Page 1627 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

I’ll hear him his confessions justify,
And point by point the treasons of his master
He shall again relate.

A noise within, crying “Room for the Queen!”. Enter Queen [Katherine],

ushered by the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk. She kneels. The King riseth from
his state, takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him

KATHERINE
Nay, we must longer kneel: I am a suitor.

KING
Arise, and take place by us. Half your suit [10]
Never name to us: you have half our power,
The other moiety ere you ask is given.

Repeat your will, and take it.

KATHERINE
Thank your majesty.
That you would love yourself, and in that love
Not unconsiderèd leave your honour nor [15]

The dignity of your office, is the point
Of my petition.

KING
Lady mine, proceed.

KATHERINE
I am solicited, not by a few,
And those of true condition, that your subjects

Are in great grievance: there have been commissions [20]
Sent down among ’em which hath flawed the heart
Of all their loyalties; wherein, although,
My good lord Cardinal, they vent reproaches

Most bitterly on you as putter-on
Of these exactions, yet the King, our master [25]
Whose honour heaven shield from soil − even he escapes not
Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks