Page 1654 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Yes, but it held not;
For when the King once heard it, out of anger [150]
He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight

To stop the rumour and allay those tongues
That durst disperse it.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
But that slander, sir,
Is found a truth now, for it grows again
Fresher than e’er it was, and held for certain [155]

The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinal
Or some about him near have, out of malice
To the good Queen, possessed him with a scruple
That will undo her. To confirm this too,

Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately, [160]
As all think, for this business.

FIRST GENTLEMAN
’Tis the Cardinal;
And merely to revenge him on the Emperor
For not bestowing on him at his asking

The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purposed.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
I think you have hit the mark; but is’t not cruel [165]
That she should feel the smart of this? The Cardinal
Will have his will, and she must fall.

FIRST GENTLEMAN

’Tis woeful.
We are too open here to argue this;
Let’s think in private more.
Exeunt

Scene II IT