Page 1611 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

CANTERBURY

He seems indifferent,
Or rather swaying more upon our part
Than cherishing th’ exhibiters against us;

For I have made an offer to his majesty − [75]
Upon our spiritual Convocation,
And in regard of causes now in hand,
Which I have open’d to his grace at large,
As touching France − to give a greater sum

Than ever at one time the clergy yet [80]
Did to his predecessors part withal.

ELY
How did this offer seem receiv’d, my lord?

CANTERBURY
With good acceptance of his majesty;

Save that there was not time enough to hear,
As I perceiv’d his grace would fain have done, [85]
The severals and unhidden passages
Of his true titles to some certain dukedoms,
And generally to the crown and seat of France,

Deriv’d from Edward, his great-grandfather.

ELY
What was th’ impediment that broke this off? [90]

CANTERBURY
The French ambassador upon that instant
Crav’d audience; and the hour I think is come

To give him hearing. Is it four o’clock?

ELY

It is.

CANTERBURY
Then go we in to know his embassy; [95]