Old L. Why, this it is; see, see! I have been begging sixteen years in court, This compell'd fortune!) have your mouth fill'd up, Anne. This is strange to me. Old L. 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? Old L. 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 I know, your back will bear a duchess ;-Say, Anne. To think what follows. The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful 5 What do you think me? [Exeunt. is it bitter? forty pence, no.] Forty pence was, in those days, the proverbial expression of a small wager, or a small sum. Money was then reckoned by pounds, marks, and nobles. For all the mud in Egypt :] The fertility of Egypt is derived from the mud and slime of the Nile. SCENE IV. A Hall in Black-fryars. Trumpets, Sennet', and Cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habits 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 the Purse, with the great seal, and a cardinal's hat; then two Priests, bearing each a silver cross; then a GentlemanUsher, bare-headed, accompanied with a Sergeant at Arms, bearing a silver mace; then two Gentlemen, bearing two great silver pillars; after them, side by side, the two Cardinals WOLSEY and CAMPEIUS; two Noblemen with the sword and mace. King and Queen, and their Trains. The King takes place under the cloth of state; the two Cardinals sit under him as judges. The Queen takes place at some distance from the King. The Bishops place themselves on each side the court, in manner of a consistory; between them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The Crier and the rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order about the stage. Then enter the Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded. K. Hen. What's the need? It hath already publickly been read, 7 Sennet,] Dr. Burney (whose General History of Musick has been so highly and deservedly applauded) undertook to trace the etymology, and discover the certain meaning of this term, but without success. Mr. Malone thinks it was no more than a flourish, or sounding. 8 - pillars;] Pillars were some of the ensigns of dignity carried before cardinals. And on all sides the authority allow'd; You may then spare that time. Wol. Be't so:-Proceed. Scribe. Say, Henry king of England, come into the court. Crier. Henry king of England, &c. K. Hen. Here. Scribe. Say, Katharine queen of England, come into court. Crier. Katharine queen of England, &c. [The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks. Q. Kath. 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 And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness, At all times to your will conformable: Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, I ever contradicted your desire, Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends He was from thence discharg'd? Sir, call to mind Upward of twenty years, and have been blest Please you, sir, And unmatch'd wit and judgment: Ferdinand, That they had gather'd a wise council to them Of every realm, that did debate this business, Who deem'd our marriage lawful: Wherefore I humbly Be by my friends in Spain advis'd; whose counsel Your pleasure be fulfill'd! You have here, lady, Wol. (And of your choice,) these reverend fathers; men Of singular integrity and learning, Yea, the elect of the land, who are assembled To plead your cause: It shall be therefore bootless, That longer you desire the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the king. Cam. His grace Hath spoken well, and justly: Therefore, madam, And that, without delay, their arguments Be now produc'd, and heard. Q. Kath. To you I speak. Wol. Lord cardinal, Your pleasure, madam? Q. Kath. Sir, I am about to weep; but, thinking that We are a queen, (or long have dream'd so,) certain, I'll turn to sparks of fire. Wol. Be patient yet. Q. Kath. I will, when you are humble; nay, before, You are mine enemy; and make my challenge', Refuse you for my judge: whom, yet once more, You speak not like yourself; who ever yet Have stood to charity, and display'd the effects Of disposition gentle, and of wisdom O'ertopping 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, truth. But if he know As you have done my truth. That I am free of your report, he knows, I am not of your wrong: Therefore in him. and make my challenge,] Challenge is here a law term. The criminal, when he refuses a juryman, says-I challenge him. Abhor and refuse are also law terms. 1 gainsay —] i. e. deny. |