Page 1680 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure
Both of his truth and him − which was too far −
Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace, [65]
His service, and his counsel.

KATHERINE
[aside]

To betray me. −
My lords, I thank you both for your good wills.
Ye speak like honest men: pray God ye prove so!

But how to make ye suddenly an answer
In such a point of weight, so near mine honour, [70]
More near my life, I fear, with my weak wit,
And to such men of gravity and learning,
In truth I know not. I was set at work

Among my maids, full little (God knows) looking
Either for such men or such business. [75]
For her sake that I have been − for I feel

The last fit of my greatness − good your graces,
Let me have time and counsel for my cause.
Alas, I am a woman friendless, hopeless!

WOLSEY
Madam, you wrong the King’s love with these fears; [80]
Your hopes and friends are infinite.

KATHERINE
In England

But little for my profit: can you think, lords,
That any Englishman dare give me counsel?
Or be a known friend ’gainst his highness’ pleasure

(Though he be grown so desperate to be honest) [85]
And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends,
They that must weigh out my afflictions,
They that my trust must grow to, live not here.
They are, as all my other comforts, far hence,

In mine own country, lords.