delle quali non possiamo sentire troppo poco, né udire troppo.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(all’intendente) Fatevi avanti, e con animo ardito riferite ciò che, da suddito accorto, avete raccolto dal Duca di Buckingham.
RE ENRICO	(all’intendente) Parlate liberamente.
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Primo, era in lui abituale, ogni giorno ne infettava il discorso, che se il re morisse senza prole, egli avrebbe fatto in modo di render suo lo scettro. Queste stesse parole l’ho udito proferire a suo genero, lord Abergavenny, cui con giuramento minacciò vendetta sul Cardinale.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(al re) Piaccia a vostra altezza notare il suo pericoloso concepimento in questo punto, non amico, nel suo desiderio, alla vostra alta persona. Il suo volere è quanto mai maligno, e si stende oltre voi fino ai vostri amici.
REGINA CATERINA	Mio dotto signore Cardinale, esponete ogni cosa con carità.
RE ENRICO	(all’intendente) Continua. Su che fondava il suo titolo alla corona in caso di nostra mancanza? Su questo punto l’hai udito in qualche tempo dire alcunché?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Fu condotto a ciò da una vana profezia di Nicholas Hopkins.
RE ENRICO	Chi era quell’Hopkins?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Signore, un frate certosino, suo confessore, che lo nutriva ogni minuto di parole di sovranità.
RE ENRICO	Come sai tu questo?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Non molto prima che vostra altezza movesse per la Francia, il Duca, trovandosi alla Rosa, nella parrocchia di San Lorenzo Poutney, mi domandò quale fosse il discorso fra i londinesi intorno al viaggio di Francia. Risposi che si temeva che i francesi si mostrassero perfidi, a rischio del re; subito il Duca disse ch’era quello il timore davvero, e ch’egli sospettava si sarebbe avverata la verità di certe parole dette da un santo monaco che spesso, dice egli, ‘ha mandato da me, desiderando ch’io permettessi a John de la Car, mio cappellano, un’ora eletta per udire da lui una faccenda di qualche momento; al quale poi, sotto il sigillo della confessione, aveva solennemente fatto giurare che quanto egli diceva il mio cappellano a nessuna creatura vivente se non a me dovesse riferire, e con contegno grave a pause seguì questo: “né il re né i suoi eredi”, di’ al Duca, “prospereranno. Digli di sforzarsi di conquistare l’amore del popolo. Il Duca governerà l’Inghilterra.” ’
REGINA CATERINA	Se vi conosco bene, eravate l’intendente del Duca, e perdeste l’ufficio per la querela dei fittavoli. Badate bene di non accusare nel vostro rancore una nobile persona e di non guastare la vostra più nobile anima. Dico, badate; sì, di cuore ve ne supplico.
RE ENRICO	Lasciatelo proseguire. (All’intendente) Avanti.
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Sulla mia anima dirò solo il vero. Dissi al mio signore il Duca che per illusioni del demonio il monaco poteva essere ingannato, e ch’era pericoloso rimuginare su ciò tanto oltre, finché non gli forgiasse qualche disegno il quale, creduto, era assai probabile ch’egli compisse. Rispose: ‘Bah, non può recarmi danno’, aggiungendo inoltre che se il re nella sua ultima malattia fosse mancato, le teste del Cardinale e di Sir Thomas Lovell sarebbero cadute.
RE ENRICO	Ah? Come, tanto rigoglioso? Ah, ah! C’è del malanno in quest’uomo. Puoi dire altro?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Posso, mio sire.
RE ENRICO	Procedi.
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Trovandoci a Greenwich, dopo che vostra altezza ebbe rimproverato il Duca a proposito di Sir William Bulmer—
RE ENRICO	Ricordo un tale tempo: essendo egli mio servitore giurato, il Duca lo trattenne come suo. Ma avanti—che ne seguì?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	‘Se’, disse, ‘per questo fossi stato imprigionato’— alla Torre, pensai—‘avrei recitato la parte che mio padre intendeva sostenere contro l’usurpatore Riccardo il quale, essendo a Salisbury, chiese di venire alla sua presenza; e, se concesso, mentre faceva sembiante d’omaggio, gli avrebbe cacciato dentro il coltello.’
RE ENRICO	Un traditore gigantesco!
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(alla regina) Ora, signora, può sua altezza vivere in libertà, e quest’uomo fuori di prigione?
REGINA CATERINA	Dio rimedi a tutto.
RE ENRICO	(all’intendente) C’è dell’altro che vorrebbe uscire da te—che dici?
INTENDENTE DI BUCKINGHAM	Dopo ‘il Duca suo padre’, col ‘coltello’, si distese, e con una mano sul pugnale, l’altra spiegata sul petto, alzando gli occhi, scagliò un orribile giuramento il cui tenore era che, se maltrattato, avrebbe superato suo padre di tanto quanto un’esecuzione supera un proposito irresoluto.
RE ENRICO	Ecco il suo fine— rinfoderare in noi il suo coltello. È in arresto. Chiamatelo a immediato giudizio. Se può trovare misericordia nella legge, sia sua; se nessuna, non la cerchi da noi. Di giorno e di notte, è traditore al sommo grado.
(didascalia)	Squilli di tromba. Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Is’t possible the spells of France should juggle Men into such strange mysteries?
SANDS	New customs, Though they be never so ridiculous— Nay, let ’em be unmanly—yet are followed.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	As far as I see, all the good our English Have got by the late voyage is but merely A fit or two o’th’ face. But they are shrewd ones, For when they hold ’em you would swear directly Their very noses had been counsellors To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so.
SANDS	They have all new legs, and lame ones; one would take it, That never see ’em pace before, the spavin Or spring-halt reigned among ’em.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Death, my lord, Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to’t That sure they’ve worn out Christendom.
(didascalia)	Enter Sir Thomas Lovell
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	How now— What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?
LOVELL	Faith, my lord, I hear of none but the new proclamation That’s clapped upon the court gate.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	What is’t for?
LOVELL	The reformation of our travelled gallants That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I’m glad ’tis there. Now I would pray our ’messieurs’ To think an English courtier may be wise And never see the Louvre.
LOVELL	They must either, For so run the conditions, leave those remnants Of fool and feather that they got in France, With all their honourable points of ignorance Pertaining thereunto—as fights and fireworks, Abusing better men than they can be Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings, Short blistered breeches, and those types of travel— And understand again like honest men, Or pack to their old playfellows. There, I take it, They may, cum privilegio, ‘oui’ away The lag end of their lewdness and be laughed at.
SANDS	‘Tis time to give ’em physic, their diseases Are grown so catching.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	What a loss our ladies Will have of these trim vanities!
LOVELL	Ay, marry, There will be woe indeed, lords. The sly whoresons Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies. A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.
SANDS	The devil fiddle ’em! I am glad they are going, For sure there’s no converting of ’em. Now An honest country lord, as I am, beaten A long time out of play, may bring his plainsong And have an hour of hearing, and, by’r Lady, Held current music, too.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Well said, Lord Sands. Your colt’s tooth is not cast yet?
SANDS	No, my lord, Nor shall not while I have a stump.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(to Lovell) Sir Thomas, Whither were you a-going?
LOVELL	To the Cardinal’s. Your lordship is a guest too.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	O, ’tis true. This night he makes a supper, and a great one, To many lords and ladies. There will be The beauty of this kingdom, I’ll assure you.
LOVELL	That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed, A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us. His dews fall everywhere.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	No doubt he’s noble. He had a black mouth that said other of him.
SANDS	He may, my lord; he’s wherewithal. In him Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine. Men of his way should be most liberal. They are set here for examples.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	True, they are so, But few now give so great ones. My barge stays. Your lordship shall along. (To Lovell) Come, good Sir Thomas, We shall be late else, which I would not be, For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford, This night to be comptrollers.
SANDS	I am your lordship’s.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano il Lord Ciambellano e Lord Sands
LORD CIAMBELLANO	È possibile che gli incantesimi di Francia stregolino gli uomini in così strani misteri?
SANDS	Le usanze nuove, per quanto siano ridicole— anzi, siano pure poco virili—pure si seguono.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Per quanto vedo, tutto il bene che i nostri inglesi hanno tratto dall’ultimo viaggio è soltanto una smorfia o due sul volto. Ma sono smorfie astute, ché quando le tengono giureresti addirittura che i loro nasi stessi siano stati consiglieri di Pipino o di Clotario, tanto si danno contegno.
SANDS	Hanno tutti gambe nuove, e zoppe; chi penserebbe, non avendoli mai visti camminare prima, che lo spavenio o l’arrembatura regnasse fra loro.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Morte, mio signore, i loro abiti son tagliati a foggia così pagana che di certo hanno consumato la cristianità.
(didascalia)	Entra Sir Thomas Lovell
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ebbene— che nuove, Sir Thomas Lovell?
LOVELL	Fede mia, mio signore, non odo d’altro che del nuovo bando affisso alla porta della corte.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	A che serve?
LOVELL	Alla riforma dei nostri galanti reduci dai viaggi che riempiono la corte di risse, chiacchiere e sarti.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Son lieto che sia là. Ora pregherei i nostri ‘messieurs’ di pensare che un cortigiano inglese può essere saggio e non veder mai il Louvre.
LOVELL	Devono o, ché così suonano le condizioni, lasciare quei resti di follia e di piume che presero in Francia, con tutti i loro onorevoli punti d’ignoranza a ciò pertinenti—come duelli e fuochi d’artificio, oltraggiando uomini migliori di quanto essi possano essere in nome d’una saggezza straniera, rinunciando del tutto alla fede che ripongono nel tennis e nelle calze lunghe, nei brevi calzoni a sbuffo, e in quelle insegne di viaggio— e tornare a ragionare come uomini onesti, o far fagotto verso i vecchi compagni di gioco. Là, credo, potranno, cum privilegio, ‘oui’-eggiare via l’ultimo scampolo della loro sconcezza ed esser derisi.
SANDS	È tempo di dar loro una purga, i loro morbi son divenuti così contagiosi.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Che perdita avranno le nostre dame di queste eleganti vanità!
LOVELL	Sì, davvero, vi sarà gran dolore, signori. Quei furbi figli di puttana hanno un trucco spiccio per stendere le dame. Una canzone francese e un violino non han pari.
SANDS	Che il diavolo li strimpelli! Son lieto che se ne vadano, ché di certo non c’è modo di convertirli. Ora un onesto signore di campagna, quale io sono, cacciato da gran tempo fuori dal gioco, potrà portare il suo canto piano e avere un’ora d’ascolto, e, per la Madonna, esser tenuto anche per musica corrente.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ben detto, Lord Sands. Non vi è ancora caduto il dente da puledro?
SANDS	No, mio signore, né cadrà finché me ne resti un moncone.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	(a Lovell) Sir Thomas, dove eravate diretto?
LOVELL	Dal Cardinale. Anche vostra signoria è invitata.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Oh, è vero. Questa notte egli dà una cena, e grande, a molti signori e dame. Vi sarà la bellezza di questo regno, ve l’assicuro.
LOVELL	Quel prelato ha davvero animo generoso, una mano feconda come la terra che ci nutre. Le sue rugiade cadono dappertutto.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Senza dubbio è nobile. Avrebbe bocca nera chi dicesse altro di lui.
SANDS	Ben può esserlo, mio signore; ne ha i mezzi. In lui il risparmio mostrerebbe peccato peggiore d’una cattiva dottrina. Uomini della sua condizione devono essere liberalissimi. Sono posti qui a esempio.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Vero, lo sono, ma pochi ora ne danno di così grandi. La mia barca attende. Vostra signoria verrà con me. (A Lovell) Venite, buon Sir Thomas, altrimenti faremo tardi, cosa che non vorrei, ché mi fu chiesto, insieme a Sir Henry Guildford, d’essere questa notte sovrintendenti.
SANDS	Sono ai comandi di vostra signoria.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter servants with a small table for Cardinal Wolsey Which they place under the cloth of state, and a longer table for the guests. Then enter at one door Anne Boleyn and divers other ladies and gentlemen as guests, and at another door enter Sir Henry Guildford
(didascalia)	GUlLDFORD Ladies, a general welcome from his grace Salutes ye all. This night he dedicates To fair content and you. None here, he hopes, In all this noble bevy, has brought with her One care abroad. He would have all as merry As feast, good company, good wine, good welcome Can make good people.
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and Sir Thomas Lovell
(didascalia)	(To the Lord Chamberlain) O, my lord, you’re tardy. The very thought of this fair company Clapped wings to me.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.
SANDS	Sir Thomas Lovell, had the Cardinal But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these Should find a running banquet, ere they rested, I think would better please ’em. By my life, They are a sweet society of fair ones.
LOVELL	O, that your lordship were but now confessor To one or two of these.
SANDS	I would I were. They should find easy penance.
LOVELL	Faith, how easy?
SANDS	As easy as a down bed would afford it.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? (To Guildford) Sir Harry, Place you that side, I’ll take the charge of this. They sit about the longer table. A noise within His grace is ent‘ring. Nay, you must not freeze— Two women placed together makes cold weather. My lord Sands, you are one will keep ’em waking. Pray sit between these ladies.
SANDS	By my faith, And thank your lordship. He sits between Anne and another By your leave, sweet ladies. If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me. I had it from my father.
ANNE	Was he mad, sir?
SANDS	O, very mad; exceeding mad—in love, too. But he would bite none. Just as I do now, He would kiss you twenty with a breath. He kisses her
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Well said, my lord. So now you’re fairly seated. Gentlemen, The penance lies on you if these fair ladies Pass away frowning.
SANDS	For my little cure, Let me alone.
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey who takes his seat at the small table under the state
CARDINAL WOLSEY	You’re welcome, my fair guests. That noble lady Or gentleman that is not freely merry Is not my friend. This, to confirm my welcome, And to you all, good health! He drinks
SANDS	Your grace is noble. Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks, And save me so much talking.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	My lord Sands, I am beholden to you. Cheer your neighbours. Ladies, you are not merry! Gentlemen, Whose fault is this?
SANDS	The red wine first must rise In their fair cheeks, my lord, then we shall have ’em Talk us to silence.
ANNE	You are a merry gamester, My lord Sands.
SANDS	Yes, if I make my play. Here’s to your ladyship; and pledge it, madam, For ’tis to such a thing—
ANNE	You cannot show me.
SANDS	(to Wolsey) I told your grace they would talk anon.
(didascalia)	Drum and trumpet. Chambers discharged
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What’s that?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(to the servants) Look out there, some of ye.
(didascalia)	Exit a servant
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What warlike voice, And to what end is this? Nay, ladies, fear not. By all the laws of war you’re privileged.
(didascalia)	Enter the servant
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	How now—what is’t?
SERVANT	A noble troop of strangers, For so they seem. They’ve left their barge and landed, And hither make as great ambassadors From foreign princes.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Good Lord Chamberlain, Go give ’em welcome—you can speak the French tongue. And pray receive ’em nobly, and conduct ’em Into our presence where this heaven of beauty Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.
(didascalia)	Exit Chamberlain, attended
CARDINAL WOLSEY	All rise, and some servants remove the tables You have now a broken banquet, but we’ll mend it. A good digestion to you all, and once more I shower a welcome on ye—welcome all.
(didascalia)	Hautboys. Enter, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain, King Henry and others as masquers habited like shepherds. They pass directly before Cardinal Wolsey and gracefully salute him
CARDINAL WOLSEY	A noble company. What are their pleasures?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Because they speak no English, thus they prayed To tell your grace, that, having heard by fame Of this so noble and so fair assembly This night to meet here, they could do no less, Out of the great respect they bear to beauty, But leave their flocks, and, under your fair conduct, Crave leave to view these ladies, and entreat An hour of revels with ’em.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Say, Lord Chamberlain, They have done my poor house grace, for which I pay ’em A thousand thanks, and pray ’em take their pleasures. The masquers choose ladies. The King chooses Anne Boleyn
KING HENRY	(to Anne) The fairest hand I ever touched. O beauty, Till now I never knew thee.
(didascalia)	Music. They dance
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Lord Chamberlain) My lord.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Your grace.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Pray tell ’em thus much from me. There should be one amongst ’em by his person More worthy this place than myself, to whom, If I but knew him, with my love and duty I would surrender it.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I will, my lord. He whispers with the masquers
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What say they?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Such a one they all confess There is indeed, which they would have your grace Find out, and he will take it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	standing Let me see then. By all your good leaves, gentlemen, here I’ll make My royal choice. He bows before the King
KING HENRY	unmasking Ye have found him, Cardinal. You hold a fair assembly. You do well, lord. You are a churchman, or I’ll tell you, Cardinal, I should judge now unhappily.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I am glad Your grace is grown so pleasant.
KING HENRY	My Lord Chamberlain, Prithee come hither. (Gesturing towards Anne) What fair lady’s that?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	An’t please your grace, Sir Thomas Boleyn’s daughter— The Viscount Rochford—one of her highness’ women.
KING HENRY	By heaven, she is a dainty one. (To Anne) Sweetheart, I were unmannerly to take you out
(didascalia)	And not to kiss you kisses her. A health, gentlemen;
KING HENRY	He drinks Let it go round.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready I’th’ privy chamber?
LOVELL	Yes, my lord.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Your grace I fear with dancing is a little heated.
KING HENRY	I fear too much.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	There’s fresher air, my lord, In the next chamber.
KING HENRY	Lead in your ladies, every one. (To Anne) Sweet partner, I must not yet forsake you. (To Wolsey) Let’s be merry, Good my lord Cardinal. I have half a dozen healths To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure To lead ’em once again, and then let’s dream Who’s best in favour. Let the music knock it.
(didascalia)	Exeunt with trumpets
KING HENRY	2.1 Enter two Gentlemen, at several doors
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Whither away so fast?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	O, God save ye. Ev’n to the hall to hear what shall become Of the great Duke of Buckingham.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll save you That labour, sir. All’s now done but the ceremony Of bringing back the prisoner.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Were you there?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, indeed was I.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Pray speak what has happened.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You may guess quickly what.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Is he found guilty?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, truly is he, and condemned upon’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am sorry for’t.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	So are a number more.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But pray, how passed it?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll tell you in a little. The great Duke Came to the bar, where to his accusations He pleaded still not guilty, and allegèd Many sharp reasons to defeat the law. The King’s attorney, on the contrary, Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions, Of divers witnesses, which the Duke desired To him brought viva voce to his face— At which appeared against him his surveyor, Sir Gilbert Perk his chancellor, and John Car, Confessor to him, with that devil-monk, Hopkins, that made this mischief.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That was he That fed him with his prophecies.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	The same. All these accused him strongly, which he fain Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not. And so his peers, upon this evidence, Have found him guilty of high treason. Much He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all Was either pitied in him or forgotten.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	After all this, how did he bear himself?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear His knell rung out, his judgement, he was stirred With such an agony he sweat extremely, And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty; But he fell to himself again, and sweetly In all the rest showed a most noble patience.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I do not think he fears death.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Sure he does not. He never was so womanish. The cause He may a little grieve at.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Certainly The Cardinal is the end of this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis likely By all conjectures: first, Kildare’s attainder, Then deputy of Ireland, who, removed, Earl Surrey was sent thither—and in haste, too, Lest he should help his father.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That trick of state Was a deep envious one.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	At his return No doubt he will requite it. This is noted, And generally: whoever the King favours, The Card’nal instantly will find employment— And far enough from court, too.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	All the commons Hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep. This Duke as much They love and dote on, call him ‘bounteous Buckingham, The mirror of all courtesy’—
(didascalia)	Enter the Duke of Buckingham from his arraignment, tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him, halberdiers on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands, and common people
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Stay there, sir, And see the noble ruined man you speak of.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Let’s stand close and behold him. They stand apart
BUCKINGHAM	(to the common people) All good people, You that thus far have come to pity me, Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me. I have this day received a traitor’s judgement, And by that name must die. Yet, heaven bear witness, And if I have a conscience let it sink me, Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful. The law I bear no malice for my death. ’T has done, upon the premises, but justice. But those that sought it I could wish more Christians. Be what they will, I heartily forgive ‘em. Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief, Nor build their evils on the graves of great men, For then my guiltless blood must cry against ‘em. For further life in this world I ne’er hope, Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me like good angels to my end, And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, And lift my soul to heaven. (To the guard) Lead on, i’ God’s name.
LOVELL	I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.
BUCKINGHAM	Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you As I would be forgiven. I forgive all. There cannot be those numberless offences ‘Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black envy Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace, And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers Yet are the King’s, and, till my soul forsake, Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live Longer than I have time to tell his years; Ever beloved and loving may his rule be; And, when old time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument.
LOVELL	To th’ waterside I must conduct your grace, Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end.
VAUX	(to an attendant) Prepare there— The Duke is coming. See the barge be ready, And fit it with such furniture as suits The greatness of his person.
BUCKINGHAM	Nay, Sir Nicholas, Let it alone. My state now will but mock me. When I came hither I was Lord High Constable And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun. Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it, And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for’t. My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, Who first raised head against usurping Richard, Flying for succour to his servant Banister, Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed, And without trial fell. God’s peace be with him. Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying My father’s loss, like a most royal prince, Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins Made my name once more noble. Now his son, Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name, and all That made me happy, at one stroke has taken For ever from the world. I had my trial, And must needs say a noble one; which makes me A little happier than my wretched father. Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most— A most unnatural and faithless service. Heaven has an end in all. Yet, you that hear me, This from a dying man receive as certain— Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels, Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends And give your hearts to, when they once perceive The least rub in your fortunes, fall away Like water from ye, never found again But where they mean to sink ye. All good people Pray for me. I must now forsake ye. The last hour Of my long weary life is come upon me. Farewell, and when you would say something that is sad, Speak how I fell. I have done, and God forgive me.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Buckingham and train
BUCKINGHAM	The two Gentlemen come forward
FIRST GENTLEMAN	O, this is full of pity, sir; it calls, I fear, too many curses on their heads That were the authors.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	If the Duke be guiltless, ’Tis full of woe. Yet I can give you inkling Of an ensuing evil, if it fall, Greater than this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Good angels keep it from us. What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	This secret is so weighty, ’twill require A strong faith to conceal it.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Let me have it— I do not talk much.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am confident; You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear A buzzing of separation Between the King and Katherine?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, but it held not. For when the King once heard it, out of anger He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight To stop the rumour and allay those tongues That durst disperse it.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But that slander, sir, Is found a truth now, for it grows again Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal Or some about him near have, out of malice To the good Queen, possessed him with a scruple That will undo her. To confirm this, too, Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately, As all think, for this business.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis the Cardinal; And merely to revenge him on the Emperor For not bestowing on him at his asking The Archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I think you have hit the mark. But is’t not cruel That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal Will have his will, and she must fall.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis woeful. We are too open here to argue this. Let’s think in private more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Oboi. Entrano servi con una piccola tavola per il Cardinale Wolsey, che collocano sotto il baldacchino regale, e una tavola più lunga per gli ospiti. Poi entrano da una porta Anna Bolena e diverse altre dame e gentiluomini come ospiti, e da un’altra porta entra Sir Henry Guildford
(didascalia)	GUILDFORD Dame, un generale benvenuto da parte di sua grazia vi saluta tutte. Questa notte egli la dedica al bel diletto e a voi. Nessuna qui, egli spera, in tutto questo nobile stuolo, ha portato con sé una sola cura di fuori. Vorrebbe tutti allegri quanto festa, buona compagnia, buon vino, buona accoglienza possono rendere buona gente.
(didascalia)	Entrano il Lord Ciambellano, Lord Sands e Sir Thomas Lovell
(didascalia)	(Al Lord Ciambellano) Oh, mio signore, siete in ritardo. Il solo pensiero di questa bella compagnia mi ha messo le ali.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Siete giovane, Sir Harry Guildford.
SANDS	Sir Thomas Lovell, se il Cardinale avesse anche solo metà dei miei pensieri laici, alcune di queste troverebbero un banchetto volante, prima di riposare, che, credo, meglio le contenterebbe. Sulla mia vita, sono una dolce società di belle.
LOVELL	Oh, se vostra signoria fosse ora confessore d’una o due di queste.
SANDS	Vorrei esserlo. Troverebbero facile penitenza.
LOVELL	Fede mia, quanto facile?
SANDS	Facile quanto un letto di piume potrebbe concederla.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Dolci dame, vi piace sedervi? (A Guildford) Sir Harry, voi disponete quel lato, io mi prenderò cura di questo. Siedono attorno alla tavola più lunga. Rumore da dentro Sua grazia sta entrando. Suvvia, non dovete gelare— due donne poste insieme fanno tempo freddo. Mio signore Sands, voi siete uomo da tenerle sveglie. Vi prego, sedete tra queste dame.
SANDS	Sulla mia fede, e ringrazio vostra signoria. Siede fra Anna e un’altra Con vostra licenza, dolci dame. Se mi capita di parlare un po’ selvaggio, perdonatemi. L’ho preso da mio padre.
ANNA	Era pazzo, signore?
SANDS	Oh, pazzissimo; oltremodo pazzo—e in amore, per giunta. Ma non mordeva nessuno. Proprio come faccio io ora, ve ne baciava venti in un fiato. La bacia
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ben detto, mio signore. Ora dunque siete bene accomodati. Gentiluomini, la penitenza ricade su di voi se queste belle dame se ne andranno accigliate.
SANDS	Quanto alla mia piccola cura, lasciate fare a me solo.
(didascalia)	Oboi. Entra il Cardinale Wolsey, che prende posto alla piccola tavola sotto il baldacchino
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Siate i benvenuti, miei belli ospiti. Quella nobile dama o gentiluomo che non sia liberamente allegro non è mio amico. Questo, a conferma del mio benvenuto, e a voi tutti, salute! Beve
SANDS	Vostra grazia è nobile. Datemi una coppa tale che possa contenere i miei ringraziamenti, e mi risparmi tanto parlare.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Mio signore Sands, vi sono obbligato. Rallegrate i vostri vicini. Dame, non siete allegre! Gentiluomini, di chi è la colpa?
SANDS	Il vino rosso deve prima salire alle loro belle guance, mio signore, e allora le avremo a ridurci col parlare al silenzio.
ANNA	Siete un allegro giocatore, mio signore Sands.
SANDS	Sì, se mi riesce la giocata. Alla salute di vostra signoria; e brindate, madama, ché è a una cosa tale—
ANNA	Che non potete mostrarmi.
SANDS	(a Wolsey) Dicevo a vostra grazia che presto avrebbero parlato.
(didascalia)	Tamburo e tromba. Salve di cannoncini
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Che cos’è?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	(ai servi) Guardate fuori là, alcuni di voi.
(didascalia)	Esce un servo
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Che voce guerresca, e a qual fine è questa? Suvvia, dame, non temete. Per tutte le leggi di guerra siete privilegiate.
(didascalia)	Entra il servo
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ebbene—che c’è?
SERVO	Una nobile schiera di stranieri, ché tali sembrano. Hanno lasciato la barca e sono sbarcati, e vengono qua come grandi ambasciatori di principi stranieri.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Buon Lord Ciambellano, andate a dar loro il benvenuto—voi sapete parlare la lingua francese. E vi prego accoglieteli nobilmente, e conduceteli alla nostra presenza, dove questo cielo di bellezza splenderà su loro in pieno. Alcuni lo accompagnino.
(didascalia)	Esce il Ciambellano, con seguito
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Tutti si levano, e alcuni servi rimuovono le tavole Avete ora un banchetto interrotto, ma vi porremo rimedio. Buona digestione a voi tutti, e ancora una volta riverso su di voi un benvenuto—benvenuti tutti.
(didascalia)	Oboi. Entrano, scortati dal Lord Ciambellano, il re Enrico e altri come mascherati vestiti da pastori. Passano direttamente davanti al Cardinale Wolsey e lo salutano con grazia
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Una nobile compagnia. Quali sono i loro desideri?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Poiché non parlano inglese, così pregarono che si dicesse a vostra grazia che, avendo udito per fama di questa così nobile e così bella assemblea riunita qui questa notte, non poterono far meno, per il grande rispetto che portano alla bellezza, che lasciare le loro greggi, e, sotto la vostra bella guida, chiedono licenza di vedere queste dame, e implorano un’ora di festa con loro.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Dite, Lord Ciambellano, ch’essi hanno fatto grazia alla mia povera casa, per la quale rendo loro mille grazie, e li prego di prendersi i loro piaceri. I mascherati scelgono le dame. Il re sceglie Anna Bolena
RE ENRICO	(ad Anna) La più bella mano ch’io abbia mai toccato. Oh bellezza, fino ad ora mai ti conobbi.
(didascalia)	Musica. Danzano
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(al Lord Ciambellano) Mio signore.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Vostra grazia.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Vi prego di dir loro questo da parte mia. Vi dovrebbe essere uno fra loro che per la sua persona è più degno di questo posto di quanto io stesso sia, al quale, se pur lo conoscessi, con il mio amore e il mio dovere lo cederei.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Lo farò, mio signore. Bisbiglia con i mascherati
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Che dicono?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Tutti confessano che uno tale v’è davvero, e vorrebbero che vostra grazia lo scoprisse, ed egli lo prenderà.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	alzandosi Lasciate dunque ch’io veda. Con tutti i vostri buoni permessi, gentiluomini, qui farò la mia scelta regale. S’inchina davanti al re
RE ENRICO	smascherandosi L’avete trovato, Cardinale. Tenete una bella assemblea. Fate bene, signore. Siete un uomo di chiesa, o vi dirò, Cardinale, che giudicherei ora malamente.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Son lieto che vostra grazia sia divenuta così faceta.
RE ENRICO	Mio Lord Ciambellano, di grazia venite qua. (Accennando verso Anna) Chi è quella bella dama?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Se piace a vostra grazia, la figlia di Sir Thomas Boleyn— il visconte Rochford—una delle dame di sua altezza.
RE ENRICO	Per il cielo, è una leggiadra. (Ad Anna) Cuor mio, sarei scortese a condurvi in danza
(didascalia)	e non baciarvi la bacia. Un brindisi, gentiluomini;
RE ENRICO	Beve Che giri in tondo.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Sir Thomas Lovell, è pronto il banchetto nella camera privata?
LOVELL	Sì, mio signore.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(al re) Vostra grazia temo che col danzare si sia un po’ riscaldata.
RE ENRICO	Temo troppo.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	V’è aria più fresca, mio signore, nella camera accanto.
RE ENRICO	Conducete dentro le vostre dame, ognuno. (Ad Anna) Dolce compagna, non devo ancora lasciarvi. (A Wolsey) Siamo allegri, mio buon signore Cardinale. Ho una mezza dozzina di brindisi da bere a queste belle dame, e una danza da guidare ancora una volta con loro, e poi sogniamo chi è più in favore. Che la musica batta il tempo.
(didascalia)	Escono con trombe

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter two Gentlemen, at several doors
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Whither away so fast?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	O, God save ye. Ev’n to the hall to hear what shall become Of the great Duke of Buckingham.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll save you That labour, sir. All’s now done but the ceremony Of bringing back the prisoner.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Were you there?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, indeed was I.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Pray speak what has happened.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You may guess quickly what.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Is he found guilty?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, truly is he, and condemned upon’t.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am sorry for’t.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	So are a number more.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But pray, how passed it?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	I’ll tell you in a little. The great Duke Came to the bar, where to his accusations He pleaded still not guilty, and allegèd Many sharp reasons to defeat the law. The King’s attorney, on the contrary, Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions, Of divers witnesses, which the Duke desired To him brought viva voce to his face— At which appeared against him his surveyor, Sir Gilbert Perk his chancellor, and John Car, Confessor to him, with that devil-monk, Hopkins, that made this mischief.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That was he That fed him with his prophecies.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	The same. All these accused him strongly, which he fain Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not. And so his peers, upon this evidence, Have found him guilty of high treason. Much He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all Was either pitied in him or forgotten.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	After all this, how did he bear himself?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	When he was brought again to th’ bar to hear His knell rung out, his judgement, he was stirred With such an agony he sweat extremely, And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty; But he fell to himself again, and sweetly In all the rest showed a most noble patience.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I do not think he fears death.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Sure he does not. He never was so womanish. The cause He may a little grieve at.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Certainly The Cardinal is the end of this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis likely By all conjectures: first, Kildare’s attainder, Then deputy of Ireland, who, removed, Earl Surrey was sent thither—and in haste, too, Lest he should help his father.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	That trick of state Was a deep envious one.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	At his return No doubt he will requite it. This is noted, And generally: whoever the King favours, The Card’nal instantly will find employment— And far enough from court, too.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	All the commons Hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep. This Duke as much They love and dote on, call him ‘bounteous Buckingham, The mirror of all courtesy’—
(didascalia)	Enter the Duke of Buckingham from his arraignment, tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him, halberdiers on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands, and common people
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Stay there, sir, And see the noble ruined man you speak of.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Let’s stand close and behold him. They stand apart
BUCKINGHAM	(to the common people) All good people, You that thus far have come to pity me, Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me. I have this day received a traitor’s judgement, And by that name must die. Yet, heaven bear witness, And if I have a conscience let it sink me, Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful. The law I bear no malice for my death. ’T has done, upon the premises, but justice. But those that sought it I could wish more Christians. Be what they will, I heartily forgive ‘em. Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief, Nor build their evils on the graves of great men, For then my guiltless blood must cry against ‘em. For further life in this world I ne’er hope, Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me like good angels to my end, And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, And lift my soul to heaven. (To the guard) Lead on, i’ God’s name.
LOVELL	I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.
BUCKINGHAM	Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you As I would be forgiven. I forgive all. There cannot be those numberless offences ‘Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black envy Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace, And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers Yet are the King’s, and, till my soul forsake, Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live Longer than I have time to tell his years; Ever beloved and loving may his rule be; And, when old time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument.
LOVELL	To th’ waterside I must conduct your grace, Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end.
VAUX	(to an attendant) Prepare there— The Duke is coming. See the barge be ready, And fit it with such furniture as suits The greatness of his person.
BUCKINGHAM	Nay, Sir Nicholas, Let it alone. My state now will but mock me. When I came hither I was Lord High Constable And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun. Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it, And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for’t. My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, Who first raised head against usurping Richard, Flying for succour to his servant Banister, Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed, And without trial fell. God’s peace be with him. Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying My father’s loss, like a most royal prince, Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins Made my name once more noble. Now his son, Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name, and all That made me happy, at one stroke has taken For ever from the world. I had my trial, And must needs say a noble one; which makes me A little happier than my wretched father. Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most— A most unnatural and faithless service. Heaven has an end in all. Yet, you that hear me, This from a dying man receive as certain— Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels, Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends And give your hearts to, when they once perceive The least rub in your fortunes, fall away Like water from ye, never found again But where they mean to sink ye. All good people Pray for me. I must now forsake ye. The last hour Of my long weary life is come upon me. Farewell, and when you would say something that is sad, Speak how I fell. I have done, and God forgive me.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Buckingham and train
BUCKINGHAM	The two Gentlemen come forward
FIRST GENTLEMAN	O, this is full of pity, sir; it calls, I fear, too many curses on their heads That were the authors.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	If the Duke be guiltless, ’Tis full of woe. Yet I can give you inkling Of an ensuing evil, if it fall, Greater than this.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Good angels keep it from us. What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	This secret is so weighty, ’twill require A strong faith to conceal it.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Let me have it— I do not talk much.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I am confident; You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear A buzzing of separation Between the King and Katherine?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, but it held not. For when the King once heard it, out of anger He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight To stop the rumour and allay those tongues That durst disperse it.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But that slander, sir, Is found a truth now, for it grows again Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal Or some about him near have, out of malice To the good Queen, possessed him with a scruple That will undo her. To confirm this, too, Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately, As all think, for this business.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis the Cardinal; And merely to revenge him on the Emperor For not bestowing on him at his asking The Archbishopric of Toledo this is purposed.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I think you have hit the mark. But is’t not cruel That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal Will have his will, and she must fall.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis woeful. We are too open here to argue this. Let’s think in private more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano due Gentiluomini, da porte diverse
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Dove andate così in fretta?
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Oh, Dio vi salvi. Proprio alla sala, per udire che ne sarà del grande Duca di Buckingham.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Vi risparmierò quella fatica, signore. Tutto è ormai compiuto tranne la cerimonia del ricondurre il prigioniero.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Vi eravate?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Sì, davvero c’ero.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Di grazia, dite che cosa è accaduto.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Potete indovinarlo presto.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	È stato trovato colpevole?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Sì, davvero lo è, e su ciò condannato.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Me ne dispiace.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	E così a molti altri.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Ma di grazia, come andò?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Ve lo dirò in breve. Il gran Duca venne alla sbarra, dove alle sue accuse si dichiarò sempre non colpevole, e addusse molte acute ragioni per sconfiggere la legge. Il procuratore del re, al contrario, insistette sugli esami, le prove, le confessioni di diversi testimoni, che il Duca desiderò gli fossero portati viva voce in faccia— al che apparvero contro di lui il suo intendente, Sir Gilbert Perk suo cancelliere, e John Car, suo confessore, con quel monaco-demonio, Hopkins, che ordì questo malanno.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Fu quello che lo nutrì delle sue profezie.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Lo stesso. Tutti costoro l’accusarono fortemente, ed egli volentieri li avrebbe scrollati da sé, ma invero non poté. E così i suoi pari, su questa testimonianza, l’hanno trovato colpevole d’alto tradimento. Molto egli parlò, e dottamente, per la vita, ma tutto fu o compatito in lui o dimenticato.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Dopo tutto questo, come si contenne?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Quando fu ricondotto alla sbarra per udire suonare la sua campana a morto, la sua sentenza, fu scosso da tale angoscia che sudò oltremodo, e disse qualcosa in collera, male e in fretta; ma tornò poi in sé, e dolcemente in tutto il resto mostrò nobilissima pazienza.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Non credo ch’egli tema la morte.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Certo che no. Non fu mai così donnesco. Della causa può un poco dolersi.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Certamente il Cardinale è il fine di questo.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	È probabile per ogni congettura: prima la condanna di Kildare, allora vicerè d’Irlanda, il quale, rimosso, il conte di Surrey vi fu mandato—e anche in fretta, perché non aiutasse suo padre.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Quel giuoco di stato fu profondamente invidioso.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Al suo ritorno senza dubbio lo ricambierà. Ciò è notato, e generalmente: chiunque il re favorisca, il Cardinale gli troverà all’istante un impiego— e abbastanza lontano dalla corte, per giunta.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Tutto il popolo l’odia perniciosamente e, sulla mia coscienza, lo vorrebbe dieci braccia sottoterra. Questo Duca altrettanto amano e vezzeggiano, lo chiamano ‘il generoso Buckingham, lo specchio d’ogni cortesia’—
(didascalia)	Entra il Duca di Buckingham dal suo processo, con gli uscieri davanti a lui, la scure col taglio rivolto verso di lui, alabardieri ai lati, accompagnato da Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands e popolani
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Fermatevi qui, signore, e vedete il nobile uomo rovinato di cui parlate.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Stiamo appartati e guardiamolo. Si tengono in disparte
BUCKINGHAM	(ai popolani) Buona gente tutta, voi che siete venuti fin qui a compiangermi, udite ciò che dico, e poi andate a casa e perdetemi. Ho ricevuto oggi la sentenza d’un traditore, e con quel nome devo morire. Pure, il cielo mi sia testimone, e s’io ho una coscienza, mi faccia sprofondare, proprio mentre cade la scure, s’io non sono fedele. Alla legge non porto rancore per la mia morte. Essa ha fatto, sulle premesse, soltanto giustizia. Ma quelli che l’hanno cercata li vorrei più cristiani. Siano ciò che vogliono, di cuore li perdono. Pure badino di non gloriarsi nel malfare, né d’edificare i loro mali sulle tombe dei grandi, ché allora il mio innocente sangue dovrà gridare contro di loro. Di più vita in questo mondo mai più spero, né la chiederò, benché il re abbia misericordie più di quante io osi far colpe. Voi pochi che m’avete amato, e osate esser arditi a piangere per Buckingham, suoi nobili amici e compagni, il lasciare i quali è la sola cosa amara per lui, la sola morte, venite con me come buoni angeli alla mia fine, e, quando il lungo divorzio dell’acciaio cadrà su di me, fate delle vostre preghiere un dolce sacrificio, e sollevate la mia anima al cielo. (Alla guardia) Avanti, nel nome di Dio.
LOVELL	Supplico vostra grazia, per carità, se mai alcun rancore nel vostro cuore fu nascosto contro di me, di perdonarmi ora francamente.
BUCKINGHAM	Sir Thomas Lovell, io vi perdono altrettanto liberamente quanto vorrei essere perdonato. Perdono tutti. Non possono esservi contro di me offese così innumerevoli che io non possa farvi pace. Nessuna nera invidia segnerà la mia tomba. Raccomandatemi a sua grazia, e s’egli parla di Buckingham, vi prego ditegli che l’avete incontrato già mezzo in cielo. I miei voti e le mie preghiere sono ancora del re, e, finché la mia anima non se ne parta, invocheranno benedizioni su di lui. Possa egli vivere più a lungo di quanto io abbia tempo per contare i suoi anni; sempre amato e amante sia il suo governo; e, quando il vecchio tempo lo condurrà alla sua fine, la bontà e lui riempiano un solo monumento.
LOVELL	Fino alla riva devo condurre vostra grazia, poi cedere il mio incarico a Sir Nicholas Vaux, che vi prende in consegna fino alla vostra fine.
VAUX	(a un servitore) Preparate là— il Duca sta venendo. Badate che la barca sia pronta, e fornitela di tali arredi che convengano alla grandezza della sua persona.
BUCKINGHAM	No, Sir Nicholas, lasciate stare. Il mio stato ora non farebbe che schernirmi. Quando venni qua ero Lord Gran Conestabile e Duca di Buckingham; ora, povero Edward Bohun. Pure sono più ricco dei miei vili accusatori, che mai seppero che cosa significasse verità. Ora io la suggello, e con quel sangue li farò un giorno gemere per questo. Il mio nobile padre, Enrico di Buckingham, che primo alzò il capo contro l’usurpatore Riccardo, fuggendo per soccorso presso il suo servo Banister, trovandosi in angustia, fu da quel miserabile tradito, e senza processo cadde. La pace di Dio sia con lui. Enrico Settimo, succedendo, compiangendo veramente la perdita di mio padre, da principe regalissimo mi restituì i miei onori, e dalle rovine rese il mio nome ancora una volta nobile. Ora suo figlio, Enrico Ottavo, la vita, l’onore, il nome, e tutto ciò che mi rendeva felice, con un solo colpo ha tolto per sempre dal mondo. Ebbi il mio processo, e devo pur dire nobile; il che mi rende un poco più felice del mio misero padre. Pure fin qui siamo una cosa sola nella sorte: entrambi caduti per i nostri servi, per quegli uomini che più amammo— un servizio quanto mai innaturale e infedele. Il cielo ha un fine in ogni cosa. Pure, voi che m’udite, questo da un uomo morente ricevete per certo— là dove siete liberali dei vostri amori e consigli, badate di non essere incauti; ché quelli di cui fate amici e a cui donate il cuore, non appena scorgono il minimo intoppo nella vostra fortuna, si staccano come acqua da voi, e non si ritrovano più se non dove intendono affondarvi. Buona gente tutta, pregate per me. Ora devo lasciarvi. L’ultima ora della mia lunga stanca vita mi è giunta addosso. Addio, e quando vorrete dire qualcosa che sia triste, raccontate come caddi. Ho finito, e Dio mi perdoni.
(didascalia)	Escono Buckingham e il suo seguito
BUCKINGHAM	I due Gentiluomini si fanno avanti
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Oh, questo è pieno di pietà, signore; richiama, temo, troppe maledizioni sulle teste di coloro che ne furono gli autori.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Se il Duca è innocente, è pieno di sventura. Pure posso darvi sentore d’un male che seguirà, se cadrà, maggiore di questo.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	I buoni angeli lo tengano lontano da noi. Che può essere? Non dubitate della mia fedeltà, signore?
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Questo segreto è così grave che richiederà una forte fedeltà per celarlo.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Datemelo— io non parlo molto.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Ne son certo; l’avrete, signore. Non avete udito in questi ultimi giorni un bisbiglio di separazione fra il re e Caterina?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Sì, ma non tenne. Ché quando il re una volta l’udì, per collera mandò subito ordine al Lord Sindaco di fermare la voce e placare quelle lingue che osavano spargerla.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Ma quella calunnia, signore, si trova ora essere verità, ché cresce di nuovo più fresca che mai fu, e si tiene per certo che il re vi si arrischierà. O il Cardinale o qualcuno a lui vicino ha, per malanimo verso la buona regina, invasato lui d’uno scrupolo che la rovinerà. A conferma di questo, inoltre, il Cardinale Campeggio è arrivato, e di recente, come tutti pensano, per questa faccenda.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	È il Cardinale; e solo per vendicarsi sull’Imperatore per non avergli conferito, quando lo chiese, l’arcivescovado di Toledo, ciò è stato ordito.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Credo abbiate colto nel segno. Ma non è crudele che sia lei a sentirne il bruciore? Il Cardinale avrà il suo volere, e lei deve cadere.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	È cosa lacrimevole. Siamo troppo allo scoperto qui per discuterne. Pensiamoci più in privato.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain with a letter
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	(reads) ‘My lord, the horses your lordship sent for, with all the care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were young and handsome, and of the best breed in the north. When they were ready to set out for London, a man of my lord Cardinal’s, by commission and main power, took ‘em from me with this reason—his master would be served before a subject, if not before the King; which stopped our mouths, sir.’ I fear he will indeed. Well, let him have them. 10 He will have all, I think.
(didascalia)	Enter to the Lord Chamberlain the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk
NORFOLK	Well met, my Lord Chamberlain.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Good day to both your graces.
SUFFOLK	How is the King employed?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	I left him private, Full of sad thoughts and troubles.
NORFOLK	What’s the cause?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	It seems the marriage with his brother’s wife Has crept too near his conscience.
SUFFOLK	No, his conscience Has crept too near another lady.
NORFOLK	’Tis so. This is the Cardinal’s doing. The King-Cardinal, That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune, Turns what he list. The King will know him one day.
SUFFOLK	Pray God he do. He’ll never know himself else.
NORFOLK	How holily he works in all his business, And with what zeal! For now he has cracked the league Between us and the Emperor, the Queen’s greatnephew, 25 He dives into the King’s soul and there scatters Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience, Fears, and despairs—and all these for his marriage. And out of all these, to restore the King, He counsels a divorce—a loss of her That like a jewel has hung twenty years About his neck, yet never lost her lustre; Of her that loves him with that excellence That angels love good men with; even of her That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls, Will bless the King—and is not this course pious?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Heaven keep me from such counsel! ’Tis most true— These news are everywhere, every tongue speaks ’em, And every true heart weeps for’t. All that dare Look into these affairs see this main end— The French king’s sister. Heaven will one day open The King’s eyes, that so long have slept, upon This bold bad man.
SUFFOLK	And free us from his slavery.
NORFOLK.	We had need pray, And heartily, for our deliverance, Or this imperious man will work us all From princes into pages. All men’s honours Lie like one lump before him, to be fashioned Into what pitch he please.
SUFFOLK	For me, my lords, I love him not, nor fear him—there’s my creed. As I am made without him, so I’ll stand, If the King please. His curses and his blessings Touch me alike; they’re breath I not believe in. I knew him, and I know him; so I leave him To him that made him proud—the Pope.
NORFOLK	Let’s in, And with some other business put the King From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him. (To the Lord Chamberlain) My lord, you’ll bear us company?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Excuse me, The King has sent me otherwhere. Besides, You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him. Health to your lordships.
NORFOLK	Thanks, my good Lord Chamberlain.
(didascalia)	Exit the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	King Henry draws the curtain, and sits reading pensively
SUFFOLK	How sad he looks! Sure he is much afflicted.
KING HENRY	Who’s there? Ha?
NORFOLK	Pray God he be not angry.
KING HENRY	Who’s there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves Into my private meditations! Who am I? Ha?
NORFOLK	A gracious king that pardons all offences Malice ne’er meant. Our breach of duty this way Is business of estate, in which we come To know your royal pleasure.
KING HENRY	Ye are too bold. Go to, I’ll make ye know your times of business. Is this an hour for temporal affairs? Ha?
(didascalia)	Enter Cardinal Wolsey and Cardinal Campeius, the latter with a commission
KING HENRY	Who’s there? My good lord Cardinal? O, my Wolsey, The quiet of my wounded conscience, Thou art a cure fit for a king. (To Campeius) You’re welcome, Most learnèd reverend sir, into our kingdom. Use us, and it. (To Wolsey) My good lord, have great care I be not found a talker.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir, you cannot. I would your grace would give us but an hour Of private conference.
KING HENRY	(to Norfolk and Suffolk) We are busy; go. Norfolk and Suffolk speak privately to one another as they depart
NORFOLK	This priest has no pride in him!
SUFFOLK	Not to speak of. I would not be so sick, though, for his place— But this cannot continue.
NORFOLK	If it do I’ll venture one have-at-him.
SUFFOLK	I another.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the King) Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom Above all princes in committing freely Your scruple to the voice of Christendom. Who can be angry now? What envy reach you? The Spaniard, tied by blood and favour to her, Must now confess, if they have any goodness, The trial just and noble. All the cterks— I mean the learnèd ones in Christian kingdoms— Have their free voices. Rome, the nurse of judgement, Invited by your noble self, hath sent One general tongue unto us: this good man, This just and learned priest, Card’nal Campeius, Whom once more I present unto your highness.
KING HENRY	(embracing Campeius) And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome, And thank the holy conclave for their loves. They have sent me such a man I would have wished for.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your grace must needs deserve all strangers’ loves, You are so noble. To your highness’ hand I tender my commission, He gives the commission to the King (To Wolsey) by whose virtue, The Court of Rome commanding, you, my lord Cardinal of York, are joined with me their servant In the unpartial judging of this business.
KING HENRY	Two equal men. The Queen shall be acquainted Forthwith for what you come. Where’s Gardiner?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I know your majesty has always loved her So dear in heart not to deny her that A woman of less place might ask by law— Scholars allowed freely to argue for her.
KING HENRY	Ay, and the best she shall have, and my favour To him that does best, God forbid else. Cardinal, Prithee call Gardiner to me, my new secretary. Cardinal Wolsey goes to the door and calls Gardiner I find him a fit fellow.
(didascalia)	Enter Gardiner
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside to Gardiner) Give me your hand. Much joy and favour to you. You are the King’s now.
GARDINER	(aside to Wolsey) But to be commanded For ever by your grace, whose hand has raised me.
KING HENRY	Come hither, Gardiner. The King walks with Gardiner and whispers with him
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	(to Wolsey) My lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace In this man’s place before him?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Yes, he was.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Was he not held a learnèd man?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Yes, surely.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Believe me, there’s an ill opinion spread then, Even of yourself, lord Cardinal.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	How? Of me?
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	They will not stick to say you envied him, And fearing he would rise, he was so virtuous, Kept him a foreign man still, which so grieved him That he ran mad and died.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Heav’n’s peace be with him— That’s Christian care enough. For living murmurers There’s places of rebuke. He was a fool, For he would needs be virtuous. (Gesturing towards Gardiner) That good fellow, If I command him, follows my appointment. I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother: We live not to be griped by meaner persons.
KING HENRY	(to Gardiner) Deliver this with modesty to th’ Queen.
(didascalia)	Exit Gardiner
KING HENRY	The most convenient place that I can think of For such receipt of learning is Blackfriars; There ye shall meet about this weighty business. My Wolsey, see it furnished. O, my lord, Would it not grieve an able man to leave So sweet a bedfellow? But conscience, conscience— O, ’tis a tender place, and I must leave her.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entra il Lord Ciambellano con una lettera
LORD CIAMBELLANO	(legge) ‘Mio signore, i cavalli che vostra signoria ha fatto richiedere, con tutta la cura ch’io ebbi, li vidi ben scelti, domati e forniti. Erano giovani e belli, e della miglior razza del nord. Quando furono pronti a partire per Londra, un uomo del mio signore Cardinale, per commissione e forza maggiore, me li tolse con questa ragione—che il suo padrone dev’essere servito prima d’un suddito, se non prima del re; il che ci chiuse la bocca, signore.’ Temo che lo farà davvero. Bene, li abbia pure. 10 Avrà tutto, credo.
(didascalia)	Entrano incontro al Lord Ciambellano i Duchi di Norfolk e di Suffolk
NORFOLK	Ben trovato, mio Lord Ciambellano.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Buon giorno a entrambe le vostre grazie.
SUFFOLK	In che è occupato il re?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	L’ho lasciato in privato, pieno di tristi pensieri e di affanni.
NORFOLK	Qual è la causa?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Pare che il matrimonio con la moglie di suo fratello gli si sia insinuato troppo dentro la coscienza.
SUFFOLK	No, la sua coscienza si è insinuata troppo vicino a un’altra dama.
NORFOLK	È così. Questa è opera del Cardinale. Il Re-Cardinale, quel prete cieco, come figlio primogenito della fortuna, volge ciò che gli piace. Il re un giorno lo conoscerà.
SUFFOLK	Voglia Dio che lo faccia. Altrimenti non conoscerà mai se stesso.
NORFOLK	Con quanta santità opera in tutti i suoi affari, e con che zelo! Ché ora ha spezzato la lega fra noi e l’Imperatore, pronipote della regina, 25 s’immerge nell’anima del re e vi sparge pericoli, dubbi, torture della coscienza, timori e disperazioni—e tutto questo per il suo matrimonio. E fuori da tutto questo, per restaurare il re, consiglia un divorzio—la perdita di colei che come un gioiello gli è pesa vent’anni al collo, senza mai perdere il suo splendore; di colei che l’ama con quell’eccellenza con cui gli angeli amano gli uomini buoni; perfino di colei che, quando cadrà il più gran colpo della fortuna, benedirà il re—e non è forse pio questo procedere?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Il cielo mi tenga lontano da simile consiglio! È verissimo— queste nuove sono ovunque, ogni lingua le ripete, e ogni cuore sincero ne piange. Tutti quelli che osano guardare in queste faccende vedono questo fine principale— la sorella del re di Francia. Il cielo un giorno aprirà gli occhi del re, che tanto a lungo hanno dormito, su quest’uomo audace e malvagio.
SUFFOLK	E ci liberi dalla sua schiavitù.
NORFOLK.	Abbiamo bisogno di pregare, e di cuore, per la nostra liberazione, o quest’uomo imperioso ci trasformerà tutti da principi in paggi. Gli onori di tutti gli uomini giacciono come un solo blocco davanti a lui, da foggiare in quella forma che gli piaccia.
SUFFOLK	Quanto a me, signori, non lo amo, né lo temo—ecco il mio credo. Come son fatto senza di lui, così starò, se piace al re. Le sue maledizioni e le sue benedizioni mi toccano ugualmente; sono fiato in cui non credo. Lo conobbi, e lo conosco; così lo lascio a colui che lo rese superbo—il Papa.
NORFOLK	Entriamo, e con qualche altra faccenda distogliamo il re da questi tristi pensieri che troppo lavorano in lui. (Al Lord Ciambellano) Mio signore, ci terrete compagnia?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Scusatemi, il re mi ha mandato altrove. Inoltre, troverete che è tempo assai inadatto per disturbarlo. Salute alle vostre signorie.
NORFOLK	Grazie, mio buon Lord Ciambellano.
(didascalia)	Esce il Lord Ciambellano
NORFOLK	Il re Enrico tira la tenda, e siede leggendo pensoso
SUFFOLK	Come pare triste! Certo è molto afflitto.
RE ENRICO	Chi è là? Eh?
NORFOLK	Voglia Dio che non sia adirato.
RE ENRICO	Chi è là, dico? Come osate spingervi nelle mie private meditazioni! Chi sono io? Eh?
NORFOLK	Un grazioso re che perdona tutte le offese che malizia non ha mai voluto. Questa nostra mancanza di dovere è affare di stato, per il quale veniamo a conoscere il vostro regale piacere.
RE ENRICO	Siete troppo arditi. Suvvia, vi farò conoscere i vostri tempi per gli affari. È questa un’ora per faccende temporali? Eh?
(didascalia)	Entrano il Cardinale Wolsey e il Cardinale Campeggio, quest’ultimo con una commissione
RE ENRICO	Chi è là? Il mio buon signore Cardinale? Oh, mio Wolsey, quiete della mia ferita coscienza, tu sei rimedio degno d’un re. (A Campeggio) Siate il benvenuto, dottissimo e reverendo signore, nel nostro regno. Servitevi di noi e di esso. (A Wolsey) Mio buon signore, badate bene ch’io non sia trovato un chiacchierone.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Signore, non potete esserlo. Vorrei che vostra grazia ci concedesse solo un’ora di privato colloquio.
RE ENRICO	(a Norfolk e Suffolk) Siamo occupati; andate. Norfolk e Suffolk si parlano in privato mentre escono
NORFOLK	Questo prete non ha in sé orgoglio!
SUFFOLK	Neanche un po’. Non vorrei però esser così malato, nemmeno per il suo posto— ma questo non può continuare.
NORFOLK	Se continua arrischierò un colpo contro di lui.
SUFFOLK	E io un altro.
(didascalia)	Escono Norfolk e Suffolk
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(al re) Vostra grazia ha dato esempio di saggezza sopra tutti i principi, rimettendo liberamente il vostro scrupolo alla voce della cristianità. Chi può ora adirarsi? Quale invidia vi raggiunge? Lo spagnolo, legato a lei da sangue e favore, deve ora confessare, s’essi hanno qualche bontà, che il processo è giusto e nobile. Tutti i chierici— intendo i dotti nei regni cristiani— hanno libera voce. Roma, nutrice del giudizio, invitata dal vostro nobile io, ci ha mandato una lingua universale: quest’uomo dabbene, questo giusto e dotto prete, il Cardinal Campeggio, che ancora una volta presento a vostra altezza.
RE ENRICO	(abbracciando Campeggio) E ancora una volta fra le mie braccia gli do il benvenuto, e ringrazio il santo conclave del loro affetto. M’hanno mandato un tal uomo quale avrei desiderato.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Vostra grazia deve pur meritare l’amore di tutti gli stranieri, tanto siete nobile. Alla mano di vostra altezza porgo la mia commissione, Consegna la commissione al re (A Wolsey) in virtù della quale, per comando della Corte di Roma, voi, mio signore Cardinale di York, siete unito a me, loro servo, nell’imparziale giudizio di questa faccenda.
RE ENRICO	Due uomini pari. La regina sarà informata senza indugio del motivo per cui venite. Dov’è Gardiner?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	So che vostra maestà l’ha sempre amata tanto caramente in cuore da non negarle ciò che una donna di minor condizione potrebbe chiedere per legge— che si permetta liberamente ai dotti di perorare per lei.
RE ENRICO	Sì, e avrà i migliori, e il mio favore a chi meglio farà, Dio non voglia altrimenti. Cardinale, di grazia chiamatemi Gardiner, il mio nuovo segretario. Il Cardinale Wolsey va alla porta e chiama Gardiner Lo trovo compagno adatto.
(didascalia)	Entra Gardiner
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a parte, a Gardiner) Datemi la mano. Molta gioia e molto favore a voi. Ora siete del re.
GARDINER	(a parte, a Wolsey) Ma per essere comandato in eterno da vostra grazia, la cui mano m’ha innalzato.
RE ENRICO	Venite qua, Gardiner. Il re passeggia con Gardiner e gli parla sottovoce
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	(a Wolsey) Mio signore di York, non c’era un certo dottor Pace nel posto di quest’uomo prima di lui?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Sì, c’era.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Non era tenuto per uomo dotto?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Sì, certamente.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Credetemi, corre allora una cattiva opinione, perfino di voi stesso, signore Cardinale.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Come? Di me?
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Non esiteranno a dire che voi l’invidiaste, e temendo ch’egli salisse, tanto era virtuoso, lo teneste sempre in terra straniera, il che tanto l’afflisse ch’egli impazzì e morì.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	La pace del cielo sia con lui— è cura cristiana bastante. Per i mormoratori vivi vi sono luoghi di castigo. Era uno sciocco, ché voleva a ogni costo essere virtuoso. (Accennando verso Gardiner) Quel buon compagno, se glielo comando, segue la mia disposizione. Nessun altro voglio così vicino. Imparate questo, fratello: non viviamo per essere stretti da persone da meno.
RE ENRICO	(a Gardiner) Consegnate questo con modestia alla regina.
(didascalia)	Esce Gardiner
RE ENRICO	Il luogo più conveniente ch’io possa immaginare per tale raduno di dottrina è Blackfriars; là vi riunirete intorno a questa grave faccenda. Mio Wolsey, badate che sia allestito. Oh, mio signore, non dorrebbe a un uomo valido lasciare così dolce compagna di letto? Ma coscienza, coscienza— oh, è un punto delicato, e devo lasciarla.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Anne Boleyn and an Old Lady
ANNE	Not for that neither. Here’s the pang that pinches— His highness having lived so long with her, and she So good a lady that no tongue could ever Pronounce dishonour of her—by my life, She never knew harm-doing—O now, after So many courses of the sun enthroned, Still growing in a majesty and pomp the which To leave a thousandfold more bitter than ’Tis sweet at first t’acquire—after this process, To give her the avaunt, it is a pity Would move a monster.
OLD LADY	Hearts of most hard temper Melt and lament for her.
ANNE	O, God’s will! Much better She ne’er had known pomp; though’t be temporal, Yet if that quarrel, fortune, do divorce It from the bearer, ’tis a sufferance panging As soul and bodies severing.
OLD LADY	Alas, poor lady! She’s a stranger now again.
ANNE	So much the more Must pity drop upon her. Verily, I swear, ’tis better to be lowly born And range with humble livers in content Than to be perked up in a glist’ring grief And wear a golden sorrow.
OLD LADY	Our content Is our best having.
ANNE	By my troth and maidenhead, I would not be a queen.
OLD LADY	Beshrew me, I would— And venture maidenhead for’t; and so would you, For all this spice of your hypocrisy. You, that have so fair parts of woman on you, Have, too, a woman’s heart which ever yet Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty; Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts, Saving your mincing, the capacity Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive If you might please to stretch it.
ANNE	Nay, good troth.
OLD LADY	Yes, troth and troth. You would not be a queen?
ANNE	No, not for all the riches under heaven.
OLD LADY	’Tis strange. A threepence bowed would hire me, Old as I am, to queen it. But I pray you, What think you of a duchess? Have you limbs To bear that load of title?
ANNE	No, in truth.
OLD LADY	Then you are weakly made. Pluck off a little; I would not be a young count in your way For more than blushing comes to. If your back Cannot vouchsafe this burden, ’tis too weak Ever to get a boy.
ANNE	How you do talk! I swear again, I would not be a queen For all the world.
OLD LADY	In faith, for little England You’d venture an emballing; I myself Would for Caernarfonshire, although there ’longed No more to th’ crown but that. Lo, who comes here?
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain
LORD 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.
LORD 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.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	You bear a gentle mind, and heav’nly 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 hallowed, 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.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Lady, I shall not fail t’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. (To Anne) I’ll to the King And say I spoke with you;
ANNE	My honoured lord.
(didascalia)	Exit the Lord Chamberlain
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 upon This compelled fortune!—have your mouth filled 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 more 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—
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Anna Bolena e una Vecchia Dama
ANNA	Nemmeno per quello. Ecco la fitta che punge— sua altezza avendo vissuto così a lungo con lei, ed ella dama così buona che nessuna lingua poté mai pronunciare disonore di lei—sulla mia vita, ella non conobbe mai il far male—oh ora, dopo tanti corsi del sole passati in trono, crescendo sempre in maestà e pompa, il lasciar la quale è mille volte più amaro di quanto sia dolce dapprima l’acquistarla—dopo questo procedere, darle il congedo, è una pietà che moverebbe un mostro.
VECCHIA DAMA	Cuori di durissima tempra si sciolgono e piangono per lei.
ANNA	Oh, volontà di Dio! Molto meglio ch’ella non avesse mai conosciuto la pompa; benché sia cosa temporale, pure se quella nemica, la fortuna, la divorzia da chi la porta, è un patire che strazia quanto il separarsi d’anima e corpo.
VECCHIA DAMA	Ahimè, povera dama! Ora è di nuovo una straniera.
ANNA	Tanto più deve la pietà stillare su di lei. In verità, lo giuro, è meglio nascere umili e andare fra chi vive modestamente in contentezza che essere issati in uno scintillante dolore e portare un’aurea afflizione.
VECCHIA DAMA	La nostra contentezza è il nostro miglior avere.
ANNA	Sulla mia fede e sulla mia verginità, non vorrei essere regina.
VECCHIA DAMA	Maledetta me, io sì— e ci arrischierei la verginità; e anche voi, malgrado tutto questo pizzico della vostra ipocrisia. Voi, che avete su di voi così belle parti di donna, avete anche un cuore di donna che sempre finora ha ambito eminenza, ricchezza, sovranità; le quali, a dire il vero, sono benedizioni; e quali doni, salvo le vostre smorfie, la capacità della vostra molle coscienza di pelle di capretto accoglierebbe se vi piacesse allargarla.
ANNA	No, in buona fede.
VECCHIA DAMA	Sì, fede e fede. Non vorreste essere regina?
ANNA	No, neanche per tutte le ricchezze sotto il cielo.
VECCHIA DAMA	È strano. Un soldo piegato basterebbe ad assoldarmi, vecchia come sono, a far la regina. Ma vi prego, che ne pensate d’una duchessa? Avete membra da reggere quel carico di titolo?
ANNA	No, in verità.
VECCHIA DAMA	Allora siete fatta debole. Calate un poco; non vorrei essere un giovane conte sulla vostra strada per più di quanto valga un rossore. Se la vostra schiena non può concedersi questo peso, è troppo debole per generare mai un maschio.
ANNA	Come parlate! Giuro di nuovo, non vorrei essere regina per tutto il mondo.
VECCHIA DAMA	In fede, per la piccola Inghilterra arrischiereste l’investitura col globo; io stessa lo farei per il Caernarfonshire, benché alla corona non appartenesse altro che quello. Ecco, chi viene qua?
(didascalia)	Entra il Lord Ciambellano
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Buon giorno, signore. Quanto varrebbe conoscere il segreto del vostro colloquio?
ANNA	Mio buon signore, non la vostra domanda; non vale il vostro chiedere. Compiangevamo i dolori della nostra signora.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Era una faccenda gentile, e ben si conviene all’operare di buone donne. V’è speranza che tutto andrà bene.
ANNA	Ora prego Dio, amen.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Avete animo gentile, e le celesti benedizioni seguono tali creature. Perché possiate, bella dama, avvedervi ch’io parlo sinceramente, e che alto conto si fa delle vostre molte virtù, la maestà del re vi raccomanda la sua buona opinione di voi, e si propone di darvi onore non meno ampio che Marchesa di Pembroke; al qual titolo mille sterline l’anno di sostegno annuo egli aggiunge per sua grazia.
ANNA	Non so quale sorta della mia obbedienza io debba offrire. Più del mio tutto non è nulla; né le mie preghiere sono parole debitamente consacrate, né i miei voti valgono più di vuote vanità; pure preghiere e voti sono tutto ciò che posso rendere. Supplico vostra signoria, degnatevi di dire i miei ringraziamenti e la mia obbedienza, come da un’ancella che arrossisce a sua altezza, per la cui salute e regalità io prego.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Signora, non mancherò di confermare la bella opinione che il re ha di voi. (A parte) L’ho esaminata bene. Bellezza e onore in lei son così mescolati che hanno preso il re, e chi sa ancora che da questa dama non proceda una gemma a illuminare tutta quest’isola. (Ad Anna) Andrò dal re e dirò che ho parlato con voi;
ANNA	Mio onorato signore.
(didascalia)	Esce il Lord Ciambellano
VECCHIA DAMA	Ecco, è così—vedete, vedete! Sono sedici anni che mendico a corte, e sono ancora una cortigiana pezzente, né riuscii a capitare a puntino fra il troppo presto e il troppo tardi per una qualsiasi supplica di sterline; e voi—oh, sorte!— pesce freschissimo qui—vergogna, vergogna su questa fortuna imposta!—vi trovate la bocca riempita prima ancora d’aprirla.
ANNA	Questo mi riesce strano.
VECCHIA DAMA	Che sapore ha? È amaro? Quaranta denari che no. C’era una volta una dama—è una vecchia storia— che non voleva essere regina, no davvero, per tutto il fango d’Egitto. L’avete udita?
ANNA	Suvvia, siete faceta.
VECCHIA DAMA	Col vostro tema potrei salire più in alto dell’allodola. Marchesa di Pembroke? Mille sterline l’anno, per puro riguardo? Nessun altro obbligo? Sulla mia vita, ciò promette altre migliaia. Lo strascico dell’Onore è più lungo del suo davanti. Ormai a quest’ora so che la vostra schiena reggerà una duchessa. Dite, non siete più forte di prima?
ANNA	Buona signora, fatevi allegria con la vostra particolare fantasia, e lasciatemene fuori. Vorrei non avere essere; se questo rallegra d’un ette il mio sangue. Mi vien meno il cuore a pensare ciò che segue. La regina è sconsolata, e noi smemorate nella nostra lunga assenza. Vi prego, non riferitele ciò che qui avete udito.
VECCHIA DAMA	Che cosa mi credete—
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Trumpets: sennet. Then cornetts. Enter two vergers with short silver wands; next them two Scribes in the habit of doctors; after them the Archbishop of Canterbury alone; after him the Bishops of Lincoln, Ely, Rochester, and Saint Asaph; next them, with some small distance, follows a gentleman bearing both the purse containing 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 serjeant-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; then two noblemen with the sword and mace. The King ascends to his seat under the cloth of state; the two cardinals sit under him as judges; the Queen, attended by Griffith her gentleman usher, takes place some distance from the King; the Bishops place themselves on each side the court in the 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	What’s the need? It hath already publicly been read, And on all sides th’authority allowed. You may then spare that time.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Be’t so. Proceed.
SCRIBE	(to the Crier) Say, ‘Henry, King of England, come into the court’.
CRIER	Henry, King of England, come into the court.
KING HENRY	Here.
SCRIBE	(to the Crier) Say, ‘Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court’.
CRIER	Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court. The Queen makes no answer, but rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet. Then she speaks
QUEEN KATHERINE	Sir, I desire you do me right and justice, And to bestow your pity on me; for I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, Born out of your dominions, having here No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir, In what have I offended you? What cause Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure That thus you should proceed to put me off, And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness I have been to you a true and humble wife, At all times to your will conformable, Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry As I saw it inclined. When was the hour I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends Have I not strove to love, although I knew He were mine enemy? What friend of mine That had to him derived your anger did I Continue in my liking? Nay, gave notice He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind That I have been your wife in this obedience Upward of twenty years, and have been blessed With many children by you. If, in the course And process of this time, you can report— And prove it, too—against mine honour aught, My bond to wedlock, or my love and duty Against your sacred person, in God’s name Turn me away, and let the foul‘st contempt Shut door upon me, and so give me up To the sharp’st kind of justice. Please you, sir, The King your father was reputed for A prince most prudent, of an excellent And unmatched wit and judgement. Ferdinand My father, King of Spain, was reckoned one The wisest prince that there had reigned by many A year before. It is not to be questioned That they had gathered a wise council to them Of every realm, that did debate this business, Who deemed our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly Beseech you, sir, to spare me till I may Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel I will implore. If not, i’th’ name of God, Your pleasure be fulfilled.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	You have here, lady, And of your choice, these reverend fathers, men Of singular integrity and learning, Yea, the elect o’th’ 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.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	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 produced and heard.
QUEEN KATHERINE	(to Wolsey) Lord Cardinal, To you I speak.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Your pleasure, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Sir, I am about to weep, but thinking that We are a queen, or long have dreamed so, certain The daughter of a king, my drops of tears I’ll turn to sparks of fire.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Be patient yet.
QUEEN KATHERINE	I will when you are humble! Nay, before, Or God will punish me. I do believe, Induced by potent circumstances, that You are mine enemy, and make my challenge You shall not be my judge. For it is you Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me, 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 all a friend to truth.
CARDINAL WOISEY	I do profess You speak not like yourself, who ever yet Have stood to charity, and displayed th‘effects Of disposition gentle and of wisdom O’er-topping woman’s power. Madam, you do me wrong. I have no spleen against you, nor injustice For you or any. How far I have proceeded, Or how far further shall, is warranted By a commission from the consistory, Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me That I ‘have blown this coal’. I do deny it. The King is present. If it be known to him That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound, And worthily, my falsehood—yea, as much As you have done my truth. If he know That I am free of your report, he knows I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him It lies to cure me, and the cure is to Remove these thoughts from you. The which before His highness shall speak in, I do beseech You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking, And to say so no more.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My lord, my lord— I am a simple woman, much too weak T‘oppose your cunning. You’re meek and humblemouthed; You sign your place and calling, in full seeming, With meekness and humility—but your heart Is crammed with arrogancy, spleen, and pride. You have by fortune and his highness’ favours Gone slightly o’er low steps, and now are mounted Where powers are your retainers, and your words, Domestics to you, serve your will as’t please Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you, You tender more your person’s honour than Your high profession spiritual, that again I do refuse you for my judge, and here, Before you all, appeal unto the Pope, To bring my whole cause ’fore his holiness, And to be judged by him. She curtsies to the King and begins to depart
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	The Queen is obstinate, Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainful to be tried by’t. ’Tis not well. She’s going away.
KING HENRY	(to the Crier) Call her again.
CRIER	Katherine, Queen of England, come into the court.
GRIFFITH	(to the Queen) Madam, you are called back.
QUEEN KATHERINE	What need you note it? Pray you keep your way. When you are called, 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.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Queen Katherine and her attendants
KING HENRY	Go thy ways, Kate. That man i’th’ world who shall report he has A better wife, let him in naught be trusted For speaking false in that. Thou art alone— If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness, Thy meekness saint-like, wife-like government, Obeying in commanding, and thy parts Sovereign and pious else could speak thee out— The queen of earthly queens. She’s noble born, And like her true nobility she has Carried herself towards me.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Most gracious sir, In humblest manner I require your highness That it shall please you to declare in hearing Of all these ears—for where I am robbed and bound, There must I be unloosed, although not there At once and fully satisfied—whether ever I Did broach this business to your highness, or Laid any scruple in your way which might Induce you to the question on’t, or ever Have to you, but with thanks to God for such A royal lady, spake one the least word that might Be to the prejudice of her present state, Or touch of her good person?
KING HENRY	My lord Cardinal, I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour, I free you from’t. You are not to be taught That you have many enemies that know not Why they are so, but, like to village curs, Bark when their fellows do. By some of these The Queen is put in anger. You’re excused. But will you be more justified? You ever Have wished the sleeping of this business, never desired It to be stirred, but oft have hindered, oft, The passages made toward it. On my honour I speak my good lord Card’nal to this point, And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to’t, I will be bold with time and your attention. Then mark th‘inducement. Thus it came—give heed to’t. My conscience first received a tenderness, Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches uttered By th’ Bishop of Bayonne, then French Ambassador, Who had been hither sent on the debating A marriage ’twixt the Duke of Orléans and Our daughter Mary. I‘th’ progress of this business, Ere a determinate resolution, he— I mean the Bishop—did require a respite Wherein he might the King his lord advertise Whether our daughter were legitimate, Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, Sometimes our brother’s wife. This respite shook The bosom of my conscience, entered me, Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble The region of my breast; which forced such way That many mazed considerings did throng And prest in with this caution. First, methought I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had Commanded nature that my lady’s womb, If it conceived a male child by me, should Do no more offices of life to’t than The grave does yield to th’ dead. For her male issue Or died where they were made, or shortly after This world had aired them. Hence I took a thought This was a judgement on me that my kingdom, Well worthy the best heir o’th’ world, should not Be gladded in’t by me. Then follows that I weighed 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 learned. First I began in private With you, my lord of Lincoln. You remember How under my oppression I did reek When I first moved you.
LINCOLN	Very well, my liege.
KING HENRY	I have spoke long. Be pleased yourself to say How far you satisfied me.
LINCOLN	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.
KING HENRY	(to Canterbury) I then moved 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‘th’ world against the person Of the good Queen, but the sharp thorny points Of my alleged reasons, drives 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 paragoned o’th’ world.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	So please your highness, The Queen being absent, ’tis a needful fitness That we adjourn this court till further day. Meanwhile must be an earnest motion Made to the Queen to call back her appeal She intends unto his holiness.
KING HENRY	(aside) I may perceive These cardinals trifle with me. I abhor This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome. My learned and well-belovèd servant, Cranmer, Prithee return. With thy approach I know My comfort comes along. (Aloud) Break up the court. I say, set on.
(didascalia)	Exeunt in manner as they entered
KING HENRY	3.1 Enter Queen Katherine and her women, as at work
QUEEN KATHERINE	Take thy lute, wench. My soul grows sad with troubles. Sing, and disperse ’em if thou canst. Leave working.
GENTLEWOMAN	(sings) Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing. To his music plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and showers There had made a lasting spring. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea, Hung their heads, and then lay by. In sweet music is such art, Killing care and grief of heart Fall asleep, or hearing, die.
(didascalia)	Enter Griffith, a gentleman
QUEEN KATHERINE	How now?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	An’t please your grace, the two great cardinals Wait in the presence.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would they speak with me?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	They willed me say so, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Pray their graces To come near.
(didascalia)	Exit Griffith
QUEEN KATHERINE	What can be their business With me, a poor weak woman, fall’n 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.
(didascalia)	Enter the two cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius, ushered by Griffith
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Peace to your highness.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw Into your private chamber, we shall give you The full cause of our coming.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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 ev’ry tongue, ev’ry eye saw ’em, Envy and base opinion set against ’em, I know my life so even. If your business Seek me out and that way I am wife in, Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, Regina serenissima—
QUEEN KATHERINE	O, good my lord, no Latin. I am not such a truant since my coming As not to know the language I have lived in. A strange tongue makes my cause more strange suspicious— 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 absolved in English.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Noble lady, I am sorry my integrity should breed—so 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.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Most honoured 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, His service and his counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	(aside) To betray me. (Aloud) My lords, I thank you both for your good wills. Ye speak like honest men—pray God ye prove so. But how to make ye suddenly an answer In such a point of weight, so near mine honour— More near my life, I fear—with my weak wit, And to such men of gravity and learning, In truth I know not. I was set at work Among my maids, full little—God knows—looking Either for such men or such business. For her sake that I have been—for I feel The last fit of my greatness—good your graces, Let me have time and counsel for my cause. Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears. Your hopes and friends are infinite.
QUEEN KATHERINE	In England But little for my profit. Can you think, lords, That any Englishman dare give me counsel, Or be a known friend ’gainst his highness’ pleasure— Though he be grown so desperate to be honest— And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends, They that must weigh out my afflictions, They that my trust must grow to, live not here. They are, as all my other comforts, far hence, In mine own country, lords.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	I would your grace Would leave your griefs and take my counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	How, sir?
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Put your main cause into the King’s protection. He’s loving and most gracious. ’Twill be much Both for your honour better and your cause, For if the trial of the law o’ertake ye You’ll part away disgraced.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Queen) He tells you rightly.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye tell me what ye wish for both—my ruin. Is this your Christian counsel? Out upon ye! Heaven is above all yet—there sits a judge That no king can corrupt.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your rage mistakes us.
QUEEN KATHERINE	The more shame for ye! Holy men I thought ye, Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues— But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye. Mend ’em, for shame, my lords! Is this your comfort? The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady, A woman lost among ye, laughed at, scorned? I will not wish ye half my miseries— I have more charity. But say I warned ye. Take heed, for, heaven’s sake take heed, lest at once The burden of my sorrows fall upon ye.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, this is a mere distraction. You turn the good we offer into envy.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye turn me into nothing. Woe upon ye, And all such false professors. Would you have me— If you have any justice, any pity, If ye be anything but churchmen’s habits— Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me? Alas, he’s banished me his bed already— His love, too, long ago. I am old, my lords, And all the fellowship I hold now with him Is only my obedience. What can happen To me above this wretchedness? All your studies Make me accursed like this.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your fears are worse.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself, Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one? A woman, I dare say, without vainglory, Never yet branded with suspicion? Have I with all my full affections Still met the King, loved him next heav‘n, obeyed him, Been out of fondness superstitious to him, Almost forgot my prayers to content him? And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords. Bring me a constant woman to her husband, One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure, And to that woman when she has done most, Yet will I add an honour, a great patience.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty To give up willingly that noble title Your master wed me to. Nothing but death Shall e’er divorce my dignities.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Pray, hear me.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would I had never trod this English earth, Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it. Ye have angels’ faces, but heaven knows your hearts. What will become of me now, wretched lady? I am the most unhappy woman living. (To her women) Alas, poor wenches, where are now your fortunes? Shipwrecked upon a kingdom where no pity, No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me? Almost no grave allowed me? Like the lily, That once was mistress of the field and flourished, I’ll hang my head and perish.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	If your grace Could but be brought to know our ends are honest, You’d feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady, Upon what cause, wrong you? Alas, our places, The way of our profession, is against it. We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow ’em. For goodness’ sake, consider what you do, How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage. The hearts of princes kiss obedience, So much they love it, but to stubborn spirits They swell and grow as terrible as storms. I know you have a gentle noble temper, A soul as even as a calm. Pray, think us Those we profess—peacemakers, friends, and servants.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Madam, you’ll find it so. You wrong your virtues With these weak women’s fears. A noble spirit, As yours was put into you, ever casts Such doubts as false coin from it. The King loves you. Beware you lose it not. For us, if you please To trust us in your business, we are ready To use our utmost studies in your service.
QUEENS KATHERINE	Do what ye will, my lords, and pray forgive me. If I have used myself unmannerly, You know I am a woman, lacking wit To make a seemly answer to such persons. Pray do my service to his majesty. He has my heart yet, and shall have my prayers While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers, Bestow your counsels on me. She now begs That little thought, when she set footing here, She should have bought her dignities so dear.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Trombe: marcia. Poi cornette. Entrano due sagrestani con corte verghe d’argento; dopo di loro due Scrivani in abito di dottori; dopo di essi l’Arcivescovo di Canterbury solo; dopo di lui i Vescovi di Lincoln, Ely, Rochester e Saint Asaph; dopo di loro, a poca distanza, segue un gentiluomo che porta insieme la borsa contenente il gran sigillo e un cappello cardinalizio; poi due preti che portano ciascuno una croce d’argento; poi un gentiluomo usciere, a capo scoperto, accompagnato da un sergente d’armi che porta una mazza d’argento; poi due gentiluomini che portano due grandi colonne d’argento; dopo di loro, fianco a fianco, i due cardinali, Wolsey e Campeggio; poi due nobili con la spada e la mazza. Il re sale al suo seggio sotto il baldacchino regale; i due cardinali siedono sotto di lui come giudici; la regina, assistita da Griffith suo gentiluomo usciere, prende posto a qualche distanza dal re; i Vescovi si collocano ai due lati della corte alla maniera d’un concistoro; sotto di loro, gli Scrivani. I signori siedono accanto ai Vescovi. Il resto del seguito sta in ordine conveniente attorno alla scena
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Mentre si legge la nostra commissione da Roma sia comandato il silenzio.
RE ENRICO	Che bisogno c’è? È già stata letta pubblicamente, e da ogni parte l’autorità è stata ammessa. Potete dunque risparmiare quel tempo.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Sia così. Procedete.
SCRIVANO	(al banditore) Dite: ‘Enrico, re d’Inghilterra, venite nella corte’.
BANDITORE	Enrico, re d’Inghilterra, venite nella corte.
RE ENRICO	Eccomi.
SCRIVANO	(al banditore) Dite: ‘Caterina, regina d’Inghilterra, venite nella corte’.
BANDITORE	Caterina, regina d’Inghilterra, venite nella corte. La regina non risponde, ma si leva dal suo seggio, fa il giro della corte, viene al re e s’inginocchia ai suoi piedi. Poi parla
REGINA CATERINA	Sire, desidero che mi facciate ragione e giustizia, e che concediate a me la vostra pietà; ché sono una poverissima donna, e una straniera, nata fuori dei vostri domini, non avendo qui giudice imparziale, né più alcuna certezza d’equa amicizia e procedura. Ahimè, sire, in che v’ho offeso? Qual motivo ha dato il mio contegno al vostro disfavore perché così procediate a ripudiarmi, e a togliermi la vostra buona grazia? Il cielo testimoni che vi sono stata moglie fedele e umile, in ogni tempo conforme al vostro volere, sempre in timore d’accendere il vostro disgusto, anzi soggetta al vostro volto, lieta o dolente secondo lo vedevo inclinato. Quando fu l’ora in cui contraddissi mai il vostro desiderio, o non lo feci anche mio? O quale dei vostri amici non mi sforzai d’amare, benché sapessi ch’egli era mio nemico? Quale amico mio che avesse attirato su di sé la vostra collera tenni ancora nel mio favore? Anzi, non gli feci sapere ch’era da quello licenziato? Sire, richiamate alla mente che vi sono stata moglie in questa obbedienza per più di vent’anni, e sono stata benedetta con molti figli da voi. Se, nel corso e processo di questo tempo, potete riferire— e anche provarlo—alcunché contro il mio onore, contro il mio vincolo nuziale, o il mio amore e dovere verso la vostra sacra persona, in nome di Dio cacciatemi via, e il più turpe disprezzo mi chiuda la porta in faccia, e così consegnatemi alla più tagliente specie di giustizia. Piacciavi, sire, il re vostro padre era reputato principe prudentissimo, d’eccellente e insuperato ingegno e giudizio. Ferdinando mio padre, re di Spagna, era contato uno dei più saggi principi che vi avessero regnato per molti anni prima. Non è da mettere in dubbio ch’essi avessero raccolto attorno a sé un saggio consiglio d’ogni regno, che dibatté questa faccenda, e giudicò legittimo il nostro matrimonio. Perciò umilmente vi supplico, sire, di risparmiarmi finché io possa essere consigliata dai miei amici in Spagna, il cui consiglio implorerò. Se no, in nome di Dio, sia adempiuto il vostro piacere.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Avete qui, signora, e di vostra scelta, questi reverendi padri, uomini di singolare integrità e dottrina, anzi gli eletti del paese, che sono riuniti a perorare la vostra causa. Sarà dunque inutile che più a lungo desideriate rinviare la corte, così bene per la vostra stessa quiete, come per raddrizzare ciò che è irrisolto nel re.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Sua grazia ha parlato bene e giustamente. Perciò, madama, conviene che questa regale sessione proceda, e che senza indugio i loro argomenti siano ora prodotti e uditi.
REGINA CATERINA	(a Wolsey) Signore Cardinale, a voi parlo.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Al vostro piacere, madama.
REGINA CATERINA	Signore, sto per piangere, ma pensando che siamo regina, o a lungo l’abbiamo sognato, e certo figlia d’un re, le mie gocce di lacrime muterò in scintille di fuoco.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Siate ancora paziente.
REGINA CATERINA	Lo sarò quando voi sarete umile! Anzi, prima, o Dio mi punirà. Io credo, indotta da potenti circostanze, che voi siate mio nemico, e faccio la mia ricusazione: non sarete mio giudice. Ché siete voi che avete soffiato su questo carbone fra il mio signore e me, il quale la rugiada di Dio spenga. Perciò dico di nuovo, io del tutto vi aborrisco, sì, dalla mia anima, vi ricuso come mio giudice, voi che ancora una volta tengo per mio nemico malignissimo, e non giudico affatto amico della verità.
CARDINALE WOISEY	Io dichiaro che non parlate da voi stessa, voi che sempre finora vi siete attenuta alla carità, e avete mostrato gli effetti d’un’indole gentile e d’una saggezza che sormonta la capacità d’una donna. Madama, mi fate torto. Non ho rancore contro di voi, né ingiustizia per voi o per alcuno. Quanto ho proceduto, o quanto ancora procederò, è garantito da una commissione del concistoro, anzi dell’intero concistoro di Roma. Mi accusate d’aver ‘soffiato su questo carbone’. Io lo nego. Il re è presente. Se gli fosse noto ch’io smentisco il mio operato, quanto potrebbe ferire, e degnamente, la mia falsità—sì, altrettanto quanto voi avete ferito la mia verità. S’egli sa ch’io sono immune dalla vostra accusa, sa ch’io sono immune dal vostro torto. Perciò in lui sta il guarirmi, e la cura è rimuovere questi pensieri da voi. Prima che in ciò sua altezza parli, io supplico voi, graziosa madama, di disdire il vostro dire, e di non dirlo più.
REGINA CATERINA	Mio signore, mio signore— sono una donna semplice, troppo debole per opporsi alla vostra astuzia. Siete mite e umile di bocca; segnate il vostro posto e la vostra vocazione, in tutta apparenza, con mitezza e umiltà—ma il vostro cuore è stipato d’arroganza, livore e superbia. Avete per fortuna e per i favori di sua altezza varcato leggermente i gradini bassi, e ora siete salito là dove le potenze sono i vostri servitori, e le vostre parole, domestiche a voi, servono il vostro volere come piace a voi stesso pronunciarne l’ufficio. Devo dirvi che avete più a cuore l’onore della vostra persona che la vostra alta professione spirituale, e che di nuovo io vi ricuso come mio giudice, e qui, davanti a voi tutti, mi appello al Papa, per portare tutta la mia causa dinanzi a sua santità, ed esserne giudicata. Fa la riverenza al re e comincia ad allontanarsi
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	La regina è ostinata, renitente alla giustizia, pronta ad accusarla, e sdegnosa d’esserne giudicata. Non è bene. Se ne sta andando.
RE ENRICO	(al banditore) Richiamatela.
BANDITORE	Caterina, regina d’Inghilterra, venite nella corte.
GRIFFITH	(alla regina) Madama, siete richiamata.
REGINA CATERINA	Che bisogno avete di notarlo? Vi prego, tirate dritto. Quando sarete chiamato, tornate. Ora il Signore ci aiuti. Mi tormentano oltre la mia pazienza. Vi prego, andate avanti. Non mi tratterrò; no, né mai più in questa faccenda farò comparsa in alcuna delle loro corti.
(didascalia)	Escono la regina Caterina e il suo seguito
RE ENRICO	Va’ per la tua strada, Caterina. Quell’uomo al mondo che riferisca d’avere una moglie migliore, non gli si creda in nulla, per aver mentito in ciò. Tu sei unica— se le tue rare qualità, la dolce gentilezza, la tua mitezza da santa, il tuo governo da sposa, l’obbedire nel comandare, e le tue altre doti sovrane e pie potessero mai proclamarti— la regina delle regine terrene. È di nobile nascita, e conforme alla sua vera nobiltà si è comportata verso di me.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Graziosissimo sire, nella maniera più umile chiedo a vostra altezza che vi piaccia dichiarare all’udito di tutte queste orecchie—ché dove sono derubato e legato, là devo essere sciolto, benché non là subito e pienamente soddisfatto—se mai io abbia sollevato questa faccenda a vostra altezza, o abbia posto sulla vostra via qualche scrupolo che potesse indurvi alla questione, o mai abbia a voi, se non con ringraziamenti a Dio per tale regale signora, detto la minima parola che potesse tornare a pregiudizio del suo presente stato, o toccare la sua buona persona?
RE ENRICO	Mio signore Cardinale, io vi scuso; sì, sul mio onore, ve ne libero. Non c’è da insegnarvi che avete molti nemici i quali non sanno perché lo siano, ma, come cani da villaggio, abbaiano quando abbaiano i compagni. Da alcuni di questi la regina è stata messa in collera. Siete scusato. Ma volete essere ancor più giustificato? Voi sempre avete desiderato che questa faccenda dormisse, mai voluto che fosse smossa, anzi spesso avete impedito, spesso, i passi fatti verso di essa. Sul mio onore parlo del mio buon signore Cardinale su questo punto, e fin qui lo discolpo. Ora, ciò che mi mosse, abuserò del tempo e della vostra attenzione. Notate dunque il movente. Così avvenne—prestatevi orecchio. La mia coscienza ricevette dapprima una fitta, uno scrupolo e una puntura, per certe parole proferite dal vescovo di Bayonne, allora ambasciatore di Francia, che era stato mandato qua per trattare un matrimonio fra il duca d’Orléans e nostra figlia Maria. Nel corso di questa faccenda, prima d’una risoluzione definitiva, egli— intendo il vescovo—chiese una dilazione entro la quale potesse avvertire il re suo signore se nostra figlia fosse legittima, riguardo a questo nostro matrimonio con la vedova, già moglie di nostro fratello. Questa dilazione scosse il seno della mia coscienza, m’entrò dentro, sì, con forza trafiggente, e fece tremare la regione del mio petto; il che s’aprì tale varco che molte smarrite riflessioni s’affollarono e s’insinuarono con questo avvertimento. Dapprima mi parve di non stare nel sorriso del cielo, il quale aveva comandato alla natura che il grembo della mia signora, se concepiva da me un figlio maschio, non gli rendesse più uffici di vita di quanti la tomba ne renda ai morti. Ché la sua prole maschile o morì dov’era stata generata, o poco dopo che questo mondo l’ebbe respirata. Di qui presi il pensiero che questo fosse un giudizio su di me: che il mio regno, ben degno del miglior erede del mondo, non dovesse esserne rallegrato per opera mia. Ne segue poi ch’io pesai il pericolo in cui stavano i miei reami per questo venir meno della mia prole, e ciò mi diede più d’una doglia gemente. Così, alla deriva sul mare selvaggio della mia coscienza, governai verso questo rimedio, per il quale siamo ora qui presenti insieme—vale a dire ch’io intesi raddrizzare la mia coscienza, che allora sentivo assai malata, e ancora non sana, per mezzo di tutti i reverendi padri del paese e dei dotti dottori. Prima cominciai in privato con voi, mio signore di Lincoln. Ricordate come sotto la mia oppressione io fumassi quando per primo v’interpellai.
LINCOLN	Molto bene, mio sire.
RE ENRICO	Ho parlato a lungo. Compiacetevi di dire voi stesso fino a che punto mi soddisfaceste.
LINCOLN	Se piace a vostra altezza, la questione dapprima tanto mi sconcertò, recando in sé cosa di gravissimo momento e conseguenza di spavento, ch’io consegnai il più ardito consiglio ch’io avessi al dubbio, e supplicai vostra altezza di prendere questa via che qui state percorrendo.
RE ENRICO	(a Canterbury) Poi interpellai voi, mio signore di Canterbury, e ottenni il vostro assenso a fare questa presente convocazione. Non sollecitata non lasciai persona reverenda in questa corte, ma per particolare consenso procedetti sotto le vostre firme e i vostri sigilli. Perciò, andate avanti, ché nessuna avversione al mondo contro la persona della buona regina, ma le acute punte spinose delle mie addotte ragioni, spingono innanzi tutto ciò. Provate soltanto legittimo il nostro matrimonio, e sulla mia vita e sulla dignità regale, siamo contenti di consumare con lei il nostro stato mortale a venire, con Caterina, nostra regina, innanzi alla più eccelsa creatura che il mondo dia per esempio.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Se piace a vostra altezza, essendo assente la regina, è necessaria convenienza che aggiorniamo questa corte ad altro giorno. Frattanto dev’essere fatta un’istanza sincera alla regina perché ritiri l’appello ch’ella intende rivolgere a sua santità.
RE ENRICO	(a parte) Ben m’avvedo che questi cardinali si trastullano con me. Aborro questa lentezza dilatoria e le astuzie di Roma. Mio dotto e ben amato servitore, Cranmer, di grazia torna. Col tuo avvicinarti so che il mio conforto viene con te. (Ad alta voce) Si sciolga la corte. Dico, andiamo.
(didascalia)	Escono nell’ordine in cui erano entrati

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Queen Katherine and her women, as at work
QUEEN KATHERINE	Take thy lute, wench. My soul grows sad with troubles. Sing, and disperse ’em if thou canst. Leave working.
GENTLEWOMAN	(sings) Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing. To his music plants and flowers Ever sprung, as sun and showers There had made a lasting spring. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea, Hung their heads, and then lay by. In sweet music is such art, Killing care and grief of heart Fall asleep, or hearing, die.
(didascalia)	Enter Griffith, a gentleman
QUEEN KATHERINE	How now?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	An’t please your grace, the two great cardinals Wait in the presence.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would they speak with me?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
QUEEN KATHERINE	They willed me say so, madam.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Pray their graces To come near.
(didascalia)	Exit Griffith
QUEEN KATHERINE	What can be their business With me, a poor weak woman, fall’n 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.
(didascalia)	Enter the two cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius, ushered by Griffith
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Peace to your highness.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw Into your private chamber, we shall give you The full cause of our coming.
QUEEN KATHERINE	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 ev’ry tongue, ev’ry eye saw ’em, Envy and base opinion set against ’em, I know my life so even. If your business Seek me out and that way I am wife in, Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, Regina serenissima—
QUEEN KATHERINE	O, good my lord, no Latin. I am not such a truant since my coming As not to know the language I have lived in. A strange tongue makes my cause more strange suspicious— 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 absolved in English.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Noble lady, I am sorry my integrity should breed—so 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.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Most honoured 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, His service and his counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	(aside) To betray me. (Aloud) My lords, I thank you both for your good wills. Ye speak like honest men—pray God ye prove so. But how to make ye suddenly an answer In such a point of weight, so near mine honour— More near my life, I fear—with my weak wit, And to such men of gravity and learning, In truth I know not. I was set at work Among my maids, full little—God knows—looking Either for such men or such business. For her sake that I have been—for I feel The last fit of my greatness—good your graces, Let me have time and counsel for my cause. Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears. Your hopes and friends are infinite.
QUEEN KATHERINE	In England But little for my profit. Can you think, lords, That any Englishman dare give me counsel, Or be a known friend ’gainst his highness’ pleasure— Though he be grown so desperate to be honest— And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends, They that must weigh out my afflictions, They that my trust must grow to, live not here. They are, as all my other comforts, far hence, In mine own country, lords.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	I would your grace Would leave your griefs and take my counsel.
QUEEN KATHERINE	How, sir?
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Put your main cause into the King’s protection. He’s loving and most gracious. ’Twill be much Both for your honour better and your cause, For if the trial of the law o’ertake ye You’ll part away disgraced.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to the Queen) He tells you rightly.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye tell me what ye wish for both—my ruin. Is this your Christian counsel? Out upon ye! Heaven is above all yet—there sits a judge That no king can corrupt.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your rage mistakes us.
QUEEN KATHERINE	The more shame for ye! Holy men I thought ye, Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues— But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye. Mend ’em, for shame, my lords! Is this your comfort? The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady, A woman lost among ye, laughed at, scorned? I will not wish ye half my miseries— I have more charity. But say I warned ye. Take heed, for, heaven’s sake take heed, lest at once The burden of my sorrows fall upon ye.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, this is a mere distraction. You turn the good we offer into envy.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Ye turn me into nothing. Woe upon ye, And all such false professors. Would you have me— If you have any justice, any pity, If ye be anything but churchmen’s habits— Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me? Alas, he’s banished me his bed already— His love, too, long ago. I am old, my lords, And all the fellowship I hold now with him Is only my obedience. What can happen To me above this wretchedness? All your studies Make me accursed like this.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Your fears are worse.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself, Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one? A woman, I dare say, without vainglory, Never yet branded with suspicion? Have I with all my full affections Still met the King, loved him next heav‘n, obeyed him, Been out of fondness superstitious to him, Almost forgot my prayers to content him? And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords. Bring me a constant woman to her husband, One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure, And to that woman when she has done most, Yet will I add an honour, a great patience.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.
QUEEN KATHERINE	My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty To give up willingly that noble title Your master wed me to. Nothing but death Shall e’er divorce my dignities.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Pray, hear me.
QUEEN KATHERINE	Would I had never trod this English earth, Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it. Ye have angels’ faces, but heaven knows your hearts. What will become of me now, wretched lady? I am the most unhappy woman living. (To her women) Alas, poor wenches, where are now your fortunes? Shipwrecked upon a kingdom where no pity, No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me? Almost no grave allowed me? Like the lily, That once was mistress of the field and flourished, I’ll hang my head and perish.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	If your grace Could but be brought to know our ends are honest, You’d feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady, Upon what cause, wrong you? Alas, our places, The way of our profession, is against it. We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow ’em. For goodness’ sake, consider what you do, How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly Grow from the King’s acquaintance by this carriage. The hearts of princes kiss obedience, So much they love it, but to stubborn spirits They swell and grow as terrible as storms. I know you have a gentle noble temper, A soul as even as a calm. Pray, think us Those we profess—peacemakers, friends, and servants.
CARDINAL CAMPEIUS	Madam, you’ll find it so. You wrong your virtues With these weak women’s fears. A noble spirit, As yours was put into you, ever casts Such doubts as false coin from it. The King loves you. Beware you lose it not. For us, if you please To trust us in your business, we are ready To use our utmost studies in your service.
QUEENS KATHERINE	Do what ye will, my lords, and pray forgive me. If I have used myself unmannerly, You know I am a woman, lacking wit To make a seemly answer to such persons. Pray do my service to his majesty. He has my heart yet, and shall have my prayers While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers, Bestow your counsels on me. She now begs That little thought, when she set footing here, She should have bought her dignities so dear.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano la regina Caterina e le sue dame, come al lavoro
REGINA CATERINA	Prendi il liuto, ragazza. La mia anima s’intristisce d’affanni. Canta, e dissipali se puoi. Lascia il lavoro.
DAMIGELLA	(canta) Orfeo col suo liuto fece gli alberi, e le cime dei monti che gelano, piegarsi quando egli cantava. Alla sua musica piante e fiori sempre spuntavano, come se sole e piogge vi avessero fatto una primavera eterna. Ogni cosa che l’udiva suonare, perfino i flutti del mare, chinava il capo, e poi si posava. Nella dolce musica è tale arte che l’affanno che uccide e il dolore del cuore s’addormentano, o udendola, muoiono.
(didascalia)	Entra Griffith, un gentiluomo
REGINA CATERINA	Ebbene?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
REGINA CATERINA	Se piace a vostra grazia, i due gran cardinali attendono nella sala di ricevimento.
REGINA CATERINA	Vogliono parlare con me?
(didascalia)	GRIFFITH
REGINA CATERINA	Così m’hanno voluto far dire, madama.
REGINA CATERINA	Pregate le loro grazie d’avvicinarsi.
(didascalia)	Esce Griffith
REGINA CATERINA	Che affare possono avere con me, povera debole donna, caduta dal favore? Non mi piace il loro venire, ora che ci penso; dovrebbero essere uomini buoni, e i loro affari altrettanto giusti— ma non tutte le cocolle fanno i monaci.
(didascalia)	Entrano i due cardinali, Wolsey e Campeggio, introdotti da Griffith
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Pace a vostra altezza.
REGINA CATERINA	Le vostre grazie mi trovano qui mezza massaia— vorrei esserlo tutta, in previsione del peggio che può accadere. Che desiderate da me, reverendi signori?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Vi piaccia, nobile madama, ritirarvi nella vostra camera privata, e vi daremo la piena causa del nostro venire.
REGINA CATERINA	Ditela qui. Nulla ho fatto finora, sulla mia coscienza, che meriti un cantuccio. Volesse il cielo che tutte le altre donne potessero dirlo con anima così libera come faccio io. Signori miei, non m’importa—tanto sono felice al di sopra di molti—se le mie azioni fossero giudicate da ogni lingua, se ogni occhio le vedesse, con l’invidia e la bassa opinione schierate contro, tanto so uguale la mia vita. Se il vostro affare cerca me e quel ruolo di moglie che ho, fuori con esso arditamente. La Verità ama l’agire aperto.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, Regina serenissima—
REGINA CATERINA	Oh, mio buon signore, niente latino. Non sono stata tale scolara svogliata dal mio arrivo da non conoscere la lingua in cui son vissuta. Una lingua straniera rende la mia causa più strana e sospetta— vi prego, parlate in inglese. Vi sono qui alcune che vi ringrazieranno, se dite la verità, per amore della loro povera signora. Credetemi, ha avuto molto torto. Signore Cardinale, il più volontario peccato ch’io abbia mai commesso può essere assolto in inglese.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Nobile signora, mi duole che la mia integrità debba generare—così e il servizio a sua maestà e a voi— così profondo sospetto, dove ogni fede era intesa. Non veniamo per via d’accusa, a macchiare quell’onore che ogni buona lingua benedice, né per consegnarvi in alcun modo al dolore— ne avete troppo, buona signora—ma per sapere come siate disposta nella grave controversia fra il re e voi, e per offrire, da uomini liberi e onesti, le nostre giuste opinioni e conforti alla vostra causa.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Onoratissima madama, il mio signore di York, per la sua nobile natura, lo zelo e l’obbedienza che sempre portò a vostra grazia, dimenticando, da uomo dabbene, la vostra recente censura e della sua lealtà e di lui—che andò troppo oltre— offre, come faccio io, in segno di pace, il suo servizio e il suo consiglio.
REGINA CATERINA	(a parte) Per tradirmi. (Ad alta voce) Signori miei, vi ringrazio entrambi delle vostre buone volontà. Parlate da uomini onesti—voglia Dio che tali vi mostriate. Ma come darvi all’improvviso una risposta in un punto di tal peso, così vicino al mio onore— più vicino alla mia vita, temo—col mio debole ingegno, e a uomini di tale gravità e dottrina, in verità non so. Ero messa al lavoro fra le mie damigelle, ben poco—Dio lo sa—aspettandomi o tali uomini o tale faccenda. Per amore di quella che sono stata—ché sento l’ultimo sussulto della mia grandezza—buone grazie vostre, concedetemi tempo e consiglio per la mia causa. Ahimè, sono una donna senza amici, senza speranza.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Madama, fate torto all’amore del re con questi timori. Le vostre speranze e i vostri amici sono infiniti.
REGINA CATERINA	In Inghilterra ben poco a mio profitto. Potete credere, signori, che alcun inglese osi darmi consiglio, o essere apertamente amico contro il piacere di sua altezza— fosse pur divenuto tanto disperato da esser onesto— e vivere da suddito? No, in verità, i miei amici, quelli che devono bilanciare le mie afflizioni, quelli a cui la mia fiducia deve volgersi, non vivono qui. Sono, come tutti gli altri miei conforti, lontani di qui, nel mio paese natale, signori.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Vorrei che vostra grazia lasciasse i suoi dolori e prendesse il mio consiglio.
REGINA CATERINA	Come, signore?
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Mettete la vostra causa principale sotto la protezione del re. È amorevole e graziosissimo. Sarà assai meglio e per il vostro onore e per la vostra causa, ché se il giudizio della legge vi raggiunge ve ne andrete disonorata.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(alla regina) Vi dice il giusto.
REGINA CATERINA	Mi dite ciò che entrambi desiderate—la mia rovina. È questo il vostro consiglio cristiano? Vergogna su di voi! Il cielo è ancora sopra tutto—là siede un giudice che nessun re può corrompere.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	La vostra ira ci fraintende.
REGINA CATERINA	Tanta più vergogna per voi! Vi credevo uomini santi, sulla mia anima, due reverende virtù cardinali— ma temo che siate peccati cardinali e cuori vuoti. Emendateli, per vergogna, signori miei! È questo il vostro conforto? Il cordiale che portate a una misera dama, a una donna perduta fra voi, derisa, schernita? Non vi augurerò la metà delle mie miserie— ho più carità. Ma dite che v’ho avvertiti. Badate, per amor del cielo badate, che a un tratto il peso dei miei dolori non ricada su di voi.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Madama, questo è puro smarrimento. Voi mutate in malanimo il bene che offriamo.
REGINA CATERINA	Voi mutate me in nulla. Sventura su di voi, e su tutti i falsi professanti simili a voi. Vorreste voi— se avete alcuna giustizia, alcuna pietà, se siete altro che abiti di uomini di chiesa— ch’io metta la mia causa malata nelle mani di chi mi odia? Ahimè, egli m’ha già bandita dal suo letto— e dal suo amore pure, da gran tempo. Sono vecchia, signori, e tutta la comunanza che ho ora con lui è soltanto la mia obbedienza. Che può accadermi al di sopra di questa miseria? Tutti i vostri studi mi rendono maledetta a questo modo.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	I vostri timori sono peggiori.
REGINA CATERINA	Ho vissuto così a lungo—lasciate ch’io parli di me, poiché la virtù non trova amici—moglie, e fedele? Donna, oso dirlo senza vanagloria, mai finora bollata da sospetto? Ho io con tutti i miei pieni affetti sempre incontrato il re, amatolo dopo il cielo, obbeditogli, per tenerezza sono stata verso di lui superstiziosa, quasi dimenticando le mie preghiere per contentarlo? E son così ricompensata? Non è bene, signori. Portatemi una donna costante verso il marito, una che mai sognò gioia oltre il piacere di lui, e a quella donna, quando avrà fatto il massimo, io aggiungerò ancora un onore: una grande pazienza.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Madama, vi allontanate dal bene a cui miriamo.
REGINA CATERINA	Mio signore, non oso rendermi così colpevole da cedere volontariamente quel nobile titolo a cui il vostro padrone mi sposò. Nulla se non la morte divorzierà mai le mie dignità.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Vi prego, ascoltatemi.
REGINA CATERINA	Non avessi mai calcato questa terra inglese, né sentito le lusinghe che vi crescono sopra. Avete volti d’angeli, ma il cielo conosce i vostri cuori. Che sarà ora di me, misera dama? Sono la donna più infelice che viva. (Alle sue dame) Ahimè, povere ragazze, dove sono ora le vostre fortune? Naufragate in un regno dove nessuna pietà, nessun amico, nessuna speranza, nessun parente piange per me? Dove quasi non m’è concessa una tomba? Come il giglio, che un tempo era signore del campo e fioriva, chinerò il capo e perirò.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Se vostra grazia potesse solo essere indotta a sapere che i nostri fini sono onesti, sentireste più conforto. Perché mai dovremmo, buona signora, e per qual causa, farvi torto? Ahimè, i nostri posti, la via della nostra professione, vi si oppongono. Dobbiamo curare tali dolori, non seminarli. Per amor del cielo, considerate ciò che fate, come possiate nuocere a voi stessa, sì, del tutto staccarvi dalla familiarità del re con questo contegno. I cuori dei principi baciano l’obbedienza, tanto l’amano, ma verso gli spiriti ostinati si gonfiano e crescono terribili come tempeste. So che avete indole gentile e nobile, un’anima uguale come una bonaccia. Vi prego, tenéteci per quelli che professiamo d’essere—paceri, amici e servitori.
CARDINALE CAMPEGGIO	Madama, lo troverete così. Fate torto alle vostre virtù con questi deboli timori di donna. Un nobile spirito, quale in voi fu posto, sempre getta tali dubbi via da sé come moneta falsa. Il re vi ama. Badate di non perderlo. Quanto a noi, se vi piace affidarci la vostra faccenda, siamo pronti a impiegare ogni nostro studio al vostro servizio.
REGINA CATERINA	Fate ciò che volete, signori, e vi prego perdonatemi. Se mi sono comportata scortesemente, sapete che sono una donna, priva d’ingegno per dare conveniente risposta a tali persone. Vi prego, porgete i miei omaggi a sua maestà. Egli ha ancora il mio cuore, e avrà le mie preghiere finché avrò la mia vita. Venite, reverendi padri, concedetemi i vostri consigli. Ora mendica colei che poco pensava, quando pose piede qui, d’aver comprato così care le sue dignità.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suffolk, Lord Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	If you will now unite in your complaints, And force them with a constancy, the Cardinal Cannot stand under them. If you omit The offer of this time, I cannot promise But that you shall sustain more new disgraces With these you bear already.
SURREY	I am joyful To meet the least occasion that may give me Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke, To be revenged on him.
SUFFOLK	Which of the peers Have uncontemned gone by him, or at least Strangely neglected? When did he regard The stamp of nobleness in any person Out of himself?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	My lords, you speak your pleasures. What he deserves of you and me I know; What we can do to him—though now the time Gives way to us—I much fear. If you cannot Bar his access to th’ King, never attempt Anything on him, for he hath a witchcraft Over the King in’s tongue.
NORFOLK	O, fear him not. His spell in that is out. The King hath found Matter against him that for ever mars The honey of his language. No, he’s settled, Not to come off, in his displeasure.
SURREY	Sir, I should be glad to hear such news as this Once every hour.
NORFOLK	Believe it, this is true. In the divorce his contrary proceedings Are all unfolded, wherein he appears As I would wish mine enemy.
SURREY	How came His practices to light?
SUFFOLK	Most strangely.
SURREY	O, how, how?
SUFFOLK	The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried, And came to th’eye o’th’ King, wherein was read How that the Cardinal did entreat his holiness To stay the judgement o‘th’ divorce, for if It did take place, ‘I do’, quoth he, ‘perceive My king is tangled in affection to A creature of the Queen’s, Lady Anne Boleyn’.
SURREY	Has the King this?
SUFFOLK	Believe it.
SURREY	Will this work?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	The King in this perceives him how he coasts And hedges his own way. But in this point All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic After his patient’s death. The King already Hath married the fair lady.
SURREY	Would he had.
SUFFOLK	May you be happy in your wish, my lord, For I profess you have it.
SURREY	Now all my joy Trace the conjunction.
SUFFOLK	My amen to’t.
NORFOLK	All men’s.
SUFFOLK	There’s order given for her coronation. Marry, this is yet but young, and may be left To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords, She is a gallant creature, and complete In mind and feature. I persuade me, from her Will fall some blessing to this land which shall In it be memorized.
SURREY	But will the King Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s? The Lord forbid!
NORFOLK	Marry, amen.
SUFFOLK	No, no— There be more wasps that buzz about his nose Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius Is stol’n away to Rome; hath ta’en no leave; Has left the cause o’th’ King unhandled, and Is posted as the agent of our Cardinal To second all his plot. I do assure you The King cried ‘Ha!’ at this.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Now God incense him, And let him cry ‘Ha!’ louder.
NORFOLK	But, my lord, When returns Cranmer?
SUFFOLK	He is returned in his opinions, which Have satisfied the King for his divorce, Together with all famous colleges, Almost, in Christendom. Shortly, I believe, His second marriage shall be published, and Her coronation. Katherine no more Shall be called ‘Queen’, but ‘Princess Dowager’, And ‘widow to Prince Arthur’.
NORFOLK	This same Cranmer’s A worthy fellow, and hath ta’en much pain In the King’s business.
SUFFOLK	He has, and we shall see him For it an archbishop.
NORFOLK	So I hear.
SUFFOLK	’Tis so.
(didascalia)	Enter Cardinal Wolsey and Cromwell
SUFFOLK	The Cardinal.
NORFOLK	Observe, observe—he’s moody. They stand apart and observe Wolsey and Cromwell
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(to Cromwell) The packet, Cromwell—gave’t you the King? CROMWELI, To his own hand, in’s bedchamber.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Looked he O’th’ inside of the paper? CROMWELL, Presently He did unseal them, and the first he viewed He did it with a serious mind; a heed Was in his countenance. You he bade Attend him here this morning.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Is he ready To come abroad?
CROMWELL	I think by this he is.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Leave me a while.
(didascalia)	Exit Cromwell
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(Aside) It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon, The French King’s sister—he shall marry her. Anne Boleyn? No, I’ll no Anne Boleyns for him. There’s more in’t than fair visage. Boleyn? No, we’ll no Boleyns. Speedily I wish To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke? The nobles speak among themselves
NORFOLK	He’s discontented.
SUFFOLK	Maybe he hears the King Does whet his anger to him.
SURREY	Sharp enough, Lord, for thy justice.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside) The late Queen’s gentlewoman? A knight’s daughter To be her mistress’ mistress? The Queen’s queen? This candle burns not clear; ‘tis I must snuff it, Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous And well deserving? Yet I know her for A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to Our cause, that she should lie i’th’ bosom of Our hard-ruled King. Again, there is sprung up An heretic, an arch-one, Cranmer, one Hath crawled into the favour of the King And is his oracle. The nobles speak among themselves
NORFOLK	He is vexed at something.
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry reading a schedule, and Lovell with him
SURREY	I would ’twere something that would fret the string, The master-cord on’s heart!
SUFFOLK	The King, the King!
(didascalia)	KING HENRY aside
SUFFOLK	What piles of wealth hath he accumulated To his own portion? And what expense by th’ hour Seems to flow from him? How i’th’ name of thrift Does he rake this together? (To the nobles) Now, my lords, Saw you the Cardinal?
NORFOLK	My lord, we have Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion Is in his brain. He bites his lip, and starts, Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground, Then lays his finger on his temple, straight Springs out into fast gait, then stops again, Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts His eye against the moon. In most strange postures We have seen him set himself.
KING HENRY	It may well be There is a mutiny in’s mind. This morning Papers of state he sent me to peruse As I required, and wot you what I found There, on my conscience put unwittingly? Forsooth, an inventory thus importing The several parcels of his plate, his treasure, Rich stuffs, and ornaments of household which I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks Possession of a subject.
NORFOLK	It’s heaven’s will. Some spirit put this paper in the packet To bless your eye withal.
KING HENRY	If we did think His contemplation were above the earth And fixed on spiritual object, he should still Dwell in his musings. But I am afraid His thinkings are below the moon, not worth His serious considering. The King takes his seat and whispers with Lovell, who then goes to the Cardinal
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Heaven forgive me!
(didascalia)	To the King Ever God bless your highness!
KING HENRY	Good my lord, You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inventory Of your best graces in your mind, the which You were now running o’er. You have scarce time To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that, I deem you an ill husband, and am glad To have you therein my companion.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Sir, For holy offices I have a time; a time To think upon the part of business which I bear i’th’ state; and nature does require Her times of preservation which, perforce, I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal, Must give my tendance to.
KING HENRY	You have said well.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	And ever may your highness yoke together, As I will lend you cause, my doing well With my well-saying.
KING HENRY	’Tis well said again, And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well— And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you. He said he did, and with his deed did crown His word upon you. Since I had my office, I have kept you next my heart, have not alone Employed you where high profits might come home, But pared my present havings to bestow My bounties upon you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(aside) What should this mean?
(didascalia)	SURREY aside
CARDINAL WOLSEY	The Lord increase this business!
KING HENRY	Have I not made you The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me If what I now pronounce you have found true, And, if you may confess it, say withal If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	My sovereign, I confess your royal graces Showered on me daily have been more than could My studied purposes requite, which went Beyond all man’s endeavours. My endeavours Have ever come too short of my desires, Yet filed with my abilities. Mine own ends Have been mine so that evermore they pointed To th’ good of your most sacred person and The profit of the state. For your great graces Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I Can nothing render but allegiant thanks, My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty, Which ever has and ever shall be growing, Till death, that winter, kill it.
KING HENRY	Fairly answered. A loyal and obedient subject is Therein illustrated. The honour of it Does pay the act of it, as, i‘th’ contrary, The foulness is the punishment. I presume That as my hand has opened bounty to you, My heart dropped love, my power rained honour, more On you than any, so your hand and heart, Your brain, and every function of your power, Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty, As ’twere in love’s particular, be more To me, your friend, than any.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I do profess That for your highness’ good I ever laboured More than mine own; that am, have, and will be— Though all the world should crack their duty to you, And throw it from their soul, though perils did Abound, as thick as thought could make ’em, and Appear in forms more horrid—yet, my duty, As doth a rock against the chiding flood, Should the approach of this wild river break, And stand unshaken yours.
KING HENRY	’Tis nobly spoken. Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast, For you have seen him open’t. (To Wolsey) Read o’er this, He gives him a paper And after this (giving him another paper), and then to breakfast with What appetite you have.
(didascalia)	Exit King Henry, frowning upon the
KING HENRY	Cardinal. The nobles throng after the King, smiling and whispering
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What should this mean? What sudden anger’s this? How have I reaped it? He parted frowning from me, as if ruin Leaped from his eyes. So looks the chafed lion Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him, Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper— I fear, the story of his anger. He reads one of the papers ’Tis so. This paper has undone me. ’Tis th‘account Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together For mine own ends—indeed, to gain the popedom, And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence, Fit for a fool to fall by! What cross devil Made me put this main secret in the packet I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this? No new device to beat this from his brains? I know ’twill stir him strongly. Yet I know A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune Will bring me off again. What’s this? He reads the other paper ‘To th’ Pope’? The letter, as I live, with all the business I writ to’s holiness. Nay then, farewell. I have touched the highest point of all my greatness, And from that full meridian of my glory I haste now to my setting. I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more.
(didascalia)	Enter to Cardinal Wolsey the Dukes of Norfolk and
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Suffolk, the Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain
NORFOLK	Hear the King’s pleasure, Cardinal, who commands you To render up the great seal presently Into our hands, and to confine yourself To Ashen House, my lord of Winchester’s, Till you hear further from his highness.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Stay— Where’s your commission, lords? Words cannot carry Authority so weighty.
SUFFOLK	Who dare cross ’em Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Till I find more than will or words to do it— I mean your malice—know, officious lords, I dare and must deny it. Now I feel Of what coarse metal ye are moulded—envy. How eagerly ye follow my disgraces As if it fed ye, and how sleek and wanton Ye appear in everything may bring my ruin! Follow your envious courses, men of malice. You have Christian warrant for ’em, and no doubt In time will find their fit rewards. That seal You ask with such a violence, the King, Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me, Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours, During my life; and, to confirm his goodness, Tied it by letters patents. Now, who’ll take it?
SURREY	The King that gave it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	It must be himself then.
SURREY	Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Proud lord, thou liest.
(didascalia)	Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Have burnt that tongue than said so.
SURREY	Thy ambition, Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law. The heads of all thy brother cardinals With thee and all thy best parts bound together Weighed not a hair of his. Plague of your policy, You sent me deputy for Ireland, Far from his succour, from the King, from all That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him; Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity, Absolved him with an axe.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	This, and all else This talking lord can lay upon my credit, I answer is most false. The Duke by law Found his deserts. How innocent I was From any private malice in his end, His noble jury and foul cause can witness. If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you You have as little honesty as honour, That in the way of loyalty and truth Toward the King, my ever royal master, Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be, And all that love his follies.
SURREY	By my soul, Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel My sword i’th’ life-blood of thee else. My lords, Can ye endure to hear this arrogance, And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely, To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet, Farewell nobility. Let his grace go forward And dare us with his cap, like larks.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	All goodness Is poison to thy stomach.
SURREY	Yes, that goodness Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one, Into your own hands, Card’nal, by extortion; The goodness of your intercepted packets You writ to th’ Pope against the King; your goodness— Since you provoke me—shall be most notorious. My lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble, As you respect the common good, the state Of our despised nobility, our issues— Whom if he live will scarce be gentlemen— Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles Collected from his life. (To Wolsey) I’ll startle you Worse than the sacring-bell when the brown wench Lay kissing in your arms, lord Cardinal.
(didascalia)	CARDINAL WOLSEY aside
SURREY	How much, methinks, I could despise this man, But that I am bound in charity against it.
NORFOLK	(to Surrey) Those articles, my lord, are in the King’s hand; But thus much—they are foul ones.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So much fairer And spotless shall mine innocence arise When the King knows my truth.
SURREY	This cannot save you. I thank my memory I yet remember Some of these articles, and out they shall. Now, if you can blush and cry ‘Guilty’, Cardinal, You’ll show a little honesty.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Speak on, sir; I dare your worst objections. If I blush, It is to see a nobleman want manners.
SURREY	I had rather want those than my head. Have at you! First, that without the King’s assent or knowledge You wrought to be a legate, by which power You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops.
NORFOLK	(to Wolsey) Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else To foreign princes, ‘Ego et Rex meus’ Was still inscribed—in which you brought the King To be your servant.
SUFFOLK	(to Wolsey) Then, that without the knowledge Either of King or Council, when you went Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold To carry into Flanders the great seal.
SURREY	(to Wolsey) Item, you sent a large commission To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude, Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance, A league between his highness and Ferrara,
SUFFOLK	(to Wolsey) That out of mere ambition you have caused Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin.
SURREY	(to Wolsey) Then, that you have sent innumerable substance— By what means got, I leave to your own conscience— To furnish Rome, and to prepare the ways You have for dignities to the mere undoing Of all the kingdom. Many more there are, Which since they are of you, and odious, I will not taint my mouth with.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	O, my lord, Press not a falling man too far. ’Tis virtue. His faults lie open to the laws. Let them, Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him So little of his great self.
SURREY	I forgive him.
SUFFOLK	Lord Cardinal, the King’s further pleasure is— Because all those things you have done of late, By your power legantine within this kingdom, Fall into th’ compass of a praemunire— That therefore such a writ be sued against you, To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements, Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be Out of the King’s protection. This is my charge.
NORFOLK	(to Wolsey) And so we’ll leave you to your meditations How to live better. For your stubborn answer About the giving back the great seal to us, The King shall know it and, no doubt, shall thank you. So fare you well, my little good lord Cardinal.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all but Wolsey
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So farewell—to the little good you bear me. Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness! This is the state of man. Today he puts forth The tender leaves of hopes; tomorrow blossoms, And bears his blushing honours thick upon him; The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root, And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth; my high-blown pride At length broke under me, and now has left me Weary, and old with service, to the mercy Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me. Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye! I feel my heart new opened. O, how wretched Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favours! There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to, That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin, More pangs and fears than wars or women have, And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer, Never to hope again.
(didascalia)	Enter Cromwell, who then stands amazed
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Why, how now, Cromwell?
CROMWELL	I have no power to speak, sir.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	What, amazed At my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder A great man should decline?
(didascalia)	Cromwell begins to weep
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Nay, an you weep I am fall’n indeed.
CROMWELL	How does your grace?
CARDINAL WOLSEY	Why, well— Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. I know myself now, and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities, A still and quiet conscience. The King has cured me. I humbly thank his grace, and from these shoulders, These ruined pillars, out of pity, taken A load would sink a navy—too much honour. O, ’tis a burden, Cromwell, ’tis a burden Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven.
CROMWELL	I am glad your grace has made that right use of it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	I hope I have. I am able now, methinks, Out of a fortitude of soul I feel, To endure more miseries and greater far Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. What news abroad?
CROMWELL	The heaviest and the worst Is your displeasure with the King.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	God bless him.
CROMWELL	The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen Lord Chancellor in your place.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	That’s somewhat sudden. But he’s a learnèd man. May he continue Long in his highness’ favour, and do justice For truth’s sake and his conscience, that his bones, When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings, May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him. What more?
CROMWELL	That Cranmer is returned with welcome, Installed lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	That’s news indeed.
CROMWELL	Last, that the Lady Anne, Whom the King hath in secrecy long married, This day was viewed in open as his queen, Going to chapel, and the voice is now Only about her coronation.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	There was the weight that pulled me down. O, Cromwell, The King has gone beyond me. All my glories In that one woman I have lost for ever. No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, Or gild again the noble troops that waited Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell. I am a poor fall’n man, unworthy now To be thy lord and master. Seek the King— That sun I pray may never set—I have told him What and how true thou art. He will advance thee. Some little memory of me will stir him. I know his noble nature not to let Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell, Neglect him not. Make use now, and provide For thine own future safety.
(didascalia)	CROMWELL weeping
CARDINAL WOLSEY	O, my lord, Must I then leave you? Must I needs forgo So good, so noble, and so true a master? Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron, With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord. The King shall have my service, but my prayers For ever and for ever shall be yours.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	(weeping) Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me, Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman. Let’s dry our eyes, and thus far hear me, Cromwell, And when I am forgotten, as I shall be, And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention Of me more must be heard of, say I taught thee— Say Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory, And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour, Found thee a way, out of his wreck, to rise in, A sure and safe one, though thy master missed it. Mark but my fall, and that that ruined me. Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition. By that sin fell the angels. How can man, then, The image of his maker, hope to win by it? Love thyself last. Cherish those hearts that hate thee. Corruption wins not more than honesty. Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not. Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s, Thy God’s, and truth’s. Then if thou fall’st, O Cromwell, Thou fall‘st a blessed martyr. Serve the King. And prithee, lead me in— There take an inventory of all I have: To the last penny ’tis the King’s. My robe, And my integrity to heaven, is all I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell, Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age Have left me naked to mine enemies.
CROMWELL	Good sir, have patience.
CARDINAL WOLSEY	So I have. Farewell The hopes of court; my hopes in heaven do dwell.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano il Duca di Norfolk, il Duca di Suffolk, Lord Surrey e il Lord Ciambellano
NORFOLK	Se ora vorrete unirvi nelle vostre lagnanze, e spingerle con costanza, il Cardinale non potrà reggerne il peso. Se trascurate l’offerta di questo tempo, non posso promettere altro se non che subirete nuove disgrazie oltre a queste che già portate.
SURREY	Son lieto d’incontrare la minima occasione che possa darmi memoria di mio suocero il Duca, per vendicarmi di lui.
SUFFOLK	Quale dei pari gli è passato accanto senza disprezzo, o almeno senza strana noncuranza? Quando mai riguardò l’impronta della nobiltà in alcuna persona fuori di se stesso?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Signori, dite ciò che vi piace. Che cosa egli meriti da voi e da me, lo so; che cosa possiamo noi fargli—benché ora il tempo ci dia adito—molto temo. Se non potete sbarrargli l’accesso al re, non tentate mai nulla contro di lui, ché ha uno stregamento sul re nella sua lingua.
NORFOLK	Oh, non lo temete. Il suo incantesimo in ciò è finito. Il re ha trovato materia contro di lui che per sempre guasta il miele del suo parlare. No, egli è confitto, senza scampo, nel suo disfavore.
SURREY	Signore, sarei lieto d’udire nuove come questa una volta ogni ora.
NORFOLK	Credetelo, è vero. Nel divorzio i suoi procedimenti contrari sono tutti svelati, e vi appare come vorrei che apparisse il mio nemico.
SURREY	Come vennero alla luce i suoi maneggi?
SUFFOLK	Stranissimamente.
SURREY	Oh, come, come?
SUFFOLK	Le lettere del Cardinale al Papa smarrirono la via, e giunsero all’occhio del re, nelle quali si lesse come il Cardinale supplicasse sua santità di sospendere il giudizio del divorzio, ché se esso avesse luogo, ‘io’, dice, ‘m’avvedo che il mio re è invischiato d’affetto per una creatura della regina, madonna Anna Bolena’.
SURREY	Il re ha questo?
SUFFOLK	Credetelo.
SURREY	Farà effetto?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Il re in ciò s’avvede di come costeggi e si assicuri la propria via. Ma in questo punto tutte le sue astuzie affondano, ed egli porta la medicina dopo la morte del suo paziente. Il re ha già sposato la bella dama.
SURREY	Volesse il cielo che l’avesse fatto.
SUFFOLK	Possiate essere felice nel vostro desiderio, mio signore, ché dichiaro che l’avete ottenuto.
SURREY	Ora tutta la mia gioia accompagni quell’unione.
SUFFOLK	Il mio amen a ciò.
NORFOLK	L’amen di tutti.
SUFFOLK	È stato dato ordine per la sua incoronazione. Per la Madonna, ciò è ancora cosa nuova, e può restare non riferita a certe orecchie. Ma, signori miei, ella è creatura gagliarda, e compiuta di mente e di forme. Mi persuado che da lei cadrà qualche benedizione su questa terra, che vi sarà ricordata in perpetuo.
SURREY	Ma il re digerirà questa lettera del Cardinale? Il Signore non voglia!
NORFOLK	Per la Madonna, amen.
SUFFOLK	No, no— ci sono altre vespe che gli ronzano attorno al naso e faranno pungere questa più presto. Il Cardinale Campeggio è fuggito a Roma; non ha preso congedo; ha lasciato intatta la causa del re, ed è corso come agente del nostro Cardinale a secondare tutto il suo intrigo. Vi assicuro che il re gridò ‘Ah!’ a questo.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ora Dio l’infiammi, e gli faccia gridare ‘Ah!’ più forte.
NORFOLK	Ma, mio signore, quando torna Cranmer?
SUFFOLK	È tornato nelle sue opinioni, le quali hanno soddisfatto il re quanto al suo divorzio, insieme a quasi tutti i famosi collegi della cristianità. Fra poco, credo, sarà pubblicato il suo secondo matrimonio, e la di lei incoronazione. Caterina non più sarà chiamata ‘regina’, ma ‘Principessa Vedova’, e ‘vedova del principe Arturo’.
NORFOLK	Questo Cranmer è uomo degno, e s’è preso molta pena negli affari del re.
SUFFOLK	L’ha fatto, e per questo lo vedremo arcivescovo.
NORFOLK	Così sento dire.
SUFFOLK	È così.
(didascalia)	Entrano il Cardinale Wolsey e Cromwell
SUFFOLK	Il Cardinale.
NORFOLK	Osservate, osservate—è di malumore. Si tengono in disparte e osservano Wolsey e Cromwell
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a Cromwell) Il plico, Cromwell—l’avete dato al re? CROMWELI, Nella sua stessa mano, nella sua camera da letto.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Guardò l’interno della carta? CROMWELL, Subito li dissigillò, e il primo che guardò lo guardò con mente seria; un’attenzione era nel suo volto. A voi ordinò d’attenderlo qui stamane.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	È pronto a uscire?
CROMWELL	Credo che a quest’ora lo sia.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Lasciami un poco.
(didascalia)	Esce Cromwell
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(A parte) Sarà con la Duchessa d’Alençon, sorella del re di Francia—la sposerà. Anna Bolena? No, niente Anne Bolena per lui. C’è dentro ben altro che un bel viso. Bolena? No, niente Bolena. Presto desidero aver notizie da Roma. Marchesa di Pembroke? I nobili parlano fra loro
NORFOLK	È scontento.
SUFFOLK	Forse sente che il re affila la sua collera contro di lui.
SURREY	Abbastanza affilata, Signore, per la tua giustizia.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a parte) La damigella della defunta regina? La figlia d’un cavaliere essere signora della sua signora? La regina della regina? Questa candela non arde chiara; sono io che devo smoccolarla, e allora si spegne. Che importa s’io la so virtuosa e ben meritevole? Pure la conosco per una luterana biliosa, e non salutare alla nostra causa, ch’ella giaccia nel seno del nostro re difficile a governarsi. E poi è spuntato un eretico, e dei massimi, Cranmer, uno che s’è insinuato nel favore del re ed è il suo oracolo. I nobili parlano fra loro
NORFOLK	È irritato per qualcosa.
(didascalia)	Entra il re Enrico leggendo una lista, e con lui Lovell
SURREY	Vorrei che fosse qualcosa che logorasse la corda, la corda maestra del suo cuore!
SUFFOLK	Il re, il re!
(didascalia)	RE ENRICO a parte
SUFFOLK	Che cumuli di ricchezze ha accumulato per la propria parte? E che spesa a ogni ora par che scorra da lui? Come, in nome della parsimonia, rastrella tutto questo? (Ai nobili) Ora, signori miei, avete visto il Cardinale?
NORFOLK	Mio signore, siamo stati qui a osservarlo. Qualche strana agitazione è nel suo cervello. Si morde il labbro, e trasale, si ferma all’improvviso, guarda per terra, poi si posa il dito sulla tempia, subito scatta in andatura veloce, poi si ferma di nuovo, si batte forte il petto, e poi rivolge l’occhio contro la luna. In stranissime posture l’abbiamo visto atteggiarsi.
RE ENRICO	Può ben essere che vi sia un ammutinamento nella sua mente. Stamane mi mandò carte di stato da esaminare come avevo richiesto, e sapete che vi trovai, messo dentro, sulla mia coscienza, inavvertitamente? Nientemeno che un inventario recante le varie partite del suo vasellame, il suo tesoro, ricche stoffe e ornamenti di casa, che trovo a tal superbo ammontare da eccedere il possesso d’un suddito.
NORFOLK	È volere del cielo. Qualche spirito mise questa carta nel plico per benedirne il vostro occhio.
RE ENRICO	Se pensassimo che la sua contemplazione fosse sopra la terra e fissa su oggetto spirituale, egli continuerebbe a dimorare nelle sue meditazioni. Ma temo che i suoi pensieri stiano sotto la luna, non degni d’una sua seria considerazione. Il re prende posto e parla sottovoce con Lovell, che poi va dal Cardinale
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Il cielo mi perdoni!
(didascalia)	Al re Dio benedica sempre vostra altezza!
RE ENRICO	Mio buon signore, siete pieno di materia celeste, e portate l’inventario delle vostre migliori grazie nella mente, il quale stavate or ora scorrendo. Avete appena tempo di rubare al vostro ozio spirituale un breve spazio per tenere il vostro conto terreno. Certo, in ciò vi stimo cattivo amministratore, e son lieto d’avervi in questo per compagno.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Sire, per i santi uffici ho un tempo; un tempo per pensare a quella parte d’affari che porto nello stato; e la natura esige i suoi tempi di conservazione, ai quali, per forza, io, suo fragile figlio, fra i miei fratelli mortali, devo dare la mia cura.
RE ENRICO	Avete detto bene.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	E possa sempre vostra altezza accoppiare, ché ve ne darò motivo, il mio far bene col mio ben dire.
RE ENRICO	È ben detto di nuovo, ed è una specie di buona azione il dir bene— eppure le parole non sono azioni. Mio padre vi amò. Disse d’amarvi, e con l’atto coronò la sua parola su di voi. Da quando ho il mio ufficio, v’ho tenuto accanto al cuore, non solo v’ho impiegato dove alti profitti potessero tornare a casa, ma ho intaccato i miei presenti averi per riversare su di voi le mie liberalità.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(a parte) Che vorrà dir questo?
(didascalia)	SURREY a parte
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Il Signore accresca questa faccenda!
RE ENRICO	Non v’ho forse fatto il primo uomo dello stato? Vi prego, ditemi se ciò che ora pronuncio l’avete trovato vero, e, se potete confessarlo, dite inoltre se siete obbligato a noi o no. Che dite?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Mio sovrano, confesso che le vostre regali grazie riversate su di me ogni giorno sono state più di quanto i miei studiati propositi potessero ricambiare, i quali andarono oltre ogni sforzo umano. I miei sforzi sono sempre rimasti al di sotto dei miei desideri, pur tenendo il passo con le mie capacità. I miei propri fini sono stati miei in tal modo che sempre mirarono al bene della vostra sacratissima persona e al profitto dello stato. Per le vostre grandi grazie accumulate su di me, povero immeritevole, io nulla posso rendere se non fedeli ringraziamenti, le mie preghiere al cielo per voi, la mia lealtà, che sempre è cresciuta e sempre crescerà, finché la morte, quell’inverno, la uccida.
RE ENRICO	Bella risposta. Un suddito leale e obbediente vi è raffigurato. L’onore di ciò ripaga l’atto stesso, come, al contrario, la turpitudine è il castigo. Presumo che, come la mia mano ha aperto la munificenza verso di voi, il mio cuore ha stillato amore, il mio potere piovuto onore, più su di voi che su chiunque, così la vostra mano e il vostro cuore, il vostro cervello, e ogni funzione del vostro potere, dovrebbero, oltre a quel vostro vincolo di dovere, come fosse in particolare d’amore, essere più a me, vostro amico, che a chiunque.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Io dichiaro che per il bene di vostra altezza sempre lavorai più che per il mio; e sono, sono stato e sarò— quand’anche tutto il mondo spezzasse il proprio dovere verso di voi, e lo gettasse via dall’anima, quand’anche i pericoli abbondassero, fitti quanto il pensiero può farli, e apparissero in forme più orride—pure il mio dovere, come fa una roccia contro la piena che rimbrotta, spezzerebbe l’assalto di questo selvaggio fiume, e resterebbe vostro incrollabile.
RE ENRICO	È nobilmente detto. Notate, signori, ha un petto leale, ché l’avete visto aprirlo. (A Wolsey) Leggete questo, Gli dà una carta e dopo questo (dandogli un’altra carta), e poi a colazione con quell’appetito che avete.
(didascalia)	Esce il re Enrico, aggrottando le ciglia verso il
RE ENRICO	Cardinale. I nobili s’accalcano dietro al re, sorridendo e bisbigliando
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Che vorrà dir questo? Che collera improvvisa è questa? Come me la son meritata? Si è staccato da me aggrottato, come se la rovina gli balzasse dagli occhi. Così guarda il leone irritato l’ardito cacciatore che l’ha ferito, e poi lo riduce a nulla. Devo leggere questa carta— temo, la storia della sua collera. Legge una delle carte È così. Questa carta m’ha rovinato. È il conto di tutto quel mondo di ricchezze che ho radunato per i miei propri fini—invero, per ottenere il papato, e pagare i miei amici a Roma. Oh negligenza, degna d’uno sciocco che vi caschi! Quale storto demonio mi fece mettere questo capitale segreto nel plico che mandai al re? Non v’è modo di rimediare a ciò? Nessun nuovo espediente per cacciarlo dal suo cervello? So che lo scuoterà fortemente. Pure conosco una via che, se riesce a dovere, a dispetto della fortuna mi trarrà di nuovo in salvo. Che cos’è questo? Legge l’altra carta ‘Al Papa’? La lettera, com’è vero ch’io vivo, con tutta la faccenda ch’io scrissi a sua santità. E allora, addio. Ho toccato il punto più alto di tutta la mia grandezza, e da quel pieno meridiano della mia gloria m’affretto ora al mio tramonto. Cadrò come una lucente meteora nella sera, e nessun uomo mi vedrà più.
(didascalia)	Entrano presso il Cardinale Wolsey i Duchi di Norfolk e di
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Suffolk, il Conte di Surrey e il Lord Ciambellano
NORFOLK	Udite il piacere del re, Cardinale, il quale vi comanda di consegnare subito il gran sigillo nelle nostre mani, e di confinarvi ad Ashen House, residenza del mio signore di Winchester, finché non abbiate altro avviso da sua altezza.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Fermi— dov’è la vostra commissione, signori? Le parole non possono recare autorità di tal peso.
SUFFOLK	Chi osa contrastarle, recando il volere del re espressamente dalla sua bocca?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Finché non trovo più che volere o parole a farlo— intendo la vostra malizia—sappiate, signori officiosi, ch’io oso e devo rifiutare. Ora sento di che rozzo metallo siete foggiati—invidia. Con che avidità inseguite le mie disgrazie come se vi nutrissero, e come lisci e lascivi apparite in tutto ciò che può portare la mia rovina! Seguite le vostre invidiose vie, uomini di malizia. Ne avete cristiana licenza, e senza dubbio col tempo troveranno le ricompense che meritano. Quel sigillo che chiedete con tale violenza, il re, mio e vostro padrone, con la propria mano me lo diede, m’ordinò di goderne, con la carica e gli onori, durante la mia vita; e, a conferma della sua bontà, lo legò con lettere patenti. Ora, chi lo prenderà?
SURREY	Il re che lo diede.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Allora dev’essere lui stesso.
SURREY	Sei un traditore superbo, prete.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Superbo signore, tu menti.
(didascalia)	In queste quaranta ore Surrey avrebbe meglio osato
CARDINALE WOLSEY	bruciarsi quella lingua che dir così.
SURREY	La tua ambizione, tu peccato scarlatto, derubò questa terra piangente del nobile Buckingham, mio suocero. Le teste di tutti i tuoi fratelli cardinali, con te e tutte le tue parti migliori legate insieme, non pesavano un suo capello. Peste della vostra politica, mi mandaste vicerè in Irlanda, lontano dal suo soccorso, dal re, da tutto ciò che potesse avere misericordia della colpa che tu gli desti; mentre la vostra gran bontà, per santa pietà, lo assolveva con una scure.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Questo, e tutto il resto che questo signore chiacchierone può addossare al mio credito, rispondo che è falsissimo. Il Duca per legge trovò ciò che meritava. Quanto io fossi innocente d’ogni malizia privata nella sua fine, la sua nobile giuria e la turpe causa possono attestarlo. S’io amassi le molte parole, signore, vi direi che avete tanto poca onestà quanto onore, e che per via di lealtà e verità verso il re, mio sempre regale padrone, oso misurarmi con uomo più saldo di quanto Surrey possa essere, e con tutti quelli che amano le sue follie.
SURREY	Sulla mia anima, la vostra lunga veste, prete, vi protegge; altrimenti sentiresti la mia spada nel sangue vitale di te. Signori miei, potete sopportare d’udire quest’arroganza, e da costui? Se viviamo così docilmente, da farci strapazzare da un pezzo di scarlatto, addio nobiltà. Vada pure avanti sua grazia e ci adeschi col suo cappello, come allodole.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Ogni bontà è veleno per il tuo stomaco.
SURREY	Sì, quella bontà di spigolare tutta la ricchezza del paese in un sol luogo, nelle vostre stesse mani, Cardinale, per estorsione; la bontà dei vostri plichi intercettati che scriveste al Papa contro il re; la vostra bontà— giacché mi provocate—sarà notissima. Mio signore di Norfolk, poiché siete veramente nobile, poiché avete riguardo al bene comune, allo stato della nostra disprezzata nobiltà, alla nostra prole— che, s’egli vive, sarà a stento gentiluomo— producete la gran somma dei suoi peccati, gli articoli raccolti dalla sua vita. (A Wolsey) Vi farò trasalire peggio della campanella dell’elevazione quando la bruna ragazza vi giaceva a baciarvi fra le braccia, signore Cardinale.
(didascalia)	CARDINALE WOLSEY a parte
SURREY	Quanto, mi pare, potrei disprezzare quest’uomo, se non fossi in carità obbligato a non farlo.
NORFOLK	(a Surrey) Quegli articoli, mio signore, sono nelle mani del re; ma tanto vi dico—sono turpi.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Tanto più bella e immacolata sorgerà la mia innocenza quando il re conoscerà la mia verità.
SURREY	Questo non può salvarvi. Ringrazio la mia memoria se ancora ricordo alcuni di questi articoli, e fuori usciranno. Ora, se sapete arrossire e gridare ‘Colpevole’, Cardinale, mostrerete un poco d’onestà.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Parlate pure, signore; sfido le vostre peggiori obiezioni. Se arrossisco, è nel vedere un nobile privo di creanza.
SURREY	Preferisco esser privo di quella che della testa. In guardia! Primo: che senza l’assenso o la scienza del re operaste per essere legato, con qual potere mutilaste la giurisdizione di tutti i vescovi.
NORFOLK	(a Wolsey) Poi: che in tutto ciò che scriveste a Roma, o anche a principi stranieri, ‘Ego et Rex meus’ era sempre inscritto—con che riduceste il re a essere vostro servo.
SUFFOLK	(a Wolsey) Poi: che senza la scienza né del re né del Consiglio, quando andaste ambasciatore presso l’Imperatore, osaste portare nelle Fiandre il gran sigillo.
SURREY	(a Wolsey) Item: mandaste ampia commissione a Gregorio de Cassado, per concludere, senza il volere del re o il consenso dello stato, una lega fra sua altezza e Ferrara,
SUFFOLK	(a Wolsey) Che per pura ambizione avete fatto coniare il vostro sacro cappello sulla moneta del re.
SURREY	(a Wolsey) Poi: che avete mandato innumerevoli sostanze— con quali mezzi ottenute, lo lascio alla vostra stessa coscienza— a fornire Roma, e a preparare le vie che vi siete aperto verso le dignità, con la pura rovina di tutto il regno. Ve ne sono molte altre, le quali, poiché son vostre e odiose, non voglio contaminarne la mia bocca.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Oh, mio signore, non incalzate troppo un uomo che cade. È virtù. Le sue colpe stanno aperte alle leggi. Siano esse, non voi, a correggerlo. Il mio cuore piange nel vederlo così poco del suo gran sé.
SURREY	Io lo perdono.
SUFFOLK	Signore Cardinale, l’ulteriore piacere del re è— poiché tutte quelle cose che avete fatto di recente, per il vostro potere legatizio dentro questo regno, cadono nell’ambito d’un praemunire— che perciò tale mandato sia promosso contro di voi, a confisca di tutti i vostri beni, terre, tenute, mobili e quant’altro, e che siate fuori dalla protezione del re. Questo è il mio incarico.
NORFOLK	(a Wolsey) E così vi lasceremo alle vostre meditazioni su come vivere meglio. Quanto alla vostra ostinata risposta circa il restituirci il gran sigillo, il re lo saprà e, senza dubbio, vi ringrazierà. Dunque state bene, mio piccolo buon signore Cardinale.
(didascalia)	Escono tutti tranne Wolsey
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Dunque addio—al poco bene che mi portate. Addio, un lungo addio, a tutta la mia grandezza! Questo è lo stato dell’uomo. Oggi mette fuori le tenere foglie delle speranze; domani fiorisce, e porta su di sé fitti i suoi onori arrossenti; il terzo giorno viene un gelo, un gelo micidiale, e quando egli pensa, buon uomo credulo, ben sicuro che la sua grandezza stia maturando, gli morde la radice, e allora cade, come faccio io. Mi sono arrischiato, come piccoli ragazzi sventati che nuotano su vesciche, per tante estati in un mare di gloria, ma assai oltre la mia altezza; la mia superbia gonfiata alla fine si ruppe sotto di me, e ora m’ha lasciato stanco, e invecchiato dal servizio, alla mercé d’una rude corrente che per sempre deve nascondermi. Vana pompa e gloria di questo mondo, io v’odio! Sento il mio cuore aperto di nuovo. Oh, quanto misero è quel pover’uomo che pende dai favori dei principi! V’è, fra quel sorriso a cui aspireremmo, quel dolce aspetto dei principi, e la loro rovina, più fitte e timori di quanti ne abbiano guerre o donne, e quando egli cade, cade come Lucifero, per non sperare mai più.
(didascalia)	Entra Cromwell, che poi resta attonito
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Ebbene, che c’è, Cromwell?
CROMWELL	Non ho forza di parlare, signore.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Come, attonito per le mie sventure? Può il tuo spirito meravigliarsi che un grand’uomo debba declinare?
(didascalia)	Cromwell comincia a piangere
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Suvvia, se tu piangi sono caduto davvero.
CROMWELL	Come sta vostra grazia?
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Ma bene— mai così veramente felice, mio buon Cromwell. Ora conosco me stesso, e sento dentro di me una pace superiore a tutte le dignità terrene, una coscienza ferma e quieta. Il re m’ha guarito. Umilmente ringrazio sua grazia, e da queste spalle, queste colonne in rovina, per pietà ha tolto un carico che affonderebbe una flotta—troppo onore. Oh, è un peso, Cromwell, è un peso troppo grave per un uomo che spera nel cielo.
CROMWELL	Son lieto che vostra grazia ne abbia fatto quel giusto uso.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Lo spero. Ora sono capace, mi pare, per una fortezza d’anima che sento, di sopportare miserie più numerose e assai maggiori di quante i miei nemici dal cuore debole osino offrire. Che nuove corrono?
CROMWELL	La più grave e la peggiore è il vostro disfavore presso il re.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Dio lo benedica.
CROMWELL	La successiva è che Sir Tommaso Moro è stato scelto Lord Cancelliere al vostro posto.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Ciò è alquanto improvviso. Ma è uomo dotto. Possa egli durare a lungo nel favore di sua altezza, e far giustizia per amor della verità e della sua coscienza, sì che le sue ossa, quando avrà corso la sua via e dormirà fra le benedizioni, abbiano una tomba di lacrime d’orfani piante su di lui. Che altro?
CROMWELL	Che Cranmer è tornato con accoglienza festosa, insediato lord Arcivescovo di Canterbury.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Questa è nuova davvero.
CROMWELL	Infine, che madonna Anna, che il re ha in segreto sposato da tempo, oggi è stata vista in pubblico come sua regina, andando alla cappella, e la voce ora corre solo intorno alla sua incoronazione.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Ecco il peso che m’ha tirato giù. Oh, Cromwell, il re m’ha sopravanzato. Tutte le mie glorie in quella sola donna ho perduto per sempre. Nessun sole scorterà mai più i miei onori, né dorerà di nuovo le nobili schiere che attendevano ai miei sorrisi. Va’, allontanati da me, Cromwell. Sono un povero uomo caduto, ora indegno d’essere tuo signore e padrone. Cerca il re— quel sole che prego non tramonti mai—gli ho detto che cosa e quanto fedele tu sia. Egli t’innalzerà. Qualche piccola memoria di me lo commuoverà. Conosco la sua nobile natura: non lascerà perire anche il tuo promettente servizio. Buon Cromwell, non trascurarlo. Approfittane ora, e provvedi alla tua futura sicurezza.
(didascalia)	CROMWELL piangendo
CARDINALE WOLSEY	Oh, mio signore, devo dunque lasciarvi? Devo per forza rinunciare a un padrone così buono, così nobile e così fedele? Siate testimoni, voi tutti che non avete cuori di ferro, con che dolore Cromwell lascia il suo signore. Il re avrà il mio servizio, ma le mie preghiere in eterno e in eterno saranno vostre.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	(piangendo) Cromwell, non pensavo di versare una lacrima in tutte le mie miserie, ma tu m’hai costretto, con la tua onesta sincerità, a far la donna. Asciughiamoci gli occhi, e fin qui ascoltami, Cromwell, e quando sarò dimenticato, come sarò, e dormirò in freddo marmo opaco, dove più nessuna menzione di me si dovrà udire, di’ ch’io t’insegnai— di’ che Wolsey, che un tempo calcò le vie della gloria, e scandagliò tutte le profondità e le secche dell’onore, ti trovò, dal suo naufragio, una via per salire, sicura e salda, benché il tuo padrone l’avesse mancata. Nota solo la mia caduta, e ciò che mi rovinò. Cromwell, te lo ingiungo, getta via l’ambizione. Per quel peccato caddero gli angeli. Come può dunque l’uomo, immagine del suo creatore, sperare di vincere con essa? Ama te stesso per ultimo. Abbi cari quei cuori che t’odiano. La corruzione non vince più dell’onestà. Porta sempre nella destra la mite pace per far tacere le lingue invidiose. Sii giusto, e non temere. Che tutti i fini a cui miri siano quelli del tuo paese, del tuo Dio, e della verità. Allora, se cadrai, o Cromwell, cadrai martire benedetto. Servi il re. E ti prego, conducimi dentro— là fa’ l’inventario di tutto ciò che ho: fino all’ultimo soldo è del re. La mia veste, e la mia integrità verso il cielo, è tutto ciò che ora oso chiamar mio. O Cromwell, Cromwell, se solo avessi servito il mio Dio con metà dello zelo con cui servii il mio re, Egli nella mia vecchiaia non m’avrebbe lasciato nudo ai miei nemici.
CROMWELL	Buon signore, abbiate pazienza.
CARDINALE WOLSEY	L’ho. Addio speranze di corte; le mie speranze dimorano in cielo.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter the two Gentlemen meeting one another. The first holds a paper
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You’re well met once again.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	So are you.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	You come to take your stand here and behold The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?
SECOND GENTLEMAN	’Tis all my business. At our last encounter The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis very true. But that time offered sorrow, This, general joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	’Tis well. The citizens, I am sure, have shown at full their royal minds— As, let ’em have their rights, they are ever forward— In celebration of this day with shows, Pageants, and sights of honour.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Never greater, Nor, I’ll assure you, better taken, sir.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	May I be bold to ask what that contains, That paper in your hand?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes, ’tis the list Of those that claim their offices this day By custom of the coronation. The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk, He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest. He gives him the paper
SECOND GENTLEMAN	I thank you, sir. Had I not known those customs, I should have been beholden to your paper. But I beseech you, what’s become of Katherine, The Princess Dowager? How goes her business?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	That I can tell you too. The Archbishop Of Canterbury, accompanied with other Learned and reverend fathers of his order, Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off From Ampthill, where the Princess lay; to which She was often cited by them, but appeared not. And, to be short, for not appearance, and The King’s late scruple, by the main assent Of all these learned men, she was divorced, And the late marriage made of none effect, Since which she was removed to Kimbolton, Where she remains now sick.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Alas, good lady!
(didascalia)	Flourish of trumpets within
SECOND GENTLEMAN	The trumpets sound. Stand close. The Queen is coming.
(didascalia)	Enter the coronation procession, which passes over the stage in order and state. Hautboys, within, play during the procession
THE ORDER OF THE	CORONATION
(didascalia)	1. First, enter trumpeters, who play a lively flourish.
THE ORDER OF THE	2. Then, enter two judges. 3. Then, enter the Lord Chancellor, with both the purse containing the great seal and the mace borne before him.
(didascalia)	4. Then, enter choristers singing; with them, musicians playing.
THE ORDER OF THE	5. Then, enter the Lord Mayor of London bearing the mace, followed by Garter King-of-Arms wearing his coat of arms and a gilt copper crown. 6. Then, enter Marquis Dorset bearing a sceptre of gold, and wearing, on his head, a demi-coronal of gold and, about his neck, a collar of esses. With him enter the Earl of Surrey bearing the rod of silver with the dove, crowned with an earl’s coronet, and also wearing a collar of esses. 7. Next, enter the Duke of Suffolk as High Steward, in his robe of estate, with his coronet on his head, and bearing a long white wand. With him, enter the Duke of Norfolk with the rod of marshalship and a coronet on his head. Each wears a collar of esses. 8. Then, under a canopy borne by four barons of the Cinque Ports, enter Anne, the new Queen, in her robe. Her hair, which hangs loose, is richly adorned with pearl. She wears a crown. Accompanying her on either side are the Bishops of London and Winchester. 9. Next, enter the old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of gold wrought with flowers, bearing the Queen’s train. 10. Finally, enter certain ladies or countesses, with plain circlets of gold without flowers. The two Gentlemen comment on the procession as it passes over the stage
SECOND GENTLEMAN	A royal train, believe me. These I know. Who’s that that bears the sceptre?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Marquis Dorset. And that, the Earl of Surrey with the rod.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	A bold brave gentleman. That should be The Duke of Suffolk?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	’Tis the same: High Steward.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	And that, my lord of Norfolk?
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Yes.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	(seeing Anne) Heaven bless thee! Thou hast the sweetest face ever looked on. Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel. Our King has all the Indies in his arms, And more, and richer, when he strains that lady. I cannot blame his conscience.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	They that bear The cloth of honour over her are four barons Of the Cinque Ports.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Those men are happy, And so are all are near her. I take it she that carries up the train Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	It is. And all the rest are countesses.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed—
(didascalia)	FIRST GENTLEMAN
SECOND GENTLEMAN	And sometimes falling ones.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	No more of that.
(didascalia)	Exit the last of the procession, and then
SECOND GENTLEMAN	a great flourish of trumpets within
(didascalia)	Enter a third Gentleman in a sweat
FIRST GENTLEMAN	God save you, sir. Where have you been broiling?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Among the crowd i’th’ Abbey, where a finger Could not be wedged in more. I am stifled With the mere rankness of their joy.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	You saw the ceremony?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	That I did.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	How Was it?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Well worth the seeing.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Good sir, speak it to us.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	As well as I am able. The rich stream Of lords and ladies, having brought the Queen To a prepared place in the choir, fell off A distance from her, while her grace sat down To rest a while—some half an hour or so— In a rich chair of state, opposing freely The beauty of her person to the people. Believe me, sir, she is the goodliest woman That ever lay by man; which when the people Had the full view of, such a noise arose As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest, As loud and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks— Doublets, I think—flew up, and had their faces Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy I never saw before. Great-bellied women, That had not half a week to go, like rams In the old time of war, would shake the press, And make ’em reel before ’em. No man living Could say ‘This is my wife’ there, all were woven So strangely in one piece.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	But what followed?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	At length her grace rose, and with modest paces Came to the altar, where she kneeled, and saint-like Cast her fair eyes to heaven, and prayed devoutly, 86 Then rose again, and bowed her to the people, When by the Archbishop of Canterbury She had all the royal makings of a queen, As holy oil, Edward Confessor’s crown, The rod and bird of peace, and all such emblems Laid nobly on her. Which performed, the choir, With all the choicest music of the kingdom, Together sung Te Deum. So she parted, And with the same full state paced back again To York Place, where the feast is held.
FIRST GENTLEMAN	Sir, You must no more call it York Place—that’s past, For since the Cardinal fell, that title’s lost. ‘Tis now the King’s, and called Whitehall.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	I know it, But ’tis so lately altered that the old name Is fresh about me.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	What two reverend bishops Were those that went on each side of the Queen?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Stokesley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester— Newly preferred from the King’s secretary— The other London.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	He of Winchester Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop’s, The virtuous Cranmer.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	All the land knows that. However, yet there is no great breach. When it comes, Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	Who may that be, I pray you?
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Thomas Cromwell, A man in much esteem with th’ King, and truly A worthy friend. The King has made him Master o’th’ Jewel House, And one already of the Privy Council.
SECOND GENTLEMAN	He will deserve more.
THIRD GENTLEMAN	Yes, without all doubt. Come, gentlemen, ye shall go my way, Which is to th’ court, and there ye shall be my guests. Something I can command. As I walk thither I’ll tell ye more.
FIRST	and SECOND GENTLEMEN You may command us, sir.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	4.2 Three chairs. Enter Katherine Dowager, sick, led between Griffith her gentleman usher, and Patience her woman
GRIFFITH	How does your grace?
KATHERINE	O Griffith, sick to death. My legs, like loaden branches, bow to th’ earth, Willing to leave their burden. Reach a chair. A chair is brought to her. She sits So now, methinks, I feel a little ease. Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou led’st me, That the great child of honour, Cardinal Wolsey, Was dead?
GRIFFITH	Yes, madam, but I think your grace, Out of the pain you suffered, gave no ear to’t.
KATHERINE	Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died. If well, he stepped before me happily For my example.
GRIFFITH	Well, the voice goes, madam. For after the stout Earl Northumberland Arrested him at York, and brought him forward, As a man sorely tainted, to his answer, He fell sick, suddenly, and grew so ill He could not sit his mule.
KATHERINE	Alas, poor man.
GRIFFITH	At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester, Lodged in the abbey, where the reverend abbot, With all his convent, honourably received him, To whom he gave these words: ‛O father abbot, An old man broken with the storms of state Is come to lay his weary bones among ye. Give him a little earth, for charity.’ So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness Pursued him still, and three nights after this, About the hour of eight, which he himself Foretold should be his last, full of repentance, Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows, He gave his honours to the world again, His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace.
KATHERINE	So may he rest, his faults lie gently on him. Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him, And yet with charity. He was a man Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking Himself with princes; one that by suggestion Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair play. His own opinion was his law. I’th’ presence He would say untruths, and be ever double Both in his words and meaning. He was never, But where he meant to ruin, pitiful. His promises were, as he then was, mighty; But his performance, as he is now, nothing. Of his own body he was ill, and gave The clergy ill example.
GRIFFITH	Noble madam, Men’s evil manners live in brass, their virtues We write in water. May it please your highness To hear me speak his good now?
KATHERINE	Yes, good Griffith, I were malicious else.
GRIFFITH	This cardinal, Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly Was fashioned to much honour. From his cradle He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one, Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading; Lofty and sour to them that loved him not, But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer. And though he were unsatisfied in getting— Which was a sin—yet in bestowing, madam, He was most princely: ever witness for him Those twins of learning that he raised in you, Ipswich and Oxford—one of which fell with him, Unwilling to outlive the good that did it; The other, though unfinished, yet so famous, So excellent in art, and still so rising, That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue. His overthrow heaped happiness upon him, For then, and not till then, he felt himself, And found the blessedness of being little. And to add greater honours to his age Than man could give him, he died fearing God.
KATHERINE	After my death I wish no other herald, No other speaker of my living actions To keep mine honour from corruption But such an honest chronicler as Griffith. Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me, With thy religious truth and modesty, Now in his ashes honour. Peace be with him. (To her woman) Patience, be near me still, and set me lower. I have not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith, Cause the musicians play me that sad note I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating On that celestial harmony I go to. Sad and solemn music. Katherine sleeps
GRIFFITH	(to the woman) She is asleep. Good wench, let’s sit down quiet For fear we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience. They sit
(didascalia)	Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six personages clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden visors on their faces. They carry branches of bays or palm in their hands. They first conge unto Katherine, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head at which the other four make reverent curtsies. Then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes and holding the garland over her head. Which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two who likewise observe the same order. At which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven. And so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues
KATHERINE	(waking) Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone, And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? Griffith and Patience rise and come forward
GRIFFITH	Madam, we are here.
KATHERINE	It is not you I call for. Saw ye none enter since I slept?
GRIFFITH	None, madam.
KATHERINE	No? Saw you not even now a blessèd troop Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? They promised me eternal happiness, And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, Assuredly.
GRIFFITH	I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy.
KATHERINE	Bid the music leave. They are harsh and heavy to me.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
PATIENCE	(to Griffith) Do you note How much her grace is altered on the sudden? How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks, And of an earthy colour? Mark her eyes?
GRIFFITH	She is going, wench. Pray, pray.
PATIENCE	Heaven comfort her.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER	(to Katherine) An’t like your grace—
KATHERINE	You are a saucy fellow— Deserve we no more reverence?
GRIFFITH	(to the Messenger) You are to blame, Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness, To use so rude behaviour. Go to, kneel.
MESSENGER	(kneeling before Katherine) I humbly do entreat your highness’ pardon. My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying A gentleman sent from the King to see you.
KATHERINE	Admit him entrance, Griffith. But this fellow Let me ne’er see again.
(didascalia)	Exit Messenger
(didascalia)	Enter Lord Caputius ushered by Griffith
KATHERINE	If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the Emperor, My royal nephew, and your name Caputius.
(didascalia)	Madam, the same, bowing your servant.
KATHERINE	O, my lord, The times and titles now are altered strangely With me since first you knew me. But I pray you, What is your pleasure with me?
CAPUTIUS	Noble lady, First mine own service to your grace; the next, The King’s request that I would visit you, Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
KATHERINE	O, my good lord, that comfort comes too late, ’Tis like a pardon after execution. That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me; But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. How does his highness?
CAPUTIUS	Madam, in good health.
KATHERINE	So may he ever do, and ever flourish When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banished the kingdom. (To her woman) Patience, is that letter I caused you write yet sent away?
PATIENCE	No, madam.
KATHERINE	(to Caputius) Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver This to my lord the King. The letter is given to Caputius
CAPUTIUS	Most willing, madam.
KATHERINE	In which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter— The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her— Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding. She is young, and of a noble modest nature. I hope she will deserve well—and a little To love her for her mother’s sake, that loved him, Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition Is that his noble grace would have some pity Upon my wretched women, that so long Have followed both my fortunes faithfully; Of which there is not one, I dare avow— And now I should not lie—but will deserve, For virtue and true beauty of the soul, For honesty and decent carriage, A right good husband. Let him be a noble, And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em. The last is for my men—they are the poorest, But poverty could never draw ’em from me— That they may have their wages duly paid ’em, And something over to remember me by. If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life, And able means, we had not parted thus. These are the whole contents; and, good my lord, By that you love the dearest in this world, As you wish Christian peace to souls departed, Stand these poor people’s friend and urge the King To do me this last rite.
CAPUTIUS	By heaven I will, Or let me lose the fashion of a man.
KATHERINE	I thank you, honest lord. Remember me In all humility unto his highness. Say his long trouble now is passing Out of this world. Tell him, in death I blessed him, For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell, My lord. Griffith, farewell. (To her woman) Nay, Patience, You must not leave me yet. I must to bed. Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench, Let me be used with honour. Strew me over With maiden flowers, that all the world may know I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me, Then lay me forth. Although unqueened, yet like A queen and daughter to a king inter me. I can no more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Caputius and Griffith at one door;
(didascalia)	Patience leading Katherine at another

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano i due Gentiluomini incontrandosi. Il primo tiene una carta
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Siete di nuovo ben trovato.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	E così voi.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Venite a prender posto qui per vedere madonna Anna passare dopo la sua incoronazione?
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	È tutto il mio affare. Al nostro ultimo incontro il Duca di Buckingham veniva dal suo processo.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	È verissimo. Ma quel tempo offriva dolore, questo, gioia universale.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	È bene. I cittadini, ne son certo, hanno mostrato in pieno il loro animo regale— ché, rendendo loro giustizia, sono sempre solleciti— nel celebrare questo giorno con spettacoli, cortei e visioni d’onore.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Mai maggiori, né, ve l’assicuro, meglio accolti, signore.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Posso essere ardito a chiedere che cosa contenga quella carta nella vostra mano?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Sì, è la lista di coloro che rivendicano oggi i loro uffici per consuetudine dell’incoronazione. Il Duca di Suffolk è il primo, e rivendica d’essere Gran Siniscalco; poi il Duca di Norfolk, egli d’essere Conte Maresciallo. Potete leggere il resto. Gli dà la carta
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Vi ringrazio, signore. Se non avessi conosciuto quelle consuetudini, sarei stato obbligato alla vostra carta. Ma vi supplico, che ne è di Caterina, la Principessa Vedova? Come vanno le sue faccende?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Anche questo posso dirvi. L’Arcivescovo di Canterbury, accompagnato da altri dotti e reverendi padri del suo ordine, tenne di recente corte a Dunstable, sei miglia lontano da Ampthill, dove giaceva la Principessa; alla quale ella fu spesso citata da loro, ma non comparve. E, per farla breve, per la non comparizione, e il recente scrupolo del re, col principale assenso di tutti questi dotti, ella fu divorziata, e il matrimonio d’un tempo reso di nessun effetto, dopo di che fu trasferita a Kimbolton, dove ora resta inferma.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Ahimè, buona dama!
(didascalia)	Squillo di trombe da dentro
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Le trombe suonano. State appartato. La regina sta venendo.
(didascalia)	Entra il corteo dell’incoronazione, che attraversa la scena in ordine e con solennità. Oboi, da dentro, suonano durante il corteo
L’ORDINE DELLA	INCORONAZIONE
(didascalia)	1. Primo, entrano trombettieri, che suonano una vivace fanfara.
L’ORDINE DELLA	2. Poi entrano due giudici. 3. Poi entra il Lord Cancelliere, con la borsa contenente il gran sigillo e la mazza portate davanti a lui.
(didascalia)	4. Poi entrano coristi che cantano; con loro, musicisti che suonano.
L’ORDINE DELLA	5. Poi entra il Lord Sindaco di Londra che porta la mazza, seguito dal Re d’Armi della Giarrettiera, che indossa la sua cotta d’arme e una corona di rame dorato. 6. Poi entra il Marchese Dorset che porta uno scettro d’oro, e indossa, sul capo, una mezza corona d’oro e, al collo, un collare di esse. Con lui entra il Conte di Surrey che porta la verga d’argento con la colomba, cinto del coronetto da conte, e anch’egli con un collare di esse. 7. Poi entra il Duca di Suffolk come Gran Siniscalco, nella sua veste di stato, col coronetto sul capo, e reca una lunga bacchetta bianca. Con lui entra il Duca di Norfolk con la verga di maresciallo e un coronetto sul capo. Ciascuno porta un collare di esse. 8. Poi, sotto un baldacchino portato da quattro baroni dei Cinque Porti, entra Anna, la nuova regina, nella sua veste. I suoi capelli, che scendono sciolti, sono riccamente adorni di perle. Porta una corona. L’accompagnano ai due lati i Vescovi di Londra e di Winchester. 9. Poi entra la vecchia Duchessa di Norfolk, con un serto d’oro lavorato a fiori, che regge lo strascico della regina. 10. Infine entrano alcune dame o contesse, con semplici cerchi d’oro senza fiori. I due Gentiluomini commentano il corteo mentre attraversa la scena
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Un corteo regale, credetemi. Questi li conosco. Chi è colui che porta lo scettro?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Il Marchese Dorset. E quello, il Conte di Surrey con la verga.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Un gentiluomo ardito e valoroso. Quello dovrebbe essere il Duca di Suffolk?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	È proprio lui: Gran Siniscalco.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	E quello, il mio signore di Norfolk?
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Sì.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	(vedendo Anna) Il cielo ti benedica! Hai il volto più dolce su cui si sia mai posato sguardo. Signore, com’è vero ch’ho un’anima, è un angelo. Il nostro re ha tutte le Indie fra le braccia, e più, e più ricche, quando stringe quella dama. Non posso biasimare la sua coscienza.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Coloro che reggono il drappo d’onore sopra di lei sono quattro baroni dei Cinque Porti.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Quegli uomini sono felici, e così tutti quelli che le sono vicini. Ritengo che colei che regge lo strascico sia quella vecchia nobile dama, la Duchessa di Norfolk.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Lo è. E tutte le altre sono contesse.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	I loro coronetti lo dicono. Queste sono davvero stelle—
(didascalia)	PRIMO GENTILUOMO
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	E talvolta cadenti.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Basta con questo.
(didascalia)	Esce l’ultimo del corteo, e poi
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	un gran squillo di trombe da dentro
(didascalia)	Entra un terzo Gentiluomo tutto sudato
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Dio vi salvi, signore. Dove siete stato ad arrostirvi?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Fra la calca nell’Abbazia, dove un dito non si sarebbe potuto incuneare di più. Sono soffocato dal solo rigoglio della loro gioia.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Avete visto la cerimonia?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Sì, l’ho vista.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Com’era?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Ben degna d’esser vista.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Buon signore, raccontatecela.
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Bene quanto ne son capace. Il ricco fiume di signori e dame, avendo condotto la regina a un luogo apprestato nel coro, si ritrasse a una certa distanza da lei, mentre sua grazia si sedette a riposare un poco—una mezz’ora o giù di lì— in una ricca sedia di stato, esponendo liberamente la bellezza della sua persona al popolo. Credetemi, signore, è la donna più avvenente che sia mai giaciuta accanto a uomo; e quando il popolo ne ebbe piena vista, sorse un tale fragore quale fanno le sartie in mare in una dura tempesta, altrettanto forte e su altrettante note. Cappelli, mantelli— e farsetti, credo—volarono in alto, e se le loro facce fossero state staccate, quel giorno le avrebbero perdute. Tal gioia non vidi mai prima. Donne dal ventre grosso, cui non restava mezza settimana, come arieti nell’antico tempo di guerra, scuotevano la calca, e la facevano barcollare davanti a loro. Nessun uomo vivente avrebbe potuto dire là ‘Questa è mia moglie’, tanto tutti erano intessuti stranamente in un solo pezzo.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Ma che seguì?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Alla fine sua grazia si levò, e con modesti passi venne all’altare, dove s’inginocchiò, e da santa volse i suoi begli occhi al cielo, e pregò devotamente, 86 poi si levò di nuovo, e s’inchinò al popolo, quando dall’Arcivescovo di Canterbury ricevette tutte le insegne regali d’una regina, come il sacro olio, la corona d’Edoardo il Confessore, la verga e l’uccello della pace, e tutti tali emblemi nobilmente posti su di lei. Compiuto ciò, il coro, con tutta la più scelta musica del regno, cantò insieme il Te Deum. Così ella partì, e con la stessa piena solennità tornò a passo lento a York Place, dove si tiene il banchetto.
PRIMO GENTILUOMO	Signore, non dovete più chiamarlo York Place—è passato, ché da quando il Cardinale cadde, quel titolo è perduto. Ora è del re, e si chiama Whitehall.
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Lo so, ma è mutato così di recente che il vecchio nome mi è ancora fresco addosso.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Quali due reverendi vescovi erano quelli che andavano ai due lati della regina?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Stokesley e Gardiner, l’uno di Winchester— di fresco promosso da segretario del re— l’altro di Londra.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Quello di Winchester non è tenuto per gran buon amico dell’Arcivescovo, il virtuoso Cranmer.
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Tutto il paese lo sa. Tuttavia non v’è ancora gran rottura. Quando verrà, Cranmer troverà un amico che non si ritrarrà da lui.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Chi può essere, di grazia?
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Thomas Cromwell, uomo in molta stima presso il re, e davvero amico degno. Il re l’ha fatto Maestro della Casa dei Gioielli, e già membro del Consiglio Privato.
SECONDO GENTILUOMO	Meriterà di più.
TERZO GENTILUOMO	Sì, senza alcun dubbio. Venite, gentiluomini, farete la mia strada, che va alla corte, e là sarete miei ospiti. Qualcosa posso comandare. Mentre vi cammino vi dirò di più.
PRIMO	e SECONDO GENTILUOMO Potete comandarci, signore.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Three chairs. Enter Katherine Dowager, sick, led between Griffith her gentleman usher, and Patience her woman
GRIFFITH	How does your grace?
KATHERINE	O Griffith, sick to death. My legs, like loaden branches, bow to th’ earth, Willing to leave their burden. Reach a chair. A chair is brought to her. She sits So now, methinks, I feel a little ease. Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou led’st me, That the great child of honour, Cardinal Wolsey, Was dead?
GRIFFITH	Yes, madam, but I think your grace, Out of the pain you suffered, gave no ear to’t.
KATHERINE	Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died. If well, he stepped before me happily For my example.
GRIFFITH	Well, the voice goes, madam. For after the stout Earl Northumberland Arrested him at York, and brought him forward, As a man sorely tainted, to his answer, He fell sick, suddenly, and grew so ill He could not sit his mule.
KATHERINE	Alas, poor man.
GRIFFITH	At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester, Lodged in the abbey, where the reverend abbot, With all his convent, honourably received him, To whom he gave these words: ‛O father abbot, An old man broken with the storms of state Is come to lay his weary bones among ye. Give him a little earth, for charity.’ So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness Pursued him still, and three nights after this, About the hour of eight, which he himself Foretold should be his last, full of repentance, Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows, He gave his honours to the world again, His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace.
KATHERINE	So may he rest, his faults lie gently on him. Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him, And yet with charity. He was a man Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking Himself with princes; one that by suggestion Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair play. His own opinion was his law. I’th’ presence He would say untruths, and be ever double Both in his words and meaning. He was never, But where he meant to ruin, pitiful. His promises were, as he then was, mighty; But his performance, as he is now, nothing. Of his own body he was ill, and gave The clergy ill example.
GRIFFITH	Noble madam, Men’s evil manners live in brass, their virtues We write in water. May it please your highness To hear me speak his good now?
KATHERINE	Yes, good Griffith, I were malicious else.
GRIFFITH	This cardinal, Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly Was fashioned to much honour. From his cradle He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one, Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading; Lofty and sour to them that loved him not, But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer. And though he were unsatisfied in getting— Which was a sin—yet in bestowing, madam, He was most princely: ever witness for him Those twins of learning that he raised in you, Ipswich and Oxford—one of which fell with him, Unwilling to outlive the good that did it; The other, though unfinished, yet so famous, So excellent in art, and still so rising, That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue. His overthrow heaped happiness upon him, For then, and not till then, he felt himself, And found the blessedness of being little. And to add greater honours to his age Than man could give him, he died fearing God.
KATHERINE	After my death I wish no other herald, No other speaker of my living actions To keep mine honour from corruption But such an honest chronicler as Griffith. Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me, With thy religious truth and modesty, Now in his ashes honour. Peace be with him. (To her woman) Patience, be near me still, and set me lower. I have not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith, Cause the musicians play me that sad note I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating On that celestial harmony I go to. Sad and solemn music. Katherine sleeps
GRIFFITH	(to the woman) She is asleep. Good wench, let’s sit down quiet For fear we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience. They sit
(didascalia)	Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six personages clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden visors on their faces. They carry branches of bays or palm in their hands. They first conge unto Katherine, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head at which the other four make reverent curtsies. Then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes and holding the garland over her head. Which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two who likewise observe the same order. At which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven. And so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues
KATHERINE	(waking) Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone, And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? Griffith and Patience rise and come forward
GRIFFITH	Madam, we are here.
KATHERINE	It is not you I call for. Saw ye none enter since I slept?
GRIFFITH	None, madam.
KATHERINE	No? Saw you not even now a blessèd troop Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? They promised me eternal happiness, And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, Assuredly.
GRIFFITH	I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy.
KATHERINE	Bid the music leave. They are harsh and heavy to me.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
PATIENCE	(to Griffith) Do you note How much her grace is altered on the sudden? How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks, And of an earthy colour? Mark her eyes?
GRIFFITH	She is going, wench. Pray, pray.
PATIENCE	Heaven comfort her.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER	(to Katherine) An’t like your grace—
KATHERINE	You are a saucy fellow— Deserve we no more reverence?
GRIFFITH	(to the Messenger) You are to blame, Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness, To use so rude behaviour. Go to, kneel.
MESSENGER	(kneeling before Katherine) I humbly do entreat your highness’ pardon. My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying A gentleman sent from the King to see you.
KATHERINE	Admit him entrance, Griffith. But this fellow Let me ne’er see again.
(didascalia)	Exit Messenger
(didascalia)	Enter Lord Caputius ushered by Griffith
KATHERINE	If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the Emperor, My royal nephew, and your name Caputius.
(didascalia)	Madam, the same, bowing your servant.
KATHERINE	O, my lord, The times and titles now are altered strangely With me since first you knew me. But I pray you, What is your pleasure with me?
CAPUTIUS	Noble lady, First mine own service to your grace; the next, The King’s request that I would visit you, Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
KATHERINE	O, my good lord, that comfort comes too late, ’Tis like a pardon after execution. That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me; But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. How does his highness?
CAPUTIUS	Madam, in good health.
KATHERINE	So may he ever do, and ever flourish When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banished the kingdom. (To her woman) Patience, is that letter I caused you write yet sent away?
PATIENCE	No, madam.
KATHERINE	(to Caputius) Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver This to my lord the King. The letter is given to Caputius
CAPUTIUS	Most willing, madam.
KATHERINE	In which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter— The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her— Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding. She is young, and of a noble modest nature. I hope she will deserve well—and a little To love her for her mother’s sake, that loved him, Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition Is that his noble grace would have some pity Upon my wretched women, that so long Have followed both my fortunes faithfully; Of which there is not one, I dare avow— And now I should not lie—but will deserve, For virtue and true beauty of the soul, For honesty and decent carriage, A right good husband. Let him be a noble, And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em. The last is for my men—they are the poorest, But poverty could never draw ’em from me— That they may have their wages duly paid ’em, And something over to remember me by. If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life, And able means, we had not parted thus. These are the whole contents; and, good my lord, By that you love the dearest in this world, As you wish Christian peace to souls departed, Stand these poor people’s friend and urge the King To do me this last rite.
CAPUTIUS	By heaven I will, Or let me lose the fashion of a man.
KATHERINE	I thank you, honest lord. Remember me In all humility unto his highness. Say his long trouble now is passing Out of this world. Tell him, in death I blessed him, For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell, My lord. Griffith, farewell. (To her woman) Nay, Patience, You must not leave me yet. I must to bed. Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench, Let me be used with honour. Strew me over With maiden flowers, that all the world may know I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me, Then lay me forth. Although unqueened, yet like A queen and daughter to a king inter me. I can no more.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Caputius and Griffith at one door;
(didascalia)	Patience leading Katherine at another

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Tre sedie. Entra Caterina Vedova, inferma, sorretta fra Griffith suo gentiluomo usciere e Patience sua dama
GRIFFITH	Come sta vostra grazia?
CATERINA	O Griffith, malata a morte. Le mie gambe, come rami carichi, si piegano a terra, volenterose di deporre il loro peso. Porgi una sedia. Le viene portata una sedia. Ella siede Così ora, mi pare, sento un po’ di sollievo. Non mi dicesti, Griffith, mentre mi conducevi, che il gran figlio dell’onore, il Cardinale Wolsey, era morto?
GRIFFITH	Sì, madama, ma credo che vostra grazia, per la pena che soffriva, non vi prestasse orecchio.
CATERINA	Di grazia, buon Griffith, dimmi come morì. Se bene, mi ha felicemente preceduto a mio esempio.
GRIFFITH	Bene, corre voce, madama. Ché dopo che il valente conte di Northumberland l’arrestò a York, e lo condusse innanzi, come uomo gravemente infamato, a rispondere, cadde malato, all’improvviso, e s’aggravò tanto che non poteva reggersi sul suo mulo.
CATERINA	Ahimè, pover’uomo.
GRIFFITH	Alla fine, a brevi tappe, giunse a Leicester, alloggiò nell’abbazia, dove il reverendo abate, con tutto il suo convento, l’accolse onorevolmente, al quale rivolse queste parole: ‛O padre abate, un vecchio spezzato dalle tempeste dello stato è venuto a deporre le sue stanche ossa fra voi. Dategli un poco di terra, per carità.’ Così andò a letto, dove avidamente il suo male continuò a incalzarlo, e tre notti dopo, verso l’ora ottava, che egli stesso predisse sarebbe stata la sua ultima, pieno di pentimento, di continue meditazioni, lacrime e dolori, rese i suoi onori di nuovo al mondo, la sua parte benedetta al cielo, e dormì in pace.
CATERINA	Così possa riposare, e le sue colpe gli pesino lievi. Pure fin qui, Griffith, concedimi di parlarne, e tuttavia con carità. Era un uomo d’ambizione sconfinata, che sempre si poneva alla pari dei principi; uno che per suggestione legava tutto il regno. La simonia era gioco lecito. La sua opinione era la sua legge. In presenza altrui diceva falsità, ed era sempre doppio e nelle parole e nel senso. Non fu mai pietoso, se non dove intendeva rovinare. Le sue promesse erano, com’egli allora era, possenti; ma il suo mantenerle, com’egli ora è, nulla. Del suo proprio corpo fu vizioso, e diede al clero cattivo esempio.
GRIFFITH	Nobile madama, i mali costumi degli uomini vivono nel bronzo, le loro virtù le scriviamo nell’acqua. Piaccia a vostra altezza d’udirmi ora dire il suo bene?
CATERINA	Sì, buon Griffith, sarei maligna altrimenti.
GRIFFITH	Questo cardinale, benché d’umile stirpe, indubbiamente era foggiato a molto onore. Fin dalla culla fu uno studioso, e maturo e valente, oltremodo saggio, di bel parlare e persuasivo; altero e aspro con quelli che non l’amavano, ma verso quegli uomini che lo cercavano, dolce come l’estate. E benché fosse insaziabile nell’acquistare— il che era peccato—pure nel donare, madama, fu principesco al massimo: testimonino sempre per lui quei due gemelli del sapere ch’egli innalzò in voi, Ipswich e Oxford—uno dei quali cadde con lui, non volendo sopravvivere al bene che l’aveva fatto; l’altro, benché incompiuto, pure così famoso, così eccellente nelle arti, e tuttora in tale ascesa, che la cristianità dirà per sempre la sua virtù. La sua caduta accumulò felicità su di lui, ché allora, e non prima di allora, sentì se stesso, e trovò la beatitudine dell’essere piccolo. E per aggiungere alla sua vecchiaia onori maggiori di quanti l’uomo potesse dargli, morì temendo Dio.
CATERINA	Dopo la mia morte non desidero altro araldo, nessun altro narratore delle mie azioni in vita a preservare il mio onore dalla corruzione, se non un cronista onesto quale Griffith. Colui che più odiai da vivo, tu m’hai fatto, con la tua religiosa sincerità e modestia, ora onorare nelle sue ceneri. Pace sia con lui. (Alla sua dama) Patience, stammi ancora vicina, e mettimi più bassa. Non ho più per molto da disturbarti. Buon Griffith, fa’ che i musici mi suonino quella nota mesta ch’io chiamai la mia campana a morto, mentre siedo meditando su quell’armonia celeste verso cui vado. Musica mesta e solenne. Caterina s’addormenta
GRIFFITH	(alla dama) Dorme. Buona ragazza, sediamoci quiete per timore di svegliarla. Piano, gentile Patience. Siedono
(didascalia)	Entrano, procedendo solennemente uno dopo l’altro, sei personaggi vestiti di bianche vesti, che portano sul capo ghirlande d’alloro e maschere dorate sul volto. Recano in mano rami d’alloro o di palma. Fanno dapprima riverenza a Caterina, poi danzano; e, a certe figure, i primi due reggono una ghirlanda di riserva sopra il suo capo, al che gli altri quattro fanno riverenti inchini. Poi i due che reggevano la ghirlanda la consegnano ai due successivi, che osservano lo stesso ordine nelle loro figure e nel reggere la ghirlanda sopra il suo capo. Fatto ciò, consegnano la medesima ghirlanda agli ultimi due, che parimenti osservano lo stesso ordine. Al che, come per ispirazione, ella fa nel sonno segni di gioia, e leva le mani al cielo. E così danzando svaniscono, portando via con sé la ghirlanda. La musica continua
CATERINA	(svegliandosi) Spiriti di pace, dove siete? Ve ne siete andati tutti, e mi lasciate qui dietro di voi nella miseria? Griffith e Patience si alzano e si fanno avanti
GRIFFITH	Madama, siamo qui.
CATERINA	Non è voi che chiamo. Non avete visto nessuno entrare mentre dormivo?
GRIFFITH	Nessuno, madama.
CATERINA	No? Non avete visto proprio ora una schiera beata invitarmi a un banchetto, i cui volti splendenti gettavano su di me mille raggi, come il sole? Mi promisero eterna felicità, e mi portarono ghirlande, Griffith, che sento di non esser degna ancora di portare. Lo sarò, di certo.
GRIFFITH	Son lietissimo, madama, che così buoni sogni possiedano la vostra fantasia.
CATERINA	Di’ alla musica di cessare. M’è aspra e greve.
(didascalia)	La musica cessa
PATIENCE	(a Griffith) Notate quanto sua grazia sia mutata all’improvviso? Come le si è allungato il volto? Com’è pallida, e d’un colore terreo? Guardate i suoi occhi?
GRIFFITH	Se ne va, ragazza. Prega, prega.
PATIENCE	Il cielo la conforti.
(didascalia)	Entra un Messaggero
MESSAGGERO	(a Caterina) Se piace a vostra grazia—
CATERINA	Siete un tipo insolente— non meritiamo più riverenza?
GRIFFITH	(al Messaggero) Siete da biasimare, sapendo ch’ella non vuol perdere la sua consueta grandezza, a usare così rozzo contegno. Suvvia, inginocchiatevi.
MESSAGGERO	(inginocchiandosi davanti a Caterina) Umilmente imploro il perdono di vostra altezza. La mia fretta m’ha reso scortese. Attende un gentiluomo mandato dal re a vedervi.
CATERINA	Fallo entrare, Griffith. Ma costui ch’io non lo veda mai più.
(didascalia)	Esce il Messaggero
(didascalia)	Entra Lord Capuzio introdotto da Griffith
CATERINA	Se la vista non m’inganna, voi dovreste essere il signore ambasciatore dell’Imperatore, mio regale nipote, e il vostro nome Capuzio.
(didascalia)	Madama, il medesimo, inchinandosi vostro servo.
CATERINA	Oh, mio signore, i tempi e i titoli ora sono stranamente mutati per me da quando la prima volta mi conosceste. Ma vi prego, che desiderate da me?
CAPUZIO	Nobile signora, prima il mio proprio ossequio a vostra grazia; poi, la richiesta del re ch’io vi visitassi, il quale molto si duole della vostra debolezza, e per mezzo mio vi manda i suoi principeschi saluti, e di cuore vi supplica di prendere buon conforto.
CATERINA	Oh, mio buon signore, quel conforto giunge troppo tardi, è come un perdono dopo l’esecuzione. Quella dolce medicina, data in tempo, m’avrebbe guarita; ma ora sono oltre ogni conforto quaggiù, tranne le preghiere. Come sta sua altezza?
CAPUZIO	Madama, in buona salute.
CATERINA	Così possa egli sempre stare, e sempre fiorire quando io dimorerò coi vermi, e il mio povero nome sarà bandito dal regno. (Alla sua dama) Patience, è quella lettera che ti feci scrivere già stata mandata?
PATIENCE	No, madama.
CATERINA	(a Capuzio) Signore, umilissimamente vi prego di consegnare questa al mio signore il re. La lettera è data a Capuzio
CAPUZIO	Ben volentieri, madama.
CATERINA	Nella quale ho raccomandato alla sua bontà il modello dei nostri casti amori, la sua giovane figlia— le rugiade del cielo cadano fitte in benedizioni su di lei— supplicandolo di darle virtuosa educazione. È giovane, e di nobile e modesta natura. Spero che meriterà bene—e un poco ch’egli l’ami per amore di sua madre, che l’amò, il cielo sa quanto caramente. La mia prossima povera petizione è che la sua nobile grazia abbia qualche pietà delle mie misere donne, che così a lungo hanno seguito fedelmente entrambe le mie fortune; delle quali non ve n’è una, oso affermarlo— e ora non dovrei mentire—che non meriterà, per virtù e vera bellezza dell’anima, per onestà e decoroso contegno, un marito davvero buono. Sia pure un nobile, e certo son felici quegli uomini che le avranno. L’ultima è per i miei uomini—sono i più poveri, ma la povertà non poté mai staccarli da me— che sia loro pagato debitamente il salario, e qualcosa in più per ricordarsi di me. Se al cielo fosse piaciuto darmi vita più lunga, e mezzi sufficienti, non ci saremmo separati così. Questo è tutto il contenuto; e, mio buon signore, per ciò che amate di più caro in questo mondo, come desiderate cristiana pace alle anime dei defunti, siate amico di questa povera gente e sollecitate il re a rendermi quest’ultimo rito.
CAPUZIO	Per il cielo lo farò, o ch’io perda la forma d’uomo.
CATERINA	Vi ringrazio, onesto signore. Ricordatemi in tutta umiltà a sua altezza. Ditegli che il suo lungo travaglio ora sta passando fuori da questo mondo. Ditegli che in morte l’ho benedetto, ché così farò. I miei occhi s’oscurano. Addio, mio signore. Griffith, addio. (Alla sua dama) No, Patience, tu non devi ancora lasciarmi. Devo andare a letto. Chiama altre donne. Quando sarò morta, buona ragazza, si usi verso di me onore. Cospargetemi di fiori verginali, perché tutto il mondo sappia ch’io fui moglie casta fino alla mia tomba. Imbalsamatemi, poi esponetemi. Benché spodestata, pure come una regina e figlia d’un re seppellitemi. Non posso più.
(didascalia)	Escono Capuzio e Griffith da una porta;
(didascalia)	Patience conducendo Caterina da un’altra

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter at one door Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester; before him, a Page with a torch
GARDINER	It’s one o’clock, boy, is’t not?
PAGE	It hath struck.
GARDINER	These should be hours for necessities, Not for delights; times to repair our nature With comforting repose, and not for us To waste these times.
(didascalia)	Enter at another door Sir Thomas Lovell, meeting them
GARDINER	Good hour of night, Sir Thomasl Whither so late?
LOVELY	Came you from the King, my lord?
GARDINER	I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero With the Duke of Suffolk.
LOVELL	I must to him too, Before he go to bed. I’ll take my leave.
GARDINER	Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell—what’s the matter? It seems you are in haste. An if there be No great offence belongs to’t, give your friend Some touch of your late business. Affairs that walk, As they say spirits do, at midnight, have In them a wilder nature than the business That seeks dispatch by day.
LOVELL	My lord, I love you, And durst commend a secret to your ear Much weightier than this work. The Queen’s in labour— They say in great extremity—and feared She’ll with the labour end.
GARDINER	The fruit she goes with I pray for heartily, that it may find Good time, and live. But, for the stock, Sir Thomas, I wish it grubbed up now.
LOVELL	Methinks I could Cry the amen, and yet my conscience says She’s a good creature and, sweet lady, does Deserve our better wishes.
GARDINER	But sir, sir, Hear me, Sir Thomas. You’re a gentleman Of mine own way. I know you wise, religious. And let me tell you, it will ne’er be well— ’Twill not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take’t of me— Till Cranmer, Cromwell—her two hands—and she, Sleep in their graves.
LOVELL	Now, sir, you speak of two The most remarked i‘th’ kingdom. As for Cromwell, Beside that of the Jewel House is made Master O’th’ Rolls and the King’s secretary. Further, sir, Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments With which the time will load him. Th’Archbishop Is the King’s hand and tongue, and who dare speak One syllable against him?
GARDINER	Yes, yes, Sir Thomas— There are that dare, and I myself have ventured To speak my mind of him, and, indeed, this day, Sir—I may tell it you, I think—I have Incensed the lords o’th’ Council that he is— For so I know he is, they know he is— A most arch heretic, a pestilence That does infect the land; with which they, moved, Have broken with the King, who hath so far Given ear to our complaint, of his great grace And princely care, foreseeing those fell mischiefs Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded so Tomorrow morning to the Council board He be convented. He’s a rank weed, Sir Thomas, And we must root him out. From your affairs I hinder you too long. Good night, Sir Thomas.
LOVELL	Many good nights, my lord; I rest your servant.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Gardiner and Page at one door
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry and Suffolk at another door
KING HENRY	(to Suffolk) Charles, I will play no more tonight. My mind’s not on’t. You are too hard for me.
SUFFOLK	Sir, I did never win of you before.
KING HENRY	But little, Charles, Nor shall not when my fancy’s on my play. Now, Lovell, from the Queen what is the news?
LOVELL	I could not personally deliver to her What you commanded me, but by her woman I sent your message, who returned her thanks In the great’st humbleness, and desired your highness Most heartily to pray for her.
KING HENRY	What sayst thou? Ha? To pray for her? What, is she crying out?
LOVELL	So said her woman, and that her suffrance made Almost each pang a death.
KING HENRY	Alas, good lady.
SUFFOLK	God safely quit her of her burden, and With gentle travail, to the gladding of Your highness with an heir.
KING HENRY	’Tis midnight, Charles. Prithee to bed, and in thy prayers remember Th’estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone, For I must think of that which company Would not be friendly to.
SUFFOLK	I wish your highness A quiet night, and my good mistress will Remember in my prayers.
KING HENRY	Charles, good night.
(didascalia)	Exit Suffolk
(didascalia)	Enter Sir Anthony Denny
KING HENRY	Well, sir, what follows?
DENNY	Sir, I have brought my lord the Archbishop, As you commanded me.
KING HENRY	Ha, Canterbury?
DENNY	Ay, my good lord.
KING HENRY	’Tis true—where is he, Denny?
DENNY	He attends your highness’ pleasure.
KING HENRY	Bring him to us.
(didascalia)	Exit Denny
LOVELL.	(aside) This is about that which the Bishop spake. I am happily come hither.
(didascalia)	Enter
LOVELL.	Cranmer the Archbishop, ushered by Denny
KING HENRY	(to Lovell and Denny) Avoid the gallery.
(didascalia)	Denny begins to depart. Lovell seems to stay
KING HENRY	Ha? I have said. Be gone. What?
(didascalia)	Exeunt Lovell and Denny
CRANMER	(aside) I am fearful. Wherefore frowns he thus? ’Tis his aspect of terror. All’s not well.
KING HENRY	How now, my lord? You do desire to know Wherefore I sent for you.
CRANMER	(kneeling) It is my duty T’attend your highness’ pleasure.
KING HENRY	Pray you, arise, My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury. Come, you and I must walk a turn together. I have news to tell you. Come, come—give me your hand.
(didascalia)	Cranmer rises. They walk
KING HENRY	Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, And am right sorry to repeat what follows. I have, and most unwillingly, of late Heard many grievous—I do say, my lord, Grievous—complaints of you, which, being considered, Have moved us and our Council that you shall This morning come before us, where I know You cannot with such freedom purge yourself But that, till further trial in those charges Which will require your answer, you must take Your patience to you, and be well contented To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us, It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness Would come against you.
CRANMER	(kneeling) I humbly thank your highness, And am right glad to catch this good occasion Most throughly to be winnowed, where my chaff And corn shall fly asunder. For I know There’s none stands under more calumnious tongues Than I myself, poor man.
KING HENRY	Stand up, good Canterbury. Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand. Stand up. Prithee, let’s walk. Cranmer rises. They walk Now, by my halidom, What manner of man are you? My lord, I looked You would have given me your petition that I should have ta’en some pains to bring together Yourself and your accusers, and to have heard you Without indurance further.
CRANMER	Most dread liege, The good I stand on is my truth and honesty. If they shall fail, I with mine enemies Will triumph o’er my person, which I weigh not, Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing What can be said against me.
KING HENRY	Know you not How your state stands i’th’ world, with the whole world? Your enemies are many, and not small; their practices Must bear the same proportion, and not ever The justice and the truth o’th’ question carries The dew o’th’ verdict with it. At what ease Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt To swear against you? Such things have been done. You are potently opposed, and with a malice Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, I mean in perjured witness, than your master, Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to. You take a precipice for no leap of danger, And woo your own destruction.
CRANMER	God and your majesty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me.
KING HENRY	Be of good cheer. They shall no more prevail than we give way to. Keep comfort to you, and this morning see You do appear before them. If they shall chance, In charging you with matters, to commit you, The best persuasions to the contrary Fail not to use, and with what vehemency Th’occasion shall instruct you. If entreaties
(didascalia)	Will render you no remedy, giving his ring this ring
KING HENRY	Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. Cranmer weeps Look, the good man weeps. He’s honest, on mine honour. God’s blest mother, I swear he is true-hearted, and a soul None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, And do as I have bid you.
(didascalia)	Exit Cranmer
KING HENRY	He has strangled His language in his tears.
(didascalia)	Enter the Old Lady
(didascalia)	LOVELL (within) Come back! What mean you?
(didascalia)	Enter Lovell, following her
OLD LADY	I’ll not come back. The tidings that I bring Will make my boldness manners. (To the King) Now good angels Fly o’er thy royal head, and shade thy person Under their blessed wings.
KING HENRY	Now by thy looks I guess thy message. Is the Queen delivered? Say, ‘Ay, and of a boy.’
OLD LADY	Ay, ay, my liege, And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven Both now and ever bless her! ’Tis a girl Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen Desires your visitation, and to be Acquainted with this stranger. ’Tis as like you As cherry is to cherry.
KING HENRY	Lovell—
LOVELL	Sir?
KING HENRY	Give her an hundred marks. I’ll to the Queen.
(didascalia)	Exit
OLD LADY	An hundred marks? By this light, I’ll ha’ more. An ordinary groom is for such payment. I will have more, or scold it out of him. Said I for this the girl was like to him? I’ll Have more, or else unsay’t; and now, while ’tis hot, I’ll put it to the issue.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	5.2 Enter pursuivants, pages, footboys, and grooms. Then enter Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury
CRANMER	I hope I am not too late, and yet the gentleman That was sent to me from the council prayed me To make great haste. All fast? What means this? (Calling at the door) Ho! Who waits there?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	a Doorkeeper Sure you know me?
DOORKEEPER	Yes, my lord, But yet I cannot help you.
CRANMER	Why?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	Doctor Butts, passing over the
(didascalia)	stage
DOORKEEPER	Your grace must wait till you be called for.
CRANMER	So.
BUTTS	(aside) This is a piece of malice. I am glad I came this way so happily. The King Shall understand it presently.
(didascalia)	Exit
CRANMER	(aside) ‘Tis Butts, The King’s physician. As he passed along How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me! Pray heaven he found not my disgrace. For certain This is of purpose laid by some that hate me— God turn their hearts, I never sought their malice— To quench mine honour. They would shame to make me Wait else at door, a fellow Councillor, ’Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience.
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry and Doctor Butts at a window, above
BUTTS	I’ll show your grace the strangest sight—
KING HENRY	What’s that, Butts?
BUTTS	I think your highness saw this many a day.
KING HENRY	Body o’me, where is it?
BUTTS	(pointing at Cranmer, below) There, my lord. The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury, Who holds his state at door, ’mongst pursuivants, Pages, and footboys.
KING HENRY	Ha? ‘Tis he indeed. Is this the honour they do one another? ’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought They had parted so much honesty among ’em— At least good manners—as not thus to suffer A man of his place and so near our favour To dance attendance on their lordships’ pleasures, And at the door, too, like a post with packets! By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery! Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close. We shall hear more anon.
(didascalia)	Cranmer and the doorkeeper stand to one side. Exeunt the lackeys Above, Butts partly draws the curtain close. Below, a council table is brought in along with chairs and stools, and placed under the cloth of state. Enter the Lord Chancellor, who places himself at the upper end of the table, on the left hand, leaving a seat void above him at the table’s head as for Canterbury’s seat. The Duke of Suffolk, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Chamberlain, and Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, seat themselves in order on each side of the table. Cromwell sits at the lower end, and acts as secretary
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cromwell) Speak to the business, master secretary. Why are we met in council?
CROMWELL	Please your honours, The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury.
GARDINER	Has he had knowledge of it?
CROMWELL	Yes.
NORFOLK	(to the Doorkeeper) Who waits there?
(didascalia)	DOORKEEPER coming forward
NORFOLK	Without, my noble lords?
GARDINER	Yes.
DOORKEEPER	My lord Archbishop; And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Let him come in.
DOORKEEPER	(to Cranmer) Your grace may enter now. Cranmer approaches the Council table
LORD CHANCELLOR	My good lord Archbishop, I’m very sorry To sit here at this present and behold That chair stand empty, but we all are men In our own natures frail, and capable Of our flesh; few are angels; out of which frailty And want of wisdom, you, that best should teach us, Have misdemeaned yourself, and not a little, Toward the King first, then his laws, in filling The whole realm, by your teaching and your chaplains’— For so we are informed—with new opinions, Diverse and dangerous, which are heresies, And, not reformed, may prove pernicious.
GARDINER	Which reformation must be sudden too, My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle, But stop their mouths with stubborn bits and spur ’em Till they obey the manège. If we suffer, Out of our easiness and childish pity To one man’s honour, this contagious sickness, Farewell all physic—and what follows then? Commotions, uproars—with a general taint Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbours, The upper Germany, can dearly witness, Yet freshly pitied in our memories. 65
CRANMER	My good lords, hitherto in all the progress Both of my life and office, I have laboured, And with no little study, that my teaching And the strong course of my authority Might go one way, and safely; and the end Was ever to do well. Nor is there living— I speak it with a single heart, my lords— A man that more detests, more stirs against, Both in his private conscience and his place, Defacers of a public peace than I do. Pray heaven the King may never find a heart With less allegiance in it. Men that make Envy and crooked malice nourishment Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships That, in this case of justice, my accusers, Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, And freely urge against me.
SUFFOLK	Nay, my lord, That cannot be. You are a Councillor, And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.
GARDINER	(to Cranmer) My lord, because we have business of more moment, We will be short with you. ’Tis his highness’ pleasure And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower Where, being but a private man again, You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, More than, I fear, you are provided for.
CRANMER	Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you. You are always my good friend. If your will pass, I shall both find your lordship judge and juror, You are so merciful. I see your end— ’Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord, Become a churchman better than ambition. Win straying souls with modesty again; Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience, I make as little doubt as you do conscience In doing daily wrongs. I could say more, But reverence to your calling makes me modest.
GARDINER	My lord, my lord—you are a sectary, That’s the plain truth. Your painted gloss discovers, To men that understand you, words and weakness.
CROMWELL	(to Gardiner) My lord of Winchester, you’re a little, By your good favour, too sharp. Men so noble, However faulty, yet should find respect For what they have been. ’Tis a cruelty To load a falling man.
GARDINER	Good master secretary, I cry your honour mercy. You may worst Of all this table say so.
CROMWELL	Why, my lord?
GARDINER	Do not I know you for a favourer Of this new sect? Ye are not sound.
CROMWELL	Not sound?
GARDINER	Not sound, I say.
CROMWELL	Would you were half so honest! Men’s prayers then would seek you, not their fears.
GARDINER	I shall remember this bold language.
CROMWELL	Do. Remember your bold life, too.
LORD CHANCELLOR	This is too much. Forbear, for shame, my lords.
GARDINER	I have done.
CROMWELL	And I.
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cranmer) Then thus for you, my lord. It stands agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forthwith You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner, There to remain till the King’s further pleasure Be known unto us. Are you all agreed, lords?
ALL THE COUNCIL	We are.
CRANMER	Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to th’ Tower, my lords?
GARDINER	What other Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome. Let some o’th’ guard be ready there.
(didascalia)	Enter the guard
CRANMER	For me? Must I go like a traitor thither?
GARDINER	(to the guard) Receive him, And see him safe i’th’ Tower.
CRANMER	Stay, good my lords. I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords— He shows the King’s ring By virtue of that ring I take my cause Out of the grips of cruel men, and give it To a most noble judge, the King my master.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	This is the King’s ring.
SURREY	’Tis no counterfeit.
SUFFOLK	’Tis the right ring, by heav’n. I told ye all When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ’Twould fall upon ourselves.
NORFOLK	Do you think, my lords, The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vexed?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	’Tis now too certain. How much more is his life in value with him! Would I were fairly out on’t.
(didascalia)	Exit King with Butts above
CROMWELL	My mind gave me, In seeking tales and informations Against this man, whose honesty the devil And his disciples only envy at, Ye blew the fire that burns ye. Now have at ye!
(didascalia)	Enter, below, King Henry frowning on them. He takes his seat
GARDINER	Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince, Not only good and wise, but most religious. One that in all obedience makes the church The chief aim of his honour, and, to strengthen That holy duty, out of dear respect, His royal self in judgement comes to hear The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
KING HENRY	You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not To hear such flattery now; and in my presence They are too thin and base to hide offences. To me you cannot reach. You play the spaniel, And think with wagging of your tongue to win me. But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for, I’m sure Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody. (To Cranmer) Good man, sit down. Cranmer takes his seat at the head of the Council table Now let me see the proudest, He that dares most, but wag his finger at thee. By all that’s holy, he had better starve Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
SURREY	May it please your grace—
KING HENRY	No, sir, it does not please me! I had thought I had had men of some understanding And wisdom of my Council, but I find none. Was it discretion, lords, to let this man, This good man—few of you deserve that title— This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy At chamber door? And one as great as you are? Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye Power as he was a Councillor to try him, Not as a groom. There’s some of ye, I see, More out of malice than integrity, Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean; Which ye shall never have while I live.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Thus far, My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed Concerning his imprisonment was rather— If there be faith in men—meant for his trial And fair purgation to the world than malice, I’m sure, in me.
KING HENRY	Well, well, my lords—respect him. Take him and use him well, he’s worthy of it. I will say thus much for him—if a prince May be beholden to a subject, I Am for his love and service so to him. Make me no more ado; but all embrace him. Be friends, for shame, my lords. (To Cranmer) My lord of Canterbury, I have a suit which you must not deny me: That is a fair young maid that yet wants baptism— You must be godfather, and answer for her.
CRANMER	The greatest monarch now alive may glory In such an honour; how may I deserve it, That am a poor and humble subject to you?
KING HENRY	Come, come, my lord—you’d spare your spoons. You shall have two noble partners with you—the old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquis Dorset. Will these please you? (To Gardiner) Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you Embrace and love this man.
GARDINER	With a true heart And brother-love I do it.
(didascalia)	Gardiner and Cranmer embrace
CRANMER	(weeping) And let heaven Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.
KING HENRY	Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart. The common voice, I see, is verified Of thee which says thus, ‘Do my lord of Canterbury A shrewd turn, and he’s your friend for ever.’ Come, lords, we trifle time away. I long To have this young one made a Christian. As I have made ye one, lords, one remain— So I grow stronger, you more honour gain.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entra da una porta Gardiner, Vescovo di Winchester; davanti a lui, un Paggio con una torcia
GARDINER	È l’una all’orologio, ragazzo, non è vero?
PAGGIO	Ha battuto.
GARDINER	Queste dovrebbero essere ore per le necessità, non per i diletti; tempi per ristorare la nostra natura con confortante riposo, e non perché noi sprechiamo tali tempi.
(didascalia)	Entra da un’altra porta Sir Thomas Lovell, incontrandoli
GARDINER	Buona ora di notte, Sir Thomasl Dove andate così tardi?
LOVELY	Venite dal re, mio signore?
GARDINER	Sì, Sir Thomas, e l’ho lasciato al primiera col Duca di Suffolk.
LOVELL	Devo andare anch’io da lui, prima ch’egli vada a letto. Prendo congedo.
GARDINER	Non ancora, Sir Thomas Lovell—che c’è? Pare che siate in fretta. E se non v’è grande offesa in ciò, date al vostro amico qualche cenno della vostra tarda faccenda. Gli affari che camminano, come dicono facciano gli spiriti, a mezzanotte, hanno in sé una natura più selvaggia degli affari che cercano spedizione di giorno.
LOVELL	Mio signore, io v’amo, e oserei affidare al vostro orecchio un segreto assai più grave di questa faccenda. La regina è in travaglio— dicono in grande estremo—e si teme ch’ella col travaglio finisca.
GARDINER	Per il frutto ch’ella porta prego di cuore, che possa trovare buon tempo e vivere. Ma quanto al ceppo, Sir Thomas, lo vorrei sradicato ora.
LOVELL	Mi pare che potrei gridarci amen, eppure la mia coscienza dice ch’ella è buona creatura e, dolce dama, merita i nostri migliori auguri.
GARDINER	Ma signore, signore, ascoltatemi, Sir Thomas. Siete un gentiluomo della mia stessa via. Vi so saggio, religioso. E lasciate che vi dica, non andrà mai bene— non andrà, Sir Thomas Lovell, credetelo a me— finché Cranmer, Cromwell—le sue due mani—ed ella non dormano nelle loro tombe.
LOVELL	Ora, signore, parlate di due fra i più notati del regno. Quanto a Cromwell, oltre a quello della Casa dei Gioielli, è fatto Maestro dei Rotoli e segretario del re. Inoltre, signore, sta nel varco e nella via di altre promozioni di cui il tempo lo caricherà. L’Arcivescovo è la mano e la lingua del re, e chi osa dire una sillaba contro di lui?
GARDINER	Sì, sì, Sir Thomas— ve n’è chi osa, e io stesso mi sono arrischiato a dire di lui il mio pensiero, e, invero, oggi, signore—posso dirvelo, credo—ho infiammato i signori del Consiglio che egli è— ché tale io so ch’egli è, e loro sanno ch’egli è— un arcieretico, una pestilenza che infetta il paese; onde essi, commossi, ne hanno parlato col re, il quale ha finora prestato orecchio alla nostra lagnanza, e per la sua gran grazia e cura principesca, prevedendo quei crudeli malanni che le nostre ragioni gli hanno esposto, ha comandato così che domani mattina al banco del Consiglio egli sia convocato. È un’erbaccia rigogliosa, Sir Thomas, e dobbiamo sradicarlo. Dai vostri affari vi trattengo troppo a lungo. Buona notte, Sir Thomas.
LOVELL	Molte buone notti, mio signore; resto vostro servo.
(didascalia)	Escono Gardiner e il Paggio da una porta
(didascalia)	Entrano il re Enrico e Suffolk da un’altra porta
RE ENRICO	(a Suffolk) Carlo, non giocherò più stanotte. La mia mente non vi è. Siete troppo forte per me.
SUFFOLK	Sire, non v’avevo mai vinto prima.
RE ENRICO	E poco, Carlo, né vincerete quando la mia mente sarà al gioco. Ora, Lovell, dalla regina che nuove?
LOVELL	Non potei consegnarle di persona ciò che m’avevate comandato, ma per mezzo della sua dama le mandai il vostro messaggio; ella rese i suoi ringraziamenti con la più grande umiltà, e desiderò che vostra altezza di tutto cuore pregasse per lei.
RE ENRICO	Che dici? Eh? Pregare per lei? Come, grida di doglie?
LOVELL	Così disse la sua dama, e che il suo patire rendeva quasi ogni fitta una morte.
RE ENRICO	Ahimè, buona dama.
SUFFOLK	Dio la sciolga sicura dal suo peso, e con dolce travaglio, per rallegrare vostra altezza con un erede.
RE ENRICO	È mezzanotte, Carlo. Di grazia a letto, e nelle tue preghiere ricorda lo stato della mia povera regina. Lasciami solo, ché devo pensare a ciò cui la compagnia non sarebbe amica.
SUFFOLK	Auguro a vostra altezza una quieta notte, e la mia buona signora ricorderò nelle mie preghiere.
RE ENRICO	Carlo, buona notte.
(didascalia)	Esce Suffolk
(didascalia)	Entra Sir Anthony Denny
RE ENRICO	Ebbene, signore, che segue?
DENNY	Sire, ho condotto il mio signore l’Arcivescovo, come m’avete comandato.
RE ENRICO	Ah, Canterbury?
DENNY	Sì, mio buon signore.
RE ENRICO	È vero—dov’è, Denny?
DENNY	Attende il piacere di vostra altezza.
RE ENRICO	Conducetelo a noi.
(didascalia)	Esce Denny
LOVELL.	(a parte) Questo riguarda ciò di cui parlò il Vescovo. Son venuto qua per buona ventura.
(didascalia)	Entra
LOVELL.	Cranmer l’Arcivescovo, introdotto da Denny
RE ENRICO	(a Lovell e Denny) Sgombrate la galleria.
(didascalia)	Denny comincia ad allontanarsi. Lovell pare indugiare
RE ENRICO	Eh? Ho parlato. Andatevene. Che?
(didascalia)	Escono Lovell e Denny
CRANMER	(a parte) Sono pieno di timore. Perché aggrotta così le ciglia? È il suo aspetto di terrore. Non va tutto bene.
RE ENRICO	Ebbene, mio signore? Desiderate sapere perché vi ho mandato a chiamare.
CRANMER	(inginocchiandosi) È mio dovere attendere il piacere di vostra altezza.
RE ENRICO	Vi prego, alzatevi, mio buono e grazioso Signore di Canterbury. Venite, voi e io dobbiamo fare un giro insieme. Ho nuove da dirvi. Venite, venite—datemi la mano.
(didascalia)	Cranmer si alza. Passeggiano
RE ENRICO	Ah, mio buon signore, mi duole ciò che dico, e mi rincresce assai ripetere ciò che segue. Ho, e assai malvolentieri, di recente udito molte gravi—dico proprio, mio signore, gravi—lagnanze su di voi, le quali, considerate, hanno mosso noi e il nostro Consiglio a che voi stamane compariate davanti a noi, dove so che non potrete con tale libertà purgarvi, sì che, fino a ulteriore processo su quelle accuse che richiederanno la vostra risposta, dovrete armarvi di pazienza, ed essere ben contento di fare della vostra casa la nostra Torre. Essendo voi un nostro fratello, conviene che così procediamo, o altrimenti nessun testimone verrebbe contro di voi.
CRANMER	(inginocchiandosi) Umilmente ringrazio vostra altezza, e son ben lieto di cogliere questa buona occasione d’essere accuratamente vagliato, dove la mia pula e il mio grano voleranno separati. Ché so che nessuno sta sotto lingue più calunniose di me stesso, pover’uomo.
RE ENRICO	Alzatevi, buon Canterbury. La vostra verità e la vostra integrità hanno radice in noi, vostro amico. Datemi la mano. Alzatevi. Di grazia, passeggiamo. Cranmer si alza. Passeggiano Ora, per la mia santa fede, che sorta d’uomo siete? Mio signore, mi aspettavo che m’aveste dato la vostra petizione perché io mi prendessi qualche pena di riunire voi stesso e i vostri accusatori, e d’ascoltarvi senza ulteriore costrizione.
CRANMER	Temutissimo sire, il fondamento su cui sto è la mia verità e la mia onestà. Se esse verranno meno, io insieme ai miei nemici trionferò sulla mia persona, che non stimo nulla, se priva di quelle virtù. Non temo nulla di ciò che può dirsi contro di me.
RE ENRICO	Non sapete come sta il vostro stato nel mondo, con tutto il mondo? I vostri nemici sono molti, e non piccoli; i loro maneggi devono avere la stessa proporzione, e non sempre la giustizia e la verità della causa portano con sé la rugiada del verdetto. Con che facilità menti corrotte potrebbero procurarsi furfanti altrettanto corrotti a giurare contro di voi? Tali cose sono state fatte. Vi si oppongono potentemente, e con una malizia di pari grandezza. Vi credete di miglior fortuna, intendo in fatto di testimoni spergiuri, del vostro maestro, di cui siete ministro, mentre qui visse su questa cattiva terra? Suvvia, suvvia. Voi prendete un precipizio per un salto senza pericolo, e corteggiate la vostra propria distruzione.
CRANMER	Dio e vostra maestà proteggano la mia innocenza, o cado nella trappola che m’è tesa.
RE ENRICO	Fatevi coraggio. Non prevarranno più di quanto noi cediamo. Serbate conforto in voi, e stamane badate di comparire davanti a loro. Se per caso, accusandovi di certe cose, vi imprigioneranno, non mancate d’usare le migliori persuasioni in contrario, e con quella veemenza che l’occasione v’insegnerà. Se le suppliche
(didascalia)	non vi daranno alcun rimedio, dandogli il suo anello questo anello
RE ENRICO	mostrate loro, e il vostro appello a noi fate là davanti a loro. Cranmer piange Guardate, il buon uomo piange. È onesto, sul mio onore. Per la benedetta madre di Dio, giuro ch’egli è di cuore sincero, e un’anima migliore non v’è nel mio regno. Andate, e fate come v’ho ordinato.
(didascalia)	Esce Cranmer
RE ENRICO	Ha strozzato la sua parola nelle sue lacrime.
(didascalia)	Entra la Vecchia Dama
(didascalia)	LOVELL (da dentro) Tornate indietro! Che intendete fare?
(didascalia)	Entra Lovell, seguendola
VECCHIA DAMA	Non tornerò indietro. Le notizie che porto faranno della mia audacia buona creanza. (Al re) Ora buoni angeli volino sopra il tuo regale capo, e adombrino la tua persona sotto le loro benedette ali.
RE ENRICO	Ora dal tuo aspetto indovino il tuo messaggio. La regina ha partorito? Di’: ‘Sì, e d’un maschio.’
VECCHIA DAMA	Sì, sì, mio sire, e d’un bel maschio. Il Dio del cielo ora e sempre la benedica! È una femmina che promette maschi in avvenire. Sire, la vostra regina desidera la vostra visita, e d’esser presentata a questa forestiera. È simile a voi come ciliegia a ciliegia.
RE ENRICO	Lovell—
LOVELL	Sire?
RE ENRICO	Dàlle cento marchi. Io vado dalla regina.
(didascalia)	Esce
VECCHIA DAMA	Cento marchi? Per questa luce, ne voglio di più. Uno stalliere qualunque merita tal paga. Ne avrò di più, o glieli strapperò a forza di sgridate. Dissi io per questo che la bimba gli somigliava? Ne avrò di più, o altrimenti disdirò; e ora, finché è caldo, la porterò a compimento.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter pursuivants, pages, footboys, and grooms. Then enter Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury
CRANMER	I hope I am not too late, and yet the gentleman That was sent to me from the council prayed me To make great haste. All fast? What means this? (Calling at the door) Ho! Who waits there?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	a Doorkeeper Sure you know me?
DOORKEEPER	Yes, my lord, But yet I cannot help you.
CRANMER	Why?
(didascalia)	Enter
CRANMER	Doctor Butts, passing over the
(didascalia)	stage
DOORKEEPER	Your grace must wait till you be called for.
CRANMER	So.
BUTTS	(aside) This is a piece of malice. I am glad I came this way so happily. The King Shall understand it presently.
(didascalia)	Exit
CRANMER	(aside) ‘Tis Butts, The King’s physician. As he passed along How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me! Pray heaven he found not my disgrace. For certain This is of purpose laid by some that hate me— God turn their hearts, I never sought their malice— To quench mine honour. They would shame to make me Wait else at door, a fellow Councillor, ’Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience.
(didascalia)	Enter King Henry and Doctor Butts at a window, above
BUTTS	I’ll show your grace the strangest sight—
KING HENRY	What’s that, Butts?
BUTTS	I think your highness saw this many a day.
KING HENRY	Body o’me, where is it?
BUTTS	(pointing at Cranmer, below) There, my lord. The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury, Who holds his state at door, ’mongst pursuivants, Pages, and footboys.
KING HENRY	Ha? ‘Tis he indeed. Is this the honour they do one another? ’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought They had parted so much honesty among ’em— At least good manners—as not thus to suffer A man of his place and so near our favour To dance attendance on their lordships’ pleasures, And at the door, too, like a post with packets! By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery! Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close. We shall hear more anon.
(didascalia)	Cranmer and the doorkeeper stand to one side. Exeunt the lackeys Above, Butts partly draws the curtain close. Below, a council table is brought in along with chairs and stools, and placed under the cloth of state. Enter the Lord Chancellor, who places himself at the upper end of the table, on the left hand, leaving a seat void above him at the table’s head as for Canterbury’s seat. The Duke of Suffolk, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Chamberlain, and Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, seat themselves in order on each side of the table. Cromwell sits at the lower end, and acts as secretary
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cromwell) Speak to the business, master secretary. Why are we met in council?
CROMWELL	Please your honours, The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury.
GARDINER	Has he had knowledge of it?
CROMWELL	Yes.
NORFOLK	(to the Doorkeeper) Who waits there?
(didascalia)	DOORKEEPER coming forward
NORFOLK	Without, my noble lords?
GARDINER	Yes.
DOORKEEPER	My lord Archbishop; And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Let him come in.
DOORKEEPER	(to Cranmer) Your grace may enter now. Cranmer approaches the Council table
LORD CHANCELLOR	My good lord Archbishop, I’m very sorry To sit here at this present and behold That chair stand empty, but we all are men In our own natures frail, and capable Of our flesh; few are angels; out of which frailty And want of wisdom, you, that best should teach us, Have misdemeaned yourself, and not a little, Toward the King first, then his laws, in filling The whole realm, by your teaching and your chaplains’— For so we are informed—with new opinions, Diverse and dangerous, which are heresies, And, not reformed, may prove pernicious.
GARDINER	Which reformation must be sudden too, My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses Pace ’em not in their hands to make ’em gentle, But stop their mouths with stubborn bits and spur ’em Till they obey the manège. If we suffer, Out of our easiness and childish pity To one man’s honour, this contagious sickness, Farewell all physic—and what follows then? Commotions, uproars—with a general taint Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbours, The upper Germany, can dearly witness, Yet freshly pitied in our memories. 65
CRANMER	My good lords, hitherto in all the progress Both of my life and office, I have laboured, And with no little study, that my teaching And the strong course of my authority Might go one way, and safely; and the end Was ever to do well. Nor is there living— I speak it with a single heart, my lords— A man that more detests, more stirs against, Both in his private conscience and his place, Defacers of a public peace than I do. Pray heaven the King may never find a heart With less allegiance in it. Men that make Envy and crooked malice nourishment Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships That, in this case of justice, my accusers, Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, And freely urge against me.
SUFFOLK	Nay, my lord, That cannot be. You are a Councillor, And by that virtue no man dare accuse you.
GARDINER	(to Cranmer) My lord, because we have business of more moment, We will be short with you. ’Tis his highness’ pleasure And our consent, for better trial of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower Where, being but a private man again, You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, More than, I fear, you are provided for.
CRANMER	Ah, my good lord of Winchester, I thank you. You are always my good friend. If your will pass, I shall both find your lordship judge and juror, You are so merciful. I see your end— ’Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord, Become a churchman better than ambition. Win straying souls with modesty again; Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience, I make as little doubt as you do conscience In doing daily wrongs. I could say more, But reverence to your calling makes me modest.
GARDINER	My lord, my lord—you are a sectary, That’s the plain truth. Your painted gloss discovers, To men that understand you, words and weakness.
CROMWELL	(to Gardiner) My lord of Winchester, you’re a little, By your good favour, too sharp. Men so noble, However faulty, yet should find respect For what they have been. ’Tis a cruelty To load a falling man.
GARDINER	Good master secretary, I cry your honour mercy. You may worst Of all this table say so.
CROMWELL	Why, my lord?
GARDINER	Do not I know you for a favourer Of this new sect? Ye are not sound.
CROMWELL	Not sound?
GARDINER	Not sound, I say.
CROMWELL	Would you were half so honest! Men’s prayers then would seek you, not their fears.
GARDINER	I shall remember this bold language.
CROMWELL	Do. Remember your bold life, too.
LORD CHANCELLOR	This is too much. Forbear, for shame, my lords.
GARDINER	I have done.
CROMWELL	And I.
LORD CHANCELLOR	(to Cranmer) Then thus for you, my lord. It stands agreed, I take it, by all voices, that forthwith You be conveyed to th’ Tower a prisoner, There to remain till the King’s further pleasure Be known unto us. Are you all agreed, lords?
ALL THE COUNCIL	We are.
CRANMER	Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to th’ Tower, my lords?
GARDINER	What other Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome. Let some o’th’ guard be ready there.
(didascalia)	Enter the guard
CRANMER	For me? Must I go like a traitor thither?
GARDINER	(to the guard) Receive him, And see him safe i’th’ Tower.
CRANMER	Stay, good my lords. I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords— He shows the King’s ring By virtue of that ring I take my cause Out of the grips of cruel men, and give it To a most noble judge, the King my master.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	This is the King’s ring.
SURREY	’Tis no counterfeit.
SUFFOLK	’Tis the right ring, by heav’n. I told ye all When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling ’Twould fall upon ourselves.
NORFOLK	Do you think, my lords, The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vexed?
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	’Tis now too certain. How much more is his life in value with him! Would I were fairly out on’t.
(didascalia)	Exit King with Butts above
CROMWELL	My mind gave me, In seeking tales and informations Against this man, whose honesty the devil And his disciples only envy at, Ye blew the fire that burns ye. Now have at ye!
(didascalia)	Enter, below, King Henry frowning on them. He takes his seat
GARDINER	Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince, Not only good and wise, but most religious. One that in all obedience makes the church The chief aim of his honour, and, to strengthen That holy duty, out of dear respect, His royal self in judgement comes to hear The cause betwixt her and this great offender.
KING HENRY	You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not To hear such flattery now; and in my presence They are too thin and base to hide offences. To me you cannot reach. You play the spaniel, And think with wagging of your tongue to win me. But whatsoe’er thou tak’st me for, I’m sure Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody. (To Cranmer) Good man, sit down. Cranmer takes his seat at the head of the Council table Now let me see the proudest, He that dares most, but wag his finger at thee. By all that’s holy, he had better starve Than but once think this place becomes thee not.
SURREY	May it please your grace—
KING HENRY	No, sir, it does not please me! I had thought I had had men of some understanding And wisdom of my Council, but I find none. Was it discretion, lords, to let this man, This good man—few of you deserve that title— This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy At chamber door? And one as great as you are? Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye Power as he was a Councillor to try him, Not as a groom. There’s some of ye, I see, More out of malice than integrity, Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean; Which ye shall never have while I live.
LORD CHANCELLOR	Thus far, My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed Concerning his imprisonment was rather— If there be faith in men—meant for his trial And fair purgation to the world than malice, I’m sure, in me.
KING HENRY	Well, well, my lords—respect him. Take him and use him well, he’s worthy of it. I will say thus much for him—if a prince May be beholden to a subject, I Am for his love and service so to him. Make me no more ado; but all embrace him. Be friends, for shame, my lords. (To Cranmer) My lord of Canterbury, I have a suit which you must not deny me: That is a fair young maid that yet wants baptism— You must be godfather, and answer for her.
CRANMER	The greatest monarch now alive may glory In such an honour; how may I deserve it, That am a poor and humble subject to you?
KING HENRY	Come, come, my lord—you’d spare your spoons. You shall have two noble partners with you—the old Duchess of Norfolk and Lady Marquis Dorset. Will these please you? (To Gardiner) Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you Embrace and love this man.
GARDINER	With a true heart And brother-love I do it.
(didascalia)	Gardiner and Cranmer embrace
CRANMER	(weeping) And let heaven Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.
KING HENRY	Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart. The common voice, I see, is verified Of thee which says thus, ‘Do my lord of Canterbury A shrewd turn, and he’s your friend for ever.’ Come, lords, we trifle time away. I long To have this young one made a Christian. As I have made ye one, lords, one remain— So I grow stronger, you more honour gain.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano messi, paggi, staffieri e valletti. Poi entra Cranmer, Arcivescovo di Canterbury
CRANMER	Spero di non essere troppo tardi, eppure il gentiluomo che mi fu mandato dal consiglio mi pregò di far gran fretta. Tutto chiuso? Che vuol dir questo? (Chiamando alla porta) Olà! Chi è di guardia là?
(didascalia)	Entra
CRANMER	un Portiere Certo mi conoscete?
PORTIERE	Sì, mio signore, eppure non posso aiutarvi.
CRANMER	Perché?
(didascalia)	Entra
CRANMER	il dottor Butts, attraversando la
(didascalia)	scena
PORTIERE	Vostra grazia deve attendere finché sia chiamata.
CRANMER	Ah sì.
BUTTS	(a parte) Questo è un tratto di malizia. Son lieto d’esser passato di qua così per buona sorte. Il re ne sarà informato all’istante.
(didascalia)	Esce
CRANMER	(a parte) È Butts, il medico del re. Mentre passava con che intensità gettò gli occhi su di me! Voglia il cielo ch’egli non abbia scoperto la mia disgrazia. Di certo questo è ordito a bella posta da alcuni che m’odiano— Dio muti i loro cuori, io non cercai mai la loro malizia— per spegnere il mio onore. Si vergognerebbero altrimenti di farmi attendere alla porta, un collega Consigliere, fra ragazzi, valletti e lacchè. Ma i loro piaceri devono essere adempiuti, e io attendo con pazienza.
(didascalia)	Entrano il re Enrico e il dottor Butts a una finestra, in alto
BUTTS	Mostrerò a vostra grazia lo spettacolo più strano—
RE ENRICO	Che cos’è, Butts?
BUTTS	Credo che vostra altezza abbia visto questo per molti giorni.
RE ENRICO	Corpo di me, dov’è?
BUTTS	(indicando Cranmer, in basso) Là, mio signore. L’alta promozione di sua grazia di Canterbury, che tiene il suo seggio alla porta, fra messi, paggi e staffieri.
RE ENRICO	Eh? È lui davvero. È questo l’onore che si fanno l’un l’altro? È bene che ce n’è ancora uno sopra di loro. Credevo che avessero spartito fra loro tanta onestà— o almeno buona creanza—da non permettere così che un uomo del suo posto e tanto vicino al nostro favore faccia la danza d’anticamera ai piaceri delle loro signorie, e per giunta alla porta, come un corriere coi plichi! Per la santa Maria, Butts, c’è furfanteria! Lasciamoli stare, e tira bene la tenda. Fra poco udremo di più.
(didascalia)	Cranmer e il portiere si tengono da un lato. Escono i lacchè. In alto, Butts tira in parte la tenda. In basso, viene portato dentro un tavolo del consiglio insieme a sedie e sgabelli, e posto sotto il baldacchino regale. Entra il Lord Cancelliere, che si colloca all’estremità superiore del tavolo, sulla sinistra, lasciando un seggio vuoto sopra di lui, a capotavola, come seggio per Canterbury. Il Duca di Suffolk, il Duca di Norfolk, il Conte di Surrey, il Lord Ciambellano e Gardiner, il Vescovo di Winchester, si siedono in ordine ai due lati del tavolo. Cromwell siede all’estremità inferiore, e funge da segretario
LORD CANCELLIERE	(a Cromwell) Esponete la faccenda, signor segretario. Perché siamo riuniti in consiglio?
CROMWELL	Piaccia alle vostre signorie, la causa principale riguarda sua grazia di Canterbury.
GARDINER	Ne è stato informato?
CROMWELL	Sì.
NORFOLK	(al Portiere) Chi attende là?
(didascalia)	IL PORTIERE facendosi avanti
NORFOLK	Di fuori, miei nobili signori?
GARDINER	Sì.
PORTIERE	Il mio signore Arcivescovo; ed è già mezz’ora, per conoscere i vostri desideri.
LORD CANCELLIERE	Fatelo entrare.
PORTIERE	(a Cranmer) Vostra grazia può ora entrare. Cranmer s’avvicina al tavolo del Consiglio
LORD CANCELLIERE	Mio buon signore Arcivescovo, mi duole assai sedere qui in questo momento e vedere quella sedia vuota, ma siamo tutti uomini nelle nostre nature fragili, e soggetti alla nostra carne; pochi sono angeli; e per tale fragilità e mancanza di saggezza, voi, che meglio dovreste insegnarci, vi siete comportato male, e non poco, verso il re anzitutto, poi verso le sue leggi, riempiendo tutto il regno, col vostro insegnamento e con quello dei vostri cappellani— ché così siamo informati—di nuove opinioni, diverse e pericolose, che sono eresie, e, non riformate, possono riuscire perniciose.
GARDINER	La qual riforma dev’essere anche subitanea, miei nobili signori; ché chi doma i cavalli selvaggi non li fa passeggiare a mano per renderli miti, ma serra loro la bocca con morsi duri e li sprona finché non obbediscono al maneggio. Se tolleriamo, per la nostra remissività e puerile pietà verso l’onore d’un solo uomo, questo morbo contagioso, addio a ogni medicina—e che segue allora? Tumulti, sommosse—con una generale infezione di tutto lo stato, come nei giorni scorsi i nostri vicini, l’alta Germania, possono caramente attestare, ancor fresca di compianto nella nostra memoria. 65
CRANMER	Miei buoni signori, finora in tutto il corso e della mia vita e del mio ufficio, ho lavorato, e con non poco studio, perché il mio insegnamento e il forte corso della mia autorità andassero per una sola via, e sicura; e il fine fu sempre di far bene. Né vive— lo dico con cuore sincero, signori miei— uomo che più detesti, più s’adoperi contro, e nella sua privata coscienza e nella sua carica, i guastatori della pace pubblica, di quanto faccia io. Voglia il cielo che il re non trovi mai un cuore con meno fedeltà in sé. Uomini che fanno dell’invidia e della torta malizia il loro nutrimento osano mordere i migliori. Supplico le vostre signorie che, in questo caso di giustizia, i miei accusatori, siano chi si voglia, si facciano avanti faccia a faccia, e liberamente incalzino contro di me.
SUFFOLK	No, mio signore, ciò non può essere. Siete Consigliere, e in virtù di ciò nessuno osa accusarvi.
GARDINER	(a Cranmer) Mio signore, poiché abbiamo affari di maggior momento, saremo brevi con voi. È piacere di sua altezza e nostro consenso che, per meglio processarvi, di qui siate condotto alla Torre, dove, tornato semplice privato, saprete che molti osano accusarvi arditamente, più di quanto, temo, siate preparato a sostenere.
CRANMER	Ah, mio buon signore di Winchester, vi ringrazio. Siete sempre mio buon amico. Se il vostro volere passa, troverò in vostra signoria e giudice e giurato, tanto siete misericordioso. Vedo il vostro fine— è la mia rovina. Amore e mitezza, signore, convengono a un uomo di chiesa meglio dell’ambizione. Riconquistate con modestia le anime smarrite; non gettatene via nessuna. Che mi discolperò, ponete pure sulla mia pazienza tutto il peso che potete, ne ho così poco dubbio quanto voi ne fate coscienza nel commettere torti ogni giorno. Potrei dire di più, ma la riverenza alla vostra vocazione mi rende modesto.
GARDINER	Mio signore, mio signore—siete un settario, ecco la pura verità. La vostra vernice dipinta scopre, agli uomini che vi comprendono, parole e debolezza.
CROMWELL	(a Gardiner) Mio signore di Winchester, siete un poco, con vostra buona licenza, troppo aspro. Uomini così nobili, per quanto colpevoli, dovrebbero pure trovare rispetto per ciò che sono stati. È crudeltà caricare un uomo che cade.
GARDINER	Buon signor segretario, chiedo perdono a vostro onore. Voi meno di tutti a questo tavolo potete dir questo.
CROMWELL	Perché, mio signore?
GARDINER	Non vi conosco forse per fautore di questa nuova setta? Non siete sano.
CROMWELL	Non sano?
GARDINER	Non sano, dico.
CROMWELL	Foste voi metà tanto onesto! Allora le preghiere degli uomini vi cercherebbero, non i loro timori.
GARDINER	Ricorderò questo linguaggio ardito.
CROMWELL	Fatelo. Ricordate anche la vostra ardita vita.
LORD CANCELLIERE	Questo è troppo. Trattenetevi, per vergogna, signori miei.
GARDINER	Ho finito.
CROMWELL	E io.
LORD CANCELLIERE	(a Cranmer) Dunque così per voi, mio signore. È convenuto, a quel che intendo, da tutte le voci, che senza indugio siate condotto alla Torre come prigioniero, là a restare finché l’ulteriore piacere del re non ci sia noto. Siete tutti d’accordo, signori?
TUTTO IL CONSIGLIO	Lo siamo.
CRANMER	Non v’è altra via di misericordia, e devo per forza andare alla Torre, signori miei?
GARDINER	Che altro vi aspettereste? Siete stranamente molesto. Che alcuni della guardia siano pronti là.
(didascalia)	Entra la guardia
CRANMER	Per me? Devo andarvi come un traditore?
GARDINER	(alla guardia) Prendetelo in consegna, e conducetelo sicuro alla Torre.
CRANMER	Fermatevi, miei buoni signori. Ho ancora un poco da dire. Guardate qui, signori miei— Mostra l’anello del re In virtù di quell’anello io tolgo la mia causa dalle grinfie d’uomini crudeli, e la consegno a un giudice nobilissimo, il re mio signore.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Questo è l’anello del re.
SURREY	Non è contraffatto.
SUFFOLK	È l’anello autentico, per il cielo. Ve l’avevo detto a tutti quando mettemmo per la prima volta questa pietra pericolosa a rotolare che sarebbe caduta su noi stessi.
NORFOLK	Credete voi, signori miei, che il re permetterà che pur il mignolo di quest’uomo sia molestato?
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Ora è fin troppo certo. Quanto più vale per lui la sua vita! Vorrei esserne fuori pulito.
(didascalia)	Esce il re con Butts, in alto
CROMWELL	Il mio animo me lo diceva: cercando storie e denunce contro quest’uomo, la cui onestà solo il diavolo e i suoi discepoli invidiano, avete soffiato sul fuoco che vi brucia. Ora badate a voi!
(didascalia)	Entra, in basso, il re Enrico aggrottando le ciglia verso di loro. Prende il suo posto
GARDINER	Temuto sovrano, quanto siamo obbligati al cielo in quotidiano rendimento di grazie, che ci diede tal principe, non solo buono e saggio, ma religiosissimo. Uno che in ogni obbedienza fa della chiesa il fine principale del suo onore, e, per rafforzare quel santo dovere, per caro riguardo, il suo regale io viene in giudizio a udire la causa fra lei e questo grande offensore.
RE ENRICO	Foste sempre bravo nelle improvvise lodi, Vescovo di Winchester. Ma sappiate ch’io non vengo a udire ora simile adulazione; e in mia presenza essa è troppo sottile e vile per nascondere le offese. A me non potete arrivare. Fate il cagnolino, e credete con lo scodinzolare della lingua di conquistarmi. Ma per qualunque cosa tu mi prenda, son certo che hai una natura crudele e sanguinaria. (A Cranmer) Buon uomo, sedete. Cranmer prende posto a capo del tavolo del Consiglio Ora ch’io veda il più superbo, colui che più osa, muovere anche solo un dito contro di te. Per tutto ciò che è santo, gli converrebbe morir di fame piuttosto che pensare una sola volta che questo posto non ti si addice.
SURREY	Piaccia a vostra grazia—
RE ENRICO	No, signore, non mi piace affatto! Credevo d’avere nel mio Consiglio uomini di qualche intendimento e saggezza, ma non ne trovo nessuno. Fu discrezione, signori, lasciare che quest’uomo, quest’uomo buono—pochi di voi meritano quel titolo— quest’uomo onesto, attendesse come un pidocchioso staffiere alla porta della camera? E uno grande quanto voi? Che vergogna fu questa! Il mio mandato vi ordinava di dimenticarvi fino a tal punto? Vi diedi potere di processarlo in quanto Consigliere, non in quanto valletto. Ve n’è alcuni, vedo, più per malizia che per integrità, che lo processerebbero all’estremo, se ne aveste modo; il che non avrete mai finché io viva.
LORD CANCELLIERE	Fin qui, temutissimo mio sovrano, piaccia a vostra grazia lasciare che la mia lingua scusi tutto. Ciò che si proponeva circa la sua prigionia era piuttosto— se v’è fede negli uomini—inteso al suo processo e a una giusta purgazione davanti al mondo, che malizia, ne son certo, in me.
RE ENRICO	Bene, bene, signori miei—rispettatelo. Prendetelo e trattatelo bene, ne è degno. Dirò questo per lui—se un principe può essere obbligato a un suddito, io lo sono a lui per il suo amore e il suo servizio. Non fatemi altre storie; ma abbracciatelo tutti. Siate amici, per vergogna, signori miei. (A Cranmer) Mio signore di Canterbury, ho una richiesta che non dovete negarmi: c’è una bella giovane fanciulla che ancora attende il battesimo— voi dovete esserne padrino, e rispondere per lei.
CRANMER	Il più grande monarca ora vivente potrebbe gloriarsi di tale onore; come posso io meritarlo, io che sono un povero e umile vostro suddito?
RE ENRICO	Suvvia, suvvia, mio signore—vorreste risparmiare i vostri cucchiai. Avrete con voi due nobili compagni—la vecchia Duchessa di Norfolk e Lady Marchesa Dorset. Vi piacciono costoro? (A Gardiner) Ancora una volta, mio signore di Winchester, vi ingiungo d’abbracciare e d’amare quest’uomo.
GARDINER	Con cuore sincero e amore fraterno lo faccio.
(didascalia)	Gardiner e Cranmer si abbracciano
CRANMER	(piangendo) E il cielo testimoni quanto cara io tenga questa conferma.
RE ENRICO	Buon uomo, quelle lacrime di gioia mostrano il tuo cuore sincero. La voce comune, vedo, si verifica di te, quella che dice così: ‘Fa’ al mio signore di Canterbury un cattivo servizio, ed egli ti sarà amico per sempre.’ Venite, signori, sprechiamo il tempo. Non vedo l’ora che questa piccina sia fatta cristiana. Come v’ho fatti uno, signori, uno restate— così io divento più forte, e voi guadagnate più onore.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Noise and tumult within. Enter Porter with rushes and his man with a broken cudgel
PORTER	(to those within) You’ll leave your noise anon, ye rascals. Do you take The court for Paris Garden, ye rude slaves? Leave your gaping.
ONE	(within) Good master porter, I belong to th’ larder.
PORTER	Belong to th’ gallows, and be hanged, ye rogue! Is this a place to roar in? (To his man) Fetch me a dozen crab-tree staves, and strong ones,
(didascalia)	Raising his rushes These are but switches to ’em.
PORTER	(To those within) I’ll scratch your heads. You must be seeing christenings? Do you look For ale and cakes here, you rude rascals?
MAN	Pray, sir, be patient. ’Tis as much impossible, Unless we sweep ’em from the door with cannons, To scatter ’em as ’tis to make ’em sleep On May-day morning—which will never be. We may as well push against Paul’s as stir ’em.
PORTER	How got they in, and be hanged?
MAN	Alas, I know not. How gets the tide in? As much as one sound cudgel of four foot— He raises his cudgel You see the poor remainder—could distribute, I made no spare, sir.
PORTER	You did nothing, sir.
MAN	I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand, To mow ‘em down before me; but if I spared any That had a head to hit, either young or old, He or she, cuckold or cuckold-maker, Let me ne’er hope to see a chine again— And that I would not for a cow, God save her!
ONE	(within) Do you hear, master porter?
PORTER	I shall be with you presently, Good master puppy. (To his man) Keep the door close, sirrah.
MAN	What would you have me do?
PORTER	What should you do, but knock ’em down by th’ dozens? Is this Moorfields to muster in? Or have we some strange Indian with the great tool come to court, the women so besiege us? Bless me, what a fry of fornication is at door! On my Christian conscience, this one christening will beget a thousand. Here will be father, godfather, and all together.
MAN	The spoons will be the bigger, sir. There is a fellow somewhat near the door, he should be a brazier by his face, for o’ my conscience twenty of the dog-days now reign in’s nose. All that stand about him are under the line—they need no other penance. That fire-drake did I hit three times on the head, and three times was his nose discharged against me. He stands there like a mortar-piece, to blow us. There was a haberdasher’s wife of small wit near him, that railed upon me till her pinked porringer fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the state. I missed the meteor once, and hit that woman, who cried out ‘Clubs!’, when I might see from far some forty truncheoners draw to her succour, which were the hope o’th’ Strand, where she was quartered. They fell on. I made good my place. At length they came to th’ broomstaff to me. I defied ’em still, when suddenly a file of boys behind ‘em, loose shot, delivered such a shower of pebbles that I was fain to draw mine honour in and let ’em win the work. The devil was amongst ’em, I think, surely.
PORTER	These are the youths that thunder at a playhouse, and fight for bitten apples, that no audience but the tribulation of Tower Hill or the limbs of Limehouse, their dear brothers, are able to endure. I have some of ’em in limbo patrum, and there they are like to dance these three days, besides the running banquet of two beadles that is to come.
(didascalia)	Enter the Lord Chamberlain
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Mercy o’ me, what a multitude are here! They grow still, too—from all parts they are coming, As if we kept a fair here! Where are these porters, These lazy knaves? (To the Porter and his man) You’ve made a fine hand, fellows! There’s a trim rabble let in—are all these Your faithful friends o’th’ suburbs? We shall have Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies When they pass back from the christening!
PORTER	An’t please your honour, We are but men, and what so many may do, Not being torn a-pieces, we have done. An army cannot rule ’em.
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	As I live, If the King blame me for’t, I’ll lay ye all By th’ heels, and suddenly—and on your heads Clap round fines for neglect. You’re lazy knaves, And here ye lie baiting of bombards when Ye should do service.
(didascalia)	Flourish of trumpets within
LORD CHAMBERLAIN	Hark, the trumpets sound. They’re come, already, from the christening. Go break among the press, and find a way out To let the troop pass fairly, or I’ll find A Marshalsea shall hold ye play these two months.
(didascalia)	As they leave, the Porter and his man call within
PORTER	Make way there for the Princess!
MAN	You great fellow, Stand close up, or I’ll make your head ache.
PORTER	You i’th’ camlet, get up o’th’ rail— I’ll peck you o’er the pales else.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Rumore e tumulto da dentro. Entra il Portinaio con giunchi e il suo uomo con un randello spezzato
PORTINAIO	(a quelli di dentro) La smetterete subito col vostro chiasso, furfanti. Prendete la corte per il giardino di Paris, zotici schiavi? Basta con lo sbraitare.
UNO	(da dentro) Buon mastro portinaio, io appartengo alla dispensa.
PORTINAIO	Appartieni alla forca, e sii impiccato, canaglia! È questo un luogo dove ruggire? (Al suo uomo) Portami una dozzina di bastoni di melo selvatico, e robusti,
(didascalia)	Alzando i suoi giunchi Questi non sono che vermene al confronto.
PORTINAIO	(A quelli di dentro) Vi gratterò la testa. Dovete proprio vedere i battesimi? Cercate birra e focacce qui, zotici furfanti?
L’UOMO	Di grazia, signore, siate paziente. È altrettanto impossibile, a meno di spazzarli via dalla porta coi cannoni, disperderli quanto lo è farli dormire la mattina di calendimaggio—il che non sarà mai. Potremmo altrettanto bene spingere contro San Paolo che smuoverli.
PORTINAIO	Come sono entrati, che siano impiccati?
L’UOMO	Ahimè, non so. Come entra la marea? Quanto un buon randello di quattro piedi— Alza il suo randello vedete il misero avanzo—poteva distribuire, non ne risparmiai, signore.
PORTINAIO	Non avete fatto nulla, signore.
L’UOMO	Non sono Sansone, né Sir Guy, né Colbrand, da falciarli davanti a me; ma se ho risparmiato qualcuno che avesse una testa da colpire, giovane o vecchio, lui o lei, cornuto o facitore di corna, ch’io non speri mai più di rivedere un lombo di manzo— e questo non lo vorrei per una vacca, Dio la salvi!
UNO	(da dentro) Sentite, mastro portinaio?
PORTINAIO	Sarò da voi all’istante, buon mastro cucciolo. (Al suo uomo) Tieni ben chiusa la porta, messere.
L’UOMO	Che volete ch’io faccia?
PORTINAIO	Che dovresti fare, se non abbatterli a dozzine? È questo Moorfields per farvi la rassegna? O ci è venuto a corte qualche strano indiano con l’arnese grosso, che le donne ci assediano così? Che il cielo mi aiuti, che frittura di fornicazione c’è alla porta! Sulla mia coscienza di cristiano, questo solo battesimo ne genererà mille. Qui ci saranno padre, padrino e tutti insieme.
L’UOMO	I cucchiai saranno più grandi, signore. C’è un tale piuttosto vicino alla porta, dev’essere un calderaio a giudicare dalla faccia, ché sulla mia coscienza venti giorni della canicola regnano ora nel suo naso. Tutti quelli che gli stanno attorno sono sotto l’equatore—non han bisogno d’altra penitenza. Quel drago di fuoco l’ho colpito tre volte in testa, e tre volte il suo naso s’è scaricato contro di me. Se ne sta là come un mortaio, per farci saltare. C’era vicino a lui la moglie d’un merciaio, di poco senno, che m’insultò finché la sua scodella traforata non le cadde di testa, per aver io acceso una simile combustione nello stato. Mancai la meteora una volta, e colpii quella donna, che gridò ‘Randelli!’, quando vidi da lontano una quarantina di manganellatori accorrere in suo soccorso, ch’erano la speranza dello Strand, dove ella era acquartierata. Si gettarono all’assalto. Io tenni il mio posto. Alla fine mi vennero addosso col manico di scopa. Io continuai a sfidarli, quando all’improvviso una fila di ragazzi dietro di loro, tiratori sciolti, scagliò una tale gragnuola di sassi che dovetti ritirare il mio onore e lasciare che vincessero la piazza. Il diavolo era fra loro, credo, di sicuro.
PORTINAIO	Questi sono i giovinastri che tuonano in un teatro, e si azzuffano per mele mordicchiate, che nessun pubblico se non la tribolazione di Tower Hill o le membra di Limehouse, loro cari fratelli, è capace di sopportare. Ne ho alcuni in limbo patrum, e là è probabile che danzino per questi tre giorni, oltre al banchetto volante di due birri che deve ancora venire.
(didascalia)	Entra il Lord Ciambellano
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Misericordia di me, che moltitudine c’è qui! E cresce ancora—da ogni parte vengono, come se tenessimo qui una fiera! Dove sono questi portinai, questi pigri furfanti? (Al Portinaio e al suo uomo) Bel lavoro avete fatto, compagni! Bella marmaglia avete lasciato entrare—sono tutti questi i vostri fedeli amici dei sobborghi? Avremo gran copia di spazio, senza dubbio, per le dame quando ripasseranno dal battesimo!
PORTINAIO	Se piace a vostro onore, non siamo che uomini, e ciò che tanti possono fare, senza essere fatti a pezzi, l’abbiamo fatto. Un esercito non li governerebbe.
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Com’è vero ch’io vivo, se il re me ne biasima, vi metterò tutti ai ceppi, e all’istante—e sulle vostre teste schiafferò multe salate per negligenza. Siete pigri furfanti, e ve ne state qui a succhiare boccali quando dovreste fare servizio.
(didascalia)	Squillo di trombe da dentro
LORD CIAMBELLANO	Udite, le trombe suonano. Sono già tornati dal battesimo. Andate a rompere la calca, e trovate un varco per far passare comodamente il corteo, o vi troverò una Marshalsea che vi darà da fare per due mesi.
(didascalia)	Mentre escono, il Portinaio e il suo uomo gridano da dentro
PORTINAIO	Largo là per la Principessa!
L’UOMO	Tu, omone, tirati da parte, o ti faccio dolere la testa.
PORTINAIO	Tu col cammellotto, sali sulla balaustra— o ti scaravento oltre lo steccato.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter trumpeters, sounding. Then enter two aldermen, the Lord Mayor of London, Garter King-of-Arms, Cranmer the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Duke of Norfolk with his marshal’s staff, the Duke of Suffolk, two noblemen bearing great standing bowls for the christening gifts; then enter four noblemen bearing a canopy, under which is the Duchess of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child Elizabeth richly habited in a mantle, whose train is borne by a lady. Then follows the Marchioness Dorset, the other godmother, and ladies. The troop pass once about the stage and Garter speaks
GARTER	Heaven, from thy endless goodness send prosperous life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty Princess of England, Elizabeth.
(didascalia)	Flourish. Enter King Henry and guard
CRANMER	(kneeling) And to your royal grace, and the good Queen! My noble partners and myself thus pray All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady, Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy, May hourly fall upon ye.
KING HENRY	Thank you, good lord Archbishop. What is her name?
CRANMER	Elizabeth.
KING HENRY	Stand up, lord. Cranmer rises (To the child) With this kiss take my blessing— He kisses the child God protect thee, Into whose hand I give thy life.
CRANMER	Amen.
KING HENRY	(to Cranmer, old Duchess, and Marchioness) My noble gossips, you’ve been too prodigal. I thank ye heartily. So shall this lady, When she has so much English.
CRANMER	Let me speak, sir, For heaven now bids me, and the words I utter Let none think flattery, for they’ll find ’em truth. This royal infant—heaven still move about her— Though in her cradle, yet now promises Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be— But few now living can behold that goodness— A pattern to all princes living with her, And all that shall succeed. Saba was never More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces That mould up such a mighty piece as this is, With all the virtues that attend the good, Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her, Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her. She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her; Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn, And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her. In her days every man shall eat in safety Under his own vine what he plants, and sing The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours. God shall be truly known, and those about her From her shall read the perfect ways of honour, And by those claim their greatness, not by blood. Nor shall this peace sleep with her, but, as when The bird of wonder dies—the maiden phoenix— Her ashes new create another heir As great in admiration as herself, So shall she leave her blessedness to one, When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness, Who from the sacred ashes of her honour Shall star-like rise as great in fame as she was, And so stand fixed. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror, That were the servants to this chosen infant, Shall then be his, and, like a vine, grow to him. Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine, His honour and the greatness of his name Shall be, and make new nations. He shall flourish, And like a mountain cedar reach his branches To all the plains about him. Our children’s children Shall see this, and bless heaven.
KING HENRY	Thou speakest wonders.
CRAMMER	She shall be, to the happiness of England, An aged princess. Many days shall see her, And yet no day without a deed to crown it. Would I had known no more. But she must die— She must, the saints must have her—yet a virgin, A most unspotted lily shall she pass To th’ ground, and all the world shall mourn her.
KING HENRY	O lord Archbishop, Thou hast made me now a man. Never before This happy child did I get anything. This oracle of comfort has so pleased me That when I am in heaven I shall desire To see what this child does, and praise my maker. I thank ye all. To you, my good Lord Mayor, And your good brethren, I am much beholden. I have received much honour by your presence, And ye shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords. Ye must all see the Queen, and she must thank ye. She will be sick else. This day, no man think He’s business at his house, for all shall stay—
(didascalia)	This little one shall make it holiday. Flourish. Exeunt
KING HENRY	Epilogue
(didascalia)	Enter Epilogue
EPILOGUE	‘Tis ten to one this play can never please All that are here. Some come to take their ease, And sleep an act or two; but those, we fear, We’ve frighted with our trumpets; so, ’tis clear, They’ll say ’tis naught. Others to hear the city Abused extremely, and to cry ‘That’s witty!’— Which we have not done neither; that, I fear, All the expected good we’re like to hear For this play at this time is only in The merciful construction of good women, For such a one we showed ’em. If they smile, And say “Twill do’, I know within a while All the best men are ours—for ’tis ill hap If they hold when their ladies bid ’em clap.
(didascalia)	Exit
BY JOHN FLETCHER AND	WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
WHEN	it first appeared in print, in 1634, The Two Noble Kinsmen was stated to be ‘by the memorable worthies of their time, Mr John Fletcher, and Mr William Shakespeare’. There is no reason to disbelieve this ascription: many plays of the period were not printed till long after they were acted, and there is other evidence that Shakespeare collaborated with Fletcher (1579―1625). The morris dance in Act 3, Scene 5, contains characters who also appear in Francis Beaumont’s Masque of the Inner Temple and Gray’s Inn performed before James I on 20 February 1613. Their dance was a great success with the King; probably the King’s Men—some of whom may have taken part in the masque—decided to exploit its success by incorporating it in a play written soon afterwards, in the last year of Shakespeare’s playwriting life. The Two Noble Kinsmen, a tragicomedy of the kind that became popular during the last years of the first decade of the seventeenth century, is based on Chaucer’s Knight’s Tale, on which Shakespeare had already drawn for episodes of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It tells a romantic tale of the conflicting claims of love and friendship: the ‘two noble kinsmen’, Palamon and Arcite, are the closest of friends until each falls in love with Emilia, sister-in-law of Theseus, Duke of Athens. Their conflict is finally resolved by a formal combat with Emilia as the prize, in which the loser is to be executed. Arcite wins, and Palamon’s head is on the block as news arrives that Arcite has been thrown from his horse. Dying, Arcite commends Emilia to his friend, and Theseus rounds off the play with a meditation on the paradoxes of fortune. Studies of style suggest that Shakespeare was primarily responsible for the rhetorically and ritualistically impressive Act 1, for Act 2, Scene 1. Act 3, Scenes 1 and 2; and for most of Act 5 (Scene 4 excepted), which includes emblematically spectacular episodes related to his other late plays. Fletcher appears mainly to have written the scenes showing the rivalry of Palamon and Arcite along with the sub-plots concerned with the Jailer’s daughter’s love for Palamon and the rustics’ entertainment for Theseus. Though the play was adapted by William Davenant as The Rivals (1664), its first known performances since the seventeenth century were at the Old Vic in 1928; it has been played only occasionally since then, but was chosen to open the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1986. Critical interest, too, has been slight; but Shakespeare’s contributions are entirely characteristic of his late style, and Fletcher’s scenes are both touching and funny.
THE PERSONS OF THE	PLAY
PROLOGUE	THESEUS, Duke of Athens HIPPOLYTA, Queen of the Amazons, later wife of Theseus EMILIA, her sister PIRITHOUS, friend of Theseus Hymen, god of marriage A BOY, who sings ARTESIUS, an Athenian soldier Three QUEENS, widows of kings killed in the siege of Thebes VALERIUS, a Theban A HERALD WOMAN, attending Emilia An Athenian GENTLEMAN
MESSENGERS	Six KNIGHTS, three attending Arcite and three Palamon A SERVANT A JAILER in charge of Theseus’ prison The JAILER’S DAUGHTER The JAILER’S BROTHER The WOOER of the Jailer’s daughter Two FRIENDS of the Jailer A DOCTOR Six COUNTRYMEN, one dressed as a babion, or baboon Gerald, a SCHOOLMASTER NELL, a country wench Four other country wenches: Friz, Madeline, Luce, and Barbara Timothy, a TABORER
EPILOGUE	Nymphs, attendants, maids, executioner, guard

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano trombettieri, che suonano. Poi entrano due assessori, il Lord Sindaco di Londra, il Re d’Armi della Giarrettiera, Cranmer Arcivescovo di Canterbury, il Duca di Norfolk con la sua verga di maresciallo, il Duca di Suffolk, due nobili che portano grandi coppe a piede per i doni battesimali; poi entrano quattro nobili che portano un baldacchino, sotto il quale sta la Duchessa di Norfolk, madrina, che porta la bambina Elisabetta riccamente vestita d’un manto, il cui strascico è retto da una dama. Poi seguono la Marchesa Dorset, l’altra madrina, e altre dame. Il corteo fa un giro della scena e la Giarrettiera parla
GIARRETTIERA	Cielo, dalla tua infinita bontà manda vita prospera, lunga e sempre felice all’alta e possente Principessa d’Inghilterra, Elisabetta.
(didascalia)	Fanfara. Entrano il re Enrico e la guardia
CRANMER	(inginocchiandosi) E alla vostra regale grazia, e alla buona regina! I miei nobili compagni e io stesso così preghiamo che ogni conforto e gioia, riposti in questa graziosissima dama, che il cielo abbia mai serbato per far felici i genitori, ricadano ogni ora su di voi.
RE ENRICO	Vi ringrazio, buon signore Arcivescovo. Qual è il suo nome?
CRANMER	Elisabetta.
RE ENRICO	Alzatevi, signore. Cranmer si alza (Alla bambina) Con questo bacio ricevi la mia benedizione— Bacia la bambina Dio ti protegga, nelle cui mani affido la tua vita.
CRANMER	Amen.
RE ENRICO	(a Cranmer, alla vecchia Duchessa e alla Marchesa) Miei nobili compari, siete stati troppo prodighi. Vi ringrazio di cuore. E così farà questa dama, quando saprà tanto d’inglese.
CRANMER	Lasciatemi parlare, sire, ché il cielo ora me lo comanda, e le parole ch’io proferisco nessuno le creda adulazione, ché le troverà verità. Questa regale infante—il cielo si muova sempre attorno a lei— benché nella culla, già promette su questa terra mille e mille benedizioni che il tempo porterà a maturità. Ella sarà— ma pochi ora viventi potranno contemplare quella bontà— un modello per tutti i principi che vivranno con lei, e per tutti quelli che seguiranno. Saba non fu mai più bramosa di saggezza e di bella virtù di quanto sarà questa pura anima. Tutte le grazie principesche che plasmano una così possente creatura come questa, con tutte le virtù che accompagnano i buoni, saranno in lei raddoppiate. La Verità la nutrirà, santi e celesti pensieri sempre la consiglieranno. Sarà amata e temuta. I suoi la benediranno; i suoi nemici tremeranno come un campo di grano battuto, e chineranno il capo dal dolore. Il bene cresce con lei. Nei suoi giorni ogni uomo mangerà in sicurezza sotto la propria vite ciò che pianta, e canterà i lieti canti di pace a tutti i suoi vicini. Dio sarà veramente conosciuto, e quelli attorno a lei da lei impareranno le perfette vie dell’onore, e per esse rivendicheranno la loro grandezza, non per sangue. Né questa pace dormirà con lei, ma, come quando muore l’uccello del prodigio—la vergine fenice— le sue ceneri creano di nuovo un altro erede grande in ammirazione quanto lei stessa, così ella lascerà la sua beatitudine a uno, quando il cielo la chiamerà da questa nube di tenebra, il quale dalle sacre ceneri del suo onore sorgerà come astro, grande in fama quanto lei fu, e così starà fisso. Pace, abbondanza, amore, verità, terrore, che furono i servitori di questa eletta infante, saranno allora suoi, e, come una vite, cresceranno a lui. Ovunque splenderà il chiaro sole del cielo, il suo onore e la grandezza del suo nome saranno, e faranno nuove nazioni. Egli fiorirà, e come cedro montano stenderà i suoi rami a tutte le pianure attorno a lui. I figli dei nostri figli vedranno questo, e benediranno il cielo.
RE ENRICO	Tu dici prodigi.
CRAMMER	Ella sarà, per la felicità dell’Inghilterra, una principessa longeva. Molti giorni la vedranno, e pure nessun giorno senza un’impresa a coronarlo. Vorrei non aver saputo di più. Ma ella deve morire— deve, i santi devono averla—eppure vergine, giglio immacolato ella passerà alla terra, e tutto il mondo la piangerà.
RE ENRICO	O signore Arcivescovo, tu m’hai fatto ora uomo. Mai prima di questa felice bambina generai qualcosa. Questo oracolo di conforto tanto m’ha compiaciuto che quando sarò in cielo desidererò vedere ciò che questa bambina fa, e lodare il mio creatore. Vi ringrazio tutti. A voi, mio buon Lord Sindaco, e ai vostri buoni confratelli, sono molto obbligato. Ho ricevuto molto onore dalla vostra presenza, e mi troverete riconoscente. Fate strada, signori. Dovete tutti vedere la regina, ed ella deve ringraziarvi. Altrimenti se ne ammalerà. Oggi nessuno pensi d’avere affari a casa sua, ché tutti resteranno—
(didascalia)	Questa piccina ne farà giorno di festa. Fanfara. Escono
RE ENRICO	Epilogo
(didascalia)	Entra l’Epilogo
EPILOGO	È dieci a uno che questa commedia non possa mai piacere a tutti quelli che son qui. Alcuni vengono a starsene comodi, e a dormire un atto o due; ma quelli, temiamo, li abbiamo spaventati con le nostre trombe; e così, è chiaro, diranno che non val nulla. Altri, per udire la città oltraggiata a dovere, e per gridare ‘Che spirito!’— il che neppure abbiamo fatto; sicché, temo, tutto il bene che possiamo attenderci di udire per questa commedia in questo tempo sta solo nella misericordiosa interpretazione delle buone donne, ché una tale ne abbiamo mostrata. Se sorridono, e dicono ‘Andrà bene’, so che fra poco tutti i migliori uomini sono nostri—ché sarebbe mala sorte se resistessero quando le loro dame ordinano loro d’applaudire.
(didascalia)	Esce