Page 1682 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

WOLSEY

Madam, this is a mere distraction:
You turn the good we offer into envy.

KATHERINE
Ye turn me into nothing. Woe upon ye,
And all such false professors. Would you have me −

If you have any justice, any pity, [115]
If ye be anything but churchmen’s habits −
Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me?
Alas, ’has banished me his bed already,

His love, too long ago. I am old, my lords,
And all the fellowship I hold now with him [120]
Is only my obedience. What can happen
To me above this wretchedness? All your studies

Make me a curse, like this.

CAMPEIUS
Your fears are worse.

KATHERINE
Have I lived thus long − let me speak myself,
Since virtue finds no friends − a wife, a true one? [125]
A woman, I dare say without vainglory,

Never yet branded with suspicion?
Have I with all my full affections
Still met the King, loved him next heaven, obeyed him,
Been, out of fondness, superstitious to him, [130]

Almost forgot my prayers to content him,
And am I thus rewarded? ’Tis not well, lords.
Bring me a constant woman to her husband,
One that ne’er dreamed a joy beyond his pleasure,

And to that woman, when she has done most, [135]
Yet will I add an honour: a great patience.

WOLSEY
Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.