Lov. My lord, I love you: And durft commend a fecret to your ear Much weightier than this work. The Queen's in labour, Gard. The fruit fhe goes with I pray for heartily, that it may find Good time, and live; but for the ftock, Sir Thomas, I wish it grubb'd up now. Lov. Methinks, I could Cry the Amen; and yet my confcience says, Gard. But, Sir, Sir Hear me, Sir Thomas You're a gentleman Lov. Now, Sir, you speak of two The most remark'd i'th' kingdom; as for Cromwell, Gard. Yes, Sir Thomas, There are that dare; and I my felf have ventur'd (Sir, I may tell it you,) I think, I have Incens'd the lords o' th' Council, that he is (For fo I know he is, they know he is) A most arch-heretick, a peftilence That does infect the land; with which they mov'd, To morrow morning to the council-board [Exeunt Gardiner and page. Lov. Many good nights, my lord; I rest your fervant. [Ex. Lov. SCENE changes to an Apartment in the Palace. Enter King and Suffolk. HARLES, I will play no more to night; King. My mind's not on't, you are too hard for me. C Suf. Sir, I did never win of you before. King. But little, Charles; Nor fhall not, when my fancy's on my play. Re-enter Lovel. Now, Lovel, from the Queen what is the news? King. What fay'st thou! ha! To pray for her! what! is fhe crying out? Lov. So faid her woman, and that her fuff'rance made Almoft each pang a death. King. Alas, good lady! Suf. God fafely quit her of her burthen, and With gentle travel, to the gladding of Your Highness with an heir! King. 'Tis midnight, Charles; Pr'ythee, to bed; and in thy prayers remember Would not be friendly to. Suf. I wish your Highness A A quiet night, and my good miftrefs will Remember in my prayers. King, Charles, a good night: Well, Sir, what follows? Enter Sir Anthony Denny. [Exit Suffolk. Denny. Sir, I have brought my lord the Arch-bishop, As you commanded me. King. Ha! Canterbury !— Denny. He attends your Highness' pleasure, Lov. This is about that, which the Bishop spake; Denny. Yea, my good lord. King. 'Tis true where is he, Denny? King. Bring him to us. [Exit Denny. I am happily come hither. [Afide. King. Avoid the gallery. [Lovel feemeth to stay. [Exeunt Lovel and Denny. All's not well. Enter Cranmer and Denny. Ha! I have faid be gone. What ! Cran. I am fearful 'Tis his afpect of terror. wherefore frowns he thus ? King. How now, my lord? you do defire to know, Wherefore I fent for you. Cran. It is my duty T'attend your Highness' pleasure. King. Pray you, rife; My good and gracious lord of Canterbury: Come, you and I muft walk a turn together: I've news to tell you. Come, give me your hand. Grievous complaints of you; which being confider'd, But that, till further tryal, in those charges Cran. I humbly thank your Highness, And am right glad to catch this good occafion King. Stand up, good Canterbury; Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand, ftand up; Cran. Most dread Liege, The good I ftand on is my truth and honesty : Will triumph o'er my perfon; which I weigh not, What can be faid against me. King. Know you not How your ftate ftands i' th' world, with the whole world? Your foes are many, and not fmall; their practices Muft bear the fame proportion; and not ever The juftice and the truth o'th' question carries You You take a precipice for no leap of danger, Gran. God and your Majefty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into King. Be of good cheer; They shall no more prevail, than we give way to: Fail not to use; and with what vehemency Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. Look, the good man weeps He's honeft, on mine honour. God's bleft mother! I fwear, he is true-hearted; and a foul None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, And do as I have bid you. H'as ftrangled all his language in his tears. Enter an old Lady. [Exit Cranmer. Gent. Within. Come back; what mean you? King. Now, by thy looks I guess thy meffage. Say, ay; and of a boy. Is the Queen deliver❜d? Lady. Ay, ay, my Liege; And of a lovely boy; the God of heav'n Acquainted with this ftranger; 'tis as like you, King. Lovell, Lov. Sir. |