King John/Henry VIII (Signet Classics) Read online

  Clapped9 wings to me.

  CHAMBERLAIN You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.

  SANDS Sir Thomas Lovell, had the cardinal

  But half my lay12 thoughts in him, some of these

  Should find a running banquet13 ere they rested

  I think would better please 'em: by my life,

  They are a sweet society15 of fair ones.

  LOVELL O, that your lordship were but now confessor16

  To one or two of these.

  SANDS I would I were:

  They should find easy penance19.

  LOVELL Faith, how easy?

  SANDS As easy as a down21 bed would afford it.

  To Guildford

  CHAMBERLAIN Sweet ladies, will it please you sit?-- Sir Harry,

  Place you23 that side, I'll take the charge of this:

  His grace is ent'ring. Nay, you must not freeze:

  Two women placed together makes cold25 weather:

  My lord Sands, you are one will keep 'em waking26:

  Pray sit between these ladies.

  SANDS By my faith,

  He sits between Anne and another lady

  And thank29 your lordship.--

  By your leave, sweet ladies,

  If I chance to talk a little wild30, forgive me:

  I had it from my father.

  ANNE Was he mad32, sir?

  SANDS O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too:

  But he would bite34 none: just as I do now,

  He kisses her

  He would kiss you twenty with a breath35.

  CHAMBERLAIN Well said36, my lord.

  So now you're fairly37 seated: gentlemen,

  The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies

  Pass away39 frowning.

  SANDS For my little cure40,

  Let me alone41.

  Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, and takes his state

  CARDINAL WOLSEY You're welcome, my fair guests: that noble lady

  Or gentleman that is not freely merry,

  Is not my friend. This, to confirm my welcome,

  He drinks

  And to you all, good health.

  SANDS Your grace is noble:

  Let me have such a bowl may47 hold my thanks,

  And save me so much talking.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY My lord Sands,

  I am beholding to you: cheer50 your neighbours:

  Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen,

  Whose fault is this?

  SANDS The red wine first must rise

  In their fair cheeks, my lord, then we shall have 'em

  Talk us to silence.

  ANNE You are a merry gamester56,

  My lord Sands.

  SANDS Yes, if I make my play58:

  Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it59, madam,

  For 'tis to such a thing60--

  ANNE You cannot show me.

  SANDS I told your grace they would talk anon62.

  Drum and Trumpet: chambers discharged

  CARDINAL WOLSEY What's that?

  To Servants

  CHAMBERLAIN Look out there, some of ye.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY What warlike voice65,

  Exit Servants

  And to what end is this? Nay, ladies, fear not:

  By all the laws of war you're privileged67.

  Enter a Servant

  CHAMBERLAIN How now, what is't?

  SERVANT A noble troop of strangers69,

  For so they seem: they've left their barge and landed,

  And hither make71, as great ambassadors

  From foreign princes.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Good Lord Chamberlain,

  Go, give 'em welcome: you can speak the French tongue:

  And pray receive 'em nobly, and conduct 'em

  Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty76

  Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him.

  [Exit Chamberlain, attended]

  All rise, and tables removed

  You have now a broken78 banquet, but we'll mend it.

  A good digestion to you all: and once more

  I shower a welcome on ye: welcome all.

  Hautboys. Enter King [Henry] and others as Masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain. They pass directly before the Cardinal, and gracefully salute him

  A noble company: what are their pleasures81?

  CHAMBERLAIN Because they speak no English, thus they prayed

  To tell your grace: that having heard by fame83

  Of this so noble and so fair assembly

  This night to meet here, they could do no less,

  Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,

  But leave their flocks, and under your fair conduct87,

  Crave leave to view these ladies, and entreat

  An hour of revels89 with 'em.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Say, Lord Chamberlain,

  They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'em

  A thousand thanks, and pray 'em take their pleasures.

  [The Masquers] choose Ladies [for the dance]. [The] King [chooses] Anne Bullen

  KING HENRY VIII The fairest hand I ever touched. O beauty,

  Till now I never knew thee!

  Music. [They] dance

  CARDINAL WOLSEY My lord.

  CHAMBERLAIN Your grace?

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Pray, tell 'em thus much from me:

  There should be one amongst 'em, by his person,

  More worthy this place99 than myself, to whom,

  If I but100 knew him, with my love and duty

  I would surrender it.

  CHAMBERLAIN I will, my lord.

  [He talks in a] whisper [to the Masquers]

  CARDINAL WOLSEY What say they?

  CHAMBERLAIN Such a one, they all confess,

  There is indeed, which they would have your grace

  Find out, and he will take it106.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Let me see, then.

  By all your good leaves, gentlemen, here I'll make

  My royal choice.

  KING HENRY VIII Ye have found him, cardinal:

  He unmasks

  You hold a fair111 assembly: you do well, lord.

  You are a churchman, or I'll tell you, cardinal112,

  I should judge now unhappily.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY I am glad

  Your grace is grown so pleasant115.

  KING HENRY VIII My Lord Chamberlain,

  Prithee117 come hither: what fair lady's that?

  CHAMBERLAIN An't118 please your grace, Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter --

  The Viscount Rochford -- one of her highness' women119.

  To Anne

  KING HENRY VIII By heaven, she is a dainty120 one.-- Sweetheart,

  I were unmannerly to take you out121

  He drinks

  And not to kiss you. A health122, gentlemen:

  Let it go round.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet124 ready

  I'th'privy chamber125?

  LOVELL Yes, my lord.

  To the King

  CARDINAL WOLSEY Your grace,

  I fear, with dancing is a little heated128.

  KING HENRY VIII I fear too much.

  CARDINAL WOLSEY There's fresher air, my lord,

  In the next chamber.

  To Anne

  KING HENRY VIII Lead in your ladies, ev'ry one: sweet partner,

  To Cardinal Wolsey

  I must not yet forsake133 you:-- let's be merry,

  Good my lord cardinal: I have half a dozen healths

  To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure135

  To lead 'em once again, and then let's dream136

  Who's best in favour. Let the music knock it137.

  Exeunt with Trumpets

  Act 2 Scene 1

  running scene 4

  Enter two Gentlemen at several doors

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Whither away so fast?

  SECOND GENTLEMAN O, God save ye:
r />   Ev'n to the hall3, to hear what shall become

  Of the great Duke of Buckingham.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN I'll save you

  That labour, sir. All's now done but the ceremony

  Of bringing back the prisoner.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN Were you there?

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Yes, indeed was I.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN Pray speak what has happened.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN You may guess quickly what.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN Is he found guilty?

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Yes, truly is he, and condemned upon't.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN I am sorry for't.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN So are a number more.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN But pray, how passed it16?

  FIRST GENTLEMAN I'll tell you in a little17. The great duke

  Came to the bar, where to his accusations18

  He pleaded still not guilty, and alleged19

  Many sharp reasons to defeat the law20.

  The king's attorney, on the contrary,

  Urged on the examinations, proofs22, confessions

  Of divers23 witnesses, which the duke desired

  To him brought viva voce24.1 to his face:

  At which appeared against him his surveyor,

  Sir Gilbert Perk his chancellor, and John Car,

  Confessor to him, with that devil monk,

  Hopkins, that made this mischief.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN That was he

  That fed him with his prophecies.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN The same:

  All these accused him strongly, which he fain32

  Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not:

  And so his peers, upon this evidence,

  Have found him guilty of high treason. Much

  He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all

  Was either pitied in him or forgotten37.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN After all this, how did he bear himself?

  FIRST GENTLEMAN When he was brought again to th'bar, to hear

  His knell40 rung out, his judgement, he was stirred

  With such an agony, he sweat41 extremely,

  And something spoke in choler, ill42 and hasty:

  But he fell to43 himself again, and sweetly

  In all the rest showed a most noble patience.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN I do not think he fears death.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Sure he does not:

  He never was so womanish: the cause

  He may a little grieve at.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN Certainly

  The cardinal is the end50 of this.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN 'Tis likely

  By all conjectures: first, Kildare's attainder52,

  Then deputy53 of Ireland, who, removed,

  Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too,

  Lest he should help his father55.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN That trick of state56

  Was a deep envious57 one.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN At his58 return

  No doubt he will requite59 it: this is noted,

  And generally60, whoever the king favours,

  The card'nal instantly will find employment,

  And far enough from court too.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN All the commons

  Hate him perniciously64 and, o'my conscience,

  Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much

  They love and dote on, call him 'bounteous Buckingham,

  The mirror67 of all courtesy'--

  Enter Buckingham from his arraignment, Tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him, Halberds on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands, and Common People etc.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Stay there, sir,

  And see the noble ruined man you speak of.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN Let's stand close70 and behold him.

  BUCKINGHAM All good people,

  You that thus far have come to pity me:

  Hear what I say, and then go home and lose73 me.

  I have this day received a traitor's judgement74,

  And by that name must die: yet heaven bear witness,

  And if I have a conscience, let it sink76 me,

  Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful.

  The law I bear no malice for my death,

  'T has done upon the premises79, but justice:

  But those that sought it I could wish more80 Christians:

  Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em:

  Yet let 'em look82 they glory not in mischief,

  Nor build their evils83 on the graves of great men,

  For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em.

  For further life in this world I ne'er hope,

  Nor will I sue86, although the king have mercies

  More than I dare make faults87. You few that loved me,

  And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,

  His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave

  Is only bitter to him, only dying90:

  Go with me like good angels to my end,

  And as the long divorce of steel92 falls on me,

  Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice93,

  To Lovell

  And lift my soul to heaven.-- Lead on, i'God's name.

  LOVELL I do beseech your grace, for charity,

  If ever any malice in your heart

  Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.

  BUCKINGHAM Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you

  As I would be forgiven: I forgive all.

  There cannot be those numberless offences

  Gainst me that I cannot take peace with: no black envy101

  Shall make my grave. Commend me to his grace:

  And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him

  You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers

  Yet are the king's, and, till my soul forsake105,

  Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live

  Longer than I have time to tell107 his years:

  Ever beloved and loving may his rule be:

  And when old time109 shall lead him to his end,

  Goodness and he fill up one monument110.

  LOVELL To th'water-side I must conduct your grace,

  Then give my charge112 up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,

  Who undertakes113 you to your end.

  VAUX Prepare there,

  The duke is coming: see the barge be ready,

  And fit it with such furniture116 as suits

  The greatness of his person.

  BUCKINGHAM Nay, Sir Nicholas,

  Let it alone: my state119 now will but mock me.

  When I came hither, I was Lord High Constable

  And Duke of Buckingham: now, poor Edward Bohun:

  Yet I am richer than my base122 accusers,

  That never knew what truth meant. I now seal123 it,

  And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for't.

  My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,

  Who first raised head against usurping Richard126,

  Flying for succour to his servant Banister,

  Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed,

  And without trial fell: God's peace be with him.

  Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying

  My father's loss, like a most royal prince,

  Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins

  Made my name once more noble. Now his son,

  Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name and all

  That made me happy, at one stroke135 has taken

  For ever from the world. I had my trial,

  And must needs say a noble one, which makes me

  A little happier138 than my wretched father:

  Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both

  Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most:

  A most unnatural and faithless service.

  Heaven has an end142 in all: yet, you that hear me,

  This from a dying man receive as ce
rtain143:

  Where you are liberal of144 your loves and counsels,

  Be sure you be not loose145: for those you make friends

  And give your hearts to, when they once perceive

  The least rub147 in your fortunes, fall away

  Like water from ye, never found again

  But149 where they mean to sink ye. All good people,

  Pray for me. I must now forsake ye: the last hour

  Of my long weary life is come upon me. Farewell:

  And when you would say something that is sad,

  Speak how I fell. I have done, and God forgive me.

  Exeunt Duke and train

  FIRST GENTLEMAN O, this is full of pity. Sir, it calls,

  I fear, too many curses on their heads

  That were the authors156.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN If the duke be guiltless,

  'Tis full of woe: yet I can give you inkling

  Of an ensuing evil, if it fall159,

  Greater than this.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Good angels keep it from us.

  What may it be? You do not doubt my faith162, sir?

  SECOND GENTLEMAN This secret is so weighty, 'twill require

  A strong faith to conceal it.

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Let me have it:

  I do not talk much.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN I am confident167:

  You shall, sir: did you not of late168 days hear

  A buzzing169 of a separation

  Between the king and Katherine?

  FIRST GENTLEMAN Yes, but it held not171:

  For when the king once heard it, out of anger

  He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight173

  To stop the rumour, and allay174 those tongues

  That durst disperse it.

  SECOND GENTLEMAN But that slander, sir,

  Is found a truth now: for it grows again

  Fresher than e'er it was, and held for178 certain