Page 1694 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

The profit of the state. For your great graces
Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I [175]
Can nothing render but allegiant thanks,
My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty,

Which ever has and ever shall be growing,
Till death, that winter, kill it.

KING
Fairly answered!
A loyal and obedient subject is [180]

Therein illustrated. The honour of it
Does pay the act of it, as, i’th’contrary,
The foulness is the punishment. I presume
That as my hand has opened bounty to you,
My heart dropped love, my power rained honour, more [185]

On you than any, so your hand and heart,
Your brain and every function of your power,
Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty,

As ’twere in love’s particular, be more
To me, your friend, than any.

WOLSEY
I do profess [190]
That for your highness’ good I ever laboured
More than mine own; that am, have, and will be −

Though all the world should crack their duty to you,
And throw it from their soul; though perils did
Abound, as thick as thought could make ’em, and [195]
Appear in forms more horrid − yet my duty,

As doth a rock against the chiding flood,
Should the approach of this wild river break,
And stand unshaken yours.

KING
’Tis nobly spoken.
Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast, [200]

For you have seen him open’t. Read o’er this,
[he gives him papers]