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Act 3, Scene 1
Henry VIII Translation Act 3, Scene 2
Enter NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, SURREY, and Chamberlain
NORFOLK
If you will now unite in your complaints, And force them with a constancy, the cardinal Cannot stand under them: if you omit The offer of this time, I cannot promise But that you shall sustain moe new disgraces, With these you bear already.
NORFOLK
If you all make your complaints together and stick to them, the cardinal can't resist them. If you fail to take this opportunity, I can't promise you'll be safe from suffering more disgrace than you already have.
SURREY
I am joyful To meet the least occasion that may give me Remembrance of my father-in-law, the duke, To be revenged on him.
SURREY
I am happy to have the smallest opportunity to be reminded to take revenge for the death of my father-in-law, the duke.
SUFFOLK
Which of the peers Have uncontemn'd gone by him, or at least Strangely neglected? when did he regard The stamp of nobleness in any person Out of himself?
SUFFOLK
What noble hasn't been criticized by him, or at least ignored? When did he have any consideration for a noble other than himself?
CHAMBERLAIN
My lords, you speak your pleasures: What he deserves of you and me I know; What we can do to him, though now the time Gives way to us, I much fear. If you cannot Bar his access to the king, never attempt Any thing on him; for he hath a witchcraft Over the king in's tongue.
CHAMBERLAIN
My lords, you say what you want. I know what he deserves from you and me. I am afraid we can't do anything to him, even with this opportunity. If you can't stop him getting to the king, don't try anything against him, because he can charm the king when he speaks.
NORFOLK
O, fear him not; His spell in that is out: the king hath found Matter against him that for ever mars The honey of his language. No, he's settled, Not to come off, in his displeasure.
NORFOLK
Oh, don't be afraid of that. He doesn't have that power anymore. The king has found out something against him that will stop his words from ever being convincing. No, the king's firm in his anger and will not let it go.
SURREY
Sir,I should be glad to hear such news as thisOnce every hour.
SURREY
Sir, I wish I could hear news this good every hour.
NORFOLK
Believe it, this is true: In the divorce his contrary proceedings Are all unfolded wherein he appears As I would wish mine enemy.
NORFOLK
Believe me, this is true. His plots against the divorce procedures were revealed and he comes off as badly as I could wish my enemy to.
SURREY
How cameHis practises to light?
SURREY
How were his plots revealed?
SUFFOLK
Most strangely.
SUFFOLK
Very strangely.
SURREY
O, how, how?
SURREY
How? How?
SUFFOLK
The cardinal's letters to the pope miscarried, And came to the eye o' the king: wherein was read, How that the cardinal did entreat his holiness To stay the judgment o' the divorce; for if It did take place, 'I do,' quoth he, 'perceive My king is tangled in affection to A creature of the queen's, Lady Anne Bullen.'
SUFFOLK
The cardinal's letters to the pope went astray and were seen by the king. In them the cardinal begged the Pope to put off his judgement on the divorce. If it took place, he said "I see that my king's affections have been caught by the queen's servant, Lady Anne Bullen."
SURREY
Has the king this?
SURREY
Does the king have this letter?
SUFFOLK
Believe it.
SUFFOLK
Yes.
SURREY
Will this work?
SURREY
Will this work?
CHAMBERLAIN
The king in this perceives him, how he coasts And hedges his own way. But in this point All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic After his patient's death: the king already Hath married the fair lady.
CHAMBERLAIN
The king sees his true nature in this, how he changes his allegiances and works for himself. But in this case his plots have failed and he is too late to make a difference, like a doctor who brings medicine after a patient's death: the king has already married the beautiful lady.
SURREY
Would he had!
SURREY
I wish he had!
SUFFOLK
May you be happy in your wish, my lordFor, I profess, you have it.
SUFFOLK
I hope you're happy with your wish, my lord, because it's been granted.
SURREY
Now, all my joyTrace the conjunction!
SURREY
I wish them the best in their marriage!
SUFFOLK
My amen to't!
SUFFOLK
Amen!
NORFOLK
All men's!
NORFOLK
All men say amen!
SUFFOLK
There's order given for her coronation: Marry, this is yet but young, and may be left To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords, She is a gallant creature, and complete In mind and feature: I persuade me, from her Will fall some blessing to this land, which shall In it be memorised.
SUFFOLK
Her coronation has been arranged. This is still recent and shouldn't be spoken to everyone. But my lords, she's a good person with all the best qualities of mind and body. I'm sure she'll bless this land with something good which will go down in history.
SURREY
But, will the kingDigest this letter of the cardinal's?The Lord forbid!
SURREY
But will the king let the cardinal get away with his letter? God forbid!
NORFOLK
Marry, amen!
NORFOLK
Amen!
SUFFOLK
No, no; There be moe wasps that buzz about his nose Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius Is stol'n away to Rome; hath ta'en no leave; Has left the cause o' the king unhandled; and Is posted, as the agent of our cardinal, To second all his plot. I do assure you The king cried Ha! at this.
SUFFOLK
No, no. There are more irritating things going on that will make him even angrier. Cardinal Campeius has run away to Rome without saying goodbye and has left the king's business unmanaged. He's been sent as the cardinal's agent to carry out his plot. I assure you the king was annoyed and cried out "Ha!" when that happened.
CHAMBERLAIN
Now, God incense him,And let him cry Ha! louder!
CHAMBERLAIN
May God make him angry and have him cry "Ha!" louder.
NORFOLK
But, my lord,When returns Cranmer?
NORFOLK
But my lord, when does Cranmer come back?
SUFFOLK
He is return'd in his opinions; which Have satisfied the king for his divorce, Together with all famous colleges Almost in Christendom: shortly, I believe, His second marriage shall be publish'd, and Her coronation. Katharine no more Shall be call'd queen, but princess dowager And widow to Prince Arthur.
SUFFOLK
It's as if he has returned because he has sent back his arguments which convinced the king and almost all the famous academics in Christian countries that this divorce should happen. I think his second marriage will be announced soon as well as her coronation. Katharine will be called princess dowager and Prince Arthur's widow, not queen.
NORFOLK
This same Cranmer'sA worthy fellow, and hath ta'en much painIn the king's business.
NORFOLK
That Cranmer's a good man and has worked hard to do the king's business.
SUFFOLK
He has; and we shall see himFor it an archbishop.
SUFFOLK
He has, and he'll be made an archbishop for it.
NORFOLK
So I hear.
NORFOLK
So I hear.
SUFFOLK
'Tis so.The cardinal!
SUFFOLK
It's true. The cardinal!
Enter CARDINAL WOLSEY and CROMWELL
NORFOLK
Observe, observe, he's moody.
NORFOLK
Watch, watch, he's upset.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
The packet, Cromwell.Gave't you the king?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
The letters, Cromwell. Did you give them to the king?
CROMWELL
To his own hand, in's bedchamber.
CROMWELL
I handed them to him myself, in his bedroom.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Look'd he o' the inside of the paper?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Did he look inside?
CROMWELL
Presently He did unseal them: and the first he view'd, He did it with a serious mind; a heed Was in his countenance. You he bade Attend him here this morning.
CROMWELL
He opened them immediately. He looked at the first seriously and you could tell he was paying attention. He asked you to come see him here this morning.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Is he readyTo come abroad?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Is he ready to come here?
CROMWELL
I think, by this he is.
CROMWELL
I think by this time he is.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Leave me awhile.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Leave me here for a while.
Exit CROMWELL
[Aside] It shall be to the Duchess of Alencon, The French king's sister: he shall marry her. Anne Bullen! No; I'll no Anne Bullens for him: There's more in't than fair visage. Bullen! No, we'll no Bullens. Speedily I wish To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
[To himself] It will be the Duchess of Alencon, the French King's sister. He will marry her. Anne Bullen! No, I won't let him have any Anne Bullens. He'll get nothing more from that except a beautiful face. Bullen! No, we won't have any Bullens. I hope I'll hear from Rome soon. He's made her Marchioness of Pembroke!
NORFOLK
He's discontented.
NORFOLK
He's unhappy.
SUFFOLK
May be, he hears the kingDoes whet his anger to him.
SUFFOLK
Maybe he's heard that the king is angry at him.
SURREY
Sharp enough,Lord, for thy justice!
SURREY
I hope he's angry enough to punish him properly!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
[Aside] The late queen's gentlewoman, a knight's daughter, To be her mistress' mistress! the queen's queen! This candle burns not clear: 'tis I must snuff it; Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous And well deserving? yet I know her for A spleeny Lutheran; and not wholesome to Our cause, that she should lie i' the bosom of Our hard-ruled king. Again, there is sprung up An heretic, an arch one, Cranmer; one Hath crawl'd into the favour of the king, And is his oracle.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
[To himself] The last queen's lady in waiting, a knight's daughter, becoming her mistress's mistress! The queen's queen! This is like a candle that's not burning properly. I'll have to be the one to put it out. So out it goes. So what if I know she's virtuous and deserving? I still know she's an irritable Lutheran and it would not be good for me if she were at the side of the king, who's already difficult to order around. Again, a heretic has sprung up, a terrible one, Cranmer. He's crawled into the king's favor and is telling his fortune for him.
NORFOLK
He is vex'd at something.
NORFOLK
He's annoyed at something.
SURREY
I would 'twere something that would fret the string,The master-cord on's heart!
SURREY
I wish it were something bad enough to break his heart!
Enter KING HENRY VIII, reading of a schedule, and LOVELL
SUFFOLK
The king, the king!
SUFFOLK
The king, the king!
KING HENRY VIII
What piles of wealth hath he accumulated To his own portion! and what expense by the hour Seems to flow from him! How, i' the name of thrift, Does he rake this together! Now, my lords, Saw you the cardinal?
KING HENRY VIII
He's piled up so much wealth for himself! And he seems to spend so much money every hour! How on earth does he collect all this wealth, in the name of economy? My lords, have you seen the cardinal?
NORFOLK
My lord, we have Stood here observing him: some strange commotion Is in his brain: he bites his lip, and starts; Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground, Then lays his finger on his temple, straight Springs out into fast gait; then stops again, Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts His eye against the moon: in most strange postures We have seen him set himself.
NORFOLK
My lord, we have been standing here watching him. There's something upsetting him. He bites his lips and jumps, stops suddenly, looks at the ground, then puts his finger to his forehead and starts walking quickly. Then he stops again, hits his chest hard, and looks up at the moon. We have seen him put himself into very strange positions.
KING HENRY VIII
It may well be; There is a mutiny in's mind. This morning Papers of state he sent me to peruse, As I required: and wot you what I found There,—on my conscience, put unwittingly? Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing; The several parcels of his plate, his treasure, Rich stuffs, and ornaments of household; which I find at such proud rate, that it out-speaks Possession of a subject.
KING HENRY VIII
It may well be. His mind is rebelling. This morning he sent me state documents to look at, as I asked. And do you know what I found there—left there accidentally, I bet? An inventory that went like this: a list of his silver plates, his treasure, rich fabrics, and household ornaments. They're so expensive that no subject can possess such wealth.
NORFOLK
It's heaven's will:Some spirit put this paper in the packet,To bless your eye withal.
NORFOLK
It's God's will. Some angel put this paper among the others so you would see it.
KING HENRY VIII
If we did think His contemplation were above the earth, And fix'd on spiritual object, he should still Dwell in his musings: but I am afraid His thinkings are below the moon, not worth His serious considering.
KING HENRY VIII
If I thought he were thinking about something above the earth, contemplating something holy, I would let him think. But I am afraid he's thinking about earthly things that aren't worth serious consideration.
KING HENRY VIII takes his seat; whispers LOVELL, who goes to CARDINAL WOLSEY
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Heaven forgive me!Ever God bless your highness!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Heaven forgive me! May God bless you forever, your highness!
KING HENRY VIII
Good my lord, You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inventory Of your best graces in your mind; the which You were now running o'er: you have scarce time To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span To keep your earthly audit: sure, in that I deem you an ill husband, and am glad To have you therein my companion.
KING HENRY VIII
My lord, you're full of heavenly treasure and carry the inventory of your best qualities in your mind. You were reading that over just now. You barely have time to steal a short break from your spiritual thoughts to take care of earthly business. I think you're bad at managing your affairs but I'm glad you're my companion.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Sir, For holy offices I have a time; a time To think upon the part of business which I bear i' the state; and nature does require Her times of preservation, which perforce I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal, Must give my tendence to.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Sir, I have a time for holy ceremonies, a time to think about the state business I do, and nature requires me, her weak son, to take some time to take care of my body in the same way she requires that of all my fellow men.
KING HENRY VIII
You have said well.
KING HENRY VIII
You have spoken well.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
And ever may your highness yoke together,As I will lend you cause, my doing wellWith my well saying!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I will give you good reason, your highness, for always associating my speaking well with my acting well!
KING HENRY VIII
'Tis well said again; And 'tis a kind of good deed to say well: And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you: He said he did; and with his deed did crown His word upon you. Since I had my office, I have kept you next my heart; have not alone Employ'd you where high profits might come home, But pared my present havings, to bestow My bounties upon you.
KING HENRY VIII
That's well said again. And it's a kind of good action to speak well, but words aren't actions. My father loved you. He said he did. And by his action of giving you a cardinal's crown, he showed that he spoke the truth. Since I inherited the throne I have confided in you. I have not just employed you in important business that would be profitable, but parted with some of my own money to give you gifts.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
[Aside] What should this mean?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
[To himself] What does this mean?
SURREY
[Aside] The Lord increase this business!
SURREY
[To himself] May God bless this!
KING HENRY VIII
Have I not made you, The prime man of the state? I pray you, tell me, If what I now pronounce you have found true: And, if you may confess it, say withal, If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
KING HENRY VIII
Haven't I made you the most important man in the country? Please, tell me if you think what I say now isn't true. And if you can confess it, tell me whether you owe me or not. What do you say?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
My sovereign, I confess your royal graces, Shower'd on me daily, have been more than could My studied purposes requite; which went Beyond all man's endeavours: my endeavours Have ever come too short of my desires, Yet filed with my abilities: mine own ends Have been mine so that evermore they pointed To the good of your most sacred person and The profit of the state. For your great graces Heap'd upon me, poor undeserver, I Can nothing render but allegiant thanks, My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty, Which ever has and ever shall be growing, Till death, that winter, kill it.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
My king, I confess the royal gifts you gave me every day have been more than I could ever pay back, although I tried harder than anyone. I have done everything I could to pay you back, but less than I wish I could. I have wanted everything I wanted only for your good and the good of the country. I can only give you loyal thanks, my prayers for you, and my loyalty which is always growing and always will until death kills it like winter kills plants, in return for the great gifts you've heaped on me, which I don't deserve.
KING HENRY VIII
Fairly answer'd; A loyal and obedient subject is Therein illustrated: the honour of it Does pay the act of it; as, i' the contrary, The foulness is the punishment. I presume That, as my hand has open'd bounty to you, My heart dropp'd love, my power rain'd honour, more On you than any; so your hand and heart, Your brain, and every function of your power, Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty, As 'twere in love's particular, be more To me, your friend, than any.
KING HENRY VIII
Well answered. You've showed how a loyal and obedient subject would answer. The honor of the response repays the effort that went into it just as evil is its own punishment. I presume that because I have given you more gifts, loved you more, and given you more power and honor than anyone else, your hand, heart, brain, and all your actions should be more loyal to me than anyone else's. Not because it is your duty, but because you love me.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I do profess That for your highness' good I ever labour'd More than mine own; that am, have, and will be— Though all the world should crack their duty to you, And throw it from their soul; though perils did Abound, as thick as thought could make 'em, and Appear in forms more horrid,— yet my duty, As doth a rock against the chiding flood, Should the approach of this wild river break, And stand unshaken yours.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I swear that I have always worked for your good, your highness, more than my own. That will be true even if the whole world abandons their duty to you completely or if as many dangers surround us as it's possible to imagine, and more horrible than one could imagine. Still my obedience, like a rock standing against a pushing river, would stand in the way of this wild river of dangers and remain firmly obedient to you.
KING HENRY VIII
'Tis nobly spoken:Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast,For you have seen him open't. Read o'er this;
KING HENRY VIII
That's nobly spoken. Notice, lords, he has a loyal heart. You've heard him show it. Read this.
Giving him papers
KING HENRY VIII
And after, this: and then to breakfast withWhat appetite you have.
KING HENRY VIII
And read this afterwards. Then go to breakfast with whatever appetite you have left.
Exit KING HENRY VIII, frowning upon CARDINAL WOLSEY: the Nobles throng after him, smiling and whispering
CARDINAL WOLSEY
What should this mean? What sudden anger's this? how have I reap'd it? He parted frowning from me, as if ruin Leap'd from his eyes: so looks the chafed lion Upon the daring huntsman that has gall'd him; Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper; I fear, the story of his anger. 'Tis so; This paper has undone me: 'tis the account Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together For mine own ends; indeed, to gain the popedom, And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence! Fit for a fool to fall by: what cross devil Made me put this main secret in the packet I sent the king? Is there no way to cure this? No new device to beat this from his brains? I know 'twill stir him strongly; yet I know A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune Will bring me off again. What's this? 'To the Pope!' The letter, as I live, with all the business I writ to's holiness. Nay then, farewell! I have touch'd the highest point of all my greatness; And, from that full meridian of my glory, I haste now to my setting: I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
What does this mean? Why is he suddenly angry? How have I deserved it? He left me frowning as if he wanted to destroy me with his eyes. An angry lion looks like that at a bold hunter that stabbed him. Then he kills him. I must read this paper. I'm afraid it will tell me why he's angry. It does. This paper has ruined me. It's the list of all the huge wealth I have piled up for my plots, to become Pope and pay my friends in Rome. What carelessness! I'm a fool who deserves to be destroyed by this. What damned devil made me put the most important secret I have in the package I sent to the king? Is there no cure to this? No new plot to make him forget it? I know he'll be angry, but I know a way—if it works—to get out of this. What's this? It says "To the Pope!" I swear, it's the letter I wrote to the Pope about all this business. No, then it's over! I have reached the highest point of my power and will now quickly descend from that glorious point. I will fall like a bright star in the evening and will not be seen again.
Re-enter to CARDINAL WOLSEY, NORFOLK and SUFFOLK, SURREY, and the Chamberlain
NORFOLK
Hear the king's pleasure, cardinal: who commands you To render up the great seal presently Into our hands; and to confine yourself To Asher House, my Lord of Winchester's, Till you hear further from his highness.
NORFOLK
Listen to what the king says, cardinal. He commands you to give us the great seal at once and to shut yourself in Asher House, the Lord of Winchester's house, until you hear more from him.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Stay:Where's your commission, lords? words cannot carryAuthority so weighty.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Wait: where's your warrant, lords? You don't have the authority to tell me to do something like this.
SUFFOLK
Who dare cross 'em,Bearing the king's will from his mouth expressly?
SUFFOLK
Who would dare to disobey us, since we're telling you what the king wants straight from his mouth?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Till I find more than will or words to do it, I mean your malice, know, officious lords, I dare and must deny it. Now I feel Of what coarse metal ye are moulded, envy: How eagerly ye follow my disgraces, As if it fed ye! and how sleek and wanton Ye appear in every thing may bring my ruin! Follow your envious courses, men of malice; You have Christian warrant for 'em, and, no doubt, In time will find their fit rewards. That seal, You ask with such a violence, the king, Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me; Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours, During my life; and, to confirm his goodness, Tied it by letters-patents: now, who'll take it?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Until I find more reason than words or wants, by which I mean your ill will to me, busybody lords, I dare and must refuse to obey. Now I see what rough stuff you're made of: envy. You're as eager about my disgrace as if it were food for you! You are so delighted and quick to do anything that can ruin me! Go on and do your envious deeds, evil men. You have a right to do them and no doubt you'll be punished for them someday. That seal you ask me for so violently was handed to me personally by the king, who is your master and mine. He told me to enjoy it as long as I live, along with the position and honors that went with it. To confirm this good deed, he wrote up official documents. Now, who still wants to take it away?
SURREY
The king, that gave it.
SURREY
The king, who gave it to you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
It must be himself, then.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
He'll have to do it himself, then.
SURREY
Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
SURREY
You're an arrogant traitor, priest.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Proud lord, thou liest:Within these forty hours Surrey durst betterHave burnt that tongue than said so.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Arrogant lord, you're lying. Within forty hours you'll wish you'd burned your tongue rather than say that.
SURREY
Thy ambition, Thou scarlet sin, robb'd this bewailing land Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law: The heads of all thy brother cardinals, With thee and all thy best parts bound together, Weigh'd not a hair of his. Plague of your policy! You sent me deputy for Ireland; Far from his succor, from the king, from all That might have mercy on the fault thou gavest him; Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity, Absolved him with an axe.
SURREY
Your ambition, your horrible sin, robbed this sad land of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law. The heads of all your cardinal friends along with you and all your best possessions all bound together aren't worth a hair on his head. Damn your plots! You sent me as a representative to Ireland. I was too far away to help him, far from the king and from everyone who might have mercy on him for what you accused him of. In your great goodness, out of holy pity, you forgave him—with an axe.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
This, and all else This talking lord can lay upon my credit, I answer is most false. The duke by law Found his deserts: how innocent I was From any private malice in his end, His noble jury and foul cause can witness. If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you You have as little honesty as honour, That in the way of loyalty and truth Toward the king, my ever royal master, Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be, And all that love his follies.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I answer that this and everything else this babbling lord says I did is false. The duke was punished by the law. How innocent I was of having a secret grudge against him is obvious if you look at the noble jury that judged him and his terrible crime. If I loved to talk, lord, I would tell you that you have as little honesty as honor and that in my loyalty and honest to the king, my always-royal master, I'm a better man than Surrey and everyone who loves his foolishness can be.
SURREY
By my soul, Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel My sword i' the life-blood of thee else. My lords, Can ye endure to hear this arrogance? And from this fellow? if we live thus tamely, To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet, Farewell nobility; let his grace go forward, And dare us with his cap like larks.
SURREY
I swear by my soul that your cardinal's robe protects you, priest. Otherwise you would feel my sword kill you now. My lords, can you bear to hear this arrogance? From this fellow? If we can stand here meekly being insulted like this by a churchman, our nobility is gone. Let him go on and wave his hat at us as if we were birds he was trying to catch.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
All goodnessIs poison to thy stomach.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
All goodness is poison to you.
SURREY
Yes, that goodness Of gleaning all the land's wealth into one, Into your own hands, cardinal, by extortion; The goodness of your intercepted packets You writ to the pope against the king: your goodness, Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious. My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble, As you respect the common good, the state Of our despised nobility, our issues, Who, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen, Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles Collected from his life. I'll startle you Worse than the scaring bell, when the brown wench Lay kissing in your arms, lord cardinal.
SURREY
Yes, the goodness of taking all the country's wealth for yourself, cardinal, by force. The goodness of those letters you wrote to the Pope against the king. Since you're provoking me, everyone will find out about your "goodness." My Lord of Norfolk, if you're really noble and love the common good and our insulted nobility and our children who will barely be gentleman, let alone noblemen, if he stays alive, bring out the list of his sins, the observations about his life. I'll startle you worse than a bell ringing when you're holding and kissing the brown girl, lord cardinal.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
How much, methinks, I could despise this man,But that I am bound in charity against it!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I could hate this man so much, I think, if it weren't wrong to hate anyone!
NORFOLK
Those articles, my lord, are in the king's hand:But, thus much, they are foul ones.
NORFOLK
The king has that list, my lord. But I'll say this much, his sins are terrible.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
So much fairerAnd spotless shall mine innocence arise,When the king knows my truth.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
My innocence then will seem so much more beautiful and guiltless when the king finds out how honest I am.
SURREY
This cannot save you: I thank my memory, I yet remember Some of these articles; and out they shall. Now, if you can blush and cry 'guilty,' cardinal, You'll show a little honesty.
SURREY
This can't save you. I remember some of the things on the list and I'll say what they are. Now, if you can blush and say you're guilty, cardinal, you'll seem a little honest.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Speak on, sir;I dare your worst objections: if I blush,It is to see a nobleman want manners.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Go on and speak, sir. I can face your worst accusations. If I blush it's because I see a nobleman with no manners.
SURREY
I had rather want those than my head. Have at you! First, that, without the king's assent or knowledge, You wrought to be a legate; by which power You maim'd the jurisdiction of all bishops.
SURREY
I'd rather be without manners than without a head. Take this! First, without the king's agreement or knowledge, you made yourself an ambassador to the Pope. By doing this you stole power from all bishops.
NORFOLK
Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else To foreign princes, 'Ego et Rex meus' Was still inscribed; in which you brought the king To be your servant.
NORFOLK
Then, that in all the letters you wrote to Rome or to foreign prince, "I and my king" was always written. So you represented the king as your servant.
SUFFOLK
Then that, without the knowledge Either of king or council, when you went Ambassador to the emperor, you made bold To carry into Flanders the great seal.
SUFFOLK
Then, without the king's or council's knowledge, when you went to the emperor as an ambassador you dared to carry the great seal into Flanders.
SURREY
Item, you sent a large commission To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude, Without the king's will or the state's allowance, A league between his highness and Ferrara.
SURREY
Then, you sent a large amount of money to Gregory to Cassado to make an alliance between the king and Ferrara without the king's or country's agreement.
SUFFOLK
That, out of mere ambition, you have causedYour holy hat to be stamp'd on the king's coin.
SUFFOLK
Then, out of simple ambition, you had your cardinal's hat stamped on coins.
SURREY
Then that you have sent innumerable substance— By what means got, I leave to your own conscience— To furnish Rome, and to prepare the ways You have for dignities; to the mere undoing Of all the kingdom. Many more there are; Which, since they are of you, and odious, I will not taint my mouth with.
SURREY
Then, that you sent countless wealth—how you got it is between you and your conscience—to Rome for their use and to pay for honors for yourself, which was bad for the kingdom. There are many more items on the list which, since they are about you and disgusting, I will not contaminate my mouth with.
CHAMBERLAIN
O my lord, Press not a falling man too far! 'tis virtue: His faults lie open to the laws; let them, Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him So little of his great self.
CHAMBERLAIN
My lord, don't kick a man when he's down! It's not virtuous. His faults will be judged by the laws. Let them punish him instead of doing it yourself. My heart weeps to see him diminished like this.
SURREY
I forgive him.
SURREY
I forgive him.
SUFFOLK
Lord cardinal, the king's further pleasure is, Because all those things you have done of late, By your power legatine, within this kingdom, Fall into the compass of a praemunire, That therefore such a writ be sued against you; To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements, Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be Out of the king's protection. This is my charge.
SUFFOLK
Lord cardinal, because the things you've done lately with your power as a papal deputy in this kingdom fall under the crime of praemunire, the king also wants to sue you for all your goods, lands, holdings, moveable property, and anything else, and to throw you out of his protection. I was told to tell you this.
NORFOLK
And so we'll leave you to your meditations How to live better. For your stubborn answer About the giving back the great seal to us, The king shall know it, and, no doubt, shall thank you. So fare you well, my little good lord cardinal.
NORFOLK
So we'll leave you to your thoughts about how to live better. As for your stubborn answer about giving the great seal back to us, the king will know it and no doubt will thank you. So goodbye, not good lord cardinal.
Exeunt all but CARDINAL WOLSEY
CARDINAL WOLSEY
So farewell to the little good you bear me. Farewell! a long farewell, to all my greatness! This is the state of man: to-day he puts forth The tender leaves of hopes; to-morrow blossoms, And bears his blushing honours thick upon him; The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, And, when he thinks, good easy man, full surely His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root, And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth: my high-blown pride At length broke under me and now has left me, Weary and old with service, to the mercy Of a rude stream, that must for ever hide me. Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye: I feel my heart new open'd. O, how wretched Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours! There is, betwixt that smile we would aspire to, That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin, More pangs and fears than wars or women have: And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer, Never to hope again.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
So goodbye to your feelings about me, which are not good. Goodbye! Goodbye to all my power! This is what it is to be human. One day a man is full of hope, like a plant producing its first tender leaves. The next day he blossoms and is covered with honor. On the third day a frost, a murderous frost, comes and when the confident man thinks that his greatness is certainly ripening, the frost kills his root and he falls, like I do. Like little boys swimming on inflatable toys, I have dared to swim for many summers in a sea of glory, far beyond my depth. My blown-up pride finally broke under me and now has left me, tired by public service and old, to the mercy of a rough stream that will drown me. I hate you, pointless ceremony and worldly glory. My heart feels newly opened. How miserable a poor man is who depends on the favors of kings! More suffering and fear than you get from wars or women lies between the smile we wish for, I mean a kind expression on a king's face, and destruction. And when a man like that falls, he falls like Lucifer, with no hope left.
Enter CROMWELL, and stands amazed
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Why, how now, Cromwell!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Well hello, Cromwell!
CROMWELL
I have no power to speak, sir.
CROMWELL
I don't know what to say, sir.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
What, amazed At my misfortunes? can thy spirit wonder A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep, I am fall'n indeed.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
What, are you amazed at my bad luck? Are you surprised a great man can fall? Well, if you're crying I must really have fallen.
CROMWELL
How does your grace?
CROMWELL
How are you?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Why, well; Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. I know myself now; and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities, A still and quiet conscience. The king has cured me, I humbly thank his grace; and from these shoulders, These ruin'd pillars, out of pity, taken A load would sink a navy, too much honour: O, 'tis a burthen, Cromwell, 'tis a burthen Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Well, actually. I've never been so truly happy, my dear Cromwell. Now I know myself and I feel inside me a peace greater than all earthly honors, a calm and satisfied conscience. The king has cured me and I thank him. Out of pity, he's taken a weight off these shoulders, these broken pillars, that would sink a navy: too much honor. Oh, it's a burden, Cromwell, it's a burden too heavy for a man who hopes to go to heaven.
CROMWELL
I am glad your grace has made that right use of it.
CROMWELL
I am glad you've made good use of it, your grace.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I hope I have: I am able now, methinks, Out of a fortitude of soul I feel, To endure more miseries and greater far Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. What news abroad?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I hope I have. I think I am able now, because of how strong my soul feels, to bear more and greater suffering by far than my cowardly enemies dare cause me. What news is there?
CROMWELL
The heaviest and the worstIs your displeasure with the king.
CROMWELL
The saddest and worst is the king's anger at you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
God bless him!
CARDINAL WOLSEY
God bless him!
CROMWELL
The next is, that Sir Thomas More is chosenLord chancellor in your place.
CROMWELL
The next is that Sir Thomas More has been chosen as lord chancellor to replace you.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
That's somewhat sudden: But he's a learned man. May he continue Long in his highness' favour, and do justice For truth's sake and his conscience; that his bones, When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings, May have a tomb of orphans' tears wept on em! What more?
CARDINAL WOLSEY
That's very sudden, but he's a learned man. I hope he stays in the king's favor for a long time and does his job well for the sake of truth and his conscience. And I hope that when he has died and gone to heaven, orphans will cry over his body because he has been so kind to them! What else?
CROMWELL
That Cranmer is return'd with welcome,Install'd lord archbishop of Canterbury.
CROMWELL
Cranmer has returned and his welcome is that he has been made archbishop of Canterbury.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
That's news indeed.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Well, that's news.
CROMWELL
Last, that the Lady Anne, Whom the king hath in secrecy long married, This day was view'd in open as his queen, Going to chapel; and the voice is now Only about her coronation.
CROMWELL
Finally, the Lady Anne, whom the king married secretly long ago, was today openly presented as his queen when they went to church together. Now the only thing anyone talks about is her coronation.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
There was the weight that pull'd me down. O Cromwell, The king has gone beyond me: all my glories In that one woman I have lost for ever: No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, Or gild again the noble troops that waited Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell; I am a poor fall'n man, unworthy now To be thy lord and master: seek the king; That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him What and how true thou art: he will advance thee; Some little memory of me will stir him— I know his noble nature—not to let Thy hopeful service perish too: good Cromwell, Neglect him not; make use now, and provide For thine own future safety.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
That was what destroyed me. Oh, Cromwell, the king has moved on from me. I lost all my glories because of that one woman. No sun will rise on a day that brings me honor or shine on the noble crowds that depended on me. Go, get away from me, Cromwell. I'm a poor, ruined man, unworthy to be your lord and master. Go to the king, may he be powerful forever! I have told him about your qualities and how honest you are. He will promote you. Some small memory of me will keep him from letting you suffer for doing your duty—I know his noble character. Good Cromwell, be good to him. Go on, take care of yourself and consider your own safety.
CROMWELL
O my lord, Must I, then, leave you? must I needs forego So good, so noble and so true a master? Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron, With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord. The king shall have my service: but my prayers For ever and for ever shall be yours.
CROMWELL
My lord, do I have to leave you? Do I have to abandon such a good, noble, and honest master? Those of you who aren't hard-hearted, bear witness to how sadly Cromwell leaves his master. I'll serve the king but I'll pray for you for ever and ever.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear In all my miseries; but thou hast forced me, Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman. Let's dry our eyes: and thus far hear me, Cromwell; And, when I am forgotten, as I shall be, And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention Of me more must be heard of, say, I taught thee, Say, Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory, And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour, Found thee a way, out of his wreck, to rise in; A sure and safe one, though thy master miss'd it. Mark but my fall, and that that ruin'd me. Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition: By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then, The image of his Maker, hope to win by it? Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee; Corruption wins not more than honesty. Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace, To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not: Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's, Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell, Thou fall'st a blessed martyr! Serve the king; And,—prithee, lead me in: There take an inventory of all I have, To the last penny; 'tis the king's: my robe, And my integrity to heaven, is all I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell! Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, he would not in mine age Have left me naked to mine enemies.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
Cromwell, I didn't think I would cry despite all my suffering. But you've forced me to act like a woman and cry because of your honest faithfulness. Let's dry our eyes. And listen to me, Cromwell. When I have been forgotten, as I will be, and lie in my cold marble tomb, where no one will mention me again, say I taught you. Say, Wolsey, who was once powerful and explored all the depths and shallow places in the sea of honor, found you a way to rise when he was shipwrecked. A secure and safe way, even though your master couldn't take it too. Just consider my fall and what ruined me. Cromwell, I tell you, don't be ambitious. That's the sin that made the angels fall. So, how can a man, made in the image of God, hope to get anything by it? Love yourself less than everyone else, love those who hate you. Corruption doesn't get you any more than honesty. Always be ready to impose peace, to silence critical voices. Be just and don't be afraid. Let the only goal you work toward be the good of your country, your God, and truth. Then if you fall, Cromwell, you'll fall as a blessed saint! Serve the king and—please, take me inside. There make a list of everything I have, down to the last penny. It belongs to the king. My robe and my trust in heaven are all I can call mine now. Oh, Cromwell, Cromwell! If I had only served my God with half the eagerness I served my king, he would not have left me defenseless against my enemies in my old age.
CROMWELL
Good sir, have patience.
CROMWELL
Be calm, sir.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
So I have. FarewellThe hopes of court! my hopes in heaven do dwell.
CARDINAL WOLSEY
I am. Goodbye, the hopes I had in court. My hopes now live in heaven.
Exeunt
