1 Incens'd the lords o'the council, that he is A most arch heretick, a pestilence That does infect the land: with which they moved, I He be convented. He's a rank weed, sir Thomas, servant. As LOVELL is going out, enter the King, and the K. Hen. Charles, I will play no more to-night; Nor shall not, when my fancy's on my play. Now, Lovell, from the queen what is the news? you commanded me, but by her woman K. Hen. What say'st thou ? ha! To pray for her? what, is she crying out? Lov. So said her woman; and that her sufferance made Almost each pang a death. K. Hen. Alas, good lady! Suf. God safely quit her of her burden, and With gentle travail, to the gladding of Your highness with an heir! K. Hen. 'Tis midnight, Charles, Pr'ythee, to bed; and in thy prayers remember Suf. I wish your highness A quiet night, and my good mistress will Remember in my prayers. K. Hen. Charles, good night. [Exit SUFFOLK. Enter Sir ANTHONY DENNY. Well, sir, what follows? As Den. Sir, I have brought my lord the archbishop, you commanded me. Lov. This is about that which the bishop spake ; I am happily come hither. [Aside. Cran. I am fearful:-Wherefore frowns he thus ? 'Tis his aspect of terror. All's not well. K. Hen. How now, my lord? You do desire to My good and gracious lord of Canterbury. Come, you and I must walk a turn together; I have news to tell you: Come, come, give me your hand, Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, Grievous complaints of you; which, being consi der'd, Have mov'd us and our council, that you shall 2 One of the council. It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness Cran. I humbly thank your highness; And am right glad to catch this good occasion Most throughly to be winnow'd, where my chaff And corn shall fly asunder: for, I know, There's none stands under more calumnious tongues, Than I myself, poor man. K. Hen. Stand up, good Canterbury; Thy truth, and thy integrity, is rooted In us, thy friend: Give me thy hand, stand Cran. Most dread liege, The good I stand on is my truth, and honesty; If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies, Will triumph o'er my person; which I weigh3 not, Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing What can be said against me. K. Hen. Know you not how Your state stands i'the world, with the whole world? Your enemies 4 Are many, and not small; their practices 3 Value. To swear against you? such things have been done. God, and your majesty, Cran. The trap is laid for me! K. Hen. Be of good cheer ; They shall no more prevail, than we give way to. Keep comfort to you; and this morning see You do appear before them; if they shall chance, In charging you with matters, to commit you, The best persuasions to the contrary Fail not to use, and with what vehemency The occasion shall instruct you: if entreaties Will render you no remedy, this ring Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. weeps! Look, the good man He's honest, on mine honour. God's blest mother! I swear, he is true-hearted; and a soul None better in my kingdom.-Get you gone, And do as I have bid you. [Erit CRANMER.] He has strangled His language in his tears. 5 Think. |