MRS. SIDDONS AS QUEEN KATHARINE, ETC. 73 



Wherein ? and what taxation 1 My lord cardinal, 

 You that are blam'd for it alike with us, 

 Know you of this taxation ? 



Wol. Please you, sir, 



I know but of a single part in aught 

 Pertains to the state ; and front but in that file 

 Where others tell steps with me. 



Queen. No, my lord, 



You know no more than others : 4 but you frame 

 Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome 

 To those which would not know them, and yet must 

 Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions 

 Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are 

 Most pestilent to the hearing ; and to bear them 

 The back is sacrifice to the load. They say 

 They are devis'd by you ; or else you suffer 

 Too hard an exclamation. 



King. Still exaction ! 



The nature of it ? In what kind, let's know, 

 Is this exaction ? 



Queen. 5 1 am much too venturous 



In tempting of your patience ; but am bolden'd 

 Under your promis'd pardon.^ 6 The subjects' grief 

 Comes through commissions, which compel from each 

 The sixth part of his substance, to be levied 

 Without delay ; and the pretence for this 

 Is nam'd, your wars in France : 6 this makes bold mouths : 

 Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze 

 Allegiance in them ; their curses now 

 Live where their prayers did ; and it's come to pass, 

 This tractable obedience is a slave 

 To each incensed will. 7 1 would your highness 

 Would give it quick consideration. 



King. By my life, 



This is against our pleasure. 



The notes cease until the surveyor of the Duke of Bucking- 

 ham enters, to whom Wolsey speaks : 



Wol. Stand forth ; and with bold spirit relate what you, 



4 Mildly, but very decidedly, accusing him. 



5 Gracious apology. 6 Very articulate and clear. 

 7 Very earnest. 



