Whilst our commission from Rome is read,Let silence be commanded.KING.What's the need?It hath already publicly been read,And on all sides th'authority allow'd;You may then spare that time.WOLSEY.Be't so;proceed.SCRIBE.Say 'Henry King of England,come into the court.'CRIER.Henry King of England,&c.KING.Here.SCRIBE.Say 'Katharine Queen of England,come into the court.'CRIER.Katharine Queen of England,&c.
The QUEEN makes no answer,rises out of her chair,goes about the court,comes to the KING,and kneels at his feet;then speaks
QUEEN KATHARINE.Sir,I desire you do me right and justice,And to bestow your pity on me;for I am a most poor woman and a stranger,Born out of your dominions,having here No judge indifferent,nor no more assurance Of equal friendship and proceeding.Alas,sir,In what have I offended you?What cause Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure That thus you should proceed to put me off And take your good grace from me?Heaven witness,I have been to you a true and humble wife,At all times to your will conformable,Ever in fear to kindle your dislike,Yea,subject to your countenance--glad or sorry As I saw it inclin'd.When was the hour I ever contradicted your desire Or made it not mine too?Or which of your friends Have I not strove to love,although I knew He were mine enemy?What friend of mine That had to him deriv'd your anger did Continue in my liking?Nay,gave notice He was from thence discharg'd?Sir,call to mind That I have been your wife in this obedience Upward of twenty years,and have been blest With many children by you.If,in the course And process of this time,you can report,And prove it too against mine honour,aught,My bond to wedlock or my love and duty,Against your sacred person,in God's name,Turn me away and let the foul'st contempt Shut door upon me,and so give me up To the sharp'st kind of justice.Please you,sir,The King,your father,was reputed for A prince most prudent,of an excellent And unmatch'd wit and judgment;Ferdinand,My father,King of Spain,was reckon'd one The wisest prince that there had reign'd by many A year before.It is not to be question'd That they had gather'd a wise council to them Of every realm,that did debate this business,Who deem'd our marriage lawful.Wherefore I humbly Beseech you,sir,to spare me till I may Be by my friends in Spain advis'd,whose counsel I will implore.If not,i'th'name of God,Your pleasure be fulfill'd!WOLSEY.You have here,lady,And of your choice,these reverend fathers-men Of singular integrity and learning,Yea,the elect o'th'land,who are assembled To plead your cause.It shall be therefore bootless That longer you desire the court,as well For your own quiet as to rectify What is unsettled in the King.CAMPEIUS.His Grace Hath spoken well and justly;therefore,madam,It's fit this royal session do proceed And that,without delay,their arguments Be now produc'd and heard.QUEEN KATHARINE.Lord Cardinal,To you I speak.WOLSEY.Your pleasure,madam?QUEEN KATHARINE.Sir,I am about to weep;but,thinking that We are a queen,or long have dream'd so,certain The daughter of a king,my drops of tears I'll turn to sparks of fire.WOLSEY.Be patient yet.QUEEN KATHARINE.
