But，Ibeseechyou，what’sbecomeofKatharine，Theprincessdowager？howgoesherbusiness？FirstGentlemanThatIcantellyoutoo。TheArchbishopOfCanterbury，accompaniedwithotherLearnedandreverendfathersofhisorder，HeldalatecourtatDunstable，sixmilesoffFromAmpthillwheretheprincesslay；towhichShewasoftencitedbythem，butappear’dnot：
And，tobeshort，fornotappearanceandTheking’slatescruple，bythemainassentOfalltheselearnedmenshewasdivorced，AndthelatemarriagemadeofnoneeffectSincewhichshewasremovedtoKimbolton，Wheresheremainsnowsick。SecondGentlemanAlas，goodlady!
TrumpetsThetrumpetssound：standclose，thequeeniscoming。
HautboysTHEORDEROFTHECORONATION
1。AlivelyflourishofTrumpets。
2。Then，twoJudges。
3。LordChancellor，withthepurseandmacebeforehim。
4。Choristers，singing。
Music5。MayorofLondon，bearingthemace。ThenGarter，inhiscoatofarms，andonhisheadagiltcoppercrown。
6。MarquessDorset，bearingasceptreofgold，onhisheadademi—coronalofgold。Withhim，SURREY，bearingtherodofsilverwiththedove，crownedwithanearl’scoronet。
CollarsofSS。
7。SUFFOLK，inhisrobeofestate，hiscoronetonhishead，bearingalongwhitewand，ashigh—steward。Withhim，NORFOLK，withtherodofmarshalship，acoronetonhishead。
CollarsofSS。
8。AcanopybornebyfouroftheCinque—ports；
underit，QUEENANNEinherrobe；inherhairrichlyadornedwithpearl，crowned。Oneachsideher，theBishopsofLondonandWinchester。
9。TheoldDuchessofNorfolk，inacoronalofgold，wroughtwithflowers，bearingQUEEN
ANNE’strain。
10。CertainLadiesorCountesses，withplaincircletsofgoldwithoutflowers。
TheypassoverthestageinorderandstateSecondGentlemanAroyaltrain，believeme。TheseIknow：
Who’sthatthatbearsthesceptre？FirstGentlemanMarquessDorset：
AndthattheEarlofSurrey，withtherod。SecondGentlemanAboldbravegentleman。ThatshouldbeTheDukeofSuffolk？FirstGentleman’Tisthesame：high—steward。SecondGentlemanAndthatmyLordofNorfolk？FirstGentlemanYes；SecondGentlemanHeavenblessthee!
LookingonQUEENANNE
ThouhastthesweetestfaceIeverlook’don。
Sir，asIhaveasoul，sheisanangel；
OurkinghasalltheIndiesinhisarms，Andmoreandricher，whenhestrainsthatlady：
Icannotblamehisconscience。FirstGentlemanTheythatbearTheclothofhonouroverher，arefourbaronsOftheCinque—ports。SecondGentlemanThosemenarehappy；andsoareallarenearher。
Itakeit，shethatcarriesupthetrainIsthatoldnoblelady，DuchessofNorfolk。FirstGentlemanItis；andalltherestarecountesses。SecondGentlemanTheircoronetssayso。Thesearestarsindeed；
Andsometimesfallingones。FirstGentlemanNomoreofthat。
Exitprocession，andthenagreatflourishoftrumpetsEnterathirdGentlemanFirstGentlemanGodsaveyou，sir!wherehaveyoubeenbroiling？ThirdGentlemanAmongthecrowdi’theAbbey；whereafingerCouldnotbewedgedinmore：IamstifledWiththemereranknessoftheirjoy。SecondGentlemanYousawTheceremony？ThirdGentlemanThatIdid。FirstGentlemanHowwasit？ThirdGentlemanWellworththeseeing。SecondGentlemanGoodsir，speakittous。ThirdGentlemanAswellasIamable。TherichstreamOflordsandladies，havingbroughtthequeenToapreparedplaceinthechoir，felloffAdistancefromher；whilehergracesatdownTorestawhile，somehalfanhourorso，Inarichchairofstate，opposingfreelyThebeautyofherpersontothepeople。
Believeme，sir，sheisthegoodliestwomanThateverlaybyman：whichwhenthepeopleHadthefullviewof，suchanoisearoseAstheshroudsmakeatseainastifftempest，Asloud，andtoasmanytunes：hats，cloaks——
Doublets，Ithink，——flewup；andhadtheirfacesBeenloose，thisdaytheyhadbeenlost。SuchjoyIneversawbefore。Great—belliedwomen，Thathadnothalfaweektogo，likeramsIntheoldtimeofwar，wouldshakethepress，Andmake’emreelbefore’em。NomanlivingCouldsay’Thisismywife’there；allwerewovenSostrangelyinonepiece。SecondGentlemanBut，whatfollow’d？ThirdGentlemanAtlengthhergracerose，andwithmodestpacesCametothealtar；whereshekneel’d，andsaint—likeCastherfaireyestoheavenandpray’ddevoutly。
Thenroseagainandbow’dhertothepeople：
WhenbytheArchbishopofCanterburyShehadalltheroyalmakingsofaqueen；
Asholyoil，EdwardConfessor’scrown，Therod，andbirdofpeace，andallsuchemblemsLaidnoblyonher：whichperform’d，thechoir，Withallthechoicestmusicofthekingdom，Togethersung’TeDeum。’Sosheparted，AndwiththesamefullstatepacedbackagainToYork—place，wherethefeastisheld。FirstGentlemanSir，YoumustnomorecallitYork—place，that’spast；
For，sincethecardinalfell，thattitle’slost：
’Tisnowtheking’s，andcall’dWhitehall。ThirdGentlemanIknowit；
But’tissolatelyalter’d，thattheoldnameIsfreshaboutme。SecondGentlemanWhattworeverendbishopsWerethosethatwentoneachsideofthequeen？ThirdGentlemanStokeslyandGardiner；theoneofWinchester，Newlypreferr’dfromtheking’ssecretary，Theother，London。SecondGentlemanHeofWinchesterIsheldnogreatgoodloverofthearchbishop’s，ThevirtuousCranmer。ThirdGentlemanAllthelandknowsthat：
However，yetthereisnogreatbreach；whenitcomes，Cranmerwillfindafriendwillnotshrinkfromhim。SecondGentlemanWhomaythatbe，Iprayyou？ThirdGentlemanThomasCromwell；
Amaninmuchesteemwiththeking，andtrulyAworthyfriend。ThekinghasmadehimmasterO’thejewelhouse，Andone，already，oftheprivycouncil。SecondGentlemanHewilldeservemore。ThirdGentlemanYes，withoutalldoubt。
Come，gentlemen，yeshallgomyway，whichIstothecourt，andthereyeshallbemyguests：
SomethingIcancommand。AsIwalkthither，I’lltellyemore。BothYoumaycommandus，sir。
ExeuntSCENEII。Kimbolton。EnterKATHARINE，Dowager，sick；ledbetweenGRIFFITH，hergentlemanusher，andPATIENCE，herwomanGRIFFITHHowdoesyourgrace？KATHARINEOGriffith，sicktodeath!
Mylegs，likeloadenbranches，bowtotheearth，Willingtoleavetheirburthen。Reachachair：
So；now，methinks，Ifeelalittleease。
Didstthounottellme，Griffith，asthouled’stme，Thatthegreatchildofhonour，CardinalWolsey，Wasdead？GRIFFITHYes，madam；butIthinkyourgrace，Outofthepainyousuffer’d，gavenoearto’t。KATHARINEPrithee，goodGriffith，tellmehowhedied：
Ifwell，hestepp’dbeforeme，happilyFormyexample。GRIFFITHWell，thevoicegoes，madam：
ForafterthestoutEarlNorthumberlandArrestedhimatYork，andbroughthimforward，Asamansorelytainted，tohisanswer，Hefellsicksuddenly，andgrewsoillHecouldnotsithismule。KATHARINEAlas，poorman!GRIFFITHAtlast，witheasyroads，hecametoLeicester，Lodgedintheabbey；wherethereverendabbot，Withallhiscovent，honourablyreceivedhim；
Towhomhegavethesewords，’O，fatherabbot，Anoldman，brokenwiththestormsofstate，Iscometolayhiswearybonesamongye；
Givehimalittleearthforcharity!’
Sowenttobed；whereeagerlyhissicknessPursuedhimstill：and，threenightsafterthis，Aboutthehourofeight，whichhehimselfForetoldshouldbehislast，fullofrepentance，Continualmeditations，tears，andsorrows，Hegavehishonourstotheworldagain，Hisblessedparttoheaven，andsleptinpeace。KATHARINESomayherest；hisfaultsliegentlyonhim!
Yetthusfar，Griffith，givemeleavetospeakhim，Andyetwithcharity。HewasamanOfanunboundedstomach，everrankingHimselfwithprinces；onethat，bysuggestion，Tiedallthekingdom：simonywasfair—play；
Hisownopinionwashislaw：i’thepresenceHewouldsayuntruths；andbeeverdoubleBothinhiswordsandmeaning：hewasnever，Butwherehemeanttoruin，pitiful：
Hispromiseswere，ashethenwas，mighty；
Buthisperformance，asheisnow，nothing：
Ofhisownbodyhewasill，andgaveTheclergyinexample。GRIFFITHNoblemadam，Men’sevilmannersliveinbrass；theirvirtuesWewriteinwater。MayitpleaseyourhighnessTohearmespeakhisgoodnow？KATHARINEYes，goodGriffith；
Iweremaliciouselse。GRIFFITHThiscardinal，Thoughfromanhumblestock，undoubtedlyWasfashion’dtomuchhonourfromhiscradle。
Hewasascholar，andaripeandgoodone；
Exceedingwise，fair—spoken，andpersuading：
Loftyandsourtothemthatlovedhimnot；
Buttothosementhatsoughthimsweetassummer。
Andthoughhewereunsatisfiedingetting，Whichwasasin，yetinbestowing，madam，Hewasmostprincely：everwitnessforhimThosetwinsOflearningthatheraisedinyou，IpswichandOxford!oneofwhichfellwithhim，Unwillingtooutlivethegoodthatdidit；
Theother，thoughunfinish’d，yetsofamous，Soexcellentinart，andstillsorising，ThatChristendomshalleverspeakhisvirtue。
Hisoverthrowheap’dhappinessuponhim；
Forthen，andnottillthen，hefelthimself，Andfoundtheblessednessofbeinglittle：
And，toaddgreaterhonourstohisageThanmancouldgivehim，hediedfearingGod。KATHARINEAftermydeathIwishnootherherald，Nootherspeakerofmylivingactions，Tokeepminehonourfromcorruption，ButsuchanhonestchroniclerasGriffith。
WhomImosthatedliving，thouhastmademe，Withthyreligioustruthandmodesty，Nowinhisasheshonour：peacebewithhim!
Patience，benearmestill；andsetmelower：
Ihavenotlongtotroublethee。GoodGriffith，CausethemusiciansplaymethatsadnoteInamedmyknell，whilstIsitmeditatingOnthatcelestialharmonyIgoto。
SadandsolemnmusicGRIFFITHSheisasleep：goodwench，let’ssitdownquiet，Forfearwewakeher：softly，gentlePatience。
Thevision。Enter，solemnlytrippingoneafteranother，sixpersonages，cladinwhiterobes，wearingontheirheadsgarlandsofbays，andgoldenvizardsontheirfaces；branchesofbaysorpalmintheirhands。Theyfirstcongeeuntoher，thendance；and，atcertainchanges，thefirsttwoholdasparegarlandoverherhead；atwhichtheotherfourmakereverentcurtsies；
thenthetwothatheldthegarlanddeliverthesametotheothernexttwo，whoobservethesameorderintheirchanges，andholdingthegarlandoverherhead：whichdone，theydeliverthesamegarlandtothelasttwo，wholikewiseobservethesameorder：atwhich，asitwerebyinspiration，shemakesinhersleepsignsofrejoicing，andholdethupherhandstoheaven：
andsointheirdancingvanish，carryingthegarlandwiththem。ThemusiccontinuesKATHARINESpiritsofpeace，whereareye？areyeallgone，Andleavemehereinwretchednessbehindye？GRIFFITHMadam，wearehere。KATHARINEItisnotyouIcallfor：
SawyenoneentersinceIslept？GRIFFITHNone，madam。KATHARINENo？Sawyounot，evennow，ablessedtroopInvitemetoabanquet；whosebrightfacesCastthousandbeamsuponme，likethesun？
Theypromisedmeeternalhappiness；
Andbroughtmegarlands，Griffith，whichIfeelIamnotworthyyettowear：Ishall，assuredly。GRIFFITHIammostjoyful，madam，suchgooddreamsPossessyourfancy。KATHARINEBidthemusicleave，Theyareharshandheavytome。
MusicceasesPATIENCEDoyounoteHowmuchhergraceisalter’donthesudden？
Howlongherfaceisdrawn？howpaleshelooks，Andofanearthycold？Markhereyes!GRIFFITHSheisgoing，wench：pray，pray。PATIENCEHeavencomforther!
EnteraMessengerMessengerAn’tlikeyourgrace，——KATHARINEYouareasaucyfellow：
Deservewenomorereverence？GRIFFITHYouaretoblame，Knowingshewillnotloseherwontedgreatness，Tousesorudebehavior；goto，kneel。MessengerIhumblydoentreatyourhighness’pardon；
Myhastemademeunmannerly。ThereisstayingAgentleman，sentfromtheking，toseeyou。KATHARINEAdmithimentrance，Griffith：butthisfellowLetmene’erseeagain。
ExeuntGRIFFITHandMessengerRe—enterGRIFFITH，withCAPUCIUS
Ifmysightfailnot，Youshouldbelordambassadorfromtheemperor，Myroyalnephew，andyournameCapucius。CAPUCIUSMadam，thesame；yourservant。KATHARINEO，mylord，Thetimesandtitlesnowarealter’dstrangelyWithmesincefirstyouknewme。But，Iprayyou，Whatisyourpleasurewithme？CAPUCIUSNoblelady，Firstmineownservicetoyourgrace；thenext，Theking’srequestthatIwouldvisityou；
Whogrievesmuchforyourweakness，andbymeSendsyouhisprincelycommendations，Andheartilyentreatsyoutakegoodcomfort。KATHARINEOmygoodlord，thatcomfortcomestoolate；
’Tislikeapardonafterexecution：
Thatgentlephysic，givenintime，hadcuredme；
ButnowIampastancomfortshere，butprayers。
Howdoeshishighness？CAPUCIUSMadam，ingoodhealth。KATHARINESomayheeverdo!andeverflourish，WhenIshalldwellwithworms，andmypoornameBanish’dthekingdom!Patience，isthatletter，Icausedyouwrite，yetsentaway？PATIENCENo，madam。
GivingittoKATHARINEKATHARINESir，ImosthumblyprayyoutodeliverThistomylordtheking。CAPUCIUSMostwilling，madam。KATHARINEInwhichIhavecommendedtohisgoodnessThemodelofourchasteloves，hisyoungdaughter；
Thedewsofheavenfallthickinblessingsonher!
Beseechinghimtogivehervirtuousbreeding——
Sheisyoung，andofanoblemodestnature，Ihopeshewilldeservewell，——andalittleToloveherforhermother’ssake，thatlovedhim，Heavenknowshowdearly。MynextpoorpetitionIs，thathisnoblegracewouldhavesomepityUponmywretchedwomen，thatsolongHavefollow’dbothmyfortunesfaithfully：
Ofwhichthereisnotone，Idareavow，AndnowIshouldnotlie，butwilldeserveForvirtueandtruebeautyofthesoul，Forhonestyanddecentcarriage，Arightgoodhusband，lethimbeanobleAnd，sure，thosemenarehappythatshallhave’em。
Thelastis，formymen；theyarethepoorest，Butpovertycouldneverdraw’emfromme；
Thattheymayhavetheirwagesdulypaid’em，Andsomethingovertoremembermeby：
IfheavenhadpleasedtohavegivenmelongerlifeAndablemeans，wehadnotpartedthus。
Thesearethewholecontents：and，goodmylord，Bythatyoulovethedearestinthisworld，AsyouwishChristianpeacetosoulsdeparted，Standthesepoorpeople’sfriend，andurgethekingTodomethislastright。CAPUCIUSByheaven，Iwill，Orletmelosethefashionofaman!KATHARINEIthankyou，honestlord。RemembermeInallhumilityuntohishighness：
SayhislongtroublenowispassingOutofthisworld；tellhim，indeathIbless’dhim，ForsoIwill。Mineeyesgrowdim。Farewell，Mylord。Griffith，farewell。Nay，Patience，Youmustnotleavemeyet：Imusttobed；
Callinmorewomen。WhenIamdead，goodwench，Letmebeusedwithhonour：strewmeoverWithmaidenflowers，thatalltheworldmayknowIwasachastewifetomygrave：embalmme，Thenlaymeforth：althoughunqueen’d，yetlikeAqueen，anddaughtertoaking，interme。
Icannomore。
Exeunt，leadingKATHARINEACTVSCENEI。London。Agalleryinthepalace。EnterGARDINER，BishopofWinchester，aPagewithatorchbeforehim，metbyLOVELLGARDINERIt’soneo’clock，boy，is’tnot？BoyIthathstruck。GARDINERTheseshouldbehoursfornecessities，Notfordelights；timestorepairournatureWithcomfortingrepose，andnotforusTowastethesetimes。Goodhourofnight，SirThomas!
Whithersolate？LOVELLCameyoufromtheking，mylordGARDINERIdid，SirThomas：andlefthimatprimeroWiththeDukeofSuffolk。LOVELLImusttohimtoo，Beforehegotobed。I’lltakemyleave。GARDINERNotyet，SirThomasLovell。What’sthematter？
Itseemsyouareinhaste：aniftherebeNogreatoffencebelongsto’t，giveyourfriendSometouchofyourlatebusiness：affairs，thatwalk，Astheysayspiritsdo，atmidnight，haveInthemawildernaturethanthebusinessThatseeksdispatchbyday。LOVELLMylord，Iloveyou；
AnddurstcommendasecrettoyourearMuchweightierthanthiswork。Thequeen’sinlabour，Theysay，ingreatextremity；andfear’dShe’llwiththelabourend。GARDINERThefruitshegoeswithIprayforheartily，thatitmayfindGoodtime，andlive：butforthestock，SirThomas，Iwishitgrubb’dupnow。LOVELLMethinksIcouldCrytheamen；andyetmyconsciencesaysShe’sagoodcreature，and，sweetlady，doesDeserveourbetterwishes。GARDINERBut，sir，sir，Hearme，SirThomas：you’reagentlemanOfmineownway；Iknowyouwise，religious；
And，letmetellyou，itwillne’erbewell，’Twillnot，SirThomasLovell，take’tofme，TillCranmer，Cromwell，hertwohands，andshe，Sleepintheirgraves。LOVELLNow，sir，youspeakoftwoThemostremark’di’thekingdom。AsforCromwell，Besidethatofthejewelhouse，ismademasterO’therolls，andtheking’ssecretary；further，sir，Standsinthegapandtradeofmoepreferments，Withwhichthetimewillloadhim。ThearchbishopIstheking’shandandtongue；andwhodarespeakOnesyllableagainsthim？GARDINERYes，yes，SirThomas，Therearethatdare；andImyselfhaveventuredTospeakmymindofhim：andindeedthisday，Sir，Imaytellityou，IthinkIhaveIncensedthelordso’thecouncil，thatheis，ForsoIknowheis，theyknowheis，Amostarchheretic，apestilenceThatdoesinfecttheland：withwhichtheymovedHavebrokenwiththeking；whohathsofarGiveneartoourcomplaint，ofhisgreatgraceAndprincelycareforeseeingthosefellmischiefsOurreasonslaidbeforehim，hathcommandedTo—morrowmorningtothecouncil—boardHebeconvented。He’sarankweed，SirThomas，Andwemustroothimout。FromyouraffairsIhinderyoutoolong：goodnight，SirThomas。LOVELLManygoodnights，mylord：Irestyourservant。
ExeuntGARDINERandPageEnterKINGHENRYVIIIandSUFFOLKKINGHENRYVIIICharles，Iwillplaynomoretonight；
Mymind’snoton’t；youaretoohardforme。SUFFOLKSir，Ididneverwinofyoubefore。KINGHENRYVIIIButlittle，Charles；
Norshallnot，whenmyfancy’sonmyplay。
Now，Lovell，fromthequeenwhatisthenews？LOVELLIcouldnotpersonallydelivertoherWhatyoucommandedme，butbyherwomanIsentyourmessage；whoreturn’dherthanksInthegreat’sthumbleness，anddesiredyourhighnessMostheartilytoprayforher。KINGHENRYVIIIWhatsay’stthou，ha？
Toprayforher？what，isshecryingout？LOVELLSosaidherwoman；andthathersufferancemadeAlmosteachpangadeath。KINGHENRYVIIIAlas，goodlady!SUFFOLKGodsafelyquitherofherburthen，andWithgentletravail，tothegladdingofYourhighnesswithanheir!KINGHENRYVIII’Tismidnight，Charles；
Prithee，tobed；andinthyprayersrememberTheestateofmypoorqueen。Leavemealone；
ForImustthinkofthatwhichcompanyWouldnotbefriendlyto。SUFFOLKIwishyourhighnessAquietnight；andmygoodmistresswillRememberinmyprayers。KINGHENRYVIIICharles，goodnight。
ExitSUFFOLK
EnterDENNY
Well，sir，whatfollows？DENNYSir，Ihavebroughtmylordthearchbishop，Asyoucommandedme。KINGHENRYVIIIHa!Canterbury？DENNYAy，mygoodlord。KINGHENRYVIII’Tistrue：whereishe，Denny？DENNYHeattendsyourhighness’pleasure。
ExitDENNYLOVELL[Aside]Thisisaboutthatwhichthebishopspake：
Iamhappilycomehither。
Re—enterDENNY，withCRANMERKINGHENRYVIIIAvoidthegallery。
LOVELLseemstostayHa!Ihavesaid。Begone。What!
ExeuntLOVELLandDENNYCRANMER[Aside]
Iamfearful：whereforefrownshethus？
’Tishisaspectofterror。All’snotwell。KINGHENRYVIIIHownow，mylord!youdesiretoknowWhereforeIsentforyou。CRANMER[Kneeling]ItismydutyToattendyourhighness’pleasure。KINGHENRYVIIIPrayyou，arise，MygoodandgraciousLordofCanterbury。
Come，youandImustwalkaturntogether；
Ihavenewstotellyou：come，come，givemeyourhand。
Ah，mygoodlord，IgrieveatwhatIspeak，AndamrightsorrytorepeatwhatfollowsIhave，andmostunwillingly，oflateHeardmanygrievous，Idosay，mylord，Grievouscomplaintsofyou；which，beingconsider’d，Havemovedusandourcouncil，thatyoushallThismorningcomebeforeus；where，Iknow，Youcannotwithsuchfreedompurgeyourself，Butthat，tillfurthertrialinthosechargesWhichwillrequireyouranswer，youmusttakeYourpatiencetoyou，andbewellcontentedTomakeyourhouseourTower：youabrotherofus，Itfitswethusproceed，orelsenowitnessWouldcomeagainstyou。CRANMER[Kneeling]
Ihumblythankyourhighness；
AndamrightgladtocatchthisgoodoccasionMostthroughlytobewinnow’d，wheremychaffAndcornshallflyasunder：for，Iknow，There’snonestandsundermorecalumnioustonguesThanImyself，poorman。KINGHENRYVIIIStandup，goodCanterbury：
ThytruthandthyintegrityisrootedInus，thyfriend：givemethyhand，standup：
Prithee，let’swalk。Now，bymyholidame。
Whatmannerofmanareyou？Mylord，Ilook’dYouwouldhavegivenmeyourpetition，thatIshouldhaveta’ensomepainstobringtogetherYourselfandyouraccusers；andtohaveheardyou，Withoutindurance，further。CRANMERMostdreadliege，ThegoodIstandonismytruthandhonesty：
Iftheyshallfail，I，withmineenemies，Willtriumpho’ermyperson；whichIweighnot，Beingofthosevirtuesvacant。IfearnothingWhatcanbesaidagainstme。KINGHENRYVIIIKnowyounotHowyourstatestandsi’theworld，withthewholeworld？
Yourenemiesaremany，andnotsmall；theirpractisesMustbearthesameproportion；andnoteverThejusticeandthetrutho’thequestioncarriesThedueo’theverdictwithit：atwhateaseMightcorruptmindsprocureknavesascorruptToswearagainstyou？suchthingshavebeendone。
Youarepotentlyopposed；andwithamaliceOfasgreatsize。Weenyouofbetterluck，Imean，inperjuredwitness，thanyourmaster，Whoseministeryouare，whilesherehelivedUponthisnaughtyearth？Goto，goto；
Youtakeaprecipicefornoleapofdanger，Andwooyourowndestruction。CRANMERGodandyourmajestyProtectmineinnocence，orIfallintoThetrapislaidforme!KINGHENRYVIIIBeofgoodcheer；
Theyshallnomoreprevailthanwegivewayto。
Keepcomforttoyou；andthismorningseeYoudoappearbeforethem：iftheyshallchance，Inchargingyouwithmatters，tocommityou，ThebestpersuasionstothecontraryFailnottouse，andwithwhatvehemencyTheoccasionshallinstructyou：ifentreatiesWillrenderyounoremedy，thisringDeliverthem，andyourappealtousTheremakebeforethem。Look，thegoodmanweeps!
He’shonest，onminehonour。God’sblestmother!
Iswearheistrue——hearted；andasoulNonebetterinmykingdom。Getyougone，AnddoasIhavebidyou。
ExitCRANMER
HehasstrangledHislanguageinhistears。
EnterOldLady，LOVELLfollowingGentleman[Within]Comeback：whatmeanyou？OldLadyI’llnotcomeback；thetidingsthatIbringWillmakemyboldnessmanners。Now，goodangelsFlyo’erthyroyalhead，andshadethypersonUndertheirblessedwings!KINGHENRYVIIINow，bythylooksIguessthymessage。Isthequeendeliver’d？
Say，ay；andofaboy。OldLadyAy，ay，myliege；
Andofalovelyboy：theGodofheavenBothnowandeverblessher!’tisagirl，Promisesboyshereafter。Sir，yourqueenDesiresyourvisitation，andtobeAcquaintedwiththisstranger’tisaslikeyouAscherryistocherry。KINGHENRYVIIILovell!LOVELLSir？KINGHENRYVIIIGiveheranhundredmarks。I’lltothequeen。
ExitOldLadyAnhundredmarks!Bythislight，I’llha’more。
Anordinarygroomisforsuchpayment。
Iwillhavemore，orscolditoutofhim。
SaidIforthis，thegirlwasliketohim？
Iwillhavemore，orelseunsay’t；andnow，Whileitishot，I’llputittotheissue。
ExeuntSCENEII。Beforethecouncil—chamber。Pursuivants，Pages，&；c。attending。
EnterCRANMERCRANMERIhopeIamnottoolate；andyetthegentleman，Thatwassenttomefromthecouncil，pray’dmeTomakegreathaste。Allfast？whatmeansthis？
Ho!
Whowaitsthere？Sure，youknowme？
EnterKeeperKeeperYes，mylord；
ButyetIcannothelpyou。CRANMERWhy？
EnterDOCTORBUTTSKeeperYourgracemustwaittillyoubecall’dfor。CRANMERSo。DOCTORBUTTS[Aside]Thisisapieceofmalice。IamgladIcamethiswaysohappily：thekingShallunderstanditpresently。
ExitCRANMER[Aside]’TisButts，Theking’sphysician：ashepass’dalong，Howearnestlyhecasthiseyesuponme!
Prayheaven，hesoundnotmydisgrace!Forcertain，Thisisofpurposelaidbysomethathateme——
Godturntheirhearts!Ineversoughttheirmalice——
Toquenchminehonour：theywouldshametomakemeWaitelseatdoor，afellow—counsellor，’Mongboys，grooms，andlackeys。ButtheirpleasuresMustbefulfill’d，andIattendwithpatience。
EntertheKINGHENRYVIIIandDOCTORBUTTSatawindowaboveDOCTORBUTTSI’llshowyourgracethestrangestsight——KINGHENRYVIIIWhat’sthat，Butts？DOCTORBUTTSIthinkyourhighnesssawthismanyaday。KINGHENRYVIIIBodyo’me，whereisit？DOCTORBUTTSThere，mylord：
ThehighpromotionofhisgraceofCanterbury；
Whoholdshisstateatdoor，’mongstpursuivants，Pages，andfootboys。KINGHENRYVIIIHa!’tishe，indeed：
Isthisthehonourtheydooneanother？
’Tiswellthere’soneabove’emyet。IhadthoughtTheyhadpartedsomuchhonestyamong’emAtleast，goodmanners，asnotthustosufferAmanofhisplace，andsonearourfavour，Todanceattendanceontheirlordships’pleasures，Andatthedoortoo，likeapostwithpackets。
ByholyMary，Butts，there’sknavery：
Let’emalone，anddrawthecurtainclose：
Weshallhearmoreanon。
ExeuntSCENEIII。TheCouncil—Chamber。EnterChancellor；placeshimselfattheupperendofthetableonthelefthand；aseatbeingleftvoidabovehim，asforCRANMER’sseat。SUFFOLK，NORFOLK，SURREY，Chamberlain，GARDINER，seatthemselvesinorderoneachside。CROMWELLatlowerend，assecretary。KeeperatthedoorChancellorSpeaktothebusiness，master—secretary：
Whyarewemetincouncil？CROMWELLPleaseyourhonours，ThechiefcauseconcernshisgraceofCanterbury。GARDINERHashehadknowledgeofit？CROMWELLYes。NORFOLKWhowaitsthere？KeeperWithout，mynoblelords？GARDINERYes。KeeperMylordarchbishop；
Andhasdonehalfanhour，toknowyourpleasures。ChancellorLethimcomein。KeeperYourgracemayenternow。
CRANMERentersandapproachesthecouncil—tableChancellorMygoodlordarchbishop，I’mverysorryTosithereatthispresent，andbeholdThatchairstandempty：butweallaremen，Inourownnaturesfrail，andcapableOfourflesh；fewareangels：outofwhichfrailtyAndwantofwisdom，you，thatbestshouldteachus，Havemisdemean’dyourself，andnotalittle，Towardthekingfirst，thenhislaws，infillingThewholerealm，byyourteachingandyourchaplains，Forsoweareinform’d，withnewopinions，Diversanddangerous；whichareheresies，And，notreform’d，mayprovepernicious。GARDINERWhichreformationmustbesuddentoo，Mynoblelords；forthosethattamewildhorsesPace’emnotintheirhandstomake’emgentle，Butstoptheirmouthswithstubbornbits，andspur’em，Tilltheyobeythemanage。Ifwesuffer，OutofoureasinessandchildishpityTooneman’shonour，thiscontagioussickness，Farewellallphysic：andwhatfollowsthen？
Commotions，uproars，withageneraltaintOfthewholestate：as，oflatedays，ourneighbours，TheupperGermany，candearlywitness，Yetfreshlypitiedinourmemories。CRANMERMygoodlords，hitherto，inalltheprogressBothofmylifeandoffice，Ihavelabour’d，Andwithnolittlestudy，thatmyteachingAndthestrongcourseofmyauthorityMightgooneway，andsafely；andtheendWasever，todowell：noristhereliving，Ispeakitwithasingleheart，mylords，Amanthatmoredetests，morestirsagainst，Bothinhisprivateconscienceandhisplace，Defacersofapublicpeace，thanIdo。
Prayheaven，thekingmayneverfindaheartWithlessallegianceinit!MenthatmakeEnvyandcrookedmalicenourishmentDarebitethebest。Idobeseechyourlordships，That，inthiscaseofjustice，myaccusers，Bewhattheywill，maystandforthfacetoface，Andfreelyurgeagainstme。SUFFOLKNay，mylord，Thatcannotbe：youareacounsellor，And，bythatvirtue，nomandareaccuseyou。GARDINERMylord，becausewehavebusinessofmoremoment，Wewillbeshortwithyou。’Tishishighness’
pleasure，Andourconsent，forbettertrialofyou，FromhenceyoubecommittedtotheTower；
Where，beingbutaprivatemanagain，Youshallknowmanydareaccuseyouboldly，Morethan，Ifear，youareprovidedfor。CRANMERAh，mygoodLordofWinchester，Ithankyou；
Youarealwaysmygoodfriend；ifyourwillpass，Ishallbothfindyourlordshipjudgeandjuror，Youaresomerciful：Iseeyourend；
’Tismyundoing：loveandmeekness，lord，Becomeachurchmanbetterthanambition：
Winstrayingsoulswithmodestyagain，Castnoneaway。ThatIshallclearmyself，Layalltheweightyecanuponmypatience，Imakeaslittledoubt，asyoudoconscienceIndoingdailywrongs。Icouldsaymore，Butreverencetoyourcallingmakesmemodest。GARDINERMylord，mylord，youareasectary，That’stheplaintruth：yourpaintedglossdiscovers，Tomenthatunderstandyou，wordsandweakness。CROMWELLMyLordofWinchester，youarealittle，Byyourgoodfavour，toosharp；mensonoble，Howeverfaulty，yetshouldfindrespectForwhattheyhavebeen：’tisacrueltyToloadafallingman。GARDINERGoodmastersecretary，Icryyourhonourmercy；youmay，worstOfallthistable，sayso。CROMWELLWhy，mylord？GARDINERDonotIknowyouforafavourerOfthisnewsect？yearenotsound。CROMWELLNotsound？GARDINERNotsound，Isay。CROMWELLWouldyouwerehalfsohonest!
Men’sprayersthenwouldseekyou，nottheirfears。GARDINERIshallrememberthisboldlanguage。CROMWELLDo。
Rememberyourboldlifetoo。ChancellorThisistoomuch；
Forbear，forshame，mylords。GARDINERIhavedone。CROMWELLAndI。ChancellorThenthusforyou，mylord：itstandsagreed，Itakeit，byallvoices，thatforthwithYoubeconvey’dtotheToweraprisoner；
Theretoremaintilltheking’sfurtherpleasureBeknownuntous：areyouallagreed，lords？AllWeare。CRANMERIstherenootherwayofmercy，ButImustneedstotheTower，mylords？GARDINERWhatotherWouldyouexpect？youarestrangelytroublesome。
Letsomeo’theguardbereadythere。
EnterGuardCRANMERForme？
MustIgolikeatraitorthither？GARDINERReceivehim，Andseehimsafei’theTower。CRANMERStay，goodmylords，Ihavealittleyettosay。Lookthere，mylords；
Byvirtueofthatring，ItakemycauseOutofthegripesofcruelmen，andgiveitToamostnoblejudge，thekingmymaster。ChamberlainThisistheking’sring。SURREY’Tisnocounterfeit。SUFFOLK’Tistherightring，byheaven：Itoldyeall，Whenyefirstputthisdangerousstonea—rolling，’Twouldfalluponourselves。NORFOLKDoyouthink，mylords，ThekingwillsufferbutthelittlefingerOfthismantobevex’d？Chancellor’Tisnowtoocertain：
Howmuchmoreishislifeinvaluewithhim？
WouldIwerefairlyouton’t!CROMWELLMymindgaveme，InseekingtalesandinformationsAgainstthisman，whosehonestythedevilAndhisdisciplesonlyenvyat，Yeblewthefirethatburnsye：nowhaveatye!
EnterKING，frowningonthem；takeshisseatGARDINERDreadsovereign，howmuchareweboundtoheavenIndailythanks，thatgaveussuchaprince；
Notonlygoodandwise，butmostreligious：
Onethat，inallobedience，makesthechurchThechiefaimofhishonour；and，tostrengthenThatholyduty，outofdearrespect，HisroyalselfinjudgmentcomestohearThecausebetwixtherandthisgreatoffender。KINGHENRYVIIIYouwereevergoodatsuddencommendations，BishopofWinchester。Butknow，IcomenotTohearsuchflatterynow，andinmypresence；
Theyaretoothinandbaretohideoffences。
Tomeyoucannotreach，youplaythespaniel，Andthinkwithwaggingofyourtonguetowinme；
But，whatsoe’erthoutakestmefor，I’msureThouhastacruelnatureandabloody。
ToCRANMER
Goodman，sitdown。NowletmeseetheproudestHe，thatdaresmost，butwaghisfingeratthee：
Byallthat’sholy，hehadbetterstarveThanbutoncethinkthisplacebecomestheenot。SURREYMayitpleaseyourgrace，——KINGHENRYVIIINo，sir，itdoesnotpleaseme。
IhadthoughtIhadhadmenofsomeunderstandingAndwisdomofmycouncil；butIfindnone。
Wasitdiscretion，lords，toletthisman，Thisgoodman，——fewofyoudeservethattitle，——
Thishonestman，waitlikealousyfootboyAtchamber——door？andoneasgreatasyouare？
Why，whatashamewasthis!DidmycommissionBidyesofarforgetyourselves？IgaveyePowerashewasacounsellortotryhim，Notasagroom：there’ssomeofye，Isee，Moreoutofmalicethanintegrity，Wouldtryhimtotheutmost，hadyemean；
WhichyeshallneverhavewhileIlive。ChancellorThusfar，Mymostdreadsovereign，mayitlikeyourgraceToletmytongueexcuseall。WhatwaspurposedConcerninghisimprisonment，wasrather，Iftherebefaithinmen，meantforhistrial，Andfairpurgationtotheworld，thanmalice，I’msure，inme。KINGHENRYVIIIWell，well，mylords，respecthim；
Takehim，andusehimwell，he’sworthyofit。
Iwillsaythusmuchforhim，ifaprinceMaybebeholdingtoasubject，I
Am，forhisloveandservice，sotohim。
Makemenomoreado，butallembracehim：
Befriends，forshame，mylords!MyLordofCanterbury，Ihaveasuitwhichyoumustnotdenyme；
Thatis，afairyoungmaidthatyetwantsbaptism，Youmustbegodfather，andanswerforher。CRANMERThegreatestmonarchnowalivemaygloryInsuchanhonour：howmayIdeserveitThatamapoorandhumblesubjecttoyou？KINGHENRYVIIICome，come，mylord，you’ldspareyourspoons：youshallhavetwonoblepartnerswithyou；theoldDuchessofNorfolk，andLadyMarquessDorset：
willthesepleaseyou？
Oncemore，myLordofWinchester，Ichargeyou，Embraceandlovethisman。GARDINERWithatrueheartAndbrother—loveIdoit。CRANMERAndletheavenWitness，howdearIholdthisconfirmation。KINGHENRYVIIIGoodman，thosejoyfultearsshowthytrueheart：
Thecommonvoice，Isee，isverifiedOfthee，whichsaysthus，’DomyLordofCanterburyAshrewdturn，andheisyourfriendforever。’
Come，lords，wetrifletimeaway；IlongTohavethisyoungonemadeaChristian。
AsIhavemadeyeone，lords，oneremain；
SoIgrowstronger，youmorehonourgain。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Thepalaceyard。Noiseandtumultwithin。EnterPorterandhisManPorterYou’llleaveyournoiseanon，yerascals：
doyoutakethecourtforParis—garden？yerudeslaves，leaveyourgaping。
WithinGoodmasterporter，Ibelongtothelarder。PorterBelongtothegallows，andbehanged，yerogue!isthisaplacetoroarin？Fetchmeadozencrab—treestaves，andstrongones：thesearebutswitchesto’em。I’llscratchyourheads：youmustbeseeingchristenings？doyoulookforaleandcakeshere，youruderascals？ManPray，sir，bepatient：’tisasmuchimpossible——
Unlesswesweep’emfromthedoorwithcannons——
Toscatter’em，as’tistomake’emsleepOnMay—daymorning；whichwillneverbe：
WemayaswellpushagainstPowle’s，asstirem。PorterHowgottheyin，andbehang’d？ManAlas，Iknownot；howgetsthetidein？
Asmuchasonesoundcudgeloffourfoot——
Youseethepoorremainder——coulddistribute，Imadenospare，sir。PorterYoudidnothing，sir。ManIamnotSamson，norSirGuy，norColbrand，Tomow’emdownbeforeme：butifIsparedanyThathadaheadtohit，eitheryoungorold，Heorshe，cuckoldorcuckold—maker，Letmene’erhopetoseeachineagainAndthatIwouldnotforacow，Godsaveher!
WithinDoyouhear，masterporter？PorterIshallbewithyoupresently，goodmasterpuppy。
Keepthedoorclose，sirrah。ManWhatwouldyouhavemedo？PorterWhatshouldyoudo，butknock’emdownbythedozens？IsthisMoorfieldstomusterin？orhavewesomestrangeIndianwiththegreattoolcometocourt，thewomensobesiegeus？Blessme，whatafryoffornicationisatdoor!OnmyChristianconscience，thisonechristeningwillbegetathousand；herewillbefather，godfather，andalltogether。ManThespoonswillbethebigger，sir。Thereisafellowsomewhatnearthedoor，heshouldbeabrazierbyhisface，for，o’myconscience，twentyofthedog—daysnowreignin’snose；allthatstandabouthimareundertheline，theyneednootherpenance：thatfire—drakedidIhitthreetimesonthehead，andthreetimeswashisnosedischargedagainstme；hestandsthere，likeamortar—piece，toblowus。Therewasahaberdasher’swifeofsmallwitnearhim，thatraileduponmetillherpinkedporringerfelloffherhead，forkindlingsuchacombustioninthestate。Imissedthemeteoronce，andhitthatwoman；whocriedout’Clubs!’whenI
mightseefromfarsomefortytruncheonersdrawtohersuccor，whichwerethehopeo’theStrand，whereshewasquartered。Theyfellon；Imadegoodmyplace：atlengththeycametothebroom—stafftome；Idefied’emstill：whensuddenlyafileofboysbehind’em，looseshot，deliveredsuchashowerofpebbles，thatIwasfaintodrawminehonourin，andlet’emwinthework：thedevilwasamongst’em，Ithink，surely。PorterThesearetheyouthsthatthunderataplayhouse，andfightforbittenapples；thatnoaudience，butthetribulationofTower—hill，orthelimbsofLimehouse，theirdearbrothers，areabletoendure。
Ihavesomeof’eminLimboPatrum，andtheretheyareliketodancethesethreedays；besidestherunningbanquetoftwobeadlesthatistocome。
EnterChamberlainChamberlainMercyo’me，whatamultitudearehere!
Theygrowstilltoo；fromallpartstheyarecoming，Asifwekeptafairhere!Wherearetheseporters，Theselazyknaves？Yehavemadeafinehand，fellows：
There’satrimrabbleletin：arealltheseYourfaithfulfriendso’thesuburbs？WeshallhaveGreatstoreofroom，nodoubt，leftfortheladies，Whentheypassbackfromthechristening。PorterAn’tpleaseyourhonour，Wearebutmen；andwhatsomanymaydo，Notbeingtorna—pieces，wehavedone：
Anarmycannotrule’em。ChamberlainAsIlive，Ifthekingblamemefor’t，I’lllayyeallBytheheels，andsuddenly；andonyourheadsClaproundfinesforneglect：yearelazyknaves；
Andhereyeliebaitingofbombards，whenYeshoulddoservice。Hark!thetrumpetssound；
They’recomealreadyfromthechristening：
Go，breakamongthepress，andfindawayoutToletthetrooppassfairly；orI’llfindAMarshalseashallholdyeplaythesetwomonths。PorterMakewaytherefortheprincess。ManYougreatfellow，Standcloseup，orI’llmakeyourheadache。PorterYoui’thecamlet，getupo’therail；
I’llpeckyouo’erthepaleselse。
ExeuntSCENEV。Thepalace。Entertrumpets，sounding；thentwoAldermen，LordMayor，Garter，CRANMER，NORFOLKwithhismarshal’sstaff，SUFFOLK，twoNoblemenbearinggreatstanding—bowlsforthechristening—gifts；thenfourNoblemenbearingacanopy，underwhichtheDuchessofNorfolk，godmother，bearingthechildrichlyhabitedinamantle，&；c。，trainbornebyaLady；
thenfollowstheMarchionessDorset，theothergodmother，andLadies。Thetrooppassonceaboutthestage，andGarterspeaksGarterHeaven，fromthyendlessgoodness，sendprosperouslife，long，andeverhappy，tothehighandmightyprincessofEngland，Elizabeth!
Flourish。EnterKINGHENRYVIIIandGuardCRANMER[Kneeling]Andtoyourroyalgrace，andthegoodqueen，Mynoblepartners，andmyself，thuspray：
Allcomfort，joy，inthismostgraciouslady，Heaveneverlaiduptomakeparentshappy，Mayhourlyfalluponye!KINGHENRYVIIIThankyou，goodlordarchbishop：
Whatishername？CRANMERElizabeth。KINGHENRYVIIIStandup，lord。
KINGHENRYVIIIkissesthechildWiththiskisstakemyblessing：Godprotectthee!
IntowhosehandIgivethylife。CRANMERAmen。KINGHENRYVIIIMynoblegossips，yehavebeentooprodigal：
Ithankyeheartily；soshallthislady，WhenshehassomuchEnglish。CRANMERLetmespeak，sir，Forheavennowbidsme；andthewordsIutterLetnonethinkflattery，forthey’llfind’emtruth。
Thisroyalinfant——heavenstillmoveabouther!——
Thoughinhercradle，yetnowpromisesUponthislandathousandthousandblessings，Whichtimeshallbringtoripeness：sheshallbe——
Butfewnowlivingcanbeholdthatgoodness——
Apatterntoallprinceslivingwithher，Andallthatshallsucceed：SabawasneverMorecovetousofwisdomandfairvirtueThanthispuresoulshallbe：allprincelygraces，Thatmouldupsuchamightypieceasthisis，Withallthevirtuesthatattendthegood，Shallstillbedoubledonher：truthshallnurseher，Holyandheavenlythoughtsstillcounselher：
Sheshallbelovedandfear’d：herownshallblessher；
Herfoesshakelikeafieldofbeatencorn，Andhangtheirheadswithsorrow：goodgrowswithher：
Inherdayseverymanshalleatinsafety，Underhisownvine，whatheplants；andsingThemerrysongsofpeacetoallhisneighbours：
Godshallbetrulyknown；andthoseaboutherFromhershallreadtheperfectwaysofhonour，Andbythoseclaimtheirgreatness，notbyblood。
Norshallthispeacesleepwithher：butaswhenThebirdofwonderdies，themaidenphoenix，Herashesnewcreateanotherheir，Asgreatinadmirationasherself；
Soshallsheleaveherblessednesstoone，Whenheavenshallcallherfromthiscloudofdarkness，WhofromthesacredashesofherhonourShallstar—likerise，asgreatinfameasshewas，Andsostandfix’d：peace，plenty，love，truth，terror，Thatweretheservantstothischoseninfant，Shallthenbehis，andlikeavinegrowtohim：
Whereverthebrightsunofheavenshallshine，HishonourandthegreatnessofhisnameShallbe，andmakenewnations：heshallflourish，And，likeamountaincedar，reachhisbranchesToalltheplainsabouthim：ourchildren’schildrenShallseethis，andblessheaven。KINGHENRYVIIIThouspeakestwonders。CRANMERSheshallbe，tothehappinessofEngland，Anagedprincess；manydaysshallseeher，Andyetnodaywithoutadeedtocrownit。
WouldIhadknownnomore!butshemustdie，Shemust，thesaintsmusthaveher；yetavirgin，AmostunspottedlilyshallshepassTotheground，andalltheworldshallmournher。KINGHENRYVIIIOlordarchbishop，Thouhastmademenowaman!never，beforeThishappychild，didIgetanything：
Thisoracleofcomforthassopleasedme，ThatwhenIaminheavenIshalldesireToseewhatthischilddoes，andpraisemyMaker。
Ithankyeall。Toyou，mygoodlordmayor，Andyourgoodbrethren，Iammuchbeholding；
Ihavereceivedmuchhonourbyyourpresence，Andyeshallfindmethankful。Leadtheway，lords：
Yemustallseethequeen，andshemustthankye，Shewillbesickelse。Thisday，nomanthinkHasbusinessathishouse；forallshallstay：
Thislittleoneshallmakeitholiday。
ExeuntEPILOGUE
’TistentoonethisplaycanneverpleaseAllthatarehere：somecometotaketheirease，Andsleepanactortwo；butthose，wefear，Wehavefrightedwithourtrumpets；so，’tisclear，They’llsay’tisnaught：others，tohearthecityAbusedextremely，andtocry’That’switty!’
Whichwehavenotdoneneither：that，Ifear，Alltheexpectedgoodwe’reliketohearForthisplayatthistime，isonlyinThemercifulconstructionofgoodwomen；
Forsuchaoneweshow’d’em：iftheysmile，Andsay’twilldo，Iknow，withinawhileAllthebestmenareours；for’tisillhap，Iftheyholdwhentheirladiesbid’emclap。