Old. L. 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.

410

Old L. In faith, for little England You'd venture an emballing: I myself Would for Carnarvonshire, although there 'long'd No more to the crown but that. Lo, who comes

here?

Enter the Lord Chamberlain.

Cham. Good morrow, ladies. What were't worth,

to know

The secret of your conference ?

420

Anne. My good lord,

Not your demand; it values not your asking:

Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying.

Cham. 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!

Chamb. You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly

blessings

Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,
Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note's

430

Ta'en

Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty
Commends his good opinion to you, and
Does purpose honour to you no less flowing
Than marchioness of Pembroke; to which title
A thousand pounds a year, annual support,

Out of his grace he adds,

Anne. I do not know,

What kind of my obedience I should tender;
More than my all, is nothing: nor my prayers
Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes
More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers, and

wishes,

Are all I can return. 'Beseech your lordship, Vouchsafe to speak my thanks, and my obedience, As from a blushing handmaid to his highness;

Whose health, and royalty, I pray for.

Cham. Lady,

I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit

The king hath of you. I have perus'd her well:
Beauty and honour in her are so mingled,

440

[Aside.

That they have caught the king: And who knows

yet,

But from this lady may proceed a gem,
To lighten all this isle ?-1'll to the king,

And say, I spoke with you.

Anne. My honour'd lord.

450

[Exit Lord Chamberlain.

Old L. 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 (fye, fye upon

460

This compell'd fortune!) have your mouth fill'd up, Before you open it.

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 Ægypt :- Have you heard it ?

Anne. Come, you are pleasant.

Old L. With your theme, I could

O'er-mount the lark. The marchioness of Pem

broke!

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 fore-skirt. By this time,
I know, your back will bear a dutchess; -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 have heard, to her.

Old L. What do you think me?

470

480

[Exeunt.

SCENE SCENE IV.

A Hall in Black-Friars. 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 St. ASAPH; next them, with some small Distance, follows a Gentleman bearing the Purse, with the great Seal, and a Cardinal's Hat; then two Priests, bearing each a Silver Cross; then a Gentleman-Usher bare-headed, accompanied with a Serjeant at Arms, bearing a Silver Mace; then two Gentlemen, bearing two great Silver Pillars; after them, Side by Side, the two Cardinals; two Noblemen with the Sword and Mace. The King takes Place under the Cloth of State; the two Cardinals, sit under him, as Judges. The Queen takes Place, some Distance from the King. The Bishops place themselves on each Side the Court, in Manner of a Consistory; below them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the Attendants stand in convenient Order about the Stage.

Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded.

King. What's the need?

It hath already publickly been read,
And on all sides the authority allow'd;

You may then spare that time.

Fij

490

Wol.

Wol. Be't so:-Proceed.

Scribe. Say, Henry, king of England, come into

the court.

Crier. Henry, king of England, &c.

King. Here.

Scribe. Say, Katharine, queen of England, come

Into the 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.

500

Queen. 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,

510

Yea, subject to your countenance; glad, or sorry, As I saw it inclin'd. 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