Page 1707 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Nor, I’ll assure you, better taken, sir.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
May I be bold to ask what that contains,
That paper in your hand?

FIRST GENTLEMAN
Yes, ’tis the list
Of those that claim their offices this day, [15]

By custom of the coronation.
The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims
To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,
He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest.

SECOND GENTLEMAN

I thank you, sir; had I not known those customs, [20]
I should have been beholding to your paper.
But I beseech you, what’s become of Katherine,
The Princess Dowager? How goes her business?

FIRST GENTLEMAN
That I can tell you too. The Archbishop

Of Canterbury, accompanied with other [25]
Learnèd and reverend fathers of his order,
Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off
From Ampthill, where the Princess lay; to which

She was often cited by them, but appeared not.
And, to be short, for not appearance, and [30]
The King’s late scruple, by the main assent
Of all these learnèd men, she was divorced,

And the late marriage made of none effect;
Since which she was removed to Kimbolton,
Where she remains now sick.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
Alas, good lady! [35]

The trumpets sound. Stand close, the Queen is coming.