ACTIPROLOGUEIcomenomoretomakeyoulaugh：thingsnow，Thatbearaweightyandaseriousbrow，Sad，high，andworking，fullofstateandwoe，Suchnoblescenesasdrawtheeyetoflow，Wenowpresent。Thosethatcanpity，hereMay，iftheythinkitwell，letfallatear；
Thesubjectwilldeserveit。SuchasgiveTheirmoneyoutofhopetheymaybelieve，Mayherefindtruthtoo。ThosethatcometoseeOnlyashowortwo，andsoagreeTheplaymaypass，iftheybestillandwilling，I’llundertakemayseeawaytheirshillingRichlyintwoshorthours。OnlytheyThatcometohearamerrybawdyplay，Anoiseoftargets，ortoseeafellowInalongmotleycoatguardedwithyellow，Willbedeceived；for，gentlehearers，know，TorankourchosentruthwithsuchashowAsfoolandfightis，besideforfeitingOurownbrains，andtheopinionthatwebring，Tomakethatonlytruewenowintend，Willleaveusneveranunderstandingfriend。
Therefore，forgoodness’sake，andasyouareknownThefirstandhappiesthearersofthetown，Besad，aswewouldmakeye：thinkyeseeTheverypersonsofournoblestoryAstheywereliving；thinkyouseethemgreat，Andfollow’dwiththegeneralthrongandsweatOfthousandfriends；theninamoment，seeHowsoonthismightinessmeetsmisery：
And，ifyoucanbemerrythen，I’llsayAmanmayweepuponhiswedding—day。SCENEI。London。Anante—chamberinthepalace。EnterNORFOLKatonedoor；attheother，BUCKINGHAMandABERGAVENNYBUCKINGHAMGoodmorrow，andwellmet。HowhaveyedoneSincelastwesawinFrance？NORFOLKIthankyourgrace，Healthful；andeversinceafreshadmirerOfwhatIsawthere。BUCKINGHAMAnuntimelyagueStay’dmeaprisonerinmychamberwhenThosesunsofglory，thosetwolightsofmen，MetinthevaleofAndren。NORFOLK’TwixtGuynesandArde：
Iwasthenpresent，sawthemsaluteonhorseback；
Beheldthem，whentheylighted，howtheyclungIntheirembracement，astheygrewtogether；
Whichhadthey，whatfourthronedonescouldhaveweigh’dSuchacompoundedone？BUCKINGHAMAllthewholetimeIwasmychamber’sprisoner。NORFOLKThenyoulostTheviewofearthlyglory：menmightsay，Tillthistimepompwassingle，butnowmarriedTooneaboveitself。EachfollowingdayBecamethenextday’smaster，tillthelastMadeformerwondersits。To—daytheFrench，Allclinquant，allingold，likeheathengods，ShonedowntheEnglish；and，to—morrow，theyMadeBritainIndia：everymanthatstoodShow’dlikeamine。TheirdwarfishpageswereAscherubins，allguilt：themadamstoo，Notusedtotoil，didalmostsweattobearTheprideuponthem，thattheirverylabourWastothemasapainting：nowthismasqueWascriedincomparable；andtheensuingnightMadeitafoolandbeggar。Thetwokings，Equalinlustre，werenowbest，nowworst，Aspresencedidpresentthem；himineye，Stillhiminpraise：and，beingpresentboth’Twassaidtheysawbutone；andnodiscernerDurstwaghistongueincensure。Whenthesesuns——
Forsotheyphrase’em——bytheirheraldschallengedThenoblespiritstoarms，theydidperformBeyondthought’scompass；thatformerfabulousstory，Beingnowseenpossibleenough，gotcredit，ThatBeviswasbelieved。BUCKINGHAMO，yougofar。NORFOLKAsIbelongtoworshipandaffectInhonourhonesty，thetractofeverythingWouldbyagooddiscourserlosesomelife，Whichaction’sselfwastongueto。Allwasroyal；
Tothedisposingofitnoughtrebell’d。
Ordergaveeachthingview；theofficedidDistinctlyhisfullfunction。BUCKINGHAMWhodidguide，Imean，whosetthebodyandthelimbsOfthisgreatsporttogether，asyouguess？NORFOLKOne，certes，thatpromisesnoelementInsuchabusiness。BUCKINGHAMIprayyou，who，mylord？NORFOLKAllthiswasorder’dbythegooddiscretionOftherightreverendCardinalofYork。BUCKINGHAMThedevilspeedhim!noman’spieisfreedFromhisambitiousfinger。WhathadheTodointhesefiercevanities？IwonderThatsuchakeechcanwithhisverybulkTakeuptherayso’thebeneficialsunAndkeepitfromtheearth。NORFOLKSurely，sir，There’sinhimstuffthatputshimtotheseends；
For，beingnotpropp’dbyancestry，whosegraceChalkssuccessorstheirway，norcall’duponForhighfeatsdonetothecrown；neitheralliedForeminentassistants；but，spider—like，Outofhisself—drawingweb，hegivesusnote，TheforceofhisownmeritmakeshiswayAgiftthatheavengivesforhim，whichbuysAplacenexttotheking。ABERGAVENNYIcannottellWhatheavenhathgivenhim，——letsomegravereyePierceintothat；butIcanseehispridePeepthrougheachpartofhim：whencehashethat，Ifnotfromhell？thedevilisaniggard，Orhasgivenallbefore，andhebeginsAnewhellinhimself。BUCKINGHAMWhythedevil，UponthisFrenchgoingout，tookheuponhim，Withouttheprivityo’theking，toappointWhoshouldattendonhim？HemakesupthefileOfallthegentry；forthemostpartsuchTowhomasgreatachargeaslittlehonourHemeanttolayupon：andhisownletter，Thehonourableboardofcouncilout，Mustfetchhiminthepapers。ABERGAVENNYIdoknowKinsmenofmine，threeattheleast，thathaveBythissosickenedtheirestates，thatneverTheyshallaboundasformerly。BUCKINGHAMO，manyHavebroketheirbackswithlayingmanorson’emForthisgreatjourney。WhatdidthisvanityButministercommunicationofAmostpoorissue？NORFOLKGrievinglyIthink，ThepeacebetweentheFrenchandusnotvaluesThecostthatdidconcludeit。BUCKINGHAMEveryman，Afterthehideousstormthatfollow’d，wasAthinginspired；and，notconsulting，brokeIntoageneralprophecy；Thatthistempest，Dashingthegarmentofthispeace，abodedThesuddenbreachon’t。NORFOLKWhichisbuddedout；
ForFrancehathflaw’dtheleague，andhathattach’dOurmerchants’goodsatBourdeaux。ABERGAVENNYIsitthereforeTheambassadorissilenced？NORFOLKMarry，is’t。ABERGAVENNYApropertitleofapeace；andpurchasedAtasuperfluousrate!BUCKINGHAMWhy，allthisbusinessOurreverendcardinalcarried。NORFOLKLikeityourgrace，ThestatetakesnoticeoftheprivatedifferenceBetwixtyouandthecardinal。Iadviseyou——
AndtakeitfromaheartthatwishestowardsyouHonourandplenteoussafety——thatyoureadThecardinal’smaliceandhispotencyTogether；toconsiderfurtherthatWhathishighhatredwouldeffectwantsnotAministerinhispower。Youknowhisnature，Thathe’srevengeful，andIknowhisswordHathasharpedge：it’slongand，’tmaybesaid，Itreachesfar，andwhere’twillnotextend，Thitherhedartsit。Bosomupmycounsel，You’llfinditwholesome。Lo，wherecomesthatrockThatIadviseyourshunning。
EnterCARDINALWOLSEY，thepursebornebeforehim，certainoftheGuard，andtwoSecretarieswithpapers。CARDINALWOLSEYinhispassagefixethhiseyeonBUCKINGHAM，andBUCKINGHAMonhim，bothfullofdisdainCARDINALWOLSEYTheDukeofBuckingham’ssurveyor，ha？
Where’shisexamination？FirstSecretaryHere，sopleaseyou。CARDINALWOLSEYIsheinpersonready？FirstSecretaryAy，pleaseyourgrace。CARDINALWOLSEYWell，weshallthenknowmore；andBuckinghamShalllessenthisbiglook。
ExeuntCARDINALWOLSEYandhisTrainBUCKINGHAMThisbutcher’scurisvenom—mouth’d，andI
Havenotthepowertomuzzlehim；thereforebestNotwakehiminhisslumber。Abeggar’sbookOutworthsanoble’sblood。NORFOLKWhat，areyouchafed？
AskGodfortemperance；that’stheapplianceonlyWhichyourdiseaserequires。BUCKINGHAMIreadin’slooksMatteragainstme；andhiseyereviledMe，ashisabjectobject：atthisinstantHeboresmewithsometrick：he’sgonetotheking；
I’llfollowandoutstarehim。NORFOLKStay，mylord，AndletyourreasonwithyourcholerquestionWhat’tisyougoabout：toclimbsteephillsRequiresslowpaceatfirst：angerislikeAfull—hothorse，whobeingallow’dhisway，Self—mettletireshim。NotamaninEnglandCanadvisemelikeyou：betoyourselfAsyouwouldtoyourfriend。BUCKINGHAMI’lltotheking；
AndfromamouthofhonourquitecrydownThisIpswichfellow’sinsolence；orproclaimThere’sdifferenceinnopersons。NORFOLKBeadvised；
HeatnotafurnaceforyourfoesohotThatitdosingeyourself：wemayoutrun，Byviolentswiftness，thatwhichwerunat，Andlosebyover—running。Knowyounot，Thefirethatmountstheliquortilruno’er，Inseemingtoaugmentitwastesit？Beadvised：
Isayagain，thereisnoEnglishsoulMorestrongertodirectyouthanyourself，Ifwiththesapofreasonyouwouldquench，Orbutallay，thefireofpassion。BUCKINGHAMSir，Iamthankfultoyou；andI’llgoalongByyourprescription：butthistop—proudfellow，WhomfromtheflowofgallInamenotbutFromsinceremotions，byintelligence，AndproofsasclearasfountsinJulywhenWeseeeachgrainofgravel，IdoknowTobecorruptandtreasonous。NORFOLKSaynot’treasonous。’BUCKINGHAMTothekingI’llsay’t；andmakemyvouchasstrongAsshoreofrock。Attend。Thisholyfox，Orwolf，orboth，——forheisequalravenousAsheissubtle，andaspronetomischiefAsabletoperform’t；hismindandplaceInfectingoneanother，yea，reciprocally——
OnlytoshowhispompaswellinFranceAshereathome，suggeststhekingourmasterTothislastcostlytreaty，theinterview，Thatswallow’dsomuchtreasure，andlikeaglassDidbreaki’therinsing。NORFOLKFaith，andsoitdid。BUCKINGHAMPray，givemefavour，sir。ThiscunningcardinalThearticleso’thecombinationdrewAshimselfpleased；andtheywereratifiedAshecried’Thusletbe’：toasmuchendAsgiveacrutchtothedead：butourcount—cardinalHasdonethis，and’tiswell；forworthyWolsey，Whocannoterr，hedidit。Nowthisfollows，——
Which，asItakeit，isakindofpuppyTotheolddam，treason，——Charlestheemperor，Underpretencetoseethequeenhisaunt——
For’twasindeedhiscolour，buthecameTowhisperWolsey，——heremakesvisitation：
Hisfearswere，thattheinterviewbetwixtEnglandandFrancemight，throughtheiramity，Breedhimsomeprejudice；forfromthisleaguePeep’dharmsthatmenacedhim：heprivilyDealswithourcardinal；and，asItrow，——
WhichIdowell；forIamsuretheemperorPaiderehepromised；wherebyhissuitwasgrantedEreitwasask’d；butwhenthewaywasmade，Andpavedwithgold，theemperorthusdesired，Thathewouldpleasetoaltertheking’scourse，Andbreaktheforesaidpeace。Letthekingknow，Assoonheshallbyme，thatthusthecardinalDoesbuyandsellhishonourashepleases，Andforhisownadvantage。NORFOLKIamsorryTohearthisofhim；andcouldwishhewereSomethingmistakenin’t。BUCKINGHAMNo，notasyllable：
IdopronouncehiminthatveryshapeHeshallappearinproof。
EnterBRANDON，aSergeant—at—armsbeforehim，andtwoorthreeoftheGuardBRANDONYouroffice，sergeant；executeit。SergeantSir，MylordtheDukeofBuckingham，andEarlOfHereford，Stafford，andNorthampton，I
Arresttheeofhightreason，inthenameOfourmostsovereignking。BUCKINGHAMLo，you，mylord，Thenethasfall’nuponme!IshallperishUnderdeviceandpractise。BRANDONIamsorryToseeyouta’enfromliberty，tolookonThebusinesspresent：’tishishighness’pleasureYoushalltotheTower。BUCKINGHAMItwillhelpmenothingTopleadmineinnocence；forthatdyeisonmeWhichmakesmywhitestpartblack。ThewillofheavenBedoneinthisandallthings!Iobey。
OmyLordAbergavenny，fareyouwell!BRANDONNay，hemustbearyoucompany。ThekingToABERGAVENNY
IspleasedyoushalltotheTower，tillyouknowHowhedeterminesfurther。ABERGAVENNYAsthedukesaid，Thewillofheavenbedone，andtheking’spleasureBymeobey’d!BRANDONHereisawarrantfromThekingtoattachLordMontacute；andthebodiesOftheduke’sconfessor，JohndelaCar，OneGilbertPeck，hischancellor——BUCKINGHAMSo，so；
Thesearethelimbso’theplot：nomore，Ihope。BRANDONAmonko’theChartreux。BUCKINGHAMO，NicholasHopkins？BRANDONHe。BUCKINGHAMMysurveyorisfalse；theo’er—greatcardinalHathshow’dhimgold；mylifeisspann’dalready：
IamtheshadowofpoorBuckingham，Whosefigureeventhisinstantcloudputson，Bydarkeningmyclearsun。Mylord，farewell。
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Thecouncil—chamber。Cornets。EnterKINGHENRYVIII，leaningonCARDINALWOLSEY’sshoulder，theNobles，andLOVELL；CARDINALWOLSEYplaceshimselfunderKINGHENRYVIII’sfeetonhisrightsideKINGHENRYVIIIMylifeitself，andthebestheartofit，Thanksyouforthisgreatcare：Istoodi’thelevelOfafull—chargedconfederacy，andgivethanksToyouthatchokedit。Letbecall’dbeforeusThatgentlemanofBuckingham’s；inpersonI’llhearhimhisconfessionsjustify；
AndpointbypointthetreasonsofhismasterHeshallagainrelate。
Anoisewithin，crying’RoomfortheQueen!’EnterQUEENKATHARINE，usheredbyNORFOLK，andSUFFOLK：shekneels。KINGHENRYVIIIrisethfromhisstate，takesherup，kissesandplacethherbyhimQUEENKATHARINENay，wemustlongerkneel：Iamasuitor。KINGHENRYVIIIArise，andtakeplacebyus：halfyoursuitNevernametous；youhavehalfourpower：
Theothermoiety，ereyouask，isgiven；
Repeatyourwillandtakeit。QUEENKATHARINEThankyourmajesty。
Thatyouwouldloveyourself，andinthatloveNotunconsider’dleaveyourhonour，norThedignityofyouroffice，isthepointOfmypetition。KINGHENRYVIIILadymine，proceed。QUEENKATHARINEIamsolicited，notbyafew，Andthoseoftruecondition，thatyoursubjectsAreingreatgrievance：therehavebeencommissionsSentdownamong’em，whichhathflaw’dtheheartOfalltheirloyalties：wherein，although，Mygoodlordcardinal，theyventreproachesMostbitterlyonyou，asputteronOftheseexactions，yetthekingourmaster——
Whosehonourheavenshieldfromsoil!——evenheescapesnotLanguageunmannerly，yea，suchwhichbreaksThesidesofloyalty，andalmostappearsInloudrebellion。NORFOLKNotalmostappears，Itdothappear；for，uponthesetaxations，Theclothiersall，notabletomaintainThemanytothemlonging，haveputoffThespinsters，carders，fullers，weavers，who，Unfitforotherlife，compell’dbyhungerAndlackofothermeans，indesperatemannerDaringtheeventtotheteeth，areallinuproar，Anddangerservesamongthen!KINGHENRYVIIITaxation!
Wherein？andwhattaxation？Mylordcardinal，Youthatareblamedforitalikewithus，Knowyouofthistaxation？CARDINALWOLSEYPleaseyou，sir，Iknowbutofasinglepart，inaughtPertainstothestate；andfrontbutinthatfileWhereotherstellstepswithme。QUEENKATHARINENo，mylord，Youknownomorethanothers；butyouframeThingsthatareknownalike；whicharenotwholesomeTothosewhichwouldnotknowthem，andyetmustPerforcebetheiracquaintance。Theseexactions，Whereofmysovereignwouldhavenote，theyareMostpestilenttothebearing；and，tobear’em，Thebackissacrificetotheload。TheysayTheyaredevisedbyyou；orelseyousufferToohardanexclamation。KINGHENRYVIIIStillexaction!
Thenatureofit？inwhatkind，let’sknow，Isthisexaction？QUEENKATHARINEIammuchtooventurousIntemptingofyourpatience；butambolden’dUnderyourpromisedpardon。Thesubjects’griefComesthroughcommissions，whichcompelfromeachThesixthpartofhissubstance，tobeleviedWithoutdelay；andthepretenceforthisIsnamed，yourwarsinFrance：thismakesboldmouths：
Tonguesspittheirdutiesout，andcoldheartsfreezeAllegianceinthem；theircursesnowLivewheretheirprayersdid：andit’scometopass，ThistractableobedienceisaslaveToeachincensedwill。IwouldyourhighnessWouldgiveitquickconsideration，forThereisnoprimerbusiness。KINGHENRYVIIIBymylife，Thisisagainstourpleasure。CARDINALWOLSEYAndforme，IhavenofurthergoneinthisthanbyAsinglevoice；andthatnotpass’dmebutBylearnedapprobationofthejudges。IfIamTraducedbyignoranttongues，whichneitherknowMyfacultiesnorperson，yetwillbeThechroniclesofmydoing，letmesay’Tisbutthefateofplace，andtheroughbrakeThatvirtuemustgothrough。WemustnotstintOurnecessaryactions，inthefearTocopemaliciouscensurers；whichever，Asravenousfishes，doavesselfollowThatisnew—trimm’d，butbenefitnofurtherThanvainlylonging。Whatweoftdobest，Bysickinterpreters，onceweakones，isNotours，ornotallow’d；whatworst，asoft，Hittingagrosserquality，iscriedupForourbestact。Ifweshallstandstill，Infearourmotionwillbemock’dorcarp’dat，Weshouldtakerootherewherewesit，orsitState—statuesonly。KINGHENRYVIIIThingsdonewell，Andwithacare，exemptthemselvesfromfear；
Thingsdonewithoutexample，intheirissueAretobefear’d。HaveyouaprecedentOfthiscommission？Ibelieve，notany。
Wemustnotrendoursubjectsfromourlaws，Andsticktheminourwill。Sixthpartofeach？
Atremblingcontribution!Why，wetakeFromeverytreelop，bark，andparto’thetimber；
And，thoughweleaveitwitharoot，thushack’d，Theairwilldrinkthesap。ToeverycountyWherethisisquestion’dsendourletters，withFreepardontoeachmanthathasdeniedTheforceofthiscommission：pray，lookto’t；
Iputittoyourcare。CARDINALWOLSEYAwordwithyou。
TotheSecretaryLettherebeletterswrittoeveryshire，Oftheking’sgraceandpardon。ThegrievedcommonsHardlyconceiveofme；letitbenoisedThatthroughourintercessionthisrevokementAndpardoncomes：IshallanonadviseyouFurtherintheproceeding。
ExitSecretaryEnterSurveyorQUEENKATHARINEIamsorrythattheDukeofBuckinghamIsruninyourdispleasure。KINGHENRYVIIIItgrievesmany：
Thegentlemanislearn’d，andamostrarespeaker；
Tonaturenonemorebound；histrainingsuch，Thathemayfurnishandinstructgreatteachers，Andneverseekforaidoutofhimself。Yetsee，WhenthesesonoblebenefitsshallproveNotwelldisposed，themindgrowingoncecorrupt，Theyturntoviciousforms，tentimesmoreuglyThanevertheywerefair。Thismansocomplete，Whowasenroll’d’mongstwonders，andwhenwe，Almostwithravish’dlistening，couldnotfindHishourofspeechaminute；he，mylady，HathintomonstroushabitsputthegracesThatoncewerehis，andisbecomeasblackAsifbesmear’dinhell。Sitbyus；youshallhear——
Thiswashisgentlemanintrust——ofhimThingstostrikehonoursad。BidhimrecountThefore—recitedpractises；whereofWecannotfeeltoolittle，heartoomuch。CARDINALWOLSEYStandforth，andwithboldspiritrelatewhatyou，Mostlikeacarefulsubject，havecollectedOutoftheDukeofBuckingham。KINGHENRYVIIISpeakfreely。SurveyorFirst，itwasusualwithhim，everydayItwouldinfecthisspeech，thatifthekingShouldwithoutissuedie，he’llcarryitsoTomakethesceptrehis：theseverywordsI’veheardhimuttertohisson—in—law，LordAbergavenny；towhombyoathhemenacedRevengeuponthecardinal。CARDINALWOLSEYPleaseyourhighness，noteThisdangerousconceptioninthispoint。
Notfriendedbybyhiswish，toyourhighpersonHiswillismostmalignant；anditstretchesBeyondyou，toyourfriends。QUEENKATHARINEMylearn’dlordcardinal，Deliverallwithcharity。KINGHENRYVIIISpeakon：
Howgroundedhehistitletothecrown，Uponourfail？tothispointhastthouheardhimAtanytimespeakaught？SurveyorHewasbroughttothisByavainprophecyofNicholasHopkins。KINGHENRYVIIIWhatwasthatHopkins？SurveyorSir，aChartreuxfriar，Hisconfessor，whofedhimeveryminuteWithwordsofsovereignty。KINGHENRYVIIIHowknow’stthouthis？SurveyorNotlongbeforeyourhighnessspedtoFrance，ThedukebeingattheRose，withintheparishSaintLawrencePoultney，didofmedemandWhatwasthespeechamongtheLondonersConcerningtheFrenchjourney：Ireplied，Menfear’dtheFrenchwouldproveperfidious，Totheking’sdanger。PresentlythedukeSaid，’twasthefear，indeed；andthathedoubted’TwouldprovetheverityofcertainwordsSpokebyaholymonk；’thatoft，’sayshe，’Hathsenttome，wishingmetopermitJohndelaCar，mychaplain，achoicehourTohearfromhimamatterofsomemoment：
Whomafterundertheconfession’ssealHesolemnlyhadsworn，thatwhathespokeMychaplaintonocreatureliving，butTome，shouldutter，withdemureconfidenceThispausinglyensued：neitherthekingnor’sheirs，Tellyoutheduke，shallprosper：bidhimstriveTogaintheloveo’thecommonalty：thedukeShallgovernEngland。’QUEENKATHARINEIfIknowyouwell，Youweretheduke’ssurveyor，andlostyourofficeOnthecomplainto’thetenants：takegoodheedYouchargenotinyourspleenanoblepersonAndspoilyournoblersoul：Isay，takeheed；
Yes，heartilybeseechyou。KINGHENRYVIIILethimon。
Goforward。SurveyorOnmysoul，I’llspeakbuttruth。
Itoldmylordtheduke，bythedevil’sillusionsThemonkmightbedeceived；andthat’twasdangerousforhimToruminateonthissofar，untilItforgedhimsomedesign，which，beingbelieved，Itwasmuchliketodo：heanswer’d，’Tush，Itcandomenodamage；’addingfurther，That，hadthekinginhislastsicknessfail’d，Thecardinal’sandSirThomasLovell’sheadsShouldhavegoneoff。KINGHENRYVIIIHa!what，sorank？Ahha!
There’smischiefinthisman：canstthousayfurther？SurveyorIcan，myliege。KINGHENRYVIIIProceed。SurveyorBeingatGreenwich，AfteryourhighnesshadreprovedthedukeAboutSirWilliamBlomer，——KINGHENRYVIIIIrememberOfsuchatime：beingmyswornservant，Thedukeretain’dhimhis。Buton；whathence？Surveyor’If，’quothhe，’Iforthishadbeencommitted，As，totheTower，Ithought，Iwouldhaveplay’dThepartmyfathermeanttoactuponTheusurperRichard；who，beingatSalisbury，Madesuittocomein’spresence；whichifgranted，Ashemadesemblanceofhisduty，wouldHaveputhisknifetohim。’KINGHENRYVIIIAgianttraitor!CARDINALWOLSEYNow，madam，mayhishighnessliveinfreedom，andthismanoutofprison？QUEENKATHARINEGodmendall!KINGHENRYVIIIThere’ssomethingmorewouldoutofthee；
whatsay’st？SurveyorAfter’thedukehisfather，’with’theknife，’
Hestretch’dhim，and，withonehandonhisdagger，Anotherspreadon’sbreast，mountinghiseyesHediddischargeahorribleoath；whosetenorWas，——wereheevilused，hewouldoutgoHisfatherbyasmuchasaperformanceDoesanirresolutepurpose。KINGHENRYVIIIThere’shisperiod，Tosheathehisknifeinus。Heisattach’d；
Callhimtopresenttrial：ifhemayFindmercyinthelaw，’tishis：ifnone，Lethimnotseek’tofus：bydayandnight，He’straitortotheheight。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Anante—chamberinthepalace。EnterChamberlainandSANDSChamberlainIs’tpossiblethespellsofFranceshouldjuggleMenintosuchstrangemysteries？SANDSNewcustoms，Thoughtheybeneversoridiculous，Nay，let’embeunmanly，yetarefollow’d。ChamberlainAsfarasIsee，allthegoodourEnglishHavegotbythelatevoyageisbutmerelyAfitortwoo’theface；buttheyareshrewdones；
Forwhentheyhold’em，youwouldsweardirectlyTheirverynoseshadbeencounsellorsToPepinorClotharius，theykeepstateso。SANDSTheyhaveallnewlegs，andlameones：
onewouldtakeit，Thatneversaw’empacebefore，thespavinOrspringhaltreign’damong’em。ChamberlainDeath!mylord，Theirclothesareaftersuchapagancuttoo，That，sure，they’vewornoutChristendom。
EnterLOVELL
Hownow!
Whatnews，SirThomasLovell？LOVELLFaith，mylord，Ihearofnone，butthenewproclamationThat’sclapp’duponthecourt—gate。ChamberlainWhatis’tfor？LOVELLThereformationofourtravell’dgallants，Thatfillthecourtwithquarrels，talk，andtailors。ChamberlainI’mglad’tisthere：nowIwouldprayourmonsieursTothinkanEnglishcourtiermaybewise，AndneverseetheLouvre。LOVELLTheymusteither，Forsoruntheconditions，leavethoseremnantsOffoolandfeatherthattheygotinFrance，WithalltheirhonourablepointofignorancePertainingthereunto，asfightsandfireworks，Abusingbettermenthantheycanbe，Outofaforeignwisdom，renouncingcleanThefaiththeyhaveintennis，andtallstockings，Shortblister’dbreeches，andthosetypesoftravel，Andunderstandagainlikehonestmen；
Orpacktotheiroldplayfellows：there，Itakeit，Theymay，’cumprivilegio，’wearawayThelagendoftheirlewdnessandbelaugh’dat。SANDS’Tistimetogive’emphysic，theirdiseasesAregrownsocatching。ChamberlainWhatalossourladiesWillhaveofthesetrimvanities!LOVELLAy，marry，Therewillbewoeindeed，lords：theslywhoresonsHavegotaspeedingtricktolaydownladies；
AFrenchsongandafiddlehasnofellow。SANDSThedevilfiddle’em!Iamgladtheyaregoing，For，sure，there’snoconvertingof’em：nowAnhonestcountrylord，asIam，beatenAlongtimeoutofplay，maybringhisplainsongAndhaveanhourofhearing；and，by’rlady，Heldcurrentmusictoo。ChamberlainWellsaid，LordSands；
Yourcolt’stoothisnotcastyet。SANDSNo，mylord；
Norshallnot，whileIhaveastump。ChamberlainSirThomas，Whitherwereyoua—going？LOVELLTothecardinal’s：
Yourlordshipisaguesttoo。ChamberlainO，’tistrue：
Thisnighthemakesasupper，andagreatone，Tomanylordsandladies；therewillbeThebeautyofthiskingdom，I’llassureyou。LOVELLThatchurchmanbearsabounteousmindindeed，Ahandasfruitfulasthelandthatfeedsus；
Hisdewsfalleverywhere。ChamberlainNodoubthe’snoble；
Hehadablackmouththatsaidotherofhim。SANDSHemay，mylord；haswherewithal：inhimSparingwouldshowaworsesinthanilldoctrine：
Menofhiswayshouldbemostliberal；
Theyaresethereforexamples。ChamberlainTrue，theyareso：
Butfewnowgivesogreatones。Mybargestays；
Yourlordshipshallalong。Come，goodSirThomas，Weshallbelateelse；whichIwouldnotbe，ForIwasspoketo，withSirHenryGuildfordThisnighttobecomptrollers。SANDSIamyourlordship’s。
ExeuntSCENEIV。AHallinYorkPlace。Hautboys。AsmalltableunderastateforCARDINALWOLSEY，alongertablefortheguests。ThenenterANNEanddiversotherLadiesandGentlemenasguests，atonedoor；atanotherdoor，enterGUILDFORDGUILDFORDLadies，ageneralwelcomefromhisgraceSalutesyeall；thisnighthededicatesTofaircontentandyou：nonehere，hehopes，Inallthisnoblebevy，hasbroughtwithherOnecareabroad；hewouldhaveallasmerryAs，first，goodcompany，goodwine，goodwelcome，Canmakegoodpeople。O，mylord，you’retardy：
EnterChamberlain，SANDS，andLOVELL
TheverythoughtofthisfaircompanyClapp’dwingstome。ChamberlainYouareyoung，SirHarryGuildford。SANDSSirThomasLovell，hadthecardinalButhalfmylaythoughtsinhim，someoftheseShouldfindarunningbanqueteretheyrested，Ithinkwouldbetterplease’em：bymylife，Theyareasweetsocietyoffairones。LOVELLO，thatyourlordshipwerebutnowconfessorTooneortwoofthese!SANDSIwouldIwere；
Theyshouldfindeasypenance。LOVELLFaith，howeasy？SANDSAseasyasadown—bedwouldaffordit。ChamberlainSweetladies，willitpleaseyousit？
SirHarry，Placeyouthatside；I’lltakethechargeofthis：
Hisgraceisentering。Nay，youmustnotfreeze；
Twowomenplacedtogethermakescoldweather：
MyLordSands，youareonewillkeep’emwaking；
Pray，sitbetweentheseladies。SANDSBymyfaith，Andthankyourlordship。Byyourleave，sweetladies：
IfIchancetotalkalittlewild，forgiveme；
Ihaditfrommyfather。ANNEWashemad，sir？SANDSO，verymad，exceedingmad，inlovetoo：
Buthewouldbitenone；justasIdonow，Hewouldkissyoutwentywithabreath。
KissesherChamberlainWellsaid，mylord。
So，nowyou’refairlyseated。Gentlemen，Thepenanceliesonyou，ifthesefairladiesPassawayfrowning。SANDSFormylittlecure，Letmealone。
Hautboys。EnterCARDINALWOLSEY，andtakeshisstateCARDINALWOLSEYYou’rewelcome，myfairguests：thatnoblelady，Orgentleman，thatisnotfreelymerry，Isnotmyfriend：this，toconfirmmywelcome；
Andtoyouall，goodhealth。
DrinksSANDSYourgraceisnoble：
Letmehavesuchabowlmayholdmythanks，Andsavemesomuchtalking。CARDINALWOLSEYMyLordSands，Iambeholdingtoyou：cheeryourneighbours。
Ladies，youarenotmerry：gentlemen，Whosefaultisthis？SANDSTheredwinefirstmustriseIntheirfaircheeks，mylord；thenweshallhave’emTalkustosilence。ANNEYouareamerrygamester，MyLordSands。SANDSYes，ifImakemyplay。
Here’stoyourladyship：andpledgeit，madam，For’tistosuchathing，——ANNEYoucannotshowme。SANDSItoldyourgracetheywouldtalkanon。
Drumandtrumpet，chambersdischargedCARDINALWOLSEYWhat’sthat？ChamberlainLookoutthere，someofye。
ExitServantCARDINALWOLSEYWhatwarlikevoice，Andtowhatendisthis？Nay，ladies，fearnot；
Byallthelawsofwaryou’reprivileged。
Re—enterServantChamberlainHownow!whatis’t？ServantAnobletroopofstrangers；
Forsotheyseem：they’velefttheirbargeandlanded；
Andhithermake，asgreatambassadorsFromforeignprinces。CARDINALWOLSEYGoodlordchamberlain，Go，give’emwelcome；youcanspeaktheFrenchtongue；
And，pray，receive’emnobly，andconduct’emIntoourpresence，wherethisheavenofbeautyShallshineatfulluponthem。Someattendhim。
ExitChamberlain，attended。Allrise，andtablesremovedYouhavenowabrokenbanquet；butwe’llmendit。
Agooddigestiontoyouall：andoncemoreIshowerawelcomeonye；welcomeall。
Hautboys。EnterKINGHENRYVIIIandothers，asmasquers，habitedlikeshepherds，usheredbytheChamberlain。TheypassdirectlybeforeCARDINAL
WOLSEY，andgracefullysalutehimAnoblecompany!whataretheirpleasures？ChamberlainBecausetheyspeaknoEnglish，thustheypray’dTotellyourgrace，that，havingheardbyfameOfthissonobleandsofairassemblyThisnighttomeethere，theycoulddonolessOutofthegreatrespecttheybeartobeauty，Butleavetheirflocks；and，underyourfairconduct，CraveleavetoviewtheseladiesandentreatAnhourofrevelswith’em。CARDINALWOLSEYSay，lordchamberlain，Theyhavedonemypoorhousegrace；forwhichIpay’emAthousandthanks，andpray’emtaketheirpleasures。
TheychooseLadiesforthedance。KINGHENRYVIIIchoosesANNEKINGHENRYVIIIThefairesthandIevertouch’d!Obeauty，TillnowIneverknewthee!
Music。DanceCARDINALWOLSEYMylord!ChamberlainYourgrace？CARDINALWOLSEYPray，tell’emthusmuchfromme：
Thereshouldbeoneamongst’em，byhisperson，Moreworthythisplacethanmyself；towhom，IfIbutknewhim，withmyloveanddutyIwouldsurrenderit。ChamberlainIwill，mylord。
WhisperstheMasquersCARDINALWOLSEYWhatsaythey？ChamberlainSuchaone，theyallconfess，Thereisindeed；whichtheywouldhaveyourgraceFindout，andhewilltakeit。CARDINALWOLSEYLetmesee，then。
Byallyourgoodleaves，gentlemen；hereI’llmakeMyroyalchoice。KINGHENRYVIIIYehavefoundhim，cardinal：
UnmaskingYouholdafairassembly；youdowell，lord：
Youareachurchman，or，I’lltellyou，cardinal，Ishouldjudgenowunhappily。CARDINALWOLSEYIamgladYourgraceisgrownsopleasant。KINGHENRYVIIIMylordchamberlain，Prithee，comehither：whatfairlady’sthat？ChamberlainAn’tpleaseyourgrace，SirThomasBullen’sdaughter——
TheViscountRochford，——oneofherhighness’
women。KINGHENRYVIIIByheaven，sheisadaintyone。Sweetheart，Iwereunmannerly，totakeyouout，Andnottokissyou。Ahealth，gentlemen!
Letitgoround。CARDINALWOLSEYSirThomasLovell，isthebanquetreadyI’theprivychamber？LOVELLYes，mylord。CARDINALWOLSEYYourgrace，Ifear，withdancingisalittleheated。KINGHENRYVIIIIfear，toomuch。CARDINALWOLSEYThere’sfresherair，mylord，Inthenextchamber。KINGHENRYVIIILeadinyourladies，everyone：sweetpartner，Imustnotyetforsakeyou：let’sbemerry：
Goodmylordcardinal，IhavehalfadozenhealthsTodrinktothesefairladies，andameasureTolead’emonceagain；andthenlet’sdreamWho’sbestinfavour。Letthemusicknockit。
ExeuntwithtrumpetsACTIISCENEI。Westminster。Astreet。EntertwoGentlemen，meetingFirstGentlemanWhitherawaysofast？SecondGentlemanO，Godsaveye!
Eventothehall，tohearwhatshallbecomeOfthegreatDukeofBuckingham。FirstGentlemanI’llsaveyouThatlabour，sir。All’snowdone，buttheceremonyOfbringingbacktheprisoner。SecondGentlemanWereyouthere？FirstGentlemanYes，indeed，wasI。SecondGentlemanPray，speakwhathashappen’d。FirstGentlemanYoumayguessquicklywhat。SecondGentlemanIshefoundguilty？FirstGentlemanYes，trulyishe，andcondemn’dupon’t。SecondGentlemanIamsorryfor’t。FirstGentlemanSoareanumbermore。SecondGentlemanBut，pray，howpass’dit？FirstGentlemanI’lltellyouinalittle。ThegreatdukeCametothebar；wheretohisaccusationsHepleadedstillnotguiltyandallegedManysharpreasonstodefeatthelaw。
Theking’sattorneyonthecontraryUrgedontheexaminations，proofs，confessionsOfdiverswitnesses；whichthedukedesiredTohavebroughtvivavocetohisface：
Atwhichappear’dagainsthimhissurveyor；
SirGilbertPeckhischancellor；andJohnCar，Confessortohim；withthatdevil—monk，Hopkins，thatmadethismischief。SecondGentlemanThatwasheThatfedhimwithhisprophecies？FirstGentlemanThesame。
Alltheseaccusedhimstrongly；whichhefainWouldhaveflungfromhim，but，indeed，hecouldnot：
Andsohispeers，uponthisevidence，Havefoundhimguiltyofhightreason。MuchHespoke，andlearnedly，forlife；butallWaseitherpitiedinhimorforgotten。SecondGentlemanAfterallthis，howdidhebearhimself？FirstGentlemanWhenhewasbroughtagaintothebar，tohearHisknellrungout，hisjudgment，hewasstirr’dWithsuchanagony，hesweatextremely，Andsomethingspokeincholer，ill，andhasty：
Buthefelltohimselfagain，andsweetlyInalltherestshow’damostnoblepatience。SecondGentlemanIdonotthinkhefearsdeath。FirstGentlemanSure，hedoesnot：
Heneverwassowomanish；thecauseHemayalittlegrieveat。SecondGentlemanCertainlyThecardinalistheendofthis。FirstGentleman’Tislikely，Byallconjectures：first，Kildare’sattainder，ThendeputyofIreland；whoremoved，EarlSurreywassentthither，andinhastetoo，Lestheshouldhelphisfather。SecondGentlemanThattrickofstateWasadeepenviousone。FirstGentlemanAthisreturnNodoubthewillrequiteit。Thisisnoted，Andgenerally，whoeverthekingfavours，Thecardinalinstantlywillfindemployment，Andfarenoughfromcourttoo。SecondGentlemanAllthecommonsHatehimperniciously，and，o’myconscience，Wishhimtenfathomdeep：thisdukeasmuchTheyloveanddoteon；callhimbounteousBuckingham，Themirrorofallcourtesy；——FirstGentlemanStaythere，sir，Andseethenobleruin’dmanyouspeakof。
EnterBUCKINGHAMfromhisarraignment；tip—stavesbeforehim；theaxewiththeedgetowardshim；halberdsoneachside：accompaniedwithLOVELL，VAUX，SANDS，andcommonpeopleSecondGentlemanLet’sstandclose，andbeholdhim。BUCKINGHAMAllgoodpeople，Youthatthusfarhavecometopityme，HearwhatIsay，andthengohomeandloseme。
Ihavethisdayreceivedatraitor’sjudgment，Andbythatnamemustdie：yet，heavenbearwitness，AndifIhaveaconscience，letitsinkme，Evenastheaxefalls，ifIbenotfaithful!
ThelawIbearnomaliceformydeath；
’Thasdone，uponthepremises，butjustice：
ButthosethatsoughtitIcouldwishmoreChristians：
Bewhattheywill，Iheartilyforgive’em：
Yetlet’emlooktheyglorynotinmischief，Norbuildtheirevilsonthegravesofgreatmen；
Forthenmyguiltlessbloodmustcryagainst’em。
ForfurtherlifeinthisworldIne’erhope，NorwillIsue，althoughthekinghavemerciesMorethanIdaremakefaults。Youfewthatlovedme，AnddarebeboldtoweepforBuckingham，Hisnoblefriendsandfellows，whomtoleaveIsonlybittertohim，onlydying，Gowithme，likegoodangels，tomyend；
And，asthelongdivorceofsteelfallsonme，Makeofyourprayersonesweetsacrifice，Andliftmysoultoheaven。Leadon，o’God’sname。LOVELLIdobeseechyourgrace，forcharity，IfeveranymaliceinyourheartWerehidagainstme，nowtoforgivemefrankly。BUCKINGHAMSirThomasLovell，IasfreeforgiveyouAsIwouldbeforgiven：Iforgiveall；
Therecannotbethosenumberlessoffences’Gainstme，thatIcannottakepeacewith：
noblackenvyShallmarkmygrave。Commendmetohisgrace；
AndifhespeakofBuckingham，pray，tellhimYoumethimhalfinheaven：myvowsandprayersYetaretheking’s；and，tillmysoulforsake，Shallcryforblessingsonhim：mayheliveLongerthanIhavetimetotellhisyears!
Everbelovedandlovingmayhisrulebe!
Andwhenoldtimeshallleadhimtohisend，Goodnessandhefilluponemonument!LOVELLTothewatersideImustconductyourgrace；
ThengivemychargeuptoSirNicholasVaux，Whoundertakesyoutoyourend。VAUXPreparethere，Thedukeiscoming：seethebargebeready；
AndfititwithsuchfurnitureassuitsThegreatnessofhisperson。BUCKINGHAMNay，SirNicholas，Letitalone；mystatenowwillbutmockme。
WhenIcamehither，IwaslordhighconstableAndDukeofBuckingham；now，poorEdwardBohun：
YetIamricherthanmybaseaccusers，Thatneverknewwhattruthmeant：Inowsealit；
Andwiththatbloodwillmake’emonedaygroanfor’t。
Mynoblefather，HenryofBuckingham，WhofirstraisedheadagainstusurpingRichard，FlyingforsuccortohisservantBanister，Beingdistress’d，wasbythatwretchbetray’d，Andwithouttrialfell；God’speacebewithhim!
HenrytheSeventhsucceeding，trulypityingMyfather’sloss，likeamostroyalprince，Restoredmetomyhonours，and，outofruins，Mademynameoncemorenoble。Nowhisson，HenrytheEighth，life，honour，nameandallThatmademehappyatonestrokehastakenForeverfromtheworld。Ihadmytrial，And，mustneedssay，anobleone；whichmakesme，Alittlehappierthanmywretchedfather：
Yetthusfarweareoneinfortunes：bothFellbyourservants，bythosemenwelovedmost；
Amostunnaturalandfaithlessservice!
Heavenhasanendinall：yet，youthathearme，Thisfromadyingmanreceiveascertain：
WhereyouareliberalofyourlovesandcounselsBesureyoubenotloose；forthoseyoumakefriendsAndgiveyourheartsto，whentheyonceperceiveTheleastrubinyourfortunes，fallawayLikewaterfromye，neverfoundagainButwheretheymeantosinkye。Allgoodpeople，Prayforme!Imustnowforsakeye：thelasthourOfmylongwearylifeiscomeuponme。Farewell：
Andwhenyouwouldsaysomethingthatissad，SpeakhowIfell。Ihavedone；andGodforgiveme!
ExeuntBUCKINGHAMandTrainFirstGentlemanO，thisisfullofpity!Sir，itcalls，Ifear，toomanycursesontheirbeadsThatweretheauthors。SecondGentlemanIfthedukebeguiltless，’Tisfullofwoe：yetIcangiveyouinklingOfanensuingevil，ifitfall，Greaterthanthis。FirstGentlemanGoodangelskeepitfromus!
Whatmayitbe？Youdonotdoubtmyfaith，sir？SecondGentlemanThissecretissoweighty，’twillrequireAstrongfaithtoconcealit。FirstGentlemanLetmehaveit；
Idonottalkmuch。SecondGentlemanIamconfident，Youshall，sir：didyounotoflatedayshearAbuzzingofaseparationBetweenthekingandKatharine？FirstGentlemanYes，butitheldnot：
Forwhenthekingonceheardit，outofangerHesentcommandtothelordmayorstraightTostoptherumor，andallaythosetonguesThatdurstdisperseit。SecondGentlemanButthatslander，sir，Isfoundatruthnow：foritgrowsagainFresherthane’eritwas；andheldforcertainThekingwillventureatit。Eitherthecardinal，Orsomeabouthimnear，have，outofmaliceTothegoodqueen，possess’dhimwithascrupleThatwillundoher：toconfirmthistoo，CardinalCampeiusisarrived，andlately；
Asallthink，forthisbusiness。FirstGentleman’Tisthecardinal；
AndmerelytorevengehimontheemperorFornotbestowingonhim，athisasking，ThearchbishopricofToledo，thisispurposed。SecondGentlemanIthinkyouhavehitthemark：butis’tnotcruelThatsheshouldfeelthesmartofthis？ThecardinalWillhavehiswill，andshemustfall。FirstGentleman’Tiswoful。
Wearetooopenheretoarguethis；
Let’sthinkinprivatemore。
ExeuntSCENEII。Anante—chamberinthepalace。EnterChamberlain，readingaletterChamberlain’Mylord，thehorsesyourlordshipsentfor，withallthecareIhad，Isawwellchosen，ridden，andfurnished。Theywereyoungandhandsome，andofthebestbreedinthenorth。WhentheywerereadytosetoutforLondon，amanofmylordcardinal’s，bycommissionandmainpower，took’emfromme；withthisreason：Hismasterwouldbeservedbeforeasubject，ifnotbeforetheking；whichstoppedourmouths，sir。’
Ifearhewillindeed：well，lethimhavethem：
Hewillhaveall，Ithink。
Enter，toChamberlain，NORFOLKandSUFFOLKNORFOLKWellmet，mylordchamberlain。ChamberlainGooddaytobothyourgraces。SUFFOLKHowisthekingemploy’d？ChamberlainIlefthimprivate，Fullofsadthoughtsandtroubles。NORFOLKWhat’sthecause？ChamberlainItseemsthemarriagewithhisbrother’swifeHascrepttoonearhisconscience。SUFFOLKNo，hisconscienceHascrepttoonearanotherlady。NORFOLK’Tisso：
Thisisthecardinal’sdoing，theking—cardinal：
Thatblindpriest，liketheeldestsonoffortune，Turnswhathelist。Thekingwillknowhimoneday。SUFFOLKPrayGodhedo!he’llneverknowhimselfelse。NORFOLKHowholilyheworksinallhisbusiness!
Andwithwhatzeal!for，nowhehascrack’dtheleagueBetweenusandtheemperor，thequeen’sgreatnephew，Hedivesintotheking’ssoul，andtherescattersDangers，doubts，wringingoftheconscience，Fears，anddespairs；andalltheseforhismarriage：
Andoutofallthesetorestoretheking，Hecounselsadivorce；alossofherThat，likeajewel，hashungtwentyyearsAbouthisneck，yetneverlostherlustre；
OfherthatloveshimwiththatexcellenceThatangelslovegoodmenwith；evenofherThat，whenthegreateststrokeoffortunefalls，Willblesstheking：andisnotthiscoursepious？ChamberlainHeavenkeepmefromsuchcounsel!’TismosttrueThesenewsareeverywhere；everytonguespeaks’em，Andeverytrueheartweepsfor’t：allthatdareLookintotheseaffairsseethismainend，TheFrenchking’ssister。HeavenwillonedayopenTheking’seyes，thatsolonghavesleptuponThisboldbadman。SUFFOLKAndfreeusfromhisslavery。NORFOLKWehadneedpray，Andheartily，forourdeliverance；