Page 1733 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

KING

Ha? ’Tis he indeed.
Is this the honour they do one another? [25]
’Tis well there’s one above ’em yet. I had thought

They had parted so much honesty among ’em −
At least good manners − as not thus to suffer
A man of his place, and so near our favour,
To dance attendance on their lordships’ pleasures, [30]
And at the door too, like a post with packets.

By holy Mary, Butts, there’s knavery.
Let ’em alone, and draw the curtain close;
We shall hear more anon.

[They watch behind a curtain]

A council-table brought in with chairs and stools, and placed under the
state. Enter Lord Chancellor, places himself at the upper end of the table on
the left hand, a seat being left void above him, as for Canterbury’s seat. Duke
of Suffolk, Duke of Norfolk, Surrey, Lord Chamberlain, Gardiner, seat

themselves in order on each side; Cromwell at lower end, as secretary

CHANCELLOR
Speak to the business, master secretary: [35]
Why are we met in council?

CROMWELL
Please your honours,
The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury.

GARDINER
Has he had knowledge of it?

CROMWELL

Yes.

NORFOLK

Who waits there?

KEEPER