Page 1628 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

The sides of loyalty, and almost appears
In loud rebellion.

NORFOLK
Not “almost appears”:
It doth appear, for, upon these taxations, [30]
The clothiers all, not able to maintain

The many to them ’longing, have put off
The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,
Unfit for other life, compelled by hunger

And lack of other means, in desperate manner [35]
Daring th’event to th’teeth, are all in uproar,
And danger serves among them.

KING
Taxation?
Wherein? and what taxation? My lord Cardinal,

You that are blamed for it alike with us,
Know you of this taxation?

WOLSEY
Please you, sir, [40]
I know but of a single part in aught

Pertains to th’state, and front but in that file
Where others tell steps with me.

KATHERINE
No, my lord?
You know no more than others? But you frame
Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome [45]

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 th’hearing, and to bear ’em

The back is sacrifice to th’load. They say [50]
They are devised by you, or else you suffer
Too hard an exclamation.