Act 5. Scene I - Page 2

hath commanded
To-morrow morning to the council-board
He be convented. He's a rank weed, Sir Thomas,
And we must root him out. From your affairs
I hinder you too long: good night, Sir Thomas.

LOVELL
Many good nights, my lord: I rest your servant.

Exeunt GARDINER and Page

Enter KING HENRY VIII and SUFFOLK

KING HENRY VIII
Charles, I will play no more tonight;
My mind's not on't; you are too hard for me.

SUFFOLK
Sir, I did never win of you before.

KING HENRY VIII
But little, Charles;
Nor shall not, when my fancy's on my play.
Now, Lovell, from the queen what is the news?

LOVELL
I could not personally deliver to her
What you commanded me, but by her woman
I sent your message; who return'd her thanks
In the great'st humbleness, and desired your highness
Most heartily to pray for her.

KING HENRY VIII
What say'st thou, ha?
To pray for her? what, is she crying out?

LOVELL
So said her woman; and that her sufferance made
Almost each pang a death.

KING HENRY VIII
Alas, good lady!

SUFFOLK
God safely quit her of her burthen, and
With gentle travail, to the gladding of
Your highness with an heir!

KING HENRY VIII
'Tis midnight, Charles;
Prithee, to bed; and in thy prayers remember
The estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone;
For I must think of that which company
Would not be friendly to.

SUFFOLK
I wish your highness
A quiet night; and my good mistress will
Remember in my prayers.

KING HENRY VIII
Charles, good night.

Exit SUFFOLK

Enter DENNY

Well, sir, what follows?

DENNY
Sir, I have brought my lord the archbishop,
As you commanded me.

KING HENRY VIII
Ha! Canterbury?

DENNY
Ay, my good lord.

KING HENRY VIII
'Tis true: where is he, Denny?

DENNY
He attends your highness' pleasure.

Exit DENNY

LOVELL
[Aside] This is about that which the bishop spake:
I am happily come hither.

Re-enter DENNY, with CRANMER

KING HENRY VIII
Avoid the gallery.

LOVELL seems to stay

Ha! I have said. Be gone. What!

Exeunt LOVELL and DENNY

CRANMER
[Aside]
I am fearful: wherefore frowns he thus?
'Tis his aspect of terror. All's not well.

KING HENRY VIII
How now, my lord! you desire to know
Wherefore I sent for you.

CRANMER
[Kneeling] It is my duty
To attend your highness' pleasure.

KING HENRY VIII
Pray you, arise,
My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury.
Come, you and I must walk a turn together;
I have news to tell you: