Page 1629 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

KING

Still exaction:
The nature of it? In what kind, let’s know,
Is this exaction?

KATHERINE
I am much too venturous

In tempting of your patience, but am boldened [55]
Under your promised pardon. The subject’s grief
Comes through commissions, which compels from each
The sixth part of his substance, to be levied

Without delay; and the pretence for this
Is named your wars in France: this makes bold mouths, [60]
Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze
Allegiance in them; their curses now

Live where their prayers did, and it’s come to pass
This tractable obedience is a slave
To each incensèd will. I would your highness [65]
Would give it quick consideration, for

There is no primer business.

KING

By my life,
This is against our pleasure.

WOLSEY
And for me,
I have no further gone in this than by

A single voice, and that not passed me but [70]
By learnèd approbation of the judges. If I am
Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know
My faculties nor person, yet will be

The chronicles of my doing, let me say
’Tis but the fate of place, and the rough brake [75]
That virtue must go through: we must not stint
Our necessary actions in the fear

To cope malicious censurers, which ever,
As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow