76 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



To the sharpest kind of justice. 16 17 Please you, sir, 



The king, your father, was reputed for 



A prince / most prudent, N of an excellent 



And unmatched 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' the name of God, 



Your pleasure be fulfill'd ! 



Wol 18 You have here, lady 



(And of your choice), these reverend fathers ; men 

 Of singular integrity and learning, 

 Yea, the elect of the 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. 



Cam. 19 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. [ 20 CAMPEIUS rises.] 



Queen. Lord Cardinal, 



To you I speak. 



Wol. Your pleasure, madam 1 



Queen. Sir, 



I am about to weep ; but, thinking that 

 We are a queen 21 (or long have dream'd so),2l certain 



17 Pause. A new division of the discourse. The argument beautifully 

 spoken, very distinct. 



18 This response taken by her with great impatience, very indignant at his 

 interference. 



19 Surprise and grief when the legate speaks thus. 



20 When Campeius comes to her she turns from him impatiently; then makes 

 a sweet bow of apology, but dignified. Then to Wolsey, turned and looking 

 from him, with her hand pointing back to him, in a voice of thunder, ' to you 

 I speak.' This too loud perhaps ; you must recollect her insulted dignity and 

 impatience of spirit before fully sympathising with it. 



21 Great contempt in this parenthesis. 



