Page 1621 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

A minister in his power. You know his nature,
That he’s revengeful, and I know his sword
Hath a sharp edge: it’s long, and’t may be said [110]
It reaches far, and where ’twill not extend,

Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel;
You’ll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock
That I advise your shunning.

Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse borne before him, certain of the guard,
and two Secretaries with papers. The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye

on Buckingham, and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain

WOLSEY
The Duke of Buckingham’s surveyor, ha? [115]
Where’s his examination?

SECRETARY
Here, so please you.

WOLSEY
Is he in person ready?

SECRETARY

Ay, please your grace.

WOLSEY

Well, we shall then know more, and Buckingham
Shall lessen this big look.
Exeunt Cardinal [Wolsey] and his train

BUCKINGHAM
This butcher’s cur is venom-mouthed, and I [120]
Have not the power to muzzle him, therefore best

Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar’s book
Outworths a noble’s blood.

NORFOLK