The king will suffer but the little finger
Of this man to be vex'd?

Cham. "Tis now too certain :

How much more is his life in value with him!
Would I were fairly out on't!

Enter the KING, frowning on them; when he takes his
Seat, they all sit.

Gard. [Rises.] 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 judgment comes to hear

The cause betwixt her and this great offender. [Sits. King. You were ever good at sudden commendations,

Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not
To hear such flatteries now. Good man, sit down:-
Sit down, I say.-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.
Gard. [Rises.] May it please your grace,—
King. No, sir, it does not please me.-

[GARDINER sits.
I'd thought, I'd 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 lowsy foot-boy
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 counsellor, to try him,
Not as a groom: There's some of ye, I sec,

More out of malice than integrity,

Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean;
Which ye shall never have, while I live.

Nor. My most dread sovereign, may it like your

grace

To let my tongue excuse all. What was purpos'd, Concerning his imprisonment, was rather

(If there be faith in men,) meant for his trial, And fair purgation to the world, than malice; I am sure, in me.

King. Well, well, my lords, respect him; Take him, and use him well; he's worthy of it. Make me no more ado, but all embrace him; Be friends, for shame, my lords !—

My Lord of Canterbury,

[They embrace CRANMER.

I have a suit which you must not deny me:
There is a fair young maid, that yet wants baptism;
You must be godfather, and answer for her.

Cran. 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. 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?— Once more, my lord of Winchester, I charge you,

Embrace, and love this man.

Gard. With a true heart,

And brother's love, I do it.

Cran. And let Heaven

[Embraces CRANMER.

Witness, how dear I hold this confirmation.

King. Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart.

The common voice, I see, is verify'd

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.

[Exeunt.

Two Drums,

Two ditto,
Two Gentlemen.
Ditto.

Two Aldermen.

Lord Mayor.
Two Gentlemen.
Ditto.
Two Judges.
Ditto.
Ditto.

Sergeant at Arms, with Mace-Sword-bearer-Sword

of State.

Attorney General.
Solicitor General.
CROMWELL.

Two Priests, with Silver Crosses.
GARDINER.
Two Bishops.
Ditto.

Ditto.

[Grand Anthem sung.

[Flourish of Drums and Trumpets.

LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

The KING, and CRANMER.

CAPUCIUS.

[Cannon.

SIR H. GUILDFORD, carrying a Golden Bowl and Cover.

SIR THOMAS LOVEL, with a lighted Taper. EARL of SURREY, carrying a Silver Salver, with Salt. DUKE of NORFOLK-Marshal's Staff. DUKE of SUFFOLK, High Steward-the Wand.

LADY DENNY.

Two Ladies.

Ditto.

Two Girls,
Ditto,

Ditto,

[Flutes play.

Strewing Flowers.

The Canopy, supported.

DUCHESS of NORFOLK and the PRINCESS. Two Pages, bearing the Duchess's Train. LADY MARY of NORFOLK, bearing the Chrysome. Two Ladies. Ditto.

Two Trumpets.
Two Ditto.

Two Drums.

Two Ditto.

Two Guards.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

[Drums, Trumpets, and Wind Instruments.

SCENE V.

The Palace.

Flourish of Drums and Trumpets.

The KING and all the Court discovered.

Cran. [Kneeling.] Now 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. Thank you, good lord archbishop:
What is her name?

Cran. Elizabeth.

King. Stand up, lord.

[The KING takes the Child, and kisses her. With this kiss take my blessing: Heaven protect thee; Into whose hand I give thy life.

[Returns the Child to the DUCHESS of NORFOLK, Cran. Amen.

King. My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal; I thank ye heartily; so shall this lady,

When she has so much English.